Plymouth Chronicle Waterside & West October 2022

Purrfect presentation! Art Show 9, the landmark touring exhibition that celebrates the vitality of recent art made in Britain, is coming to Plymouth. It will be delivered in partnership Culture shown across four venues: The Box, The Levinsky Gallery at the University of Plymouth and MIRROR at Arts University Plymouth. It opens on October 8 and continues until December 23 (until January 8) at The Box. See our feature on pages 10 and 11. Art Show 9 is coming to Plymouth

Oliver Beer’s Household Gods will be at MIRROR at Arts University Plymouth. Photo: Charles Duprat

Grace Ndiritu’s Plant Theatre for Plant People will be exhibited The Levinsky Gallery. Photo © Stuart Whipps

Mandy El-Sayegh’s blank verse blanket man, will be exhibited at KARST in Stonehouse. Photo © Stuart Whipps

Stoptober is here…you’ve got this!

Millions of people are joining Stoptober and we’re back with our 11th mass quit attempt this October. We want this year to be our best ever because, while millions of us are kicking the habit, tobacco still causes almost 75,000 preventable deaths a year in England and over 350 in Plymouth alone.

Quitting is one of the best ways a person who smokes can feel better and improve their health.

That’s why we are encouraging you to join in and give quitting a go for the month of October. People who do quit tell us they see the benefits really quickly – they stop feeling so breathless, stop smelling of stale tobacco smoke and save hundreds of pounds.Research has shown that if you stop smoking tobacco for 28 days, you’re five times more likely to quit for good.

And you can get friendly, personalised support over the phone and face-to-face from Livewell, commissioned by Plymouth City Council.Call01752 437177 or email oneyou.plymouth@nhs.net today to find out more.

Don’t just take our word for it, hear from others in Plymouth, with tips on how they quit smoking for good…

Quitting can help you save money

John (aged 56), started smoking when he was 16. Before he became smoke-free he would smoke up to 30 cigarettes every day.

He would consistently wake up in morning with a terrible cough and struggle to make it to the kitchen due to extreme breathlessness. He put his ill health down to smoking and knew it was time to quit.

He called One You Plymouth for support and was promptly booked an appointment with one of their local NHS stop smoking practitioners.

He used Zyban to aid his quit attempt. For the first seven days he took one tablet a day and was still permitted to smoke. After this he was instructed to increase his intake to two tablets per day.

Quit for your family

Jessica started smoking when she was 15 and smoked for 12 years before she became smoke-free. She used to smoke up to 10 cigarettes a day.

Then Jessica found out she was pregnant. Determined to protect her baby and have a healthy pregnancy, she knew she had to stop smoking.

She successfully quit through One You Plymouth’s ‘Swap-to-Stop in Pregnancy’ vaping programme. She received a 12-week supply of vapes and vaping fluids to help her on her quit journey.

Jessica said: “It gave me confidence knowing the vape was there in case of cravings. I used to smoke in the car when stuck in traffic and when watching the TV in the evening; the cravings are worst at those moments. Vaping really helped me cope.”

Jessica also worked out that she was saving around £70 per month! She received regular supportive phone calls from her NHS stop smoking practitioner Lisa.

“Lisa was so friendly and non-judgemental; I knew I could be honest with her without the fear of being judged. I felt that she genuinely cared about my wellbeing; we could even have a laugh and built up really good rapport.

“She also said that I could text her between phone calls. It was nice to know that there was additional support out there.”

Inspired by Jessica’s journey? Call 01752 437177 or email oneyou. plymouth@nhs.net.

To his surprise he found that smoking made him feel sick and he could not stand the smell of smoke any more.

John said: “I needed to change for my health; it was really starting to affect me. After starting the treatment I never smoked again and still don’t to this day. I wake up in the morning and have a whole new lease of life and so much more get-up-and-go! I don’t have a bad cough anymore and I have so much more energy.”

With his breathlessness and coughing completely gone, he is delighted that he can take long walks; something that was not possible while he was smoking.

He also noticed that food tastes so much better now and can eat proper meals again instead of just snacking on food.

What’s more, John is delighted by the fact that he is saving so much money by not buying expensive cigarettes.

“I am saving roughly £10 per day! With all the savings, I can afford for me and the wife to go on a lovely holiday.”

Inspired by John’s journey? Call 01752 437177 or email oneyou. plymouth@nhs.net.

John...saving £10 a day

Mental health – a priority for everyone

We all need good mental health and wellbeing – it’s essential to living happy and healthy lives and can help us sleep better, feel better, do the things we want to do and have more positive relationships. The little things we do for our mental wellbeing really can improve our lives and help us cope with life’s challenges.

World Mental Health Day is an annual campaign held on 10 October and is a chance to talk about mental health in general, how we need to look after it and how important it is to talk about things and get help if you are struggling.

If you, or anyone you love or care for needs help with mental wellbeing there is lots of support available in Plymouth.

New free online mental health service

Commissioned by the NHS and Plymouth City Council, Qwell aims to help people manage their own emotional health and wellbeing.

It focuses on supporting selfcare and provides a safe space for adults to access therapeutic activities, with a peer support community, self-help articles

and forums and discussion boards moderated by qualified practitioners.It’savailable 24 hours a day, seven days a week. As well as the self-help and community support, there is an anonymous one-on-one counselling, live text chat and messaging counselling service with a team of professionally qualified practitioners.Gotowww.qwell.io.

Plymouth Options

An NHS talking therapy service for people aged 16 and over, Plymouth Options can help you to feel better by giving you the tools and techniques to improve your mental and physical wellbeing.Gotowww.livewellsouthwest.co.uk/plymouth-options.

First Response

Livewell Southwest’s 24/7 crisis line provides advice, support and signposting for people experiencing mental health difficulties. If you feel worried about your mental health, or that of a loved one or a friend, reach out now.

Call the crisis line on 0800 923 9323.

‘Valued’ Devonport Library should open full time say local councillor and MP

Luke Pollard MP and Councillor Mark Coker are calling for Devonport Library to open full time, as part of a new drive to see more public spaces open for residents keep warm over the winter.

Devonport Library, located in St Aubyn’s Church on Chapel Street, is currently only open between 9am-5pm on Mondays and Wednesdays but campaigners want to see the library open six days a week.

Luke believes the valued library is a key part of the community and an important public space for residents to keep warm. The MP wants the public to have greater use of the free services provided by the library as the cost of living crisis continues to hit families in Plymouth hard.

Devonport Library currently serves the community with books for loan, laptops and computers

Luke Pollard MP and Cllr Mark Coker pictured in front of Devonport Library

Big Lottery boost for Plymouth Samaritans

Plymouth Samaritans are celebrating their 50th Anniversary with a grant worth almost £10,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund.

Luke Pollard said:  “We know the winter’s going to be very tough for people in Plymouth, many of whom are struggling with their energy bills, so it is vital communities like Devonport have a safe and warm place to go.  “I’ve fought against council cuts to keep libraries open. The City Council hasn’t closed Devonport’s library, the problem is they simply don’t open it. It needs to be open properly over winter so local residents can access the facilities and help stay warm.”

Mark Coker, Councillor for Devonport said:  “DevonportWard,library is the hub of our community and being open only two days a week is simply not good enough.

The £9,700 grant will enable the charity to use its jubilee as a springboard to attract new volunteers and callers; extend community partnerships; and improve the delivery of its communications.

The intention is to develop a volunteer base which better reflects the community that Plymouth Samaritans serves and to reach new audiences within the community. The scope of the project will cover Plymouth, Tavistock, Liskeard, Saltash, Callington and Torpoint.

councillor who started the campaign, has praised the ‘enormous’ response the campaign has generated on the doorstop.

“The library serves our community in so many ways across all age groups. We’ve had an enormous response on the doorstop.

“We demand parity with other areas and want our library open five days a week.”

The grant will enable the delivery of a wide-ranging programme of outreach activities to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion. This will include reaching out to neighbourhood wellbeing initiatives, community groups, local employers, and schools.Partof the grant will be used for the costs of the branch’s 50th Anniversary Ball on November 12, and various other outreach events across the city, which will provide a focus and launch pad for this community initiative.

Funds have also been allocated for the purchase of a mobile digital display system to enable the branch to target their communications at outreach events.

Task force to coordinate city-wide efforts to tackle cost of living crisis

A new multi-agency task force is being set up to coordinate a city-wide effort to provide support for Plymouth families impacted by the rising cost of living.

The task force, instigated by Councillor Rebecca Smith, Cabinet member for Homes and Communities, will include Plymouth’s Director of Public Health, Ruth Harrell and representatives from key agencies including Citizens Advice Plymouth, Food Plymouth, Transforming Plymouth Together, Plymouth Energy Community, Plymouth Children in Poverty Partnership, Plymouth Octopus project, Whitleigh Four Greens Community Trust, Argyle Community Trust, Department for Work and Pensions and Improving Lives

Plymouth.Councillor Smith said: “The rising cost of living is an issue that is affecting many families in Plymouth and we know it is a worrying time for everyone. I’ve been working since July to bring together a wide range of organisations working to address issues such as child, food and energy

“There’spoverty.alot of good work happening in Plymouth from these organisations who provide advice and support, as well as practical help.

“We want the task force to work together to ensure these efforts are coordinated and make the best use of all the resources available, as well as spot any gaps and generate ideas for what more we can do.

“I know all the organisations around the table and their networks want to ensure that as a city we are doing all that we can and joining up our efforts where possible. We also want to make sure any further money that we can secure goes to where it is needed most.

“My hope is this group will be cross party so that this is a combined effort and we get everyone’s input.”

Emma Handley, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice Plymouth said: “In recent months, we have reported hundreds of Plymouth residents who requested help with the crisis. We do what we can to address these issues and with a joinedup approach it will help us assist more people across the city.”

Plymouth Energy Community who offer advice and support to households struggling with fuel bills or poorly heated homes as well as signpost people to potential grants.

Food Plymouth and the Plymouth Food Aid Network work with partners to help people access food-related support such as food banks, food vouchers and eligibility for free school meals and other schemes.Anonline hub with information about a wide range of support is available at www.plymouthonlinedirectory.com/ costoflivingsupport

The Government has recognised the challenges being faced and funding has already been provided, for example through the Household Support Fund, which has so far provided free school meal vouchers over school holidays, energy aid through Plymouth Energy Community and Citizens Advice Plymouth, and grants to a wide range of VCSE organisations who provided support to some of the group most at risk of falling intoDirectorcrisis.

For more information at activities)voluntarysignpostingsupport,andbeingareasapproachget-help-with-the-cost-of-livingcitizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/www.Plymouthasacityhasajoineduptotacklemanyofitschallenges,signalledbythePlymouthPlan.Therealreadymanyexamplesofsupportprovidedacrossthecitysuchas:Wellbeinghubs(whichofferdebtemploymentadvice,mentalhealthvolunteeropportunitiesandtootherhealthservices,andcommunitysector

of Public Health Dr Ruth Harrell added: “A lot of support is already in place from organisations across the city. However, the challenges that people are facing mean that we expect many more people to be struggling and to need help.“Where possible, we want to prevent people from reaching crisis point by making sure they can access all the support that is out there. But we also need to ensure that support is there for people who need it, if they do reach crisis point.”The task force will meet monthly for at least the next six months and likely longer.

Cllr Rebecca Smith

to use, free Wi-Fi, printers and meeting rooms available to hire.

It is also home to the local job club.  Mark Coker, the Devonport

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

Plymouthorganisations.ontheMove Exhibition

Until Nov 13

Ford Park Cemetery’s latest free exhibition is called Plymouth on the Move and explores transport in the city over the years. The exhibition in the Visitor Centre is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10.30am to 3.30pm and 12.30pm to 3.30pm at weekends. Parkin and refreshments available.

Suggs

Oct Suggs1 from Madness will be appearing at the Quad Theatre on the Marjon University campus at 7.30pm. Tickets available from www.comicalentertainment.com

Heritage Walk

Oct Plymouth2 on the Move Heritage Team Walk at Ford Park Cemetery. Meet at the Visitor Centre at 2pm. Details at 01752 665442 from 10am to 4pm.

Plymouth Jazz Club

Oct Featuring2 the Fraser Weekes Quartet at the Royal British Legion Club, Tailyour Road, Crownhill at 7.30pm. Tickets on the door or www.plymouth-jazzclub.org.uk. Upcoming events City Steam Jazz Band on October 16; Greg Abate on November 6 and Two Counties Jazz Band on November 20.

Charity Concert

Oct Plymouth7 Area Police Choir continue to celebrate their 50th anniversary with a concert at Lee Moor Village Hall in support of Devon Air Ambulance and funds for the Village Hall. Concert starts at 7pm and tickets at £6 can be obtained from www.leemoorpublicchall.org.uk

Ned Boulting

Oct After8 a year away from the front line, ITV’s Tour de France commentator Ned Boulting returns with a fresh assault on cycling senses with his appearance at the Quad Theatre on the Marjon University campus at 7.30pm. The cunningly entitled ‘Retour de Ned’ is an indispensable theatrical road map for anyone aspiring to wear the yellow jersey on the Champs Elysées: a really very rough guide to the tactics (pedal faster) and challenges (not pedalling fast enough) which will need to be deployed to win the biggest bike race in the world. Tickets available from www. comicalentertainment.com

Dartmoor Zoo Charity Ball

Oct Wildly8 entertaining evening at Boringdon Park Golf Club. Drink on arrival, three course meal and music by Joey the Lips. Charity auction and raffle with exclusive prizes. For tickets call 01752 837645 or visit www. dartmoorzoo.co.uk

Charity Model Show

Oct Plymouth8

Model Boat Club are holding a charity show in aid of Children’s Hospice South West at Harewood House, Plympton from 10am to 4pm.

Autumn Concert Series

Oct Featuring9

The Oxley-Meier Guitar Project at Stoke Damerel Church, Paradise Road at 3pm. Featuring work from their new album ‘The Alluring Ascent.’ Expect a dazzling display of contemporary fare, ranging from Turkish panache to soundscape of Latin America to English pastoralism. Hear this played on nylon string,

steel string, electric, 12 string, fretless, slide, guitarsynth, glissentar guitars and more! Tickets £15 from www.wegottickets/event/547774 or on the door.

Tour de Moor

Oct 9

St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth popular fund-raising event offers cyclists an adrenalin-packed adventure: the hill-filled, 52km mixed terrain route of mud, sweat and gears with other routes for younger and familiy participants.  Sign up for the challenge at www. stlukes-hospice.org.uk/tourdemoor or by calling 01752 492626. Registration costs £35 for the 52km or 30km route, and £15 for the 11km route.

Model Railway Presentation Oct 15 and 16

By the Dartmoor 009 group at Ford Park Cemetery Visitor Centre from 11am to 4pm on Saturday and 10.30am to 3.30pm on Sunday. For details call 01752 665442 weekdays from 10am to 4pm.

Frank ‘N’ Stein’s Teddy Oct 15 to Oct 22

Performed at Soapbox Children’s Theatre Devonport Park this show is suitable for children aged 8 and under and their big people. Frank and Stein accidently break their teddy Victor. Can our two madcap scientists put teddy back together again? With extraordinary science, magical tricks and puppets all based in the Soapbox Laboratory, this fun and inventive show is for children and adults alike. Pay what you can tickets starting at £10 (Children under 18 months are free) For tickets and further information go to www.stiltskin.org.uk and select Box Office.

Plymouth Harbour 10k Oct Two16local charities have partnered to launch the Plymouth Harbour Runs, a pair of new community running challenges. Mental health charity Devon Mind and men’s health charity the Chestnut Appeal are inviting local running enthusiasts to participate in the Plymouth Harbour 10K this October, which is now open for registration. A second event, the Plymouth Harbour Half, will take place on a date to be confirmed in 2023. Registration for the Plymouth Harbour 10K is now open at runplymouthharbour.co.uk

Dom Joly’s Holiday Snaps

Oct Writer,16 broadcaster and comedian Dom Joly, best known as the creator of Trigger Happy TV, is back on the road with his one-man theatre tour, giving fans a rare opportunity to see him live at Plymouth’s Quad Theatre on the Marjon campus. Dom will be talking about his exploits as a serial globe-trotter and seeker of dangerous travel spots when he returns to the road

to complete his ‘Dom Joly’s Holiday Snaps’ tour.Tickets are available at www.comicalentertainment.com

Charity Concert

Oct Plymouth21

Area Police Choir continue to celebrate their 50th anniversary with a concert at Janeva Court, Saltash in support of the Sue Hooper Charitable Foundation. Concert starts at 7pm and tickets at £8 can be obtained from Sue Hooper or suehcf@msn. com

Collectors Toy & Train Fair Oct Organised23 by the Plymouth Diecast Club at the Jan Cutting Healthy Living Centre, Scott Business Park, Beacon Park from 10am to 1pm. Admission adults £1 children free. Parking and cafe onsite. Wheelchair friendly.

Mark Thompson’s Spectacular Science Show Oct Designed27 for children and adults alike, Mark’s Spectacular Science Show explores the strange and magical properties of matter with exploding elephant’s toothpaste, vortex-generating dustbins and even howling jelly babies! Mark is appearing at the Quad Theatre on the Marjon University campus at 2.30pm. Tickets available from www. comicalentertainment.com

Omid Djalili

Oct 27

The veteran stand up comedian brings his ‘Good Times Tour’ to the Quad Theatre on the Marjon campus. Details and tickets available at www. comicalentertainment.com

Soup and Sweet Lunch

Oct 29

At Ford Park Cemetery Visitor Centre from 12 noon to 2.30pm for £6 and including delicious home made dishes. For details call 01752 665442 weekdays from 10am to 4pm.

Bonfire Night

Nov 5

Plymouth’s spectacular Bonfire Night celebration on The Hoe is a safe and free way to spend the most explosive night of the year. Watch as the huge bonfire is lit, then gaze in awe at the brilliant firework display. If you’re feeling brave enough, have a go on the fairground rides or warm up with a bite to eat from one of the food stalls. More details will be published closer to the time.

Anniversary Ball

Nov Plymouth12

Samaritans will be holding their 50th Anniversary Ball at the New Continental Hotel in Plymouth. The evening will feature welcome drinks to a live band - the Smooth Jazz Combo, a quality three

course meal, dancing to the Fabulous Swing Kings, a bumper raffle and an auction. The auction will include signed pieces from Adele, Ed Sheehan, Daniel Craig and Mo Salah among other dazzling items. Tickets for the Ball are £55 per head and can be obtained from Mrs Jan Sherriff at janetasherriff@btinternet.com

The Post Mortem Live

Nov 14 to Nov 17

The Post Mortem Live arrives at Plymouth Guildhall with six live shows offering attendees the chance to solve a murder working with award winning human anatomist Sam Piri in this four-hour long experience. Tickets from £35. For details visit www. thepostmortemlive.co.uk

Christmas Lights Switch On Nov 17

The official kick off for the Plymouth’s Christmas holiday calendar, also marking the start of festive late-night shopping every Thursday night in the lead up to Christmas. The switch on is due to take place between 6pm and 6.30pm and there will be an exciting programme of free, family-friendly entertainment to enjoy on stage in the Piazza from 4pm. Enjoy live music, with performances of carols and popular Christmas songs from local groups and choirs.

Barbican Lights Switch On Nov 19

An afternoon of festive fun in the Barbican and Sutton Harbour from 12 noon to 6pm. Children will be able to visit Santa in his grotto, after he has arrived from across the water on the RNLI boat. Families can soak up the festive joy of the local choirs as they perform on The Parade. There will be Christmas themed street entertainment and rides to have a go on, plus a selection of stalls selling some delicious Christmas treats. Take part in the free Christmas trail across the Barbican, with some tasty prizes! Follow the trail around the shops and restaurants, and maybe pick up some wonderful unique Christmas gifts or enjoy some festive refreshments along the way. Look out for festive bus on Southside Street, which will be hosting the special guests who will be switching on the awesome sparkly Christmas lights, at approximately 5.30pm.

Christmas Fayre

Nov 26

At Trinity United Reformed Church, Torr Lane, Hartley from 10.30am to 12.30pm. There will be light refreshments, stalls including home grown produce, preserves, recycled gifts, tombola, books and cake stall.

Christmas Fayre

Nov Popular26 annual event at Ford Park Cemetery from 11am to 2.30pm with many stalls present.

Christmas Fair

Dec Organised3 by Elburton Residents’ Association at Elburton Village Hall from 3pm. Lots of stalls to browse with food and drinks available. Santa will be there for the children and the the Elburton Village Christmas lights will be switched on at the event.

Carol Service

Dec 7

In the Chapel at Ford Park Cemetery at 6.30pm. Entry £6. Details at 01752 665442 from 10am to 4pm.

Christmas Raffle

Dec Ford10Park Cemetery Visitor Centre from 2pm to 4pm. Refreshments available. Details at 01752 665442 from 10am to 4pm.

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.

Bonfire Night on The Hoe Photo: Jeff Tomkins One Plymouth

Devonport event highlights mental health support

A special event highlighting the wide range of mental health and well-being support available in Plymouth is taking place in Devonport in October.

The event at Devonport Guildhall on October 9 features organisations and individuals who can offer peer supper, mental health information and education, wellbeing through creativity and crisis support.

Titled Mental Health Connections: Learning from Each Other and Finding What Fits the free event will include a series of workshops including Sound Therapy with Anam Cara; Soul Singers; Mindful Art Club; Mindfulness with Carenest and The Voice of Lived Experience.

The event, which runs from 11am to 4pm has been organised by Plymouth Recovery & Empowerment Group, (Plymouth REG), Real Ideas Organisation, Hope in the Heart CIC and Marbles Lost and Found.

Nicky Nurrish, founder of the website www. marbleslostandfound.co.uk, has been working closely with Plymouth REG, a group of mental health professionals and people with lived experience of mental health difficulties.

Nicky, who struggled with a Bipolar diagnosis, set up the website to provide a one-stop place with information and advice on mental health issues and to signpost people to organisations which can help.

Nicky said: “Since the website went live it has been embraced by professionals, other organisations, the mental health community in Plymouth and beyond and as far as Australia and the United States!

“It is used widely across Livewell Southwest, on their website, used by local GPs, Police, schools, and grass roots communities.”

Nicky now runs a support group at the Moments Café in Plymouth City Centre where nearly 30 people regularly attend! She also does talks, runs stalls and works closely with other mental health organisations such as Devon Mind and Improving lives and it has grown into a Community Interest Company (CIC).

She added: “Marbles Lost and Found is all about working together and finding what fits the individual to help them on their mental health journey! It is about embracing your mental health, being you. Standing proud, breaking down the stigma and raising awareness.“Creating and running Marbles Lost and Found and working with other mental health organisations, groups and communities has changed my own mental health for the better –because I am not doing it alone.

“There is a large community of support out there for anyone struggling - you just sometimes need a helping hand to find it.”

Nicky Nurrish

Trust pushes ahead with controversial plan to replace school governors

Westcountry Schools Trust is pushing ahead with its controversial scheme to replace governing bodies across its 26 schools.

When the WeST trust board announced their intention to do this earlier in the year there was widespread criticism of the proposal. Many parents were angered by the proposals and hundreds of people signed an online petition to fight the plans.

Schools in the Trust include Plymstock School, Coombe Dean, Hele’s and 10 primary schools in the area.

Local governing bodies will be disbanded at the end of the year, and four new advisory hubs will replace them on January 1 2023.

In thanking those governors for their service, Chair of Trust, Iain Grafton, told the Plymouth Chronicle that he believes the new arrangements will bring greater accountability to the Trust structures and will support newly appointed hub advisors in making their viewpoint heard.

He said: “This is a great opportunity for interested people to bring their skills to bear on making sure that our Trust is the best it can possibly be for our 14,000 pupils. We are looking for people to apply to be hub advisors to one of our four hubs.

“You might have experience in business, in education or children’s services, in safeguarding, in the armed forces, in law or in public service. We need the widest range and most diverse

range of experiences possible to be our hub advisors. It’s also essential that parents from our schools apply so that the hubs have the benefit of their experience’

Rob Haring, chief executive of the Trust, added: “I’m really looking forward to working with our new hub advisors, who will be able to take a rounded view on what we are trying to do across WeST.

“Such a great mix of schools make up our Trust – primary secondary, large and small –and every hub advisor will have experience that will bring something to ensure that each school is doing its very best for our pupils’.

Iain Grafton added: “Joining one of our hubs as an advisor will give you an opportunity to contribute to our schools and our community. It will be an example of civic duty at its best. Please do think about applying.”

Schools in the Trust include Austin Farm Academy, Boringdon Primary School, Chaddlewood Primary School, Ermington Primary School, Glen Park Primary School, Morley Meadow Primary School, Oreston Community Academy, Sherford Vale School, Wembury Primary School, Woodford Primary School, Yealmpton Primary School, Coombe Dean School, Eggbuckland Community College, Hele’s School and Plymstock School

To find out more about WeST’s new hub advisor roles, together with details of how to apply go to www.westst.org.uk. Applications must be received by September 28.

Veterans family fun day returns after three years

Improving Lives Plymouth hosted a family fun day for former veterans and their families – thanks to funding by Annington, the company responsible for refurbishing former MOD properties on Holmwood Avenue in Plymstock.

The event took place at the Improving Lives premises in Mannamead Road, where more than 80 people enjoyed a fun-filled day with a treasure hunt, barbecue and bouncy castles. It was the first family day for three years because of the Improvingpandemic.Lives Plymouth aims to foster a community dedicated to improving health and wellbeing.

The group’s dedicated Veterans and Family hub provides regular support for former Service personnel and their families. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the last Family Day event took place three years ago, however, celebrations were able to resume thanks to a donation from Annington.

Ann-Marie Woollacott, Veterans Project co-ordinator for Improving Lives Plymouth, said: “After a few tough years, it’s been great to gather at the Mannamead Hub. It’s not often that we’re all under the one roof, but when

Local man with lung condition will receive financial and care support for life

After instructing experts at Wolferstans Solicitors, a retired former electrician has been awarded a six-figure settlement in provisional damages for the illness his exposure to asbestos at Devonport Dockyard caused. He and his wife can now find peace knowing they will remain financially secure for the rest of their lives.

Back in 2020, John fell ill and was diagnosed with a lung condition. The condition caused him to suffer with shortness of breath, a persistent cough and pain in his chest, which severely affected his day-to-day life.

He was left unable to do things he enjoyed most in life like going out for walks and playing with his grandchildren. Life became very challenging for him, so he decided to look for help.

He found Wolferstans Solicitors and their dedicated team, who were passionate about providing their client with the care

and financial security he needed and deserved. During investigations, they found that his lung condition was in fact asbestosis and that it had been caused by his exposure to asbestos whilst he worked at Devonport Dockyard as an electrician, from the 1960s to the 1980s.

NOT JUST A SETTLEMENT FEE…

In addition to securing significant compensation for John, Wolferstans strived to ensure he had all the care, comfort and financial security he needed for the remainder of his life.

After visiting John at home, his solicitor, Liz Makin, realised the daily struggles he had with parking and walking up to his family home. John and his wife had many years of family memories here and didn’t want to have to leave because of his disease. So, the team arranged for the cost of home improvement to form part of the settlement agreement. John will have easier access to his family home with a car port, disabled lift and levelled out garden.

The team also helped ensure he received medical aids and equipment to help him cope with the disease. In addition to this, the team succeeded in securing industrial disablement benefit (regular state benefit payments), and a lump sum from the Johngovernment.wasveryworried that his wife would be left with nothing after his passing, but he now has peace of mind that they both will be stable for the remainder of their lives. His case can also be reopened should he develop a different asbestos related disease, and with the lifetime support of the experts at Wolferstans Solicitors, a claim for further compensation can be made.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with asbestosis, please contact our experts on 01752 663295 for a no-obligation consultation. We offer No Win No Fee and have a wealth of experience successfully securing compensation for our clients.

Plymouth’s Lord Mayor Cllr Sue Dann attended the event

we are, it highlights the sense of camaraderie and allows families to meet others within the flourishing Service community here in Plymouth.“I’dlike to thank Annington for its donation, it’s been brilliant to see all the children enjoying themselves and giving the parents some down time too!”

Stacy Whitehead, marketing manager at Annington, added: “It’s extremely rewarding to see the community spirit that this summer family fun day has created. We are happy to have played a small part in being able to facilitate the event. We hope everyone had a great time and that the donation from Annington aided some lasting friendships within this close-knit community.”

PLYMSTOCK 01752 401515 PLYMPTON 01752 345311 PLYMOUTH 01752 663295

Iain Grafton

Emergency help points now active

Thirteen new ‘help points’ have been installed in and around the city centre, Barbican and Mutley as part of a package of measures to make people, especially women and girls, feel safer.

The well-lit help points are located near new and existing CCTV sites, offering increased surveillance in areas of higher footfall where there is a perceived fear of crime, as well as statistically higher crime rates.Anyone who activates them is automatically connected to the Council’s 24/7 CCTV control room, which has direct links to enforcement colleagues, the police and Plymouth Against Retail Crime team.

Lighting will brighten on activation and cameras nearby will move to pick up the help points so staff in the control room can monitor a situation while an appropriate emergency response is on its way.

The help points are part of a package of measures awarded Safer Streets 3 funding from the Home Office to target violent crime against women and girls and improve feelings of safety by:

• strengthening the local environment to improve safe passage

• targeting prevention

• helping the community to develop their own solutions, reclaim community spaces and improve guardianship.

They have been installed at the following locations, selected as they are high footfall areas with shops, bars or local schools nearby.

• Armada Way (near the sundial)

• High Street Primary Academy, Stonehouse

• King Street Pharmacy, Stonehouse

• Mayflower Street (at the Armada Way junction)

• Mutley Plain (outside Starbucks)

• North Hill (outside Spar)

• Old Town Street

• Royal Parade (Armada Way pedestrian crossing)

• Southside Street (one at Friary’s Lane junction and another outside the Crown and Anchor pub)

• Union Street (one outside Lidl and

another on The Octagon)

• West Hoe Park Councillor Rebecca Smith, Cabinet Member for Homes and Communities and Chair of the Violence Against Women and Girls Commission, said: “We want everybody, especially women and girls, to feel safe when they walk around Plymouth’s streets. These help points are just one the practical measures we have introduced to improve public safety and hopefully reassure people as they go about their business, whether they are shopping, enjoying a night out or just getting from A to B.”

Councillor Jonathan Drean, Cabinet Member for Transport said: “We worked with partners and the police to agree locations for the new help points and areas around the city centre, waterfront, Mutley and North Hill were selected as they see high footfall, in particular during the evening.”

The Home Office award was secured via a partnership bid by the Council, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, NSPCC, Eddystone Trust, University of Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall Community Watch Association and Street Pastors.

A teenager, who was working as a healthcare assistant at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, has been compensated £2,500 for a GDPR breach which saw her mental health struggles revealed.

Jessica Mowbray, from Milehouse, has been working for the hospital since 2019. In September 2020, she was off sick as she was suffering with her mental health when her Line Manager exposed the reason she wasn’t in work.

The 19-year-old had already been put on medication for her anxiety and depression.

Her manager had detailed the reason she was off work on the rota which all Band 6 members of staff could see in her department.

Jessica complained to HR about the data breach who asked her to confront her Ward Manager herself. She said that she didn’t know how to use the system properly despite having been a member of staff for a long time.

Feeling as though the matter hadn’t been dealt with appropriately, Jessica sought legal advice from Liverpool-based High Street

SolicitorsJessica explained: “Before the data breach, I was starting to get my life back on track with my medication. But after it my anxiety and mood worsened. I worried that I was being judged by the people I worked with due to my mental health and it made me feel so uncomfortable that they had details of my private life.”

Following the data breach, Jessica was admitted as an in-patient in hospital where she felt that she was “fighting for my life”. Her manager then turned up at the hospital to see her, and proceeded to visit her to discuss her work

Outlife.of embarrassment and worry that her colleagues knew about her mental health battles, Jessica stopped going to work.

She continued: “I don’t put all of the blame on this data breach but I have been in and out of hospital with suicide attempts and the breach made it harder to get better. I put my trust in the hospital and they were aware of my difficulties but the way they’ve handled the situation has been wrong - it should’ve been approached with care and compassion.

“I’m really happy with the support I’ve received from High Street Solicitors who secured the compensation.”

Niamh Jones, head of GDPR at High Street Solicitors, added: “Jessica’s case is incredibly distressing. Given she was suffering with her mental health, this should’ve remained private and confidential rather than being revealed to a team of “We’recolleagues.delighted to have helped secure her compensation and urge anyone in a similar situation to seek legal advice.”

Councillor Rebecca Smith and Councillor Jonathan Drean pictured at one of emergency help points

A long-serving member of the Lions Club of Plymouth has been honoured for his decades of dedication to the organisation.

Geoffrey Woodland was originally inducted as a Charter Member of Radstock & Midsomer Norton Lions Club, Bath, in February 1977.

With a move to Plymouth in March 1980 Geoff transferred to the Lions Club of Plymouth and was a Director of the Club from 1983 to 1999. He and his wife Pam have been very active in participation of club activities over the 45 years they have been involved.

In the early 1980s the Lions club owned a caravan which contained supplies necessary for various fetes and summer fairs, and Geoff he collected, drove, loaded and unloaded the vehicle for all of the events for many years.

He was coordinator for a Lions Club go-Karting event on Plymouth Hoe which involved the supply and driving a truck to collect hundreds of second hand car tyres to act as safety barriers for the go-kart racing track. With with the help of other Lions club members he installed the race track and legally disposed of the tyres after the event.Formany years he was heavily involved with organisation of both Boxing and Race Nights and with the help of other members the events proved extremely successful and raised thousands of pounds for charity

Geoff has been regularly involved in the club’s Dartmoor 20 mile and 10 mile walks, and with the help of other members he arranged the collection of mini buses necessary to act as safety vehicles during each event and for the distribution of pasties for hundreds of walkers.

Both Geoff and his wife Pam were also very active in the Twinning of the Lions Club of Plymouth and the Lions Club of Morlaix France. This was known as the ‘Jumelage’. The clubs would visit each other on a regular yearly basis for a weekend duration and enjoy barbecues and visiting places of local interest.

Geoff said: “I have been involved with these activities over the past 45 years, it was always so much fun working with like-minded members who had the same aim: to raise money for hundreds of local charities.”

Young for their Parliamentary campaign

Luke Pollard has praised the ‘bravery’ of a dozen care leavers from Plymouth, who visited Westminster recently to meet MPs and raise awareness of their experiences of life in care.

The MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, who hosted the Parliamentary event, said he was ‘incredibly proud’ of the group’s courage and willingness to talk about the hurdles they face as care leavers.

Children who grow up in care often have poorer mental health and employment opportunities than those who don’t, and a quarter of homeless people have been in care at some point in their Their visit came at cruciallives.  time for reform of the children’s social care system, with the new Health and Social Care Secretary, Thérèse Coffey, announced the same day. The government is also shortly expected to publish its children’s social care implementation strategy.    The young people staged a special exhibition for MPs, Walk a Day in Our Shoes, where they decorated white gym shoes to reflect their experiences of living in care. Some used the opportunity to call for more resources for prevention work and greater opportunity for siblings to stay in contact.

Luke Pollard said:  “I’m incredibly proud of the bravery of care-experienced young people from Plymouth who’ve travelled up to Parliament to tell MPs about their experiences.   “Careleavers are too often ignored by politicians and I want to help change that, especially in the coming months as the government sets out its stall on the future of children’s social care”.

Cllr Jemima Laing, Plymouth Labour spokesperson

on Children, Young People and Families, said:    “This exhibition was a creative and powerful way to let these young people tell us what they want us to hear about oftheir experiencecare. They were extremely courageous to share their listen and “Westories.  mustmake the changes they are telling us the care system needs. I know how much it meant to them to take this work to Westminster and proud ofI’m reallyall of them and the Barnardo’s Care Journeys team who have supported them.”

Graeme, 25, a care leaver who attended the event in Parliament, said:  “Our idea was to take our shoes and our life stories to London so that MPs could see things from our point of view. MPs have care-experienced young people in their own areas and we want them to listen to us about the issues that matter to them and think about how they can help them.”

Luke Pollard MP pictured at Westminster with the young care

Wayne’s marathon effort for the Salvation Army

A Whitleigh man who overcame addiction to drugs and alcohol is facing another big challenge - taking part in the London Marathon to raise funds for charity.

Wayne Wheeler, who is 52, struggled as a young person and fell in with the wrong crowd. By the age of 21 he was homeless and had become heavily involved in drug dealing as well as other crime.

Now he plans to raise £2,000 for the Salvation Army by covering the 26 mile course in London in October. “I have never run that far before, but I really want to help this brilliant organisation,” said Wayne.

Wayne became a professional boxer in his early 30s to keep at peak fitness and help with his recovery from the effects of lifecontrolling addictions.

However, there were further low points in his life as he drifted back into more heavy drug use and unhelpful relationships.

A turning point came around four years ago when a chance encounter with Rob Fowler, the vicar of St Chad’s Church in Whitleigh, led to Wayne attending the church on a regular basis - and ultimately giving his life to Jesus. He has been clean and free from drugs ever since.

Wayne, who recently started a new job as a support worker, said: “One of my goals

Wayne Wheeler at the gym

what that’s like having been in that position myself. I really respect what they do.”

Wayne has embarked on an exhaustive training programme in preparation for the big race. He has been running regularly, gradually building up the miles covered.

At the end of August he was up to 15 miles on a regular basis and planned to increase that to 18 miles in the build up to the race on October 2.

“I’ve always tried to keep myself in shape and now my routine involves not only running long distances regularly but also spending time in the gym with my son Zach, who is a personal trainer and support worker,” said Wayne.“I’mreally looking forward to the big day itself. It will be something special to be among the thousands of runners taking part and to be spurred on by the massive crowds. I know their cheers will lift me and inspire me to complete the course.

Carers Passport is to be launched in Plymouth

A new Family and Friend Carer’s Passport is being launched in Plymouth at the end of September 2022, to recognise and value the support carers provide.

A carer is anyone who cares, unpaid, for a family or friend who needs help and support due to illness, disability, a mental health condition or an addiction.

The passport will be launched by health and social care partners across the city including, Livewell Southwest, University Hospital’s Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth City Council, Improving Lives Plymouth, and St Luke’s. It highlights the expertise carers bring and the needs they have in terms of their own health and welfare.

Improving Lives Plymouth’s Caring for Carers service is a responsive and flexible service that aims to support carers who are over 18 to look at how caring affects them and the sort of help they need to support them to effectively maintain their health and wellbeing.

Part of this health and wellbeing support is an offer of discounts on a range of activities across the city to help them look after themselves, as if you look after someone, this can be very stressful and demanding on your time and it’s important to make sure you look after yourself too.

has always been to do the London Marathon and I was fortunate enough to get a place by committing to raise funds for the Salvation Army.“They do so much for people in needparticularly the homeless - and I know exactly

“The biggest incentive of all is knowing that all my efforts and fund raising are supporting a great cause in the Salvation Army,” he added.Wayne has set up a just giving page for donations and has already raised over £1,200 towards his target. To support Wayne visit justgiving.com/waynewheeler22

Local businesses and individuals who may be willing to offer discounts or concessions on their products and services to carers are being encouraged to make contact.

To talk to about something which may be offered or for further information, please email  org.ukcaringforcarers@improvinglivesplymouth.

You’re invited to British Art Show 9, the UK’s most ambitious touring exhibition of contemporary art – right here in Plymouth!

From 8 October to 23 December (8 January at The Box), come and see the work of some of the country’s most exciting artists. British Art Show 9 is a free exhibition that visits four cities across the country, once every fi ve years.

British Art Show 9 showcases art produced by 37 different artists from 2015 up to now; a period that begins with Britain voting to leave the European Union and closes with the still unfolding COVID-19 pandemic.

The artists in British Art Show 9 use film, photography, painting, sculpture and performance to highlight and respond to this complex moment; exploring new modes of resistance and imagining a more hopeful world.

Whether you’re an avid art-lover or a fi rst-time visitor, don’t miss this opportunity to see this blockbuster exhibition with family, friends or by yourself, in four of the city’s best arts venues.

Curators Tour

Saturday 8 October, All venues

The Big Draw Sunday 16 October, The FridayBox28 October, KARST

Spotlight Talks

Selected dates, from 11am, All venues

Film Programme

Selected dates, The Box, Jill Craigie Cinema and Plymouth Arts Cinema

Bitesize Talks Selected See1pm-1.45pm,Wednesdays,onlineformoredetails

Cut out this slip and take it with you when you visit British Art Show 9 at The Box to add to our comments wall.

We’d love to get your feedback.

untiltodrainagePennycomequickworkbeextendedDecember

Essential work to improve drainage at the exit of Plymouth station and onto Saltash Road has had to be extended due to some unexpected issues.

South West Highways are carrying out the project to increase capacity of the sewage system as part of the station’s long term regeneration plan.

The first phase of work got underway in August and there have been temporary lane closures on the Alma Road, Stuart Road and Central Park approaches to Pennycomequick Roundabout, as well as the roundabout itself and the inbound side of Pennycomequick Hill (Saltash Road).

Most of these closures were due to be lifted on September 20 but a number of unforeseen issues have arisen, including the discovery of a reinforced concrete slab within the drainage line.Part of the sewer in the work area is several metres deeper than records had suggested and an unexpected utility connection has also been uncovered.Asaresult, the lane closures have had to be provisionally extended to December 9 to allow for further investigations to take place and for scheme redesigns to be agreed and implemented.Thelaneclosures are required as the works involve excavation trenches but are working with South West Highways to minimise disruption wherever we can.

Works will continue on the second phase of the scheme and involves the closure of the bus lane and cycle lane from the railway bridge to the station exit.

The drainage works are taking place as part of the transformation of the area around the station, which will include a new medical faculty for the next generation of medical professionals and the creation of Brunel Plaza, with shops, offices, cafes and a major public space.

Council tributes for Freeman Tom Savery

Tributes have been paid following the death of Tom Savery, former Plymouth city councillor and Honorary Freeman of the City.

He served as a Conservative councillor on Plymouth City Council from 1966 and was Leader of the Council between 1987 and 1991.

He also served as the Shadow Leader from 1991 to 1997 and was Lord Mayor from 1999 to 2000.Asan active serving member of the council for the majority of his life, he chaired and led many committees with authority and integrity.

He was made an Honorary Freeman of the City in 1998, the same year as the City Council became a unitary authority.

Councillor Sue Dann, Lord Mayor of Plymouth, said:  “Tom Savery was a highly respected councillor by all members of the Council, and dedicated a lot of time throughout his life to helping others and the people of Plymouth.

“As a politician, he was very knowledgeable and was well known for his quick wit and sense of humour. Our thoughts are with those that loved and knew him at this difficult time.”

A service of celebration and thanksgiving for his life was held at The Minster Church of St Andrew on September 15.

City College students celebrate GCSE success

Students and staff at City College Plymouth have celebrated outstanding GCSE results with an overall pass rate of 98 per cent.

Nationally, pass rates for GCSE maths and English have taken a big drop compared to last year, but students at City College have excelled despite the huge disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic with some students sitting exams for the first time.

Across England only 20 per cent of students achieved a grade 9-4 in maths, placing the college significantly above the national picture with its students bucking the trend by achieving 28%.

The college’s inclusive learning environment welcomes students of all ages to improve their literacy and numeracy skills. The results achieved by the college’s adult students were particularly impressive with an overall pass rate in English of 100 perManycent. of the students will be progressing onto higher level courses at the college with some having gained their GCSE qualification as an entry requirement to study a degree. Others are now looking forward to enhanced job opportunities having gained these essential qualifications. Some of the inspirational stories of courage and commitment to learning are featured here.

GCSE results day was extra-special for Esme Belcher from Keyham who achieved a grade 4 in English and collected the result on her birthday.

Shortly after enrolling to study GCSE English and maths Esme, who turned 23 on results day, learned she was Havingpregnant.workedout that her baby would arrive shortly after sitting her exams, Esme decided to continue with her plan to gain these vital qualifications, having missed out on C grades whilst at school. However, this plan was thrown up in the air when Esme’s daughter was born 12 weeks early.

A few weeks later and confident that baby Evelynn-Rose was making good progress, Esme decided to continue with one of her courses, and the college switched her to online learning. She juggled her studies between her visits to the hospital, where Evelynn had to stay for 80 days.

Esme said: “Evelynn needed a lot of support to begin with and spent a long time in hospital. When she was first born, I contacted my lecturer to say I wouldn’t be coming back as Evelynn had arrived. However, I eventually decided to continue with English after discussing my options with the college.

“The staff did a lot to make it possible for me to continue, and having seen that I’ve passed with a grade 4 feels brilliant. A lot of the past year has

been a blur, but somehow I managed to find enough time between being with Evelynn to get the work done. I just want to say thank you to the college for putting everything in place for me to continue.”

Fatima Al Duhaimi came to the UK as a refugee having fled her home country of Iraq. Whilst Fatima had almost completed her high school education in Iraq, her qualifications weren’t recognised here in the UK, so she decided to enrol at City College to sit GCSEs in English, maths, biology and chemistry.

Her career plans have changed drastically since she joined the college. Back in Iraq, Fatima had been intending to study languages at university, but she has since learnt of how she can further her passion for art and gaming thanks to the encouragement of staff.

Fatima said: “I knew English and maths GCSEs were essential for most careers here in the UK, but to give myself the best chance I decided to do biology and chemistry, too.

“Doing four GCSEs in a year has been quite full-on, but the staff are really helpful, plus I had to delay my start at the college due to waiting for my papers and I really missed learning during that time. I decided then I wanted to get as many qualifications as I could.

“The staff do everything they can to help you reach your goal and it is all very straightforward. They are also extremely dedicated to your job. With all of this in mind, I think anyone who wants to get their GCSEs would be able to do it. Even if you are 80 there is nothing stopping you.”

Fatima was delighted to receive the following results: biology, 5; chemistry, 5; English, 6; and maths, 4.

Fatima added: “Having finally decided what I want to do - and I did consider science for a very short while - I’ve been offered a place on an Access to Higher Education Diploma in Art and Design here at the college so I will be here for another year. I hope to then go to university.”

Brother and sister Mia and Adam Whyte from St Budeaux have found themselves in the rare situation of sitting GCSE maths at the same time. Having both previously missed out on a grade 4/C, they decided to study together as they progressed through the course.

Mia, who is 22 and in the final stage of a Level 4 Apprenticeship in Counter Fraud Investigation, said passing GCSE maths was the final hurdle for her current educational journey. Despite her successful academic record, which includes a degree, a triple

star distinction in her Level 3 Health and Social Care Diploma, and passes in all other GCSE subjects, Mia has always struggled with maths.

Mia said: “It took a few years for someone to realise that my struggle with maths was the result of dyscalculia. This was my fifth attempt at GCSE maths, which I needed to pass as part of my apprenticeship and it really felt like it was now or never. Luckily, not having this qualification hasn’t had too much impact on my education or career, but I’ve always been conscious of the fact that it could. I might one day do a master’s and not having maths could prevent this”

Adam, 17, who has been resitting maths as part of a full-time study programme, is hoping to start a Level 3 Business Diploma in September.

Mia and Adam both had something to smile about on results day, with both achieving a grade 4. Mia added: “I’ve found the college really supportive.

Maths will always be a struggle due to dyscalculia and it could have been really easy to just give up, but the team at the college do everything they can to keep you motivated. They won’t give up on you.

“If you are an adult, you shouldn’t feel concerned about studying at the college. They have people there of all ages, all backgrounds and it’s a very friendly place to study.”

To find out more about studying GCSEs at City College Plymouth, visit cityplym.ac.uk.

Mia and Adam Whyte

Esme Belcher with baby Evelynn-Rose

Fatima Al Duhaimi

Community Captain Colin

The Community Captain accolade is being given to more than 100 members of the public who have made an outstanding contribution to their club and local community, as part of the Premier League’s 30th anniversary celebrations.

Colin was presented with the award at Manadon Sports Hub, which is used by more than 30,000 people each year, has a floodlit 3G pitch, grass pitch and a modern pavilion with four changing rooms. It was opened in 2019 on a formerly derelict site, following a grant of more than £800,000 from the Football Foundation – funded by the Premier League, the FA and Government.

Colin was presented with a Premier League Community Captain pennant and special captain’s armband by Argyle Trust CEO Mark Lovell and former Plymouth Argyle skipper Gary Sawyer, who said: “Naming Colin as the club’s Community Captain is an opportunity for us to demonstrate appreciation for Colin and his 17 years of incredible work with the Argyle Trust helping and inspiring young people.

“Colin just has this amazing passion and enthusiasm for football and seeing people succeed. Which makes him a more than worthy captain in our eyes.”

Colin said: “Being recognised by my work colleagues as a Community Captain in this way is a big honour. I have always been football-crazy, playing from the age of five until I was 50, before becoming a coach.

“I love my job and I don’t do it for recognition. There’s a great team of people working at the Trust and there’s opportunities for everybody to be involved, which I think is fantastic.”

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said: “As we mark 30 years since the Premier League first kicked off, it is important we celebrate

the unsung heroes who deliver brilliant work in their communities. These people – whether they are participants, coaches, volunteers or long-time employees – are the lifeblood of their clubs and their “Thecommunities. continuedsuccess of Premier League football enables us to provide unprecedented investment in communities and wider football. As we look to the future, we are committed to investing more than ever, to help develop the game and provide opportunities to people of all ages.”

The Premier League provides £280,000 each year to the Argyle Trust to support its delivery of community schemes. This includes free weekly Premier League Kicks football sessions and positive activity for eight to 18-year-olds, as well as in-school support for primary schools running the Premier League Primary Stars education programme.

Across England and Wales, Premier League investment supports the community organisations

of all 92 Premier League and English Football League clubs, plus the 68 National League clubs.    Over the next three years, the League will continue its world-leading levels of support by contributing £1.6 billion to communities and the wider Duringgame. the Trophy Tour, the League will be announcing new financial commitments to benefit fans and communities.

This includes increased investment into the Premier League Fans’ Fund, with £5m available to support fan engagement projects across the top four divisions of the football pyramid.

The League is also investing an additional £13.5 million into the Football Foundation to create small-sided pitches in the heart of communities that need them the most. The tour will also give an opportunity to highlight new Premier League investment into women’s and girls’ football, including the Emerging Talent Centres announced earlier this summer.

The Premier League Tour in Plymouth with Colin Bunney alongside former Argyle skipper Gary Sawyer

Gary Sawyer presents the Community Club Captain’s armband to Colin Bunney

Tough decisions needed to tackle projected city council’s overspend

Further tough decisions will be needed over the coming weeks as Plymouth City Council continues to address extraordinary budget pressures caused by rapidly rising energy costs and other national and international factors.

Cabinet member for Finance Mark Shayer said the council’s recovery plan will leave no stone unturned to identify ways of reducing costs to deal with the unprecedented budget pressures it is facing for this stage in the financial year.

Councillor Shayer said: “Last month we identified a potential overspend of £13.6 million, caused in large part by national issues beyond our control which are impacting all councils across the country. Since then we have been working hard to identify savings but at the same time have also identified further unavoidable increases in our costs.

“Our additional costs this year now amount to £14.8 million but the work we have done so far means we are in a position to reduce the projected overspend to £8.7 million – a saving of £6.1 million already. This is good progress but it remains a very serious position to be in at this stage in the financial year, especially when we know we will have a very significant shortfall in the resources we need to set a balanced budget for next year.

“We have now launched a recovery plan that includes thorough reviews of all fees and charges, our procurements and contracts, our capital programme costs, management of reserves,debts, grants and subsidies, our buildings and estates and our

Council intervention sees an empty house become home

Another empty home has been restored to its former glory thanks to an intervention by Plymouth City Council.

The property, a spacious Victorian family sized home on Beauchamp Road in Peverell, was first reported to the empty homes team in 2014.

Even at that point, it had been abandoned by its owner for the previous four years with regular complaints received about its condition.

To help bring it back into use, the council tried to help the owner sell it, both directly and with the help of an estate agent.

decisiveandinitiatives.transformationcurrent“Thisisurgentwehavetotakeaction.Wewill

“This is urgent and we have to take decisive action. We will leave no stone unturned or opportunity missed to identify ways of reducing costs as overspending is simply not an option. As a political leadership team we are treating this like we would a serious emergency and will be taking positive action to address it.”

The property came close to being sold a number of times, but on every occasion, despite constant pressure from the empty homes team, all of the plans fell through because of lack of engagement by the owner.Inthe meantime, the dilapidated condition of the property led to pigeons entering through a hole in the roof and nesting in the loft. Due to the weight of the pigeon guano part of the ceiling collapsed in the main bedroom.

Following more legal wrangling, the council decided that enough was enough and an Order for Sale was agreed so that the sale completed without any further delays.

Finally, it was put back on the market, and renovated to become an impressive family home and sold again. It is now occupied.Councillor Rebecca Smith, Cabinet member for Housing and Communities, said: “I’m really pleased to see this home come back into use. Although the number of empty homes in Plymouth is on the decline, we must continue to use all of the powers at our disposal to get that number as low as possible.

“There are thousands of households who need a home in our city right now and every house that lies dormant could be put to use to help the housing challenge.

“I would implore landlords who have property that is not let or they are not using to get in touch with our teams.”

In Plymouth, empty homes officers engage with the city’s most troublesome empty homes all year-round, offering advice, guidance and financial assistance, and with the option of enforcement as a last resort.

A yearly review, where all properties listed as long-term empty on Council Tax records are contacted, is also currently being carried out.

This helps to maintain an accurate total of all unoccupied properties and removes from the figures those where records had not been updated to reflect occupancy.

A number of schemes used to encourage empty home owners to renovate their properties for sale or rental are also in the team’s arsenal.

leave no stone unturned or opportunity missed to identify ways of reducing costs as overspending is simply not an option. As a political leadership team we are treating this like we would a serious emergency and will be taking positive action to address it.

“While we want to protect services as much as we can, with a budget shortfall this large we simply can’t expect to be able to carry on doing everything we currently do to the same level. Until we get a clear indication of the amount of government financial support, if any, we may have to pause or withdraw some discretionary services. Statutory services of course remain protected.”

A report to Cabinet in September said authorities across the country are facing similar issues due to rising costs. Plymouth’s cost pressures include £7 million of non-controllable costs, including a £4.3 million rise in energy costs.

The council is forecasting that gas bills for its buildings estate, including the crematoria, will increase from £334,000 to £984,000, while electricity bills will increase from £1.3 million to £2.7 million. The energy costs of lighting Plymouth’s streets will rise by £1.1 million and fuel bills for the council’s fleet of more than 200 essential vehicles such as refuse lorries have risen by more than £64,000.

The ongoing impact of the pandemic is also being seen in other rising costs and demand pressures. Changes to people’s working habits have led to an increase in the amount of domestic waste that needs to collected, adding to our annual collection costs. Demand for social care and emergency accommodation has also increased, while income from parking and libraries has decreased.

Councillor Shayer added: “This is not a position that any council administration wants to be in but this emergency has happened on our watch and we will deal with it.

“We are very conscious that families in Plymouth are experiencing the same issues at home that we are as a council, with bills rising to a level no one could have anticipated. We will always listen to the views of all councillors and especially Plymouth residents as we go through this process.”

Find out more at homesplymouth.gov.uk/empty-new.

Change approaching for Station Approach

Work is starting to alter the entrance to Plymouth’s rail station as the city’s new Brunel Plaza continues to take shape.

Station Approach is to be radically altered to allow vehicles to get in and out of the new multi-storey car park without passing in front of the station.

The entire area around the station is undergoing a complete transformation.

The University of Plymouth is currently converting the tower block above the station to become InterCity Place, a first-class new home for its healthcare teaching and research, and significant improvements are ongoing in and around the station concourse.

Work around Station Approach started in mid-September and will go on until the beginning of December.

A roundabout will be built at the top of Station Approach where it meets North Road East and the approach will also be widened.Contractors South West Highways will carry out the work on behalf of the Council and aim to cause as little disruption as possible.

However there will be a four week period – from September 19 until October 14 – when a section of North Road East will be closed to traffic.

When this phase of the project starts, people wanting to drive to the train station will need to follow diversions which will take them down Welbeck Avenue and onto Glen Park Avenue.

The project team is working closely with partners Network Rail, GWR, the University of Plymouth and their contractor Kier on scenario planning, including ensuring there is enough room for rail replacement coaches to manoeuvre.Asaresult a number of parking bays will be temporarily suspended in both Glen Park Avenue and Welbeck Avenue to make sure bigger vehicles can negotiate theToroad.counter the loss of spaces, pay

and display parking in Welbeck Avenue, Winston Avenue and Derry Avenue is being temporarily suspended and converted to permit holders only for the duration of the work, creating 23 bays for residents.Anumber of pay and display bays along North Road East – from Houndiscombe Road to Station Approach – will also be suspended creating nine additional spaces for resident permit holders.

There will be frequent inspections to make sure the route remains clear.

Cabinet Member for Transport Councillor Jonathan Drean said: “Brunel Plaza is an incredibly complex project but will completely transform the welcoming experience to Plymouth as well as create amazing facilities for the next generation of medical professionals.

“The project team have been working hard to find alternative spaces for residents with permits and we hope this important work will not cause too much inconvenience for people living nearby.”

Letters are being sent to residents and businesses informing them about the work and the diversions but reassuring them that they will still be able to park within the boundaries of their existing permit scheme as well as the extra locations.

Councillor Mark Shayer

University of Plymouth twins with two universities in Ukraine to provide vital support during crisis

The University of Plymouth has twinned with two Ukrainian universities to share resources, learning and ideas during the country’s humanitarian crisis.

The partnerships with the State University of Infrastructure and Technology (SUIT) and Kherson State Maritime Academy (KSMA) come as part of the Universities UK #TwinForHope campaign, launched in September.Plymouth

is one of a small handful of universities twinned with two institutions, and has already signed memoranda of understanding with both the SUIT and KSMA.

The immediate focus has been on identifying and meeting practical needs such as IT infrastructure and mental health support but, longer-term, the universities will establish mutually beneficial academic partnerships with a focus on retaining and restoring a functioning sector in Ukraine.

KSMA, based in Kherson in southern Ukraine, is currently in internal exile with a severely damaged campus occupied by Russian forces. The SUIT, in Kyiv, has been hosting internally displaced refugees, and is struggling to pay basic bills.

Both remain in operation, however, and the SUIT has even credited Plymouth’s support for its increase in student numbers.

Professor Dafydd Moore, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Plymouth, said: “Standing by our colleagues in Ukraine, we’re proud to have twinned with KSMA and SUIT with a focus on supporting staff and students during an unimaginably difficult time for the country and the sector.

“Our immediate priority has been establishing exactly what the institutions need and meeting those requirements. From researchers to lecturers, administrators, IT experts, senior leaders and everyone in between, the University of Plymouth has really come together to work on this and ensure we provide help to the two organisations – both of which, like us, have a strong focus on maritime and navigation.

“The twinning initiative isn’t just about short-term help, though, it’s about supporting the sector to continue within Ukraine, so that it can rebuild long term. We’ve already started conversations about future initiatives of mutual benefit, including research group collaborations, joint grant applications, summer schools, and joint educational initiatives such as dual awards and articulation agreements.”We’re really pleased that we’re in the rare position of helping not one, but two universities, and know this is the start of a great long-term collaboration.”

Olena Kostenko, from SUIT, said: “Even in wartime, the State University of Infrastructure and Technology continues its work and is ready to

provide quality educational services. Our rates of admission of new students are higher than last year – while this is down to a number of factors, our active position in cooperation with European universities and the twinning programme with Plymouth – has certainly greatly influenced the number of students this year.

“As for our interaction with the University of Plymouth, we are only at the beginning of the journey and know there will be some great results. The fact that we continue to exist and work is already a great outcome, and we’re grateful to have Plymouth standing by us during this complicated period.”

The University of Plymouth’s involvement in the twinning initiative follows a separate summer school that it held for Ukrainian medical students, and complements ongoing work within the country to support people with dementia and other potentially hidden disabilities.Whatsupport is the University of Plymouth providing?

For students

• Linking Students’ Unions to enable students to share experiences and help build a sense of community;

• Creating a Ukrainian branch of the Hello Project – Plymouth’s buddy scheme for international students – to foster conversations and cultural exchange between students from all three institutions;

• Providing mental health support thanks to the University of Plymouth’s Student Services team – including pre-recorded sessions and online resources.

For academics

• Linking up researchers with Plymouth counterparts to discuss research interests after many research outputs at both Ukrainian institutions were destroyed;

• Digital teaching and research resources available through Rapid Inter Library Loans;

• Resources, guidance and training to support academic staff to continue to teach online within Ukraine.

Practical help

• Providing digital skills support to enable safe remote teaching within Ukraine;

• Working with our partners with a view to providing IT equipment to further support the twinned universities;

• Linking up KSMA and SUIT with each other, enabling sharing of resources internally as well as from the UK;

• Creating a mental health guidance document for staff and students, with the universities also discussing the possibility of a guest lecturer to offer further support;

• Providing English language support via the University of Plymouth English Language Centre;

• Potentially organising a visit to Plymouth in the autumn to further conversations about what more can be done in the short, medium and long-term.

The #TwinForHope campaign

The national #TwinForHope campaign has been launched to showcase the impact that partnerships between UK and Ukrainian universities are having.

Since the start of the Russian invasion, over 95 professional pre-higher and higher education institutions have been damaged, while at least nine have been destroyed.

University teams and Students’ Unions have arranged mass evacuations, and some students and colleagues are now protecting their country on the frontline. Others are spread far and wide desperately trying to continue their research and studies.

More than 75 mutually beneficial twinning partnerships have already been formed between UK and Ukrainian universities. Colleagues from both the twin universities stay in regular contact via online meetings to build relationships, make plans for sustaining Ukrainian education during the war, and create relationships that will make a real difference.

Vivienne Stern, chief executive, Universities UK, said: “I’m really proud of the way that the UK university sector has stepped up to play its part in the global response to enabling Ukrainian universities to get through this war and hopefully emerge stronger.”

Kherson State Maritme Academy

Hundreds of jobs to be created after planners give Dockyard development the green light

Hundreds of jobs will be created after planners gave the green light for development of the new 10 Dock Facility at Devonport Dockyard.

The multi-million pound four year programme will see up to 600 construction workers on site and when completed will provide facilities for up to 630 workers - of which approximately 240 will be industrial jobs and the remainder office-based roles.

This represents a big increase in the current staffing levels in the existing N125 building and is estimated to create an estimated 230 full time equivalent jobs.

The new 10 Dock Facility will provide enhanced, modern infrastructure for maintenance of existing and new classes of Royal Navy submarines, supporting the Armed Forces and providing continued and new employment at the Dockyard across the wider supply chain.

The application site is centred around the existing 10 Dock within the North Yard part of the Dockyard and is equivalent in size to around four full sized football pitches.

10 Dock is a dry dock and has what is known as a Water Retaining Boundary (WRB). The dock is filled with water from the adjacent 5 Basin, then a vessel piloted in.

A structure known as a caisson is then fitted at the entrance to 10 Dock, at its north

end, to complete the WRB.

The dock is then drained using pumps to make it a ‘dry’ dock, enabling vessels to be maintained in a dry environment. Once maintenance is complete, the dock can be refilled with water, the caisson removed and the vessel piloted out.

The development of existing 10 Dock and surrounding dockside land will involve construction of a new caisson, docking cradle, heavy lift gantry crane and five telescopic cranes.Thework will also involve construction of two buildings providing workshops, storage,

temporary accommodation, welfare, plants rooms and offices.

Extensive discussions between Babcock and their development team and Plymouth City Council led to a number of conditions regarding parking and transport issues during the construction work, which is due to start later this year.

The 10 Dock project is one of a series of major infrastructure projects at Devonport. Over the next 10 years Babcock will develop state of-the-art facilities to meet the evolving requirements of the UK’s Royal Navy.

Since 2020 the UK Ministry of Defence has

awarded Babcock initial contracts worth around £140 million for infrastructure design and enabling works that will support the Astute class submarine, which is currently replacing the Trafalgar class SSN submarine. This is the first stage in an extensive development programme for Devonport that will see improvement projects span many years.

These major upgrades will enable deep maintenance work packages for the latest class of nuclear-powered fleet submarines. Dock upgrades to support the Astute operational programme will enable optimisation of maintenance on the platforms between HM Naval Base Clyde and Devonport dockyard.Workhas begun with the demolition of existing infrastructure including office blocks around the site’s 10 Dock facility.

Over the last five years 10 Dock has seen the successful delivery of Landing Craft platform maintenance and a major overhaul period of an Albion Class Landing Platform Dock ship.

In parallel with the 10 Dock project, preparations are also underway for an extensive project for the adjacent 9 Dock. This project, managed by an integrated Bechtel and Cavendish Nuclear programme delivery team, will deliver maintenance, life extension and facility improvements to the dock for the Vanguard Class submarines.

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Artist’s impression of the new development

Outstanding rating from Ofsted for Mama Bears in Pennycross

STARS

FUNDANNIVERSARYSAMARITANSSUPPORTRAISER

Plymouth Samaritans have received auction donations for their 50th Anniversary Ball from a wide variety of stars of music, sport, film and art.

Donors include musicians Adele and Ed Sheeran, sports stars Mo Salah, Jack Leach and the England Lionesses, and film stars Daniel Craig and Rami Malek.

Artist Jo Beer has donated a portrait of Samaritans founder Chad Varah as an item for auction at te Ball.

There have also been some wonderful donations from local businesses which include restaurant meals, hotel stays, theatre tickets, fine jewellery and hairdressing vouchers.

Branch director Norman Holmes said: “We sent out a number of requests for donations two months ago and, quite honestly, we’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity of the folk who are happy to support our work. These wonderful donations will enable us to raise the funds we need to ensure our office and phonelines stay open.”

Supporters of Plymouth Samaritans are invited to attend the 50th Anniversary Ball which will be held on November 12 at the New Continental Hotel to cap off the anniversary celebrations and to raise much needed funds for the

Ticketsbranch.forthe

Ball are £55 per head which includes drinks on arrival, a three course meal and dancing to the Swing Kings alongside an amazing raffle and auction. Tickets can be obtained from Mrs Jan Sherriff at janetasherriff@btinternet.com

A Plymouth day nursery is celebrating moving up from a ‘Good’ to an ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating following its latest inspection by the governing body Ofsted.

Mama Bear’s Day Nursery & Pre-School at Springhill Green, Pennycross, was rated outstanding in all areas including the effectiveness of the leadership and management; the quality of teaching, learning and assessment; personal development, behaviour and welfare; and outcomes for children.

The rating means both the Mama Bear’s settings in Plymouth now hold the highest possible rating from Ofsted.

The Springhill nursery celebrated its 10th anniversary of being run as Mama Bear’s earlier in the summer and the inspectors have praised staff for the ways they enable the children in their care to flourish in what they called a ‘highly supportive and nurturing’ setting.

Mama

Bear’s Springhill nursery manager,

Alex Davis, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded an outstanding rating by Ofsted.

“To move from a good grade to an outstanding grade reflects how committed my team and I are to providing the very best quality early education to our children and we’re thrilled to have gained this official recognition.

“We were particularly pleased with the comments in the report about our outstanding partnerships with parents. They said families commented on the amazing support staff provide to them, their children and the whole community.

“The report also observed that all children are given excellent opportunities to experience a variety of innovative and highly motivating activities.

“And I was delighted with the inspector’s comment about the leadership team being highly reflective and passionate about continually improving the nursery for both staff and children alike, because I truly

believe Mama Bear’s nurseries are lovely places to work. And we’re keen to hear from people considering a career move – we have some great opportunities for beginners and established practitioners alike.”

The family-run Mama Bear’s day nurseries provide care for children from three months to five years, with 24 settings across Devon, Somerset and Bristol, providing children with their first vital level of education to give them a head-start when they start at primary school.  Springhill Green offers five large, well maintained and resourced age-specific rooms, all of which allow direct access to the garden with staff encouraging everyone to develop a love of playing outdoors, whether it is racing around on the grass, climbing on the apparatus or all-weather play in the undercover area.

For further information about places for children and about career opportunities at Mama Bear’s are available at www.mamabear. co.uk

Police have appealed for witnesses after a collision in Victoria Road, Plymouth on September 8 in which a pedestrian was seriously injured.

A male pedestrian was taken to Derriford Hospital with life-threatening injuries after the incident which occurred at approximately 3pm.Afull investigation of the scene took place and officers are working to establish the cause of this collision.

Police are appealing for any witnesses who were in the area at the time or have dash camera footage of the collision to telephone 101 512 of September 8.

A local day nursery chain, Tops Day Nurseries, with five nurseries across Plymouth and more than 20 across the South of England, has been selected as a finalist in a national competition.

Tops, which has nurseries in Breotnside, Devonport, Efford, Prince Rock and Stonehouse has been shortlisted for in the Nursery Group (Over 10 settings) category in the NMT (Nursery Management Today) Nursery Awards.

Cheryl Hadland, managing director and founder of Tops Day Nurseries said: “We’re particularly pleased to be finalists this year given the extraordinary pressures on the teams this year due to the pandemic and national shortage of Level 3 staff.

“This is a testament to our resilience, and our commitment to doing our very best for children and their parents. I’m very proud

of the whole team and thank them from the bottom of my heart”.

Tops Prince Rock, part of the Tops Day Nurseries family, located on Lucas Terrace, has also been selected as a finalist for the Nursery Training & Development Award.

Amy Alderson, director of Early Years Audit and Training said: “I am incredibly proud to be named as a finalist for this award as it represents the hard work and dedication from both the Tops training team and those colleagues that engage with our outstanding training programmes.

“Tops Day Nurseries has always been an advocate of staff training and development, recognising that investment in our teams is the best way to raise the quality and skill of the company’s workforce. To even be a finalist for this prestigious award is certainly something to celebrate and I am incredibly grateful to everybody that has contributed to our huge success”.

Winners of the NMT Nursery Awards 2022 will be presented with their trophies at the awards ceremony, which will take place in London in November.

Celebrating outstanding Ofsted result at Mama Bear’s in Pennycross

Words of wisdom and faith

By Dave Simpson, Station Manager Cross Rhythms PlymouthExperience

In light of the death of Queen Elizabeth II, we have decided to postpone the Cross Rhythms Experience article which had been planned and instead share some reflections about the life of the late Queen.

It was just three months ago that I wrote an article celebrating the life of the Queen in light of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Little did I know it would be so soon that I would be commenting on her passing.

The main focus of my article in the July editions was a focus on her Christian faith.

In the recent tributes paid by MPs to Her Majesty, Tim Farron MP commented; “She was a constant to us all, but, as has been said already, the constant in her life was her faith in Jesus Christ. Let us remember this: for many people it may be a perfunctory ceremonial faith, but for her it was not; it was a living, active faith in a living saviour. Let us remember this: we have sung for 70 years ‘God Save The Queen’. If her faith is accurate – I am certain it was – God has saved the Queen.” Undoubtedly the faith of Queen Elizabeth II would have been much deeper than any of us

will ever know. However, every Christmas she would lift the lid on how important the gospel of Jesus Christ was to her personally.SirGaryStreeter MP noted in his tribute to the late Queen: “If she was the rock on which modern Britain was built, it was because she stood on the true rock – the rock of ages. In our pluralistic society, containing citizens of all faiths and none, her declaration of Christian faith never jarred, grated or alienated … because it was authentic, and this was demonstrated through her magnificent Christmas broadcasts.”

Here are just a few of the comments Queen Elizabeth II made about her Christian faith in some of her Christmas broadcasts over the years.

In 1986. “When, as the Bible says, Christ grew in wisdom and understanding, he began his task of explaining and teaching just what it is that God wants from us.

“The two lessons that he had for us, which he

underlined in everything he said and did, are the messages of God’s love and how essential it is that we, too, should love other people.“There are many serious and threatening problems in this country and in the world but they will never be solved until there is peace in our homes and love in ourInhearts.”2002.“Our modern world places such heavy demands on our time and attention that the need to remember our responsibilities to others is greater than ever. It is often difficult to keep this sense of perspective through the ups and downs of everyday life - as this year has constantly reminded me.

“I know just how much I rely on my own faith to guide me through the good times and the bad. Each day is a new beginning, I know that the only way to live my life is to try to do what is right, to take the long view, to give of my best in all that the day brings, and to put my trust in God.”

Books bonanza for Plymouth schools - thanks to Bookmark

Primary schools in Plymouth are in line to receive £2,000 worth of reading resources - thanks to the work of the Plymouth Children in Poverty initiative, which is funded by the Plymouth Drake Foundation.

Leading literacy charity Bookmark has chosen Plymouth as the next city to receive significant reading support after earlier programmes in Birmingham and Lincolnshire.Allstate-funded primary schools can now apply to join the scheme, which could be worth £200,000 in total.

Schools will receive 200 new, highquality books suitable for children aged from four to nine, 12 months free membership to The National Literacy Trust, annual subscription to Bookmark’s children’s magazine The Story Corner, plus eight weeks free access to the ChatterStars vocabulary development app for 300 Plymouthchildren.was chosen because of the known need and also because Bookmark consider the Plymouth Children in Poverty initiatives to be unique.

A spokesperson for Bookmark commented that 97 per cent of schools said that the Your Story Corner packs had made a positive difference to children’s enjoyment of reading.

One teacher commented: “The children were very excited to see the new books in the library and the books ignited their curiosity. The library and story corners have proved to be popular areas within the school where children enjoy having the opportunity to read to themselves or with each Schoolsother”canapply at plymouthbookmarkreading.org/your-story-corner-www.

Meanwhile, local recycling business EMR Plymouth has announced its second year of support for Plymouth Children in Poverty.

EMR Plymouth will once again enable young people aged 16 and 17 to attend the two week National Citizen Service (NCS) summer school. Helping young people to build their confidence and develop life skills, the annual project allows them to socialise with their peers and develop newTherelationships.partnership was developed as part of EMR’s Young Futures Reimagined programme, an initiative which aims to see all of EMR’s UK sites partner with local charities in order to help young people build bright futures.

Damon Kinnair, operations manager at EMR Plymouth, said: “Having supported Plymouth Children in Poverty back in 2021, myself and the team at EMR have

witnessed the amazing work that they do in providing young people with opportunities which would otherwise not be available to them.

“Through no fault of their own, children often lack access to the resources they need to help them transition into a successful adult life. Access to the NCS Summer School opens the door to new opportunities, which these young people will take with them as they grow.”

Kerry Bidewell of Plymouth Children in Poverty added: “A huge thank you to the team at EMR Plymouth and the EMR Young Futures team, one donation is always greatly appreciated but a second substantial donation is such an endorsement of the work we are doing. I cannot wait to share the various impacts this vital donation will make...they will be far reaching!”

In 2017. “We remember the birth of Jesus Christ whose only sanctuary was a stable in Bethlehem. He knew rejection, hardship and persecution; and yet it is Jesus Christ’s generous love and example which has inspired me through good times and bad.”In2020.

“The teachings of Christ have served as my inner light, as has the sense of purpose we can find in coming together to worship.”

I could have picked out so many more quotes from the Queen’s Christmas broadcasts over the years and in fact I recommend you take the time to look back at some of her messages. You can find them online at www.royal.uk/christmasbroadcast-2021. Simply change the year at the end of the web address to look back at any prior year.

As we look back at the faith that shaped the personal life of Queen Elizabeth II we recognise it is a faith which, if we’ll let it, will shape our lives for good too.

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

Clearing the way for West regenerationEnd

A number of empty buildings on Western Approach are being demolished to make way for the regeneration of the West End of Plymouth’s city centre.

A demolition contract has been awarded to Gilpin Demolition Ltd to tear down empty buildings on Western Approach as part of moves to prepare the site for regeneration schemes including a proposed West End Health and Wellbeing centre.

Strip-out work has started in the now-empty buildings from 10 to 22 Western Approach. It is expected the entire demolition programme will take around 16 weeks.

A number of car parking spaces at Colin Campbell Court are being let to the contractors while the work takes place, but there are plenty of alternative spaces at the nearby Western Approach multi-storey. No road closures are planned although there will be a bus lane closure for seven weeks from October 3 to November 21. The perimeter road within the car park directly behind the buildings due to be demolished will also be closed.

Most of the dismantling work will take place within the building’s plots although a section of the pavement at the front of Western Approach will need to be closed for a number of weeks. The contractors intend to close the Western Approach entrance to Colin Campbell Court car park overnight for two nights on November 7 and 8.

The demolition is part of the enabling works ahead of the proposed West End Health and Wellbeing Centre, and funding from the Government’s Brownfield Land Release Fund is being used to facilitate the demolition. Planning permission for the centre has been granted. However the project remains subject to business case approval and a confirmed funding source.

Earlier this month Plymouth Community Homes gave more detail about regeneration plans for Bath Street. The city’s largest social housing landlord announced plans for a £33.5 million eco-friendly neighbourhood in partnership with the Council offering more than 140 new affordable homes to rent and buy.

Once regenerated, the area will complete the planned Millbay Boulevard scheme, which will connect the newly created coastal quarter to Plymouth city centre.

Damon Kinnair of EMR presents the cheque to Kerry Bidewell and Maurice West of Plymouth Children in Poverty

LES PIKE

Free inmoreavailablemealsschoolnowforchildrenPlymouth

Parents and carers in Plymouth are being urged to use the City Council’s simple, online eligibility and application service to check whether they’re eligible for free school meals for their children, which can save families over £400 per year for each child.

It is estimated that up to 20% of available free school meals are not applied for because people do not realise they are eligible.Freeschool meals are automatically provided for all schoolchildren in a government funded school in Reception, Year 1, or Year 2.

After that, parents need to apply and free meals are available to many more families than are currently applying.

If a child has free school meals at primary school, this does not automatically carry on into secondary. So if your child has gone from Year 6 to Year 7 this September, you’ll need to make sure you apply. (Details of how to apply are at the end of this article).

A nourishing meal in the middle of the day helps children and young people to do well at school, and free school meals make a genuine saving in the household budget. Over the course of a year a family will spend around £437 on school lunches per child – free school meals would be a real saving.

Schools benefit financially as well: for every child registered for a free school meal the school receives extra income, (Pupil Premium), which helps the school provide more and better learning facilities for the children. It’s a real win-win! Everyone with school aged children is encouraged to check eligibility and to apply.Parents who have applied before and were not eligible can re-apply at any time – so if your circumstances have changed, now’s the time to apply again. And if your child has moved from primary to secondary and you haven’t set up free school meals yet, now’s the time to do it.

Checking eligibility and making an application is easy online at plymouth.gov.uk/free-school-mealshttps://new.or

scan the QR code below.

If you don’t have a good internet connection or need some help with the process, your child’s school should be happy to help you.

Empty shops in Plymouth city centre transformed by creatives and artists

Creative businesses, artists and organisations are transforming empty spaces in Plymouth into vibrant new ventures as part of a cultural reimagining of the city centre.

A series of retail units that are currently unoccupied have been handed over to creatives as part of the Meanwhile Use scheme brought to the city by Plymouth Culture.Thescheme aims to work with businesses, landlords and owners to revitalise places not in commercial use, helping showcase creativity and culture while attracting more people to the city centre.

The spaces include three units donated by Drake Circus, which are now being used by creative organisations. These include:

• Sprite Arts - a collective of five women artists based at 15-19 Old Town Street until December who aim to make arts events, workshops and exhibitions, establish artist residency programmes and mentoring opportunities. Their opening exhibition Immersion featured the wonderful creativity of 20 regular sea swimmers at Firestone Bay.

• Civic Space brings art and creativity together with the local skating community, celebrating Plymouth’s skating heritage with projects such as the mural at the Civic Centre and PRIMEdesign. PRIMEdesign has been made by Prime Skate Park with the support of creative community organisation Take A Part and contemporary art gallery KARST and a hub for their work will be based in Royal Parade until the autumn.

• Devonport-based Community Interest Company Bikespace is partnering with cargo bike courier service Zedify in Old Town Street, a hub for consolidating deliveries for businesses. They offer a zero emissions, same and next day delivery service for businesses.

Greg Lumley, centre director at Drake Circus, said: “We’re always looking for opportunities to support our local community and we’re delighted to be involved in a city-wide initiative. Not only is it great to be able to offer space to these passionate organisations, but their commitment to creativity and sustainability is also very inspiring and important to us.”

Gil Woolley, co-founder of Zedify Plymouth said: “We are thrilled to be bringing an ethical, sustainable and cost efficient parcel delivery service to Plymouth thanks to the Meanwhile Use scheme and Drake Circus. Our vision is to reduce the road traffic around the city, making it a safer and cleaner environment for all.”

The Meanwhile Use scheme is spearheaded by Plymouth Culture, Plymouth City Council, Plymouth City Centre Company and Vacancy Atlas - specialists in unlocking the potential of empty spaces.

Vacancy Atlas are based at their own Meanwhile Use space at 107 Cornwall Street, which will also be used to showcase ‘popups’ through the summer. So far, they have included:•

Owen Makes, who filled the space with his beautiful handmade ceramics.

• Memori Prints by Vince Handford, occupying the space in August with his limited edition screen printed posters.

Elsewhere, the Hidden Art Gallery by artist and curator Billy Finch has appeared for a few weeks of August in Cornwall Street, showcasing the work of three Plymouth artists - Isis, Tom Bird and Cormack Reid. Billy’s aim

is to show off the work of up-and-coming artists and those who want to be artists.

Billy said: “I started the gallery to showcase local professional artists and people who want to make a living out of being an artist to the people of Plymouth. Last year I heard about the Meanwhile Use scheme through Plymouth Culture, aimed at filling empty spaces in Plymouth and I thought that a gallery space would be an excellent way to fill an empty shop.

“I managed to get in and be selected and I feel really lucky that it’s happened.”

Earlier this summer Plymouth Community Climate Centre also opened in New George Street, a social enterprise dedicated to engaging, educating and empowering

communities to respond to the climate crisis.

The renowned artistic collective Still/ Moving have also been creating light installations to be displayed in the city centre with community groups.

Hannah Harris, CEO of Plymouth Culture, said: “The Meanwhile Use project is genuinely changing the experience of visiting the city centre in a positive way - sparking everyday creative encounters that everyone can access.

“We were overwhelmed by the interest in the scheme from the creative and cultural community and it’s inspiring to see them take advantage of the empty spaces in increasingly innovative ways. A huge thank you to all the partners in the city who have made this possible, including the owners and landlords such as Drake Circus.”

The Meanwhile Use programme is funded through Historic England (Heritage Action Zone Culture Programme), Interreg (C-Care), Plymouth City Council and City Centre Company.

Plymouth Culture is the strategic organisationdevelopmentthatexists to support and enable the growth of culture across the city. It does this by working closely with and through organisations, individuals and stakeholders.

More information about the Meanwhile Use scheme is available at plymouthculture.co.uk/http:// meanwhile-use

Artists Billy Finch of the Hidden Art Gallery

Zedify offer same day deliveries for Plymouth businesses from their premises in Old Town Street

Artistic collective Still/Moving create light installations

Roundabout gets a colourful makeover

The Roundabout pub in Plymouth city centre has reopened following a £350,000 investment.

Receiving a complete transformation throughout, the venue’s new look interior has seen the pub given a new lease of life.

The pub has also seen a new large outside area opened with 16 tables for guests to enjoy the last of the summer sun.

The pub’s facelift has really brought a fresh feel to the popular venue. Inside has seen the pub’s ground and mezzanine floors given a complete makeover, being painted, and having its flooring, carpets, furniture, and lighting all replaced and modernised.

The refurbishment has also seen air conditioning installed as well as two new pool tables.

Externally the venue has been painted blue, with a local graffiti artist, Harriet Wood & Hazardone, also adding a new look to the pub with a mural sprayed onto the outside of the building, making it really stand out from the crowd.

The pub is run by general manager Richard Smith, who has worked at The Roundabout for nearly nine years. Richard is also a volunteer for the national Pubwatch covering the southwest of England and also chairman of the local Plymouth Pubwatch which is the largest in the country with over 150 venues.

Working very closely with the authorities they have a great relationship as partners making Plymouth a Purple Flag city and a very safe one to come and enjoy the entertainment. Speakingonthe reopening, Richard

said: “It’s great to be back open with our new look and space outdoors, and we’ve been as busy as ever since reopening the doors. As well as our popular student nights and weekend events were looking to bring more and more entertainment to the pub, making The Roundabout the place to be for nightlife in the city.”

Events and offers can be found on the pub’s social media page at www.facebook.com/ Roundabout.Plymouth

They’ve never been on a plane - but two brave Plymouth mums are skydiving from 15,000 feet

with over 1000 women who have accessed services in the community, which include workshops, therapy groups, mentoring and counselling – 56% of those who used the centre were survivors of domestic abuse.

Emergency Numbers

Police, Fire, Ambulance or Coastguard 999 or 112

Police general enquiries 101

Derriford Hospital 01752 202082

NHS 111

Electricity, Western Power Distribution 0800 678 3105

Gas, Wales & West Utilities 0800 111999

Water, South West Water 0344 3462020

Environment Agency (Emergency) 0800 807060

RSPCA 0300 1234 999

Helplines

Age UK Plymouth 01752 256020

Adoption UK 0844 848 7900

Al-Anon Family Groups 020 7403 088

Alcoholics Anonymous 0800 917 7650

Carers UK 020 7378 4999

Childline 0800 1111

Christians Against Poverty (Debt Advice) 0800 328 0006

Citizens Advice 0300 3309 043

Cruse Bereavement Care 0870 1671677

Devon & Cornwall Food Action 01752 651800

Disability & Information Advice Line 01302 310123

Drug Addicts Anonymous: Helpline 07818260811

Jan Cutting Healthy Living Centre 01752 203670

Money Advice Plymouth (Debt Advice) 01752 208126

NSPCC Child Protection Helpline 0808 8005000

National Missing Persons Helpline 0500 700700

National Christian Helpline 0300 111 0101

NHS Direct 0845 4647

National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000247

Osteoporosis Support Group 075958 500314

Overeaters Anonymous 07000 784 985

Parentline Plus 0808 8002222

Relateline 0845 1304010

Samaritans 116 123

Talk to Frank 0800 776600

Shelterline 0808 8004444

Stop Hate Crime 24/7 Helpline 0800 138 1625

Stroke Helpline 0303 3033 100

West Country Landlords Assn 01752 242980

Duo Sam and Tammy take on this heart-stopping challenge – which is the highest in the UK – on September 24 in support of local women’s charity Trevi, which supports women and children affected by domestic abuse and violence. Both Sam and Tammy have accessed the vital support services offered by the charity and are now passionate supporters.

When asked why they have decided to take on this challenge, Tammy said: “I saw it advertised and thought I’d love to do something to help raise money for the charity that helped save my life. I spoke to Sam, and she said she would love to do it with me, which is crazy considering neither of us has even been in a plane.”Sam said: “I’m doing the skydive because I owe Trevi so much. I was in Jasmine and got to leave with my son. I’ve been at Sunflower for over a year and I’ve had one to one support, counselling, recovery help and done courses. Now I’m a peer mentor and want to give back.’

Trevi supports more than 700 women annually through its services. In the past year, its Jasmine Mother’s Recovery Centre has supported 69 women and their children. All of their residents have been affected by domestic abuse. After engaging with the services at the centre 84% of women detox successfully and 86% remain with their children.

The Sunflower Centre has engaged

All of Trevi’s services are delivered by a dedicated and trauma informed team of women-only support workers, therapists, teachers, and specialist practitioners who work with every woman to address the trauma in her life and help her understand how it manifests so that she can begin to heal, grow and move forward.

Carrie Tecza, social engagement officer, said: “We are so excited for Sam and Tammy who are taking on this courageous challenge to raise money for us, and to do it havingnever been in a plane is absolutely“Domesticamazing!abuse, addiction and mental ill health are all rising. In Devon and Cornwall, there are 14,700 women victims of domestic every year. It is really important to increase our reach and effectiveness. Many women do not seek help early enough, and we are here to ensure these vulnerable women have someone to turn to.

“As a charity, we rely on the generosity of our supporters and fundraisers like Sam and Tammy, ensuring we can reach other women who may need our support. We are so pleased to encourage them in this remarkable challenge.”

Sam and Tammy want to raise as much money as possible for Trevi and to donate, visit SamandTammyontourjustgiving.com/fundraising/www.

RAC 08000 828282

Green Flag 0800 400600

Rail Travel, national enquiries 08457 484950

Plymouth Citybus 01752 662271

National Express Coaches 08717 818181

Brittany Ferries 08705 360360

Cremyll Ferry 01752 822105

Torpoint Ferry 01752 812233

Tourist Information 01752 266030

Passport Office, National Helpline 0870 5210410

Theatre Royal 01752 267222

Barbican Theatre 01752 267131

Devonport Playhouse 01752 606507

Plymouth Pavilions 01752 936363

Plymouth Pavilions Ticket Store 03337 727727

Cineworld 03303 33444

Vue Cinema 0345 308 4620

Tourist Information 01752 306330

National Trust Saltram 01752 333500

The Box 01752 304774

Plymouth Arts Centre 01752 206114

Plymouth Life Centre 01752 606900

Brickfields Recreation Ground 01752 563320

Manadon Football Dev’ment Centre 01752 201918

Plympton Swimming Pool 0870 300 0020

Plymouth Pavilions 0845 146 1460

Megabowl, Coxside 0871 5501010

Tourist Information 01752 306330

The Beckly Centre, Plymstock 01752 484433

EntertainmentTravelLeisureWeather

The Met Office 0870 9000100

Weathercall 0870 6004242

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

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

Two brave Plymouth mums are set to jump from 15,000ft in a skydive to raise money for charity and to top it off, neither of them have ever been in a plane!

Sam and Tammy

Plymouth University shortlisted for coveted national award

Plymouth University is in the running to earn the most coveted accolade in the Times Higher Education Awards 2022.

Its place on the University of the Year shortlist acknowledges the University’s international reputation for marine research and teaching, as well as decades of focus, investment, and impact.

It also reflects the University’s commitment to aligning its own ambitious long-term strategy with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the UK’s Maritime and Net Zero strategies, the South-West Development Strategy and Plymouth’s status as Britain’s Ocean City.

The shortlisting comes in a year where the University has again been named among the world’s top universities for marine excellence and climateUniversityaction.Vice-Chancellor Professor Judith Petts said: “This is further recognition of our international reputation for outstanding marine and maritime research, teaching and innovation. It acknowledges the contributions of students and staff across the University to understand and address the key global challenges facing our planet.

“It also endorses our commitment to developing and investing in areas that are crucial to global sustainability, and to working with our partners in Britain’s Ocean City and beyond to generate a global network of advocates for the effective stewardship of the oceans.”

The University has more than 1,300 students on its marine and maritime degrees, the highest number of undergraduate and postgraduate

University of Plymouthshortlisted for University of the Award

marine students anywhere in the country.

The shortlisting covers the 2020/21 period during which the University reaffirmed its position as one of the world’s leading centres for marine research, innovation, and education.

In 2020, it collected its second Queen’s Anniversary Prize in eight years recognising its marine research, this time for its work to alert the world to microplastics and to influence solutions and policies that will reduce their future impact.

It has been integral to the development of clean energy solutions, leading the UK Supergen Offshore Renewable Energy Hub, influencing national investment in offshore renewable energy technology, and securing funding to establish the UK’s national floating offshore wind test facility.

The University led initiatives in the emerging fields of clean maritime and maritime cyber security, installing a network of shoreside charging

facilities for electric maritime vessels in Plymouth Sound and establishing the UK’s first Cyber-SHIP Lab to test the cyber resilience of connected maritime systems.

It has also worked in partnerships that established the UK’s first National Marine Park, supported government designation of two new Freeports (in Plymouth and on the Thames), advanced the Royal Navy’s work on autonomous marine systems, and cemented the city’s reputation as the UK’s go-to location for marine science.TheTimes

Higher Education Awards are open to any organisation involved in higher education across the UK and Ireland, and aim to exemplify the talent, dedication and innovation of individuals and teams across all aspects of university life.

The 2022 winners will be revealed at a ceremony in London this November.

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 21 with a copy deadline of September 10. The Waterside & West edition is one of four hyper local editions delivered to a total of more than 90,000 homes throughout theWecity.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).