Page 16 A Plymouth animal sanctuary has set up a ‘kitten kindergarten’ to care for three kittens orphaned after their mother was sadly killed
business support group for women has smashed all its membership targets less than 15 months after being founded
A ‘kitten kindergarten’ has been set up at a Plymouth charity to hand-rear days old kittens tragically orphaned in a road accident.
The three kittens were just a day old when they were rescued by Woodside Animal Welfare Sanctuary after being found by a road in Saltash with their deceased mum and sibling.
With their lives hanging in the balance, Woodside’s assistant supervisor Kirstin Stone set up an after-hours ‘kitten kindergarten’ at the Elfordleigh sanctuary to provide the specialist training needed to nurture the new arrivals.
A group of staff has volunteered to stay behind after work for specialist training in hand-feeding, temperature regulation, toileting and general healthcare - and lots of cuddles!
Overnight, the kittens, who they have named Flynn, Bug and Karen, are being taken home by the staff for ‘sleepovers,’ to ensure they have the very best care around the clock.
Kirstin said the kittens were doing well but, at only two weeks old, are still vulnerable and will need weeks of extra care before they can hopefully be rehomed.
“We have always provided training, but this is the first time we’ve started a ‘kitten kindergarten’,” she said. “The staff asked to be trained and they are happy to stay after work.
“At this age, the kittens need to be fed every two hours with a small syringe. They have to be fed
in a certain position and you have to be careful that they do not drink too fast because there is a risk that the milk can go onto their lungs and drown them. They need toileting and, until they are around three weeks old, they cannot control their own body temperature, so they need a heat pad.
“Kittens are blind and deaf when born. They have only just opened their ears. They are learning to walk and are bumbling around now.”
For Kirstin, the young trio take the number of kittens she has handreared at the sanctuary to 39. They are currently among 17 kittens being cared for by Woodside.
“I really like looking after animals that need help and need a bit of extra care,” she said. “It is a real commitment. They end up coming with you everywhere. I take them with me to see my friends and parents.
“They are doing well, however it’s early days and they are not out of the woods yet. The training is going well and I am noticing staff’s individual talents. One of them is really good at encouraging the kittens to settle and go to sleep, one seems to be able to get them to go toilet.
“Seeing the kittens growing up and knowing I’ve played a part is rewarding. I still get to see some of the cats that I hand-reared as kittens.”
For more information about the work of Woodside visit www. woodsidesanctuary.org.uk/
A new city-wide approach to addressing poverty and raising the living standards of people in Plymouth is set to be agreed by councillors.
Building Bridges to Opportunity is a new programme that will focus on three areas. It provides a framework to review city plans, strategies and services to ensure that Plymouth is an environment where people:
• Don’t fall into poverty
• Experience less harm from poverty
• Can lift themselves out of poverty.
Building on the Child Poverty Action Plan 2022-25, the programme will ensure there is a wider focus on poverty, affecting Plymouth residents of all ages.
As part of the programme, a new Councillor Champion will also be appointed to help ensure ongoing cross-council commitment.
Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Housing, Cooperative Development and Communities, said: “We responded to the cost-of-living crisis immediately and have been working hard to support our residents as they’ve faced rising costs for energy, food and housing.
“However, it is clear that we now need to take a longer-term approach to tackle the root causes of poverty and ensure that people are empowered to lift themselves out of poverty.
“This new framework sets out how we will work across the council and together with key city partners to map out existing initiatives and assess how well they are working to support residents, while identifying any gaps in services or potential problems that could exacerbate the issues residents face.”
Departing Mon 4 Nov ‘24
It’s time to Jingle All the Way to Folkestone and enjoy some pre-Christmas festivities at our fabulous hotel! With plenty of delicious Christmas food, a 2-4-1 bar offer and entertainment throughout our stay – we can be certain of a fabulous five-days away!
Your break includes
Return coach travel from Plymouth & Saltash
4 nights at the Grand Burstin Hotel, Folkestone with dinner & breakfast (includes traditional ‘Christmas’ dinner)
2 for 1 bar (6pm-9pm) on selected drinks
After-dinner tea and coffee
Light entertainment every evening
Excursions to Canterbury & Rochester
Optional excursion to Sandwich (£8pp)
Departing Fri 24 Jan ‘25
Let us whisk you away to the Isle of Wight for a weekend to rejuvenate. Tailored for those who seek relaxation by the sea, along with a desire to explore, this break includes a visit to the historic town of Newport and an optional ‘Round the Island’ tour.
Your break includes
Return coach travel & ferry crossings from Plymouth & Saltash
3 nights at the Shanklin Beach Hotel, Shanklin (JG2+ rating) with dinner & breakfast
2 for 1 bar (6pm-9pm) on selected drinks
Excursion to Newport
Optional Round the Island tour (£14pp)
Departing Sat 22 Feb ‘25
Join us as we soak up the peaceful ambience and charm of the Cotswolds, exploring well-known, picturesque villages such as Bourton-on-the-Water and Broadway, as well as visiting Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon on what promises to be a lovely weekend getaway.
Your break includes
Return coach travel from Plymouth & Saltash
2 nights at a selected hotel in Coventry (JG2 rating) with dinner & breakfast
2 for 1 bar (6pm-9pm) on selected drinks
Excursion to Cotswolds Villages (Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold & Broadway)
En-route visit to Stratford-upon-Avon
A Plymouth couple have had to endure the worst possible nightmare after their threeyear-old daughter was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer that could leave her unable to walk or use her arms again.
Three-year-old Clara Gilley had celebrated her birthday on March 29 this year, but two days later she became unwell and was unable to move her arms or legs.
Her worried parents, Alana and Matt Gilley, called an ambulance and she was rushed to Derriford Hospital where she had an urgent CT scan followed by an MRI. To their horror Clara suffered a cardiac arrest while undergoing the MRI and it was an agonising three minutes before she was resuscitated.
The scans revealed a tumour around her neck and spine. The following day, April 1, Clara was transferred to Bristol Children’s Hospital - where she has remained ever since. Two weeks after arriving at Bristol she was diagnosed with a Ewing Sarcoma which was pressing on her spine and caused her to lose all use of her limbs.
Clara, who is described by her mum as feisty, kind and brave, underwent life saving surgery to remove the mass from her back and since then has been totally dependent on a ventilator to breathe.
She has undergone extensive chemotherapy treatment and is shortly due to start a long period of radiotherapy. Her condition is so serious that Clara has spent a significant amount of her time in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit.
Alana and Matt have now spent more than six months in Bristol visiting Clara in hospital every day from early morning to late at night, with occasional respite when family and friends give them a break from being at her bedside.
They have now launched a £100,000 Crowdfunder appeal to raise funds to enable
their home to be adapted so that Clara can come home to Plymouth when she is well enough.
Alana, who is a qualified teacher, said:
“It has been a bumpy road with various infections as her immune system gets wiped out each time she has chemotherapy and then rebuilds itself, most recently ending up back in intensive care as a chest infection had impacted her breathing and she needed to be moved from her normal home ventilator to the ICU machines.
“We have recently found out that there is a part of her spinal cord that has been compressed so much that it has not recovered. It is, therefore, unlikely that she will ever be able to walk or move her arms again.
“Clara has been incredible through the whole experience. She’s undergone multiple surgeries including having her Hickman line inserted in her chest and more recently removed, having her tracheostomy procedure and her initial tumour removal.
“There have been times where it has been touch and go and despite all of this Clara has continued to smile and be her funny, sweet self. She is the strongest and most resilient person and she deserves to be given the chance to live a fulfilled life.
“Clara will not be able to be discharged from hospital until we have a suitable property for her to move to.”
Matt, who is a professional photographer added: “With all this in mind, our current housing situation is very much up in the air. It is looking likely that there is not a lot that we can do with our current home in Plympton to make it fully accessible to Clara and so we would need to move to a different property that allows her to move freely around all parts of the house or has the potential to be adapted to be fully accessible.
“It is really important to us that no part of the house is unaccessible to Clara to help enable her to have a childhood like other children her age.
“Unfortunately, we will not be able to get
a mortgage to borrow what we’d need to buy something suitable for all of us as a family and so we are very kindly asking for any help that will allow us to get Clara home.
“We really appreciate the kindness and generosity we have received so far and anything that you can donate to us to get Clara home would be graciously welcome.”
The Crowdfunder appeal has raised more than £19,000 since it was launched on September 1, so there is still a long way to go.
To support the fund to get Clara home go to www.crowdfunder. co.uk/p/get-clara-home#start
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.
Apple Pressing at Radford Woods
Sept 29
The Friends of Radford Woods invite you to its annual Apple Pressing Event at The Hide, White Lady Road in Hooe from 2pm to 4pm. The group will be pressing apples from the local orchard to produce fresh apple juice. There will also be a cake stall and other family fun activities and a chance to learn about the local nature reserve, trees and wildlife. All welcome. Please keep an eye on the Friends of Radford Woods Facebook page and website for more details.
Why Did I Write That?
Sept 29
Composer Clive Jenkins reminisces in a new talk about his career illustrated with CDs both private and commercial at Stoke Damerel Church from 3pm to 4.20pm. Orchestral, choral, chamber and cabaret items plus some new piano music played live. A fundraiser for Stoke Damerel Church’s roof fund. There will also be cake provided! Tickets £15 from www. plymouthconcerts.com
Pop-Up Cinema - The Blind
Oct 4
The Plympton St Maurice pop-up cinema is held in the St Maurice Guildhall on the first Friday of each month. This month’s movie is The Blind (cert. 12): The true story of Phil Robertson - Long before becoming a reality tv star he falls in love and starts a family but his demons threatened to tear everyone apart, before finding redemption in an unlikely place. Doors and fully licensed bar open at 7pm, movie starts 7.30. Tickets £5 on the door, all very welcome. All proceeds to The Friends of the Guildhall (FROGS) for the ongoing maintenance and preservation of this historic building. Details at www.plymtonstmaurice. com/picturehouse
Coffee Morning
Oct 5
Crownhill Methodist Church Hall from 10.30am to 12 noon. Various stalls. Proceeds to Brikama Medical Mission. All welcome.
Keyham Green Places Open Day
Oct 5
Free event at KGP, Renown Street from 11am to 3pm. Martial arts demo, crafts sale, children’s games and crafts, table top and plant sales, community groups, pasties and cakes, pilates and yoga demos.
Trevi’s Warrior Women Walk
Oct 5
The Warrior Women Walk is back, bigger and better for 2024! The 10k challenge takes in the beautiful scenery of Burrator Reservoir. It is an opportunity to connect with friends and other amazing women striving to be those resilient, determined women they know they can be. Details and registration at www.trevi.org.uk/ portfolio-item/warrior-women-walk/ Good Food & Craft Market
Oct 6
The popular Good Food + Craft Market will be taking place in Royal William Yard on the first Sunday of every month. Known for showcasing some of the region’s most talented artists and makers, the markets offer everything from tasty‚ reats to handcrafted gifts. The monthly markets have been a staple of Royal William Yard’s event calendar for years, and have won event awards along the way. Details at www.royalwilliamyard.com
You Are Here - Where Is Here
Oct 11 and 12
Local writer John McGee presents his latest play at Mutley Baptist Church at 7pm. Lost and alone in the middle of Dartmoor ...or so he thinks. That’s Jakob.
Mapless. Apart from his Mappa Mundi tea towel. But can a 13th century map really get him back ‘here’? And what the heck does ‘here’ mean anyway? And is he really alone? Tickets £10 on door or at ticketsource/ co.uk/mcgees2PLUS.com
Gospel Choir Concert
Oct 12
Featuring Callington Community Gospel choir and Mark Jenner on the organ at Plymouth Methodist Central Hall at 7pm. Free entry with collection for Children’s Hospice South West and church organ fund. Go along for an uplifting fun evening. Listen, clap, sing and just enjoy.
Model Show
Oct 12
Harewood House, Plympton from 10am hosted by City of Plymouth Model Boat Club. Opened by Stannator of Plympton. All profits to Children’s Hospice SW. Admission £3, U14 £1. Boats, trucks, Lego, 3D models, helicopters and other RC models. Refreshments.
Singing Day
Oct 12
Organised by Plymouth Philharmonic Choir at the Woolwell Community Centre from 9.30am to 4.30pm. Featuring complete vocal scores of The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace with Nicholas Banks. Cost is £23 which includes the loan of the score.
A light lunch is available for £7. Further details from Plymouth Philharmonic Choir’s Facebook page, from Sarah Potter (07816 230173) or email plymphilchoirworkshops@gmail.com. Online booking at wegottickets.com/event/621228
Tour de Moor
Oct 13
St Luke’s Hospice’s popular fundraiser returns in October. With three distances and difficulty levels to choose from, it’s the ultimate inclusive family friendly cycling adventure. For more information or to register visit www.stlukes-hospice.org.uk/tour-de-moor
The Chamber Ensemble of London
Oct 13
Back by popular demand the Ensemble present works by Handel, Marcello, Monteverdi, Vivaldi and Bach at Stoke Damerel Church from 4pm to 6pm. Visit www. plymouthconcerts.com for more details.
Collectors Toy Fair
Oct 20
Organised by Plymouth Diecast Club at the Jan Cutting
Healthy Living Centre, Scott Business Park, Beacon Park Road, Plymouth from 10am to 1pm. Adults £1. Accompanied children Free. Cafe, and free parking. Details www.plymouthdiecastclub.com.
Historic Building Myth-busting
Oct 22
Buildings archaeologist Dr James Wright comes to the Guildhall in Plympton St Maurice to speak about his new book Historic Building Myths. His fascinating talk will explore the myths and legends behind the architecture of a range of historic buildings and uncover that the reality behind the stories is often even more interesting, romantic, and exciting than the myth itself. Doors and fully licensed bar open from 7pm; talk 7.30pm, followed by Q&A and book signing. For tickets go to www.eventbrite.co.uk and search for Dr James Wright
Plymouth Oktoberfest
Oct 26
The popular event returns to Central Park with two sessions from 12 noon to 5pm and from 6pm to 11pm. Every year has been a sell-out since it was first launched and tickets are sure to be in big demand. As usual the event will feature oompah bands, bier steins, gourmet bratwurst, party games, singalongs, Ocktoberfest dress ups, lederhosen hosts and much more. For tickets and further information visit www. oktoberfestplymouth.co.uk
Civil War Talk
Oct 26
Popular speaker Philip Photiou will be giving a talk on the Civil War at Ford Park Cemetery. There will be a ploughman’s lunch included in the price of £12 for a ticket. Office hours are Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm where tickets can be purchased by calling 01752 665442. Philip is a popular speaker and his talks are often a sell-out.
Halloween Pumpkin Lantern Trail and Bat Walk
Oct 26
The Radford Park Community Project will be hosting a Halloween fun event in Radford Park, starting at the Beckly Centre, Mayers Way, PL9 9DF from 4pm to 6pm. More details will be posted online nearer the date of the event.
Coffee Morning
Nov 2
Crownhill Methodist Church Hall from 10.30am to 12 noon. Various stalls. Proceeds to Fund for Human Need. All welcome.
Bonfire Night
Nov 5
Plymouth Hoe will be lit up with a spectacular Bonfire and Fireworks display. More details coming soon.
John Lydon – I Could Be Wrong, I Could Be Right Nov 20
Punk icon John Lydon will perform in Plymouth as a part of his UK tour. The Sex Pistols’ frontman will be at the Quad Theatre on the Marjon campus at 7.30pm. Doors open at 6.45pm. Tickets from www. comicalentertainment.com
Dick Whittington Nov 30 and Dec 1
Sounds Musical Theatre Company present a proper Plymouth pantomime for the whole family, a bespoke version as he follows his fortune to Plymouth. Performances at 1pm and 6pm, on November 30 and December 1 at 1pm at the newly reburbished community hub Oreston Methodist Church Hall. Tickets £13 adults, £10 children. £42 family ticket. Book online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/sounds
Christmas Fayre Nov 30
St Budeaux Methodist Church from 10am to 1pm. Various stalls including a raffle, tombola and cakes. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate and bacon or sausage baps will be available.
Christmas Concert Dec 14
Under the baton of our Musical Director Robin Stubbs, Plymouth University Choral Society with local soprano soloist Milly Atkinson will be performing John Rutter’s Magnificat and Shepherd’s Pipe Carol, Bob Chilcott’s On Christmas Night, and other carols including I Saw Three Ships (arr. David Willcocks) St Andrew’s Minster Church 7.30pm. Tickets available from Choral Society members or on the door £16 adults, £6 students
Milton Jones
Dec 14
Fans favourite Milton Jones brings his Ha!Milton tour to the Main Hall at Plymouth University at 7.30pm. Tickets available at www.comicalentertainment.com
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.
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Devon & Cornwall Police in Plymouth have put money seized from criminal activity to good use, funding 25 food boxes filled with essentials to give to vulnerable people in need.
A total of £750 was donated to Devon and Cornwall Food Action (DCFA), a charity that works with food producers and supermarkets to redistribute food to those who cannot afford it.
The money will go towards funding boxes containing food items, toiletries and hygiene products. Police officers will be able to access these boxes to give to people who they engage with when on duty.
PC David Brooks said: “Being able to use criminal money for good by reinvesting it into the community is fantastic. These boxes will be vital in providing food and essentials for vulnerable people who are in need and not able to afford it. I hope we can continue to do some good in the community with these boxes.
“I’d also like to say thank you to all the volunteers at DCFA – you are an amazing group of people and it’s inspiring to see the work you do to support some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.”
DCFA is striving to eradicate food poverty in Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall. The charity work with a number of services including community organisations and groups.
They distribute produce to people who have been identified as suffering from food poverty, being in desperate need to feed themselves or their families.
Over 80 per cent of the individuals and families the charity supports are in paid employment. There can be many reasons why people are in food poverty, including high property costs, addiction and unexpected illnesses.
To discover more about DCFA, visit www. devonandcornwallfoodaction.org/ Police in Plymouth continue to support groups, projects and charities in the local area with money from the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) fund, which contains funds seized from criminality.
For more information about POCA funding, get in touch with the local neighbourhood police team go to www. devon-cornwall.police.uk/area/your-area/
Strengthening works to the wharf at Millbay Docks have now been completed, helping secure the future of the ferry terminal.
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Associated British Ports (ABP) say the works are the first in an investment programme funded by the UK Government as part of the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport seed capital programme.
The work on West Wharf is a key component of ABP’s ongoing £23m investment in upgrading infrastructure at Millbay, which will strengthen the port’s freight capability, increase its green credentials and make it more accessible for the cruise market.
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The project saw the installation of 30 steel tubular piles, enabling the wharf to accommodate 100-tonne cranes. This will allow the port to handle more cargo and to install a passenger boarding bridge for both ferry and cruise passengers.
Additional plans involve refurbishing the passenger terminal building and implementing traffic management measures to reduce processing times for inbound traffic.
Ashley Curnow, ABP’s divisional port manager for Wales and the Southwest said: “We are delighted to be making good progress with
the upgrade works at Millbay Docks, which will facilitate more freight and trade, supporting the wider Plymouth economy.
“These improvements will also enhance the passenger experience for Brittany Ferries customers and open new opportunities for the port’s cruise business, which is going from strength to strength. This improved infrastructure is a testament to ABP’s commitment to driving growth and sustainability at Millbay Docks. We
are grateful to the patience and support of the local community during the works.”
Millbay Docks has been a key hub for Brittany Ferries for over 40 years and includes daily services to Roscoff in France, as well as weekly services to Santander in northern Spain.
Steve Lawrie, Port Operations manager, Brittany Ferries Plymouth said: “The strengthening of the West Wharf and subsequent new boarding bridge will significantly enhance
the experience for our passengers travelling through Plymouth, especially for those travelling on foot. The upgraded facilities align with our goal to provide seamless and enjoyable travel experiences for all our customers.
“This development underscores our long-standing partnership with ABP at Millbay Docks and our shared vision for growth and excellence.”
Richard May, chief executive of Plymouth and South Devon Freeport said: “It’s fantastic to see this project completed through Freeport seed capital funding. This is a key infrastructure upgrade for Millbay Docks which will enable ABP to optimise and grow their port operations, increase ship rotations and consider new routes as part of thePlymouth and South Devon Freeport.”
Plymouth City Council Leader, Tudor Evans said: “This is a huge milestone in ourour mission to increase global trade through our ports. Freeport seed funding has helped strengthen the wharf at Millbay, opening up huge potential for more freight as well as a better welcome for ferry passengers. This work means more ships, more cargo, more business and more growth for Plymouth.”
Plans to change the layout of Royal Parade to improve bus services as part of Plymouth’s ambition to encourage people to make greener travel choices as the city grows have been further developed.
The Royal Parade bus improvement scheme has been designed to reduce congestion and improve the reliability of bus services to and from the city centre by increasing the number of bus stops on the eastbound side.
There are over 100 buses every hour – making it the city’s busiest bus interchange with over nine million passenger journeys from or to Royal Parade every year – either arriving to work in the city centre, to shop, stay or visit, or to head onto to destinations across the city.
The scheme also aims to reduce delays at this key point by cutting the queues and double stacking of buses, making services more reliable and helping to make going by bus a more attractive option than the private car.
The council stress It is essential that bus services are improved to make it easier for everyone to get to work, school, shops and businesses, friends or family. This is particularly important as nearly 25 per cent of households in Plymouth do not have a car. With the city’s population expected to grow, improving sustainable travel choices is vital to keeping the city moving.
Earlier scheme proposals were unveiled in a public consultation in 2021 and the council has further developed the designs, taking into consideration issues the public and other stakeholders wanted addressed.
The developed plans focus on the eastbound side of Royal Parade between Derry’s Cross and St. Andrew’s Cross and include:
• Redesigning the road with a shallow saw-tooth layout to increase the number of bus stops from 12 to 15, to prevent double stacking, unnecessary idling and improve air quality. This will improve bus manoeuvrability and safety by reducing the need for buses to reverse out and ensure passengers can get on and off from the pavement.
• Clearer and easier information about where and what bus to get in the new shelters and upgraded Real Time Passenger Information displays.
• New, bigger shelters to make it easier for people with pushchairs or wheelchairs to use them. They will have living roofs to support biodiversity.
• An upgraded toucan crossing at Armada Way for both pedestrians and cyclists.
• Average speed camera system to replace existing static cameras, supporting a safe environment for pedestrians.
The scheme will work alongside bus infrastructure upgrades on Mayflower Street, which were finished last year and offer an alternative city centre location for buses, to further reduce congestion on Royal Parade.
As part of progressing these plans, the council now wants to share the developed designs and the construction and traffic management proposals, particularly with city centre traders, to make sure any access needs are taken into account before the plans are finalised.
To view and comment on the developed plans, go to www.plymouth.gov.uk/find-out-more-about-
royal-parade-scheme and complete the survey. The deadline to give views is October 2.
The work is expected to take around six months and is pencilled in to start in January 2025, once the Old Town Street/New George Street works are completed. However, the Armada Way scheme will be underway and the project teams are liaising closely to ensure as little disruption as possible.
The improvements earmarked for Royal Parade will make the city centre a more attractive place to be. With major regeneration happening across the wider city centre, it is expected there will be new businesses and more residential properties in the years ahead. This means the right infrastructure needs to be in place to ensure an increased number of people can move around the city.
The east bound side of Royal Parade will be reduced to one lane during construction so that there is enough space for people to walk and visit shops, as well as create a safe working space for the contractors.
There will be some disruption for bus passengers, with stops moved to temporary locations. More details will be confirmed nearer the start of the scheme.
To view and comment on the plans, go to www.plymouth.gov. uk/find-out-more-about-royalparade-scheme and complete the survey. The deadline to give views is October 2.
Huge investments in Plymouth’s water management could be unlocked thanks to an innovative new partnership.
It comes after Plymouth City Council entered into a naturerestoration partnership with Rebalance Earth, a UK-based boutique fund manager, entirely focused on connecting finance with nature.
As part of a new memorandum of understanding, Rebalance Earth will collaborate with Ocean City Nature, an arm’s length, Council-owned ‘habitat bank’, to design and ultimately fund investible propositions, through their new innovative nature restoration strategy.
Habitat banks are a form of green finance that ensures that the biodiversity net gain, required by law for large developments, benefits residents and also ensures that natural habitats are looked after and maintained for many years to come.
From January 2024, national planning laws changed to require all large developments, as defined in planning terms, to provide at least ten per cent biodiversity net gain on all construction.
Legacy
Developers investing in the city are able to purchase ‘units’ of already established biodiversity from the Habitat Bank, enabling them to fulfil their legal obligations, while funding a lasting environmental legacy in publicly owned natural environments within Plymouth.
The funding provided by Rebalance Earth will allow the council to better manage the risk of flooding from the River Plym.
Improvements will include the renaturalising of water courses to help slow the flow of water along with the development of more nature-based drainage systems, which will allow eco-systems to hold more water.‚
Councillor Tom Briars-Delve, Cabinet Member for the Environment and Climate Change, said: “We are incredibly proud to be piloting Rebalance Earth’s innovative new green finance fund here in Plymouth.
“Our plan was always to seek outside investment for Ocean City Nature and this partnership aligns perfectly with our strategic vision of building climate resilience and most importantly, enhancing the quality of life for our residents by improving, maintaining and optimising our cherished green and blue spaces.
“By integrating natural systems into our city’s infrastructure planning, we’re setting a precedent for how cities can leverage Nature-based solutions to drive sustainable economic growth, improve public health, and create a thriving environment for generations to come.”
Robert Gardner, chief executive and co-founder of Rebalance Earth,
emphasised the importance of the partnership: “Plymouth City Council is leading the way, demonstrating how we can come together to restore Nature and tackle climate change head-on. Nature is our most powerful ally, and we must rebuild it as the essential infrastructure that shields our cities, communities, and businesses from the growing threats of floods, droughts, and environmental degradation.
“By recognising nature as businesscritical infrastructure, we are shifting the paradigm – transforming natural systems into investable assets that protect our environment and generate long-term economic benefits. Plymouth will serve as a model that can be scaled and replicated across the UK.”
Existing solutions to mitigate these risks requires large amounts of capital expenditure, and only provide a short-term fix with costs continuing to rise.
Rebalance Earth’s strategy is to work with Local Government Associations, starting with Plymouth City Council, on nature restoration projects, by making a clear business case for companies to pay for nature restoration in their local areas in order to increase their operational resilience using Nature as a Service (NaaS) offtake agreements.‚
These long-term agreements not only provide companies with operational resilience from climate and nature related risks by reducing business disruption and risk of damage to assets, but they also generate attractive risk-adjusted returns. Additional returns are generated through Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) units and Voluntary Carbon Credits.
Once cashflow is generated from nature it becomes an investable asset class.
“The impressive Mayflower Brassiere is nestled inside the great Boringdon Hall and boasts two AA rosettes, led by Head Chef Max Ellerton.
Just off the Great Hall, the Mayflower Brassiere provides a more relaxed dining experience while still keeping the history, charm and elegance of the manor house.
“Dining with friends, who were lucky enough to be staying at the hotel, we enjoyed a pre-dinner drink in the ‘secret bar’ from their extensive drinks menu which includes cocktails designed by their very own mixologists. We recommend trying their Boringdon Hall gin.”
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Pictured after the signing of the new investment partnership (from left) Caption Walid Al Saqqaf, co-founder of Rebalance Earth, Rob Gardner, chief executive and co-founder of Rebalance Earth Councillor Tom Briars-Delve, Cabinet Member for the Environment and Climate Change and Kat Deeney, head of Environmental Planning at Plymouth City Council
Walid Al Saqqaf, co-founder of Rebalance Earth highlighted the strategic focus on water management: “Our focus on the River Plym highlights the strategic importance of water management in Plymouth’s infrastructure planning. By investing in nature-based solutions, we aim to mitigate the risk of severe flooding events like the devastating Marsh Mills flood of November 1954 and the recent extensive flooding last month.
“Applying advanced technologies like AI, remote sensing, and geospatial mapping, we can optimise how investments are directed in natural landscapes along the Plym to reduce flooding risks and ensure a stable water supply during dry spells, ultimately increasing long-term resilience for both local businesses and the City of Plymouth.
“This project sets the stage for scaling similar initiatives across Plymouth and the UK, highlighting the power of nature as a driver of both social and economic prosperity.”
Plymouth City Council’s partnership with Rebalance Earth demonstrates the council’s ongoing commitment to invest in nature-aligned solutions and protect its city from future climaterelated flooding risks like flooding, enhancing economic resilience for its businesses and improved quality of life its residents.
Notice is hereby given that Smashland Foods Ltd On Thursday 22nd August 2024
Have made application to the Plymouth City Council, being the Licensing Authority for the purposes of the above Act, for the grant of a Premises Licence in respect of the premises situated at and known as:
Smashland Burgers, 12 Commercial Wharf, Madeira Road, Plymouth, PL1 2NX
The relevant licensable activities are as follows; 1200-2300 hours on weekdays, and 1200-2300 hours on Sundays
The activities are Sale of Alcohol (On Sales)
Any representations to this application should be made in writing or electronically to: Public Protection Service Manager, Licensing Office, Plymouth City Council, Ballard House, West Hoe Road, Plymouth, PL1 3BJ. licensing@plymouth.gov.uk (for electronic representations please provide your postal address).
No later than 19th September 2024
(This is the 28th day commencing from the day after the application was submitted to the Council)
A copy of this application can be viewed on the Council’s licensing register or at the Licensing Office address during normal office hours.
It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with this application, the maximum fine on summary conviction being unlimited.
Plymouth is celebrating a scheme designed to make people look again at the city centre’s stunning post-war architecture.
Britain’s Ocean City was one of the country’s most heavily bombed cities during World War Two and its civic heart was virtually razed to the ground during the conflict when, between 6 July 1940 and 30 April 1944, Plymouth experienced 59 separate attacks and the air raid sirens sounded 602 times.
Two shopping centres, two guildhalls, a theatre, six hotels and eight cinemas were destroyed, 26 schools bombed, 41 churches struck, 1,900 public houses destroyed by bombs or fire, 3,754 homes destroyed and 18,389 seriously damaged. The human cost was devastating: 1,174 civilians killed and 4,448 injured.
Instead of rebuilding, in 1943 the council appointed leading town planner, Patrick Abercrombie, to create ‘The Plan for Plymouth’. The plan proposed replacing an overcrowded and congested city centre with a bold, modern style of wide streets, landscaping and greenery – all with a uniformity of architectural style and material. It is the only large-scale example of post-war town planning to be fully implemented in the country.
Some 80 years later and thanks to a fouryear High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) programme, buildings and spaces in the city centre, known as the Abercrombie Estate, have emerged revitalised and re-energised.
Funded by Historic England, the £2.1m project was match-funded by the Transforming Cities Fund, Active Travel England and Plymouth City Council.
The completion of this work is a significant milestone in the overall re-development of the city centre which will continue in further phases.
One of the first projects was producing the City Centre Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan which celebrated the UK’s first post-war conservation area, highlighted its international significance in the field of planning and urban design and signalled how this could be upgraded and returned to its former glory.
Simon Hickman from Historic England said: “Plymouth is the most spectacular example in the country of how opportunities presented by wartime damage were grasped to produce an
environment for the modern age: bright, clean, spacious and in tune with the optimism of the post-war years.
“But the city centre is now nearly 75 years old, and inevitably time has taken its toll. We wanted to refresh the fine mid-century architecture and play our part in helping residents and visitors view the city centre with a fresh eye.”
Restoring the Gydnia Fountain at St Andrew’s Cross to working order was the first physical sign of the improvements, creating a gateway to the city centre.
A key project was repairing and cleaning the Portland stone facades of buildings on Royal Parade such as Pearl Assurance House. A grant
worth £208,884 was agreed with Historic England and the results are simply stunning.
After essential repairs, decades of pollution, algal growth and staining were steam cleaned away to the delight of residents who could see the stonework gleaming. The results encouraged other landlords to do the same.
British Land, for instance, took up the offer of match funding and had facades above shops on New George Street and Old Town Street cleaned. A total of 29 facades have been cleaned and repaired, which has led to renewed interest and increase in lettings.
One of the city’s historic institutions, The Athenaeum received a facelift, thanks to a Historic England £86,194 grant. The council helped the charity to apply for funding to restore the building, which opened in June 1961, on almost the exact location of its pre-Blitz home. Past members of the Atheneum include Charles Darwin and stamp dealer Stanley Gibbons and the modern building has seen the likes of the Beatles perform. It is still an important venue for performing literature and arts.
But the ‘jewel’ of the HASHAZ programme was the restoration of Civic Square – formerly the Grand Square. A Grade II registered park and garden, it was designed by Geoffrey Jellicoe, one of the country’s greatest landscape gardeners of his time. He wanted a space for ‘dignity and frivolity’, and a ‘civic amenity to be enjoyed by townspeople at all times’.
The restoration work entailed reintroducing ‘bow-tie’ paving, the restoration of the ‘reflection
Work is also progressing on other large-scale public space projects in Old Town Street and New George Street. Contractors have encountered considerable challenges while they dug deep to create a series of rain gardens, voids hastily filled in after the blitz, shop cellars and the odd tram rail have all been uncovered. Another regeneration scheme, Armada Way will hopefully be starting later this year.
HSHAZ was not just about physical changes but looking to change people’s perceptions.
Councillor Mark Lowry, City Centre Champion said: “We wanted people to look again at the incredible architecture all around them. Rebuilding the city centre to an entirely new street pattern after the Plymouth Blitz was unprecedented in postwar Britain and so much of this architecture is still here.”
The initiative encompassed a cultural programme managed by Plymouth Culture and a Community Engagement Programme managed by The Box which delivered 20 art installations and more than 160 community engagement events. Listed buildings overlooking Civic Square were lit up with striking installations, from the five-story scrolling of Sir Ben Okri’s poem ‘Love is the highest economy of life’ on the Civic Centre tower to neon messaging of ‘What will you make of it?’
Other highlights are a ‘Selfie Wall’ project, fabulous backdrops for snap-happy folk dotted around the city centre and an architectural map and trail, showcasing its most important buildings beautifully illustrated.
Hannah Harris, CEO of Plymouth Culture said: “The HSHAZ programme was a unique opportunity to connect culture, capital and community programmes for real impact. We were able to demonstrate how cultural interventions can contribute to a reimagined, vibrant city centre.
“Over 7,000 people engaged with the culture programme and 88 per cent agreed that cultural activities would attract visits to the city centre and 68% felt that the cultural activity made them more aware of/interested in the unique heritage of the High Street and city centre.”
Steve Hughes, chief executive of Plymouth City Centre Company added: “Plymouth City Centre is unique and we were delighted that Historic England felt as strongly as we did that this post-war architecture should be revitalised and celebrated. It’s been a fascinating journey to see some incredible buildings get their moment in the spotlight again.
“It is a tough environment for retailers, but we are seeing footfall in the city centre growing and more interest from businesses looking to open
The Plymouth Safe Bus, which is set up to provide support to people during the late night and early hours of the morning, has helped nearly 230 people so far this year.
The Safe Bus, which was set up by Devon & Cornwall Police and a number of local partners including Plymouth City Council, is located in Derry’s Cross every Saturday between 10pm and 4am. The bus is staffed by a team of paramedics, security guards and nearby taxi marshalls on Raleigh Street who ensure anyone trying to get a taxi, including those from the Safe Bus, can get home safely.
Police Sergeant Mark Williams, who supports the running of the Safe Bus, said: “We know how busy nightlife within Plymouth is, especially as the city is home to three universities. It’s always great to see people enjoying themselves on the weekend and we know how important it is for everyone to feel
police officers continue to conduct regular patrols during peak hours, both in plain clothes and in high visibility uniform, to deter crime and provide a reassurance to the public.
“We continue to work closely with our partners across the city to ensure that people in Plymouth can enjoy a safe night out, but if something does go wrong, we have support in place for you. As always, if you need help or want to report a crime, please do approach our officers – that’s what we’re here for.”
The current Safe Bus has been running since 2023. It provides a general safe space, medical provision, drink spiking tests and phone charging facilities. The power on the bus is charged by solar panels.
Plymouth Citybus supported the police in acquiring the bus. The partners involved in funding the initiative include University of
“By providing on-the-spot medical care and a safe space for those who feel vulnerable, the Safe Bus alleviates pressure on venue staff and emergency services, allowing accredited establishments to focus on delivering a safe and enjoyable experience. This collaboration enhances the overall safety of our nighttime experience, making the city a welcoming and secure place for everyone.”
Councillor Sally Haydon, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “The Safe Bus is another excellent initiative that we have available in our city to offer support, and to make people feel safer when out and about at night.
“It’s always useful to know that there are services around the city that are available to help people should they need it. The bus will have trained paramedics and professionals on board to help you should you feel you need medical assistance during your night out. It is vital that we have these services available in the city to protect our residents and people
Long awaited work on the controversial Armada Way scheme will start in the next few weeks.
The City Council Cabinet has agreed the construction costs of the scheme, with the lion’s share being paid by external contributions from grants and developers.
Subject to call-in, contracts with the construction company will be signed shortly and following this, work is scheduled to start in early October.
The cost of the construction is now £29.89 million. This will be paid for by external Government grants (Transforming Cities Fund and the Future High Streets Fund), contributions from developers, funding from the Climate Emergency Investment Fund, council borrowing and receipts from the sale of surplus property. This means that the direct cost to local taxpayers for the construction of the Armada Way scheme is £11.2 million, just over 38 per cent of the overall construction costs.
An NHS spokesperson said: “The Safe Bus is an integral part of the night time economy
“ It is also a vital part of the NHS, providing
Department. It is great to see such a strong collaborative approach to supporting those who enjoy the night life in Plymouth and we
Councillor Tudor Evans, leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “Let’s be clear, creating a city centre that we all can be proud of cannot be done on the cheap. Construction costs have gone up exponentially in recent years – the cost of materials alone has more than doubled.
“We are trying to create something really special that will be a real focal point for our city. Plymouth deserves the best as we embark on a new chapter for our unique city centre.”
Steve Hughes, chief executive of the City Centre Company, said: “We are delighted that work is about to start on this important project and excited about the possibilities it gives us to put on more events and activities to attract more visitors and investment. It will give the city centre and our businesses a new confidence.”
The construction will be over a period of time – with the first phases of work focussed in the Beckley Point and the Copthorne Hotel part of Armada Way, which will start in October and run through until June 2025.
Cllr Evans added: “We know that the work will take around 21 months to complete and over the next few weeks we will be working with local businesses and traders to help them understand the impact of the construction and ensure that we can put mitigations in place to ensure that access and deliveries are not restricted.
“I would like to thank everyone who has supported this project so far, from the local businesses – who are desperate for a new and improved city centre, to all local people who participated in our consultation. Thank you.
“Together, we will get there and make Armada Way a space we can all be proud of.”
Funding has been given to seven projects in Plymouth that are working to support people who may be struggling with their mental health, as part of the city’s approach to suicide prevention.
The innovative projects are working to bring people together, combat loneliness and improve mental health in a range of unique ways, including craft sessions with therapy animals, mountain biking trips and even roleplaying games.
£45,000 of funding from NHS England in partnership with Plymouth City Council, administered by POP, has been given out in grants to a range of organisations with the aim of improving awareness of suicide and suicide prevention, while also supporting and empowering people.
The projects aim to support priority groups who are most at risk of suicide, including children and young people, adult men, people who are neurodivergent and pregnant women and new mothers.
The projects that received funding are:
• Trail Therapy by Bikespace: Regular mountain bike rides to support participants’ physical and mental health
• Diverse Explorations by Manifest, Queer Out Loud, NeuDICE and The Crafts Workshop: A series of creative workshops for young people who are neurodivergent and identify as LGBTQIA+
• First Time Fliers by Developing Natural Arts: Creative community craft sessions for young people, care leavers, students and new parents
• Roleplaying for Resilience by Character Creations: Establishing a network of in-person and online roleplaying games to help people overcome social isolation
• Animal and Art Wellbeing Community Group by Pets and Picasso CIC: A weekly group with therapy animals and arts and craft activities for adults who are neurodiverse
• Chronic Pain Cafes by Chronic Pain Coaching: Providing peer support and giving people the skills to help self-manage chronic pain conditions
• Wellness Workshops for Pregnant Women and New Mums by Pillars of Wellness & Wellbeing: Meditation, breathwork and yoga sessions to increase resilience and promote a regulated nervous system.
World Suicide Prevention Day in September aimed to reduce stigma and encourage open conversations to prevent suicides.
Councillor Mary Aspinall, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “Every death by suicide is a tragic loss and has a devastating, far-reaching impact on families, friends and the wider community. We know this can be an uncomfortable and distressing topic, but it’s really important that we end the stigma and work to prevent suicides by having open conversations and creating an environment where people are supported during times of personal crisis.
“We want Plymouth to be a safe and supportive place for everyone and are pleased to be funding these innovative projects that will help people who may be struggling.”
Details of the mental health support available in Plymouth at: www.plymouth.gov.uk/ mental-health-support. You can also contact the Samaritans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by calling 116 123.
Work is continuing at pace to make Plymouth a more welcoming city for older people, the City Council Cabinet has been told.
Last year, the council committed to ambitious plans for Plymouth to become a city where people age well, where older residents are supported and empowered to live life to the fullest.
Over the past few months a city-wide steering group has been developing an ageing well programme for Plymouth, setting out how the council will:
• Support people to live healthily
• Have age-friendly places across the city that feel welcome and safe (this includes transport, outdoor spaces and buildings)
• Ensure activities are available that are financially, culturally and physically accessible
• Promote and celebrate the contribution of older people in the community
• Ensure older people have opportunities to develop new skills and pass on their skills
• Ensure that communications across the city are inclusive and portray positive images of older people.
At the next Cabinet meeting in October the council will launch a ‘State of Ageing’ report, presenting a picture of what is happening across Plymouth, including examples of lived experience and insights from real people. This report will help highlight the gaps and areas for future focus, with an action plan for moving things forward.
The council will also be launching a new
A volunteering fair will also be held, focusing on volunteers over 50 years old, and there will be a range of activities, including taster sessions for special events, giving older people the opportunity to access new services, get information or advice and connect with others.
Councillor Mary Aspinall, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “I’m really excited by the potential that this has to make sure that Plymouth is an accessible and inclusive city where everyone can thrive
regardless of their age. Let’s face it, we are all getting older, and we all deserve a good quality of life, whether you are as fit as a fiddle, or have daily challenges to face.
“Over the past few months I have been blown away of the amount of activity and support that is already available in Plymouth. And I think one of the first things we need to do is raise awareness of what already exists. But, of course there will be gaps.
“And we need to have a clear plan of how we can support all residents to age well, to have a good quality of life and play an active role with friends and families, and in the community.”
Plymouth is set to celebrate International Day of Older People on October 1 with a whole week of events and activities for people aged over 50.
It’s all part of the city’s new Ageing Well programme, which has seen Plymouth City Council commit to ambitious plans to make Plymouth a city where older residents are supported and empowered to live life to the fullest.
From September 30 to October 7, a range of events will give older people the opportunity to try out new activities, meet new people and learn more about the support on offer.
Councillor Mary Aspinall, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “There’s an absolutely brilliant line up of events and activities taking place across the city during the first week of October.
“I can’t think of a better way to launch our Ageing Well programme than by demonstrating all the activities and support available for older people in Plymouth and I hope to see lots of people getting involved.”
Plymouth Active is hosting a number of free taster sessions and classes for over 50s to explore a huge range of exercise options: swimming, climbing, walking netball, badminton, table tennis, Nordic walking, bowls, seated exercise classes and gym introduction sessions. More details and information on how to book at plymouthactive.co.uk/events.
over-50s-plymouth-celebratesageing-well-programme
Improving Lives Plymouth also have a range of activities taking place at venues across the city. The sessions on offer include seated yoga, tai chi, gentle walks for unpaid carers and the people they care for, ballet, boccia (a
ball sport in the same family as bowls) and community craft sessions. A small fee applies for these sessions and more information is available at: www.improvinglivesplymouth. org.uk/our-services/age-positive.
There are also a number of free drop-in events taking place throughout the week, with no booking required. Details can be found at www.plymouth.gov.uk/news/exciting-events-
The week’s activities culminate on October 7 when a Volunteering Fair is taking place at The Box from 1pm to 4pm. Visitors can find out about volunteering opportunities available for over 50s at a range of different organisations serving a diverse range of communities and causes. Confirmed attendees so far include Barnardo’s, Timebank Southwest, Marie Curie, Trevi, Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth City Council, Hearts Together, Improving Lives Plymouth, Elder Tree Befriending, Nature Plymouth, Citizens Advice, Age UK and the NSPCC.
It’s the start of September at the time of writing and it is a significant change of season. Not only is it the transition from Summer into Autumn but it’s the start of a new academic year and with that a fresh start for so many people.
It is timely in many ways because at Cross Rhythms Plymouth, we’ve got some significant changes coming up as well. This article will be a bit different this month as I outline something we’re very excited about. Namely our growth to start broadcasting on DAB.
Cross Rhythms Plymouth has been broadcasting on 96.3FM in Plymouth since 2007 and it is now on the cusp of starting transmission on DAB as well.
By way of a brief explanation DAB stands for Digital Audio Broadcasting and is essentially the future of radio. You’ll notice on all new cars they primarily have DAB as the method of receiving radio stations so it’s an important step for us to take!
Following receipt of a DAB licence from Ofcom, we’re running a crowdfunding campaign to raise the money to start
transmission on this platform alongside our FM broadcasting.
Happily the station received a significant boost in the fundraising efforts from a donor agreeing to match fund all proceeds raised towards the cause.
Cross Rhythms Plymouth has a great reputation locally for broadcasting a message of hope through Christian music and community content. Many local organisations have been interviewed over the years to share what they do in the city.
We’re truly local and rooted in Plymouth for the people of Plymouth.
The target stands at £1,600 to be raised by the
A new plan has been developed to address the shortage of suitable school places for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) in Plymouth.
Utilising £13 million that Plymouth City Council has received from the Department for Education’s high needs provision capital allocation, the plan will support the provision of new places and improvements to existing provision for children with SEND.
It would see a major expansion of specialist places, including more in mainstream schools as well as reconfiguration and refurbishment of some of the city’s special schools to increase their current capacity. There will also be additional nursery places to enable earlier assessment of young children with SEND.
The plan, Plymouth City Council’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Sufficiency Plan, sets out the vision for 2024 to 2030 and is subject to approval at the Council’s next Cabinet meeting on September 9.
Councillor Sally Cresswell, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Apprenticeships, said: “Like many other local authorities, we are seeing much greater demand for services that support children and young people with SEND. Our goal is to support all of our children and young people to aspire, achieve and to live healthy and happy lives. Being in an education setting that works for them and meets their needs is absolutely vital, but we have been constrained by the demand for specialist places far exceeding the number of places available.”
The proposed work includes expansions or reconfigurations made to a number of special schools in Plymouth, as well as developing more specialist places within mainstream schools.
Work is already underway to carry out reconfiguration and refurbishment work at Mill Ford Special School. This will create additional places at the school, while also ensuring the building receives vital repairs.
To increase capacity for the next two years, a satellite provision has also been created for Mill Ford pupils within the grounds of Marlborough Primary Academy from September. The council will also continue to campaign for further Government funding for a replacement school building at Mill Ford in the future.
There are also proposals to create spaces at other special schools in the city, either through internal reconfiguration of the school buildings or with the addition of modular accommodation. This work would be subject to planning permission but could provide up to another 75 special school places over the coming years.
For younger children, there are plans to create an early years SEND assessment nursery at Woodlands Special School. This would facilitate quicker assessment of early years children to determine what level of support they need when they reach school age, ensuring they receive an appropriate package of support.
By Dave Simpson, Station Manager Cross Rhythms Plymouth
DAB crowdfunder campaign. The match funding donor will double that amount to bring the total to what is required for rental on the local DAB+ transmitter for the next year.
Once this target is reached there will be a stretch target up to £3,200 which would see us have the funds to run on DAB for at least a further year after the next 12 months.
The crowdfunder is open for public support until 11th October.
To find out more about the crowdfunder campaign or to lend your support visit: www.crowdfunder.
co.uk/p/dab-challenge or scan the QR code. We plan to commence broadcasting on DAB from November so it really is an exciting time to be involved in the radio station. If you are a fan of Cross Rhythms Plymouth and are able to support the Crowdfunder, every little bit really will help and we’ll be very grateful for anything you can give.
A further change is coming in both the content and presentation of this space in the Plymouth Chronicle. We don’t want to uncover too much about this just yet but needless to say we’re really excited by the development and we hope you enjoy reading what will be coming out in future editions.
Listen to Cross Rhythms Plymouth on 96.3FM or online at the new Cross Rhythms Plymouth website at www. crossrhythms.co.uk/plymouth
South Western Ambulance Service
NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) is looking for new volunteers in Plymouth to support their teams at Derriford Hospital.
The ambulance service is currently recruiting for a new volunteering experience, for a ‘HALO Helping Hand’, a unique and rewarding position designed to assist the Hospital Ambulance Liaison Officer (HALO) based at the hospital. The role offers a flexible volunteering opportunity without fixed times, ensuring volunteers can support around other commitments.
HALO Helping Hands volunteers play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth transition of patients from the ambulance service to the hospital. This position is key for supporting the operational efficiency of services and directly supports people without needing to be
patient-facing.
Responsibilities include engaging with patients, supporting ambulance crews, and supporting the duty HALO with capturing and inputting data, to the service’s Emergency Operations Centre.
This role offers an opportunity to make a tangible difference in the local community. Volunteers will receive comprehensive training, equipping them with valuable social and administrative skills. Additionally, this experience provides a chance to meet new people, learn new skills, and be part of a supportive and dynamic team to ensure an excellent patient experience is delivered.
SWASFT is looking for enthusiastic and committed individuals who are willing to volunteer their time and energy to support this initiative. While the role does not involve direct clinical care, it
requires a compassionate approach and excellent communication skills to ensure the best possible experience for everyone involved.
The South Western Ambulance Service proudly holds Investing in Volunteers accreditation, demonstrating their ability to provide the UK’s quality standard for volunteer management, through its a well-led, dedicated Volunteering and Community Services Department, which fully integrates volunteering within the Trust.
More details about other volunteering opportunities available with the SWASFT can be found at www.swasft-joinus.co.uk/ volunteers.
Anyone interested in supporting the new volunteering opportunity, or another opportunity offered, apply through the Trust’s website, www.swasft-joinus.co.uk/ vacancies.
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Plymouth is hosting a prestigious national exhibition featuring work by the next generation of artists.
Bloomberg New Contemporaries opens at three venues in the city on September 28 and runs until December 7, before touring in London.
Marking 75 years of New Contemporaries, the 2024 exhibition features 35 artists who have been selected through an open call by internationally renowned artists Liz Johnson Artur, Permindar Kaur and Amalia Pica.
Launching at KARST, The Levinsky Gallery at Plymouth University, and MIRROR at Arts University Plymouth, the exhibition marks the first time New Contemporaries has been held in Plymouth since 1964.
Donna Howard, executive director of KARST said: “New Contemporaries is a great opportunity for Plymouth to showcase the city’s ambitious and dynamic contemporary art scene at a local, regional and national level.
“The artists in this year’s New Contemporaries focus on themes
and issues that are relevant to Plymouth and society more widely and we are excited about the conversations that will emerge as audiences visit the exhibition across the three venues.”
Works are arranged thematically at each venue offering an overview of urgent lived concerns, interests and social realities from this generation of artists.
Recurrent themes include mindfulness, consumerism, conviviality, environmentalism, geographical borders, and identity politics. A diverse range of mediums and approaches are featured including painting, sculpture, installation, photography, moving image and sound.
Since 1949, New Contemporaries has presented an annual exhibition of emerging and early career artists from UK art schools and learning programmes. The unique platform provides artists with an opportunity to present their work to a wider audience, alongside a programme of opportunities to support the development of their practice.
Large swathes of Plymouth businesses and homes could soon benefit from an innovative new system of heat networks.
As one of only 28 UK cities involved in the government’s Heat Network Zoning Pilot, the council has been working on planning the first phase of this system.
Heat networks, also known as district heating, use a central source of heat which is distributed to consumers, via a network of underground pipes carrying hot water.
So instead of each building in the city using their own individual gas boilers or electric heaters, the system creates what is in effect a city-wide central heating system.
Waste heat, from other processes such as manufacturing and data centres, is by far the cheapest source of heat and also decouples the supply of heat from some of the volatility of energy prices,
associated with fossil fuels. It also provides a more efficient and lower carbon heating solution.
Plans for the first phase, which would see external funding of up to £60m spent on connecting-up major buildings in the city centre with the waterfront, were presented to Cabinet on September 9.
Councillor Tom Briars-Delve, Cabinet Member for the Environment and Climate Change, said: “This is an incredibly ambitious and complex project but the demands of the climate emergency are such that we have to be bold in our planning for the future.
“Heat networks like this have got the potential to revolutionise how urban buildings - be that commercial or residential - are heated and in the future, possibly cooled. Added to the end benefits of the actual scheme are the economic benefits of its construction, which will support growth with green jobs and skills development.
“I’m really pleased to support this project and commit the council
to supporting this through the first phase and beyond.”
The masterplan for the new heat network shows two zones. The first, in the southern and western areas of the city, is based principally around two large waste heat sources; the South West Water Central Plant, and the Devonport Energy from Waste plant.
The second zone, in the north of the city at Derriford, is focused around waste heat from the NHS medical waste incinerator, together with expanding the existing ground source heating scheme at Marjons University to provide heating and cooling across this area. While the first phase of the project will focus on business and commercial premises, the long-term ambition is for the scheme to be used for social, and eventually, other housing. The council is now seeking the procurement of a development partner and will submit an application to the Green Heat Network Fund to financially support the delivery of the first phase of the project.
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Youngsters from Argyle Community Trust put through their paces by Royal Navy instructors
Sixty youngsters from the Argyle Community Trust have been put through their paces by Royal Navy physical training instructors.
The instructors – based at HMS Drake in Devonport – gave the young athletes an introduction to a strength-sapping battle physical training session and stretcher run. The unique event allowed youngsters to experience firsthand the rigorous physical and mental challenges that military recruits face during their training.
“These activities are designed to foster camaraderie, teamwork, and resilience, qualities that are essential both in the military and on the football pitch,” said leading physical trainer Jamie Le Page, who led the activity.
“The stretcher run is a pretty physically and demanding task that requires everyone to work together and trust each other, this mirrors the coordination and team spirit needed in all competitive sports.
“Such experiences not only test an individual’s physical endurance but also builds mental toughness, providing valuable lessons for these young athletes as they develop their skills.”
Parents and carers are being urged to check if their child is eligible for free school meals, with data indicating that approximately 2,600 children in Plymouth could be missing out.
Free school meals provide children with a hot, healthy lunch every day and give access to other benefits such as free holiday clubs during the school holidays.
Schools also receive invaluable extra funding for every child attending who receives free school meals. This is worth £1,480 per eligible pupil for primary schools and £1,050 per eligible pupil for secondary schools which means Plymouth schools are collectively missing out on more than £3 million.
This funding helps to tackle barriers and enables schools to put in place extra support for pupils who need more help to thrive and achieve their highest potential. Schools can use the funding in a huge variety of ways, which can include developing high quality teaching, providing targeted academic support, implementing initiatives to support attendance or offering extracurricular activities.
While all children in Reception to Year 2 receive universal infant free school meals, eligible families can still apply to help make sure the school is able to access this funding.
Councillor Sally Cresswell, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Apprenticeships said: “If you receive any of the qualifying benefits then I would really encourage you to apply online for Free School Meals, regardless of the age of your child, and it’s worth applying even if you are not sure if you qualify.
“It’s such a fantastic way for families to save both time and money that would be spent on prepping packed lunches. And even if your child would prefer a packed lunch, they can choose not to take up the free lunch option everyday and their school will still benefit from the vital additional funding available.”
Data from the Low Income Family Tracker by Policy in Practice has identified approximately 1,600 households in Plymouth that could be eligible for free school meals but are not currently claiming them.
Children and young people in primary, secondary and post-16 education may be eligible if their parent or carer receives certain benefits:
• Universal Credit with an annual income of less than £7,400
• Child Tax Credit with an annual income of less than £16,190
• Income based Employment and Support Allowance
• Income based Job Seeker’s Allowance
• Income support
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• Guaranteed element of Pension Credit
• Guaranteed element of the State Pension Credit
• Working Tax Credit run-on paid for four weeks after recipient stops qualifying for Working Tax Credit
To apply, visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/freeschool-meals. If extra support is needed in order to complete the application form, parents or carers can visit their local Family or Wellbeing Hub.
Plymouth University has been shortlisted for two prestigious awards at the Times Higher Education Awards 2024.
It is in the running for the Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Leadership category, recognising its world-leading research and leadership in offshore renewable energy.
And it has made the shortlist in the Outstanding Estates Team category, following a period of significant investment and transformation right across the University campus.
University vice-chancellor Professor Dame Judith Petts said: “These nominations reflect the spirit of ingenuity and innovation that runs through everything we do. They recognise the work of our world-leading researchers, who are at the forefront of developing and delivering ways to harness the ocean’s power in the quest for clean energy.
“They also acknowledge the efforts of the team behind the ongoing transformation of our campus, which is ensuring staff and students work, learn and live in first class facilities. Above all, they demonstrate our shared commitment to finding solutions to the planet’s most pressing challenges, at the same time as taking – and inspiring – local and global actions.”
Offshore renewable energy (ORE) is widely acknowledged as being critical to the global net-zero agenda. Through its pioneering research, teaching, facilities, collaborations and influence, the university has earned a place at the forefront of national and international ORE innovation.
Its Centre for Decarbonisation and Offshore Renewable Energy, launched in 2023, is furthering its work in the field while its facilities – including the UK Floating Offshore Wind Turbine Test Facility and laboratories dedicated to autonomous monitoring
and cyber security – are ensuring future installations take advantage of the latest technologies.
Its continued leadership of the national Supergen ORE Hub is allowing the university to unite government, industry and academia beyond common clean energy goals that are driving the UK towards its ambitious net-zero commitments.
The shortlisting in the Outstanding Estates Team category recognises the efforts of more than 300 staff working as part of the Estates and Facilities Directorate. They cover functions from capital projects, catering and cleaning to student accommodation, security and sustainability.
During the period covered by these awards, their work enabled the University to become only the second in the UK to achieve PAS 2060 carbon neutral verification. They also led the completion of the £100million remodelling of InterCity Place and the Babbage Building, and worked with researchers on the CobBauge
Building, a first-of-its-kind showcase of sustainable construction technologies. Other initiatives include a strengthened commitment to encouraging biodiversity, the increased use of ethically and locally procured food in its cafés, and the sourcing and transporting of an electricity generator to a partner university in Ukraine.
Engaging students, staff, partners and visitors, these actions symbolise a joined-up team approach that enables the university to deliver first-rate facilities and opportunities, while supporting communities and reducing any environmental impact.
The Times Higher Education Awards Widely recognised as the Oscars of higher education, the Awards attract hundreds of entries each year that exemplify the talent, innovation and commitment of individuals and teams across all aspects of university life. The winners will be announced at a ceremony taking place in November 2024 at the ICC in Birmingham.
A group of dedicated residents have been working to keep a wellused lane between Stoke Damerel Community College and City Business Park clean.
The pathway, which is a vital route for students and locals heading to Stoke Damerel, Central Park and the Life Centre, has been the focus of council efforts in recent years.
In 2021, the lane, which connects Somerset Place to Ponsonby Road, underwent significant upgrades as part of Plymouth City Council’s improvements to the wider Strategic Cycle Network (SCN).
These upgrades included resurfacing and widening the path, as well as installing new lighting to make it safer and more attractive for walking and cycling. Despite these positive developments, the issue of litter has remained a concern. The residents, led by Rhona Prichard, have been in ongoing discussions with the council about the need for additional litter bins along the path.
Rhona said: “The council have listened to our comments about litter
and leave the meetings with a clear idea of what residents would like. I can only imagine it is a funding issue.”
Currently, there is only one bin at the Ponsonby Road end, which leaves much of the path without proper disposal options. This has led to littering which the local community have taken action to clean up themselves. Rather than get angry at seeing the litter, until more bins are installed the group pictured chose to collect and clean up the lane.
A recent photograph shows these residents in action, picking up litter along the upgraded path, highlighting their commitment to maintaining a clean and welcoming environment.
A group was formed in 2019 that allowed residents, Stoke Damerel staff and local councillors to discuss issues and concerns about their community. The concerns about litter were a recurring issue, but residents felt that enough isn’t being done.
Rhona said: “There have been no firm commitments from the councillors but they always say they will see what they can do.”
City College Plymouth has launched its groundbreaking Engineering & Nuclear Skills building, developed in partnership with Babcock International Group, and the National College for Nuclear.
The cutting-edge facility further solidifies the college as Plymouth’s anchor institution for skills, leading the way in upskilling the region’s workforce and boosting social mobility through world-class training and education.
The Engineering & Nuclear Skills building features state-of-the-art resources designed to meet the needs of the ever-evolving energy and defence sectors. From immersive classrooms equipped with augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technology to advanced mechatronics labs and fabrication workshops, the new facility offers a unique and innovative environment where students can hone the crucial skills that industries need today.
Chief executive, Jackie Grubb said: “City College is at the forefront of driving growth and boosting social mobility by equipping our community with the crucial skills needed in key sectors like defence and energy security. Our partnership with the Babcock International Group and the National College for Nuclear is key to advancing expertise in the nuclear industry.”
Jackie continued: “Through our collaboration with leading employers and colleges such as Bridgwater & Taunton, we’re ensuring that Plymouth’s future workforce receives the specialised training necessary to thrive.
“Together with our strategic partners, we’re dedicated to continuously upskilling our community, enhancing social mobility,
and strengthening the nuclear industry’s capabilities.”
The new building will also support the upskilling of Babcock International Group’s workforce, contributing to national and international defence programmes, including the UK’s submarine maintenance and AUKUS programme.
As Plymouth aims to grow its population, City College is committed to providing the skills necessary to support the city’s future.
Jackie added: “The new Engineering & Nuclear Skills building is just the beginning. Our vision is to make City College a powerhouse for STEM education and training. We are deeply committed to providing the
best possible learning environments in partnership with industry, ensuring that our students are equipped for success.”
The college recently invested more than £2.5 million of grant funding in its facilities, including a mechatronics lab, immersive classrooms, and a fabrication workshop, as well as modernised health, science and business areas.
These investments continue to establish the College’s mission of offering groundbreaking teaching environments in collaboration with industry partners, equipping both students and the current workforce with the skills needed to thrive in an evolving job market.
An extensive regeneration project of 9 Dock at Devonport Naval Base has been officially opened by Maria Eagle MP, Minister of State for Defence Procurement and Industry.
The project includes maintenance, life extension and facility improvements, delivering the most significant package of infrastructure work since the early 2000s. The site will receive the UK Vanguard Class submarines, which are critical in supporting the UK’s Continuous at Sea Deterrent and securing the long-term defence of the nation.
As part of Babcock’s long-term partnership with the Submarine Delivery Agency, including the maintenance of the UK’s Vanguard class submarines, the upgraded facility will deliver the current £560m maintenance programme already underway on HMS Victorious, extending the boat’s operational life.
Working with partners, the £200 million project has secured around 1000 local jobs, underpinning Babcock’s commitment to supporting the Plymouth community.
David Lockwood, Babcock chief executive, said: “Supporting the Continuous at Sea Deterrent is the most important thing we do.
The huge investment and increase in digital technology in this submarine facility ensures the UK has a sovereign, fit-for-purpose, deep
maintenance capability now and in the future.
“Opening our Engineering & Skills building at City College Plymouth on the same day, demonstrates our commitment to securing the critical nuclear skills the UK needs to continue to deliver these vital defence programmes.”
Maria Eagle MP said: “The Vanguard fleet
is at the heart of deterring our adversaries and keeping the UK safe. This government is committed to a ‘triple-lock’ on our nuclear and to bolstering national security through crucial refurbishments such as this one.”
A Plymouth project designed to provide business advice and support to women has smashed all its targets.
The Supporting Her Enterprise (SHE) Plymouth Project, delivered by local social enterprise Iridescent Ideas CIC, aimed to support 60 women in its first year but now has 200 members after just 14 months.
Jo Dench-Owens, the business advisor delivering the tailored business support said: “I have loved every minute of working with our inspiring and hard working businesswomen. We knew there was demand for this type of personal guidance and support, but the scale of entrepreneurship among women in Plymouth is bigger than even we imagined!
“The SHE Plymouth project has nurtured a socially minded network of women who are supporting each other and encourage success. Watching each enterprise grow, and our women grow in confidence and thrive, is real evidence of the impact our work has had on the city and our participants. I am so proud of SHE Plymouth, and all who help to make it what it is.”
Louise Bennett, founder of creative business Stitch and Splodge and one of the women benefitting from SHE Plymouth said: “Being part of the SHE group has undoubtedly given me the confidence and skills to get my small business up and running. I really couldn’t imagine being in business without them. The workshops are topic specific and outcome-led and the one-to-one business advice with Jo has literally been a life-
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line. Personally, I have found the connection with the other ‘SHE-las’ the most unexpected aspect and has not only provided opportunities for collaborations but friendships which I truly treasure.”
SHE Plymouth is currently funded by The Rank Foundation and Livewell Southwest until May 2025. However, as the success of SHE Plymouth continues to grow, additional funding and sponsorship
are needed to ensure that female entrepreneurship in Plymouth continues to flourish and benefit the city as a whole.
Looking ahead, Iridescent Ideas plan to expand the SHE Plymouth offering, and are looking to take their support model around the country, creating other regional SHE communities and have even started an online SHE UK community so women in other areas can benefit from the support now.
Mel Tucker, director of Iridescent Ideas and the brainchild behind SHE Plymouth said: “As we celebrate this achievement, and the incredible community of female entrepreneurs we are helping, we are also looking forward to the future. We’re committed to enhancing our support services and reaching even more women across Plymouth and beyond. Our goal is to empower as many women as possible to succeed in their business ventures, in a way that works for them, their lifestyle, their families and other commitments.”
To find out more about the SHE Plymouth Project or support its continued success, contact Mel Tucker at mel@iridescentideas.com.
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 18 with a copy deadline of October 7. The Waterside & West edition is one of four hyper local editions delivered to a total of more than 90,000 homes throughout the city. We welcome submissions but cannot guarantee publication. We accept press releases in the form of text documents and images in JPG or TIFF format (high resolution please).
