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Neighbourhood Watch returns to Glenholt
Glenholt has recently seen the welcome return of the biggest crime prevention organisation in the UK. Glenholt used to have a Neighbourhood Watch scheme although it became inactive years ago. New signs are due to replace the old ones which can still be seen on streets in the area. The new NW scheme started on November 24th last year and is being pioneered by David Couch, a resident of Glenholt for 13 years - a former area manager for the Co-operative Food Group, former Special Constable, traffi c offi cer and enforcement offi cer at Plymouth City Council. Glenholt Community Neighbourhood Watch (GCNW) covers a large catchment area, from Glenholt Park to the Park and Ride at Roborough and the Eco village further north. David said: ‘Due to Covid 19 we have not been able to reach the wider community - we have launched a Facebook page which gives full details of the aims of our group, the streets we cover and more importantly, alerts issued by the Police, Action Fraud, Trading Standards and more, updated daily. ‘In three months, we have 102 registered members on Facebook with the potential for many more. ‘You can take an active part in your community, make Glenholt a better place to live, free of crime and antisocial behaviour, by joining us via our Facebook page Glenholt Community Neighbourhood Watch or by emailing glenholtneighbourhoodwatch@outlook.com’
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Glenholt Community Larder is a new community project run by volunteers, in partnership with St Anne’s Church, Glenholt, supplying free surplus fresh food and more since January 30th this year. We provide help to anyone living in Glenholt or any of the surrounding PL6 areas who is struggling or in need of a helping hand; we are easily accessible as no referral is needed or personal details required. We do encourage people who wish to help prevent perfectly good food going to landfi ll to support us as well, but ask that you come a little later during our session. This helps us share more widely and reduce queuing. Normally we will have a good selection of fresh fruit, vegetables, salad items, bread, pastries, cakes, toiletries, store cupboard items, some treats and the odd surprise item; although this depends on what surplus is available to us the night before. Just bring a bag, no appointment necessary, follow our COVID guidelines, wear a face mask, hand sanitise on the way in and help yourself to the items available. A family member, friend, neighbour or carer is welcome to collect on your behalf as we do not deliver. Find us at St Anne’s Church every Wednesday and Saturday, 11am-12:30pm. You are welcome to visit us on both days - we look forward to meeting you. For more information call ✆ 07422 590242, email: glenholtcommunitylarder@gmail.com or fi nd us on Facebook www.facebook.com/
Karen Woods Manager, Glenholt Community Larder
Spotting coronavirus scams
Local advice charity Citizens Advice South Hams is reporting a saddening increase in scams across the region since the beginning of the pandemic. Chief Offi cer Janie Moor says: ‘Common scams we’re seeing are about bogus testing kits, coronavirus vaccinations and government refunds or fi nes. ‘You should watch out for messages about coronavirus from unusual email addresses or phone numbers, and shouldn’t click on any links. Be aware that you won’t be asked to pay for coronavirus vaccinations – they are provided for free by the NHS.’ General warning signs to look out for: • You suspect you’re not dealing with a real company – for example, if there’s no postal address • You’ve been asked to transfer money quickly or to pay in an unusual way – for example, by iTunes vouchers or through a transfer service like MoneyGram or Western Union • You’ve been asked to give away personal information like passwords or PINs For help with online scams, contact a Citizens Advice Scams Action adviser by calling ✆ 0808 250 5050. To report a scam to Action Fraud, call ✆ 0300 123 2040 or visit their website www.actionfraud.police.uk
New bus shelter at Wotter
People living in the Dartmoor village of Wotter have somewhere to stay dry while waiting for the bus once again, after Shaugh Prior Parish Council funded a replacement shelter for the village. The old bus shelter on the main road through the village had to be demolished after years of moorland weather took its toll and the structure was no longer fit for purpose. Nick Wassell, chairman of the parish council, said: ‘Some of the most vulnerable people in our community rely on the local bus service, so ensuring they have somewhere safe and dry to wait for the bus is really important. ‘We’re delighted to have been able to fund the replacement bus shelter, using a local contractor to carry out the work. ‘The finishing touch will be to install a gate to keep livestock out, and we hope the new bus shelter will do a great job for many years to come.’ The replacement bus shelter project was completed with help from a substantial Devon County Council Locality Fund Grant, courtesy of Cllr John Hart.
Local school children Robyn Best and Lara Pearce at Wotter’s new bus shelter.
Could you support local democracy?
Planning for the next elections, scheduled to take place on May 6th, is well and truly underway. Local people are invited to sign up now to fill a number of essential paid roles at polling centres across the district. Polling stations are located in towns and parishes across the South Hams and need to be staffed by a team of polling clerks and presiding officers. To sign up as a poll clerk you don’t need any previous experience as full training is provided. The role of presiding officer requires previous experience of polling duties and training will also be provided. The cost of training is fully covered and participants in the training are paid to attend. There are also counting assistant roles on May 6th in the evening and on May 7th and 10th in the daytime, where no experience is necessary. At the moment, the plan is for these vital elections to go ahead whilst following strict COVID-safe guidelines. Anyone working in the polling stations or at the counting stations can be reassured that their safety, and the safety of the public, will be a priority. Team members are needed for elections taking place for the District, Town and Parish Council by-elections, Devon County Council elections and the Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner election, which was postponed from May 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. To apply for a role you must not be politically active, should be over 18 years old and able to travel to a polling station or count venue. If you’re interested in joining the team, please head to www.southhams.gov.uk/elections-recruitment
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Return of the Parish Lengthsman
A job dating back to Tudor times is being revived in the parish of Shaugh Prior to improve the upkeep of drains and ditches and monitor local roads. For centuries, communities all over Devon used lengthsmen to maintain highways by ‘walking the length of the parish’, but from the 1900s onwards the role began to die out, largely due to changes in local government. However, the traditional job is making a comeback in Shaugh Prior thanks to the parish council’s decision to employ a freelance lengthsman, John Widdicombe, to respond to localised issues. John, a fully-training lengthsman, who already performs the role for six other parishes in the South Hams, will work across the communities of Lee Moor, Wotter and Shaugh Prior on a contract basis. ‘I absolutely love being a lengthsman because what I do helps so many people – everyone benefi ts,’ said John. ‘Just think of the disruption caused to the community when a local road fl oods due to a blocked drain or a nasty pothole appears. Now, I’ll now be on call to deal with problems and carry out regular maintenance and checks to help prevent issues in the future.’
Can you help?
Parishioners living in the Shaugh Prior, Lee Moor and Wotter areas are being asked to keep an eye out following incidents involving off -road bikers - and to alert police if they witness such illegal activity. The bikers, especially at this time of year, disturb ground nesting birds and destroy their habitat. Their activities damage the grazing moorland, leaving tracks and deep grooves of mud which take a long time to heal over and recover. The loud noise made by the bikes have been frightening the sheep off their grazing and sends them running. Around now, many are in-lamb and could abort. The illegal activity of off -road biking on the commons destroys the nature of the national park landscape. Police say there have been four recent prosecutions under the S34 Road Traffi c Act, all involving people riding off -road bikes in the Shaugh/Wotter and Lee Moor areas. And as a result of pictures of other bikes or vehicles such as vans connected with such activities, Ivybridge police offi cers have visited registered keeper addresses in the Plymouth area issuing warning and advice. Under current Covid laws, it is not permitted to travel to ride a bike either. Police would also like to hear from anyone with information regarding deer poaching in the area. Three roe deer have been discovered killed and skinned; the remains being left at Lee Moor - it is believed dogs were used to bring the deer down. Call Crimestoppers anonymously on ✆ 0800 783 0137 if you can help.
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How you can help the ponies...
It’s rare to fi nd a gift both you and the recipient feel good about, but by buying the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust’s Gorse Package, you can support an important cause while bringing happiness to someone close to your heart. The Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust (DPHT) protects the future of true Dartmoor ponies in their natural, native environment. It carries out important conservation projects within 450 hectares it manages at Bellever, an area very popular with visitors, where a herd of 26 ponies play a crucial role in habitat maintenance and management through conservation grazing. However, lockdown has seriously impacted the charity’s usual revenue streams. Its equine assisted learning programme at Parke, Bovey Tracey, using Dartmoor ponies, normally provides educational opportunities for children with special needs and is an important resource, while its Ponies Inspiring People provides a programme for individuals, families and community groups. Both came to a halt at the start of the pandemic last year. Its free guided walks for groups at Bellever have also stopped at the moment. The DPHT’s Gorse Package is proving popular with those who love Dartmoor, as not only does it help to support the future of true Dartmoor ponies, but it gives members unique access to the charity, including a free walk and talk, e-newsletters, a half day photography workshop with international photographer Malcolm Snelgrove and an invite to the annual ‘meet the pony keepers’ day’ - all for just £75. Charity founder Dru Butterfi eld said: ‘We’re driven by conservation and education and support from the public will help us protect the future of Dartmoor ponies and continue our conservation work at Bellever where we aim to inspire people to connect with Dartmoor’s wildlife, landscape and heritage. ‘The Dartmoor pony is the keystone species, both in terms of the work we carry out here and in helping to encourage visitors to enjoy the great outdoors. The pony is recognised for its conservation benefi ts, which have a cascade eff ect. ‘Without the trampling and the nibbling, you wouldn’t get the dung that produces the dung beetle and other insects that attract so many rare bird species to the site. But ultimately, aside from giving the pony a viable role for conservation, we really don’t want to lose the iconic Dartmoors on Dartmoor. ‘I am worried for their future and it’s vital that people understand that unless we can continue protecting and promoting, the day of true native ponies on Dartmoor could be numbered.’ To purchase a Gorse Package please visit www.dpht.co.uk/gorse-membership
Devon Air Ambulance (DAA) has recently revealed its mission statistics for 2020, showing how vital its service is to the people of Devon, even during a pandemic and continuing lockdown periods. Throughout the year the charity was tasked to attend more than 1,500 incidents across Devon and were, on many occasions, also called to assist in neighbouring counties. Of those missions, 590 were to help patients with medical emergencies (those suff ering with a medical condition) and 912 trauma-related incidents (accidents and injuries caused by slips, trips, falls, burns and collisions). Crews assisted 607 male and 261 female patients, plus 68 children who also needed their expert care. Night landing sites have also proved invaluable - 207 missions took place during the hours of darkness. The charity now has over 160 landing sites in Devon providing a safe place to land away from unseen obstacles, enabling the pilot to bring a life-saving service into the heart of those communities up until 2am. A community landing site, is developed and partfunded by the local community, and could be located on a green, fi eld, sports pitch or playing fi eld. DAA is always keen to hear from any local communities who are interested in fi nding out more about them and you can contact Toby Russell, DAA’s Community Landing Site Offi cer at t.russell@daat.org.
NOTICEBOARD New off-road path network
Work has started on a new, 5.6km off -road path network within the Bircham, Forder and Seaton Valleys. It will start in the green space between Tailyour Road and Hunter Close in Crownhill and fi nish at Forder Valley Road, near the entrance of Poole Farm, giving access to the nearby Forder and Bircham Valley Local Nature Reserves and previously inaccessible greenspace along the Seaton valley. The scheme is funded by the Transforming Cities Fund and is part of the wider Derriford Community Park project, which will see 147 hectares of wooded valleys, wildfl ower meadows and rivers around Poole Farm opened to the public. Cllr Mark Coker, Plymouth council cabinet member for strategic transport and infrastructure, said: ‘This is a fantastic scheme because it fi nally gives the people who have lived next to or near this wonderful green strip access to it for the fi rst time. ‘It also makes a cycling commute from Forder Valley to Crownhill safer and more easily accessible and compliments the overall strategy of the Forder Valley Link Road.’ The scheme will provide a high-quality surfaced route while preserving the woodland character and trees, ensuring the route follows existing openings and gaps in the foliage. Despite this, 43 trees – generally those in poor health - will be removed, although trees of highest environmental value will be retained. In mitigation, more trees will be planted than were lost and habitat improvements will be added. All footpaths in the area will remain open during construction, which should be complete by September.
Nature’s own rock garden
The whole of the Devils Point Park at the end of Durnford Street in Plymouth could be regarded as a natural rock garden. Being made of limestone it harbours a remarkably large number of species; I have
Tree Mallow and inset (top) Valerian, (below) Rock Spurrey
managed to photograph no less than one hundred different ones in these few acres. There is a cliff at the very end above the fishing platform that looks out over the deep water channel between Devils Point and Mount Edgcumbe that offers a spectacular background view for a range of wild flowers as well as examples of garden species such as wallflower, alyssum and antirrhinum growing wild. Perhaps the most stunning of all plants growing there is Tree Mallow. The very earliest of the umbelliferae (umbrella like flowers) is Alexanders, seen on the left as you walk into the park at the side of the car park. It is worth specifically mentioning one rather unspectacular plant that grows further along, just past the noticeboard that advertises a few of the species. This is Field Eryngo, properly a native of the Mediterranean, but growing here and in one other place only in Britain, namely Challaborough. There are a few other less spectacular flowering plants in the area. Do try to find them somewhere as enjoy your walk around. I am sure you will notice many others at various seasons of the year, but please do not pick any, just leave them for the next person to enjoy.
New memorial to slavery victims
A memorial dedicated to the many victims of the slave trade has been installed in the Plymouth Hoe Peace Garden. The memorial, mounted on a limestone plinth, features a plaque commemorating the many lives lost to the slave trade and pays tribute to the work of Plymouth residents who campaigned tirelessly to end slavery. It was unveiled on March 25th to mark the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Cllr Tudor Evans, leader of Plymouth City Council, said: ‘It is so important we recognise the role that Plymouth played in the Slave Trade and the devastation this caused to lives and communities all over the world. ‘Although slavery was abolished over 200 years ago, the trauma of these atrocities - the legacy of racism and discrimination - can still be felt today. ‘As a city, we must not try to hide from our past. We must raise awareness of the horrors of this cruel trade and the people and communities it affected.’ An image of the British slave ship Brookes, designed by Plymouth MP and artist William Elford, adorns the plaque. This image was first published in a pamphlet by the Plymouth chapter of the Society for Effecting the Abolition of the Slave Trade and became one of the most important symbols of the national abolitionist campaign. This story and Plymouth’s contribution to this history can be explored in more detail at The Box and its 100 Journeys gallery.
Thousands of patients at Derriford Hospital have used video consultations for healthcare appointments instead of having to attend in person - and rate their experience very highly. Since the new scheme was launched in March 2020, 10,000 consultations have taken place. Having a video appointment also means some patients did not need to travel for over an hour to see their consultant, or pay for parking at the hospital. Patients have also found it more relaxing to be able to talk to healthcare practitioners with a cup of tea in hand. Video consultations also allow partners or a family member to be with them during the consultation, which currently is not permitted in face-to-face appointments during the pandemic, to reduce footfall into the hospital. Simon Cowls, oncology patient said: ‘Meeting with your consultant in your own home is psychologically better. And there is fl exibility - if I got an appointment at say three o’clock, I’m not having to write off huge chunks of the day to travel, to park. You can literally, 10 minutes before, come into the lounge and get set up.’ Patients’ willingness to use remote consultations as a regular part of their healthcare in the future is also high. Mathew Swabey, project lead for video consultations. said: ‘This uptake demonstrates the use of technology at its best; allowing those in most need to access their health care, without having to travel and increase footfall in the hospital during times where social distancing is paramount.’ University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust patients can request video consultations by phoning the number on their appointment letter.
Adopt with pride
LGBT+ people across the South West are being urged to explore adoption as a potential parenting route as a part of a new national campaign. Families for Children, based in Devon, ran a hugely successful campaign last year in encouraging LGBT+ people to come forward to adopt. Ruth Marriott, Families for Children CEO, said: ‘Being part of the LGBT+ community is not a barrier to being considered as an adopter. Families for Children welcome all potential adopters, regardless of sexual orientation or marital status. We know many people from the LGBT+ community, as a result of their own experiences, possess key skills like patience, resilience and strength, which help you understand and parent the children waiting for adopted families.’ Joe and Reece adopted a sibling group of three through Families for Children. Joe said: ‘Adoption for us has been a life changing experience. We do know as we get older there will be diff erent challenges that will come up and certain situations, but the main thing is we have the support from our adoption agency, our families and friends and other adoptive families. You know you’re not alone and that’s the fundamental thing for us, especially adopting a sibling group.’ Families for Children is the alternative to regional adoption agencies and local authorities across Devon, Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset. A warm welcome awaits those considering adoption from a team of experienced social workers and family support workers. For more details call 01364 645480 or visit www. familiesforchildren.org.uk/lgbtqadoption/
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Can you help the ‘manky pups’?
An urgent appeal for funding support has been issued by a Plymouth dogs and cats home, following the rescue of seven dogs being kept in appalling conditions in Devon. Gables Dogs and Cats Home received a call earlier this year regarding a suspected puppy farm. When they arrived, staff discovered the dogs living in cramped, tiny, wooden kennels with no heating, the only ‘bedding’ to be seen was filthy, compacted straw on the floor. The seven dogs, aged from three months to six years old, were very underweight and huddled together for warmth. There were six poodle crosses, all with badly matted coats and covered head to toe in mud and their own waste. The seventh dog, a lurcher now named Martha, was suffering from severe hair loss and infected sores all over her body. Her tail had been badly chewed and damaged, leaving open wounds that were also infected. All seven dogs were very nervous and had diarrhoea, with the majority of them also suffering from sore infected ears and in desperate need of dental treatment. Gables took all seven into their care and after thorough checks from their vet, started the treatment they needed, including a hernia repair for one of them. They have all been clipped, trimmed and tidied up to help them feel more comfortable by Dee from Deesigner Pets, who kindly volunteered her time to help them. It is estimated it will cost Gables around £1,200 for all the treatment they have received, plus ongoing medical care. Claire Sparkes, general manager at Gables, said: ‘Although they were nervous when they first arrived at Gables, most of these dogs have quickly found their feet and it is so lovely to see them enjoying some fuss and attention now. However, a few of them have struggled to cope so will need some extra time and patience. ‘As a genuine non-euthanasia charity we are more than happy to give them all the time they need to learn to trust humans again and find the perfect forever homes they deserve.’ Gables Dogs and Cats Home does not receive any government funding and has felt the financial strain from the Coronavirus pandemic. If you can make a contribution to ‘Seven Manky Pups Appeal’, please call 01752 331602 or visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/ fund/7mankypups to donate online. You can also donate via text: • To donate £1, text GABLES7D to 70201 • To donate £3, text GABLES7D to 70331 • To donate £5, text GABLES7D to 70970 • To donate £10, text GABLES7D to 70191 * Fundraising, payments and donations will be processed and administered by the National Funding Scheme (Charity No: 1149800), operating as DONATE. Texts will be charged at your standard network rate. For Terms & Conditions, see www.easydonate.org
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Freeport access to jobs and opportunity
Plymouth is to become a Freeport, unlocking millions of pounds of funding for the area - both within the city’s boundaries and across wider South Devon area. Plymouth City Council led a partnership with Devon County and South Hams District councils, as well as the Heart of the South West LEP on a bid to become a freezone, to include sites at Devonport South Yard, Langage Energy Zone and Sherford Business Park. The Plymouth and South Devon freezone would aim to create space for businesses to import goods and materials, add value to them by manufacture, and export them and leverage Plymouth’s marine innovation strengths to attract leverage Plymouth’s marine innovation strengths to attract big marine sector tech companies. Up to 1,000 new jobs could be created in the fi rst two Up to 1,000 new jobs could be created in the fi rst two years and up to 9,000 over the next 10 years and 50 new years and up to 9,000 over the next 10 years and 50 new apprenticeships and 10 internships every year by 2027. apprenticeships and 10 internships every year by 2027. More than 70 local businesses are expected to benefi t from the scheme, forecast to bring in over £100m investment in the next six years. Cllr Tudor Evans, leader of Plymouth City Council, said: Cllr Tudor Evans, leader of Plymouth City Council, said: ‘While we are waiting for the detail I am beyond chuff ed ‘While we are waiting for the detail I am beyond chuff ed that our thriving marine sector has been recognised as a that our thriving marine sector has been recognised as a strength and something to build on. ‘It also shows working with our neighbouring colleagues ‘It also shows working with our neighbouring colleagues pays off . Bottom line this means jobs, job security, opportunities and signifi cant investment.’ Devon County Council’s cabinet member for economy, Devon County Council’s cabinet member for economy, Rufus Gilbert, said: ‘I am delighted the Government has Rufus Gilbert, said: ‘I am delighted the Government has approved the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport. ‘The Freeport will help level up the regional economy and provide good jobs for local people as well as welcome apprentice opportunities for our young people.’ Cllr Judy Pearce, leader of South Hams District Council, said: ‘Plymouth and South Devon will have one of the fi rst Freeport locations in England. This is great news for us in South Hams because it could bring thousands of jobs and millions of pounds of investment to our doorstep. I am delighted our collaborative eff orts to work across local authority boundaries has proven successful.’ Under the new Freeport status the proposed sites would enjoy specifi c tax and relief benefi ts, with companies based there able to access special allowances encouraging fi rms to invest. The aim is to increase export trade and direct foreign investment. Another goal would be to not only increase the number of jobs, but the calibre of jobs and encourage higher income jobs into the area through research and innovation opportunities. The knock-on eff ect locally will enable Devon County Council to bring forward works at the Deep Lane junction on the A38, unlocking housing at Sherford. If all goes to plan, the Freezone could be up and running by next summer.
