Noticeboard

Save Our Sanctuary...

A South Hams animal charity has issued an urgent appeal for help, as it desperately searches for a new base. Hoofbeats, which has rescued and re-homed more than 200 horses and ponies since it launched in 2000, has been based at Lower Collard Farm near Shaugh Prior for nearly ten years. But now the charity’s landlord has given it notice to move and although temporary land in four separate locations has been sourced, a new, permanent home needs to be found. Sharon Vieira, founder of Hoofbeats Sanctuary, said: ‘As a team, we fi nd ourselves in a heart-breaking situation, this is very raw for us and we are desperately trying to fi nd a way forward.’ The ‘Save our Sanctuary Appeal’ has raised £4,000 since it was launched in March, for which Sharon and the dedicated Hoofbeats volunteers are very grateful. But during diffi cult times for all charities, when fundraising has been curtailed by the coronavirus pandemic, the charity still needs funds to care for its animals - and most importantly, some land they can call home. Sharon said: ‘Hoofbeats is so much more than just a horse welfare charity. Our horses have helped people along the way too. I have been overwhelmed with the messages of support that tell stories of our work, and the horses having such a positive eff ect on many of our supporters and volunteers’ mental health. ‘This news is such a blow for the charity, the horses, and for us all as a team personally too.’

More information:

To pledge your donation to the charity’s emergency appeal, please visit: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/save-our-sanctuary To fi nd out more about the charity’s work, please visit www.hoofbeats.org.uk

NOTICEBOARD Social prescribing scheme launched

Plymouth’s Central Park’s Community Sports Hub is set to be take centre stage in an exciting new social prescribing project. The sports hub, which opened just prior to the pandemic in March 2020, is situated in the heart of the park on the site of the old bowling pavilion. In partnership with Argyle Community Trust and Livewell Southwest, it will become a base for a green social prescribing scheme. Social prescribing, sometimes known as community referral, is a means of enabling health professionals to refer people to a range of local, non-clinical services. It has been made possible through funding from the National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP), Arts Council England, Historic England, Natural England, NHS England and Improvement, Sport England, the Money and Pensions Service, and NHS Charities Together. The Argyle Community Trust will take on the management of the sports hub, built by Plymouth City Council as part of wider improvements to Central Park with contributions from the Football Foundation. It features changing rooms, accessible toilets and storage facilities as well as upgrades to the community hall and kitchen. The work of the Trust will support the development of annual events and initiatives such as Park Run. The hub will facilitate various programmes delivered by Argyle Community Trust including employability, education, and recreational activity as well as letting out rooms to local businesses, organisations and activity providers. To fi nd out more email community@pafc.co.uk

Working together

If you live on the outskirts of Plymouth, you may be interested in a group of residents coming together to help, guide and find solutions within our local communities, becoming one voice in implementing change. Glenholt Community Hub, set-up in 2018, saw the need at the start of the pandemic for a community-led Good Neighbour Scheme. It had huge success in deploying a small army of volunteers during the past 15 months and the need for such schemes under one umbrella organisation becomes as apparent as we emerge from lockdown, as it did at the beginning. An organisation run by local volunteers has a huge advantage when producing future plans and ideas - we want to work with and listen to what our communities want and say. We will cover Glenholt, Mainstone, Leigham, Estover, Thornbury, Derriford, Southway,

Community transport for local people

Ring and Ride is a lifeline for those in Ivybridge and surrounding villages who are less mobile, rurally isolated or unable to drive, perhaps for health reasons. It allows local people to visit their doctor, dentist, the hospital, or just to go out shopping. Your support will allow us to continue to provide this important, affordable service. If you would like to volunteer as a car driver using your own car, you will be paid 45p for every mile you drive, including mileage from your own home to the passengers’ home. We will always try to find an available driver closest to the client. You will need Tamerton Foliot, Belliver, Roborough and Widewell. We realise we will need project managers, co-ordinators and volunteers to form the following groups: • Community Good Neighbour Scheme • Compassionate Friends Hub and Network including

Hub Cafés • Community Forum • Projects Team Action Group, currently working on Play

Parks and Green Spaces and a Covid Recovery Plan • Social Activities • Community Fundraising Engaging with Plymouth City Council, Adult Social Care, Moorview councillors, Age UK, POP+ and St Luke’s Hospice, it is hoped to bring local MPs, various agencies, GP surgeries and hospitals together to form a much larger-scale presence, working for the benefit our mental health and wellbeing. If you would like to get involved please contact Denise by emailing dmills568@gmail.com or call ✆ 07849413125.

to inform your insurance company but the majority will not demand any additional premium. Voluntary drivers’ expenses are paid at the agreed HMRC rate and will have no tax liability. Under the current circumstances, drivers and passengers do have to wear masks, passengers, where possible, are asked to sit in the back, with windows open for ventilation. Even if you only have one morning or afternoon a week available your time would be greatly appreciated. For more information call ✆ 01752 690444.

Ex-display & pre-loved dresses all under £600

APPOINTMENT ONLY Ashleigh Meadow, Tregondale, Menheniot,Liskeard,Cornwall, PL14 3RG

Computer Problems?

Your local I.T. Guy, specialising in:

Call Tim:01822 600105 or 07768 852555 e-mail:help@berecomputing.co.uk Web: www.berecomputing.co.uk

• PC and Mac set-up and installation • Virus and spyware removal • Networking and broadband set-up and troubleshooting • Affordable websites for small businesses and the self-employed • CCTV supply and installation

Lifesaving equipment in Derriford

In any community it is reassuring to know that potentially lifesaving equipment is close at hand. When a group of Derriford residents suggested the idea of having an Automated External Defi brillator (AED) device in the community, prospective local councillor Mark Shayer agreed and ran with the idea. With his wife Sam, Cllr Dave Downie, community matron Michelle Beer and local residents Marion and David Leah, the Derriford Community Group was set up. Following discussion with a number of suppliers, Mark collated options for the group to consider. The end result was funding approval from councillors Dave Downie and Jonathan Drean and purchase of a new Heart Safe defi brillator. Passanna Weragama, owner of Premier Stores at Derriford, fully supported the idea and agreed that the device could be installed on the outside wall of his shop. Michelle Beer, community matron, said: ‘At the heart of working in the community, access for all to use a community defi b is essential in possibly saving just one person’s life.’ Local charity DDRC Healthcare have off ered free training in the use of a defi brillator. Anyone interested in learning more should contact Mark on ✆ 07506 623982 or email markshayer4budshead@gmail.com.

Balls to Covid!

Over the last year, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust has created a new rehabilitation service set up to help those recovering from trauma and illness during the COVID-19 pandemic. Strict infection control changes, as well as restrictions on visiting loved ones, meant rehabilitation teams needed to come up with a new way of making rehabilitation fun for patients. As a result, the COVID-19 Respiratory, Rehabilitation and Discharge Team created the #BallsToCovid Challenge. Using beach balls and music, the challenge is designed to promote activity, share moments of joy and make people laugh. Olivia Roberts and Helen White from the physiotherapy team have created a series of videos to introduce their challenge with the hope that others will join in and share their #BallsToCovid moves with the rest of Plymouth. Grab a ball, put on some music and get moving! Kate Tantam, specialist sister in ICU, said: ‘We know that rehabilitation in hospital improves both patient outcomes and patient experience - people get better quicker and feel happier. ‘Recovery is a shared responsibility for all. At the Trust we believe in the power of teamwork and we are keen to welcome the people of Plymouth to our challenge. Please join us getting active and saying ‘Balls to Covid!’’

Visit Our Showroomby appointment only

WE SELL, SERVICE AND INSTALL RAYBURN

Rescued turns rescuer! The training and exams are run by the Mountain Rescue Search Dogs England (MRSDE), a registered charity. Jack is an ‘Non discriminatory air scenting’ dog which A rescued collie cross has become the latest recruit to a means that he has been trained to fi nd a human scent Dartmoor rescue group - having been rescued himself by and locate onto the smell. When Jack locates a scent he the North Devon Animal Ambulance Charity. gives a bark indication that draws the handler and search Catherine Goo has been a team member with North team onto the person. So long as Jack is downwind Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team ((NDSART) for of a casualty then he should be able to locate them, eight years and from early into her training was keen to and because he can cover a large area of ground, this become a dog handler. She came across Jack as an eight- massively speeds up the rescue for a team. Jack can month year old puppy. also work in bad weather when police helicopters can’t Catherine said: ‘I had always thought there is something operate, which of course which tends to be the weather very lovely about a dog who has been rescued going on that sees the team most frequently called out in. to be a rescuer.’ While most search dogs will perfect their bark when Jack is what Catherine calls a ‘Pollie’, a Pointer crossed a casualty has been located, it doesn’t always happen with a Collie, a great mix for a search dog combining like this: ‘One time Jack came back to me to indicate - boundless energy and play with a strong nose. and opened his mouth and burped at me instead!’ said Finding the right dog is just the start, qualifying a search Catherine. So, while he may be out there saving lives, he dog takes many years and a lot of sacrifi ce from a handler is a still a little way off being invited around for dinner! and supporters, involving passing modules and countless North Dartmoor Search weekends of training across the country. Jack began his and Rescue Team training back in 2018, passing registration and stock training in 2019, indication and a stage two test in 2020 Jack and his and fi nally passed his fi nal grading on April 25th, 2021. handler Catherine

Are you struggling with debt?

Citizens Advice South Hams is urging those who may be struggling fi nancially with the eff ects of coronavirus to seek help sooner rather than later. Janie Moor, chief offi cer, said: ‘We know that dealing with debt can be hugely stressful and this past year has been diffi cult for everyone, but it’s best to seek advice early. We have a dedicated debt team that can help with all sorts of debt and money issues - you don’t have to face it alone - we’re here to help.’ We can help with: • rent arrears • mortgage arrears • council tax arrears • credit cards • utility debts • bank loans • benefi ts advice • budgeting advice • and more

Citizens Advice South Hams has qualifi ed debt advisers who are registered with the Financial Conduct Authority. Get in touch for free, impartial, and confi dential advice. Call the designated debt Adviceline on

✆ 01803 659 734 and leave a message, or

email debt.advice@southhamscab.org. uk For generalist advice contact Citizens

Advice South Hams on ✆ 0808 278 7948 or

visit the website www.southhamscab.org.uk

NOTICEBOARD Celebrating the work of volunteers

Every year June1st-7th is ‘Volunteers Week’ and South Hams CVS (Community & Voluntary Services) celebrate the fabulous volunteers who help people across our district. This year we are shouting even louder and welcoming all those new to volunteering. It could be you, whether you’ve been helping out in your street, neighbourhood or community, lots more people have taken up the call to gift their time, expertise and hands on help to other people, both strangers and friends. THANK YOU. People tell us that without volunteers, the pandemic would have been even more of a struggle and their spirits have been lifted. We look forward to welcoming back volunteers who have been shielding and keeping safe and to groups and new activities starting up again. South Hams CVS exists to help communities flourish and to help people help each other. We would love to hear from you if you’re seeking help or advice about your group, if you want to volunteer or if you have an idea which you think could help your community. Leave a message on ✆ 01803 862266 and we will ring you back, or email us at cvs@southhamcvs.org. uk. We look forward to hearing from you.

THE SOUTH WEST’S LEADING SPECIALIST IN Bespoke HAND-TAILORED HOME FURNISHINGS

HOME CONSULTATION, MEASURING & FITTING SERVICE AVAILABLE ...........................

Local highly-skilled Seamstresses

CHIC INTERIORS

BEAUTIFUL BESPOKE HOME FURNISHINGS

Beautify Your Home & Garden Ask MelissaTAVISTOCK 01822 611140

25

YEARS

EXPERIENCE

KNOWLEDGE

BLINDS • CURTAINS • CUSHIONS • FOAM UNITS • LAMPSHADES • OIL CLOTHS • TRACKS & POLES • FABRICS IN STOCK

Celebrating Mayflower 400 at Sherford

Pupils from Sherford Vale School are keeping the Mayflower celebrations in full flow, planting 150 special ‘Mayflower 400’ daffodil bulbs within the heart of the community. They were planted around the base of the town’s 9-metre tall Tulip tree, the Massachusetts-native species that arrived last year to honour the historic connection between Plymouth and its American namesake. Some of the school’s youngest pupils were entrusted with the task under the expert guidance of Sherford’s landscaping team, Plympton-based YGS Landscapes, who donated the bulbs to the community. Developed especially for the Mayflower 400 celebrations, the unique daffodils will bloom each spring with a distinctive yellow and orange flower. These are the exact colours of the distinctive tulipshaped flowers of the Tulip tree they surround, which will follow on from the daffodils and bloom in the Summer. Jenna Waters, from Vistry Partnerships and the Sherford Consortium, said: ‘Many of the pupils who planted the daffodil bulbs in Sherford are from key worker families - we were pleased to give them a fun experience and help them create their own little legacy for Sherford. Susie Evans, from Sherford Vale School, said: ‘Pupils in Years 1 and 2 were so excited to be able to go into the local community for an activity; something they haven’t been able to do for months! They loved planting the daffodil bulbs, with some stating they could keep an eye on them from their own homes, whilst they grow.’ Steve Warren-Brown, MD of YGS Landscapes, added: ‘As soon as I discovered that there was actually a bulb developed to commemorate Mayflower 400, I knew where we could put them – this is the perfect location. We hope everyone will take pleasure from these beautiful bulbs for years to come.’

Boost for residents - and wildlife...

Thanks to feedback and ideas from over 300 local people, Woodlands Park (The Spinney) in Ivybridge is now an even more welcoming place for people and wildlife. The improvement work, which is well on the way to completion, included enhancing the wildlife pond area, planting more trees, replacing timeworn benches, and providing an additional piece of play equipment for six to 11 year olds. Ideas on what to do at the park were gathered via an online survey at the end of 2020. This information was used to form South Hams District Council’s plan to carry out improvements in a way that truly meets local needs. What local people told South Hams District Council they want: • 93% would like to see improvements to the wildlife pond area • 85% would like to enhance the park for wildlife by leaving some areas of grass to grow longer • 78% want more seating • 78% support additional play equipment • 73% want more trees to be planted This season’s tree planting has now been completed. The refurbishment of the pond dipping platform is also complete, and benches have been replaced or refurbished where needed. The interpretation board for the pond should be in place soon - consultation on the new play equipment is due to take place with installation hopefully in the autumn. The improvement project funding has largely come from the section 106 agreement made with Persimmon Homes, the firm behind the local Harford Mews development. Further funding, specifically for tree planting, has come from the Langage Landscape Fund following the development of the energy centre near Plympton. Cllr Lance Austen, ward member for Ivybridge West, added: ‘From bat boxes and bug hotels to new picnic benches, thank you everyone who shared your brilliant ideas on how we can make Woodlands Park better for the people and wildlife that use it.’

Woolwell in Bloom is back! Woolwell in Bloom could not wait for the lockdown rules to start easing, enabling the group to get back out into the community and do some gardening. 2020 was a strange year for everyone due to Covid, with so many planned events cancelled. We initially planned to enter the Britain in Bloom competition South West region. But new plans had to be drawn up due to restrictions, so we aimed for the 2021 competition. Our group was so excited when the first gardening session took place in mid April. Thankfully the gardens did not suffer too much during the lockdowns, so a few hours of work really made a big difference. We started with the Woolwell Centre gardens as their café was able to open its outside area. We soon started getting lovely comments from our residents. We then moved on to other gardens; summer planting and new signage at the Wooden Well garden was next and then the Triangle garden was finished with its new signage and bunting. All our gardens will be ready for the judging in July, with new planters in place around some of the street name signs. The feedback from our community has been fantastic, with some residents offering donations of plants, pots and money, for which the group is very grateful. During lockdown we became a registered charity, with help from South Hams CVS. To become part of this exciting community project, please contact us on ✆ 07837 532873. We would love to hear from you.

City wildflowers...

Wild flowers should now be blooming across Plymouth, following a successful trial last year in which some verges and boundaries were left to grow wilder. Some of the results were spectacular with wonderful patches of colour appearing where once there was just green - but parks and open spaces will still be managed and some areas still cut to keep roads safe. A spokesman for Plymouth City Council said: ‘Where we’ve got grassy areas that are of more use to wildlife than people, like steep banks and verges, we’ll be cutting around the edges and then leaving the rest to grow wild. We’ll then cut them later in the year to allow more types of plant a chance to grow. Cllr Sue Dann, cabinet member for street scene and environment, said: ‘This strategy is just one of a number of ways that we are trying to do things a bit differently to help the environment and tackle the climate emergency ‘In 2021, we’ll be building on last year’s success, where we began to tip the balance by increasing the grassland managed for nature from 15 per cent to 40 per cent. ‘I can’t wait to see the blooming purples, yellows, blues and pinks; a city awash with colour that not only looks beautiful, but also creates homes for the wildlife vital to our fight against climate change.’ Longer grass and flowers provide food and homes for pollinating insects like bees and butterflies – and all manner of wildlife, helping reduce our total carbon footprint.

1983-2021

Inspiring people and supporting communitiesfor over 35 years

JOB OPPORTUNITIES - WHAT DO WE DO?

Promoting independence and recovery Challenging social exclusion by encouraging community involvement Facilitating social inclusion with creative and accessible solutions WHAT DO WE OFFER OUR EMPLOYEES?

A structured and comprehensive induction • A supportive environment Opportunities for personal development • Company pension scheme Training opportunities (Face to face training and a wide range of e-learning courses) Employee assistance programme (24 hour services for employees and their family) A generous annual leave entitlement (25 days + bank holidays, pro rata) Flexibility • Long service award • Workplace wellbeing charter Employee referral scheme (Earn £50 for referring somebody to the organisation) OUR CURRENT VACANCIES We’re currently recruiting Outreach Support Workers

Visit www.colebrooksw.org/jobs/ for further information, a full job description and application form

expedition, dubbed #LastPole, is not only a world fi rst but a vital piece of citizen science. Ice is critical to the survival of humankind. 12,000 years ago, the last ice age sculpted much of Dartmoor. Ice has been a primary feature in our discoveries in

New beer captures the spirit of exploration

England’s highest brewery, based in the heart of Dartmoor National Park, has teamed up with Dartmoor-based polar exploration project Ice Warrior to launch a new beer which captures the spirit of exploration and outdoor experience. The new Ice Warrior Ale has been launched on the back of a boom in bottled beer sales over the past 12 months and has been brewed to refl ect Dartmoor Brewery’s strong association with the great outdoors. The fl avour combinations of the Ice Warrior Ale are broadly based around the brewery’s original and multi-award winning Jail Ale, with some changes to the brewing recipe by head brewer Ian Cobham to create a unique, limited-edition ale brewed using traditional methods and ingredients. A percentage of each bottle sale will be used to fund Ice Warrior’s polar expedition programme. Since 2001 Ice Warrior has trained over 400 novices to be polar explorers, undertaken seven major expeditions and directly contributed to our knowledge and understanding of our changing world. Its remit is to help scientists gauge the pulse of the planet and the next the Arctic Ocean - Ice Warrior Ale is a celebration of this contribution. Ice Warrior founder Jim McNeill said: ‘ In the “golden era of exploration” that we emulate, each expedition member was allotted a daily quota of beer that was often donated by local breweries. Having our own ale brewed for us by a modern-day, sustainable and responsible brewery, not only helps us recruit, raise awareness and funds for our expeditions but adds to the historic and modern nature of what we are trying to achieve.’ Ian Cobham, Dartmoor Brewery MD and head brewer, said: ‘Our new partnership with Ice Warrior is a natural fi t with our passion for all things outdoors, and our commitment to initiatives which raise awareness of our fragile environment. Our new Ice Warrior Ale expresses our passion in our own special way – with traditional, natural beer!’ The new limited-edition beer is available exclusively online at www.dartmoorbrewery.co.uk (with free UK mainland delivery on orders of two packs or more).

APPROVED

Tavistock 01822 610222 • Plymouth 01752 869074 • Exeter 01392 401222

We have moved: Unit 2A Westbridge Industrial Estate,Tavistock PL19 8DE info@chamings.plumbing | www.chamings.plumbing

Restart grants

available until June 30

From beauty salons and book shops to campsites and village halls, many South Hams businesses are eligible for a cash boost of up to £18,000. South Hams District Council is accepting applications for the Government’s new Restart Grant until June 30th, to give practical fi nancial support following lockdown restrictions due to coronavirus. The grant is a one-off payment for businesses that mainly off er in-person services to the general public and have been impacted by closures. It is available in two strands. Non-essential retail businesses, such as gift stores or fl orists, are in Strand One and could receive a one-off grant up to £6,000. Hospitality, accommodation, leisure, grant up to £6,000. Hospitality, accommodation, leisure, personal care and gym businesses, covering everything from animal groomers to pubs and B&Bs, are covered by from animal groomers to pubs and B&Bs, are covered by Strand Two. These business could receive up to £18,000 Strand Two. These business could receive up to £18,000 as they may have opened later or may have been more restricted.

How much is the grant worth?

For non-essential retail businesses, the following thresholds apply: • Businesses with a rateable value of exactly £15,000 or under on April 1st, 2021 will receive a payment of £2,667. • Businesses with a rateable value over £15,000 and less • Businesses with a rateable value over £15,000 and less than £51,000 on April 1st, 2021 will receive a payment than £51,000 on April 1st, 2021 will receive a payment of £4,000. • Businesses with a rateable value of exactly £51,000 or • Businesses with a rateable value of exactly £51,000 or over on April 1st, 2021 will receive a payment of £6,000. For hospitality, accommodation, leisure, personal care and For hospitality, accommodation, leisure, personal care and gyms, the following thresholds apply: • Businesses with a rateable value of exactly £15,000 or under on April 1st, 2021 will receive a payment of £8,000. • Businesses with a rateable value over £15,000 and less than £51,000 on April 1st, 2021 will receive a payment of £12,000. • Businesses with a rateable value of exactly £51,000 or over on April 1st, 2021 will receive a payment of £18,000.

Who is eligible?

To qualify for a grant, your business must be registered for Business Rates and have premises on the council’s rating list on April 1st, 2021; be trading on April 1st, 2021; not be in liquidation, dissolved, struck off or subject to a striking-off notice.

How to apply

To apply, go to www.southhams.gov.uk/businesscovid19 Grants will be paid direct to the account registered. If all the correct information is submitted, the team aim to make payments within three weeks of the initial application. Please be aware that the Restart Grant is taxable income and will need to be included in the tax return of your business. The Restart Grant replaces the Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG) and is being paid alongside ongoing ARG grants.

MONEYADVICE ADVICE PLYMOUTH

FREE • CONFIDENTIAL EXPERT • IMPARTIAL

NEED HELP TO OVERCOME ISSUES WITH DEBT?

CONTACT ONE OF OUR EXPERT ADVISORS: 01752 208126 or 01392 686752

Breakfast Club will continue! Please ask for info

Woodford Community Community Pre-School

Relocating Sept 2021

Bell Close - Unit 4 Alder Court, Plymouth PL7 4JH Extended hours available

The same great team!

Staying at the heart of the Plympton community Contact us: 01752 337335 woodfordpreschool@gmail.com