Rotary Club of Roborough We’re very much missing our twice monthly lunches at the moment, with their opportunity to catch up with friends, do a little networking for those still employed or in business and to discuss options to improve life in the local community or raise funds for local and international charities. Instead we meet online and plan events we can still stage or take part in within coronavirus restrictions, as well as those we expect to run when we return to normal. At this time of the year we would normally be arranging December visits by Father Christmas and taking Rudolph and the sleigh to the supermarkets to raise funds for our favourite charities. Sadly it’s looking as though that won’t be possible this year, so we are concentrating instead on outdoor and online events to allow the club to support the community and perhaps bring some cheer to residents in the north of the city. We are still actively recruiting members, so if you would like to help work for the local community or expand your social or networking circles why not think about your local club? Go to www.roborough-rotary.org.uk or on social media, where you will see the kind of things we do to help others and have fun doing it! The photo shows some of our members on Roborough roundabout where we planted crocuses just before the pandemic started, but there are plenty more online to give you a taste for what we do. Have a look, you may wish you’d found us earlier! David Carver-Trotter
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Plymouth Hoe Plymouth’s world famous Hoe is getting some TLC to make the city’s most important spot look even better. A series of small projects that will make a big difference have been starting as part of the city’s Mayflower preparedness programme. The first is a dull but necessary resurfacing of the main path, with pothole and edging repairs across other key areas. But then it gets much more exciting. Banks of stunning wildflowers are planned on the edges of the Hoe as well as the verges along Hoe Road. A small number of apple trees could be planted and the dead QE2 memorial tree replaced with a Mayflower apple tree and mix of five others to form small community orchard. Other plans include the redesign of the garden next to the café, a landscaping project in West Hoe Park and an updated Welcome to Plymouth sign. The Peace Garden has already had some new planting and wooden benches have been repaired, thanks to the efforts of the Shekinah Mission’s painting and maintenance team. The team is working with Plymouth City Council offering on-the-job training, personal development and work experience to help support people into employment. Shekinah have also been involved in painting over 250 metres of railings below the Hoe and along the waterfront. Deputy council leader Peter Smith said: ‘Plymouth loves the Hoe. It’s so popular that some of it is a bit tired from overuse, so we’re doing some fixing and mixing in some lovely ideas to make it even more special. It’s also great to see this project provide hands-on experience for people looking to get back into work.’ Diane Mansell, CEO of Plymouth Waterfront Partnership, said: ‘I know how important the Hoe and the waterfront are to all the businesses in our BID area which is why we have contributed £10,000 towards the work being undertaken. We are happy to support these projects and they are a lovely mix of maintenance work and improving the natural environment projects.” The council has also been working closely with the Hoe Neighbourhood Forum, residents as well as vendors and leaseholders on the project.
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