Cheers! Plymouth Moor View MP Fred Thomas has praised Plymouth pubs during a debate in Parliament
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Plymouth mum Jo Taylor shares her testimony of how one prayer changed her life forever
See Page 15
Plymouth Chronicle is partnering with Argyle Life – the popular fans site –to bring exclusive content to our readers
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Looking for a tradesman? Turn to our Dial The Experts guide on pages 16 and 17
Hundreds of riders of all ages took on the challenging Tour de Moor fundraiser for St Luke's Hospice Plymouth – and they were joined by two special furry supporters. This rider decided to take his two little pooches on the ride of a lifetime! Photographer Paul Slater captured this wonderful image.
STORY AND MORE PICTURES ON PAGE 18
A group of 90 students from All Saints Academy Plymouth have returned from an unforgettable four-day trip to Paris.
The group was made up of 80 Year 7s, as well as 10 GCSE French students who used the opportunity to not only practice their language skills but also work with the staff on
the trip to complete their work experience.
The trip included visits to various landmarks around the French capital, including the Arc de Triomphe, Sacre Coeur, Eiffel Tower, and the Gardens of Luxembourg, where the students wrote postcards in French about the sights they had seen.
They also enjoyed a boat cruise along the River Seine passing further monuments such as the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre Museum.
Visiting all of these sites would be impressive enough on any 'normal' day, but the trip included Bastille Day, the French national holiday when the population of the city rises by hundreds of thousands of people. From a vantage point at the Sacred Couer they were able to watch a fly past go over the city of more than 100 different aircrafts.
A highlight for many of the children was a visit to Disneyland Paris. Students had the opportunity to explore the park with their friends, meet some of the famous Disney characters, put their bravery to the test on some of the scarier
Departing Sat 13 Dec ‘25
Returning to his hometown of Maastricht in December for a magical, Christmas-themed concert, André Rieu continues to dazzle audiences, alongside his 60-piece Johann Strauss Orchestra.
SO MUCH INCLUDED...
Return coach travel & ferry crossings from Plymouth
3 nights at a selected hotel in Belgium/Germany/the Netherlands (JG3 or JG4 rating) with breakfast
André Rieu concert ticket (Block L2)
Free time in Maastricht
Excursion to a Christmas market or festive European town
rides and watch some of the brilliant music parades that Disney is so well known for.
Brittanie Tonge, associate assistant headteacher at All Saints Academy and organiser of the trip said: "This was the first of our annual trips to Paris, and it was an absolute delight to provide so many of our students with this opportunity. As the French lead at All Saints, it was wonderful to see so many of our students engage with the French language and culture.
“The students were a credit to the school, and we received so many compliments with regards to their conduct in the city and at Disneyland. In visiting Paris, our students have met their ASAP pledge to 'visit a capital city' and continue to access our incredible extra curriculum offer."
Departing Fri 5 Dec ‘25
Experience the magic of a weekend away at Disneyland®, Paris! Whether you like thrill-seeking attractions or simply taking in the atmosphere on Main Street, U.S.A, you’ll want to come back and visit Mickey and the gang, time and time again.
SO MUCH INCLUDED...
Return coach travel & ferry crossings from Plymouth
3 nights at the Grand Magic Hotel, Magny Le Hongre (JG4 rating) with breakfast
Free shuttle bus from hotel to the park
Admission to Disneyland® Paris on two days, with coach transfer
Departing Thu 15 Jan ‘26
Join us at Warner Norton Grange Coastal Village for a few days away with entertainment and a range of activities on offer. There’s also the opportunity to enjoy a lovely trip to two of the island’s most recognisable locations, Newport and the Needles.
SO MUCH INCLUDED...
Return coach travel & ferry crossings from Plymouth, Saltash
2 nights at the Warner Norton Grange Coastal Village, Isle of Wight (JG3 rating) with dinner & breakfast
Daytime activities in the resort
Use of leisure facilities
Entertainment every evening
Optional excursion to Newport & the Needles (£12pp)
City College Plymouth has been awarded the Silver Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Award in acknowledgement of its continued support to members of the Armed Forces community.
The college is one of only 50 organisations across the South West to receive this accolade in 2025.
The award was presented to the college at a special ceremony at County Hall, Exeter, as part of HM Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Devon Awards. It was collected on behalf of the college by chief executive Jackie Grubb, and Pauline Hands, executive of Strategic Communications & Stakeholders.
The award recognises employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate, or advocate support for defence and the armed forces community, while aligning their values with the Armed Forces Covenant. City College Plymouth signed the Covenant in 2023.
Speaking after receiving the award, Jackie said: "We are incredibly honoured to receive the Silver ERS Award. As Devon's anchor institution for defence skills, we are proud to stand alongside our Armed Forces community and recognise the immense contribution they make to our region, our industries, and to the nation at large. This award is a reflection of our deep commitment to supporting that community.
"City College Plymouth has supported the Royal Navy, the Ministry of Defence and wider defence industry, and supply chains with training, Apprenticeships, and specialist programmes for over 50 years, directly addressing the needs of the Armed Forces and its highly valued personnel during that time.
“As we look to the future, helping to strengthen the UK's defence resilience and providing the Armed Forces with more skills, support, and training than ever before, our dedication to Service personnel, reservists, veterans, the cadet movement, and military families remains strong.
"We are proud to be a college that recognises
the difference the Armed Forces community makes to our workplace, culture, and city, and we are grateful to see City College Plymouth recognised in this way."
The Silver Award represents a significant milestone in the college's journey of support for the Armed Forces, building on its already established reputation for collaboration with the community and further demonstrating its dedication to championing their skills, resilience, and value.
A team of Plymouth Soroptimists have been shopping and packing to provide 36 'hygiene care boxes' for families living in temporary accommodation in Plymouth.
Soroptimists obtained a grant of £1,050 from Plymouth Astor Trust to purchase sturdy plastic storage boxes and fill them with 40 personal hygiene items for a family including shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, soap, sanitary towels and flannels. The boxes also contain kitchen roll, bleach spray, anti mould spray and handwash.
The initiative saw the Soroptimist club working with Odils Learning Foundation, who hosted the packing day at their Stonehouse premises. Odils will make the hygiene boxes available to families in need, including their own service users as well as families being supported by Plymouth Access to Housing (PATH) and Devon & Cornwall Refugee Service (DCRS).
Plymouth Soroptimist president Ann said: "This was a real team effort and it has been lovely to bring this to fruition after discussing the idea with Odils earlier this year.We believe there are at least 200 households in Plymouth living in temporary accommodation, and many simply cannot afford the toiletries and cleaning products that most of us take for granted. We're really grateful to Plymouth Astor Trust for the grant, which has enabled Soroptimists to support some of these vulnerable families in our community."
For more information about the work and aims of Soroptimists International visit www.plymsorop.org. uk, www.sigbi.org or follow them on X and Facebook.
and
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.
Pennywell Farm Pumpkin Festival
Until Nov 2
Join in with all the family favourites plus the Pumpkin Festival included in the ticket price. A must-see event for all the family with the festival bigger and better than ever. All tickets must be booked online at www. pennywellfarm.co.uk
Tumble’s Toddlers
Oct 13 to Oct 23
Dartmoor Zoo presents Tumble’s Toddlers – a fun, social, and educational group for two to four year olds to explore their wild side. The sessions help little ones to grow in an encouraging and playful setting. Each day from 10.30am to 12 noon. Fancy dress highly encouraged but not essential. Details from www. dartmoorzoo.org.uk/events/tumbles-toddlers/
Jazz and Roast Sunday
Oct 19 and Nov 16
Every third Sunday of then month the Honky Tonk Wine Library in Sutton Harbour hosts local jazz musician legend Martin Dale accompanied by two other talented musicians from 3pm to 5pm. The live music is accompanied by a Sunday Roast board from 12pm. Go just for the roast or eat and stay. Booking advisable via www.honkytonkwinelibrary.com
Plymouth Collectors Toy & Train Fair
Oct 19
Organised by Plymouth Diecast Club at Jan Cutting Healthy Living Centre, Scott Business Park from 10am to 1pm. Admission £1 for adults, accompanied children free. Free onsite parking, wheelchair friendly and onsite café. Details from www.plymouthdiecastclub.co.uk
Plymouth Jazz Club
Oct 19
Featuring popular all-female band Hotsy Totsy at the Royal British Legion Club, Crownhill at 7.30pm. Entry £15 on the door (£12 members). Non-members welcome. Details at www.plymouth-jazz-club.com
Talk on Ann Glanville - Saltash Legend and Icon
Oct 22
Plymouth Proprietary Library hosts a talk on Ann Glanville ‘the world’s female champion rower’ in the 19th Century. Starts at 2pm. Local historian Barry Brooking will explore the facts of her life and the myths surroundong her achievements. £4 for members, £8 for non-members. Refreshments provided. To guarantee a seat, contact the library at www.theppl. org.uk/about-us or simply turn up on the day.
Oktoberfest 2025
Oct 25
Plymouth welcomes a traditional Bavarian bash in Central Park from 12 noon to 11pm. New features at this year’s event which include an all-new Bavarian bar, glitter, mini trader village and a photo booth. For tickets and information visit www. oktoberfestplymouth.co.uk
Orchestral Workshop
Oct 25
Plymouth Open Concert Orchestra, formerly the University of Plymouth Orchestra, invites instrumental players to an orchestral workshop: ‘Holst’s Planets.’ With music director, Dan Francis at the Levinsky Hall, Plymouth University from 10am. Tickets to take part £10 can be booked via the Orchestra Facebook page. All orchestra instrument players who can read music are welcome.
Divertimento String Quartet
Nov 1
The Quartet present a concert at Stoke Damerel Church from 3pm to 5pm. Featuring works by Haydn, Dvorak and Frank Bridge. Tickets £20, students £10, under 18s free. Tickets on the door or in advance from 01803 863677. Details at www.dovertimento.uk.com
Coffee Morning Nov 1
Crownhill Methodist Church Hall from 10.30am to 12 noon. Various stalls. Supporting Leukemia Research. All welcome.
Bonfire Night
Nov 5
Get ready for an unforgettable night of fun and fireworks as Plymouth Hoe comes alive for Bonfire Night! Make your way to the iconic Smeaton’s Tower lighthouse for the best views of the bonfire, which will be lit at 7pm. Then, at 7.30pm, prepare to be wowed! The skies will explode with a stunning fireworks display launched from the historic Royal Citadel. Expect an incredible show of rockets, fountains, and crackling fireworks.
HonkyTonk Comedy Club
Nov 6
West Country favourite Tom Glover hosts the bimonthly comedy night at the HonkyTonk Wine Library in Sutton Harbour starting at 8pm. For details visit www.honkytonkwinelibrary.com
Table Top Sale
Nov 8
Ford Park Cemetery from 10.30am with tables costing £10. An ideal opportunity for members of the public to sell unwanted items. Call 01752 665442 for details.
Plymouth Concert Series
Nov 9
Featuring the Chamber Ensemble of London directed by violinist Peter Fisher at Stoke Damerel Church from 3pm to 5pm. Details at www. chamberensembleoflondon.co.uk
Remembrance Day Service
Nov 11
To be held at the Victorian Chapel, Ford Park Cemetery at 10.30am. After the service there will be a Blessing at the Cross of Sacrifice near the Lower Gate. A wreath will be laid in memory of those who have died for their country in both World Wars. All welcome. Refreshments will be served later in the Visitor Centre.
Christmas Lights Switch-On
Nov 13
Plymouth's Christmas calendar officially kicks off with the switch-on of this year's spectacular Christmas lights on the Piazza in Plymouth City Centre. More details coming soon.
Drake Circus Christmas Lights Switch-On
Nov 13
Festive fun from 3.30pm at Drake Circus with lots of seasonal surprises. Don't miss the magical moment at 4pm when snow flurries fall at the Old Town Street entrance, right before the big Light Switch-on at 5pm.
Barbican Christmas Lights Switch-On
Nov 15
Head to the Barbican for the wonderful Christmas
Plymouth Christmas Market returns bigger and better than ever from November 27 to December 21 Photo: Chris Heaney
lights switch-on with an afternoon of festive family fun with free activities and entertainment from 12pm to 6pm on the Barbican and Sutton Harbour.
Plymouth Winter Wonderland
Nov 15 to Jan 1
Following the resounding success of last year's event, the magical winter festival is set to return to Central Park. This year's Winter Wonderland promises to be even more enchanting, with a host of festive delights for all ages. Step into a Winter Wonderland of twinkling lights, festive music, and Christmas cheer. Details at www.plymouthwinterwonderland.co.uk
Plymouth Jazz Club
Nov 16
Featuring The Gatsby Trio with jazz from the 20s and 30s at the Royal Briths Legion Club, Crownhill at 7.30pm. Entry £15 on the door (£12 members). Nonmembers welcome. Details at www.plymouth-jazzclub.com
Christmas Fair
Nov 21 and 22
Stoke Damerel Church in Paradise Road, Stoke from 11am to 3pm. To hire a table or stall contact Marilyn Goldsbrough on 07890 165524 or 01752 564847.
Christmas Fayre
Nov 22
St Boniface Church Hall, Percy Street, St Budeaux from 10am to 12 noon. Raffle, chocolate tombola, gifts galore and refreshments. Entry 20p on the door. All welcome.
Anniversary Concert
Nov 26
Plymouth Symphony Orchestra celebrates its 150th anniversary with a concert at St Andrew’s Minster Church in Royal Parade at 7.30pm. Tickets £16 in advance from www.wegottickets.com/ PlymouthSymphonyOrchestra, £18 on the door. Works by Verdi, Elgar and Tchaikovsky and featuring soloist Maxim Carver. Details www.plymouthsymphony.co.uk
Plymouth Christmas Market
Nov 27 to Dec 21
Experience the all-new Plymouth Christmas Market, operated by the award-winning event operators, Market Place. With over 100 international and local traders housed in charming, traditional chalets, the Plymouth Christmas Market will be offering an authentic feast of quality Christmas fayre alongside a carefully curated mix of handcrafted goods and bespoke artisan products. Set against the backdrop of Armada Way and New George Street, the market is an unmissable destination for coach parties, daytrippers, and city shoppers alike, offering the perfect place festive shopping.
Just Christmas 2025
Nov 29
A 'fair' Christmas fair at Hope Baptist Church from 10am to 3pm with all items on sale locally or ethically
made. Free children's activities, community choirs, homemade cakes, pasties and raffle. Free entry and all proceeds to buy Christmas gifts for the homeless.
Christmas Fair
Nov 29
Visitor Centre, Ford Park Cemetery from 10.30am to 2.30pm with Christmas crafts, jewellery, wreaths, festive stalls, homemade cakes and much more. Refreshments also available.
Christmas Concert
Dec 6
South West Chamber Choir will present a concert of songs and readings for Advent and Christmas at Stoke Damerel Church at 3pm. The concert will include carols by local composers and a wide variety of music which should appeal to all.
Christmas Fayre
Dec 6
Salisbury Road Baptist Church Large Hall from 10am to 2pm. Hot and cold food available.
Celebrating Romania Through Art and Music
Dec 7
Romanian Grand Union Day will be celebrated at Stoke Damerel Church at 3pm. Organised by EduArt CIC, the event will be led children and young people from Plymouth’s Romanian School Arici Pogonici and from the community. The programme will feature traditional Romanian music, dance, and creative arts, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Romania. Opportunity to enjoy traditional Romanian cuisine, engage in craft and art workshops, and view an exhibition of artworks by the children.
Candlelit Christmas Concerts
Dec 12 and Dec 13
The Down Thomas Singers are supporting Children’s Hospice, South West with two concerts at the Silver Jubilee Hall, Down Thomas where parking is free. The light and amusing Christmas themed concerts are on Friday, December 12 at 7.30pm and on Saturday, December 13 at 2pm. There is always a good raffle and closing collection. Tickets at £7 include a warm drink and mince pie and are available from any choir member or the Secretary (Telephone 01752 299204). Seating is at tables so people can bring their own drinks and nibbles as well as the refreshments at the interval.
Christmas Concert
Dec 13
Tamar Concert Choir perform a selection of Christmas songs and traditional carols with the opportunity for audience participation. Woolwell Community Centre, Darklake Lane, Plymouth from 6pm to 8pm.
Baroque Christmas Concert by Candlelight Dec 13
University of Plymouth Choral Society present a concert including Vivaldi's Gloria, highlights from Handel’s Messiah, and Carols in St Andrew's Minster Church at 7.30pm. Details at www.uopcs.org.uk
Christmas Concert Dec 18
Tamar Concert Choir perform a Christmas concert at Stoke Damerel Church at 7.30pm. In aid of the Chestnut Appeal with a variety of Christmas themed songs and traditional carols.
Plymouth Jazz Club Dec 21
Featuring The Bourbon Street Paraders with their New Orleans Dixie Jazz at the Royal Briths Legion Club, Crownhill at 7.30pm. Entry £15 on the door (£12 members). Non-members welcome. Details at www. plymouth-jazz-club.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.
PLYMOUTH 96.3FM or listen online at crossrhythms.co.uk/plymouth
A Plymouth City Council apprentice has won a top national award.
Jade Boyd, who works for Plymouth City Council as a youth offending team worker, was highly commended in the Apprentice of the Year award category at the fourth Inspire Justice Awards, delivered by Skills for Justice.
Skills for Justice's Inspire Justice Awards recognise and honour the hard work carried out daily by thousands of justice sector staff across the UK. Jade was the first person in the country to complete the Youth Justice Practitioner Apprenticeship Standard (graduating with distinction) and has since driven real change for vulnerable children within the Youth Justice Service, helping them move away from offending and rebuild their futures.
or tamar.admin@theabbeyfield.co.uk See us on www.abbeyfieldtamarhouse.co.uk
Consistently putting the needs of children first, Jade applies a traumainformed approach in her work. In one case, she adapted an intervention plan for a child with learning difficulties by using visual aids and simplified language, ensuring the young person could fully understand and engage with the plan.
She has also championed multi-agency collaboration, organising and chairing a meeting for a child at high risk of reoffending. The result was a tailored, coordinated support package that gave the child a better chance to turn their life around.
Reacting to the news of her win Jade said: "It's a privilege to work with young people and help them see a future beyond offending. Every child deserves to be heard, understood, and given the right support to make positive choices, and I'm proud to be part of a team that makes that possible."
Congratulating Jade, Emma Hannant, chief executive of the youth and criminal justice higher education provider, Unitas, said: “Jade has been an outstanding student showing grit and determination to succeed in her apprenticeship.
"Both her learning coach and I are extremely proud to see Jade achieve a distinction as the first student completing the standard. I wish her every success as she continues to study with Unitas to gain a BA (Hons) in youth justice."
Wales & West Utilities has started work to upgrade gas pipes in the North Hill area of Plymouth.
The project started on October 6 and is expected to be completed by November 3.
Wales & West Utilities has worked closely with Plymouth City Council to plan the work, and it has been agreed that traffic management will be in place. This will be carried out in rolling phases to ensure our team and local motorists stay safe while the work is taking place. The traffic management will include:
Phase 1 (starting October 6):
• Two-way traffic lights on North Hill and a partial closure of the bus stop outside Plymouth Girls High School
• Closure along Alton Road at the junction with North Hill
• Road closure on Hill Park Crescent Lane (Cobble Mews) at the junction with North Hill
Phase 2:
• Bus stop suspension on North Hill Alton Place
• Closure on Alton Place from the junction of North Hill to 3 Alton Place
• Closure on Chester Place, at its junction with North Hill
• No right-hand turn from North Hill onto Alexandra Road and Greenbank Road
Phase 3 (ending November 3):
• Closure on Chester Place, at its junction with North Hill
• Multi-way traffic lights at the junction of Mutley Plain, Alexandra Road, and Greenbank Road
Natalie Raphael from Wales & West Utilities is managing this gas pipe upgrade work and said: "We know that working in areas like this is not ideal, but it is essential to make sure we keep the gas flowing to homes and businesses in the area, and to make sure the gas network is fit for the future.
“We'll have a team of gas engineers on site throughout the project to make sure our work is completed as safely and as quickly as possible while keeping disruption to a minimum.
"While most of the gas network is underground and out of sight, it plays a central role in the daily lives of this community. Whether it's heating your home, making the family dinner or having a hot bath, we understand how important it is for your gas supply to be safe and reliable and there when you need it.
"This work is essential to keep the gas flowing to local homes and businesses today, and to make sure the gas network is ready to transport green gases in the future."
The Ocean Conservation Trust has hosted its annual STEMFest at the National Marine Aquarium - and this year's event was its most inclusive yet.
Thanks to funding from Plymouth-based engineering consultants, Services Design Solutions, and coach travel support from the Ocean Conservation Trust (OCT), around 1,000 of the students who took part have attended completely free, with entrance costs and transportation fully covered.
Running since 2012, STEMFest is an awardwinning educational initiative designed to ignite young people's curiosity in science, technology, engineering and maths through the lens of ocean conservation.
Hosted at the National Marine Aquarium, the event combined dynamic learning experiences with real-world sustainability challenges - empowering the next generation of innovators and ocean advocates. Under the 2025 theme of ‘Ocean Friendly Homes,’ STEMFest immersed students in an engaging, hands-on learning experience that explored how everyday choices and practices at home can impact the ocean.
For schools unable to attend in person, OCT also delivered a one-hour virtual STEMFest, with almost 3,000 children joining live online, meaning more than 4,500 young people took part in total.
STEMFest 2025 was not just a one-off experience. Each student took home a ‘home audit’ survey encouraging households to explore how their home affects the ocean, reinforcing their ocean literacy and encouraging environmentally conscious decisions at home.
Local schools will then receive a personalised visit from an Ocean Conservation Trust schools officer to review their findings.
The audits will lay the groundwork for a follow-on innovation challenge, where students will design their own ocean friendly innovations - practical, sustainable solutions that help protect the ocean by addressing issues such as waste, carbon emissions, or the use of materials in homes.
Selected student designs will be pitched to local business partners, with the most promising concepts developed and produced for distribution to all STEMFest participants in July next year.
Becky Dodds, schools programme coordinator at the Ocean Conservation Trust said: "This opportunity has given students not just an improved understanding of the impacts of climate change but also inspired them to know that they have the power to make a significant difference. STEMFest is about aspiration and action, and we can't wait to see their innovations.”
Local manufacturers and businesses now have a unique opportunity to get involved. The Ocean Conservation Trust is calling on makers, engineers, and manufacturers across Plymouth and the wider South West to partner with them and help turn the student ideas into real-world products. Support could take many forms, whether through financial backing, lending expertise in the build, or helping to select the winning design, all playing a vital role in turning creative ideas into real-world solutions.
Business and organisations which would like to get involved, should contact
Pounds House will go to auction at the end of this month, with online bidding opening on October 28 and the auction ending on October 30.
As part of the sale contract, Plymouth City Council is introducing further measures to protect the landscape with a planting plan designed to preserve the park setting of the historic property for years to come.
This is in line with Joint Local Plan policies and the protection of Central Park and its environs as a strategic green space and follows last month's news that the council had served tree preservation orders on a number of trees close to the house.
Councillor Chris Penberthy, cabinet member responsible for assets said: "As a council we sometimes have to make difficult decisions. This building has been empty for years, we do not have a use for it, it has cost nearly £500,000 in maintenance and insurance over the last five years. It makes sense to give the opportunity to someone to do something wonderful with it."
Following the loss of public open space
Pounds House has been empty for many years and has cost nearly £500,000 to maintain over the last five years
consultation, the council has responded to concerns raised by local residents.
The council confirmed that the land was not gifted but acquired at market value in 1927.
Suggestions that Pounds House could be upgraded as a wedding venue or register office have also been rejected as the council already has several
wedding venues and the new register office was established in 2020.
All council departments were approached to see if they were interested in the building and there were not takers.
The council stressed that it is not in a position to give away the property for community use, but advised that groups or organisations are welcome to bid at auction. Concerns that the land would be used for housing have also been answered as have suggestions that the sale process has not been transparent. The council also pointed out that a consultation over the loss of public open space had been carried out and 75 objections were received. In response to concerns raised, tree preservation orders were issued on four standalone trees and six distinct groups of trees.
The house, its formal gardens and the associated land for sale represents 0.67 per cent of Central Park and the sale of the empty building will spell the end of spending ongoing costs – £490,787 over the last five years. The auction will be carried out by Clive Emson www.cliveemson.co.uk
Local veterinary surgeons Dr Jo Nott and Dr Nikolai Athron have launched the Plymouth Cat Clinic, the first and only feline-only veterinary clinic in Devon and Cornwall.
The independent, family-run clinic has recently been awarded Gold Accreditation by icatcare.org's Cat Friendly Clinic programme, recognising its commitment to providing an exceptional, stress-free environment for feline patients.
With over 30 years of combined veterinary experience, Dr Nott and Dr Athron bring extensive expertise to the local community. Dr Athron is one of just 18 RCVS-recognised Advanced Practitioners in small animal dentistry in the UK.
Dr Nott, born and raised in Plymouth, begins her certificate in feline medicine this January. The clinic offers feline-focused care in a calm, cat-only environment designed to reduce stress and improve outcomes. Facilities include a state-of-the-art dental suite, full in-house laboratory, and CASCO WellKennels, specifically designed with feline comfort and wellbeing in mind.
Tailored Feline Health Plans are also available, providing personalised care to cats at every life stage.
The clinic's motto, ‘Quality Vet Care for your Cat,’ is supported by a strong mission and an ethos they call the 'Trifecta Purr-fecta':
• Happy cats – through high-quality veterinary medicine and surgery
• Happy clients – through compassionate, clear communication
• Happy colleagues – through a positive and engaging work environment
"We believe cats deserve a dedicated space where they feel safe, and owners deserve clear, compassionate guidance," said Dr Nott. "Plymouth now joins cities like London, Oxford and Manchester in offering truly felinefocused veterinary services."
The Plymouth Cat Clinic is committed to giving back to the local community. Plans are already under way to support local animal charities including Cats Protection, Gables, and Woodside.
"Being independent means we can stay true to our values and community-first approach," added Dr Athron. "We're here for Plymouth's
city's historic Merchant's House
A preferred purchaser for Merchant's House has been selected following a marketing exercise to find a buyer who can give the historic building a sympathetic new lease of life.
Plymouth City Council announced it was to put the Grade II listed property on the market in January after being unable to find a use for it since it closed as a museum around 10 years ago.
Prospective purchasers were asked to demonstrate they had the means and experience to give it a new purpose and safeguard its future.
Four offers were received and a purchaser has been selected who proposes to sympathetically restore the property to how it would have appeared in the 16th century and provide visitors to the city a unique place to stay by allowing them to step back in time to an important period of Plymouth's long history.
After being restored to its former glory the historic building will also be open for the public to view twice a year.
Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member responsible for the city's assets, said: "Merchant's House is a precious historic property that has been lying empty for a long time now and it really needs to be restored and put to good use.
"We are delighted to find a preferred purchaser who plans to restore the house. We look forward to completing the disposal and seeing their plans coming to fruition."
The sale price and further details of the restoration plans will be available once the disposal has been completed. Purchaser chosen for
Nominations are now open for the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership Community Hero Award.
The award is a way to recognise and acknowledge the invaluable contributions of individuals or organisations that help to make a difference in the Plymouth community.
Last year Jo Connett was the Plymouth Waterfront Community Hero and Jo had the honour of switching on the Barbican Christmas Lights, with special guests, and this year's winner will have the opportunity to do the same.
Sarah Gibson, Plymouth Waterfront Partnership chief executive said: “It's so important we celebrate kindness. The Community Hero Award is the city’s chance to come together and celebrate those who have truly gone above and beyond for others this year.
“We strongly encourage everyone to consider the special people in their lives who deserve recognition - whether through volunteer work, caring for others, fostering, fundraising or
community projects, it applies to anyone who makes a difference in Plymouth.
“Our Plymouth Waterfront Partnership events are funded by businesses to celebrate and bring joy to our city and its visitors. What better way to shine a light on kindness in our communities than by ensuring our 2025 Community Hero is at the heart of our Barbican Christmas Lights Switch-On. Our judging panel is looking forward to receiving lots of nominations!"
To nominate someone for the Community Hero Award, visit www.visitplymouth.co.uk/ christmas-in-plymouth/barbican-christmas-lightsnomination and submit a brief description of their achievements. The deadline for nominations is midday on Friday November 7.
The winner of the Community Hero Award will join the Lord Mayor, Santa and a special guest at the Barbican Christmas Lights Switch-On on Saturday November 15. The Barbican Christmas Lights Switch-On is in association with local charity Dartmoor Zoo.
The
Christmas Lights
On takes place on Saturday November 15 – and is expected to attract thousands of visitors
Pilgrim Primary Academy, part of the Reach South Academy Trust, have launched an important new partnership with the Salvation Army.
Pilgrim Academy staff and Governors have welcomed the Plymouth Barbican Salvation Army team as partners and residents into the school. The team will work alongside their parent support advisor delivering welfare and wellbeing support at a school level, as well as offering a wide range of free services available across Plymouth.
The school held a special launch event recently to celebrate the start of the partnership, inviting other local community outreach providers including Transforming Plymouth Together; The Oasis Project; Community Builders; Safe Families; Plymouth Community Dental Service and Employment Plus.
The Salvation Army also provided all pupils at Pilgrim with a free meal prior to the launch event.
The new partnership aims to bring positive change and long-term, sustainable improvement and support to Pilgrim children, their parents and wider families who live in the Stonehouse community.
The Salvation Army will utilise the school as a hub for their Sunday services and provide valuable support to the school on a weekly basis. As a major international organisation, the Salvation Army are well placed to offer a wide range of valuable family and community services.
At school, families and their young children aged up to four years old can benefit from their ‘Baby Basics’ collection service and Little Stars a Baby & Toddler group weekly on Thursdays
at 10am in the HQ building, Union Street which operates on a £1 donation.
Adults can access their 'Listening Ear' service which provides a friendly, volunteer-led, nonjudgmental chat for anyone who would benefit. In addition, the offer extends to services such as debt management advice, housing support, and a variety of employment services, including help finding work or training, employment support, CV writing and interview preparation, work experience and apprenticeships, IT training, access to online learning, and in-work support.
Their 'Wellbeing & Life Skills' services also provide Universal Credit and benefits advice, relationships support, money management guidance, housing advice, and signposting to wider local and national services. All of these services
are free to access via Pilgrim Primary Academy.
The Pilgrim School Choir and The Salvation Army are also collaborating through music. Pilgrim pupils will be singing at the Barbican Lights Switch in November and at various other Christmas Carol events across the city during the festive period.
Rachael Saim, headteacher at Pilgrim Primary Academy said: “Pilgrim Primary Academy sits within the heart of the Stonehouse community in the centre of Plymouth. This exciting new partnership with the Salvation Army has been created to offer a wide range of support, signposting and
access to free local services for our children and their families.
“Through partnering with the Salvation Army, we can help create opportunities, provide practical support, and hopefully make a lasting difference for the children and families we serve.”
Andrea Roe from the Salvation Army said:
“The Salvation Army has always been committed to walking alongside communities, and our partnership with Pilgrim Primary Academy is a powerful way to reach out to our families in their own community. We want this to be a hub of hope, care, and opportunity for everyone in Stonehouse."
Local Stonehouse Councillor, Alison Raynsford said: "This new partnership between Pilgrim Primary and the Salvation Army is a groundbreaking and innovative approach designed to support children and their families in a range of ways. I wholly support them in this endeavour and know that they will make a positive difference to families in my ward."
A new chapter of musical joy and inclusion is coming to Plymouth as The Salvation Army partners with the acclaimed Music Man Project to launch a transformative programme for adults with learning disabilities this October.
The inclusive and award-winning musical service, founded by David Stanley, held its launch event on October 4 at Sherwell United Church, with fortnightly sessions planned to begin on November 5. The initiative invites members of the wider community to join a global musical family that celebrates ability, creativity, and connection through the power of music.
David said: "We're so excited to bring The Music Man Project to Plymouth! Our charity is all about joy, inclusion, and giving talented people with learning disabilities the chance to shine. We can’t wait to share our music and welcome new friends into our international musical family."
Andrew Renouf, Youth and Safeguarding lead at Plymouth Barbican Salvation Army, added: "When I first came across the Music Man Project I was impressed not just by the concept, but by the obvious enjoyment of the participants. I am very excited that we can launch the project in Plymouth. Hopefully, this will be the springboard into fortnightly sessions and increased community
engagement as we continue to find creative ways of serving our community."
The Music Man Project has gained international recognition for its empowering approach to music education and performance, providing a platform for people with disabilities to develop musical skills, build confidence, and form lasting friendships. For more information about Music Man Project visit www.themusicmanproject.com.
The Salvation Army Plymouth Barbican continues to expand its community-focused offerings, reinforcing its commitment to serving the city through practical compassionate support, creative programmes, and inclusive spaces.
The Salvation Army at Plymouth Barbican supports essential services such as a food bank and community programmes to address immediate needs, while also fostering connection through groups like parent and toddler sessions and children's clubs through their partnership with Pilgrim Primary Academy, where Sunday services are currently held.
The church extends its support to vulnerable individuals via emergency assistance and practical aid for those facing homelessness or financial hardship. For more information about the Salvation Army in Plymouth Barbican visit their website at www.salvationarmy.org.uk/plymouth-barbican
The Box Plymouth has firmly established itself as a major cultural force in the UK, generating a £244 million economic footprint and forging partnerships with leading national institutions such as the National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, and the V&A since opening in autumn 2020.
An independent impact assessment by Counterculture LLP reveals how the museum, art gallery and archive has become integral to Plymouth and the wider South West. It is both a trusted community hub and a nationally recognised institution that has delivered measurable social and economic benefits during one of the most challenging periods in recent cultural history.
Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: "Five years ago, we made a bold decision to invest in culture when many cities were cutting back. Today, The Box stands as proof that Plymouth refuses to accept second-best. This isn't just about impressive statistics – though a £244 million economic impact speaks volumes – it's about transforming how the world sees Plymouth and how we see ourselves.
"The Box has given our city permission to dream bigger, to compete with London and Manchester on the cultural stage while never forgetting our local roots. It's authentically Plymouth yet commands international respect."
The Box's collaboration with the National Gallery positioned Plymouth as one of only four UK cities chosen for the Gallery's 200th anniversary celebrations. A major retrospective celebrating Beryl Cook's centenary will open in January 2026, showcasing more than 80 of her instantly recognisable paintings and repositioning her role in British art history.
Sir Nicholas Serota, Chair of Arts Council England, said: "The Box is unique, and without it the artistic ecology of the South West would be vastly different. Artists no longer have to travel to London to see
exhibitions of this quality. The Box has become one of the UK's most significant regional institutions, sitting alongside the Whitworth, Laing, Walker, and Manchester Art Gallery, and making Plymouth's offer truly distinctive.
The Box by the numbers
The Counterculture assessment highlights remarkable achievements across visitation, economy, and wellbeing: Visits and engagement
• 56% of visitors are Plymouth residents
• 72,000 international visits
• Over 1,000 school visits involving 40,000 children from Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall
• 750 school groups representing 89% of Plymouth schools engaged
• 13% of visitors experienced their first-ever cultural visit at The Box
• Around 250,000 visits to date by people aged under 25 Economic impact
• £28 million contribution to the Plymouth economy from visitors
• 72% of spending goes to South West suppliers (100% UK-based)
• Over 100,000 hours of volunteering since 2020, valued at £1.1 million
Health and wellbeing
• £43 million in benefits from reduced depression and dementia among adults aged 50+
• £49 million in benefits from improved general health and productivity among adults aged 30 to 49
A recent highlight was Ballet at The Box in February 2025 – a collaboration with Theatre Royal Plymouth and Birmingham Royal Ballet – which drew 2,225 visitors, the venue's busiest day since October 2023.
Victoria Pomery, chief executive of The Box, said: "These partnerships demonstrate what happens when institutions commit to excellence. We've shown that world-class cultural programming can thrive outside London while remaining deeply rooted in community."
Phil Gibby, Director South West at Arts Council England, added: "The Box encapsulates the step change in cultural ambition from Plymouth's key stakeholders. It is exemplary and has added critical mass to the South West map at a nationally significant level."
Driving regional growth
With 72% of capital investment supporting South West suppliers and 56% of revenue expenditure benefiting Plymouthbased businesses, The Box has become a model for how cultural institutions can drive regional economic development while achieving national acclaim.
Dedicated police teams and partner agencies are proud to announce they have once again achieved prestigious Purple Flag status for Plymouth – which signals the city is a safe place to enjoy a night out.
The accreditation is the sixth consecutive time Plymouth has achieved the status of Purple Flag and is fantastic news. The award recognises the commitment to creating a dynamic, secure, and vibrant evening and night-time economy and raise the standard of towns and city centres between the hours of 5pm and 5 am.
There are several important initiatives which help to keep residents and visitors safe as they enjoy a night out in Plymouth. These include the bright green Safe Bus which is parked in Derry’s Cross every weekend and helps anyone who is feeling vulnerable or unwell.
The bus is staffed by medics and more funding has been pledged this year from the Devon and Cornwall Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner. Many hundreds of people have been assisted by the staff on the Safe Bus and it has reduced the number of those attending hospital.
Night owls who want a low cost option to get home after a night out can use the Stagecoach Night Bus. This, along with the introduction of Uber cabs, means there is no excuse for motorists who may otherwise be tempted to get behind the wheel after a few drinks.
Plymouth also has taxi marshals who can help people get where they need to be and volunteer city street pastors.
The Best Bar None scheme works with licensed venues to prevent drugs issues such as potential drink spiking and anti-social behaviour. They also promote the ‘Ask Angela’ initiative to train bar staff to help protect women who may need support on a night out.
Chief Superintendent Matt Longman, Police Commander for Plymouth, explained: “We are delighted that we have once again
been recognised for our efforts to keep people safe on a night out.
“Our officers are out and about to help others and prevent as well as detect crime. We confiscate illegal drugs where possible, stop any incidents escalating and make sure residents and visitors can have a good time in the city without any worry.
“Congratulations to everyone who works so hard to make the city a great place to be as we once again celebrate flying the Purple Flag.”
Plymouth is one of only eight areas in the UK to achieve full Purple Flag accreditation in 2025.
Best Bar None Plymouth, working with Plymouth City Council has created a short survey to understand how people use the evening & night-time economy, show how we all work together to keep everyone safe and reassure others that Plymouth is a welcoming place to enjoy a night out. It only takes a few minutes to complete and you have until October 12 to give your views at www.plymouthconsult.objective.co.uk/kse/event/38409
For more information about the Night Bus please visit the website at www.traveldevon.info/bus/latest-news-service-updates/ night-buses/
If you have concerns about policing in your area, please let us know by signing up to the free Devon & Cornwall Police Community Messaging system. You can receive updates via text or email so please visit www.community-messaging.dc.police.uk
The Police Enquiry Office at Charles Cross Police Station in Charles Street is open to the public from 8am until 5.30pm Monday to Saturday. It is closed on Bank Holidays and Sundays. Police station front desks allow members of the public to have access to walk-in services where they can speak to trained staff who can help with crime reporting, crime prevention advice and help with accessing victim services. To make sure there is enough time to deal with an enquiry, members of the public are advised to try to arrive at least an hour before closing.
Babcock is launching a sustainable new bus shuttle service, which will transform the daily commute for workers at its Devonport facility and provide wider benefits around the city.
The dynamic ‘pick-up and drop-off’ travel initiative will initially launch across several popular commuter routes in Plymouth, with the service also extending more widely to include locations such as Ivybridge and Saltash. Accessible via a dedicated mobile app, it will offer passengers a smarter, more flexible way to travel, with Babcock workers able to book their place on one of the many shuttle buses running from 5am until 5pm from mid-October.
The MoveSmart service has been designed to be demand driven and can be scaled up and adapted to different routes to suit the needs of Babcock employees moving to and from the Devonport site. With 11 per cent of the Plymouth population employed by Babcock, a pipeline of work spanning decades, and having recruited 240 apprentices this year – one of the largest intakes in the region – having a range of travel to work options has never been more important.
The new service aims to cut down on single-occupancy vehicle use, helping to ease traffic congestion at peak times, as well as supporting employee wellbeing and operational efficiency.
John Gane, site managing director at Babcock’s Devonport facility said: “By providing a sustainable transport shuttle service, we’re ensuring our colleagues have a more efficient way to travel to and from site, so they can carry out their essential work supporting UK defence. It will also benefit the wider community with the aim of taking more cars off local roads.
“It also complements our wider journey towards establishing a capability centre in the heart of Plymouth, where 2000 Babcock employees will be located from. Alongside our support to Team Plymouth, these investments demonstrate the defence dividend in action – making a positive, lasting impact for both our employees and the city.”
• See story on opposite page
The New Towns Commission has recommended Plymouth as one of just twelve places to be taken forward as part of the Government's next generation of new towns, marking a bold and exciting new chapter for the city's future.
'New towns' are large-scale, planned communities designed to meet housing demand, unlock economic growth, and create thriving places to live. The Plymouth new town is expected to deliver at least 10,000 homes, alongside vital infrastructure such as schools, healthcare, transport links and green spaces.
Over the past year, Plymouth has worked closely with the New Towns Commission, welcoming visits from commissioners to hear directly about the city's ambitious plans.
Their recognition of Plymouth's potential is a powerful endorsement of Plymouth's vision and the city's readiness to deliver.
The announcement comes at a time of
unprecedented investment in Plymouth's future. The city has recently launched Team Plymouth, a united partnership of government, industry, education and civic leaders working to maximise the impact of the city’s designation as a National Defence Growth Area and the multi-billion-pound investment at Devonport Naval Base.
With thousands of new jobs on the horizon, the demand for housing is real and immediate.
Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: "This is a huge moment for Plymouth. We've been making the case for our city to be part of the new towns programme and I'm delighted the Government has listened.
“Plymouth is ready to lead the charge – our plans are ambitious, deliverable, and rooted in what our communities need. We're not just building homes, we're building a future – and we are going to do that by talking to local people and city centre businesses.
"Building thousands of homes in the heart of the city isn't just about meeting housing demand
– it's about breathing new life into our city centre, supporting local shops, businesses, cafés and restaurants, and creating the footfall that fuels a thriving day and night-time economy.
“Our work on the creation of master plan for the city centre will begin shortly and this will inform how we build a city centre that works for people and businesses alike."
The council's partnership with Homes England has been central to the journey involving the launch of a Plymouth City Centre Vision, laying the foundations for a delivery plan that will bring forward up to 12,000 new homes across the city over the next 15 years.
It is a key part of the council’s long-term plan to create the homes local communities need which will be set out in a new Local Plan for Plymouth next year.
Councillors and officers will now work with the Government as they undertake their final assessments and make their decision early next year.
For the last four month Plymouth Community Home residents have been taking part in a pilot project called Community Connections, developed by the University of Plymouth in partnership with Cisco. The idea is straightforward – to test whether a simple web-based app could act as a kind of ‘virtual village hall,’ helping older people to connect with local activities from home.
The project has been co-designed with residents and local organisations, such as Food is Fun, Colourful Horizons, and The Box Museum. Online activities have ranged from cooking and crafts to exercise, art and history sessions.
Feedback so far has been encouraging. One woman in her 50s, who is housebound, said “I’m housebound and knowing there are things to do on the Community Connections app is giving me a reason to get up and do something in the week. I wish more people would try it – it’s been really helpful.”
Another participant shared how the art sessions have become a meaningful outlet: “I’ve not always been in a great headspace, so I’ve been missing some of the groups I’ve really wanted to go to. Still, I have been really getting into the Art Sessions.
“Yesterday, I was on my own and feeling really low, so I got out my art pack, which I use in my weekly group on Community Connections and just drew for two hours. It helped me feel much better.”
The pilot is demonstrating that technology, when kept simple and local, can help overcome some of the barriers to connecting with others. It’s not about replacing face-to-face activities, but about giving people another option when getting out is difficult.
The team behind the app is now moving into the final months of the pilot,
with plans for more activities, including live tours from around the world, talks, and even online murder mysteries.
Anyone who is curious or knows someone who might benefit, this is a good time to give it a try! It’s completely free and they will be helping to make the resource even better for future users!
Contact Kieran Green at Kieran.green@plymouth.ac.uk for more information.
Team Plymouth, the coalition of key organisations committed to ensuring Plymouth and the wider region benefit from its new role as a National Defence Growth Area, has been officially launched.
Plymouth was one of just five areas named in the UK Defence Industrial Strategy – and the only city to be named.
The formal launch of Team Plymouth brought together partners from Babcock International Group, the MOD, Plymouth City Council, University of Plymouth, City College Plymouth and others to outline plans to capitalise on unprecedented investment and interest in the city's defence role. Over 100 delegates, including ministers, MPs and senior civil servants, attended the launch at Devonport's Market Hall.
Team Plymouth's early focus includes:
• Supporting City College Plymouth's ambition to become the UK's first National Defence Technical Excellence College, positioning the city as a leader in defence-related technical education.
• Simplifying regulations around marine autonomy and enhancing Smart Sound as a yearround testing and assurance environment.
• Driving innovation through the University of Plymouth's Advanced Marine Technology Hub, supporting dual-use capability development and marine science.
• Establishing a city innovation board to grow the business ecosystem and cross-sector collaboration.
• Maximising the impact of ongoing studies on City Skills and Marine Autonomy.
As a Defence Growth Deal area, Plymouth can access part of a £250 million national fund to support defence and industry. The initiative's mission goes beyond defence, aiming to break down barriers to opportunity and focus on skills development from pre-16 education through to post-16 training.
The launch builds on recent milestones, including Plymouth's designation as the National Centre for Marine Autonomy, a £350 million investment by defence tech firm Helsing, Babcock's expansion at Sherford with a new logistics hub and manufacturing base, and confirmation of Plymouth
and South Devon Freeport as a Defence Strategic Investment Zone.
The MOD's £4.4 billion investment into Devonport Naval Base and Babcock's Royal Dockyard supports the next phase of the Royal Navy's submarine programme and Continuous at Sea Deterrent, with operations running to at least 2070.
Team Plymouth's programme is structured around six themes:
• Business, Innovation & Marine Autonomy –creating a thriving ecosystem for innovation and marine technology.
• Post-16 Skills – addressing a shortage of
25,000 workers over the next decade through collaboration between higher and further education providers.
• Pre-16 Education – tackling educational inequality and improving learning outcomes.
• City Centre, Housing & Regeneration – tackling housing shortages, regenerating the city centre, and attracting skilled workers.
• Transport – reinventing intermodal transport across the city.
• Social Value – delivering measurable impact to make Plymouth the best place to live, work and thrive.
Sir Chris Gardner, chief executive of the
Submarine Delivery Agency and Senior Responsible Owner for Team Plymouth, said: "This initiative will not only strengthen national security but unlock the full potential of this region.
“Backed by the Defence Growth Deal, Plymouth is receiving a share of £250 million in investment, recognising our strategic role in marine autonomy and submarine maintenance.
“With over £175 million already committed to regeneration, we are addressing housing, transport, skills and inequality head-on. I call on all stakeholders – from major employers to local SMEs, schools and universities – to join us in making Plymouth one of the best places in the UK to live and work in defence."
Council Leader Tudor Evans added: "The scale of the investment is mind-blowing. Team Plymouth must ensure prosperity reaches every neighbourhood, that we provide the skills needed, housing for workers, and use this once-in-alifetime opportunity to lift people out of poverty."
Harry Holt, chief executive of Babcock's Nuclear Sector, said: "Uniting as a city-wide alliance means we can achieve far more than individually and accelerate change. With major investment for UK defence, Babcock is proud to play a central role in delivering lasting benefits for Plymouth and strengthening national security."
Jackie Grubb, chief executive of City College Plymouth, emphasised the skills mission:: "By working with partners, we are ensuring that young people and adults gain the skills needed for careers in marine autonomy, advanced manufacturing, nuclear technologies, cyber security and construction.
"Plymouth is ideally placed to host one of the new Defence Technical Excellence Colleges, building on our heritage and safeguarding national security for generations."
Prof Richard Davies, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Plymouth, said: "This is a gamechanging moment. Plymouth has the expertise, facilities and will to tackle the complex threats the UK faces. This platform will allow us to drive innovation, education and creativity that benefit the nation's security, resilience and economic growth."
Plymouth is one of the top cities in the UK for economic performance and quality of life, according to the latest Good Growth for Cities report.
Plymouth ranks sixth out of 50 UK cities in the annual index produced by Demos-PWC ranks using 12 economic measures, including jobs, health, income, work-life balance, skills, housing, transport, income equality and numbers of new businesses.
Welcoming the report, Plymouth City Council leader Tudor Evans
said: "It's heartening that once again Plymouth ranks among the top cities in UK for economic performance.
"We are an ambitious city and have built strong partnerships that enable us to work together to drive sustainable growth, attract strategic investment and most importantly, deliver tangible benefits for Plymouth residents.
"With the recent announcements about the Government's huge defence investment in Devonport, Plymouth's designation as a
National Defence Growth Area and the creation of Team Plymouth partnership with the MoD and Babcock, we well and truly have the wind in our sails. There's a huge amount to do but we are committed to grasping this once-in-a-generation opportunity. The priority will be to ensure all Plymouth residents have the opportunity to benefit from this investment and regeneration, whether through gaining the skills needed for a growing job market, or benefiting from better transport, housing and a regenerated city centre."
A topping out ceremony has been held to celebrate the structural completion of the new Plymouth Community Diagnostic Centre at Colin Campbell Court in Plymouth's West End.
The ceremony marked the building reaching its highest point, a significant milestone in the delivery of the £22 million project.
Staff and representatives involved in the development were joined by colleagues from construction partner BAM, commissioning body NHS England, alongside local MPs and Plymouth City Councillors, to mark the occasion.
The Community Diagnostic Centre will provide a wide range of vital diagnostic tests, scans, and checks including CT, MRI scans, X-rays and ultrasounds in a convenient community-based setting.
Plymouth. Get in touch to be part of the team. Own transport helpful but not essential. Scan to apply.
By offering these services outside of Derriford Hospital, the centre will help patients receive faster diagnoses closer to home, reducing waiting times and supporting earlier treatment.Located in Plymouth’s city centre, the new facility will operate seven days a week. Benefiting from strong transport links and ample nearby parking, it will provide convenient and accessible services for people across the city and the wider region. Once complete, the facility will play a crucial role in improving access to diagnostic services and delivering better patient outcomes. Construction of the facility began in March 2025 and is due to open Summer 2026.
Nicki Collas, deputy director of the Future
much needed facility in the city centre. Not only will this provide an increase in diagnostic testing and improve health outcomes for the community, it will also support the regeneration of Colin Campbell Court and pave the way for further health developments in the future."
Libby Ryan-Davies, deputy chief executive of NHS Devon Integrated Care Board said: “We’re proud to mark this important milestone in the Community Diagnostic Centre Programme alongside our partners at University Hospitals Plymouth. This new facility represents a significant step forward for diagnostics in Devon, and we commend the dedicated teams who have worked tirelessly to bring it to life.
"Once complete, Devon will benefit from three CDCs, helping to deliver faster diagnoses for our communities. We look forward to continuing our
collaboration with the national diagnostics team to further strengthen and expand these vital services.”
Councillor Mary Aspinall, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care at Plymouth City Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see the new Community Diagnostic Centre reach such a significant milestone and I’m thrilled to see it taking shape.
“This isn’t just a building, it’s a promise to our residents that their health matters. By providing easier access to vital tests right in the heart of our the city centre, it will help to reduce the pressure on Derriford Hospital and make it much easier for residents to access potentially lifesaving healthcare.“This will break down barriers to early diagnosis and treatment, helping to make Plymouth a great place to grow up and grow old.”
A new purpose-built home for elderly and poorly cats has opened at a Plymouth animal sanctuary.
Guinness, Dotty and Delen, together with new housemate Boots, are already settling into the newly-built Mews special care unit at Woodside Animal Welfare Sanctuary, on the edge of Plymouth.
Their favourite belongings, including Delen's pink sofa, have been moved into the Mews, with the charity now hoping to raise the money needed to equip the light and airy unit with more raised cat beds and scratching posts.
Woodside is one of the few charities where animals can remain as muchloved residents when, often due to age or illness, a suitable home cannot be found.
Now, thanks to the generosity of the public, these vulnerable cats can put the paws up in the cosy, glazed Mews, which has replaced a ramshackle wooden structure.
Woodside manager Dawn Cornish said: "Last winter we were really worried about the cats in the Mews because they are older and the unit was exposed to the elements. We were afraid that the Mews would not withstand another winter and we would have to close it. The older animal units are in such high demand and to lose one would've been devastating.
"We are so grateful for the support we have received to enable us to replace The Mews. The new unit will mean that the cats have a constant source of warmth and comfort, with the freedom to go in and out as they please during the day."
For the last few months, Delen, Dotty, Guinness and Boots have been housed in the sanctuary's Cottage unit. But with fewer pens available for other rescue cats this has put enormous pressure on the charity, particularly during busy kitten season.
The new Mews is glazed across the front and sides to enable to sunlight to flood in, optimise ventilation and provide a place where the residents to sit and watch the world go by.
Six individual pods can be utilised at mealtimes while, for the rest of the day, the cats are free to explore before returning to their cosy beds, hammocks, blankets and toys.
In addition to the main Mews building, a neighbouring isolation unit has also been built for resident cats who are not too keen on sharing their living space, such as the lovely Lola, a gentle girl who enjoys a quiet life.
Over the coming weeks, finishing touches will be made to the Mews and a new heating system installed, with mobile radiators being used at present.
Delen, Dotty, Boots and Guinness all have complex health conditions which has meant that, despite the charity never giving up hope, finding a permanent home has been difficult. Guinness is currently the unit's longest-stayer and, though his health is deteriorating, he still enjoys venturing over to Woodside's other special care units to socialise with the residents.
This freedom that the resident cats enjoy is a special part of the charity's unique work and what has driven the charity to raise the £60,000 needed to replace the original Mews.
Dawn said: "The Mews is a lifeline for cats like Delen, Dotty, Guinness and Boots. Without it, if we were to continue to take these cats in, they would be in a pen for the rest of their lives. They have already been through so much, with a high percentage arriving with us because their owners have passed away. They have already lost their loved ones and to then spend the rest of their lives in a pen just doesn't seem right.
"By replacing The Mews our cats can continue to enjoy freedom and are able to make a new life for themselves."
For three decades, Path has been at the forefront of tackling homelessness in Plymouth.
This year, to mark its 30th anniversary, the charity is unveiling a refreshed brand identity and hosting a special celebratory event. Developed in partnership with Plymouth-based creative agencies
Just Enough Brave and Altitude, the new brand and website symbolise three decades of innovation, dedication, and hope - while reflecting Path’s ongoing mission to ensure that ‘hope begins with a home.’
During 2024-25, Path supported more than 1,700 people who were experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The life-saving charity provides accommodation for 350 people on any given night. Path delivers a wide range of services designed to meet people wherever they are on their journey out of homelessness.
Path's Rough Sleeping Outreach team engages with people living on the streets, linking them with safety, support, and housing. Through tenancy support and resettlement services, Path helps individuals move into and sustain independent living, while its Housing Information and Support service offers tailored advice and advocacy to prevent homelessness. Path's multi agency rough sleeping team provides intensive support to help people experiencing entrenched and chronic rough sleeping progress into accommodation.
In addition, Path works closely with landlords and letting agents through its Private Rented Access Service and EasyLet scheme, which open up private rental opportunities and provide financial and tenancy support to those who might otherwise be excluded.
The scale of homelessness in Plymouth is rising sharply. According to Plymouth City Council’s latest briefing (May 2025), demand for temporary housing in Plymouth
remains high, with about 400 households (including 200 families with children) in temporary accommodation at any given time.
Path sees up to 100 people sleeping outside each month, exposed to freezing temperatures, rain, illness, and unsafe environments. For many, winter on the streets is life-threatening. At least 16% rough sleepers in Plymouth are women whose homelessness is often hidden and shaped by fear, violence, and abuse.
Path is a key partner in the Plymouth Alliance, working alongside local agencies and Plymouth City Council to ensure homelessness is addressed holistically - through prevention, rapid response, and long-term, sustainable housing solutions.
Victoria Allen, Path’s chief executive, who joined in 2024, said: “As we celebrate 30 years of Path, this new brand reflects not just where we’ve come from, but where we’re going. Every night, hundreds of people in Plymouth face the uncertainty of homelessness. Our refreshed identity is a symbol of hope and our continued determination to walk alongside - listening, supporting, and creating pathways to safe and secure homes."
To mark the anniversary and rebrand, Path's 90s Rewind Birthday Gala at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on October 17 will bring together Path's supporters, partners, and the wider community for an evening of connection, celebration, and fundraising in support of Path's vital mission.
As the new brand launches throughout 2025 across digital platforms, community outreach and events, Path remains steadfast in its commitment: hope begins with a home.
For more information about Path and their services and to purchase 90s Rewind gala tickets, visit their new website at www.pathdevon.org
A new Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) has opened its doors to patients at Derriford Hospital.
Located in the brand-new, three-storey Dartmoor Building, the UTC will be open daily from 8am to 8pm, for patients of any age.Urgent Treatment Centres are walk-in facilities and are available to treat injuries and illness which are not life-threatening but still require urgent treatment. The new UTC will provide treatment in addition to the Cumberland Centre in Devonport and Minor Injury Units in Tavistock and Kingsbridge.
threatening, but still requires urgent treatment such as:
• Limb fractures
• Minor illness
• Sprains and strains
• Minor head injuries
located at the top of the hospital site, opposite the multi-storey, Costa Coffee and Boots chemist.
The Dartmoor Building, which houses the new UTC, will shortly also become home to other key hospital services such as the Fracture Clinic, Main Outpatients and Pre-operative assessment.
Derriford is also due to benefit from a new, state-of-the-art Emergency Care Building estimated to open in 2028. It’s part of the Future Hospital Programme, which aims to transform how care is delivered and improve lives across Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall through investment in the most up-to-date healthcare environment.
Plymouth MP Fred Thomas claims beer tastes better in Plymouth pubs than anywhere else in the UK.
The Labour MP for Plymouth Moor View, made the claim during a debate in Parliament.
Taking the opportunity to celebrate Plymouth's pubs, Mr Thomas said that Plymouth has some of the best pubs in the UK, and that he is convinced that beer tastes better in Plymouth pubs than in any other part of the UK.
The quip was met by laughter in the House of Commons Chamber and one MP shouted 'division', which is the word used to indicate that the House is not in agreement and a vote is needed.
However, it was part of a wider and more serious debate about what support is needed for the hospitality industry in the UK.
During his speech, Mr Thomas said that the hospitality industry is still suffering as a result of the mismanagement of the industry under the previous government during Covid.
Posting about his comments on social media following the debate, Mr Thomas said that he knows there is more that we can do to support the many brilliant hospitality businesses in in Plymouth, and that he is committed to doing all he can to support them.
Following the debate Fred Thomas, MP for Plymouth Moor View, said: "This may have been one of the more light-hearted moments that you see in the Commons, but it was all part of a much more serious debate about how we can better support the hospitality industry.
"The reality is that the industry has been struggling for some time, and it has never really recovered from the mismanagement of the previous government during Covid.
"Hospitality businesses in Plymouth are so important to our economy, but also simply to the local people who enjoy them. We have some wonderful cafes, restaurants, pubs and bars here and long may that continue. I will do whatever I can to support them."
A Christmas fair with a difference is being held at Hope Baptists Church in Peverell in November.
Dr Anne Hicks, consultant in Emergency Medicine, said: “The new Urgent Treatment Centre will give patients a choice of where to visit when they have a minor illness or injury. This increased capacity in the local area will ease the pressure on our Emergency Department, enabling emergency medicine specialists to focus on those patients who are seriously unwell.”
Patients should visit the UTC if they have an injury which is not life
• Minor scalds and burns
• Bites and stings
• Foreign body in eyes
• Infected wounds and cuts
There is no need to pre-book an appointment, just drop-in to the centre during opening times. There are 14 drop-off spaces and two disabled parking spaces, each with a 30-minute limit. For longer stays, the multi-storey car park is available. The Dartmoor building is
John Stephens, director of Infrastructure Strategy & Site Services said: “The opening of our new Urgent Treatment Centre marks an important milestone in the continued transformation of Urgent and Emergency Care. It forms part of a broader programme of healthcare developments at Derriford and beyond, designed to deliver state-of-the-art facilities for the people of Plymouth and the wider South West.”
For the latest updates about all the developments at Derriford Hospital visit www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/buildingfor-the-future
'Just Christmas' will take place at the church on Peverell Corner between 10am and 3pm on Saturday November 29. It is a 'fair' Christmas fair – everything sold will have been locally or ethically made, or charitable, including the refreshments.
Organisers are encouraging visitors to buy from local crafts people as it is better for the local economy, as well as the environment – the more miles a product travels the higher its carbon footprint.
Just Christmas will also feature ethically sourced and Fair Trade products from elsewhere which help poorer people in third world countries lift themselves out of poverty. Last year the event raised £700 for Christmas presents for the homeless in Plymouth and this year's event will once again fund gifts for the homeless.
Entry is free and so are the children's craft activities, which will also be in keeping with the ethos and theme of the event. Around the middle of the day, there will be singing from local choirs, to even more festive feel for both vendors and shoppers alike.
Refreshments will be available all day and will include locally made pasties and home-made cakes.
Devonport, Mount Wise and Morice Town, and St Budeaux are set to benefit from significant Government investment, having been selected to take part in the Pride in Place Programme.
The initiative will support long-term regeneration in these areas, helping to revitalise high streets, reclaim derelict pubs and shops, and create new spaces for young people and families. Backed by up to £20 million for each place over the next decade, the Pride in Place Programme is designed to restore pride, rebuild trust and breathe new life into the heart of our neighbourhoods.
Each area will be invited to form a Neighbourhood Board made up of local people, councillors, businesses, and community organisations. These boards will help shape a 10-year Regeneration Plan, ensuring that local priorities and aspirations are reflected in the programme’s delivery.
Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “This is brilliant news for Plymouth. We are absolutely delighted that Devonport, Mount Wise, Morice Town and St Budeaux have been chosen to be part of the Pride in Place Programme. Something, I know our local MPs have lobbied for, for some time.
"These are proud communities with rich histories and huge potential. This investment will help unlock that potential and support meaningful improvements in the places people live, work and spend time.
“This announcement fits perfectly with our wider strategic ambitions for Plymouth. From our work to strengthen community engagement and participation through the local government reorganisation process to our ambitious regeneration plans for the city centre and waterfront, we are building a future that is inclusive, ambitious and locally focused."
The council will now begin working with residents, businesses and community organisations to shape a shared vision for each area, supported by a Neighbourhood Board and a locally driven Regeneration Plan.
One of the most striking features of the new-look Armada Way is starting to take shape with the arrival of the first pieces of equipment for the play village.
The rock play area is now stacked up for young explorers to clamber over, with one peak to have a slide, while the other will have a hand water pump for children to send water flowing through the play rill.
Pastor Ian Winter is a passionate and seasoned Christian leader with a heart for church planting, discipleship, and equipping the Church for global commission.
As well as working as a church leader Ian and his wife Sarah have for many years lived, worked and ministered overseas and especially in the middle east in countries where Christianity is heavily persecuted.
Ian’s vision is to build churches that are Kingdomminded, Spirit-filled, and radically committed to releasing every believer into their God-given calling.
Hear him speak:
The King’s, Pixon Lane, Tavistock, PL19 9AZ
Saturday 22nd November from 11am to 3:30pm
Sunday 23rd November from 10:30
The event is free to attend and open to all. There will be a voluntary offering taken to cover costs.
For more information
email info@fathershouse.org.uk or call 01752 225623
www.fathershouse.org.uk
The mini mountain and toddler play equipment are the first of many features – around 30 pieces – due to arrive in the coming months.
When finished, the play village will be one of the biggest city centre play areas in the country – running from the corner close to Mayflower Street right down the east side of Armada Way to Barclay's and is part of the council's mission to make Plymouth a great place to grow up.
Councillor Mark Lowry, Cabinet Member for Finance and City Centre champion said: "We want this play village to be a destination in its own right and deliberately set out to make it bigger and more attractive than earlier plans.
"The High Street has changed dramatically. Online shopping is here to stay but we still want our city centre to be alive and buzzing with people. This regeneration programme is about bringing people back into the city centre – not just to shop but to play and to meet up.
"It's going to be a fun and fantastic place for kids. But this is about more than play – if people spent £5 on a coffee and cake watching their children, that's money
going into our businesses. Kids playing there after school means there's more people out and about in the city centre, it feels safer and busier."
Measuring 1,120 sqm in size – the size of nearly five tournament tennis courts – it aims to bring children of all ages right into the heart of Plymouth city centre.
Earlier this year the council set out a vision to create 10,000 new homes in the city centre, so somewhere for children to play on their doorstep is crucial to families having a happy, healthy life.
The play village is designed by city-based Studio Agora Architects and themed into zones – desert, mountain, aquatic, forest and grasslands –encouraging young explorers to use their imagination.
• Desert Island section – for younger children – will have wooden huts, swings and slides and a pirate shipwreck. The toddler play area will be separated by a low fence to keep straying toddlers safe. A circular wooden seating throne is planned for story telling.
• The mountain summit – stepped rock slabs will rise up wrapped around a large new pine tree to create mini mountains with a slide and water pump.
• The aquatic zone will have dancing water jets and a shallow rill for splashing about in. There will also be a system of scoops, buckets and weirs to occupy the minds of budding engineers.
• The forest section will have a giant dodecahedron hideaway around the trees, cargo nets to climb on and bars
to swing form.
• Grasslands – a quieter, calmer sensory play zone separate for children who prefer something gentler. Special attention is being paid to sound with a sound stone for the sand pit, windpipes, impulse spheres and tubular chimes. There will also be special equipment for children with disabilities, including a swing and spinner bowl.
Councillor Tom Briars Delve, Cabinet member for the Environment and Climate Change, said: "As the parent of two young girls I can't wait for this play village to open. It sounds wonderful and I love the care and thought that has gone into each theme."
Steve Hughes City Centre Manager said: "I am really excited by this. This is the icing on the Armada Way cake as it will bring lots of families here to enjoy this incredible play area – and visit our shops and cafes.
"We are already seeing much more interest in the city centre with the completion of Old Town Street and New George Street and the first part of this scheme, but this will be just brilliant fun all year round."
Lee Ferris from Studio Agora said: "The concept is based on Get Set Explore. The design references Plymouth's maritime heritage and its role in exploration.
"As children we are at our most inquisitive, so wanted them to explore all different areas within the play village and ignite sparks of interest in travel and different habitats through play.”
Plymouth University, in collaboration with Rare Dementia Support, is launching a new public engagement series entitled Dementia Voices: Stories & Science in Conversation.
The first event in the series of six will take place on Thursday, October 30, from 11am to 1pm, in the Foulston Room at The Box in Tavistock Place, Plymouth. It is free for all to attend.
The series is intended to deepen public awareness and understanding of dementia by bringing together voices from lived experience and scientific research across multiple dialogues over time.
The first of the series will include a lived-experience narrative when a person living with dementia – or closely connected to this condition – will share their story, reflecting on daily life, challenges, hopes, and meaning.
Dr Nicolas Farina, associate professor at Plymouth University
will present his research, focusing on issues of stigma, ways to support quality of life, and the ethical and methodological dimensions of co-productive research.
Following the individual presentations, both speakers will hold an open discussion, exploring intersections and divergences between lived experience and research. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and join the discussion.
Refreshments of light snacks and drinks will be provided at no cost. Anyone planning to attend should register at www. plymouth.ac.uk/talks/dementia-voices-stories-and-sciencein-conversation
Dr Daniela Oehring of Plymouth University said: This is not a one-off lecture; it's the beginning of a sustained conversation. We're launching a series so that voices can evolve, connections can deepen, and mutual learning can grow over time."
Growing up in Totnes Jo Taylor had every reason to be happy with her life. She had done well in her education, had a loving family, plenty of friends and a promising career in accountancy ahead of her.
But in reality she was far from happy. In her late teens and twenties she started to question what life was all about and would spend most weekends going out with friends partying and drinking heavily.
“We would go out drinking all weekend and then I would dread the thought of work on a Monday morning,” said Jo. “I remember thinking there must be more to life than this - is this what the rest of my life is going to be.”
After finishing her accountancy training Jo worked abroad for two years as a children’s holiday rep. She returned to Devon, but still felt unfulfilled and without a purpose in life. “I couldn’t understand why I was depressed. I had nothing bad in my life, but I knew I needed to change,” she added.
Over time she became concerned about her body image, developed an eating disorder and became depressed.
Jo’s eating disorder continued and she became obsessed with her diet and the food she was eating. Counselling sessions and anti-depressants helped, but Jo still couldn’t find the answers to the burning questions of life and what the future held. By her mid twenties Jo had secured a job in the accounts department at the local authority in Totnes. Unbeknown to Jo, her future husband Dan worked in the print room – but there was no immediate spark or romance.
Jo said: “Then one day I was walking down a corridor and Dan was walking towards me. Our eyes met and I thought to myself ‘he’s pretty handsome!’”
Encouraged by colleagues and friends Jo and Dan started dating and the relationship blossomed. Then Dan told her that he was a Christian and his faith was the most important thing in his life.
“I remember thinking ‘that’s nice’ but didn’t really understand what it all really meant. I had never felt I needed religion or God.”
But all that was about to change. Dan had been an active member of The Worship Centre on Plymbridge Road in Estover for most of his life and was part of the leadership team there.
Dan invited her to go to church with him and Jo was surprised at what she found. “I love singing and the praise and worship was something really
special. It was wonderful watching and being involved. I could see that the people at the church had something different, something special.
Jo started to attend the church on a regular basis and over time felt her life was beginning to change.
“I could see that there was a hope and a future for my life. It was a massive revelation and I could see it wasn’t about religion or just about where you go when you die, but about having life now because of a personal relationship with Jesus.
“Every week the pastor would invite people forward if they wanted to give their life to the Lord and I could feel God’s calling growing month by month. But I knew it was an important decision to make and it had to be for me personally and not for any other reason.
“I came to realise that what these people had was very real to them and I could see they had a life in them that I didn’t have. I realised I was just existing and not living!”
Jo wrestled with her feelings for several months and eventually felt that she was ready to invite Jesus into her life. “I was in my bedroom at home and I read the prayer from a daily devotional called Word for Today and invited Jesus to come into my life,” she said.
Dan and the rest of the leadership team were thrilled when Jo revealed that she had given her life to Jesus.
“The heaviness I had been feeling lifted off me and enabled me to gradually overcome the
depression and the eating disorder,” added Jo. “I received life and God showed me He can do anything in our lives.”
Jo and Dan were married in 2004 – Jo proposed in February that year as it was a Leap Year – and in 2012 their daughter Rosie was born. For the last eight years Jo has worked at a local primary school helping children with their speech and language skills. Dan is now full time associate pastor at North Plymouth Community Church, having been commissioned as an Assemblies of God minister in 2018.
He works alongside senior minister Rob Clift and his wife Wendy.
Jo added: “I know God is looking after me now and has given me a heart for people who are struggling with health issues. I have come to understand that church is a place where hurting
people can come for healing and restoration.
“I remember someone once saying that as a church we should be a hospital for the broken and not a museum for perfect people. That is what life in the church should be all about.”
Jo’s testimony was broadcast recently on Cross Rhythms in Plymouth. Click on the QR Code here for a link.
Jo prayed this prayer, which appears in Word for Today, published by UCB (United Christian Broadcasters)
“Lord Jesus Christ, I am sorry for the things I have done wrong in my life. I ask Your forgiveness. Thank You for dying on the cross for me to set me free from my sins. Please come into my life and fill me with Your Holy Spirit and be with me forever. Thank You, Lord Jesus, Amen.”
936125 07745 392764 jjmmdesign@yahoo.co.uk
A new chapter will shortly be underway for Plymouth's waterfront as a multi-millionpound investment is set to transform the Mount Batten Pontoon into a safer, more accessible and future-ready marine gateway.
Following the removal of the old pontoon and link bridge earlier this summer, the next phase of the project will see the construction of a state-of-the-art replacement. This new structure will secure the long-term future of the Mount Batten Ferry and enhance access to water-based activities for residents and visitors alike through the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park partner – the Mount Batten Watersports and Activities Centre. With a total investment of £4.2 million, the scheme will repair critical infrastructure, including the bridgehead and seawall, and introduce new commercial berths that will generate income to support the pontoon's upkeep for decades to come.
This sensitive restoration project is made possible thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, UK Government and Plymouth City Council. It will enable greater accessibility to Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, helping more people connect with the water and its heritage.
The ambitious upgrade is part of the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park £22 million transformation programme, which aims to empower and engage the city in the marine environment. It reflects a citywide commitment to sustainable transport,
inclusive recreation and economic growth. The new pontoon will be designed to withstand extreme weather conditions and will be fully accessible, ensuring that more people than ever can enjoy the water safely.
Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: ”This is about investing in our city's future while putting safety first.
The Mount Batten Pontoon is more than just a landing stage – it's a vital link for communities, a launchpad for opportunity, and a symbol of our ambition to make
Plymouth a truly inclusive and connected waterfront city. This investment will protect essential services, support local businesses and open up the Sound to everyone, all year round.”
Richard Stevens, chair of the Board, Mount Batten Centre Charity Trust: “The multimillion pound investment into the Mount Batten Pontoon is excellent news for the Mount Batten Centre. With the Pontoon’s prime location directly in front of the Centre and with ease of access for foot passengers,
commercial vessels, and, of course, the thousands of people who enjoy activities at the Centre each year, this investment is another example of the importance of Mount Batten as a key gateway to Plymouth Sound National Marine Park.”
Stuart McLeod, director for England, London and South at the National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: "Plymouth Sound National Marine Park is one of just five landmark projects across the UK to receive support through our Heritage Horizon Awards - designed to back some of the most ambitious and transformative heritage projects.
"The Mount Batten Pontoon plays a vital role in this vision and thanks to National Lottery players, it will help unlock new ways for people to engage with Plymouth's extraordinary maritime heritage, making it more inclusive and accessible than ever before."
The project has been shaped by extensive technical investigations and community consultation, ensuring it meets the highest standards of safety and sustainability.
Construction is expected to begin later this year, with completion anticipated by spring 2026.
The Mount Batten Ferry service will continue to use the Mount Batten Watersports and Activities Centre pontoon to operate, however alternative temporary facilities will be provided during the construction phase to ensure this vital link remains operational.
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Stalking – what it is and what to do about it if you have concerns
What is stalking?
Stalking is a form of harassment - the stalker will be fixated on and obsessed with the person they’re targeting, and their unwanted, repeated behaviour can make the victim feel distressed or scared. We use the acronym FOUR (fixated, obsessive, unwanted, repeated) to describe stalking behaviour.
Stalking may include:
• following someone
• going uninvited to their home
• hanging around somewhere they know the person often visits
• watching or spying on someone
• identity theft (signing-up to services, buying things in someone’s name)
• writing or posting online about someone if it’s unwanted or the person doesn’t know
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In the last two editions of the Plymouth Chronicle, Devon and Cornwall Police have highlighted the harmful effect that domestic abuse is having in Plymouth and further afield as well as the impact of sexual abuse and more serious offences. In this latest article the focus is on stalking and how to report it.
It’s stalking if the unwanted behaviour has happened two times or more and made you feel scared, distressed or threatened.
What is the impact?
The unwanted, repeated attention can have a serious impact on your physical or mental health, as well as your day-to-day life.
Some people who have been stalked or harassed have had to make changes to their daily lives; some have changed jobs or moved house.
It’s important that you get the support you need if this is something you’re experiencing. If you’re not ready to report to us, that’s OK, there are other organisations that can support you.
If you, or someone you know, has experienced two or more incidents of stalking or harassment you can report it to us. Your information could help us bring the offender to justice and make sure you, and other people in a similar situation, are kept safe.
What can police do?
Both stalking and harassment are offences under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. They’re crimes we take very seriously and we’re here for you if this is something you’re experiencing. Using the powers from
this act, we can look to charge and ultimately convict offenders of this kind of offending. Offenders may receive lengthy custodial sentences, but can and often will receive restraining orders upon conviction. As police, we also look at civil orders such as Stalking Protection Orders (SPO). An SPO is a civil order in England and Wales, introduced by the Stalking Protection Act 2019, that protects victims from stalking behaviours before a full criminal prosecution is necessary. We, as police, not the victim, apply for the order, which prohibits the stalker from contacting the victim or visiting their home and workplace. While not a conviction, breaching the terms of an SPO is a criminal offence with potential consequences including imprisonment.
Devon & Cornwall Police are committed to making Plymouth a safer place to live. We urge anyone who is concerned about stalking to contact us and/or report online.
Useful information:
For more information about stalking, how to get help and support and how to report visit: www.dc.police.uk/stalking-harassment
If a crime is taking place or has one just happened - call 999 straight away and ask for the police.
Hundreds of generous-spirited cyclists pedalled with a purpose to make this year’s St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth’s Tour de Moor bike challenge a memorable and successful occasion.
Wearing striking orange branded T-shirts, more than 900 riders turned the wild landscape of Dartmoor into a thrilling twowheeler spectacle while raising vital funds to support the charity’s compassionate end-oflife care for local people and their families.
There was a choice of routes for of all ages and abilities: the 53km Beast Mode tested the stamina of the bravest riders aged 12 and up, while the 28km Adventurer Style offered a slightly gentler, but still exciting, ride. Families, beginners and more casual cyclists enjoyed the 11km Mini-Moor, a scenic spin along Drake’s Trail.
The weather was kind too – chilly to start, but bright and dry with plenty of autumnal sunshine - making for a perfect morning of cycle action.
Many riders took part in memory of loved ones and friends who have been cared for by St Luke’s, knowing that every pound raised helps another family receive the same specialist holistic hospice support when and where they need it most, with the majority taking place people’s own homes.
Making her proud Tour de Moor debut in the 11km was five-year-old Daisy, who saw her mum Kayleigh Cooke come in as first woman past the finish line in last year’s 28km.
“Daisy has been asking for a whole year to take part and now she is here. We’ve been doing a lot of practising around the dog walking path at the top of our street as well as up on the moor,” said Kayleigh, from Keyham, who was riding alongside her daughter in memory of two special family friends.
“I do as much as I can for St Luke’s because so many people need their care. Without them there would be a lot more people suffering.”
Jenni Everson got into gear for the 28km circuit to “give something back” after her mother, Margaret, was cared for by St Luke’s at home before she died two years ago.
“Mum was at home in Plymouth. My dad was there with her, but it was so good to have someone coming in to support them both.
The care they received was invaluable, and the guys that came were absolutely amazing. It took the pressure off the whole family.
Knowing that she could stay at home was the most important thing to her and to us,” said Jenni, whose husband, Tony, rode the 53km route.
As Sam Whitehead served up coffee and cake to participants, supporters and organisers from his Freewheelin’ Coffee trike, he was remembering his father-in-law Paul Collard who spent his last 24 hours at St Luke’s specialist unit at Turnchapel before he
died in July this year, aged 90.
“It was just such a wonderful space; the staff and everything about it were just incredible. My wife and I were so grateful that he was there. Despite the trauma of the occasion I felt it was the loveliest way to have gone,” said Sam, from Yelverton, who has also ridden the Tour de Moor with his family several times.
Georgina Dyke, Events Lead at St Luke’s, said: “It was absolutely wonderful to see so many people jumping on their bikes for this year’s Tour de Moor. Their energy, enthusiasm and commitment to support St Luke’s care was truly heartening.
“We’re so grateful to each and every cyclist who took part, gave it their all, and helped raise vital funds to support our services. We hope they had a brilliant time out on the moor.
“And to everyone who helped make it happen, from our sponsors and our army of amazing volunteers to the local organisations who have pitched in, you’ve done your community proud!
“Our special thanks go to sponsors Pyramid AV, as well as Dartmoor National Park, Certini Bicycle Company, Martin French at The Hire Shop, Devon and Cornwall 4x4 Response, Devon Contract Waste, Appleby Westward, Airvent Services, Turnbulls, Kieron Jewell Cycle Marshals, Curly Gaz and everyone else who helped with refreshments and logistics or donated raffle prizes to make the event go so brilliantly!”
Every £1,000 raised by the challenge will cover a full package of care at home in Plymouth, and surrounding areas of Dartmoor, the South Hams, West Devon or East Cornwall, completely free of charge, for one patient and their family. Tour de Moor entrants are urged to pay in their sponsorship as soon as possible so St Luke’s can tot up the grand total raised.
The Plymouth Chronicle is excited to announce a collaboration with Argyle Life to provide regular Plymouth Argyle content from the perspective of the fans. We’ll be publishing regular pieces from Argyle Life contributors in print and via our website at www.plymouthchronicle.co.uk. Our latest article is from one of Argyle Life’s founders Sam Down who was at Home Park to watch history made as Argyle's youngest-ever goalscorer 16-year-old Seb Campbell netted against Spurs. It inspired Sam to look back at some of Argyle's other youngest goalscorers
It was an unusual sort of night at Home Park as Argyle demolished Spurs under-21s in the Vertu Trophy.
Firstly, it was nice to attend a game without the knot of nerves resting in the stomach that a league match so often presents and to enjoy the football on its own terms. I also watched from Block 9, an unusual vantage point for me. I think, in fact, my first time there.
One thing I did have the honour of witnessing was an Argyle record being broken. Not our biggest ever win, no (although we did have hopes of that going 4-0 up before half-time). It was the second half substitute Seb Campbell who came off the bench to slot home our sixth and – at 16 years and 279 days – break the record as Argyle’s youngest ever goalscorer in a competitive fixture.
He was visibly happy if a little dazed at the prospect of scoring on his first outing in green in his post-match interview...hopefully, the first of many.
The question, then: how excited can Argyle fans be about this dynamic central-midfielder? This week, I’ve taken a look at some of the other youngest scorers for the Pilgrims and examined how their career has unfolded since that big breakthrough moment.
With thanks as ever to the wonderful Argyle resource that is Greens on Screen, Where Are They Now?
Darren Bastow – second youngest
Every club has those ‘What Might Have Been’ players, don’t they? Despite my online reputation, my memory isn’t endless and when I attended my first Argyle game Bastow had already departed the club. I remember him having been described in rather wistful terms as a player with sublime talent, if not quite the application to match. Think Ravel Morrison for Manchester United. He played 53 times before leaving in a career riddled with off-field distractions.
Richard Reynolds – third youngest
If I’m too young to have seen Bastow, I’m definitely too young to have seen 77-year-old Reynolds. He did amass a creditable 100 appearances for the greens before moving to Pompey and then overseas. Barring a brief sojourn into management in the Isle of Wight, he’s had no involvement in football during my lifetime.
Matt Lecointe – fourth youngest
Now this one, I do remember pretty well. Lecointe is not dissimilar to Bastow in that he is yet another ‘what might have been’ player. However, it was not discipline that was the issue for him, but injuries.
He broke onto the scene in exciting fashion in 2011, giving some life and soul to a team ravaged and weary following administration and widespread player departures. Despite only being a first-year-apprentice, he scored a pivotal goal in our first away win of the season at Dagenham.
His departure from Argyle was delayed as the club offered him numerous contracts to help him through setback after setback on a recurrent knee injury. In 2015, however, the situation proved unsustainable and Lecointe retired from football for good.
Dan Gosling – fifth youngest
Quite possibly the finest ever product of our academy, Gosling’s achievements were even more impressive than most on this list, given he broke into a successful Championship side.
Riding the crest of Argyle‘s mid-00s optimism, Ian Holloway described Dan Gosling as a 16-year-old who could tackle harder than most of the squad. That however, was far from his only skill.
An exciting and energetic midfielder, he had an eye for the net too with frequent late runs into the penalty area. He left Argyle in the great fire sale of January 2008 and his legacy later had the addition of a sour postscript. In far gloomier times for Argyle, Gosling was at the heart of a protracted contract dispute with Everton, the upshot of which was that he was allowed to sign for Newcastle on a free transfer.
Argyle missed out on a healthy share of transfer revenue which sent us deeper into the financial mire. Gosling is currently a coach for Watford under18s.
YOUNG STARS: The day after creating history at Home Park, Seb Campbell (left) was back studying BTEC in Sport at Plymouth City College with his team mate Tegan Finn, who scored twice in the Vertu Trophy win over Spurs U21s Photo: Plymouth Argyle FC
Caleb Roberts – sixth youngest
The first in this list to still be at the club! Roberts got his goal about a year after his debut, against Charlton in the Papa John’s Trophy (as was).
Four years on from his debut and three from that night, he’s yet to add to his goal tally for Argyle. Don’t get me wrong, as a central midfielder with limited minutes in green, you wouldn’t necessarily expect him to be banging them in left, right and centre.
That said, despite some excellent performances (the Brentford FA Cup game comes particularly to mind) he has yet to either firmly establish himself in the Argyle side or indeed find a suitable loan. You get the sense that his ‘now or never’ season is coming, if not this then certainly next.
Tegan Finn – seventh youngest
Yep, Campbell wasn’t the only player to break into the scoring charts last week. Finn’s debut came around a year ago and wasn’t quite quick enough to get a podium place but his two goals against Spurs were just the tip of the iceberg. He assisted two more with a fine cross for Mathias Ross and a lovely through ball for Owen Oseni, as well as having involvement in Campbell’s aforementioned goal. Finn was spectacular against his peers and no doubt has a bright future ahead of him.
Tyler Harvey – eighth youngest
In what seems to be an increasingly common trend in this list, Harvey was another one of those players who ‘it didn’t quite happen for’. Who could forget his debut against Torquay, bursting onto the scene in swashbuckling fashion?
‘He’s one of our own’ was the chant, ringing around the Devonport End. Many hoped that he’d either become a club legend or be sold, making us some money in the process. Despite interest from Forest and Cardiff, the latter never occurred and the former began to look less likely with each passing year. He eventually left Argyle in 2015 and after a fruitless season in Wrexham, a long and successful association with Truro City began (punctuated by a brief spell at Bath).
He was the National League South’s top scorer last season, taking the Tinners into the fifth tier for the first time. Now 30, Harvey remains in Cornwall.
A Royal Navy warship has completed the first firing of new ship-busting missiles capable of taking out enemy vessels at ranges of more than 100 miles
Plymouth-based frigate HMS Somerset headed to Norway’s Arctic rocket range in Andøya to unleash the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) during an exercise – known as Aegir 25 – alongside Norwegian and Polish allies.
The successful missile launch marked a major milestone on the journey to make the Royal Navy more lethal – and is demonstration of the strong bilateral cooperation between the UK and Norway.
The 400kg NSM can be used against warships or land targets and is 20 years newer, has greater range and is a far more capable successor than the Harpoon system on Type 23 frigates and Type 45 destroyers.
Plymouth MP and Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard said: “The NSM is one of the most advanced missiles in our naval arsenal. It will give the Royal Navy and our allies an edge against our enemies.
“This milestone, achieved through our exemplary international partnership with Norway, significantly enhances our maritime deterrent and underscores the Government’s dedication to investing in the technologies that will maintain Britain’s secure.”
Commander Matt Millyard, Commanding Officer of HMS Somerset said: “I am very proud of the team following the successful first of class firing of the Naval Strike Missile.“This is not something that comes together easily and has involved an incredible amount of work by the crew and staff from across the defence enterprise.
“The professionalism and teamwork
demonstrated by all throughout the planning and execution has been exemplary.”
The successful firing was the culmination of months of dedicated work, which involved meticulous planning and thorough tuning of the system – including alignment and sea acceptance trials.
Staff from Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace – who manufacture NSM – were on board HMS Somerset supporting prior and during the firing.
The NSM, which is also in service with the Norwegian, US and Polish navies, travels close to supersonic speeds (Mach 1) and can strike targets more than 100 miles away, evading detection by skimming on the sea It will be a complementary weapon for the
‘Future Cruise Anti-Ship Weapon’, which will become the Fleet’s premier long-range, heavy duty anti-ship missile, carried by the Royal Navy’s nextgeneration warships fitted with the Mk41 vertical launch system – including the new Type 26 and 31 frigates. Currently NSM is fitted to HMS Richmond, HMS Somerset and HMS Portland.
Commander Matthew Cox, NSM Programme Director said: “This programme showcases the strong UK-Norwegian strategic partnership, enabling the UK to achieve its first ship installation within 12 months of business case approval – an unprecedented pace for a complex weapons programme.“The UK’s first NSM firing, hosted by Norway at Andøya, further highlights this enduring collaboration.”
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