Plymouth Chronicle Plympton & Plymstock April 2022

Chronicle Plymouth

April 2022

# PLYMOUTHTOGETHER

Gables Dogs and Cats Home appeal for help to treat broken hearted Staffie cross Hockey For details see Page 3

Specsavers is investing £400,000 in its Plymstock store to provide new jobs and increased customer casre See Page 13

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Plympton & Plymstock Army veteran Adrian Colwill talks about the Stirling Project self-build scheme in Honicknowle See Page 18

ALSO INSIDE: • Out and About • Local news and views • Charity news

• Cross Rhythms Experience • Dial the Experts • Useful numbers

Faye stars for Team GB

Plymstock’s Faye West was the only female member of the Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby team which won a silver medal in the European Championships in France – losing to the hosts in the final by just one point • See page 3 for details Photo: Anthony Hayton

LANDLORDS ARE YOU UP TO DATE WITH CURRENT LEGISLATION? Book your 1 hour free consultation 01752 407774 | www.plymouthestates.co.uk

2 April 2022

2 April 2022

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COVID HAS NOT GONE AWAY – IT’S ON US TO STAY SAFE We have reached a stage where Government guidance has shifted away from state mandating, in favour of encouraging personal responsibility.

And while we are all keen to help Plymouth get back on its feet, the best way to do that is by being cautious.

The Government announcement does not mean that COVID-19 has been eradicated from the city and there are still hundreds of people in Plymouth currently testing positive for the virus.

As we move towards ‘living with COVID’ it is now incumbent on us all to make sure we take proactive steps to keep Plymouth safe and open for business.

Even though vaccination has made the illness less severe is for many people, we still need to keep cases down.

COVID spreads very easily and even those who are vaccinated are often finding that this is a really unpleasant illness to have. And, of course, there are people who are more likely to be seriously ill if they were to catch COVID; those people want to get their lives back on track too. We have already seen that the virus mutates easily; keeping cases down gives it less opportunity to change again.

All we ask is that if you are due any of your vaccinations, please have them as soon as possible. If you are out and about supporting the local economy, please remember that the virus hasn’t gone away.

You might choose not to wear a face covering in indoor crowded areas but, at the very least, please recognise that those who are wearing them are doing it for good

reason. You can’t tell someone’s medical history by looking at them, so please respect them, consider putting a mask on yourself and give people space. And, of course, if you do have symptoms, please stay at home and avoid spreading the virus to others.

WHAT ARE THE CHANGES? Self-isolation

• The legal requirement to self-isolate after a positive test has now ended, although people are advised to stay at home if they test positive.

• Self-isolation payments have ended, although statutory sick pay can still be claimed for COVID-19 for a further month.

• Contact tracing has ended and people will no longer be asked for the details of who they have come into contact with.

• Fully vaccinated close contacts are no longer being asked to test daily for seven days.

• The legal requirement for close contacts who are not fully vaccinated to self-isolate has been removed.

Testing

By Dr Ruth Harrell

Director of Public Health for Plymouth

How can I protect myself and others?

We must remember that the end of the legal COVID-19 regulations does not mean the end of COVID itself and we must all continue to take sensible precautions to limit the spread of infection and keep others safe, particularly those who are older and those with underlying medical conditions.

This means you should: • Have the vaccination • Let fresh air in if meeting indoors, or meet outside • Consider wearing a face covering in crowded, enclosed spaces • Get tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms and stay at home if you test positive or feel unwell.

• Regular asymptomatic testing in schools, for teachers, parents, pupils and students, is no longer a requirement. However, as with adults, children who test positive are still advised to stay at home and avoid contact with others.

• Testing will be scaled back from 1 April. Free testing (both lateral flow tests and PCR tests) will no longer be available, except for limited PCR testing for a small number of at-risk groups and social care staff. A paid-for testing service will be introduced for everyone else.

WE ALL NEED TO HELP PLYMOUTH RECOVER I welcome the news that, after one of the most difficult periods in recent history, we are now able to return to some level of normality.

So many people have been impacted and sacrificed so much since the start of the pandemic. It is now time to recover. Plymouth is a strong city and, while we still have to be careful, it is important that we all now play our part in helping the city rebuild.

One of the areas that needs a boost is the local economy. Our local businesses need customers, our bus companies need passengers and our theatres need audiences.

We need not be afraid of visiting these venues. It is possible to be sensible and safe while supporting the local economy. I fear that if we don’t, this time next year many will have ceased trading.

We have always been a city who take pride in looking after each other and I know that will continue.

By Councillor Nick Kelly

Leader of Plymouth City Council

Where to get your vaccine If you need a first or second dose of your COVID-19 vaccination, or a booster, you can get one at Home Park or the Council’s mobile vaccine van.

The mobile van will be visiting the following locations: • Sunday 13 March: Plympton Library (10am to 5pm) • Monday 14 March: Davie Hall, Clifton Place (11am to 6pm) • Tuesday 15 March: Efford Library (midday to 7pm) • Thursday 17 March: Plymouth Market (11am to 5pm

HOW TO KEEP UP-TO-DATE

• Sunday 20 March: Honicknowle Youth Centre (11am to 5pm) • Monday 21 March: Tothill Community Centre (10am to 5pm) • Tuesday 22 March: North Prospect Library (midday to 7pm) • Thursday 24 March: Methodist Central Hall (11am to 5.30pm) • Sunday 27 March: Plymstock Library (10am to 5pm) Home Park is also offering walk-in vaccinations.

Please check the website for sessions for specific age groups. Visit www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/ get-tested.

You can check the latest number of COVID-19 cases in Plymouth on the Council’s website at www.plymouth.gov.uk/COVID-19. NOTE: This information was correct at the time of going to press on March 10.

April 2022

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Faye and Team GB miss out on Gold Medal by one point Plymstock’s Faye West has helped the Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby team to a silver medal in the European Championships.

Faye, who has been training at the West Country Hawks Wheelchair Rugby Club since 2012, was selected as part of the 15-strong GBWR squad back in December and headed out to France to represent GB Wheelchair Rugby in the European Championships. Faye was the only woman on the team and was the only representative from West Country Hawks, who are based at Plymouth Life Centre.

Commenting on her selection, Faye said: “It is a huge honour to be selected for GB, I am super excited to get stuck in and be part of an awesome squad. I can’t wait to start my rugby career at the Europeans what a competition to have a debut!”

As one of the only full contact disability sports and one that is also open to men and women competing on the same team, wheelchair rugby is a must-see event at every Paralympic Games.

The GB team won all their pool matches, defeating Poland, Germany and the Netherlands to reach the semi final where they comfortably beat Denmark.

Having won the Paralympics Gold

Faye competing in the European Championships Photo: D-Echelard

Medal in 2020, Great Britain were favourites to win the final against host nation France. After a poor start GB fought back, but were edged out by just one point by the French.

Success for GBWR has not just been at Paralympic level – the sport has enjoyed growth across its clubs, a key area of focus over the coming years. And it’s paying off.

Faye was one of five new players in the GB squad all of whom had come through the GBWR Talent Pathway, demonstrating the commitment to developing the next generation of players.

Faye in action with West Country Hawks Photo: Anthony Hayton

PART-TIME, SELF EMPLOYED

GBWR chair, Ed Warner said: “Our success in Tokyo has deservedly brought more attention to this amazing sport and we are intent on using this increased awareness to further build our profile, introducing wheelchair rugby to more people, supporting the sport nationally at grassroots level and building our communities.

“Our mission statement is to lead, promote, grow and support wheelchair rugby for the enjoyment of all and I believe our new brand identity positions us as a world class governing body that is on a mission to set the standard in participation, performance and promotion in disability sport.

“This design concept, created through a collaborative approach in consultation with our players, coaches and clubs, ensures wide ranging appeal which in itself demonstrates the unique qualities of the sport and the energy that comes from within us all.”

GBWR chief executive Jason Brisbane added: “We are hugely proud of the team’s success at Paralympic level.

They have truly set a standard in disability sport and led the way to victory despite the significant barriers we have faced – perfectly demonstrating that no matter the challenge, the momentum is positive.

“We are very excited for the future of wheelchair rugby, celebrating both our Paralympic and community champions.”

JOB VACANCIES Find us on Facebook @PlymChronicle

Broken-hearted Hockey needs urgent treatment A four year old Staffie Cross called Hockey with a long list of medical needs has recently been taken in by Gables Dogs & Cats Home.

Hockey arrived at Gables needing urgent treatment for a severe heart murmur and arrhythmia. He is believed to have a Grade 5 heart murmur and requires a 24 hour ECG and a heart scan to establish the severity of this murmur and how the arrhythmia will impact his daily life. Hockey has joint problems due to his badly bowed back legs.

Without medication he is in constant pain and is unable to sit down properly. He has a cauliflower ear that requires surgery but this cannot be done yet due to his heart murmur. If that wasn’t enough he also has a chronic skin condition that needs constant management, mild incontinence and his vision is not 100% clear.

Despite all this Hockey is described as ‘the sweetest, softest dog you could ever wish to meet and he loves everyone!’ This has led to the staff affectionately calling him Hockey aka Lovebug.

He can often be found curled up in his bed with a soft toy in his mouth or carrying his favourite toy on a walk.

Deputy manager, Ruth Rickard said: “When I heard about this poorly, young boy I just knew we

Or online at cornerstonevision.com

would be able to help him. He reminded me of my first rescue dog from Gables, Shady, who was a severely malnourished Staffie Cross. Since then I have always had a soft spot for bull breeds and just had to help dear Hockey. We are determined to find the right palliative care home for this lovely boy and will fund his care for life, no matter how long that may be.”

It is estimated it will cost Gables an additional £4,000 for the investigative and ongoing care that Hockey will need.

Gables Dogs & Cats Home does not receive any government funding and has felt the financial strain from the pandemic, but they are determined to help Hockey aka Lovebug. To make a contribution to ‘Hockey aka Lovebug’s Vet Appeal’, please call 01752 331602 or visit www.justgiving.com/ campaign/hockeylb or www. paypal.me/gablesdogsandcats to donate online.

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Out and About Your guide to events in the local community and beyond

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.

The 4 Sea Sons Mar 18 Live music is back at the Boringdon Park Golf Club. The 4 Sea Sons are the ultimate tribute to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. They combine the iconic harmonies and unrivalled showmanship of one of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s most prestigious groups, ensuring their legacy continues to live on. Tickets include three course dinner and welcome drink. Adults only and pre-booking required. For details and tickets call 01752 339113. Doors open 7pm, 1am finish with house DJ. Stamp & Postcard Collectors Fair Mar 19 Presented by Phoenix Fairs (South West) at Plymstock Community Centre, Broadway Car Park from 9.30am to 3.30pm. Free admission.

Plymouth Jazz Club Mar 20 Featuring The Pedigree Jazz Band at the Royal British Legion Club, Tailyour Road, Crownhill at 7.30pm. Tickets at the door only. Details from www.plymouth-jazz-club.org.uk. Future events Tribute to Brown, Silver and Hancock on April 3 featuring the Neil Maya Quartet and Andy Hague; The Riviera Ramblers led by John Shillto on April 17; Martin Dale Quartet on May 1 and The Dart Valley Stompers on May 15.

La Grande Messe Mar 26 Brent Singers re-enact the music from the great ceremony of a nineteenth-century Parisian High Mass, including Louis Vierne’s Mess Sollenelle, Cesar Franck’s Panis Angelicus and a singalong version of Charles-Marie Widor’s famous Toccata! In this exciting and unusual musical event, David Davies and Ben Horden will be playing both Buckfast Abbey organs. Tickets £15 available from Buckfast Abbey website www. buckfast.org.uk/onlineshop/tickets Royal Marriages Mar 26 The Devon and Cornwall Branch of the Richard III Society will be holding a meeting in the Chapel at Ford Park Cemetery, Plymouth from 1 pm. A presentation will be given by David Elliott on Royal Marriages. Anyone interested in medieval history would be welcome to attend.

Further details can be obtained from Ian Lauder on 07802 324384.

Art Exhibition Apr 1 to 4 An art exhibition and sale of works by Plymouth Arts Club and Plymouth Watercolour Society will be held at Ford Park Cemetery Visitors Centre between 10.30am to 3.30pm each day. Cafe available and free parking.

Into the Light Apr 8 An evening of uplifting music and readings with the Sir Joshua Reynolds Choir at Sherwell Church, North Hill, Plymouth at 7.30pm. Musical director Jenny George with guest artiste Ed Welch and accompanist Anne Kalas. Proceeds to St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth. Tickets £7 on the door or in advance call 01752 345390 or 880730.

Dinomania Apr 17 Meet the award winning Youtube Rangers from Dinomania who will teach you all about dinosaurs and some prehistoric creatures. With realistic dinosaurs, loads of fossils and replicas any dinosaur enthusiast will have a roarsome time. Hosted by Plymouth YMCA in Honicknowle.

Details www.dinomania.co.uk

Flavour Fest - the South West’s largest free food and drink festival is taking place from May 27 to 29

Men’s Day Out Apr 23 Loads of banter with your mates, a pasty and a beer, plus a cracking rugby match at the end!

Plymouth’s biggest and best Men’s Day Out is back for 2022, St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth’s 40th anniversary year. Details www.stlukes-hospice. org.uk/mensdayout/

June. It’s all about sharing friendship, food and fun – a chance for neighbours and communities to celebrate their connections and get to know one another a little better. The Big Jubilee Lunch is a nationwide act of community friendship, with 2022 set to be a bumper year! For more information and to download a free pack go to www.thebigjubileelunch.com

Spring Fayre Apr 30 Taking place at St Francis Church Hall, Little Dock Lane, Honicknowle. Various stalls and egg painting with the Springtime Bunny.

Refreshments on sale, come along for coffee, cake and chat.

1 Big Summer Jun 2 to 4 Three days of entertainment on Plymouth Hoe. Each day has been curated to appeal to a plethora of musical tastes, genres and audiences, ensuring there really is something for everyone. Details www.1bigsummer.com

Pirates Weekend Plymouth May 7 and 8 The Barbican and Sutton Harbour host a swashbuckling two days of fun inspired by the high seas. Plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy!

Strictly Come Dancing - The Professionals May 19 and 20 The official tour is back for 2022 and heads for Plymouth Pavilions in May. Directed by Strictly‚Äôs creative director Jason Gilkison, the tour will feature an exciting line-up of 10 magnificent dancers and Strictly TV favourites including Australian Open Champion and 2018 finalist Dianne Buswell; two-time Ballroom and Latin World Champion Nadiya Bychkova and Professional World Mambo Champion and 2020 Strictly finalist Karen Hauer. Tickets from www. strictlytheprofessionals.com Lord Mayor’s Day May 21 This popular annual event offering lots of family fun will again be taking place in the city centre welcoming the new Lord Mayor into their role.

Flavour Fest May 27 to 29 Foodie fans are in for a real treat this year as Flavour Fest returns to Plymouth city centre.

It’s the South West’s largest free food and drink festival, with hundreds of local producers selling tasty treats and a chef stage with regional cookery stars showcasing their skills.

The Big Jubilee Lunch June 2 to 5 The Big Jubilee Lunch is the cherry on the cake of The Queen’s Platinum celebrations happening right across the nation over th e first weekend in

One Night of Neil June 4 An incredible collection of stars from London‘s West End, backed by a phenomenal nine-piece band, will bring a concert celebrating the wonderful music of Neil Diamond to Home Park Stadium. Fifty years on from Neil‚‘s legendary ‘Hot August Night‚‘ concerts in 1972, One Night of Neil is set to be an extraordinary celebration of one of the world‚‘s greatest singer-songwriters.

With over 20 years of stadium concert experience, an expert team drawn from the worlds of Rock and Roll and West End theatre reproduce a stunning show worthy of the icon himself. Tickets available by calling 01752 907700. VIP packages available.

Ocean City Running Festival Jun 19 Few cities can rival Plymouth’s rich seafaring heritage, its stunning waterfront and natural harbour, its vibrant cultural life and its close proximity to some of the most beautiful countryside in the UK. Thousands of runners of all ages will be making history by running in the Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival, encompassing the Half Marathon, 5K and 10K. Find out more on the Run Plymouth website at www.runplymouth.co. uk.

Plymouth Armed Forces Day June 25 Armed Forces Day returns to The Hoe and promises to be bigger and better than ever, celebrating the military and all the great work they do. This family fun day, in association with Babcock, will include a wide variety of thrilling activities and displays. The main stage will host performances from local choirs and groups throughout the day, and from 6pm, a free evening concert will entertain the crowds

with a fantastic range of live music for all to enjoy. You can sing-a-long and dance the night away, with the fabulous backdrop of Plymouth Sound, with a fantastic headline act being announced soon! For more information visit www.plymoutharmedforcesday.co.uk Plymouth Model Show Jun 25 Taking place at Plymouth Guildhall from 10am to 4pm. Plymouth’s model clubs will be displaying all types of static scale models along with several traders who will be selling model kits.

Other clubs from across the South West will also be taking part. There will be a large display commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Falklands conflict. Hot and cold refreshments are available during the day. Further details from Dave Watson on 01752 518287.

Ball and Boe Jul 8 Two of the greatest voices in the world - Michael Ball and Alfie Box - will be performing in Central Park in July. As a duo, they have now sold over 1.5 million albums in the UK, received two Classic Brit Awards, sold out two headline arena tours and presented three ITV Specials. Tickets from www.ballandboe.com or www.ticketmaster. co.uk Paloma Faith Jul 9 Double platinum and BRIT award-winning artist Paloma Faith will embark on a huge UK summer tour, performing at some amazing outdoor venues throughout the UK, including a date in Plymouth on Saturday July 9 at Central Park.

For tickets and more information go to www. premier.ticketek.co.uk Sail GP Jul 30 and 31 SailGP will host its Great Britain Sail Grand Prix in Plymouth for the second year running following a bumper event in 2021 which saw an estimated 27,500 spectators enjoy the spectacle.

For full details visit SailGP.com British Firework Championships Aug 17 and 18 Look to the skies above Plymouth Sound as six top pyrotechnic companies showcase their very best work and battle to be crowned the champion, each putting on an extra special ten-minute display guarateed to leave you awestruck.

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April 2022 5 @PlymChronicle

Plym Valley Railway is given boost by Network Rail

Plym Valley Railway will be able to carry out a range of improvements at their Marsh Mills based heritage railway thanks to a donation of items from Network Rail.

Network Rail’s donation, which came from their Lostwithiel yard in Cornwall and had become surplus to requirements, consisted of a kilometre of track and sleepers, plus five sets of points and four stop blocks.

The donation of the track and rail equipment means that Plym Valley Railway will be able to replace parts of their existing infrastructure, which was constructed in the 1980s, providing more space at Marsh Mills yard and sidings and enabling the heritage railway to obtain and preserve further historical railway items in the future.

Alexander Maltby, Network Rail Devon and Cornwall sponsor, said: “With support from our colleagues working in maintenance, I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to donate disused track and other components to such a worthy cause.

“It has been an absolute pleasure supporting the Plym Valley Railway’s longevity and I cannot wait to see what they have done with our donation.”

Daniel Phillips, chairman of Plym Valley Railway Company, said: “The Plym Valley Railway would like to thank Network Rail for their co-operation and generosity in donating these redundant assets for our use.

“As a wholly voluntary organisation, the railway relies on donations to be able to invest in the railway and the assets received from Network Rail will ensure the longevity of Marsh Mills yard and our future operations. We hope we can work with Network Rail in future.”

(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

Police issue guidance after theft of catalytic converters

Plympton Police have warned residents to be on their guard after a spate of catalytic converter thefts from vehicles in the area.

There were four reported thefts in just a few days involving vehicles in the Woodford and Chaddlewood areas, as well similar such thefts reported across other areas of Plymouth.

Police are advising motorists who cannot lock their vehicles away in a garage to park close to fences, walls or kerbs with the exhaust closest to these where the layout allows it.

Other precautions being advised are to block high clearance vehicles with low clearance ones and avoid parking half on a pavement and half on the road as parking half on and half off raises the vehicle higher and makes it easier for the converter to be removed.

(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

6 April 2022

6 April 2022

@PlymChronicle

City gears up with more electric vehicles Plymouth’s move to make people less reliant on private cars is going up another gear with a car club for the city’s much anticipated mobility hubs.

Plymouth City Council has awarded a contract to Co Cars, the on demand, zero and low emission car club, which has its headquarters in Exeter, and is the largest, longest running car club across the South West peninsula.

Their Plymouth fleet will be all electric and people will be able to book them via the Co Cars app or online to pick up at the hubs which will be dotted across the city.

With the average car only being used four per cent of the time, a car club for occasional use could be just the job for a business or leisure trip or even the weekly shop.

Not only is an EV for hire a greener option, it could be miles cheaper than a car sitting outside their home costing money in MOT, tax, servicing, not to mention petrol.

Other cities whic have car clubs have also noticed the decrease in the number of cars brought by students who move into the city – helping to create more space in the more congested city centre streets.

The car club concept is a key part of the mobility hubs which are being planned for the city and are expected to be ready for action this time next year.

Councillor Jonathan Drean, cabinet member for transport said: “The pieces are all beginning to come together.

“We’ve committed to reducing carbon emissions and to greener travel as part of our Climate Emergency Action Plan, but we know that we need to make it much more attractive and easy for people to choose to go greener.

“The car club is part of that and we are delighted to welcome Co Cars on board on our

The council is currently assessing the best sites for up to 50 hubs that will be located across the city.

New cycle routes are also on the cards for key transport corridors, with a focus on routes used by commuters to travel to work such as the Dockyard to the City Centre and Crownhill Road.

The schemes improve access to work, restart the city’s growth agenda, deliver homes, safeguard and create new jobs. It is also designed to improve air quality and reduce the city’s overall carbon emissions as a direct response to the city’s climate emergency declaration.

Councillor Jonathan Drean pictured with Mark Hodgson of Co Cars

Transforming Cities Fund: the key facts

In March 2020 Plymouth City Council received £51.2m in capital funding from the Transforming Cities Fund.

journey to making Plymouth greener.”

Mark Hodgson, managing director of Co Cars said: “We are thrilled to have been awarded the Transforming Cities car club contract with Plymouth City Council. We’ve had Co Cars in the city for a number of years, but to introduce our electric fleet is a real step forward in our journey towards Net Zero.

“Each Co Car removes approximately 8.5 private cars from the road which, in turn, helps reduce congestion and carbon emissions. We also enable many of our members to save hundreds of pounds when compared to owning a car. We hope the city of Plymouth loves our electric cars as much as we do.”

The council recently announced a 400-strong fleet of electric bikes will be ready and available

for hire from the hubs early next year. Like the car club, the Beryl bikes will be bookable online. The hubs will also have electric vehicle charge points – 300 in total across the city.

In 2021, 18.5 per cent of all new cars registered were electric. But with the average cost hovering around £44,000, for many the price is out of reach.

Having EVs available for hire gives people a greener choice without breaking the bank.

The mobility hubs – with their e-car clubs, e-bike hire and electric vehicle charging – are part of a massive programme in Plymouth which has been funded by the Department of Transport’s Transforming Cities Fund (TCF), which aims to change people’s travel habits by making it as easy as possible for people to choose low carbon options to get about.

This built on the £7.6m awarded in 2019 as part of Tranche 1, bringing in a total of £58.8m in additional external funding to Plymouth’s city region. The programme focuses on three key themes: • providing quality infrastructure that delivers a viable alternative to the private car and clear information to keep the traveller informed • encouraging new and innovative technology to provide cleaner transport, better access to active travel options and to manage transport demand • effective behaviour change: integrating transport measures and managing travel demand by applying policies to discourage commuting by single occupancy car

MAY TO AUGUST: May

7 and 8 Pirates Weekend Plymouth Barbican and Sutton Harbour 14 Commando Gunners’ 60th Anniversary Parade Royal Parade 21 Lord Mayor’s Day City Centre

July

9 Paloma Faith Central Park 10 Simply Red Central Park 30 and 31 Great Britain Sail Grand Prix Plymouth Sound

27 to 29 Flavour Fest City Centre

August

June

27 West End Carnival Plymouth City Centre

2 to 4 1 Big Summer Plymouth Hoe 2 to 5 The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 19 Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival Plymouth Hoe 23 Rehabilitation Triathlon hosted by the Royal Marines Plymouth Hoe 25 Armed Forces Day Plymouth Hoe

17 and 18 British Firework Championships Plymouth Waterfront

All events subject to change. Please see visitplymouth.co.uk for the latest information.

WhatsOnPlymouth

April 2022

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7

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Plympton Gardeners Association member Lorna Rogers was full of smiles recently when she came away as the winner of the group’s annual daffodil competition held at their monthly meeting at Harewood House.

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Those in attendance were also treated to a talk by Martin Stott about the restoration of Saltram Gardens.

The group’s next meeting will be held on Thursday April 7, again in Harewood House at 7.30pm, when Brian Carlson will be talking ‘All About Fuchsias’. Guests are welcome to attend.

The Association is also holding an annual open spring show at Harewood House on Saturday March 19 which is being opened at 1.30pm by Lord Mayor Cllr Terri Beer.

The Gardeners have also announced that during 2022 they will be raising funds for Little Things and Co, a Plympton based charity that supports bereaved parents who have suffered the loss of a premature or still born baby.

(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

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Four AA Rosettes for Boringdon’s Acleaf Restaurant Boringdon Hall’s Acleaf Restaurant has been awarded Four AA Rosettes in recognition of the highest culinary standards it has achieved. It was one of only two establishments in the UK to receive the coveted award.

The AA announced the awards at a virtual ceremony in London at the beginning of March.

Meanwhile, The Horn of Plenty near Tavistock was one of only 15 restaurants to receive Three AA Rosettes.

The AA Inspector commented: “The committed team at Boringdon Hall is entirely focused on making a stay both relaxing and rewarding. The Acleaf Restaurant is the venue for accomplished cooking; menus incorporate the best quality, seasonal produce.”

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See our advert on previous page

8 April 2022

8 April 2022

Plan for redevelopment of Errill Retail Park A planning application has been submitted for the redevelopment of the entire redundant sections of the Errill Retail Park.

plans to expand to over 1,000 stores employing over 40,000 staff. The company operates within the discount, or value, retail sector.

Their strap line is ‘Top Brands – Bottom Prices’.

The discount retail sector has seen significant growth in recent years as shoppers have been attracted by the quality of products and competitive pricing.

use has met with general approval there is divided opinion as to whether the proposals submitted to planners represent the best use of the site.

There is certainly a degree of community support for the new retail offerings being Under the proposals the old Plymco proposed but the Plymouth and West Devon Homemaker building would be completely Joint Local Plan earmarks the Errill Retail Park demolished, the former Allied Carpets building as a site suitable for 60 houses. To date though would be refurbished and have a change of use to no developer has come forward with any allow for use as a builder’s merchant, with proposals for housing development there. trade counter and showroom plus service There is also a body of opinion that the yard, and the building recently vacated by site would be an ideal location for a new Buyology would have a different entrance train station in Plympton. One of those arrangement and be used as a retail unit for behind that idea is Ian Poyser, who came Home Bargains. within a whisker of being elected the first The overall number of parking slots would Green Party member of Plymouth City total 196, including disabled and parents Council when he stood in the Chaddlewood with children spaces. ward in 2021 and lost out by just 101 votes.

The proposed Home Bargains building More than 1,500 people have signed an would extend to more than 30,000 square online petition started by Mr Poyser calling feet, some 2,000 square feet less retail space for steps to be taken to re-establish a train than the Buyology store. station in Plympton.

It is estimated that the overall Mr Poyser said: “In my view the council development would create around 120 full- Home Bargains already has more than 575 stores in the UK and other partners need to be exploring the The prospect of having the site brought time and part time jobs. Another 25 jobs would be option of utilising this site as a station supported back into some sort of use has been generally created with the conversion of the former Allied with retail provision. The economic benefits of welcomed given that two thirds of it has been Carpets building into a builder’s merchants. combining retail provision and a station could be unused for some years and has become a magnet Home Bargains’ principal range includes health far greater than retail alone.” for vandalism and graffiti. and beauty products, medicines, baby products, Although many people have expressed The problem was heightened in the recent household products, toys and games, pet food, comments about the planning application on storms when part of the boarded up entrance to home furnishings and ornaments, seasonal Facebook, ward councillor Terri Beer emphasised products, ancillary food and drink products and a the former Allied Carpets unit fell away, leaving the importance of people with views submitting limited clothing range. the inside of the building exposed. This drew formal responses through the council’s online Home Bargains was was established over 40 concern from local councillors who called for the years ago by Tom Morris, who opened his first site owners to take steps to shore it back up as the planning portal.

Full details of the current proposals submitted store in Old Swan,Liverpool. The business has building was left exposed during the start of the for the Errill Retail Park can be viewed on the grown organically to become one of the biggest school half term week when children might have planning section of the city council’s website by privately-owned companies in the UK and been tempted to go inside where there was glass searching on application number 21/02266/FUL. currently employs over 22,000 members of staff. strewn around the floor and pieces of suspended Members of the public have until March 22 to Home Bargains is also one of the UK’s fastest ceiling hanging down. The building has since been make representations regarding the plans. growing discount retailers. The business currently secured again.

(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast) has more than 575 stores throughout the UK and While the prospect of the site coming back into

@PlymChronicle

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Volunteers from litter pickers Clean Our Patch recently went litter picking with Langage Power Station staff and litter picking ambassador Ian around the industrial estate there, collecting seven bags in 45 minutes. They decided to stick around and do more picking... and four hours later they had amassed another 93 bags of discarded rubbish. Items of asbestos were also found and left untouched on health and safety grounds and reported for a professional removal by South Hams District Council, who provided the bags for the other general items of litter and rubbish.

• Professional Plympton photographer Caitlin Hodges, who is based at Newnham and specialises in pet photography, has achieved a runner’s up award after coming second in a contest of over 13,000 entries for ‘Pet Image of the Year.’ The competition was staged by the Guild of Photographers and Caitlin’s entry was a picture of Digby the Dalmatian.

• The British Red Cross shop on Plymstock Broadway is appealing for donations of good quality furniture and electrical items.

Free collection can be arranged for suitable products. Please telephone the shop on 01752 404349 for more information.

• Police have appealed for witnesses after a pedestrian was seriously injured in a traffic accident in Plymstock. Police were called at around 10pm on February 28 to Radford Park Road following reports of a collision involving a car and a pedestrian. As a result of the collision, the pedestrian, a man in his 40s, sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital where he remains. The scene was attended by officers from the Specialist Roads Policing Team as well as a forensic collision investigator. Police are appealing for any witnesses who were in the area at the time of the collision to contact them on 101 quoting log 844 of February 28 2022.

(News in brief by the Plympton Podcast)

April 2022 9

Covid-19 procedures in place, we are installing now!

@PlymChronicle

Struggling to climb out of your bath?

ANDREW WARD is managing director and sales director of Ability Bathe, a familyrun independent bathroom installation company which was founded by Andrew and his wife in 2012.

Andrew has owned and run a complete bathroom supply and installation company for 25 years, fitting all types of bathrooms and wet rooms in the North of England. Since expanding into the South West, Andrew – together with a small team of employees – has specialised in installing and fitting not just bathrooms, but also walk-in showers and wet rooms.

Let Ability Bathe make your life easier. It is small enough to be very personal and approachable, and large enough to have the experience to complete a wide range of bathroom installations quickly and successfully to a very high standard.

Step into a shower in 48 hours, from £2500!

Andrew personally goes out to the initial consultation, paying great attention to detail and customer requirements.

On commencement, he again attends and personally sets up the installation, running through all points raised with his employees, who will do the hands-on installation.

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Andrew says: “We make the promise that we don’t come to you until our previous job is complete and we will not leave you until yours is complete”.

Ability Bathe offers home appointments up to 8pm; for a free, no-obligation quotation call 07711 184309.

Ability Bathe (Devon) Ltd, Abbotskerswell, TQ12 5NL Tel: 01803 814309 • Andrew Ward 07711 184309 • email: andrew@abilitybathe.co.uk

Visit our website www.abilitybathe.co.uk to view our photo gallery of previous installations

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Continuity of care means a lot Continuity of care means a lot - to us, our service providers and most importantly to you.

It means that we’ll work hard to ensure that your care is delivered by the same people. It means that each day a friendly face that you get to know and trust accompanies the professional care that we provide.

Our carers get to know your, and your loved ones’, unique circumstances what you like, what you don’t, what makes you feel better.

They become friends helping you at home, someone you can rely on and talk to.

That experience is what attracted John and Anya to Friends Helping At Home,

when they were looking for support for John’s 91 year old mother Joan.

She lives in the family home in Totnes, John and Anya live just outside London, so when Joan’s health deteriorated last year they asked for recommendations and searched the internet for an organisation that they could trust to support her daily care needs.

They spoke with Caron (our South Hams branch Manager). “She responded to our enquiry quickly, and after our first meeting we were happy that the same level of responsiveness was the way they worked every day,” said John. “We needed to know that, living hundreds of miles from Mum. We can phone any time with questions or concerns and know it will be taken care of.”

John and Anya were also keen to have Mum treated with personal care and attention to the small things that matter.

“Mum likes a chat, and during Covid we often weren’t able to travel to see her and she didn’t see many other people.

Knowing she was being cared for well, gave us peace of mind,” said John.

“The carers are pro-active, they take Mum out for drives and walks on the seafront, appointments at hospital and shopping trips. They think it through for her, and they ask us first if they need to.”

Direct contact by text or phone undergirds the connectivity between the family, our branch manager, Joan and her carers. It’s a relationship where everyone is involved.

It’s very much what it means to be cared for

by Friends Helping At Home.

Absolute continuity of care.

Your choose your carer from our vigorously vetted team.

Your chosen carer will get to know you and your needs - you can ask for what makes you feel comfortable and safe.

A single point of contact to address any concerns and reassure you.

Up to date infection control measures assured.

Friends have five branches serving Devon, and the same values undergird and run through them all. Jo Craythorne, our Plymouth Branch Manager, will be pleased to hear from you and respond to your care needs.

Contact us to discuss your requirements and to arrange a free initial visit, without obligation on your part to discuss your requirements.

Call us on

(01752) 648 320 We provide a safe, friendly and professional service that enables you to remain living in the comfort of your own home.

Email:

plymouth@friendshelpingathome.co.uk

Find us online at: friendshelpingathome.co.uk

10 April 2022

Talented Martha’s incredible journey at Plymouth College of Art

A talented art student from Plympton is supporting young people on the course she first attended when she was just four years old.

Nineteen-year-old BA (Hons) Illustration student Martha Pengelly, supports young people to access weekend art courses at Plymouth College of Art, bringing her full circle in a journey that began when she first started attending Young Arts clubs on Saturdays at the college at the age of four.

Alongside the first year of her undergraduate studies at Plymouth College of Art, Martha, acts as a paid Student Ambassador, helping out at events at the university-sector art school. One of the roles that she fulfils as a Student Ambassador is to support the Young Arts programme, which was established in 1988 to bridge the gap in arts provision for young people whose creative education might be limited by curriculum changes or limited access to resources and equipment in schools.

Martha said: “I’ve been coming to Plymouth College of Art for as long as I can remember, since I was old enough to attend the Young Arts clubs that were running at the time.

“Coming here gave me opportunities to try things that I wouldn’t have done at home, from printmaking and ceramics to things like photography. I was drawing regularly, but there were resources and equipment in Plymouth College of Art that I had no access to at home. Here I could practice and learn new skills. I attended Young Arts and Saturday Arts activities off and on until I was 15.

“When I was old enough, I chose to come to Plymouth College of Art to study a UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Graphics, Illustration & Game Arts instead of staying at school for A-Levels. Studying in Palace Court was great, I absolutely loved it. It was such a big change from school, I cared about working hard a lot more than I had done and really enjoyed every day. It was such a good experience that staying here for my BA (Hons) Illustration degree was a natural decision.

“I’m in the first year of my degree now and since I secured a role as a Student Ambassador, I get a chance to help the Saturday Arts sessions, which is weird but amazing. Every now and then it hits me that I was attending these sessions when I was their age and now I get to help run them. Knowing how happy it made me when I was their age and knowing that attending Young Arts might help them to discover what they want to do when they’re older, I love being able to support that.”

From 2018 to 2020 Martha studied a UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Graphics, Illustration & Game Arts at Plymouth College of Art, earning a Distinction, which is equivalent to three A*s at A-level.

After initially thinking she might specialise in digital art for games, Martha has spent more time painting recently and is looking into options for illustrating children’s books, but wants to keep her options open as she experiments with new styles for future modules of her degree.

Cheyenne Grylls

Two sisters are hoping to lift everyone’s COVID gloom by organising a glittering charity ball in August.

Lauren Grylls, who lives in Devonport, and her sister Cheyenne from Tavistock, have always wanted to organise a special event for charity - and now they have taken the plunge and announced their plans.

The charity black tie masquerade ball is taking place on August 27 at the Guildhall in Plymouth - and a packed, fun-filled evening is promised.

The stay at home mums will be raising

@PlymChronicle

Lauren Grylls

money for three charities - the Royal British Legion, Mind Devon and Jeremiah’s Journey.

Lauren said: “My sister and I have always wanted to do something like this, so after the past couple of rough years for everyone with COVID, we thought it would be a perfect way for everyone to get dressed up for the night, feel beautiful, with nothing to worry about and have a dance too.

“It will be raising money for good causes and is a perfect way to give back to our community and raise money for these three amazing charities.”

Sisters plan glittering charity ball to help lift COVID gloom

The evening will feature a live band, buffet and a raffle with amazing prizes. Doors open at 7.30pm with the programme starting at 8pm and ending at midnight.

Lauren added: “Dress code is a suit and tie and any type of evening dress - and of course all with a masquerade mask.”

She said that if the ball is a success they plan to do it again next year with different charities and a different theme.

Tickets for the event cost just £25 and can now be booked on Facebook by searching for Black Tie Masquerade Charity Ball.

New project will connect local communities with the coast

A major new project has been launched to connect people from disadvantaged areas in Plymouth to their coast and coastal wildlife.

The Rock Pool Project has launched a new ‘Blue Recovery’ project to inspire and connect people from disadvantaged areas in Plymouth and Falmouth with their local marine wildlife, after receiving almost £150,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Every year, millions of people are drawn to the South West’s spectacular coastline.

However, a rising number of locals are becoming disconnected from their nearby beaches and marine heritage, missing out on this coastline’s numerous benefits; fresh air, sea views, discovery, exercise, restfulness and fun.

Now the Rock Pool Project has begun an exciting two-year Blue Recovery Project aimed at addressing this issue. The innovative not-for-profit organisation will help hundreds of local people to explore, understand and care for their local wildlife and coastline.

Adults and families from eligible postcodes will Images courtesy of brettl-photography

have the opportunity to enjoy free, expert-led rock pooling events, join the new Blue Recovery community, receive citizen science training and experience the fun and freedom that comes with a rock pool ramble and time spent with friends at the beach.

The Rock Pool Project is partnering with a number of vastly experienced and established organisations in providing Blue Recovery including The Marine Biological Association, Nudge Community Builders and Mount Batten Watersports Centre.

Blue Recovery Beach Days will run monthly on Sundays in Plymouth. People can find out if they are eligible to attend and reserve their place via The Rock Pool Project’s website at www. therockpoolproject.co.uk In the summer months, special ‘See Our Shore’ beach events will offer the opportunity for Blue Recovery Rangers to share their learning and growing passion for marine wildlife with the wider community, visitors to the region and local businesses.

Alan Smith, co-founder and education director of The Rock Pool Project said: “We were over the moon and quite emotional to hear we’d received this grant. All of us in The Rock Pool Project team have been lucky enough to enjoy exploring the wonderful world of rock pools for most of our lives, and now we can share the joy and wonder of discovering wildlife with people who have not had such opportunities.”

A relaxed, contemporary feel with premium, casual dining

The new look Brook Inn, nestled in the heart of Plympton St Maurice, is getting ready for Spring.

Refurbished by its new owners during 2021, at the heart of its offer is high quality, locally sourced produce coupled with a consistently evolving menu.

Originally opened as a pub in 1974, the year of the three day week and Abba topping the charts with Waterloo, the pub has enjoyed an eventful life. Most recently known for its live music and links to the community, the Brook has undergone a transformation that makes it the perfect place to

socialise, meet friends and family or even host a special occasion.

Emily, the Brook’s Front of House Manager, said, “We wanted to keep the fabulous tradition of the pub but give it a warm, contemporary feel. We still host regular live events, including music and a Sunday evening quiz, but the new layout with our sofas and private dining area means it feels really different.

“We’ve made sure it’s flexible to cater for a variety of needs, from small groups in our beautifully appointed private dining space to whole venue hire for weddings and other large celebrations.”

As well as the updated decor there is a new range of premium draught beers, ciders and ales and regular food specials delivered by the

THE BROOK INN

experienced kitchen team led by Head Chef, Adam. Although the pub has retained many traditional pub classics, Adam has his team focused on producing innovative, new dishes for today’s customer.

“We have experienced a real move in the market towards vegetarian, vegan and gluten free dining,” said Adam. “It’s fantastic that our customers are pushing us to create exciting new dishes and that we can cater for such a variety of needs… it makes my role really interesting and rewarding.”

Emily added, “We believe the Brook adds something a little different to the wide choice of dining available in Plympton. We pride ourselves on listening and responding to our customers and the feedback we’re getting shows we’re getting it right.”

A quick glance at Trip Advisor suggests she’s right:

The Brook has numerous cosy nooks where you can meet and chat, a fabulous beer garden and a new patio area. The pub is also dog friendly, with fresh water and treats for our furry friends.

So whether it’s a meal out, a quick snack, coffee and homemade cakes or simply a cold, refreshing beer The Brook is definitely worth a visit.

33 Longbrook Street, Plympton, PL7 1NJ Located opposite St Elizabeth’s House Hotel, just a couple of minutes off the A38 Tel: 01752 297604 Facebook: The Brook Inn @thebrookplympton

Brilliant

Delicious food and friendly service

Excellent food

01752 297604

33 Longbrook Street, PL7 INJ

@thebrookplympton

Paying Your Council Tax It’s that time of year when your council tax bill will be dropping through your letterbox. There’s no need to worry because there’s a lot of help and advice available, which can help you manage your payments.

Firstly, read the bill carefully and make sure that it’s correct. Check the banding for your property and make sure it’s right by comparing it to last year’s bill or by going to the Gov.uk web page www.gov.uk/council-tax-bands.

The bill is by default paid in 10 instalments. You can request to pay over 12 months to reduce the monthly outgoings and keep a monthly budget regular. The Plymouth City Council (PCC) might accept weekly or fortnightly payments, but you may need to explain the reason for the request, for example if your benefits are paid fortnightly.

The easiest way to pay is by monthly direct debit as other ways of payment may take a few days to come through.

If you pay by standing order, make sure you’re paying the right amount at the beginning of the financial year.

It’s important that you pay your Council Tax on time, as PCC has the power to instruct bailiffs to attend your home, attach the debt to your income, apply for your bankruptcy or imprisonment, etc.

Don’t ignore council tax arrears or wait for PCC to contact you as additional

0808 278 7910

charges can build up quickly.

If you cannot pay your Council Tax either on time or in full, contact them immediately. They’ll go through the options with you and, hopefully, find a solution, such as a re-payment plan.

Explain your financial situation and any changes to your household budget when asking for a repayment plan. Don’t ignore the problem as it won’t go away, it’ll just get worse. There is help available.

If you’re on a low income or claiming benefits, you may be eligible for Council Tax Support, a scheme for people on low incomes to help them pay. In certain circumstances, you may also qualify for other discounts that can be claimed by contacting PCC or completing an online form on the council’s website: shorturl.at/eDFK6 If you don’t use a computer or find online forms difficult, there are people you can call to help you.

You’ve seen it on the television and heard on the news how much the cost of living is going up. If you’re struggling to pay, you’re not alone. Help is at hand, so please don’t hesitate to contact us, and we’ll do all we can to support you through these difficult times.

A new £150 Council Tax rebate scheme for homes in the Council Tax bands A – D will combat the rising cost of living. Some people may also apply for help with the Council Tax bill from the Exceptional Hardship Fund.

Call our AdviceLine on 0808 278 7910, visit our website: www.citizensadviceplymouth.org.uk or use Facebook Messenger to get in touch. The Citizens Advice Debt Helpline on 0800 240 4420 can advise on your

www.citizensadviceplymouth.org.uk

options and help negotiating with the council.

To discuss your Council Tax account, contact PCC online at www.plymouth.gov.uk/counciltax/ or by phone on 01752 668000.

@citizensadviceplymouth

12 April 2022

12 April 2022

@PlymChronicle

Plan submitted for new solar farm at Chelson Meadow A brand new, community-owned solar farm for Plymouth has reached another step towards reality.

Having launched plans in the summer and undertaken extensive community consultation, Plymouth City Council and local charity Plymouth Energy Community (PEC), have submitted a joint planning application, to develop a new approximately 13MWh community-owned solar farm, on the old landfill site at Chelson Meadow.

Generating enough energy to power 3,800 homes a year, this unique opportunity would increase the renewable energy capacity in the city significantly; improving national and local access to clean energy.

This kind of initiative takes Plymouth closer to its commitment to reach carbon neutrality by 2030, playing its part in tackling climate change and defining a better path for a viable future.

Being community-owned means that any profits are kept locally.

As part of the process, PEC has shared information with the local community and stakeholders for feedback and this has helped shape the submitted design.

This includes detailed plans to achieve measurable improvements for wildlife as well as the significant carbon savings from the project.

Alistair Macpherson, chief executive of Plymouth Energy Community, said: “We are proud to deliver a proposal with Plymouth City Council

Plymouth Energy Community has already created a solar farm in Ernesettle Photo: Dom Moore

The Daffodil Family Centre team

that will deliver arguably the most significant renewable energy generation opportunity available in our city.”

Councillor Maddi Bridgeman, Cabinet member for Environment and Street Scene, said: “It is great to see this project get to planning. The team have worked hard to develop a sympathetic approach based on extensive evidence. Should planning be approved, we have an opportunity here to show

Plymouth Energy Community Fact File Plymouth Energy Community (PEC) is a multi-award winning charity and a social enterprise, with a cooperative ethos.

PEC’s mission is to enable our community to create a fair, affordable, zero carbon energy system with local people at its heart.

It includes a family of community led organisations with projects that: bring local people together to tackle fuel poverty and the climate crisis, increase local ownership and influence over local energy solutions; improve community confidence to engage in the zero carbon transition; and enable people to heat and power their homes affordably.

Since 2013 PEC has: • Developed and generated 33 MWh of clean power from Ernesettle community solar farm and 32 roof top arrays.

• Saved schools and community organisations over £800,000 from their energy bills through renewable power and energy efficiency improvements.

• Helped 30,589 households and carried out 5,298 homes visits, saving each an average of £764 per year • Saved a total of 25,254 tonnes of carbon • Grown to a turnover of £1.5m per year with a dedicated team of 24 employed staff.

PEC is now working with local businesses to install new solar arrays; trailing models for community owned renewable heat, and providing a domestic energy advice and retrofit service targeted at helping the fuel poor and those with long-term health conditions.

It is distributing grants to fuel poor households as part of the city’s COVID response package and has established a community led housing developer, to focus on the innovation required to deliver affordable homes in a way that is consistent with the UK’s carbon reduction targets.

For more information visit the website at www.plymoutenergycommunity.com

best practice in partnership working to deliver on multiple agendas that are important to Plymouth and its residents’ The project is being delivered with support from the Rural Community Energy Fund, which is administered by the South West Energy Hub. Jon Rattenbury, programme manager for the South West Energy Hub, said: “I am pleased we are able to support PEC’s Chelson Meadow solar project through the Rural Community Energy Fund Programme. It is a great example of what community energy groups can achieve both in terms of decarbonisation as well as benefitting host communities through the reinvestment of revenues into local projects. We strongly encourage other community groups to keep an eye out for future government funding opportunities to help get their local energy projects off the ground.”

More details about the project can be found at: www.plymouthenergycommunity.com/ourwork/chelson-meadow.

Plymouth Energy Community have already installed a community-owned solar array at Ernesettle, saved over £800k for local schools and community organisations through rooftop solar and re-invested surplus profits into projects that help Plymouth residents reduce their energy bills and make homes more energy efficient.

The proposal has received mixed reaction from the public with many positive comments on the benefits of the solar farm, but objections from others, including the Friends of Saltram Wildlife, who are concerned about the impact of the development on deer, birds and other wildlife.

Daffodil Family Centre celebrates ‘Good’ rating from Ofsted The Daffodil Family Centre, which is operated by Trevi, the leading women’s charity in Plymouth, has been awarded a ‘Good’ Ofsted Rating on its very first inspection.

The Daffodil Family Centre, which opened its doors in early 2020, is a national parenting assessment centre which offers a strengthsbased parenting assessment that aims to support the parent to identify what changes they need to make to keep their child safe.

The team strives to deliver a professional, empathetic service, and one in which all their residents can have their individual needs heard and respected. This is achieved by the hard work of Daffodil’s expert team, which comprises of two social workers, a team of family support workers, and a clinical psychologist, headed up by the highly experienced service manager Margaret Bersey.

Margaret said: “We are so very pleased that all the work, understanding and huge human effort that happens here at Daffodil every single day and night, to safeguard children’s futures, has been recognised by Ofsted.

“Achieving a good standard throughout all aspects of the inspection shows my team’s dedication. Our top priority is always making sure the needs of the children are met for a happy, fulfilling childhood, and we will continue to put them at the Centre of all we do.”

Ofsted recognised the approach that Daffodil have to their family assessments and commented, ‘the environment at the Centre is warm and welcoming. Parents spoke highly of the facilities and the support they received.

The staff team is highly skilled, with many staff members having a breadth of experience in social care and associated roles.’

While undergoing assessment at Daffodil, mothers are encouraged to use the therapeutic services on offer at Trevi’s Sunflower Women’s Centre, less than a five-minute walk away.

Many mothers who have come through Daffodil have continued to engage with these services.

Kayleigh spent time at Daffodil with her son. Since then, she has continued to access support services at Sunflower, achieving her Peer Mentoring qualification.

Kayleigh said: “I was so anxious when I went to Daffodil, but I soon realised I didn’t need to worry. The staff were so welcoming, all they wanted to do was support you to be the best parent you can be.”

April 2022

@PlymChronicle

Major store refit brings enhanced care and jobs Specsavers is investing £400,000 in its Plymstock store to bring new jobs and increased customer care.

The ambitious undertaking began at the end of February with three new rooms being created and more state-of-the-art equipment installed.

In addition to a dedicated Hearcare room, a second hospital-quality optical coherence tomography (OCT) scanning instrument will be installed.

The scanning instruments allow an optician in store to look deeper into the eyes than ever before. The optician can use these images and any from your last visit, to help to detect some eye conditions before you have any symptoms.

Dr Josie Forte, store director, said: “We’re really excited about these changes to the store. It’s a huge investment and demonstrates our desire to bring the best possible care to the people of Plymouth.

“It means we can enhance the services we provide for the community by identifying and helping to detect or manage a range of conditions, with a level of diagnostic

capability that can even save people a hospital visit for tests.

“Such an investment shows our confidence in Plymstock Broadway, and we are delighted to be part of such a forward-looking community. We’ve also been motivated by the increased numbers of customers wanting our high-quality eye and hearing services.

“To meet this demand, we are employing new staff, who are being trained ahead of the refit so that they are ready to provide the high level of care that our customers expect.

We are always keen to employ local people, because we believe in investing in the local talent available, which then has a positive knock-on for the community.

“We believe the investment we’re making now will bring real benefits to our customers, combining the latest eye care, hearing care and retail technology to provide a highly professional and ultra-modern service.”

To ensure that the refit is undertaken without any danger to customers, the store at Plymstock Broadway, will be temporarily closed for access from March 8 to 15, although all telephone enquiries can still be made on 01752 402 241 as normal.

13

Plymstock store director Josie Forte

Plympton man in virtual cycling fundraiser Avid Plympton cyclist Mark Chanter has raised over £2,000 for St Luke’s Hospice and Tamar Valley Repeater Group.

The rest was done virtually on a static training machine.

Explaining his chosen fundraising causes Mark said: “The reason why I have chosen St Luke’s is that they do a wonderful job and Ideally Mark would have liked to have had a go at riding from Lands have looked after my late father and us during his time of need.

End to John O’Groats but this just wasn’t possible for him at the The repeater group is an amateur moment.

Mark Chanter presenting the repeater group that provides radio Undeterred however by the general cheque to a representative of communication to the Tamar Valley principle of such a long ride he came St Luke’s Hospice and a large percentage of Devon and up with an alternative way of covering Cornwall. the same distance and attracted “The reason I am so keen on keeping sponsors for doing so. this communication is to have it Mark said: “I would love to do a available in case of an emergency. really long ride, but understanding Mark attracted a good level of that a real life ride would not be support by way of sponsorship for his possible at the moment, I opted to do ride and has now been able to start this mileage and elevation from Lands distributing the money raised to his End to John O‘Groats virtually.” chosen causes.

The ride was done in stages over a Mark added that he hopes his health period of weeks and Mark managed might at some future stage enable him to do a significant amount of his ride to cycle for real from Land’s End to on local roads and cycle paths with John O’Groats. similar terrain to that he would have (Story courtesy of the Plympton encountered in going from Land’s End Podcast) to John O’Groats.

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Sherford Life We all long for life. Real, full life – not just existence but life. But where can we find it in today’s world?

Like me, I’m sure you have been shocked and saddened by the news pumping across the airwaves from Eastern Europe.

At the time of writing, the Ukrainian people are facing their thirteenth day of sustained Russian assault, and over two million people have fled for their lives.

There is a saying that we in the Church of England often recite at funerals: ‘In the midst of life we are in death.’

And yet I feel hopeful because of the brave and loving response I have seen from so many around Plymouth and beyond. Perhaps we should invert the saying: ‘In the midst of death we find life.’

The worst of human atrocity often brings out the best in the people around us. I’ve seen that in the various humanitarian efforts being sent from our country, many of them supported by people in our own communities. Perhaps you’ll find some of them mentioned in these pages.

At Sherford Community Church we have been raising money for the Salvation Army Ukraine Crisis Appeal. They have people on the ground in Ukraine and the surrounding countries, ready to offer ‘food, shelter, clothing, prayers and hope.’

Others in our community have been organising collections of essentials like sanitary items, sleeping bags, toiletries and first-aid kits to send over to the refugees.

One Sherford resident has been organising a collection

By Revd Tom Brassil specifically for baby items (nappies, vests etc.) in order to provide for the many refugee families who are experiencing premature births brought on by the stress of the situation.

So I want to use a portion of my column here to say a huge thank-you to all those in Sherford and across Plymouth who are organising and facilitating these acts of kindness.

Thank you to all who are providing the means for life in the midst of death, to all those who are providing little rays of hope in darkness.

By the time you read this we will be heading towards the season of Easter. And the Christian festival of Easter is all about finding hope in darkness and life in death.

It’s the time we celebrate a God who chose to enter into the darkness and pain of our world, and face its worst horrors, for our sakes.

It’s the time when we celebrate that Jesus not only faced death but defeated it. So when we hear that he is offering life (see, for example, John 3:16 and John 10:10 in the Bible), we take him very seriously.

At Easter Jesus showed that he can deliver on what he offers!

This Easter, would you like to find hope in the midst of darkness? Would you like to find life that lasts? Why not start by visiting the website, www.findlifethatlasts. com If you have any questions about Sherford life, or if you would like to know more about Sherford Community Church and the life-changing good news of Easter, please contact me at tom@ sherfordchurch.net

14 April 2022

14 April 2022

Bowlers celebrate 60th anniversary Plympton Bowling Club is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2022 and over the last six decades it has become an important part of the local community.

Over the years, the club has developed strong support from not only the bowling community but other sporting clubs, the business community, the Plympton Community Council and a vast number of individuals.

Including Plymouth City Councillors, Lord Mayors and the local Member of Parliament, Sir Gary Streeter MP. Plympton Bowling Club was founded in 1962 when the A38 carrying all traffic between Exeter, Plymouth and South East Cornwall ran through the centre of Plympton village – The Ridgeway! And the same year the Tamar Bridge was opened.

The Bowling Green was provided by the then Plympton Rural District Council in 1961 and is situated in Harewood Park.

Several meetings were held in January and February of 1962, leading to the first meeting of the Plympton Bowling Club Management Committee meeting on April 25. The opening of the green took place three days later.

Today it is a very active, well established and well organised club which provides a much needed asset to its members and the local community, providing Plympton and the surrounding area with sporting and social activity all the year round, aimed at adults of all ages.

The club also hosts fixtures with other bowling clubs in the area in association with Plymouth and District Men’s and Lady’s Bowling Leagues, Bowls Devon and in addition, host teams touring the South West from far and wide.

It has developed a reputation for its friendly, cheerful and fun loving attitude, not to mention the ladies cream teas, which encourage visitors to come back to Plympton on a regular yearly basis.

Various internal club

Plympton Bowling Club members pictured at one of the charity days

@PlymChronicle

Homes in Plymouth set to benefit from £1m Government funding package A new government funding package has been secured which will improve the energy efficiency of homes in Plymouth.

...and it’s game on!

competitions are also organised throughout the outdoor bowling season which are very popular and can prove to be very competitive.

The club is proud of its tradition of holding a charity day each year. Members provide a list of chosen local charities, with a democratic process of selecting the nominated charity each year. Where possible, the club endeavours to get a local bank or business to match the funds raised by the club, which is then presented to the selected charity after the event. The monies raised in recent years total around £11,000.

The club operates through the winter season with the ‘Winter Blues’ meeting regularly in the club house every Thursday afternoon to have tea, chat and to take part in in skittles, quizzes, curling, carpet bowls and other activities which keeps the members socially active. The club also enters many teams in various Indoor Bowling Leagues

and friendlies at the Plymouth Life Centre and other indoor facilities across the South West.

The club’s outdoor season will start with the Opening Drive performed by the club President Jan Stapleton on Saturday April 2 to the cheers of many members.

The club have two main events to celebrate the 60 year Milestone. The first will be a celebratory Invitation Day where bowling clubs across the city will take part on a Mixed Friendly game, on June 12 followed by a traditional Devonshire cream tea. The second event will be for Plympton Bowling Club Members

only on the July 10 which will involve the Captain’s Challenge Cup followed by a barbecue.

Each year, the club hold an ‘Open Day’ to encourage people of all ages to come and ‘Have a Go.’ The purpose of the day is for people who have wanted to try it out but not sure how to go about it.

The club has four fully qualified and registered coaches, with a number of seasoned club members available who will provide the encouragement and equipment to those who have an interest.

Anyone who may be interested can get a feel for the game in short session of 10 to 20 minutes and should you feel it’s for you, the club will invite you to a six week coaching period at no cost, and at the end of this period, you can decide if you wish to join the club.

The ‘Open Day’ this year will be held on April 23 from 10am to 3pm.

Bowlers donation to MNDA

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Members of Plymstock Bowling Club have donated nearly £3,200 to Plymouth MND Group.

In line with club tradition club captain Dave Hopper for the year 2020 to 2021 was responsible for selecting a charity of his choice to receive all the donations collected from club members during his year of office.

Dave chose the local motor neurone group after one of the club’s members passed away due to the incurable illness.

Roger Box, Brenda Rendle and Steve Rendle from the Plymouth MND Group were presented with a cheque for £3173 by club captain Dave Hopper at a recent club social evening. (See picture).

This year’s club captain Jenny Biaggot has nominated Children’s Hospice South West as her charity for the year 2021-2022.

Plymouth City Council joined forces with housing associations LiveWest and Plymouth Community Homes (PCH) to apply for funding from the government’s Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund.

The government has allocated £800m to the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund as part of a multibillion-pound, three-year investment in the decarbonisation of heat and buildings.

The government has now named the local authorities which have made successful bids for some of the £179m made available in the first wave of funding.

And the Plymouth City Council bid has been successful in securing £1m of investment in homes in the city which will be matched by both associations’ investment.

The money will be spent on upgrading two social housing schemes in the city, Furse Park (LiveWest) and Alcestor Close (PCH) currently below Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) C. This funding will help to deliver warm, energy efficient homes and reduce carbon emissions and fuel bills, as well as tackling fuel poverty and supporting green jobs.

Councillor Vivien Pengelly, Cabinet member for Homes and Communities at Plymouth City Council, said: “This announcement could not come at a better time. With all the worry about high fuel bills, it’s good to know that some of the city’s most vulnerable households will get the help they need to keep warm while keeping the costs down.

“It is also good news from our green agenda perspective. This will help deliver carbon savings as well as support local jobs on the growing green economy.”

The funding will support LiveWest’s ambitious programme to bring 9,000 of its worst performing properties up to Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Band C by 2028, two years ahead of the deadline set by government.

The programme will see LiveWest investing approximately £40m into its existing housing and underlines the commitment of LiveWest to reduce its carbon footprint and improve the energy efficiency of itshomes.

Tim Wotton, green funding manager for LiveWest, said: “We are delighted to be part of Plymouth City Council’s successful bid for the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund.

“Sustainable homes, neighbourhoods and communities are at the heart of our commitment to deliver a home for everyone.

“The Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund money will help us undertake a range of works to our properties in Furse Park and, while this funding will help us improve 59 properties in Barne Barton, we are optimistic that we will be able to apply for Wave 2 funding to continue this work throughout the rest of the area and to other properties within the city.

“This funding is so important as it will make a difference to the energy performance of our customers’ homes, and we hope that, despite rising prices, customers will see the benefits in their fuel bills.”

Ian Frazer, head of asset management for PCH, said: “We are thrilled to be part of the success of Plymouth City Council’s Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund bid.

“Our mission to provide warm, efficient, and sustainable housing is bolstered by this funding as we move towards a carbon zero future. Not only will this funding support us in protecting our environment by reducing household energy consumption – that reduction will be passed on to our customers as we all face rising energy costs, giving our residents more energy efficient homes.”

April 2022

@PlymChronicle

15

Adam joins cycling and cancer with new charity premises A new charity premises in Plymouth will see the joining of cycling and cancer for the first time, as a local mechanic, Adam Froggatt, opens The Bike Network.

At 32 years old, Adam, who himself received a bowel cancer diagnosis in 2017, only two weeks after his first baby’s arrival, is keen to make the connection between cycling and cancer, to help those affected combat the effects on mental and physical wellbeing.

The founder of The Bike Network shared how his diagnosis and experience promoted him to pursue cycling. He said: “After a colonoscopy, the doctor apologised and told me I had bowel cancer. My wife had to leave our twoweek-old son at his grandparent’s and pick me up from the hospital. It was not the introduction to motherhood that she had planned.

“I know first-hand the physical and mental impact that cancer can have on you during and after treatment. I bought a bike during my chemotherapy treatment to help with my physical condition and never looked back.

“It is a recognised fact that eating well and keeping fit can improve the outcome of treatment. Cycling is an accessible way to get outdoors, do exercise at a low cost with a low risk of injury compared to other sports such as running.”

Having discovered cycling for himself, Adam was keen to share his experience and lend his support to others affected by the disease.

“In the lockdown of 2020, I studied for my bike mechanic qualification. As a former manager of the BMW garage, I had a grounding in mechanics. The Bike Network’s success is the only reason I gave up my job. I was finding there were not enough hours in the day.”

From humble beginnings of working on bikes at home and above his uncle’s shop, the success of his idea and sheer demand has pushed the founder to open his own premises.

Adam said: “None of the events that have happened until now have been planned. I have done more after cancer than I have ever done before.”

“To date, I have delivered over 270 bikes to people affected by cancer. I have despatched one as far as Scotland. The idea with the premises is to continue doing my vital work of refurbishing and fitting people with bikes.

“However, I also offer bike servicing to help fund the charity’s work. We also sell parts, much of which are donations from the public and our supporters.

Additionally, Macmillan Cancer Support provided a support grant to help me fund the premises.”

Speaking about the initiative,

Di Charlton, engagement lead at Macmillan Cancer Support said: “Adam’s efforts have been nothing short of incredible. The support that Adam has been able to provide for people affected by cancer’s physical wellbeing is invaluable.

“We are so pleased that Macmillan could show their support with a support grant and look forward to seeing where he goes next with his ideas.”

Adam added, the benefits stretched far beyond those of people affected by cancer.

He said: “The Bike Network is also great for the environment because it is sustainable. If you are looking to buy a bike brand new there can be upwards of a nine-month waiting list now because of COVID. An estimated 15 million bikes are discarded every year throughout the world so we can help the planet whilst supporting those people affected by this awful disease.

“Servicing is cheaper at our HQ and every penny you spend with us goes back to supporting those in need.”

The new premises at Langage Business Park in Plympton were officially opened by the Lord Mayor of Plymouth Councillor Terri Beer on March 1.

To find out more or book your bike in for a service, click here, https:// thebikenetwork.org/

Cycling has played a big part in Adam’s recovery from cancer

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Police make 46 arrests in drugs crackdown Devon and Cornwall Police arrested 46 people in a two-day crackdown targeting alleged drugs-related activities in Plymouth.

Devon and Cornwall officers worked alongside colleagues from Merseyside, supported by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SW ROCU), as part of the operation, which took place on March 1 and 2.

Eight men and one woman were charged with a range of offences, including possession of drugs, dangerous driving, driving whilst unfit and assault.

Thirty-seven people were arrested on suspicion of a range of offences including possession of drugs, being concerned in the supply of drugs, dangerous driving, money laundering and being in possession of offensive weapons.

Of those arrested, three people were issued with cautions, and others were released under investigation or police bail, pending further enquiries.

A number of those arrested were from the Plymouth area but others were from outside the area, including from Merseyside.

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16 April 2022

LAST CALL FOR PLYMPTON YOUTH AMBASSADOR APPLICANTS A last call is being made for those interested in being Plympton’s next Youth Ambassador to get their applications in ahead of this year’s deadline of 10pm on March 31 2022.

The role represents an ideal opportunity to be the voice of Plympton’s youth within the community and gives scope for bringing about change and making a difference. The role is likely to bring the successful candidate into contact with Plympton’s councillors, business leaders and other local decision makers.

The Youth Ambassador will often accompany the Stannator on engagements as well as forging their own activities with appropriate guidance and supervision. They will also represent the youth voice of the area at Plympton Community Council meetings as well as feeding back to their peers.

Isaac Hudson, who was 14 when he applied, became the first person to hold the role and he attended many civic events and other public functions. In November 2017 he took part in the Remembrance Day march in Plympton where he proudly wore his grandfather’s service medals and among other things he handed out prizes to winners in the Rotary Club of Plympton’s Youth Speaks event and was driven in an Aston Martin motor car to his final engagement at the Lamb Feast in June 2018.

Isaac was succeeded by then sixth-former Molly Disney who adopted mental health issues and reduction in single use plastics as themes for her year in office. While in the Youth Ambassador role Molly engaged with the Rees Centre Wellbeing Hub to promote the advancement of mental health issues as an offering at the Hub when it opened and achieved changes in the canteen at her school where single use plastics were ultimately done away with. Molly also got to handle one of the ceremonial Plympton maces, take a ride in an engine at the Plym Valley Railway and attend the historic Fishing Feast at Burrator Reservoir in the course of her time as Youth Ambassador.

Plympton’s third Youth Ambassador was Charlotte Bryant, then 14, who chose to raise awareness of dementia and get young people interacting more with the aged residents in the area. As a result of that she was involved in visiting care homes. Charlotte was also officially involved in the re-opening ceremony for the cafe in the Co-op at Ridgeway as well as the formal opening of the Plympton Show that year and reading one of the lessons at the St Mary’s Church community carol service.

Speaking at the end of her year in office Molly Disney said: “Being Youth Ambassador has shown me it’s so easy to make a difference. This role has enabled me to flourish as a Youth Ambassador and has taught me how to balance my academic life with the community side of life. It has prepared me for the future and I would recommend this opportunity to any young person.”

This year’s candidates will need to be currently aged between fourteen and seventeen, live in Plympton, be available to attend a selection interview on the evening of April 8 and free to attend an investiture ceremony on the evening of April 23.

To obtain an application form and role specification e-mail plympton communitycouncil @ gmail.com or telephone Pauline Kadoche on 07784 916648.

(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast) Molly Disney hands over to Charlotte Bryant

16 April 2022

@PlymChronicle

10th anniversary for ‘new’ library Plympton Library has recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of its phoenixlike rise from the ashes of its devastating fire in August 2008.

Staff who still work there vividly recall arriving for work on August 20 2008 to find their library a smouldering ruin after a blaze which started at around 1am completely gutted the mostly wooden 1960s constructed building and destroyed the 25,000 stock of books inside. The cause of the fire was never fully determined.

A temporary library was later established in the old Plympton job centre (now the Stannary Court Pub) but the opening of

that was to be marred by tragedy when then Stannator Roger Coleman uncharacteristically did not arrive for the opening ceremony. It was later learnt that he had been killed in a motor accident earlier in the day when the vehicle he was travelling in was in collision with a bus near Kingsbridge.

The charred remains of the original library were subsequently cleared and in 2011 work began on building a more fit for purpose replacement of better design and quality and this new library, which was 50% bigger, was opened in February 2012. The building was constructed by Plympton-based construction firm Ryearch and Lord Mayor Coun Terri Beer was special guest at the event

There were plenty of characters helping youngsters to celebrate the 10th anniversary

it was a winner of the 2012 LABC Building Excellence awards.

The emergence of the new £641,000 library in the wake of the fire and against a backdrop of cutbacks and library closures elsewhere in the country was described at the time by one local author as ‘serendipity of the highest order.’

To mark the 10th anniversary of the opening of the new

building a special day of celebrations was put on which included a cutting of the cake by Lord Mayor Terri Beer as well as character visits to the library.

The library’s current opening hours are Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 6pm and Saturdays from 10am to 1pm. (story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast).

Sharon plans 24-hour marathon charity litter pick A Plympton woman is embarking on a 24-hour litter pick in March to raise money for Devon MIND, the local mental health charity.

Sharon Pengelly has been an active member of Plympton Litter Pickers - which is part of Clean Our Patch – for three years and is one of 50 volunteers who regularly litter pick to help keep Plympton clean.

Sharon said: “As well as improvements to physical health, many members of the group have commented on the changes they have experienced to their mental health. Positive changes include increased self confidence, sense of worth and value. The friendships, camaraderie and social events have ensured that loneliness is a thing of the past for our members.

“I am now challenging myself to complete a 24-hour litter pick starting at 7.30am on March 27 in and around Plymouth while raising money for Devon MIND.” Members of Sharon’s family will support her during the pick along with members of the litter-picking groups across the city.

Sharon has set herself a fund-raising target of £1,000 and had already raised £400 at the time of going to press.

Anyone wishing to support Sharon should visit her Just Giving page at https://fundraising. tsb.co.uk/fundraising/24-hour-litter-pick-in-and-around-plymouth. She would be grateful for any support or donations that can be made.

Extra funding for frontline adult social care workers Plymouth City Council has welcomed a second cash injection from the Government that will provide additional support directly to adult social care workers.

In November the council was awarded nearly £870,000 as part of the Workforce Recruitment and Retention Fund which was further enhanced by the council and NHS Devon CCG to bring the total fund up to £1.6million. Now the council has been awarded an additional £1,605,131, to further support the city’s adult social care workforce in the second round of funding.

As with round one, the grant and top-up funding has been applied to adult social

care sectors on a sliding scale, to reflect the most urgent workforce challenges: £493k for domiciliary and extra care, £664k for residential care, £391k for supported living and this time £57k for day care settings.

Councillor Patrick Nicholson, Deputy Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care said: “We are delighted to be able to grant additional funding to the services supporting our vulnerable adults, and to be able to include day services in the round two allocation.

“We recognise that staff in all these services are working very hard to help us to keep people safe and cared for.”

The additional payments, which need to be

used before the end of March, will be used to help recruit new staff and also support existing staff to stay working in adult social care settings. The fund focuses on the winter months as those are usually busiest for health and care services.

Councillor Nicholson added: “Supporting people to live independently in their own homes is one of our key priorities and we continue to actively recruit home care assistants.

“There are a huge range of temporary, permanent and flexible roles available in Dom Care in Plymouth right now, so I would urge anyone who is interested to visit our website and register their details www. plymouth.gov.uk/workinhomecare”

Margaret and Ken Bird established the Macular Society Support Group from their Plymouth home in the late nineties, with Margaret volunteering as its group leader. After about 10 years she stepped down from her role in the group, but the pair remained enthusiastic and involved members.

Sadly, Margaret passed away peacefully at the Wisteria House Care Home in Plymstock aged 90 in December.

Ken said: “I have received many messages of support and condolence both from the group and from the Plymouth Visually Impaired Bowls Club of which we were two of the founder members. Within both groups Margaret was hugely respected, very popular and loved dearly.”

Leading sight loss charity, the Macular Society, with the help of volunteers, runs more than 400 groups across the UK, which aim to offer information, encouragement and friendship to people who are affected by macular disease and other sight loss conditions.

Macular disease is the UK’s biggest cause of sight loss. Nearly 1.5 million people are currently affected and many more are at risk. The disease can have a devastating effect on people’s lives, leaving them unable to drive, read or see faces.

Many people affected describe losing their sight as being similar to bereavement. There is still no cure and most types of the disease are not treatable. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common form of macular disease, affecting more than 600,000 people, usually over the age of 50.

Margaret and Ken moved to Plymouth in 1986 after Ken retired from the civil service in London. Margaret was a former teacher and athletics coach. The pair suffered from sight loss themselves, with Margaret diagnosed with dry AMD, for which there is currently no treatment.

She was registered blind in 2005. The idea to run the group came to them during a trip to London to attend the Macular Society’s annual conference.

Margaret Bird...hugely respected and loved dearly

Ken said: “We wanted to learn more about AMD from the speakers at the event. During an interval we were talking to one of the staff and they asked if we could set up a support network in Plymouth.

Even while I was just thinking about it, Margaret said ‘yes’ and that’s how it all began.

“For the first year or two we ran the group from our house with just a handful of members. We lived at the top of a steep hill at Plymstock so I would drive down the hill to pick people up from a nearby bus stop.

“Eventually we decided we needed to take a chance and hire a city centre location. Happily, our gamble paid off and with Margaret as leader we expanded to around 40 members.

“Very few people knew about macular degeneration in the early years. Our meetings became a forum for passing on information and experience. For visiting speakers Margaret called on a hospital optometrist, who provided advice about eyesight, and representatives of utility and equipment companies. From them we learned of the help they could provide and the aids

which could be purchased. As the years went on, Margaret felt able to bring in speakers to provide entertainment as well as those who could help with day-to-day, practical tips.”

Ken, who himself has been treasurer and secretary of the Plymouth Macular Group, remembered fondly how his wife had it in her nature to always support others.

He said: “I think for Margaret it was all about helping other people, especially at a time when they were starved of information. There wasn’t as much guidance then as there is now and knowledge of macular degeneration was poor. She wanted people to understand their diagnosis and not feel devastated by it. Clearly, her destiny was always to be an enabler, helping other people to progress. That stayed with her all her life.”

The Macular Society Plymouth Support Group meets on the first Wednesday of the month at the Lower Hall of Abbey Hall, behind St Andrew’s Church (1.45pm-4pm). To join or find out more, please phone the Macular Society Groups Admin team on 01264 560 259.

COUNCIL DELIVERS ON PARKING COMMITMENTS

A range of new measures to improve the parking arrangements in Plymouth for residents and visitors are the latest council commitments to be delivered.

These include: • Introduced an initial eight motorhome parking bays as part of a trial within the Coypool Park and Ride Car Park. These new motorhome bays will encourage greater use of the Continental Ferry service providing parking for those seeking a

stopover for those embarking or disembarking • Free parking over the first weekend in April at the Western Approach car park. Shoppers and Visitors will be able to have four hours free parking on both April 2 and April 3 • Delivering an additional eight parking bays in Dingle Road/Halcyon Road and a further 70 spaces for parking along Elburton Road by making use of underutilised road space to create parking on Dingle Road/Halcyon Road and then

reconfiguring the road layout on Elburton Road to safely introduce parking spaces The council is continuing to deliver additional support to blue badge holders by doubling the available parking available on the Hoe Promenade from 15 to 30. This means that, following recent improvement works at Devil’s Point and Mutley Barracks car parks, an additional 26 disabled parking spaces have been delivered, increasing disabled parking in the city from 260 to 286.

PROFESSIONAL CAR BODY REPAIRS FOR PLYMSTOCK AND SURROUNDING AREA • Car accident repairs

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The improvements that had been made since the last inspection in 2019 which judged them as ‘requires improvement’, particularly impressed Ofsted inspectors, who said ‘Learners receive high-quality and effective support that helps them overcome their barriers to being in education.’

Inspectors praised the provision stating that ‘learners improve their prospects for employment, further education or personal fulfilment as a result of the courses they complete because staff understand how to help the communities they serve and focus on the people most in need of the courses they teach.’

The report which judged the adult learning provision as ‘good’ across all areas, said that learners were highly complimentary about how their training and education had a positive impact on them, it also highlighted a number of key strengths including: Learners receive high-quality and effective support that helps them overcome their barriers to being in education.

Leaders work closely with agencies such as Job Centre Plus, housing associations, the probation service and community groups to offer learners the specialist support that many need.

Staff in the training and community centres used for hosting courses are welcoming and well-practised in how to gain the confidence of people who are anxious about starting a course.

Teachers plan and teach a curriculum that develops learners’ skills and knowledge over time and identify what learners already know when they start their course, and any gaps they have in their prior knowledge.

Councillor Dave Downie, Plymouth City Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Transformation said “We are absolutely delighted that inspectors have recognised all the hard work of staff at On Course South West and our partner organisations.

“However we don’t intend to rest on our laurels and remain committed to offering a range of high-quality courses to meet the changing needs of Plymouth’s adult learners and young people. I would also like to thank staff who work tirelessly to support learners to ensure they can enjoy the best quality teaching and advice.”On Course South West CIC (Community Interest Company) was transferred back to the council two years ago, ensuring the city was able to continue to provide courses that help learners to develop skills, gain qualifications and entry to employment.The report reflected that ‘Leaders had dealt with the concerns raised in previous inspections and had raised the standards of the courses, established effective governance and managed the return of OCSW to the council well.’

Ofsted inspectors visited On Course South West in January and collected a wide range of evidence to inform judgements including visiting learning sessions, scrutinising learners’ work, seeking the views of learners, staff and other stakeholders and examining the provider’s documentation and records.

The husband of a ‘much-loved’ lady who helped to set up a local support group for people living with a devastating sight condition, has paid tribute to his late wife.

d

n Oresto

The Gro ve

Staff at Plymouth City Council’s Adult Education and Skills provision, delivered by On Course South West and sub contracted providers, are celebrating their latest Ofsted inspection result after inspectors judged them to be ‘good’ across the board.

17

Tribute to Plymouth woman who led way for local sight loss group

Longlands

Plymouth’s adult education and skills service receives ‘Good’ rating from Ofsted

April 2022

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18 April 2022

18 April 2022

Plymouth Sound National Marine Park: Year-long programme of activities planned including free event for city residents at National Marine Aquarium

A 12-month programme of activities and engagement has been announced as part of the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park project.

One of the main highlights include the official launch of the activity programme with the National Marine Park Open Weekend – an exclusive free event for Plymouth residents at the National Marine Aquarium taking place from April 1 to 3.

Others include: • ‘Sea in the Park’ – bringing the wonders of the NMP to green spaces across the city • ‘Give it a Go’ – get on, in, under and next to the Sound through a programme giving Plymouth people the opportunity to try out what the NMP can offer for free • Want to get more involved - a pilot programme of National Marine Park Rangers, volunteers and environmental ambassadors running throughout the year • Designing a ‘digital park in the sea’ – innovation labs will run to generate and test idea that could virtually uncover the treasures under the waves.

The year-long programme has been designed to not only enable people to have fun and explore but also for residents to be able to have their say and shape the NMP, which is being made possible thanks to £9.5 million funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Council Leader Nick Kelly said: “We’re so excited to be sharing more details of the activity planned for the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park during 2022 and into next year.

“The park aims to improve access to Plymouth’s natural and maritime heritage to ensure that all our citizens can enjoy the significant benefits that being on, in, under and next to the water provides.

“By increasing community connection with the natural environment, we aim to improve engagement with sustainability and ocean protection, improve the health, wellbeing and resilience of our community and boost the blue economy.

“It’s incredibly important to us that everyone in Plymouth has the chance to get involved and have their say about what the park means to them. That’s

why we’re so excited to today be announcing our first National Marine Park event, an open weekend exclusively for Plymouth residents to find out all about what the National Marine Park has to offer and to start to feedback and shape the future plans for delivery.”

Roger Maslin, CEO of the Ocean Conservation Trust, said: “We are proud to partner on the UK’s first ever National Marine Park. We truly understand the importance of protecting vital ocean habitats and believe connecting people with the Ocean is key to this. We are delighted to welcome communities and organisations from across the City to the National Marine Aquarium for the weekend to help celebrate the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park.”

The National Marine Park Open Weekend is just the first in an exciting line-up of events and activity that will be taking place throughout the year as part of the activity plan announced today.

The activity programme has been created by the NMP Horizon project partners to provide loads of different ways for Plymouth residents to give feedback, engage in activities, learn more about the Park and help design what comes next.

Plenty of online activity will take place too. This includes the introduction of brand new webcams which will be viewable through the NMP’s website and give a unique insight into the Park.

Councillor Tudor Evans OBE, Leader of the Opposition, added: “The year of activity planned for the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park offers a unique chance for us to come together and shape the city’s future. Ultimately the Park will bring new opportunities in the forms of entertainment, employment, environment and enterprise, so it’s really important that we maximise this and that everyone has their say.”

The Plymouth Sound National Marine Park Horizons Project has been made possible thanks to money raised

by National Lottery players with £9.5 million of funding from the Heritage Fund.

For more about the NMP and to see the latest updates go to www.plymouthsoundnationalmarinepark.com

You can help to save lives! www.daat.org Registered Charity No: 1077998

@PlymChronicle A former army veteran who was on the verge of homelessness is thrilled to be building his own home as part of a self-build military project in Plymouth.

Army veteran Adrian on why the Stirling Project is life-changing

Adrian Colwill, 47, joined the forces at the age of 16 and served in the Royal Artillery before performing a number of successful roles, including managing a hotel, when he eventually left the military.

During this time, Adrian experienced some mental health site with a Master’s degree in challenges which, despite being Psychology at Plymouth University. years after leaving the forces, left He has also just completed a Site him on the brink of becoming Supervisor Course. homeless.

Adrian added: “The guys on site Now Adrian is enjoying a new have been phenomenal. I have chapter in his life after becoming been able to do a lot of training involved in the Stirling Project, which is a huge step up for me. a veterans self-build scheme They take time which will see to explain the the construction intricacies of what new homes at they are doing, and the site of the I am learning a level former residential of skills I would care home on never have access Honicknowle to. It is exciting and Green. rejuvenating.

The Stirling “I am actually Project is a working on the partnership block that I will between end up living in.

Plymouth City Doing things like Council, housing Adrian Colwill this helps as it association gives you a sense LiveWest and of achievement and there are all of veterans’ charity Alabaré and will the psychological benefits. provide 25 homes of self-contained “And it is exciting to think that affordable homes to rent. the people I am building with are Adrian said: “I left the forces as I going to be my neighbours. We are wanted to experience what civilian all there to support each other.” life was like. I settled down and had The scheme follows on from a family. I was never out of work the completion of the Nelson and did everything from making Project in October 2017. This cheese to running hotels. multi award-winning scheme saw “But the wheels started to fall off the construction of a 24-home and I entered a dark place. It was development that includes 12 selfan unpleasant time of my life and build homes for military veterans I needed support. So to go from and 12 mixed use affordable being virtually homeless to building homes, including supported my home is a phenomenal journey, housing. something you wouldn’t believe Totnes-based, Coyde was viable.”

Construction, has been contracted Adrian is one of five military to build the Stirling House scheme veterans working on the Stirling which has been designed by House project which will be architects Form Design. completed next year.

Of the 25 homes, 19 will be one and two-bedroom flats together During the course, the veterans with two, three and four-bedroom earn construction qualifications housing. and skills which will help them gain Once complete, all of the employment once the project is homes will be let by LiveWest at a complete. subsidised social rent, in order to The Alabaré team specialise in provide support for households in providing support to the veterans high need. throughout the project to help The large four-bedroom house them rebuild their self-esteem, has also been designed as a mental health and wellbeing, wheelchair adapted property, enabling them to live successful, helping to address the significant independent civilian lives in the shortage of such properties across new homes they have built. the city.

Adrian combines working on

Building strong grassroots organisations, charities, and social enterprises in Plymouth

POP Collectives bring Plymouth’s grassroots together and in times of rapid and often unforeseeable change, that can leave grassroots projects put under pressure. It is more important than ever for voluntary organisations to stay strong together, and to have access to resources like POP Collectives that they can share.

Kintsugi Radio Since November 2020, 19 unique Plymouth collaborations have been awarded up to £5,000 from the POP Collectives Fund. Collectives are designed to promote collaboration, bringing members of Plymouth’s voluntary and social enterprise sectors together for social and environmental benefit.

Collaborations have worked together with invention and passion to contribute towards urgent refugee support, subway murals in Chaddlewood, radio and podcasting opportunities for people with disabilities, grassroots ethical fashion and more.

Collectives are one way POP has invested as much of the £1.3 million Esmée Fairbairn Foundation grant awarded

to Plymouth in 2017 into our city grassroots as possible. By January 2022, 57 organisations had been involved in a Collective. 79% of those ran a yearly budget of under £100,000, while 37% had a turnover of under £10,000.

The online application process makes it easy for smaller groups to apply. Collectives are designed to be democratic, so it is POP’s member organisations that vote for what is funded.

Most voluntary organisations in Plymouth have a budget of under £50,000. At POP, we believe that small is beautiful, but we know it is never easy.

Covid and lockdown fatigue have impacted the voluntary sector. Small charities are often reliant on larger organisations,

The evidence that we have found from our Collectives is that collaboration is an exciting way to work. Instead of being forced to compete against other charities for funds, POP Collectives allows organisations to build strategic partnerships.

A great example of that is the Plymouth Eco Collective. They are a small group of Plymouth based organisations using art to promote environmental messages. They have painted murals together, retrieved retro cola cans from the 80’s in litter picks for photoshoots, and have been developing augmented reality artwork.

One of the Plymouth Eco Collective members describes collaborative working as ‘addictive’, and we can tell. 6 out of the 7 members of this Collective have gone on to join another one.

Helpline Numbers:

larger organisations struggle to provide. Collectives provide that flexibility for projects like Kintsugi Radio who wanted to upgrade their studio resources at Leadworks. POP do not ask for a completed budget before funding. Kintsugi Radio had the freedom to buy the right equipment for what they needed when they needed it.

Efford Efford Anyone can see how Collectives Community Community spend their funds because Network Network expenses are published in real time online. POP work closely with our Collectives so that we learn how to keep improving from projects through ongoing conversation.

POP Collectives are still open for great experimental ideas from POP member organisations. A Collective needs a minimum of 3 organisations working together to apply. Visit bit.ly/popcollectives to find out more about what Collectives fund, how applications work, and to apply.

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Wonderzoo - Making it happen WonderZoo have two great news stories to share! They have been awarded funding to archive the Plymouth Respect Festival and further funding to put on a second pilot festival called Storyteller.

Thanks to funding from National Lottery Heritage Fund, WonderZoo will be archiving 20+ years of the Plymouth Respect Festival.

This well-known festival was founded by Ann Wilkinson and Dan Thompson in 1998 and has been going ever since, with support from the Plymouth & Devon Racial Equality Council (PDREC) and other organisations.

The history project will be called ‘Celebrate Respect!’. It will research the development of the festival from its inception to present day. By interviewing organisers, participants, and audiences of the festival, the team at WonderZoo will map out its history and impact. They will create an archive of 100 oral history recordings, transcriptions, photographs, film footage, and other artefacts to be stored at The Box Museum for posterity. The archive will ensure that all the hard work, ambition, and passion involved in creating the Respect

Festival will never be forgotten.

They have also been awarded funding from POP to stage a second pilot festival called ‘Storyteller’. This comes after the success of he first pilot in March 2021 called ‘Lost Time’, which was staged during COVID-19 restrictions. The Storyteller pilot will include a research project to assess whether a large-scale future storytelling festival will be feasible in Plymouth. It will take place from 1-5 June 2022 (during half-term holiday), with 11 events taking place across 6 small, intimate venues in Stonehouse. This will include day time

Plymouth Respect Festival workshops such as photography, shadow puppets, climate change, writing, radio, and personal storytelling; as well as evening events such as a WonderZoo gig, ticketed meal & play, history walk & film screening, African night, and comedy night. Young film maker Alusché Latuka will be making a short film to help promote the event, which will be shown over the five days at RAAY on Adelaide Street. Supporting the festival will be POP, Nudge Community Builders, Literature Works, and Plymouth Culture. The timetable will be released in late March.

WonderZoo is all about storytelling, community, and collaboration. It’s a combined arts organisation, specialising in spoken word and performance events, workshops and activities, infused with 1920s surrealism and Punk DIY Ethics.

Get in touch if you’d like to be involved in the Celebrate Respect! archive project, or for more information on Wonderzoo’s events. wonderzooarts@gmail.com www.wonderzoo.org

20 April 2022 THE

Experience

Who would have imagined the global change we would all witness since the invasion of Ukraine by Russia? After two years we were just exiting lockdown from Covid and perhaps starting to recover from the impact on all our lives.

Now, at the time of writing this at the beginning of March the nation and many free nations around the world are shocked by these geo-political developments.

Our news channels are quite rightly dominated hour by hour with the unfolding developments.

A few years back a Christian band called First Call wrote an amazing song with the chorus which stated: ‘I don’t know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future.’

For many living in Ukraine their faith has proven essential to strengthen their resolve.

The courageous President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his wife and family, have not only led their country well in this crisis, but galvanised the free world to respond against Putin through massive economic sanctions.

Prayers for this courageous man and his family motivated from hearts of love, honour and respect are valuable.

He has called for prayer for his nation.

More than seven out of ten Ukrainians are

20 April 2022

@PlymChronicle

Praying for peace in Ukraine

By Chris Cole, Founder of Cross Rhythms charity

Christians and there is so much coverage from media sources, including the BBC, on the call to prayer amongst these beleaguered, brave people.

To be honest, I was reduced to tears, when simply through experiencing human empathy, I watched this nightmare unfold and thought about the total disruption to life, not experienced since the second world war, that millions of these courageous people were possibly going to experience.

Netflix produced an excellent documentary about the build up to Russia annexing the Crimea called ‘Winter on Fire – Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom’ which is worth a view.

Without any condemnation or guilt, let us all be inspired by what they’re enduring as a nation to dig deep within ourselves and manifest some human courage in these difficult times.

We are going to experience some of the fallout, if only economically now, from these

hourly unfolding events.

My motive regarding this article is to encourage us all to consider, like the Ukrainians, the power of prayer and to genuinely research the power of the sacred scriptures.

There are some 47 scriptures in the Old Testament which accurately refer to Jesus Christ as the coming Messiah. Scripture written prophetically like Psalm 22, which was written 1,000 years before God came as man in the person of Jesus Christ, 2000 years ago. The verses 16 – 18 describe His garments being gambled for at His crucifixion.

There are an estimated 2.4 billion Christians across the globe; many of them - some 350 million - are Chris Cole living persecuted lives in authoritarian regimes where the freedom of speech and religious conscience is not permitted; their prayers are particularly powerful and relevant as they experience His Presence in dark times.

Community grants available for Plymouth’s armed forces charities Charities and organisations supporting serving personnel, veterans and their families in Plymouth have the chance to share in more than £45,000 of funding this April, May and June.

Groups are being invited to take part in a dedicated round of Tesco’s community grant scheme.

The initiative, partnership with community charity Groundwork, sees funding awarded to thousands of community projects every year. This April, the supermarket is putting a special focus on armed forces in garrison cities and towns.

Nominations for Plymouth charities are being invited and the shortlist will be revealed ahead of the store voting, which begins in stores from April until June.

Customers will cast their vote using a blue token given to them at the check-out each time they shop, and awards of £1,500, £1,000 and £500 will be granted.

The funding is part of Tesco’s longstanding support of military charities, which this year sees them sponsor Armed Forces Day on June 26, celebrating the contribution of members of the armed forces past and present.Tesco, a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, employs more former military personnel than any other business in the UK.

As a Plymothian, for me one of the aspects of celebrating the 400th anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower was the freedom to live a life in a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, and build sustainable communities of love and decency.

Freedom always takes courage of conviction and belief. When Dr Martin Luther King said: ‘if you haven’t got a cause worth dying for, then you haven’t got a cause worth living for,’ he personally walked the talk.

He had a dream about the future and his life changed civil rights in the 1960s. He knew personally that although he didn’t know what the future held, he knew who held the future and lived accordingly.

As Franklin D Roosevelt said: ‘Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear.’

The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is worth contemplating at a very deep personal level this Easter.

Listen to Cross Rhythms Plymouth on 96.3FM or online at the new Cross Rhythms Plymouth website at www. crossrhythms.co.uk/plymouth

Renters urged to check if they might qualify for extra financial help Tenants in Plymouth who are receiving Housing Benefit or the housing costs element of Universal Credit are being reminded by Plymouth City Council that they may be eligible for extra financial help if they are struggling to cover their rent.

Claire de Silva, Tesco’s head of community, said: “Tesco’s founder Sir Jack Cohen established the business with his WWI demob money, and supporting our armed forces has always been important to us.

“I am delighted that we have been able to create this special Community Grant

Lions Club donation to St John Ambulance Plymouth Lions Club have made a donation to St John Ambulance Plymstock Cadets to thank them for their help and assistance with Christmas collections at local supermarkets.

A number of volunteers from the St John Ambulance Plymstock Cadets helped during the collection period and in order to thank them for their assistance, Lions Club of members approved a donation to cover the cost of a number of white boards and defibrillator controllers for use in the training of St John Ambulance cadets.

The photo here shows the presentation of a cheque by Lion President Jeff Horgan to St John Ambulance Cadets

funding round to give a boost to charities and organisations serving our garrison cities and towns.”

Anyone can nominate a project, and organisations and groups looking to apply for the special funding round should visit www.tescocommunitygrants.org.uk

A Discretionary Housing Payment may be available if there is a shortfall between the amount of housing related benefits people receive and the rent they pay, if they are in rent arrears or need to pay removal costs or rent in advance to be able to move to somewhere more affordable or suitable for their needs. People may also be able to get a Discretionary Housing Payment if: • They have a spare bedroom that Housing Benefit or Universal Credit does not pay for • There is someone in their property who has a disability • A benefit cap has reduced the Housing Benefit or Universal Credit they receive These are only examples and don’t cover all the circumstances in which a Discretionary Housing Payment can be awarded.

Cabinet Member for Homes and Communities Councillor Vivien Pengelly said: “With the cost of living rising so steeply we are fully aware that lots of people will be pushed into financial hardship and many will be worried about having enough money to pay their rent or clear arrears with their landlord.

“Anyone who rents and receives Housing Benefit or the housing costs element of Universal Credit may be eligible, so please look into whether this payment could help you and your family.”

To find out more information including how to apply visit the council website at www.plymouth.gov.uk or call 01752 668000.

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22 April 2022

22 April 2022

Plymouth leads the way in programmes to protect children’s teeth and promote good oral health

@PlymChronicle

Glen Park’s COVID time capsule will remain hidden for 10 years A time capsule recording events during the COVID-19 pandemic has been buried at Glen Park Primary School.

The capsule was buried by pupils from Glen Park Primary’s school council, along with members of the PTA ‘Friends of Glen Park.’

Throughout the pandemic, pupils have been collecting a range of items and pieces of work to be part of a time capsule to be opened by Glen Park’s school council in September 2031.

Items that made it into the time capsule included diary entries of school days in lockdown, including home schooling and returning to school, newspaper reports, a timeline of the events of the pandemic and photos of the time throughout the pandemic.

Year 2 teaching assistant Kerry Wills came up with idea for a time capsule back in January 2021 when school closed for the third national lockdown.

When pupils and staff returned to school in March 2021, classes reflected on their second period of home learning and came up with a list of items to inform the future pupils of Glen Park.

Maple Court residents raise funds for Dame Hannahs A number of initiatives have been reported in the Chronicle in the past few months, all aimed at reversing the trend that saw over 600 children in hospital for tooth extractions under general anaesthetic (GA) in just one year.

GA has a serious impact on children, not to mention the economic impact costing the NHS £1,000 per patient. And tooth decay can erode children’s social confidence as well as tooth enamel, limiting their ability to make friends and even affecting job prospects in later years.

Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise CIC (PDSE), working in partnership with Well Connected, a health and wellbeing charity based in Plymouth run an extensive supervised tooth brushing programme, aimed at three to five year olds. A total of 220 primary schools and nurseries in the PL and EX postcode areas of Devon benefit from the programme, funded by NHS England & NHS Improvement South West.

PDSE and its partners have established supervised tooth brushing programmes in primary schools and nurseries, delivering training to staff who engage with pre-school and reception age children, which enables them to supervise children when brushing teeth.

Karen Burn, dental outreach lead for PDSE, explained: “Early introduction of fluoride is the best method of protecting teeth against tooth decay, together with early education around healthy eating and tooth brushing technique.

“We provide training for early years staff, information to parents, and all the resources including cleaning equipment, tooth brushes, paste, policy and protocols.

“Obviously the main aim of the programme is to help prevent children going into hospital to have their teeth removed under GA, but another very important aim is to raise people’s confidence to be able to talk about good oral health and pass on the messages to others.”

Key messages to give to children from a very early age are: • Brush twice a day – always before bedtime and then one other time during the day.

• Brush for two minutes • Use a pea size amount of fluoride toothpaste (a smear for under two years) • Save sugary drinks and snacks to meal times – it’s not how much sugar you have its how often you have it!

• Visit a dentist regularly – this can prevent tooth decay from getting so bad the teeth need to be removed.

• Remember tooth decay is preventable!

“Education is the key,” said Karen. “If we continue to talk about good oral health and teach children how to keep their mouths healthy we are helping to protect them from dental disease, heart disease, the risk of stroke and other life limiting conditions in the future.”

Debbie Lumsdon (far left) with the social committee

Residents of Maple and Magnolia Court in Plymstock have made a donation of £140 to the Dame Hannah Rogers Trust. The money was raised at a talk given by Dame Hannahs’ community engagement executive, Debbie Lumsdon, as well as from their Christmas raffle.

Christine Cunningham from the care home’s social committee said: “We wished to support the work of Dame Hannahs as my daughter Nina is a support worker there and had told me what an amazing place it was. We invited Debbie to give a talk, which was very informative and interesting.”

Debbie for Dame Hannahs said: “I wish to thank the social committee for their very generous donation and for making me so welcome on my two recent visits”.

Based in Ivybridge, Hannahs provides learning, care, support and real choice to young adults with a range of disabilities. A dedicated and highly trained team of staff help our young people to grow and learn with confidence and freedom. Dame Hannahs provide the best education, care and opportunities on offer, in a homely and caring environment.

New approach to supporting city’s vulnerable children A new plan to ensure there are enough local placements available for some of Plymouth’s most vulnerable children and young people has been approved by Plymouth City Council’s Cabinet.

Plymouth, like many other local authorities across the country, has seen a significant increase in the number of vulnerable children needing care, and in the complexity of their needs. Currently, the demand for suitable placements for children in care outstrips supply, with increasing difficulty in sourcing the right placement the first time.

As well as an increase in demand for placements the overall cost of providing good quality care is rising, so the Council wants to work with providers in a way that is innovative and imaginative, that flexes to meet the needs of children and young people and manages risks together using true partnership.

This placement sufficiency plan sets out a series of proposals for 2022/23, designed to work with fostering and children’s

home providers to come up with new solutions and choices for Plymouth’s most vulnerable children and young people. It also proposes improving how agency care staff are commissioned, to make sure children are getting consistently good quality support.

Cabinet Member for Children and Young People and Education and Skills Councillor Dave Downie said: “We are highly ambitious for Plymouth’s children and young people and we want to make sure they have the best possible start to life.

This includes children and young people in the care of the local authority and care leavers, who are likely to have experienced significant challenges and trauma.

“We know that many placement providers are motivated by doing the right thing for children and young people, and we want to ensure we can formalise closer working relationships with providers who are keen to work with us to develop new ways of providing care.”

April 2022

@PlymChronicle

23

New exhibition at The Box offers fresh responses to the Mayflower A new exhibition which has just opened at The Box, Plymouth showcases new responses to the Mayflower story and highlights how some of our most historic craft practices have endured across the centuries.

‘Another Crossing – Artists Revisit the Mayflower Voyage’ is a transatlantic collaboration between Plymouth College of Art, The Box and the Fuller Craft Museum in Massachusetts. This will be its only showing in the UK. The exhibition brings 10 different artists from the UK, USA, the Wampanoag nation and Holland together. Each artist has created new work that responds to the far-reaching consequences of the Mayflower’s voyage using only tools, materials and processes that existed in 1620. Works on display include beadwork, joinery, metalsmithing, leatherwork and pottery.

Victoria Pomery, chief executive at The Box said: “We’re delighted to be able to present one more Mayflower-inspired show, hot on the heels of our award-winning ‘Legend and Legacy’ exhibition – especially one that offers a completely different take on the events that happened just over 400 years ago.”

As part of the development of the exhibition the artists travelled to Plymouth and Massachusetts to meet historians, curators and academics and gain a better understanding of each key location. Being involved has been a challenging and thought provoking experience for them all.

Judith Robinson, arts programmes manager at The Box said: “Although we’ve been exploring the Mayflower story for a while, its implications can still be hard to fully comprehend. The works in ‘Another Crossing’ reflect this and are thoughtful, outraged, sad and surprising in turn. Participating in the exhibition has definitely taken each of the artists on a journey.”

The curator responsible for bringing the artists together and setting them the challenge of working with processes and materials from four centuries ago, was internationally renowned crafts specialist, Glenn Adamson. The USA-based curator and writer has previously worked for the V&A and

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developed exhibitions in a number of prestigious venues, including the Design Museum in London.

Councillor Mark Deacon, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Culture, Leisure and Sport said: “Craft has a really strong tradition here in the South West and it’s wonderful to see new works that have been created the way they would at the time of the Mayflower. ‘Another Crossing’ is another great example of international partnership working, and The Box’s approach to working with contemporary artists to help shed light on our history.”

Ian Hutchinson, head of development at Plymouth College of Art, said: “Conversations leading to ‘Another Crossing’ began as part of the Mayflower 400 cultural exchanges and progressed in 2017 when Glenn Adamson appeared as a keynote speaker at Making Futures, Plymouth College of Art’s international research platform exploring contemporary crafts. After such a long inception, we’re thrilled those initial ideas have resulted in this transatlantic collaboration, a

partnership between two of Plymouth’s leading art institutions and one of the world’s best known museums of contemporary craft.

“Our BA (Hons) Painting, Drawing & Printmaking students have also embraced this as a unique opportunity to respond to the artists’ work and learn traditional print and bookbinding processes, which they’ve used to produce a handmade limited edition catalogue available to view alongside the exhibition.”

‘Another Crossing – Artists Revisit the Mayflower Voyage’ is on display at The Box until Sunday June 5. Exhibition opening hours are 10am-5pm Tuesday to Sunday and Bank Holidays.

Admission is free and there’s no need to book in advance.

Leading craft academics and students from Plymouth College of Art will lead a dedicated Study Day linked to the exhibition on Wednesday May 4.

Full details will be available online at www. theboxplymouth.com and www.plymouthart.ac.uk.

College shortlisted for top international award Plymouth College of Art has been shortlisted for the CSR/ Sustainability Transformation Award at this year’s international Think Global Awards, based on the college’s active embrace of sustainability best practices.

acknowledged by being shortlisted in the Think Global Awards.”

Harriet Moore, the college’s Students’ Union President said: “Sustainability is one of the core values of the Students’ Union, something we consider in everything we do. For example, we have transferred to using compostable mailers for any letters and merchandise parcels we send out.

The university-sector art school was shortlisted alongside leading “Being sustainable is incredibly important to our student body, which is international organisations including Amnesty International and Sony. why we recently added two sustainability representatives, one for Further Recognising global success in individuals and organisations that span Education and one for Higher Education, multiple industries and activities, to ensure that students are able to put this year the fifth annual Think Global Students and staff get involved in the forward their ideas and suggestions, and Awards programme follows the theme 2019 Climate Strike in Plymouth work directly with key staff in the college of ‘Reimagining Culture’. With such an to make a difference not just for our unprecedented recent shift in how the community but for the world. world operates, for 2022 the awards have “We’re even in the process of launching chosen to spotlight the dramatic recent a collaborative monthly Sustainability changes to our work life and how we Newsletter and annual Sustainability Week interact with each other. to celebrate and educate both staff and Nicky Turvey, sustainability and facilities students.” officer at Plymouth College of Art said: “We The college actively recycles at least are continuously working to increase the two-thirds of all waste generated in energy efficiency of our buildings, facilities classrooms and offices, with a food waste and courses. We are increasing the collection in The Refectory, the college’s on biodiversity and diversity of our planting site cafeteria, which is then composted. All schemes at all sites meaning that we have the food served in The Refectory is locallysuccessfully reduced our carbon footprint sourced, supporting local businesses and reducing unnecessary food miles by 43%, and are working on increasing our recycling rates for all waste from and consumption of fossil fuels. classroom, to furniture, catering and workshop materials.

Many staff, students and alumni from Plymouth College of Art demonstrate “We are not only embedding sustainability within our estate, we are their commitment to sustainability in their personal and professional making it a continually taught practice through the teaching and learning practices, highlighted in Fab Lab Plymouth principal technician Ian Hankey’s curriculum from Pre-Degree throughout to our Masters courses, in the recently launched Upcycled Glass Company CIC. This focuses on upcycling classroom and through external live briefs. local waste glass – the majority of which cannot currently be recycled into “Plymouth College of Art is committed to sustainable best practice, which new glass suitable for use in handmade art and design products, utilising a is driven through cross disciplinary collaboration by the students, academic mixture of new technologies, modern farming methods and historical glass staff, Students’ Union, professional services, our senior leadership team mixing processes that go back to the 17th century. and Governors, and as a result, we are very honoured for this work to be

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24 April 2022

24 April 2022

@PlymChronicle

Plymouth academic contributes to global climate change report:

‘Taking action now can secure our future’ Human-induced climate change is causing dangerous and widespread disruption in nature and affecting the lives of billions of people around the world, according to a new report co-authored by a University of Plymouth researcher.

The report which highlighted the global challenges was approved by 195 member governments of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in February.

It highlighted that the world faces unavoidable multiple climate hazards over the next two decades with global warming of 1.5°C (2.7°F).

The report also says that even temporarily exceeding this warming level will result in additional severe impacts, some of which will be irreversible. Risks for society will increase, including to infrastructure and low-lying coastal settlements.

Professor Camille Parmesan, from the University’s School of Biological and Marine Sciences, had been a Coordinating Lead Author for Working Group II of the 6th Assessment Report of the IPCC for the past four years. She coordinated a global assessment of observed and projected impacts of climate change on terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems and their adaptation options.

She was also heavily involved with chapters linked to her ongoing research, including: observed impacts on wild species of current and future climate change; population losses, mass mortality events of plants and animals, and species’ extinctions driven by climate change; changes in diseases in wildlife due to climate change and how that relates to changing risks for humans; and the potential of natural ecosystems in helping humans mitigate and adapt to climate change, includes roles of Nature-based Solutions

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over 21,000

homes in Plympton and Plymstock Professor Camille Parmesan

and of Ecosystem-based Adaptation.

Professor Parmesan, who also is a Make Our Planet Great Again Laureate and has affiliations to the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and the University of Texas at Austin, said: “Since our last Assessment Report in 2014, the impacts of climate change have risen exponentially. Effects have been documented in every region of the planet, and they are occurring sooner and are more negative than previously expected. Adverse impacts also far out-weigh the positives, including for agricultural production and human health.

“Species have shifted where and when they live, attempting to track climate as it shifts is space and time. We are also starting to see the first global extinctions driven by climate change, and that is an irreversible impact. It will also affect human populations as new evidence in this report documents the strong coupling between ecosystem health, human health and well-being,

and sustainable development for society.

“There is an urgent and pressing need for action, and the potential solutions are out there.

However, a key message from this report is that we must plan for change. The current projections represent a range of possible futures, and the decision-making process will be most effective and most resilient to climate change when it retains flexibility and is open to changes in planning as climate change occurs in real time.”

Among the key elements specific to the UK highlighted in the report are that peatlands, such as those found on Dartmoor and other parts of South West England, are one of the highest carbon systems in the world and essential for carbon sequestration and storage.

Professor Parmesan added: “Climate change is causing some peatlands to become drier, causing them to release carbon as they decompose. In some systems in some regions (such as parts of the high Arctic permafrost), these processes have already gone so far as to shift these high-carbon systems from being historical carbon sinks into new carbon sources. This weakening of the biosphere’s ability to suck up and store carbon from the atmosphere is one of the most worrying risks from ‘overshoot’ – that is, allowing global warming to exceed 1.5° or 2°C for several decades.

“We can control how much humans contribute to global warming through mitigation actions, but it will become increasingly harder to control the biosphere as it increasingly shifts from removing carbon-dioxide from the atmosphere to releasing it back into the atmosphere. And the peatlands are also a key example of why planting trees everywhere is not a good idea.

“If you drain peatlands and plant trees, this causes the dry peat soils to decompose and releases far more carbon than the trees remove as they grow. This is a perfect example of ‘maladaptive’ mitigation actions.”

It also featured details of heatwaves being associated with outbreaks of helminth pathogens, which have expanded or shifted their ranges poleward due to increases in temperature, precipitation and humidity. These pathogens can reduce growth and yield, kill livestock and infect humans and wildlife, leading to health, agricultural and economic losses.

The Plympton and Plymstock Chronicle is delivered door to door every month to homes in Woodford, Plympton St Mary and St Maurice, Chaddlewood, Langage, Elburton, Plymstock, Hooe, Turnchapel, Staddiscombe, Oreston, Pomphlett and Billacombe.

The May edition of the Plymouth Chronicle in Plympton and Plymstock will be published on April 8 with a copy deadline of March 28. The Plympton and Plymstock edition is one of four hyper local editions delivered to a total of more than 90,000 homes throughout the city.

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April 2022

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Gables Dogs and Cats Home appeal for help to treat broken hearted Staffie cross Hockey For details see Page 3

Specsavers is investing £400,000 in its Plymstock

store to provide new jobs and increased customer casre See Page 13

Plympton & Plymstock Army veteran Adrian Colwill talks about the Stirling Project self-build scheme in Honicknowle See Page 18

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Faye stars for Team GB

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Plymstock’s Faye West was the only female member of the Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby team which won a silver medal in the European Championships in France – losing to the hosts in the final by just one point • See page 3 for details

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