Plymouth Chronicle December East 2023

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December 2023 Plymouth’s National Marine Aquarium is being featured in a six-part BBC TV documentary series See Page 17

# PLYMOUTHTOGETHER New plans for the development of Armada Way have been published – and public views are invited See Page 12

Plympton & Plymstock Plans for Plymouth to host a four-day music festival on The Hoe next year have been announced See Page 28

ALSO INSIDE: Looking for a tradesman?

Turn to our Dial The Experts guide on pages 24 and 25

‘Warriors’ smash it!

Five hundred women have taken part in a 10 kilometre walk around Burrator raising £30,000 for Trevi, the Plymouth charity which supports women who have suffered domestic abuse • Full story on page 24

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Dubbed ‘the garden equivalent of Paris Fashion Week,’ the iconic RHS Chelsea Flower Show is a highlight event of the gardening season. The best of the botanical world gather for this prestigious flower show to display the latest in horticultural innovation.

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NHS Careers Hub launched at City College Plymouth University Hospitals Plymouth (UHP) NHS Trust, City College Plymouth, and Livewell South West have partnered to create an NHS Careers Hub in the heart of the city.

The innovative hub – which is located on the City College campus within the reception area – is set to significantly enhance students’ access to job opportunities within the NHS, creating a seamless integration of workforce development across multiple sectors within the city.

The NHS is facing an unprecedented demand for healthcare professionals to address both current and future needs, with a particular emphasis on preparing for the years ahead.

To align with the NHS goal of creating a 21st century workforce by 2024/25, the NHS Careers Hub will widen participation across the city by raising the profile of the 350 different career paths within the NHS. It will provide careers information, advice and guidance to students aged between 16 and 18 in both City College and also schools in Plymouth.

The advice and guidance will not only signpost young people to one of the many vocational and academic courses on offer at City College, but also towards apprenticeships. In conjunction with UHP, the college has recently welcomed the second cohort of students onto the healthcare support worker apprenticeship within the hospital to promote a more experience-based pathway into the healthcare sector.

Given the city and the region’s growing and ageing population and the overreliance on the health service in recent years, the college and its partners have a clear opportunity to lead the way in supporting the health and active wellbeing of Plymouth.

The launch of the NHS Careers Hub aligns with the college’s mission to play an active role in preparing the workforce of the future and fostering collaborative initiatives throughout the region.

Jackie Grubb, chief wxecutive of City College, said of the launch: “As the anchor institution for skills in the city, we are committed to widening participation and raising the profile of the variety of

Used by industry leaders and top universities around the world, MapsIndoors from MapsPeople transforms how students, staff and visitors navigate their way around the college site using the same digital AI technology which powers Google Maps.

Once they have accessed the MapsIndoors platform on the college’s website, users will gain access to an interactive map of

3

SHOEBOX APPEAL SEEKS HELP AND DONATIONS Plympton is the focal point for the Official Homeless Shoebox Appeal in Plymouth for 2023.

The headquarters for the appeal is based at the Littlest Gift Boutique in St Maurice Road, but there is also a drop off hub more centrally located at the Rees Centre Wellbeing Hub in Mudge Way for receiving donated items.

There is a further drop off point in Plympton at the Post Office Inn as well as other points across the city.

The shoebox appeal hands out shoeboxes and gift bags full of goodies to the homeless, vulnerable and those in need within Plymouth and the surrounding areas. Many local families in need were helped last year and the appeal is aiming to do the same this year.

A basic shoe box will contain items such as a hat, gloves, scarf, socks, showel gel and soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, with hampers containing Christmas food items, such as Christmas cake, puddings and mince pies, as well as pasta, rice, noodles, biscuits and other long life produce.To find out more about the full range of donated products being sought or to offer help with sorting donated items e-mail thelittlestgiftboutique@gmail.com (Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

WELCOME WARM SPACE AT WOODFORD A Plympton church is offering a welcome warm space every Tuesday morning to help residents struggling with social isolation or finding it difficult to heat their own homes during the cost of living crisis.

Pictured at the official opening of the NHS Careers Hub (from left) Tudor Evans, leader of Plymouth City Council; Ann James, chief executive of Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust; Michelle Thomas, chief executive of Livewell South West and Jackie Grubb, chief executive of City College Plymouth

careers within the health sector.

“The current employment landscape in this sector highlights the need for a continuous supply of talent for various roles. Our collaboration with UHP and Livewell South West opens up opportunities for students throughout the college to explore these career pathways while also extending these resources to our local schools.

“One of our key strategic initiatives at the college is to promote health and well-being within our community, and the establishment of our NHS Careers Hub is a vital step in expanding participation citywide to ensure our community receives effective care.”

Dawn Slater, director of Professionalism and People at Livewell Southwest said: “We are thrilled to be a part of the NHS Careers Hub along with our partners at University Hospitals Plymouth. The new Workforce Strategy for the NHS puts emphasis on creating the workforce of the future, which will bring with it new pathways of entry into clinical and nonclinical roles.

“It is a time of great opportunity for someone looking to develop a career with the NHS, so we hope to truly inspire the

next generation through the Careers Hub.” Ann James, chief executive of UHP, said: “We are really excited about the NHS Careers Hub at City College Plymouth and what it will deliver for our local community. This initiative will provide young people with the opportunity to explore the various career paths available within the NHS. “The space will enable young people to interact with our organisation and healthcare professionals, and hopefully inspire them to consider a career in the NHS. We are thrilled to be part of this exciting project and look forward to continuing to work in close partnership with City College Plymouth and supporting the next generation of NHS colleagues to develop.”

A completely free resource available to young people in the city, the Hub offers them the opportunity to explore various NHS career options, initiate the development of their career paths, and seek answers to inquiries related to NHS employment.

For schools interested in finding out how the Hub can help their pupils, please call 01752 305300.

the college campus. They can then personalise their navigation by selecting the most disability-friendly route between classrooms, locating the nearest washroom, or finding an elusive study room.

City College Plymouth, recognised as an accredited Google Reference College, stands at the forefront of innovation in adopting impactful digital technologies.

In partnership with digital technology innovators C-Learning, the college has ensured that the interactive map was available to both new and returning students starting courses in September.

City College Plymouth’s chief executive, Jackie Grubb, elaborated

on the college’s strategic approach to easing the transition for new students: “Recognising that new students can often face challenges during their initial weeks on campus as they familiarise themselves with the environment, we have strategically introduced our innovative digital interactive MapsIndoors navigation platform.

“This strategic move not only alleviates the stress and anxiety associated with starting college but also affirms our commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment where students feel empowered to explore the full range of opportunities the college has to offer.”

College UK first with trailblazing initiative

City College Plymouth is the first further education college in the UK to create an interactive digital map of its buildings and wider campus with MapsIndoors’ digital wayfinding software.

December 2023

Woodford Methodist Church is offering a warm welcome, both in terms of temperature and friendliness, for their Chatty Place meeting event at the community church in Greenway Avenue every Tuesday morning between 10am and 12 noon.

Free coffee, tea and biscuits are on offer and people can come along to socialise and make new friends. All you need to do is just turn up.

(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

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.

Goldilocks and the Three Bears will open at Theatre Royal Plymouth on December 15, running until January 13 2024

Remembrance Festival Nov 10 Presented by the Federation of Plymouth & District Ex-Services Associations at St Andrew’s Church, Royal Parade at 6.45pm for a 7.30pm start. Featuring the Band of the Royal Marines Plymouth, Plymouth Area Police Choir, Legacy Choir, Plymouth Pipe Band and Drumhead Service. Tickets £10 including programme and flag available from St Andrew’s Church Monday to Friday from 9am to 1pm and The Treasury 10am to 1pm October 28, November 1 and 4.

Southway’s Christmas Table Top Sale Nov 11 and Dec 9 Lots of Christmas goodies available at Church of the Holy Spirit from 1pm to 3pm. Also children’s crafts, tombola and tea and coffee available. For information or to book a table at £5 contact Veronica on 07855 256383.

It Shouldn’t Be Like This Nov 14 A play about homelessness by Jennifer and Paul Styrene at Stoke Damerel Church, Paradise Road from 2pm to 3.10pm. The play is the result of various personal interviews with both those who have experiences of rough sleeping sofa surfing or living in. Hostels and those people and charities who are trying to help with this issue in the Plymouth area.

The performance is free but donations are welcome for local charity Shekinah.

Christmas Lights Switch On Nov 16 Plymouth’s Christmas calendar kicks off with the big switch on between 5.45pm and 6.45pm. Exciting programme of free, family-friendly entertainment to enjoy on the stage in the Piazza.

Christmas Fair Nov 17 and 18 Stoke Damerel Church, Paradise Road from 11am to 3pm. Christmas gifts, handmade items, jewellery, cards. Christmas Wreaths. Refreshments and much more. Entry Free. Contact Marilyn 07890165524.

Barbican Lights Switch On Nov 18 Join the big event on the Barbican and Sutton Harbour for an afternoon of festive family fun with free activities, rides and entertainment from 12 noon.

Switch on is at 5.30pm.

Plymouth Jazz Club Nov 19 Featuring the Martin Dale Quartet with guest musician Jade Gall at Royal British Legion Club, Tailyour Road, Crownhill at 7.30pm. Tickets on the door only. More details at www.plymouth-jazz-club.org.uk Music for the Royals Concert Nov 19 Performed by the Chamber Ensemble of London with Director Peter Fisher at Stoke Damerel Church, Paradise Road at 3pm. Works by Purcell, Boyce, Elgar, Sullivan Handel, Mendelssohn, Binge, Jenkins and Duke Ellington Tickets £20 www.wegottickets.com/ event/590566 and on the door. Final concert of Jeanie Moore’s 30th International Concert Series.

Angela Barnes Nov 21 Popular and critically acclaimed comedian brings her Hot Mess tour to the Quad Theatre on the Marjon University campus at 8pm. Tickets from www. angelabarnescomedy.co.uk Father Christmas Nov 23 to Dec 31 Theatre Royal Plymouth presents the magical and award-winning production of Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas in The Drum for their festive children’s

raised will go to Jeremiah’s Journey and Shekinah. For details visit www.plymouthsantafunrun.co.uk Good Food & Craft Market Dec 3 The popular market at Royal William Yard from 10am to 3pm showcases some of the region’s most talented artists and makers, offering everything from tasty treats to handcrafted gifts. A great place to buy those extra special Christmas gifts.

Carol Service Dec 7 To be held in the Victorian Chapel at Ford Park Cemetery at 6.30pm. Tickets £6 which goes towards upkeep of Ford Park Cemetery.

show. Tickets on sale now from www.theatreroyal. com/whats-on/father-christmas/#book Christmas Fair Nov 25 St Francis Church Hall, Honicknowle, from 12 noon to 3pm. Various stalls, games and refreshments. Father Christmas will be arriving at 1pm.

Leave No One Behind Nov 25 To mark the International Day of Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls, Plymouth Soroptimists are organising a community walk against gender-based violence starting at 2pm from the Cornwall Street entrance of Drake Circus and finishing at the Nancy Astor statue on Plymouth Hoe. The aim is to raise awareness of the campaign to ‘Orange the World’. Orange is a bright and optimistic colour, representing a future free from violence against women and girls.

Plymouth Philharmonic Choir Nov 25 The choir presents Handel’s Samson in The Minster Church of St Andrew at 7.15pm. Tickets £18 in advance or £20 on the door, students and U16s £5. Tickets from www.wegottickets.com/events/586914 or the choir ticket manager 07949 311030. For more information, visit plymouthphilchoir.org Christmas Fayre Nov 25 Hosted by Ford Park Cemetery from 11am to 2.30pm.

Variety of items for sale at bargain prices.

Plymouth Christmas Market Nov 30 to Dec 17 Plymouth’s popular festive market will feature dozens of traders giving shoppers the chance to pick up some individual and unique Christmas gifts.

Festive Good Food & Craft Market Various December dates Royal William Yard’s Melville Building hosts a huge array of stalls offering festive wares and unique gifts.

The Hook & Line will also be there with its fresh fish market – and if you wish, you can take your catch to the restaurant to be prepared. Sundays in December from 10am to 3pm. Wednesday evenings in December from 5pm to 9pm including Christmas crafts for children.

lunch and People’s Climate Assembly from 2pm to 6pm. Free, no need to book. More details at www. plymouthhub4climate.org Christmas Choral Concert Dec 2 Plymouth choir Phoenix Chorale presents an evening of choral music for Christmas with carols old and new at St Peter & thew Holy Apostles Church, Wyndham Square at 7.30pm. Mulled wine and mince pies available as well as the choir’s annual raffle. Tickets £12 from www.ticketsource.co.uk or £14 on the door.

Under 18s free.

Water Music Concert Dec 2 The University of Plymouth Orchestra present music

by Handel, Mendelssohn, Coates and more at the Roland Levinsky Theatre at 7.30pm. Admission is free but donations are welcome. Free refreshments available after the concert.

Coffee Morning Dec 2 Crownhill Methodist Church Hall from 10.30am to 12 noon. Various stalls. In aid of Little Bridge House. All welcome.

Follow That Star Dec 2 South Brent Singers’ popular annual Christmas concert traces the Christmas story through music, readings and poetry. To be performed at 7.30pm in St Petroc’s Church, South Brent. The programme includes musical arrangements by John Rutter, David Willcocks and Morten Lauridsen alongside composers with a Brent connection, Ben Haigh Marshall and Dom Sebastian Wolff. Concert goers will have the opportunity to join in some of the more well known carols. Festive refreshments will be served. Admission is free and there will be a retiring collection.

Sounds Like Christmas Dec 2 Sounds Musical Theatre Company present a festive celebration of song. Two performances to choose from Plymstock School, Church Road Plymstock, PL9 9AZ at 2pm and Hele’s School Plympton, Seymour Road, Plympton PL7 4LT. at 7pm. Tickets £9 and £6 Under 16s, available from wwwticketsource.co.uk/sounds or call 01752 343472.

Christmas Fair Dec 2 St Boniface Church from 10am to 12 noon. There will be a variety stalls offering gifts, cakes, bottles and tins, sweet treats and many more. Refreshments will be served throughout. Grand draw with a range of fantastic prizes. Only 20p entrance and a warm welcome.

Christmas Fair Dec 3 Free event at the China Fleet Country Cub from 10am to 4pm with lots of Christmas gift inspiration including handcrafted gifts, decorations, stocking fillers and delicious treats including mince pies, gingerbread cookies and mulled wine. The Grinch will be trying to steal Christmas and there will also be live music with a Christmas choir.

Plymouth Climate Summit Dec 2 Climate activist’s march, rally and assembly starting at Jigsaw Park, Eastlake Street at 12 noon going to the Athenaeum Theatre, Athenaeum Street for

Santa Fun Run Dec 3 Saltram Rotary Club’s annual fund raiser in the city centre will attract hundreds of Santas of all ages, shapes and sizes. The event starts at 11am and funds

Charity Concert Dec 8 and 9 The Down Thomas Singers will be raising funds for Barnardo’s Plymouth with their two night concert. The Candlelit Celebration of Christmas Music and Carols will take place at the Silver Jubilee Hall, Down Thomas at 7.30pm. with free parking. Tickets are £5 including a hot drink and warm mince pie. All ticket sales and the closing bucket collection will be for Barnardo’s Plymouth. Tickets can be obtained from the secretary on 01752 299204.

Artisan Market Dec 9 The Watermark, St Leonard’s Place, Ivybridge from 9.30am to 1pm. Eclectic mix of handmade, good quality, reasonably priced products for sale all made by the sellers. Upstairs via the lift or stairs.

Carol Concert Dec 9 Presented by the South West Chamber Choir at Stoke Damerel Church at 4pm. Christmas-themed readings and choral music under the title ‘What sweeter music?’ varying from the sublime to the humorous.

Tickets £10 (£5 for 18 and under) from www.trybooking. co.uk/CRFN or at the door.

Sir Joshua Reynolds Choir Dec 9, 12 and 13 The choir presents ‘A Little More Christmas Music’ at Harewood House, Plympton on December 9 at 7.30pm.

Tickets £10 including wine and mince pie. Also at St Luke’s Light Up a Life Service at St Andrew’s Church, Plymouth at 2pm. Admission free. Also at Crownhill Methodist Church on December 13 at 7.30pm in aid of church funds. Tickets £7.

Christmas Concert Dec 15 South-west based chamber choir Levowan XII present an evening of festive choral music spanning some 700 years with music at St Peter & thew Holy Apostles Church, Wyndham Square at 7.30pm. Wine and mince pies will be available. Free entry with retiring collection. Reserve a seat at www.eventbrite.co.uk Plymouth Jazz Club Dec 17 Featuring the Dart Valley Stompers at Royal British Legion Club, Tailyour Road, Crownhill at 7.30pm.

Tickets on the door only. More details at www. plymouth-jazz-club.org.uk Handel’s Messiah Dec 20 Performance by West Devon Chorale and Ensemble at Plymouth RC Cathedral, Wyndham Street West at 7pm.

Conducted from the keyboard by the choir’s newly appointed music director Michael Graham. Tickets: £15 at the door (£14 in advance) £5 students from www. wegottickets/westdevonchorale or from the choir administrator on 01752 776479.

Carols by Candlelight Dec 21 Festive celebration at Salisbury Road Baptists Church at 7pm followed by mince pies and hot drinks. All welcome.

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.

SANDY'S SONGBIRDS LADIES CHOIR Are you looking for a fun activity?

Why not join our popular choir?

No auditions or ability to read music necessary So come along and join us! We have a great social calendar and rehearse every Wednesday from 10am to 12 noon at Chaddlewood Farm Community Centre, Glen Road Plympton.

For More Information Call Sandy on 01752 930524 or 07737461431 or email sansolosong@yahoo.com We Look Forward to Welcoming You!

December 2023

5 @PlymChronicle

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Funding boost for project to help attract more visitors and shoppers A project aimed at attracting more visitors, workers and residents to Plymouth and helping restore pride in the high street is to be given a boost.

It follows a decision by Plymouth City Council Leader Tudor Evans to allocate £460,812 of UK Shared Prosperity Funds for the Love Plymouth project which will support activities by the Plymouth City Centre Company, Destination Plymouth and Plymouth Waterfront Partnership to increase footfall and improve the look and feel of public spaces.

The focus is on the city centre and creating a greener waterfront and will include national marketing, enhancing the events programme, streetscape improvements in the West End to build on the planters installed last year and supporting a community event in Frankfort Gate.

The Love Plymouth Project will see more work to attract visitors and shoppers, including branding and marketing, street art and performance and other cultural activities.

It also includes a business support grant scheme to help reduce the number of empty units, increase business confidence, attract more customers and protect and create jobs.

There are also plans to install vehicle charging points on the Hoe for electric ice cream vans.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) is a Government funding stream, which is administered by the Plymouth City Council as the accountable body.

Plymouth has been allocated £3.1m for three years (2022/23 - 2024/25) to support a mix of revenue and capital spend.

Tudor Evans said: “Plymouth has a huge amount to offer both residents and visitors and this additional investment will build on the excellent work already being done by the business improvement districts to draw in shoppers and visitors to the city.

“Businesses have had a particularly tough time of it over the last few years so I am really pleased that the Love Plymouth project will help make key areas of the waterfront and city centre even more attractive place to visit and shop.”

The funding will boost the waterfront and city centre Photo: Dom Moore

@PlymChronicle

6 December 2023

Successful chandlery celebrates 25 years of growth Plymouth-based Mountbatten Boathouse is celebrating its 25th year in business.

It first opened working out of half a workshop in 1998 and now occupies two floors over three buildings, offering something more than the usual chandlery chain.

The company motto says ‘Supply Install Service Repair’ because that is what they do! Mountbatten Boathouse is a complete chandlery service, centred within Plymouth Yacht Haven marina.

They are a Lewmar Gold installer, and authorised dealers for Raymarine, Yanmar, Vetus, Mariner, Mercury, Webasto and Torqeedo, the electric motor specialist.

The shop is stocked with everything from stern glands to Gill gloves, and if you do come to see them, you’ll be greeted by founder Gavin Hearnden along with Sally, Mervyn, Karen, Jon, Sam and Sarah with a smile – and a chat if you want one!

They also house Crews Navigation Ltd, run by Alice Crews, who provides paper and digital charts, updates, pilots, and guides for both leisure and commercial purposes.

Mountbatten Boathouse has been operating as an independent and complete chandlery for 25 years. It all began in 1998 when Gavin Hearnden opened a workshop and small chandlery in a small unit attached to the old RAF site.

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est. 2003

Owner Gavin Hearnden

grew into a leading business in the marine trade and recently redeveloped the building to accommodate the chandlery over two floors, with the new workshop sited in the original unit. This involved a major refit of the first floor including new supports for the flooring to deal with the weight of all the antifoul.

Gavin began in boat delivery, spent time in boat manufacturing and then with Vetus and marine engineering so he knows his stuff. He has an encyclopaedic knowledge of Yanmar, Mercury, Mariner, Vetus, Raymarine, B & G, Lewmar, Webasto, International and other manufacturers and his help and advice is outstandingly helpful, for berth holders, visiting customers and online or telephone enquiries.

Shop manager Jon Hawker

Sarah, sales and service

Engineer Mervyn has been working at Mountbatten Boathouse in mechanical and electrical installations and repairs for 23 years and is equally as knowledgeable as Gavin. Both have many years’ experience as certified Yanmar, Mercury, Mariner, Webasto and Raymarine installers and engineers.

The seven staff must be ready for anything. As a small business with a broad range of clients, they could be arranging the painting and servicing of the local Devon and Somerset Fire Service vessel or preparing a vessel for the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers.

Mountbatten Boathouse is in the Eastern Hangar in Shaw Way, just off Lawrence Road, and those street names hold clues to some history of the location.

Between 1917 and 1945 Mountbatten peninsula was a base for both the

Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy.

The RAF operated search and rescue launches from the base and the Shorts Sunderland flying boats that saved the lives of airman and sailors flew from here.

T. E. Lawrence, famously remembered as Lawrence of Arabia, was even stationed there under the moniker Aircraftsman Shaw.

A legacy of this era is two impressive Grade II listed F-type aeroplane hangars dating from 1917 that now provide a base for local businesses such as Mountbatten Boathouse and others, providing services including stainless steel and GRP fabrication, complete refits, Flexiteek decking, yacht repair and yacht sales.

Marine, electrical and mechanical engineer Mervyn Freeman on his Drascombe Lugger

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December 2023

7 @PlymChronicle

Plans to expand important adult care service in Plymouth Plymouth City Council is looking to expand a care service that supports adults with additional needs, helping them to live as independently as possible.

The service, Shared Lives, offers people the opportunity to live in their community with a host family or carer so that they can receive a personalised package of care and support.

Adults currently supported by the service in Plymouth include those with a learning disability, physical disability or mental health issues.

The service offers both long-term care and short breaks to provide respite to other carers.

It’s similar to fostering or supported lodgings for children and young people.

The council is awarding a new contract to the existing provider, Shared Lives South West, which will see the service continue for another two years.

The new contract also allows for an 11.5 per cent increase in the fee carers receive to recognise the work hosts do in supporting vulnerable adults in the city. There are currently 13 people in Plymouth who receive care from Shared Lives, but it is hoped that the increase will help with the recruitment and retention of carers, enabling more people to benefit from this type of care.

Councillor Mary Aspinall, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “The Shared Lives service is really valuable, supporting adults with additional needs or disabilities to live as independently in possible but with essential support on hand when they need it.

This provides an alternative to supported living or care homes, enabling people to remain in their own communities and empowering them to develop independent living skills.

“We’re hoping to increase the number of Shared Lives carers in Plymouth so that more people can benefit from this brilliant service.

It’s an incredibly rewarding and unusual role that gives people interested in working in care the opportunity to work from home, so if it’s something that you’re interested in I’d encourage you to find out more.”

Dominic Spayne, CEO at Shared Lives South West, said: “With nearly two decades of history, we take pride in our ‘outstanding’ rating from the Care Quality Commission and we are excited to continue growing our services in Plymouth.

“We are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of those we support, the communities we are a part of, and the broader social care sector.

“Through our services being truly personcentred, people supported by Shared Lives services live their fullest lives and the outcomes we see are inspiring.

“To become a Shared Lives Carer all you need is a spare room and either prior care experience or transferable skills.”

Carers do not need to have formal qualifications, but are required to have had experience in the health and social care sector or relevant transferable skills. Full training and ongoing support is provided to successful applicants.

For more information and to apply to become a carer, visit the Shared Lives South West website: www.sharedlivessw.org.uk.

@PlymChronicle

8 December 2023

Rebecca’s New Sunday date for #lightupplympton key role at The Box Volunteers at Plym Chamber are busy putting the finishing touches together for the Christmas lights switch on and fayre in Plympton, known as #LightUpPlympton - and this year things will be somewhat different.

The Box has appointed Rebecca Bridgman as its new head of collections and programme.

Rebecca will join Plymouth’s awardwinning museum, art gallery and archive in mid-November after more than a decade with Birmingham Museums Trust, most recently as the curatorial and exhibitions manager, where she led a complete overhaul of the collection displays at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery and made her mark with audience-led projects focused on collaboration, co-curation and representing local communities.

Rebecca moved to the Trust in 2012, to become its first specialist curator of Middle East & South Asian Art. Prior to this, she worked at the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge as a researcher for Islamic Ceramics. She has a PhD in Islamic Archaeology from the University of Southampton and a first degree in Archaeology and European Studies from the University of Exeter.

Nationally, she has chaired the subject specialist network for Islamic Art and Material Culture which shares knowledge and best practice throughout the UK’s museum sector.

Victoria Pomery, chief executive at The Box said: “Rebecca brings a wealth of experience with her and we’re thrilled that she’ll be moving to the South West this autumn to take up this exciting new role. Rebecca has a proven track record in maximising the potential of museum collections, developing audiences and understanding the value of culture as a tool for place-making and regeneration – all of which are vitally important to us here at The Box. We’re looking forward to welcoming her on board when she arrives in November.”

Head of collections and programme is a newly created senior role at The Box. Rebecca will be part of the senior management team that oversees the delivery of the organisation’s vision, mission, values and performance targets. She will also be responsible for leading on the care of The Box’s collections, the planning, curation and delivery of its ambitious exhibitions programme and the development of local, regional, national and international partnerships.

Rebecca Bridgman said: “I am delighted to join an organisation whose vision and values align so closely with my own. It is exciting to be moving to the vibrant city of Plymouth and to have the opportunity to play a leading role in developing this dynamic, ambitious and young hybrid museum, gallery and archive.

“I look forward to working with the team, local communities and partner arts organisations to build on past successes, spark creativity and together reimagine The Box as a place where everyone, in the city and beyond, feels represented and welcome.”

To find out more about The Box visit www. theboxplymouth.com.

Taking on board previous feedback, the event will now be staged at the weekend and this year it will take place on Sunday November 26.

Things get underway from 12 noon with trade stalls and a number of the independent small businesses in Ridgeway will be open too. Taken together this will give shoppers more than 100 traders’ stalls and shops to browse and make purchases from.

There will also be a range of entertainment throughout the afternoon with two stages in Ridgeway. There will be live music from the likes of the Plymouth Rock Band and local singers Heath Booton,

Laura Williams and Milly Badcock.

Other groups taking part include the Plympton Ukulele Band, Mayflower Acapella Chorus, a dance school, a musical theatre company and Plymouth Maids clog dancing. All told there should be something for

everyone to enjoy.

There has also been investment in some new lights which will include programmable twinkly banners with scrolling festive messages.

The Mudge Way North car park in front of Iceland will be open for

parking as normal this year, with the fayre being staged in the Co-op car park and Ridgeway and the climax will be the switch on of the Christmas lights at 5.15pm.

The event will finish at the earlier time of 6pm this year, accommodating previous feedback from families with young children.

There has been a positive response from local businesses who have come forward with sponsorship to cover the cost of staging the event and the investment in new lights, which has also been assisted with community grants from local Plympton councillors.

It is only with this funding and the dedicated enthusiasm throughout the year of volunteers from Plym Chamber that the event is possible, with everyone’s focus being on kicking off the festive period with something the whole community can enjoy.

(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

Local bobsleigh Olympian opens ski slope after £500,000 refurbishment A sportsman in his twenties who grew up in Newton Ferrers has returned to the city to re-open the newly refurbished dry ski slope at Marsh Mills.

Josh Hudson who has gone on to become a member of the Team GB Olympic bobsleigh team carried out the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Plymouth Snowsports Centre. It was especially apt that Josh was chosen for the task as not only was he raised in Plymouth but in his younger days he often used the original dry ski slope so is no stranger to the snowsports centre.

The refurbished ski slope represents a £500,000 investment at the Plymouth Snowsports Centre which is part of the John Nike Leisuresport collection. The investment ensures that Plymouth maintains its standing as one of the UK’s most popular destinations for snow sport activities and will be able to provide year round access for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities.

Gillian Robinson, centre manager, said: “Following this substantial investment in modernising our slope, we are delighted to announce the unveiling of the new Skitech Diamond Matting surface to the public.

“This new surface not only ensures we can continue to provide customers old and new with the highest quality ski slope experiences available, but also allows us to expand our offering to provide a cutting-edge facility for lessons, training and events with several race events already planned for this winter.”

The new surface is said to be as near as it can get to simulating a real snow experience with

Former ski slope owner Tom McKenzie (centre) pictured with Josh Hudson and Gillian Robinson and the team of ski instructors at the centre

artificial material.

Daniel Lawrence, group operations director, remarked: “We are delighted to continue our investment in the product and people in Plymouth. Over the past few years, we started our reinvestment programme starting in Chatham, Llandudno and prior to Plymouth we had completed Swadlincote, now a fantastic race surface in the Midlands. They all have new surfaces using the Skitech Diamond Mats.

“Feedback has been overwhelming from the skiers and customers of all centres about all the investments. We are looking forward to Plymouth and the surrounding areas, to now take advantage of these great facilities that the centre has to offer; with the toboggan, snow tubes and the new surface for skiing or learning to ski.”

One of the guests at the re-opening ceremony was Tom McKenzie, the centre’s original

owner, who pioneered the idea of bringing the ski slope to Plymouth at the end of the 1980s.

As a result of his efforts construction work got underway in 1988 and the centre opened at Easter 1989 with large queues on the launch weekend and celebrity visits from boxer Barry McGuigan and olympic ski-jumper Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards.

Situated above the Plym Valley near the A38, Plymouth Snowsports Centre is open year round and offers skiers and snowboarders of all levels the facilities to practice and learn new skills either independently or with qualified instructors. The centre also offers sno-tube ride experiences and an exhilarating 650-metre toboggan ride as well as event spaces suitable for meetings, conferences, weddings and parties with bar and restaurant facilities.

A video of the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new ski slope and audio interviews with Josh Hudson, Gillian Robinson and Tom McKenzie can be found on the videos section of the Plympton Podcast Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ plymptonpodcast/videos (Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

@PlymChronicle

December 2023

9

Business is full of beans with latest brand expansion St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth has opened the doors to their first coffee shop with the aim of it being yet another way to bring in vital funds for compassionate end of life care across the city and beyond. b.kinda Coffee is situated on The Ridgeway in Plympton but there are plans for many more to pop-up across the region.

Mike Dukes, commercial director at St Luke’s, said: “We need to raise millions of pounds each year to provide essential care, so there is no room for complacency when it comes to seeking new ways to help fund what we do.

“As per St Luke’s strategy, we are constantly assessing the commercial environment around us, keeping an eye on developments that could impact our income as well as scanning the horizon for ways to diversify our income streams so we can channel profits into our hospice care. b.kinda is a great example of how we are thinking outside the box.

“In July 2022 we launched b.kinda clothing, bringing the best of our charity shop offering online for those who want to ‘re-love the preloved’. The mystery boxes, that give women the opportunity to purchase four items of

The b.kinda coffee shop is on The Ridgeway in Plympton

low-cost second-hand clothing, have been a huge success for the charity.

“Now we have taken this success and expanded into coffee culture. b.kinda coffee is an ethical high-quality food and beverage offering using locally sourced ingredients and as per our clothing brand, 100% of the profits go directly to end-of-life care.” b.kinda Coffee is open for business six days a week Monday to Saturday and has opened following a major, ultra-stylish refit, that is a meticulously planned progression of the

b.kinda brand.

Head of b.kinda, Adrian Carey, said: “We are the antithesis of the typical high street chain offer.

“The b.kinda coffee experience is for customers who are discerning about their coffee, its taste and its provenance.

“Prioritising Fairtrade and South West suppliers including mouthwatering, locally pre-prepared cakes and bakes to savouries, means the operation walks the talk when it comes to eco-credentials.”

Help with food costs

We all feel the impact of the rising cost of living every time we do a shop.

Our online Cost of Living hub includes lots of useful information that can help, including advice on how to reduce food costs and on how to get help if you need support feeding yourself or your family.

This includes:

Cooking on a budget n Information about Food is Fun, which has advice on food budgeting, low-cost recipes and ways to help save money on your food bills.

You can also find Facebook groups, where people come together to share cost-effective recipes and tips. n Useful budget recipes and cooking tips from Transforming Plymouth Together.

Accessing food n Information about the Plymouth Food Aid Network, which has a Community Food Access map showing all the different charities, community groups and organisations able to provide food support such as food banks, food larders and community fridges.

n Links to Food Plymouth, which also has a useful guide if you need information about how to access food and to Plymouth Foodbank, who can provide three days’ worth of nutritionally balanced food to local people in a crisis. n Information about co-operative ‘food clubs’ in Plymouth.

Free food and milk for children If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under four, you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk.

Free school meals If you receive certain benefits, such as Universal Credit, then your child may be entitled to a free lunch at school.

Visit the Cost of Living hub at:

plymouth.gov.uk/help-food-costs

@PlymChronicle

10 December 2023

Children’s author releases latest book and reveals why he has left Amazon Fans of Henry the Hedgegnome bedtime stories are excited by the release of book nine about the little hedgehog in stripy socks, and those who have got hold of a copy of ‘Henry the Hedgegnome and the Tongue-tied Snake’ are noticing a considerable difference from the previous books in the series.

Sienna

ACCOLADES FOR TWO GIRLS FROM PLYMPTON

Two Plympton girls are celebrating prestigious awards after excelling in their respective fields of interest.

One is a young dancer with the Plympton-based Starlight School of Dance.

Eight-year-old Sienna came home with a National Junior Modern second place title from the National Association of Teachers of Dancing scholarship competition held in Birmingham.

Meanwhile, a pupil at Glen Park Primary School has won a silver medal in the Martial Arts World Championships.

Violet achieved her win in the championships staged in Germany. Violet got all the way to the final in her age group, against competitors from across the world.

A spokesperson for Glen Park Primary said: “We are all incredibly proud of her fantastic achievement and excited about the bright future that lies ahead of her.

What an amazing talent!”

(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

Violet

When Plymstock author Richard Heddington started work on his latest children’s book, the first thing he did was to move away from Amazon, which is not the usual move for an author.

“The reason is that all Henry the Hedgegnome books, so far, have been produced directly through Amazon, leaving little control over quality or environmental practices,” said Richard about the change.

“I wanted to improve the quality and the green credentials of my books, so my first task in publishing this book was to find a printer in the UK with positive environmental policies.

After some research, I found one that is not only eco-friendly but is part of a company that was the first carbon neutral printing company in the world.”

But creating an eco-friendly book was not the only reason for taking a new approach to the publication process. Richard went on to explain the other changes he’d been able to make while publishing this book.

“Having selected a new printing company, I also took the opportunity to make some other changes. The first was that the new book was to be bigger and square. Because of the way the Amazon publishing process worked, the previous books were approximately A5 in size.

“An advantage of using an independent printer was that I could publish a square

Children’s author Richard Heddington with his latest book

book. I was also able to use much heavier paper for the pages and the cover, making the book considerably more robust, which is a benefit for a product designed to be handled by toddlers. The print quality is also better for being on better paper.

“Of all the people who have seen the new book, everyone has been amazed at how vibrant the illustrations are and how good it looks and feels.”

In this story, Henry and his friend, Mr Snail, hear some rude noises in the garden and discover that the culprit is a snake with a nasty knot in his tongue, meaning he can’t hiss and can only make rude noises.

Children love it and find the rude noises hilarious. There is also some simple counting and a tongue twister within the story.

This book will make an ideal gift for children or grandchildren aged from two to six and will surely be in many a stocking this Christmas.

Henry the Hedgegnome and the tonguetied snake is available from the author’s website www.hedgegnomes.co.uk or to order from all good bookshops.

It can also be ordered from most online book sellers including Amazon. “Amazon might not produce it, but I’ll still let them sell it,” said Richard.

“The brewery are behind us and are spending a lot of money on refurbishment and it needs it.

We’ll bringing warmth into it, making it cosier. The bar is snug with an open fire but the other areas need to feel softer, cosier.

“We have lots of plans, from using a professional Australian barbecue company in the summer, to holding an outside Christmas market, along with lots of other family orientated fun that will fit in with local residents. We really want to put something back in the local community and are grateful for this opportunity.”

Dan added: “Most importantly we’ll be making the pub a centre for good food. We’re starting slowly but plan to build up and offer some cracking menus. All our food is freshly sourced and cooked to order. The microwave has only been used to warm custard so no fast processed food here!”

All good news for locals and for those who want to stay, there are lovely bed and breakfast suites.

There’s a new face at The Brook Inn too. Lewis

Challen, 30, has come across the water from his home in Saltash where he runs The Plough pub.

He’s grown up in a family of publicans and has run several inns including The Joshua Reynolds in Plympton.

Lewis has now taken on The Brook which has an interesting history as it used to be the stables for what is now St Elizabeth’s House Hotel. The Brook, too, have started serving pub grub and will be opening a carvery in November.

“We’re happy to take cash, too, whereas many places only take card,” said Lewis. “We want to find our niche and bring the pub back to how it was years ago.

“We’re planning to do quizzes and bingo and bring in live music. I hope we can keep our prices down too. So far, the reaction to the pub has been good. If we can become a community pub then we’ll be successful.”

The George Inn: 01752 271415. The Brook Inn: 01752 658176

Plympton pubs back in business With scores of pubs closing up and down the country every week, Plympton has positive news of two hostelries that are opening up, and opening up with exciting new plans.

The historic coaching inn, The George, and The Brook are both well-known watering holes in Plympton St Maurice. Both have been closed due to changes in circumstance. Now, the future is looking bright for them both. Old customers are flooding back, enjoying the ‘new look’ inns and their exciting plans for the future.

The George Inn is a handsome building on the Ridgeway at the top of George Lane. Named after one of the many kings of the same name, it was built in the early 1700s and was where the mail coach stopped to deliver the post en route through to London.

Fast forward to today. Recently the business has been taken over by the St Austell brewery, who run many successful west country pubs. The new owner, Dan McRae-Bothwick and his wife are no strangers to the hospitality industry. Dan, 46 was area manager for a major chain of restaurants.

He and his wife Beth decided to have a change of career and after training, took over The Tap and Barrel in Plymouth.

The Salcombe-born couple share the same work ethos. “Being a publican is a privilege. It’s really important that the pub is a place for everyone,” said Dan. “When we saw The George it was neglected. We felt we could add value to it, bring it back as a village pub.

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12 December 2023

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The long-awaited new designs proposed for Armada Way have been published – showing a greener, safer, more family friendly city centre – a space designed to bring life back to the heart of Plymouth.

The six-week consultation on the plans for Armada Way will end on November 28.

The proposed designs aim to: • Recapture the scale and grandeur of Armada Way – providing a gateway to the city centre, linking the train station to The Hoe. • Include more trees and greenery – 50 more trees than there were previously on Armada Way (before the felling). The new trees will all be 3.5 to 8 metres high when planted, to give immediate environmental benefits and a canopy to provide cover.

• Include a huge destination play village for families – that will be the size of five tennis courts, full of spaces to run, splash, balance, swing, climb, relax and sit, for children of all ages and their carers/parents to enjoy.

• Help wildlife and nature – there will be a variety of trees providing a range of habitats, shrubs, wildflowers and reed beds, as well as bug hotels and bird boxes.

• Work smartly to deal with the city’s rainwater – includes a new surface water drainage system, powered by solar panels to make it sustainable. It will recycle the water to maintain the plants and trees.

• Provide improved safety for all – the installation of 12 and 15 metre high lighting throughout and feature lighting to up-light plants and create patterns on the ground. A muchimproved CCTV system will help to deter anti-social behaviour.

• Provide more places to sit, relax and eat – there will be space for 500 people to sit.

• Includes a new cycling path for people of all abilities – anew cycle path is proposed to cater for cyclists of all abilities, with cycle racks and Beryl Bike hubs.

• Create plenty of pop-up spaces with water and power – pop-up spaces for retail, arts and entertainment.

Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “Our city deserves to have a better city centre, a city centre that rivals others across the country and one where people want to live, work, visit, shop and do business in.

“We have worked really hard on these proposals.

We have not started with a blank sheet of paper, but have scrutinised the feedback from previous consultations to try and incorporate as much as possible.

Artist’s impression of the new Armada Way plan and (below) part of the huge play area

“These new designs have the environment, families, business and safety at the very heart of the proposals.

“We are proposing 202 trees from a wide range of species that will give cover and shade. Trees that will thrive in an urban environment and become part of a spectacular new look and feel for the city centre.

“We have included the innovative water drainage system powered by new solar canopies, which will not only help water the trees and planting but will also protect the Sound from pollution. And most exciting, for anyone with children, we have included a new huge play area – enticing families to come to the city centre and spend their time.

“We have thought long and hard about what we think the city centre needs to bring people and life back and I believe that these proposals have got what it takes. However, I want to hear from the people who live and work in our city and understand their views.

“We have a robust consultation process, delivered by an independent company called ECF. You can tell them your views online, in person or by picking up a hard copy of the survey.

“I would like Plymouth to look forward, work together to help shape the final designs positively and constructively. This is our city centre and it is incumbent on us all to create a space that will be vibrant, green, economically sound and most importantly be a fantastic place to be.”

To see the proposals and conment online, go to: http://letstalkarmadaway.co.uk To ensure that as many people as possible have the opportunity to have their say, there will be: • A display of the proposals in various places along Armada Way, including on the hoardings around the northern compound.

• Hard copies of the survey available from Central Library for people to complete and be posted in a secure box • An opportunity to talk to one of the ECF team who will be out and about on Armada Way wearing purple hoodies at stages throughout the consultation For more information on Armada Way, go to: www.plymouth.gov.uk/armada-way

Festive fun in

Countdown to Christmas as Plymouth sparkles The Christmas Lights Switch On takes place in Pymouth City Centre on November 16

The countdown to Plymouth’s most spectacular Christmas yet is under way with a packed advent calendar of joy. From Santa’s waterborne arrival on the RNLI Plymouth lifeboat, to tempting Christmas markets, superb shopping, choirs and entertainment, there’s something for everyone.

The magic starts on Thursday November 16 with the spectacular Plymouth City Centre Christmas Lights Switch-on, sponsored by Morgan Sindall Construction, run by Plymouth City Centre Company. With Santa and special guests, festive entertainment, including singing, theatre and dance productions, plus live music from the ten-piece funk, disco and soul band, Ocean City Groove. The fun kicks off at 4pm and Santa will be there for the big switch-on moment between 6pm and 6.30pm Two days later The Barbican Christmas Lights Switch-On illuminates the historic Barbican and Sutton Harbour. Run by Plymouth Christmas Market will be on The Piazza from November 30 to December 17

Plymouth Waterfront Partnership Business Improvement District and sponsored by JHAV, the afternoon of family fun, from 12 noon to 6pm, includes music and magic, plus a dog show and of course Santa, who will arrive by lifeboat – but watch out for the Grinch!

Lights switch on ceremony takes place at approximately 5.30pm.

From November 30 to December 17 the Piazza in the city centre is the setting for Plymouth Christmas Market, sponsored

by City Bus, a gorgeous village of more than 50 beautifully decorated cabins offering unique gifts and Yuletide treats. Enjoy live entertainment, warm up with some mulled wine and tuck into delicious festive food. This is run by the Plymouth City Centre Company.

There are plenty of opportunities to buy Christmas gifts, with late-night shopping every Thursday right up until December 21, many of the shops keeping their doors open until 9pm, with Thursday parking just £1 available after 3pm.

A visit to the West End with its specialist, independent shops and eateries is a must with Plymouth Market’s 150 stalls, perfect for unique gifts and great street food.

Plymouth’s Winter Wonderland in Central Park from November 24 to January 1, features Santa’s enchanted forest grotto, icerink, heated big top with live music, children’s rides and attractions, a bar and festive food stalls.

Pop along to The Box, the city’s gallery and archive, for Breakfast with Santa or its familyfriendly celebration, a chance to explore the galleries by night, listen to seasonal stories, decorate cookies and dance to Christmas hits. Book a seat at the panto – join the circus in a reworked Goldilocks and the Three Bears production at the Theatre Royal Plymouth with sets and costumes from the London Palladium.

Other seasonal events include:

• Festive Reindeer Trail – free family fun –

pick up a copy from the Tourist Info Centre.

• Santa Fun Run on December 3 organised

by Saltram Rotary and raising funds for local charities.

• The Good Food & Craft Markets at Royal William Yard on Sundays throughout December.

• Ocean Friendly Christmas Market – adults only - at the National Marine Aquarium, November 30.

• Native Makers Festive Markets at Royal

William Yard, Ocean Studios on November 25 and 26 and December and 9 and 10.

• Mount Edgcumbe ‘A Cornish Yuletide’ on December 9 and 10, shopping with food and entertainment.

• Le Vignoble Grand Christmas Wine Tasting,

also at Royal William Yard, on November 23 when more than 100 wines will be available to sample.

The light switch on events and the Christmas market are part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Head to visitplymouth.co.uk/Christmas to plan the perfect festive season.

Festive fun in

Endless possibilities at Drake Circus and The Barcode Discover everything from festive cocktails to stocking fillers at Drake Circus and The Barcode.

With designer fashion and beauty finds, enchanting kids’ entertainment and incredible bars, restaurants, karaoke and more, Drake Circus and The Barcode is the magic of Christmas all in one place.

From this season’s statement dresses and gorgeous accessories at Next, Primark and Marks & Spencer to winter knitwear with chunky cardigans and neat knits at Seasalt, BOSS and H&M, Drake Circus is making sure everyone is on the nice list this Christmas.

Breitling, Tag Heuer and Omega boxes are exactly what we’d like to find under the tree. For jewellery, Drakes has designs from Swarovski, Thomas Sabo, Links of London, Lily & Lotty, Bulova, Emporio Armani, Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs and more – it’s a Christmas wishlist brought to life.

The Entertainer is an unmissable Christmas experience for every age. Discover this year’s most-wanted gifts such as Gabby’s Dollhouse as well as Little Live Pets, Hasbro Furby, Barbie and Scalextric. Grab them cute and cosy pyjamas at Marks & Spencer, Primark and Next

for bedtime. With lots of places to eat, drink and be merry, you’ll be spoilt for Christmas choice at Drake Circus and the Barcode. For Christmas parties with the people you love, The Barcode will make it one to remember. Las Iguanas is a carnival of late-night Bottomless Brunches and Happy Hour feasts. Cosy Club serves up a relaxed-butglamorous vibe while Brewdog does craft beers, burgers and wings.

Out shopping with the little ones? Nando’s and Zizzi serve up brilliant kids’ menus while Yo! has healthy and light bites for on the go.

Boom Battle Bar offers axe-throwing, shuffleboard, karaoke, cocktails and street food.

Get crowned the champion of darts or king of the pins at Spinners. Paradise Island Adventure Golf is fun for all ages while Cineworld is ideal for movie lovers of all ages.

Drake Circus will be hosting special visits from festive characters from now until Christmas. Visit www.drakecircus. com for a full list of dates and start your Christmas countdown here.

Drake Circus is open every day, with more than 30 stores open until 9pm on Thursdays until December 21. The Barcode is open late every day.

Get all the latest news and events at drakecircus. com.

Festive fun in

Tis the season to eat, drink and be merry at Royal William Yard

Join us this December for our Festive Good Food & Craft Markets Wednesday 6th, 13th & 20th 17:00—21:00 Sunday 3rd, 10th & 17th 10:00—15:00

A huge amount is planned this Christmas at Royal William Yard, providing plenty of opportunity for festive feasting, shopping and socialising, mooching around makers markets and more.

royalwilliamyard.com

With a Christmas tree on the lawn, lights illuminating its grand historic buildings and twinkling across the water, the popular Plymouth destination is set to transform into a real winter wonderland.

Head to the Festive Good Food & Craft Market on Wednesday evenings for shopping under the stars and Sunday daytimes for a leisurely weekend wander – there are six markets planned from December 3 to 20. Over 60 stalls will showcase the South West’s best artisans, makers and producers.

Taking place inside the Grade I Listed Melville building and outside in its courtyard, there will be gifts galore, tasty treats and entertainment.

Get into the Christmas spirit at a range of handson workshops – crafting cards, gift tags, wreaths and jewellery – or by watching the Nutcracker on the big screen at luxury cinema, Everyman.

Shop for unique presents from inspiring independents, including handmade chocolates from Domea Favour; clothes, accessories and homewares at boutique, Identity Fashion; sumptuous haircare sets from YOKE the Salon; candles, skincare and gift vouchers from Enhance Aesthetics & Wellness; and a range of hampers from wine merchant, Le Vignoble.

Festive menus will be on offer at many of the Yard’s eateries, catering for any occasion from a cosy dinner with friends to a lively Christmas knees-up.

And if for those looking to lighten the load on the big day and celebrate in style, Bistrot Pierre is taking bookings for Christmas Day, with a four course gastronomic delight.

Serving up an array of mouthwatering meals, The Hook & Line’s three-course festive feast features local seafood and divine desserts including a Devon Spiced Rum & Plum Crumble.

Hub has sharing starters, Christmas burgers, and delicious drinks like Chilled Mulled Sangria.

Bistrot Pierre has a traditional French cuisine Following the popular Plymouth Before inspired Christmas party menu and accompanying the War From the Air Then & Now comes drinks package.

Post Blitz Plymouth From the Air Then And Pho’s exciting Christmas party menu features both prawn crackers and Christmas & Now. crackers!

Plotting in detail the development of the Find out more at www.royalwilliamyard.com City Centre, plus new estates like Efford, and stay up to date with all festive goings-on by Ernesettle, Ham, and Whitleigh and the following @royalwilliamyd on Instagram, Facebook changes at Eggbuckland, Peverell, Stoke, and X.

Historian Chris Robinson back doing business in The Barbican - see story on page 26

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December 2023

@PlymChronicle

17

National Marine Aquarium featured in six part BBC2 documentary series Plymouth’s National Marine Aquarium is to be featured in a new six-part documentary on BBC 2 starting in November.

The documentary series, called Secrets of the Aquarium, was filmed at the Plymouth attraction over the course of a year and the first episode will be televised on November 14 at 8pm.

The series explores the incredible underwater homes of the 5,000 creatures living in the aquarium and the team which looks after them.

It includes a once in a decade event where a problematic shark needs to be moved. With a nine minute window to get the shark, El Diablo, from one tank to another, which in this case means going from the very bottom to the top of the building - viewers can tune in to BBC 2 to witness the team pull off this impossible mission.

Diving with sharks, hugging fish, weighing stingrays, transporting turtles and introducing octopuses is all in a day’s work for the intrepid aquarium team. The brand new docu-series follows the lives of the extraordinary animals that live there as well as the 100 individuals who care for them daily.

A prominent star of the show has to be Friday, the National Marine Aquarium’s resident Green Turtle. Inquisitive and a total menace, this mischievous turtle will bite anything, from equipment to people (all in the name of playtime) which has the team putting a lot of time and effort into entertaining Friday and distracting him from the divers.

Marcus Williams, head curator at Ocean Conservation Trust, said: “We can’t wait for the series to finally be aired. It was a surreal experience, having the film crew with us and filming throughout the year. It’s a fantastic insight into the incredible work that is being done here at the National Marine Aquarium, giving viewers a deep dive into what actually happens in the teams day-to-day.

“The series follows my first year in charge, which has been a huge brief. Together, our main goal is to reconnect people with the ocean, change their attitudes towards the ocean and save the world – so no pressure!”

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Plympton schools merger proposed A merger is planned between two Plympton schools which will come together on one site if the plan goes ahead.

St Christopher’s C of E (Primary) MultiAcademy Trust is proposing to merge the current St Mary’s Infants School and Old Priory Junior Academy into one school to be called St Mary’s Priory Church of England Primary School.

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Parents and carers of children at the school are currently being consulted over the proposals in a process which runs through until November 3. If the plan goes ahead the new arrangements will start from the September 2024 academic year.

Some parents have welcomed the proposed merger, with comments including: “I’ve always felt that this would be much more beneficial to the school children” and “This will be of great benefit to both schools and the community as a whole.”

A parent with an opposing view remarked: “They’ll lose the only thing that sets them

apart from other schools in Plympton. Having a smaller infant school is what made us choose it because it wasn’t as overwhelming transitioning up from nursery.”

An additional part of the merger proposals is an increase in the aged range of children at the school through the addition of a school nursery.

Among other concerns which have been raised is that the Infant school building may ultimately be disposed of for other purposes, but it is understood there is a restrictive covenant on the building which means it can only be used for educational purposes.

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18 December 2023

@PlymChronicle

City College strikes Gold with Teaching Excellence Award City College Plymouth has been awarded a national Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold Award for its ‘overall outstanding’ higher education teaching and student experience.

Pictured outside the mobile CT scanner (from left) Cabinet member for Finance and City Centre champion, Councillor Mark Lowry, Councillor Mary Aspinall, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, Nicki Collas, Future Hospital Associate Director at University Hospitals Plymouth and Colin Stuckey, lead radiographer for CT at University Hospitals Plymouth

First patients seen at temporary CT scanner in West End The first patients have been seen at the temporary CT scanner which will form part Plymouth’s new Community Diagnostic Centre.

The new Diagnostic Centre, located at Colin Campbell Court in Plymouth’s West End, will provide wider access to critical diagnostic tests.

CT scans involve a series of x-rays which have incredible accuracy and allow radiologists to detect disease or injury as early as possible. The benefits include reducing the need for exploratory surgeries, faster cancer diagnosis, and helping to determine treatment of injury, cardiac disease and stroke.

Colin Stuckey, lead CT radiographer at University Hospitals Plymouth, said: “The main benefits of the new CT scanner are that it will increase our capacity and take pressure off the main Derriford Hospital site which will result in fewer cancellations. The increased appointment availability and location of the scanner will result in a more positive patient experience.”

The mobile state-of-the-art scanner allows Radiographers to see patients while the design and construction of the main Community Diagnostic Centre site continues.

Stuart Windsor, future hospitals director at University Hospitals Plymouth, said: “This is a really important step in our wider healthcare estates plan. This mobile scanner is enabling people living in, or near the city centre to use facilities closer to their home and have access to early diagnostic tests as soon as possible.”

Cabinet member for Finance and City Centre champion, Councillor Mark Lowry said: “We have been talking for some time about health facilities for Colin Campbell Court as part of our long-term generation plans and this is a very clear signal that this vision is starting to become a reality.

“The temporary scanner means that our colleagues in the NHS can get on straight away with the critical task of testing our residents for possible health issues, which is particularly important for people living in St Peter and the Waterfront, who have lower life expectancy than other wards.

“In the meantime our teams continue to work on the full application for the main CDC building which will be over 3,000 sqm in size and will provide a range of outpatient diagnostic tests. We are just weeks away from submitting this. It’s all go!”

Steve Hughes, chief executive of the Plymouth Centre Company, said: “I know our businesses in the West End will be pleased to see this as it represents real progress and also opens up the potential for many more people to pop into shops and cafes nearby.”

Councillor Mary Aspinall, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care said: “It is great to see significant steps to help the city begin to address some of its long-term health inequalities, especially in the city centre, which has the highest levels of deprivation in Plymouth.

“Anything that makes it easier for people to get a diagnosis as early as possible has to be a good thing. The earlier people get diagnosed the better their chances of recovery or managing health issues.”

Spotlighting the high quality student experience at City College, the judging panel stated that the college delivered ‘excellence for all of its students,’ including those who are often underrepresented in higher education.

“We have over 500 undergraduate students and higher apprentices studying university-level courses in everything from business management to engineering, both full or part-time, every year,” said Ben Manning, the college’s executive of Curriculum, Quality & Student Experience.

“Our higher education student body reflects the diverse nature of our local community, which is something we actively embrace as an organisation.

“Our students’ academic experience, alongside our support services, is designed to meet their needs and support them to achieve their best possible outcomes whether that is onto the next level of their degree or into employment.”

The TEF assessment particularly praised the college for its close links with employers in the region and with other education providers, such as Plymouth University and Marjon’s, who award qualifications to their higher education students. In particular, the panel highlighted City

City College Plymouth chief executive Jackie Grubb (centre) joins with colleagues to celebrate the Gold Award

College’s ‘strong industry engagement to promote excellent graduate opportunities’ for its students.

The college is well-known for embedding vocational learning in real-world settings into its courses and often has direct involvement from industry professionals in the shaping of its provision, including its university-levelHNC/D, foundation and bachelor programmes.

Chief executive Jackie Grubb said: “City College is strategically chosen by numerous students as an alternative pathway to a BA/BSc degree due to the unique experience to be gained thanks to our smaller class sizes, extensive one-to-one interactions with our industry-experienced lecturers, and reduced tuition fees.

“Since this award particularly focuses on the experience of our

students, I’m proud that our college has retained the gold rating that we first achieved at our last assessment in 2018. This achievement highlights the exceptional contributions of our higher education lecturers and the outstanding support of our corporate teams.

“I am delighted that the panel recognised the investments we have made in our university-level provision, such as our dedicated higher education careers adviser who provides individualised support for students as they plan their next steps.”

Further information about City College Plymouth’s extensive higher education provision and a full list of its university-level courses can be found at www.cityplym.ac.uk/study/ university-level-courses.

...and it’s Gold all the way for Plymouth University as well Plymouth University has been awarded Gold ratings across the board in the latest round of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).

The Government’s Office for Students (OfS), which runs the TEF, praised the student experiences offered by the university as being of outstanding quality.

An independent panel also highlighted outstanding provision across the majority of courses and subjects in relation to student outcomes.

The TEF is a national scheme run by the OfS to encourage higher education providers to improve and deliver excellence in the areas that students care about the most – teaching, learning, and achieving positive outcomes from their studies.

Professor Judith Petts, vice-chancellor of Plymouth University, said: “Achieving TEF Gold is deserved recognition for everyone connected to the University. We have always made a commitment to our students to provide a first-class student experience enriched by research, professional work, and self-development opportunities.

“This rating reaffirms that approach is yielding results, and providing our graduates with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their careers.”

The University’s commitment to its students is exemplified through the Plymouth Compass framework, designed to help all students develop as a critical and creative learner, sustainable

and global citizen, competent and confident professional, and resilient and thriving individual.

Aligned to this, the TEF panel praised the University’s vision for advancing knowledge and transforming lives within local, national and global contexts.

It highlighted the university-wide teaching and learning strategy and its investment in major initiatives and strategic cross-university approaches.

The panel also said there was compelling evidence of positive student feedback and high levels of student satisfaction with teaching and the student experience generally.

And it acknowledged the support provided by the university to ensure every student, regardless of their background or circumstances, can reach their full potential.

Professor John Curnow, deputy vice chancellor, Education and Student Experience, added: “Our staff have immense energy, passion and skill that enables our students to enjoy an outstanding experience and education.

“Delivering excellence in teaching and learning is absolutely core to our mission of advancing knowledge and transforming lives. We are committed to helping students get the most out of their studies and extra-curricular activities, so they are prepared for whatever opportunities and challenges might come their way in the future.”

@PlymChronicle

December 2023

Rugby club raises vital funds for Children’s Air Ambulance Members of Plymouth Argaum Rugby Club’s under 10s team have taken part in a 12-mile bike ride to raise vital funds to support the Children’s Air Ambulance as the charity celebrates 10 years of dedicated service.

The coach for the Plymouth Argaum Rugby Club under 10s team, Karl Sullivan, contacted the Children’s Air Ambulance in 2022 wanting to raise awareness for the lifesaving children’s charity by putting its logo on their rugby shirts alongside the logo of Brewin Dolphin, who sponsored the new shirts.

Plymouth Argaum Rugby Club’s coach, Chris Janes works for Brewin Dolphin and they were proud to donate £100 earlier in the year to support the children’s charity.

One of the young players at Plymouth Argaum Rugby Club required the Children’s Air Ambulance when they were born prematurely and needed specialist treatment, so the whole team wanted to come together to raise vital funds to support the charity’s missions and decided on a 12-mile bike ride.

Teammates, coaches and parents came together to undertake their charity challenge, cycling 12 miles along the Plym Valley Cycle Trail from Coypool Car Park to the Skylark Inn in Clearbrook Hamlet and then back to Coypool, proudly displaying the Children’s Air Ambulance logo on their rugby shirts.

In total over 20 parents, children

and coaches took part, raising £2,310 to support the charity’s lifesaving missions for critically ill babies and children across the UK. “We know first-hand how important the missions of the Children’s Air Ambulance are, as when one of our players was born prematurely, they needed to be transferred in the helicopter to a hospital for specialist care,” said Karl Sullivan Plymouth Argaum under 10s coach.

“The route we chose for the 12mile bike ride stopped at the Skylark Inn, Dartmoor where we got even more people there involved in our fundraising, and we would like to thank them for being so accommodating and hosting us.

“We would encourage as many people as possible to support this children’s charity, as together we can continue to help them save countless lives of critically ill babies and children across the UK,” they added.

The Children’s Air Ambulance is changing the face of paediatric and neonatal care through the high-speed transfer of critically ill babies and children – flying them from one hospital to another for specialist care via the clinically designed helicopters, which provide a flying intensive care unit for babies and children.

The Plymouth Argaum Rugby Club group who took part in the bike ride

Fiona Franklin, community fundraising executive for the charity said: “We would like to say a massive thank you to the Plymouth Argaum Rugby Club under 10s team, including the coaches and parents for the vital amount they have raised which will help us to keep saving the lives of countless

babies and children across the UK. A big thank you also goes to Brewin Dolphin for sponsoring the rugby shirts to help raise further awareness of the vital charity,.“We receive no government funding, so we rely entirely on donations like this to keep our lifesaving service flying. Without the support from clubs and communities just like this, the high-speed transfers wouldn’t be able to continue,” she added.

The charity is celebrating its 10th anniversary of lifesaving high-speed transfers in 2023 and is encouraging people to visit a charity store and grab a bargain, donate unwanted clothing to one of many clothing banks, get involved in a challenge event, fundraise, or even sign up to volunteer.

For more information about the charity visit www. childrensairambulance.org.uk or call 0300 3045 999.

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20 December 2023

Dunstone Diary

Councillors, veterans and others involved in the project pictured in front of the Poppy Wave

By Councillor Stefan Krizanac and Councillor John Stephens

Councillor John Stephens writes…..

My commitment and time as a councillor are divided between learning and responding to the needs of local individuals and groups of residents, and being part of a city council that collectively aims to make life better for all of Plymouth’s residents. Often, several of these roles dovetail into each other.

I serve on the Education and Children’s Social Care Scrutiny Committee and recently substituted on the Scrutiny of Health and Adult Social Care. These are two of the key groups where elected members hold to account those who have strategic and implementation responsibilities for the education, health and social care provision for our city’s population. There is a lot of great and innovative provision in Plymouth to celebrate and be thankful for, and challenges we work hard to face up to.

It has often been a tough privilege to learn at first-hand about the experiences of both individual families and schools in having to best meet the needs special educational needs of their children and young people, in a world where available funding and real need do not match up.

However, I have been well-placed to ensure these reallife situations are heard when supporting the city council’s commitment to improve the strategic and setting-based provision for those who have special needs and for people whose role is to provide for them.

Similarly, I have encountered the national challenge local authorities and providers face to resource the care needs of adults who require it. Looking into the eyes and hearing the voices of residents at Plymstock’s Abbeyfield Home, which faces an uncertain future, has demonstrated to me the reality of such situations.

Again, this dovetails into the scrutiny of how our council’s social care and health partnerships plan and manage to help for those who require various levels of health and care support in the city.

These experiences show how the personal concerns of residents and national issues are important to us as local councillors, as well as the ones that might seem small fry.

Councillor Stefan Krizanac and myself continue to make ourselves available at our regular surgeries when residents can come along and share concerns or ideas we may be able to help with.

These are advertised on our councillor and Plymstock area community groups Facebook pages and on posters at the venues.

Councillor Stefan Krizanac writes…..

Does the following ring true of anyone reading this? ‘Well, as Elburton Road has average speed cameras 24/7, I’ll just sneak through Stanborough Road so I can drive faster to where I need to be one minute faster!’

This action you would think was reckless; and you would be right. In the process to arrive somewhere just one minute faster, someone would have put themselves in a position of breaking the law, not to mention putting the local residents, including children and older folk, in danger of being hurt or worse by reckless driving.

When this happens during the late evening and night-time, this selfishness wakes people up. If some of you who read this commit this foolish and inconsiderate act, and decide to drive more carefully, you would make a lot of residents in Stanborough Road (and other streets) happier and safer.

John.Stephens@plymouth.gov.uk 07977 730 601 Facebook@ CllrJohnStephensforPlymstockDunstone

Poppy wave created and displayed to mark Remembrance Sunday A wave of handmade, weather proof poppies are now displayed on the Council House balcony for Remembrance Sunday on November 12.

The camouflage net was donated by Royal Marine Barracks Stonehouse, and the plan was developed by Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Pauline Murphy.

The poppies have been created and donated by schools, knitting clubs, council staff and members of the public.

Internal staff sessions also took place to help with the creation of the poppies.

The Lord Mayor, councillors, members of the public and veterans attended the unveil of the poppies today, with Council House security staff lowering the net.

Councillor Murphy said: “I am so pleased that the project was a success, this is a huge passion of mine, and I couldn’t thank everyone who helped with the project enough, the ongoing support has been incredible.

“To everyone who helped make and donate the poppies, the staff members who helped attach them to the net and everyone who showed their support, thank you.

“I am so proud of this project and really pleased with the outcome.”

For safety reasons, the display will be raised every evening by the Council House security staff and then lowered again the next morning. The display will be raised during the weekends.

CHANGES PROPOSED TO TAXI AND PRIVATE HIRE POLICY Taxi drivers, companies as well as passengers are to be asked for their thoughts on major changes to the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy.

The policy regulates taxi services within Plymouth and was formally implemented in May 2022, but now the Council is considering altering it to take into account the current economic conditions and the cost of living.

Consultation on the changes is due to start on October 23 and will run for four weeks.

Key changes include: · Review and or revoke the livery policy which requires new hackney cabs to be green and white, although the council will still require hackney cabs to display door signage supplied by the council. · Knowledge of Plymouth – to remove this test as a requirement for private hire to encourage more applicants to consider entering the trade. · To allow black jeans. While the dress code has been welcomed and accepted by the trade there have been continuing objections to the rule that denim jeans are not permitted. The council is now considering that black jeans be allowed as part of the dress code.

Councillor Sally Haydon, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Libraries, Cemeteries and Crematoria said: “We have been reflecting on the issues the trade has experienced and think there is more we can do to

alleviate some of the pressures drivers, like everyone else, face with the rising cost of living.

“While the aim of the green and white livery was to make Plymouth cabs distinctive and drivers feel proud of where they are from, we are aware that it is currently very difficult to source the white vehicles needed to create the green and white look. They are expensive and the secondhand market is non-existent.

“Plymouth cabs will still be recognisable as they will have the City Council brand on their doors with their licence details.”

“We also want to be more pragmatic about the knowledge test. Weirdly, an error in the policy wording about the knowledge test applying only to hackney carriage drivers led to a sharp increase in new applicants interested in becoming licensed private hire drivers.

“Times moved on. Private hire drivers use GPS systems or apps on smart phones. Modern dispatch systems send bookings direct to the drivers’ data pads, which have the inbuilt GPS navigation.”

There will be an online portal on the council’s website and 936 drivers and taxi and private hire companies are being sent the information on how to get involved.

While the trade are the key stakeholders in the consultation, views are welcome from anyone interested.

Celebrating Diversity and Excellence The Grand BAME Business Gala in Plymouth A Night of Recognition, Unity, and Empowerment

In the heart of Plymouth, a remarkable event takes place every year, one that brings together entrepreneurs, community leaders, and visionaries to celebrate the vibrant tapestry of our city’s business landscape. The Grand BAME Business Gala, founded

by Jabo Butera and David Feindouno, has been a cornerstone of Plymouth’s community for the past six years. This gala isn’t just a glamorous evening; it’s an embodiment of the city’s commitment to diversity, unity, and empowerment.

Embracing Diversity The Grand BAME Business Gala is a testament to the rich cultural and ethnic diversity that thrives within Plymouth’s business community. It provides a platform to recognise and honour exceptional achievements within the Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community.

Plymouth’s strength lies in its diversity. The city has a long history of welcoming people from different backgrounds, and this diversity has always been a source of innovation, resilience, and strength. The Gala celebrates this diversity by showcasing the remarkable contributions of individuals and organisations from the BAME community.

A Night of Inspiration The Gala is not just about awards; it’s about inspiration.

Picture a room filled with people who have overcome obstacles, broken barriers, and achieved excellence in various fields. These are the champions of Plymouth’s BAME community, and their stories are a source of inspiration for all.

Through their dedication, resilience, and innovation, these individuals and businesses have not only achieved success but have also made a profound impact on the community.

The Gala serves as a reminder that no dream is too big and no obstacle too daunting when we come together and support one another.

Nominations: Celebrating Unsung Heroes Central to the Grand BAME Business Gala are the nominations. It’s a chance for the community to shine a spotlight on individuals and businesses that have made a significant impact. The nominations are open to all, inviting everyone to participate in this celebration of excellence and diversity.

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The categories are diverse, reflecting the multifaceted achievements and contributions within the BAME community: UBUNTU: my identity Award: Recognising champions in culture and identity preservation.

The Gala’s impact extends beyond a single night of celebration. It encourages individuals and organisations to continue their work, knowing that their efforts are appreciated and recognised. It inspires others to join the movement for diversity, equality, and empowerment.

CHAMPION Award: Celebrating those who use their talents to inspire greatness in others.

GIRLS TO WOMEN Award (G2W): Honouring women and girls who run their own businesses, emphasising empowerment and entrepreneurship.

TRAILBLAZER Award: Acknowledging inspirational young individuals from grassroots growth.

RESILIENCE Award: Recognising individuals or groups characterised by their strength and resilience.

FINTECH Award: Highlighting those who use technology to support financial resilience.

ALLY Award: Presented to individuals, organisations, or businesses supporting and empowering BAME communities.

DBI Director’s Award: Given to a community or an individual championing financial well-being and literacy.

These categories represent the essence of the BAME community’s achievements. They symbolise cultural preservation, empowerment, innovation, and community support.

A Night to Remember: The 2024 Gala The 2024 Grand BAME Business Gala promises to be an unforgettable evening. Scheduled for Friday, February 2nd, 2024, at Plymouth Pavilions, it will be a night filled with inspiration, celebration, and recognition. The energy and passion of entrepreneurs, community leaders, and visionaries coming together to celebrate excellence and diversity will be palpable.

In Conclusion The Grand BAME Business Gala is not just a celebration of success; it’s a celebration of unity, diversity, and empowerment. It’s a reminder that we are stronger when we support one another, regardless of our backgrounds.

It’s an opportunity for Plymouth to shine a spotlight on the champions in its BAME community and say, “We see you, we appreciate you, and we celebrate you.”

As the nominations for the 2024 Gala are now open, we encourage everyone to get involved. Take a moment to think about the individuals and businesses that have inspired you, made a difference in your community, or demonstrated exceptional resilience and innovation. Nominate them and be part of a celebration that showcases the excellence and diversity of Plymouth’s BAME business community.

In 2024, let’s come together at Plymouth Pavilions to celebrate these champions, their stories, and their commitment to making a positive impact. The Grand BAME Business Gala is not just an event; it’s a testament to the power of unity, inspiration, and community. It’s a celebration of Plymouth’s strength—its diversity.

The Gala isn’t just an event; it’s a testament to the power of unity, inspiration, and community. It’s a reminder that when we celebrate diversity, we create a stronger, more vibrant, and more inclusive community for all.

Supporting Empowerment and Growth Jabo Butera and David Feindouno, the founders of the Gala, are not just event organisers; they are champions of empowerment and diversity. Through the Gala, they provide a platform for individuals and businesses to showcase their achievements and inspire others.

Nominations are now OPEN. Scan the QR code to nominate your champion in Plymouth.

Sherford Life

@PlymChronicle

22 December 2023

Out of the darkness – light! That’s one of the things I love about Christmas.

There’s something really special about putting up Christmas lights. There are a few sets of neighbours in our own locale of Sherford who are now well-known for putting up huge displays of light on the fronts of their houses, to the delight of local families. And my own children have already requested that we put up more lights in our windows and front garden this year.

It’s fun going along to the big Christmas Light Switch-Ons too. Last year my daughter and I inadvertently joined the Barbican Switch-On ceremony when we had only intended to get fish and chips. Father Christmas was there on an open-topped bus, but the Grinch had made off with an all-important length of cable. We had to shout and yell to persuade the Grinch to give it back, so Father Christmas could switch on the lights. The whole thing had my daughter (and me) entranced!

If you’re heading out to a Christmas light switch-on this year, then here’s where to go: The big Armada Way Switch-On is from 4pm on Thursday 16th November.

The Barbican is hosting a whole afternoon of fun activities for the whole family on Saturday November 18 from 12-6pm, culminating in the big switch-on of their lights.

In Plympton there will be an afternoon of fun on Sunday November 26 from 12pm onwards, with the big switchon happening at 5.15pm.

Saltram will be deckedout and lit-up for Christmas from Friday November 24 onwards, and the house and gardens are always a treat to visit at Christmas!

By Revd Tom Brassil There’s something wonderful about the celebration of light, even in the darkest of seasons. There is plenty of darkness around, both because of the shorter hours of daylight and because of all that is going on in the world around us. And perhaps for you the darkness feels much closer to home.

It’s in these moments that we most need the light.

Here’s something fascinating I read recently: light can be defined in and of itself (e.g. it comes from that lightbulb, or rays from the sun). But darkness can’t. Darkness isn’t a thing in and of itself: it’s simply the absence of light.

So, in a very real sense, even the darkness proves the light.

Here’s one of my favourite Bible verses, which comes straight from the story of the first Christmas: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John chapter 1 verse 5.)

At Christmas we remember that, no matter how dark it gets, darkness cannot overcome light. The story of the first Christmas was all about that. Jesus, God’s own Son, entering into a dark world to bring light – a light that could not be overcome, even by those who wanted him dead. A light that has burned now for over two millennia.

Why not celebrate that light this Christmas?

Why not look into the light for yourself, and see just how warm and bright it really is!

It has been a busy October - started with Party Conference in Manchester and ended babysitting my 20 month old niece overnight as the clocks went back! I am really glad I managed to fit a week on holiday in too. A few highlights of the last few weeks…

The other Saturday, I went along to the the Broadlands Gardens site open day to see the progress and take a look inside some of the new homes being built on this council owned site in Plymstock. Plymouth’s ‘Plan for Homes’ which sets out how we can provide more affordable homes and helps secure the funding to deliver them has cross-party support. The ten Broadlands Gardens homes are providing funding for the ‘Plan for Homes’ as any money made on the sale of the properties will be invested back into the pot to fund other housing in the city. Lang Town and Country are marketing the homes for the Council’s housing team.

It was a privilege to support the recent events to mark Babyloss Week in the city. I was approached by a local resident to help the organisers of the events to get Smeaton’s Tower lit up to raise awareness of such an important subject. I know there are families right across the city who have lost babies and the opportunity to mark their loss each year is an important part of the grieving process. Thanks to Luna’s Fund, The Pheobe Hoskins Trust, Pregnancy Crisis Care and Tozers Solicitors for organising.

Continuing on this theme, I was invited to take part in a roundtable meeting hosted by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Women and Work.

Groups like this allow for really constructive, cross party work on important national issues. We know that the impact of female sick days on the economy in the UK is estimated at roughly £20.2 billion.

Therefore, from an economic perspective, it makes complete sense to do all we can to ensure women are able to stay in work, regardless of any health issues they may experience. But we must also remember that each and every one of the women who experience time off work because of endometriosis, menopause, miscarriage or heavy periods (to name a few) is an individual who simply needs to be able to access the support they need and not be afraid of asking for it. I am keen to keep working on these issues both before and (hopefully) after election as your MP! Something totally different now. The replacement of bus shelters across the city has been taking place over the last few months and I know it is taking longer than many imagined.

However, I have been working with local residents to secure temporary stops where there is a time delay between an old shelter being removed and the new one being installed. On my recent

Rebecca’s Review

By Rebecca Smith Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for South West Devon and Councillor for Plymstock Radford Ward

research which they’re planning to add to our new stories portal, ‘For Evermore’.

Why not check it out for yourself ahead of Remembrance Day - www.cwgc. org/stories. Equally, if you have a young person in your life aged 12-19 who is looking for something to do, I highly recommend the Air Cadets. With Squadrons in both Plympton and Plymstock, they are open to new Cadets joining. They parade all throughout the year, come rain or shine offering a vast range of activities to enrich the young community of Plymouth. The Plymstock Squadron have asked me to share this link: www.raf.mod.uk/ aircadets/interested-in-joiningas-a-cadet/?squadronno=2339 As ever, do let me know if there is anything I can help with. You can contact me on rebecca@ rebecca-smith.org.uk and follow me on Facebook and Instagram @SWDevonRebecca.

Rebecca Smith pictured at the Broadlands Garden site

time away, I saw a number of bus stops with no shelter but a bench to sit on, so when I got back, I made enquiries to see if this is an option here, particularly if we could fund this from Community Grant. Watch this space on that one.

Finally, it was lovely to spend a couple of hours with the RAF Air Cadets from 2339 Plymstock & Mount Batten Squadron at Plymstock School. I was there to introduce the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Air Cadet research project and help the cadets prepare to research First and Second World War causalities commemorated by the Commission (my day job). I am looking forward to seeing their

Rebecca pictured with the Babyloss Awareness Week team (Photo Jay Stone)

COFFEE MORNING RAISES OVER £500 FOR MACMILLAN

A Chaddlewood couple’s recent coffee morning has raised over £500 for cancer charity Macmillan.

Ace results for Plympton Tennis Club It was a night of celebration for Plympton Tennis Club at this year’s Plymouth and District League awards evening.

They celebrated multiple successes on the court with their Ladies’ A team coming runners-up in Division 2 of the league. Members Fiona Crutchley and Nick Haley were recognised for winning the veterans mixed doubles tournament 6-1 6-1 and Fiona also celebrated taking the veterans women singles title winning her match 6-0 6-0. Congratulations were also paid to Plympton Tennis Club’s Junior A and C teams for being runners-up in Division 1 and Division 2 respectively.

(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

Held as part of the Macmillan World’s Biggest Coffee Morning, Val and Alan Street opened their doors to friends and neighbours who collectively raised a sum of £547 which is now on its way to the charity.

The money was raised via refreshment purchases, draw ticket sales and an auction, along with donations from some people who were unable to attend.

Helpers on the day included Andrew Mudge, Emily Street McAuley and Winnie Smith.

Local politicians and several former Stannators were among those who dropped in to support the event and Andrew Hill acted as auctioneer.

(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

@PlymChronicle

THE

Experience One of the defining aspects of this time of year is darkness.

The clocks going back marked the start of darker evenings and many people, myself included, find this a particular challenge.

My three year old daughter has started to say that she’s a bit afraid of the dark and when I settle her to bed and switch off the light I have to remind her that darkness is simply the absence of light. I gently encourage her that there is nothing to be afraid of, her room is exactly as it was when the light was on, she just can’t see it anymore.

That is where darkness has its power. It removes our ability to see what is around us, which can leave us feeling uncertain and uncomfortable. Sometimes even scared.

There was a recent campaign to have more lighting installed in Central Park for just this reason.

Walking through a park in the dark isn’t a problem in and of itself but there is the potential for someone or something dangerous to be in the shadows. In order for anyone to feel safe at night in such a wide public space, having light is crucial.

At the time of writing, Halloween was upon us, a festival which parades spooky

December 2023

FACING THE DARKNESS...

23

By Dave Simpson, Station Manager Cross Rhythms Plymouth

and creepy things to project evil onto things mark the changing of the and people other than seasons from a time of ourselves. light to a time of darkness.

The Holocaust was It is a time where evil is one of the darkest and caricatured by all manner undeniably evil events of costumes, decorations of the last century. and content.

I remember being As was observed this profoundly impacted by year in an article by a photo I saw on social renowned speaker J John, media some years ago the so called evil things of young Nazi staff on displayed at Halloween their lunch break at a ghosts, ghouls and wicked concentration camp. characters from horror What was so troubling movies - aren’t especially was just how normal they accurate. looked.

Dave Simpson They’re symbolic Precisely because they projections of what we were normal. They weren’t consider evil. stern faced evil looking We don’t just do this monsters but looked like with our fancy dress at Halloween, though. young men and women just like you or If you look at the news today there are all me. manner of atrocities taking place.

In his article about Halloween J John Many of these could quite easily be stated how evil isn’t accurately described described as evil. In years to come we’ll in terms of the ghoulish characters on possibly watch the movie or the TV series October 31st but instead in every person’s documenting that particular tragedy or the capacity for hatred, malice, violence, life of a particular criminal or serial killer. jealousy, manipulation, self-centeredness, We watch and point the finger at rage and all manner of other human that evil event or that evil person. We frailties.

Mercifully the vast majority of people reading this won’t have committed acts which would be easily described as evil.

However the fact remains that we have all acted in our own interests at the expense of others at times and we’ll all be able to think back to moments when we hurt people around us.

It’s a nice thought that the darkness in the world is the fault and responsibility of someone else but the truth is we all have to face our own darkness inside.

Jesus is described as the light of the world and my experience as a Christian is that, if we’ll let Him, He will bring light into our lives.

His offering of forgiveness isn’t a way to get away with doing what we want but instead an invitation to change.

To replace hate with love and darkness with light.

If we were all to take this seriously I believe the world would be a much lighter place.

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

Walkers turn out in force to support Age UK Plymouth

A group of almost 100 walkers stepped out to raise money for Age UK Plymouth, who support over 50s in the city with a vital range of subsidised services, activities and events.

The inaugural half marathon walk covered 11 miles from Coypool across Dartmoor and the South Hams, staking in Clearbrook Village Hall for refreshments, before heading back to Plymouth.

Marketing and communications manager Bryony Rawson said: ““A group of us in the Sahara Trek Team walked this trail earlier in the year as a chance to get to know each other. It occurred to us that as an opportunity to create a more accessible flagship fundraising event, the path lent itself perfectly to a Half Marathon Walk, especially with the village hall at the half way point.

“Our various fundraising challenges have been so well supported by so many people, but it’s really important for us to have an opportunity for those who wish to take part

in an event to have an option that is more accessible, and held in the community that we support.”

Tara Dale, head of fundraising added: “Our thanks go out to the organisations we worked with to make this event possible, the teams at National Trust Plymbridge Woods, Plymouth City Council and Clearbrook Village Hall.

“Our fundraisers ranged in age from 12 to walkers in their 70s. It was very moving to see people taking on this challenge side by side with their friends, colleagues, parents and grandparents. Well done to everyone who took part and thank you for your support.”

David Wood, Age UK Plymouth chief executive said: “The money donated through these fundraising activities is such an important part of what keeps charities like us going.

“Unlike grants and money for specific projects, this ‘unrestricted funding’ allows us to take action on vital work with real urgency.

Given the current social and economic

climate, for some, the stakes have never been higher.”

Plans for the 2024 Half Marathon Walk are already being drawn up and the headline

sponsorship for the event will be among items auctioned at the charity’s Fundraising Banquet which was due to take place on October 14.

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Warrior Women raise more than £30,000 to support survivors of domestic abuse

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They took on the challenge of a 10k trek across Burrator, in the second Warrior Women fundraiser. in their Warrior Women Walk.

Celebrating Trevi’s 30th anniversary made the event even more special, bringing together many local councillors and female rights supporters from across the city, walking side by side with survivors, as well as friends and families and supporters who are eager to see a world without violence against women and girls, taking in the beautiful sights of some of Devon’s most stunning scenery along the walk.

The walk allowed women to connect with friends and other amazing women, with fun activities to take part in along the route! For the second year running, the event was held in gorgeous sunshine on a clear, crisp October morning.

Trevi launched its first Warrior Women Walk last year, and to their delight, over 250 awesome women came together to walk 10k and raised over £15,000 for the charity. This

year, the number of supporters doubled, and the event was even more successful, raising over £30,000.

Last year, 1.7 million women were victims of domestic abuse in the UK, with a domestic abuse-related call being made to the police every 30 seconds. Trevi supports more than

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26 December 2023

Council calls Historian Chris Robinson is back for increase doing business on The Barbican in early years funding Plymouth historian and author Chris Robinson’s shop on the Barbican will re-open for the first time since COVID on December 1.

Growing numbers of childcare providers in Plymouth are on the cusp of financial collapse and urgently need financial support to continue providing care for local families.

Plymouth City Council Leader Tudor Evans has written to David Johnston MP, Minister for Children, Families and Wellbeing, to ask for increased financial support for the early years and childcare sector.

It followed a Motion tabled by Councillor Sally Cresswell at a Full Council meeting in September.

Councillor Evans said: “The Government is offering just a six per cent increase in funding to the childcare sector which won’t come close to easing the financial pressures that our nurseries and childminders are currently under.

“Childcare is an absolutely essential element of a thriving economy. If there is no reliable childcare available then parents and carers are unable to work.

It is a matter of absolute urgency that the Government take this seriously and commit to increasing the funding available.”

In 2022-23, the number of childminders in Plymouth decreased by 6.5 per cent and the number of private, voluntary or independent settings decreased by 2.3 per cent. The sector is currently under immense financial pressure.

Many businesses have not yet recovered from the pandemic and are now faced with the rising cost of living, growing bills and increased salary and pension costs for staff.

Additional challenges include the increasing number of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), who require higher staffing rations which means it is more expensive to care for them.

This unfortunately means that many childcare settings are not able to support children with SEND. Councillor Sally Cresswell, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Apprenticeships, said: “Missing out on early years childcare has a big impact on our children.

“It really supports the development of all young children. It is especially key for those with SEND as it means they receive help and interventions at an earlier age which is absolutely key to helping them reach their full potential later in life.

“Quality childcare is also a key to growing the Plymouth economy because parents and carers who are essential skilled workers need to have reliable childcare and nursery provision. Without that they can’t work and help the city thrive.”

The council’s Early Years Improvement Team is working closely with settings that are at risk of closure, but adequate funding is needed to help mitigate the problems they face.

The pandemic led to the closure of so many businesses locally and nationally and the opening, however, means that Chris will not be taking a stall in Plymouth’s Christmas Market in the Piazza.

Initially trading as an artist, Chris Robinson is now better known today as the city’s foremost local historian. He has written dozens of books on the Plymouth area and made a number of popular films that were turned into DVDs. His latest offering, Post Blitz Plymouth, From the Air, Then & Now is a follow on from last year’s well received Plymouth Before The War, From the Air, Then & Now, and it plots the rebuilding of the city after the aerial bombardment.

The book also captures, in juxtaposed images the development of new estates like Ernesettle, Whitleigh, Ham and Efford, and considers the impact of the bombing on areas like the Hoe, Stonehouse, Stoke, St Budeaux, Ford, Peverell, Lipson and Laira .

Chris said: “It’s amazing what you see when you match what’s there now with what was there before. Sometimes you are fully prepared for the differences between then and now, other times you’re absolutely amazed by the changes and what’s been lost or gained.

“Both of these projects would have been almost impossible to accomplish when I started, but thanks to computers, the internet and Google Earth, it’s all very do-able now! What’s more it’s given me a wonderful insight into the evolution of Plymouth over the last century or so and it’s great to be able to share that with everyone. We are very fortunate to live in a fantastic city and I’ve been very fortunate to be

Chris Robinson outside his shop

able learn more and more about it every day!’

Chris Robinson’s Plymouth Shop will be open Tuesdays to Saturdays 11am to 4.30pm from Friday December 1 to Saturday December 23.

Choirs in harmony raising funds for life-saving charity

A concert at Plymouth’s Guildhall featuring three choirs has raises thousands of pounds for BASICS Devon, the emergency responders charity.

The concert was the brainchild of Barrington Sowden, chair of The Kingsmen, a barbershop harmony club, who was attended to by BASICS Devon volunteers after an emergency at his home.

The Kingsmen Harmony Chorus were joined by Plymouth Rock Choir and Callington Community Gospel Choir for the event which was given the title of Three Choirs - One Voice Concert.

The concert raised £4,000 for BASICS Devon, who were grateful for the generosity of the audience and choirs. Among those attending were the Lord and Lady Mayoress of Plymouth and the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Devon.

The funds have provided a big boost for BASICS Devon, as it costs £5500 to support one volunteer per year with equipment and training. In 2022 the doctors attended 419 callouts, 112 of which were at night, and they arrived first on the scene at 39% of them.

Since January BASICS Devon volunteers have attended 363 callouts, 116 of which were at night, and they arrived first on the scene at 31% of them.

For more information visit www.basics-devon. org.uk

Amie Bull, fundraising manager of BASICS Devon is presented with the cheque by Barrington Sowden (right) and Ian Wooler of The Kingsmen Photos courtesy of Lisa Large.

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December 2023 23

New Royal Eye Infirmary will help reduce waiting times for patients Plymouth’s new Royal Eye Infirmary has been officially opened by a 96-year-old patient who has had a lifetime of treatment under the service of the Infirmary.

Cutting the ribbon on the day was Robert Johns, who praised staff for the treatment he had received over many decades. People with eye conditions in Devon and Cornwall and the surrounding areas can now access the brandnew state-of-the-art facility.

The Royal Eye Infirmary has moved from Derriford Hospital to Alpha Way, off William Prance Road, and includes theatres, an increased number of treatment rooms and an expanded area for children.

Ann James, chief executive at UHP said: “Many of our patients will remember the move in 2013 from Mutley to Derriford and, as we are preparing for the future hospital with major development and investment in our estate, this is a key milestone in opening improved high-quality services for our community.

Patient Robert Johns cuts the tape to open the new Royal Eye Infirmary assisted by Ann James, chief executive at UHP

The Royal Eye Infirmary team pictured in front of the new building in Alpha Way, Derriford

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Police, Fire, Ambulance or Coastguard 999 or 112 Police general enquiries 101 Derriford Hospital 01752 202082 NHS 111 Electricity, Western Power Distribution 0800 678 3105 Gas, Wales & West Utilities 0800 111999 Water, South West Water 0344 3462020 Environment Agency (Emergency) 0800 807060 RSPCA 0300 1234 999

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“We’re so proud of all the teams who, as always, have worked so hard to make this new facility a reality; from the building project itself, to the fit out of all of the equipment and theatres, to staffing. I know our teams are looking forward to working here, and I’m sure patients will be impressed.”

Lizzie Padgett, head orthoptist, explained how the move is good news for patients: “We can now expand our REI team, which will allow us to treat more patients in a new purpose-built eye hospital, which has more clinical space.

This should see a reduction in waiting times for those accessing REI services.

“Here in the Southwest, we serve an

aging population which means that eye care and eye issues continue to increase, with more people experiencing conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.”

The new building includes a third operating theatre dedicated to sub-specialisms, such as oculoplastic, orbital and corneal surgeries.

As a specialism, Ophthalmology (Eye Services) has a lower reliance on an acute hospital site, making it a suitable candidate for a move away from the Derriford Hospital site.

However, Paediatric surgery and specialist ROP (Retinopathy of Prematurity) treatment will remain on site at Derriford.

City celebrates social enterprise Ten years ago Plymouth became the UK’s first Social Enterprise City.

USEFUL NUMBERS

the visionary founder of the Social Enterprise Places movement, which also celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.

More information about the festival can be found at www.plymsocent.org.uk Another organisation celebrating its 10th anniversary is Plymouth Octopus Project, better known as POP. For the last decade the charity has been supporting citizen and community action across the city from tiny grassroots projects to networks in geographic neighbourhoods.

Chief executive Matt Bell said: “In the last few years, we’ve seen much greater recognition of the importance of the work – and power – of communities. And now, what’s

There are now around 250 social enterprises and cooperative businesses in the city working across a wide range of sectors including education, health, arts, environment, food, finance, housing, business support, sport, social care and more.

Collectively these businesses employ around 9,500 people and bring in an income of over £700 million.

To celebrate the incredible contribution of social enterprises to the city, activity has been taking place throughout the year and will culminate in the Social Enterprise Festival in November, which is launched on November 8 and continues until November 17.

Peggy Melmouth and Emma Sprawson of The Mindful The activity is being Art Club, one of the projects supported by POP spearheaded by the Plymouth Social Enterprise Network (PSEN) who were instrumental in leading the bid to get the city Social Enterprise Place status.

The launch will take place at 3pm at the Sherwell Centre on the Plymouth University campus and will include an interactive exhibition showcasing the PSEN Network and members.

Keynote speakers at the launch include Clive Hirst,

really exciting, is the genuine change we’re seeing in the way citizens, businesses and public services are willing to work together, and learn from each other, to find a better way forward for all of us.”

Three years ago, POP took the radical step of becoming a funder: providing money for local people to run local projects.

Since then, it has invested more than £600,000 in over four hundred projects of all shapes and sizes across the city with. significantly, the majority operating at a ‘grassroots’ level.

Projects, such as, the Tree Project in Keyham which uses yoga and mindfulness to support children and young people’s health and wellbeing; the Mindful Art Club which, through art, helps people to manage stress and anxiety and Red Velvet Cinema which provides entertainment and companionship for older people.

Between November 6 and 10 there will be opportunities to experience the talents and hear the stories of other local grassroots groups and community organisations at venues around Stonehouse.

For more information visit support.plymouthoctopus. org/agm-2023

Age UK Plymouth 01752 256020 Adoption UK 0844 848 7900 Al-Anon Family Groups 020 7403 088 Alcoholics Anonymous 0800 917 7650 Carers UK 020 7378 4999 Childline 0800 1111 Christians Against Poverty (Debt Advice) 0800 328 0006 Citizens Advice 0300 3309 043 Cruse Bereavement Care 0870 1671677 Devon & Cornwall Food Action 01752 651800 Disability & Information Advice Line 01302 310123 Drug Addicts Anonymous: Helpline 07818260811 Jan Cutting Healthy Living Centre 01752 203670 Money Advice Plymouth (Debt Advice) 01752 208126 NSPCC Child Protection Helpline 0808 8005000 National Missing Persons Helpline 0500 700700 National Christian Helpline 0300 111 0101 NHS Direct 0845 4647 National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000247 Osteoporosis Support Group 075958 500314 Overeaters Anonymous 07000 784 985 Parentline Plus 0808 8002222 Relateline 0845 1304010 Samaritans 116 123 Talk to Frank 0800 776600 Shelterline 0808 8004444 Stop Hate Crime 24/7 Helpline 0800 138 1625 Stroke Helpline 0303 3033 100 West Country Landlords Assn 01752 242980

Travel

RAC Green Flag Rail Travel, national enquiries Plymouth Citybus National Express Coaches Brittany Ferries Cremyll Ferry Torpoint Ferry Tourist Information Passport Office, National Helpline

08000 828282 0800 400600 08457 484950 01752 662271 08717 818181 08705 360360 01752 822105 01752 812233 01752 266030 0870 5210410

Entertainment Theatre Royal Barbican Theatre Devonport Playhouse Plymouth Pavilions Plymouth Pavilions Ticket Store Cineworld Vue Cinema Tourist Information National Trust Saltram The Box Plymouth Arts Centre

Leisure

01752 267222 01752 267131 01752 606507 01752 936363 03337 727727 03303 33444 0345 308 4620 01752 306330 01752 333500 01752 304774 01752 206114

Plymouth Life Centre 01752 606900 Brickfields Recreation Ground 01752 563320 Manadon Football Dev’ment Centre 01752 201918 Plympton Swimming Pool 0870 300 0020 Plymouth Pavilions 0845 146 1460 Megabowl, Coxside 0871 5501010 Tourist Information 01752 306330 The Beckly Centre, Plymstock 01752 484433 The Met Office Weathercall

Weather

0370 9000100 0870 6004242

If you think your organisation would benefit from being listed in our Useful Numbers guide please e-mail your details to info@cornerstonevision.com or write to: Plymouth Chronicle, 28 Old Park Road, Peverell, Plymouth Tel 01752 225623 Please note that whilst the Publishers have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of telephone numbers in this Directory, and dates in the What’s On section, no responsibility can be accepted for any errors.

@PlymChronicle

28 December 2023

to Major music festival on The Hoe next year Advertise over An epic four day music festival called Summer Sessions is coming to Plymouth next year.

“Summer Sessions has been on the forefront of live music in Scotland for over ten years - it’s a brand and event much loved by artists and music fans alike” added Peter Taylor, co-founder, Cuffe and Taylor.

A deal been agreed with events company Live Nation to bring the best of “The Hoe in Plymouth already boasts a rich cultural history, and we’re rock and pop and big names to The Hoe – and if popular will become a regular thrilled to contribute a weekend of world-class live entertainment to the fixture in Britain’s Ocean City’s cracking events calendar. stunning location. This marks just the The company have been successfully beginning of our announcements for our running the Lytham Festival for 10 years A previous music festival on The Hoe first summer in Plymouth, so stay tuned which attracts 20,000 a day to see the Photo: One Plymouth for more updates, and we look forward to likes of Jamiroquai, Sting, Lionel Richie, welcoming you in 2024.”

George Ezra, Blondie, the Kaiser Chiefs, Due to the challenging nature of the Def Leppard and Kim Wilde.

Hoe as an event site, an investment of Now Live Nation is keen to invest in a around £1.2 million is needed to stage long-term strategy to grow an event in a large live music event. A procurement partnership with the council. The deal exercise was carried out in 2019 to find an involves a commercial agreement for independent promoter to shoulder this up to four consecutive concert days in financial risk but no suitable candidates 2024 with a ticketed capacity of 15,000 to tendered.

20,000 per day. If all goes well in the first The first 1 Big Summer was planned year, there’s an opportunity to extend the for 2021 after an independent promotor agreement for up to five years and again approached the council, but this was for up to 10 years. postponed in 2021 due to COVID challenges and held in 2022. The second Under the conditions of the deal Live Nation would be responsible for event was planned for 2023 but cancelled by the promoter due to rising costs, the entire set up and organisation of the event with the council events team coupled with a lack of early ticket sales. offering assistance, access as well as use of Plymouth Hoe. To develop an annual live music event on the Hoe, stable investment over Council Leader Tudor Evans said: “This is a brilliant deal for Plymouth, for a period of years is required. The promoter needs to have enough financial music fans and for the tourist industry who will all benefit from people staying backing to make a loss in the early years while the event is establishes itself. in hotels, drinking at bars and eating out.

The council has liaised with Plymouth Culture and local live music “MTV Crashes showed that Plymouth has the wow the factor when it comes promoters, but none had the required investment or funding available to to events. It was amazing for our profile and brought in £10 million into the develop an event of this scale. Live Nation Entertainment is the world’s local economy. The Hoe is known around the world, it has stunning views out leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: to sea, to the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park. I can’t think of a better Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, LN Media and Artist Nation Management. setting for a music event.

The agreement will not require the council to make any financial investment “The last few years have been extremely difficult for live music. Costs have or take any financial risk. In fact the event could generate an income for massively escalated and risks are high. We have been looking for some time the council from the second year, helping to fund the British Fireworks at bringing something special to the Hoe and we think this is it. I can’t wait Championships and Armed Forces Day, keeping these events free for the to find out what the line-up will be and am told we only have a few weeks to public. wait!

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