Plymouth Chronicle Central & Waterfront April 2018

Chronicle Plymouth

April 2018

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London woman says thank you to Plymouth nurses who saved her life

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ALSO INSIDE: • Out and About • Community Directory • Dial the Experts

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City all set for 2018 Armed Forces Day

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The changing face of Plymouth City Plymouth’s plans to transform the heart of the city centre will get a £13 million boost to crack on with the exciting project to create Better Places.

Exciting concepts were unveiled at an exhibition in March to give residents, shoppers and businesses the chance to see some of the changes being put forward to revitalise the city’s heart.

Now Council Leader Ian Bowyer has signed a decision authorising £13.633 million from the Council’s capital programme to enable the first phases of work to get off the ground.

The Better Places programme has been developed to address underinvestment in city centre streets and spaces to transform the look and feel of the city centre.

This investment will be used to lever in other investment in the form of grants and private sector investment in buildings as well as open opportunity for new uses.

Councillor Bowyer said: “Plymouth’s city centre is unique. It was laid out after the war when shopping habits were completely different.

“The design team have looked at the original vision and drawn up some great ideas that will encourage people to spend more time in the city centre, whether that is shopping or enjoying a meal or an event.”

The funding will support detailed design and construction costs for sections that are expected to be carried out in the first phases.

They are: Old Town Street and New George Street East: Working in close collaboration with British Land, who are currently building the Drake Circus Leisure Complex at Bretonside, the proposed investment will see the public space at this end of town revitalised to help unlock investment from British Land and reinvigorate retail position of the city centre.

Armada Way: A major civic space connecting planned investment in the north, east, west and south of the city centre and to the waterfront. A vision has been developed for the route but the work will be carried out in phases, with the area between the Guildhall and the Civic Centre to be targeted first.

West End: Working closely with West End traders the emerging designs have tried to address issues with the existing public space, provide more on-street parking spaces and enable redevelopment of Colin Campbell Court. Further work and engagement is required to take plans forward.

Tavistock Place, The Box: This location will form the entrance to the Box and be turned into an exciting events space as well as a connection to the city centre.

The project aims to promote confidence in Plymouth by improving the attractiveness

An artist’s impression of Old Town Square

How New George Street might look after dark and usability of the city’s street and spaces for residents and visitors. It will also look at removing clutter and obstacles to movement.

Ideas for the Old Town Street area, for instance, could include space for on-street retail, an improved identity making the area a more attractive place to shop, live and work, more attractive places to stop, new ‘portal’ structures and new tree planting.

WHERE YOU CAN SEE THE PLANS The exhibition will be out and about over the next few weeks at the following locations: Co-op Plympton Ridgeway April 4 and 5, 10am to 5pm Drake Circus Shopping Centre April 6 and 7, 9am to 5pm Plymouth City Market April 9 and 10, 10am to 5pm Asda Estover April 13, 10am to 5pm

Plymouth Rail Station April 16 and 17, 8am to 12 noon and 3pm to 6pm Sainsbury’s Marsh Mills April 19 and 20, 10am to 5pm Plymouth University, Roland Levinsky Building April 23, 9am to 5pm Plymstock Library April 25 and 26, 10am to 5pm

Council leader Ian Bowyer pictured with Robert Aspland, board member of LDA and project lead

April 2018

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3

Centre as £13 million plan is unveiled Gateway to New George Street

..and the steel frames are going up at Bretonside Leader of Plymouth City Council, Ian Bowyer got a tour of the £53 million Drake Circus Leisure Development to look at the first phase of structural steel work in place.

The new leisure scheme is set to transform, the former coach station site in the city and become a key gateway entrance to Plymouth City centre.

Construction work started in November 2017 and is being carried out by McLaren.

The development, which is set to open in Autumn 2019, will be 100,000 sq.ft and comprise a 12 screen Cineworld cinema, 15 restaurants and bars, including a Sky bar above the cinema to capture stunning views of the city and its coastline and 420 car park spaces. This will create a new destination for dining and entertainment in Plymouth for both locals and visitors to enjoy. It will complement British Land’s Drake Circus centre which includes shops from Apple, Superdry, M&S and Primark.

The new cinema will incorporate state of the art audio and visual technology with screens ranging in size from an 80 seat to a giant 450 seat IMAX auditoria.

David Pollock, development director for British Land, said: “This is a great moment to celebrate the on-going transformation of this pivotal part of the city centre. Our shopping centre introduced a number of brands to Plymouth and we look forward to replicating this success with exciting restaurants and bars. Plymouth City Council continue to be a proactive partner and we look forward to continuing to work with them during the delivery phase.”

Councillor Bowyer added: “We’ve all been watching with huge interest the progress

From left to right: Dave Pollock from British Land, Council leader Ian Bowyer, Jon Athan Dean from Rowney Sharman and David Draffan, assistant director for Economic Development

of this scheme right here in the heart of Plymouth. It’s going to transform this part of the city centre, create a modern and welcoming approach as well as a great destination for people to watch a film, eat and enjoy everything Plymouth has to offer.

“The contractors have been working incredibly hard to get this site to the stage where the steel structure can now begin to take shape. I’d also like to thank the bus companies for working with us to help keep passengers coming in and for the businesses

around the site and beyond for being patient while this project gets built.”

The scheme will create 350 permanent jobs, a large number of temporary construction jobs and will be a great benefit to the city’s night time economy.

4 April 2018

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

highlight of the Plymouth History Festival. See the Fort’s armament in action, as well as plenty of gunfire from rifles, field guns and cannons.

Spring Fete Apr 7 All Nations Baptist Church, Catherine Street, Plymouth from 10am to 3pm. Wheelchair and family friendly.

Green Man Festival May 26 and 27 Mount Edgcumbe House & Country Park The Green Man is back for its fifth year, bringing the rebirth of the natural world with him. Created by artists and volunteers, this massive figure will preside over a joyous two day event celebrated by the bands Black Friday and Harbottle and Jonas. This free family festival includes such wonders as medieval knights in shining armour, archery for all, a celebration of British wildlife, circus acts, hog roasts, the ArrowBarrows, Lodestone Morris and a mixture of food and craft stalls. There may even be a Viking attack or two…

Spring Fayre Apr 7 Pennycross Methodist Church hall in Beauchamp Road from 11am to 1pm. The Friendship Group are raising funds for the local branch of the Parkinson society and church funds. There will be various stalls and light refreshment. All are welcome.

Plymouth Railway Circle Apr 9 Steven Andrews: ‘Maybachs in the West /Tribute to the Warships’. Steven pays tribute to the Maybach diesel engines (featuring D1015 on the main line, Bristol - Penzance) and Warship class with this digital photo and DVD presentation of the locomotives at work in the post-preservation era. All Plymouth Railway Circle Meetings are held at: St Edward’s Church Hall, Home Park Avenue, Peverell. Start 7.30pm admission charge £1 (members), £2 (visitors). Visitors are very welcome.

Plymouth Global Book Club Apr 11 Join in the discussion on The Good Immigrant, edited by Nikesh Shulka, a provocative and thoughtprovoking collection of essays by 20 people of colour who write about their experiences of growing up and living in Britain. Free event open to all. Room 417, Babbage Building Plymouth University 7pm to 8.30pm.

Evolution!

Apr 12 An event showcasing the city’s employment, volunteering and apprenticeship opportunities for young people aged up to 30, across all sectors. It is hosted by the Prince’s Trust, Pluss and Street Factory at 2 Sawrey Street, Plymouth, between 6pm and 8pm.

There will be more than 30 organisations present with live vacancies and interactive stands, plus there’ll be live music, dance, food, activities and a bungee run.

Brunel Quilters Exhibition Apr 14 Saltash Wesley Methodist Church, Callington Road, Saltash PL12 6LA. Open 10am till 4pm. Admission £1.

Quilt display, sales table, refreshments, machine and hand-sewing demonstrations. Visiting trader painters of Liskeard. Supported charity Cornwall Air Ambulance. Contact Anne 01752 849461.

Plymouth Area Police Choir Apr 14 St Johns Church, Totnes. Joint concert with The Brixham Orpheus Choir. In aid of church funds.

Brent Singers Apr 22 Buckfast Abbey, 7.30pm. Performing Mozart’s Requiem, Ave Verum Corpus and Laudate Dominum. Tickets £10 from www.buckfast.org.uk/boxoffice

Plymouth Railway Circle

Apr 23 Michael Beale: ‘The John Woods S&D Collection.’ A selection from the Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust’s archive of superb colour slides of the line taken by the late John Woods between 1958 and 1967. [Digitally projected]. All Plymouth Railway Circle Meetings are held at: St Edward’s Church Hall, Home Park Avenue, Peverell. Start 7.30pm admission charge £1 (members), £2 (visitors). Visitors are very welcome.

Plymouth Green Book Club Apr 26 Come along and discuss Owl Sense with the author Miriam Darlington. Free event open to all. Room 404, Babbage Building, Plymouth University 6.30pm to 8pm Plymouth Area Police Choir Apr 27 St Eustachius Church, Tavistock. To commemorate their 700th anniversary and in aid of church funds.

Not to be missed Man Engine Resurrection Tour April 3 Tavistock Back in summer 2016, a remarkable phenomenon captured hearts and souls across Cornwall. The largest mechanical puppet ever constructed in Britain steamed the length of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site, unearthing a deep lode of passion and pride. Now, the big boy is back! The Man Engine is set to re-appear in Tavistock before driving up north into Somerset, South Wales and the North of England.

Bubbles & Gin Festival April 14 Plymouth Guildhall Love Prosecco and gin? Join Miss Ivy Events for the ultimate festival of Prosecco, Cava, champagne, cider, sparkling wines, cocktails and all things gin! Expect quality hand-picked suppliers to offer advice and samples, mixologists showing you how to make your favourite cocktails, a bar with over 30 different types of Prosecco, gin, fizz and cocktails, a selection of woodfired pizzas and antipasti platters, as well as delicious cakes and vegetarian options. There will also be a section of music and singers from jazz to more lively bands to have you dancing!

Easter Fair and Dog Show April 21 Gables Farm Dogs & Cats Home Offering hot and cold refreshments, a raffle and tombola, the Easter Fair and Dog Show will provide fun for the whole family, furry friends included! More details to come on the dog show so keep an eye on the Gables Farm Facebook for any updates.

Saltash May Fair May 5 Saltash In 2016, the new committee took the May Fair back to the town and back to its community roots. After two years, with overwhelming positive feedback from residents, businesses, exhibitors and the wider community, it’s back in 2018! With a huge number of local charity and community The Tale of Cockatrice with Mumble May 12 Soapbox Children’s Theatre. 1.30pm and 6pm. Deep in the vaults of an ancient priory, a hideous creature awakens... The Tale of the Cockatrice is based on a legend from British folklore. Combining myth and history, two muddle-headed storytellers use puppetry, object theatre and live original music to conjure up a sophisticated piece of family theatre for all ages.

Story Stomps May 14 & 25 Soapbox Children’s Theatre. 11am to 12.30pm. Come along for an adventure and walk around Devonport, collecting nature on the way. Then it’s back to The Soapbox Children’s Theatre for a craft session followed by story telling. Every session is different and whatever the weather, there’s lots of fun to be had!

organisations, with lots of Cornish refreshments, and a entertainment for young and old alike, this year’s May Fair looks to be a day of non-stop fun!

Plymouth History Festival May 5 to June 3 Throughout Plymouth Back for its sixth year, Plymouth History Festival is an annual celebration of Plymouth’s history and heritage, and takes place across the city in a range of venues and locations. Each year, the programme features around 100 different events including exhibitions and displays, guided walks and tours, talks, family activities and special events. This year will be exploring the themes of ‘War’, ‘Enlightenment’ and ‘Health’, marking important anniversaries linked to the Institution of Civil Engineers, the NHS and the RAF. Doggy Day Out in the Park May 12 Mount Edgcumbe House & Country Park A Doggy Day Out in the Park promises a pawsome day out for dog owners. To give you a taster of what the Doggy Day Out has in store, there’ll be a pet shopping village, doggy tea party and a pet photo booth, as well as doggy agility displays with the chance for your dog to be involved. If your pup hasn’t quite got the hang of who’s in charge yet, there will be obedience training workshops with Q&As to give them a few pointers. There will also be the chance to show off what tricks your pet can do in the ‘Pets Got Talent’ competition.

Britain’s Ocean City Half Marathon May 20 Plymouth Hoe In partnership with Plymouth City Council, Britain’s Ocean City Half Marathon is a challenging, yet scenic 13.1 mile course taking in Plymouth’s famous landmarks.

Entries close on April 29 so don’t forget to sign up today.

Firepower Day May 25 Crownhill Fort Now in its fourth year, Firepower Day is an established Dino-saw May 16 - 26 Soapbox Children’s Theatre. 11am and 1.30pm. Join Dino on an adventure to explore the world around her, featuring giant and peculiar plants and some of her favourite big beasties. This is a story to stimulate and develop imagination and encourage discovery of the world around us.

Spring Fayre May 26 Meadowside and St Francis Care Centre. 2pm to 4pm.

With a bouncy castle, musical entertainment, children’s games, stalls, a raffle, glitter tattoos, a BBQ and refreshments, there’s something for all the family.

‘Rustle’ with Paddleboat Theatre Company June 16 Soapbox Children’s Theatre. 2pm. Paddleboat Theatre Company invites you to help set up camp so that they

Boringdon Gin Festival May 27 Boringdon Hall Hotel Join in the fun at Boringdon Hall Hotel for the annual Gin Festival on the Boringdon Hall Lawn and enjoy the finest gin accompanied by food stands, live music and outdoor activities and games including lawn chess, croquet, archery and air rifles. 2017 saw gin stands to include Tarquins Gin, Pinkster Gin, Beefeater Gin, Plymouth Gin, and many more, and 2018 won’t disappoint. Foodies can enjoy a range of dishes on offer such as traditional paella, locally sourced Devonshire burgers, hot dogs, potted Cornish crab and smoked mackerel, vegetarian dishes and a crepe stand.

Summer Garden Fete May 28 Kitley House Hotel With beautiful Dartmoor as the stunning backdrop, the fete will provide a fabulous day out for all the family whatever the weather! More than 40 exhibitors will be setting up stalls in the hotel’s Crystal Room and outside in the gardens, bringing you an exciting range of vintage and artisan products - everything from handmade jewellery and soaps to home and garden, woodwork and the most beautiful and unique gifts. There will be workshops throughout the day as well as entertainment provided for all the family, from the kids to the family pooch with live music entertainment, kids activities and even a charity dog show.

Flavour Fest June 1 to June 3 Plymouth City Centre The South Wests largest food and drink festival returns for its fifteenth year, promising another festival feast of delectable delights. Thousands of foodies will descend on the City Centre where they will be able to sample foods from over 100 stalls, a cookery stage, continental market, street food section, a Fun Kitchen for the kids and even the chance to meet some celebrity chefs.

Burrator 10k, 2K and 1K June 3 Burrator Reservoir The Burrator 10k is a fast, flat route that is almost all on tarmac. Perfect for a personal best, whether you’re a top runner or a fun runner, as well as being ideal for beginners. Entry includes free professional event photos, closed roads, professional chip timing, distance markers, drinks stations, secure baggage drops, finishers medals, bottled water, category prizes and spot prizes.

Kids races are also available, but capacity is strictly limited so early booking is advised!

can tell you the greatest campfire story ever told: where sleeping bags evolve into monsters, rucksacks become friends and torches highlight the forest’s closest secrets. Join in for an interactive family adventure jampacked with puppets, songs and outdoor surprises.

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Listen to the noises that come out of the horn, can you guess from where they were born? The sound collectors are listening and gathering up a cacophony of sounds to put into the sound machine. Fun, visual and interactive, this piece of theatre will be a joy to all the senses.

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Councillor Patrick Nicholson pictured with youngsters from Montpelier Primary School

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Recycling rates up after introduction of fortnightly collections Recycling rates have improved in Plymouth since the introduction of fortnightly collections, according to the City Council.

Alternate weekly bin collections were introduced in May 2017 and initially led to a number of customer service issues.

Figures published in May showed that recycling rates rose to 38.6 per cent in the first quarter of 2017/18 compared to 36.5 per cent in the first quarter of the previous year.

The statistics showed that reuse or refurbishment of household items has also increased and composting was also higher than the previous year.

Leader of Plymouth City Council, Councillor Ian Bowyer, said: “The figures are encouraging; we know this has been a challenge for the city and there is more to be done. We continue to strive to improve the service we offer our residents and ask for your continued support.”

Councillor Mike Leaves, Cabinet Member for Street Scene and the Environment, said: “As part of the Plymouth Plan, we want to achieve a 50 per cent recycling rate for Plymouth by 2034 so we are definitely moving in the right direction it is great to see that more of our residents are recycling, re-using and composting, but we can still do more.”

Find out what can be recycled at www.plymouth.gov.uk/binsrecyclingandwaste/ whatgoeseachbin

City Council bids for Channel 4 hub

Plymouth City Council is bidding for the city to become of Channel 4’s three new hubs once it relocates part of its operation outside London.

The council has written to Channel 4 chief executive Alex Mahon stating its intent to bid to become a new hub.

The publicly-owned broadcaster last week announced that as part of their drive to increase the regional impact of their network, they would be moving 300 staff out of offices in London to a brand new ‘national headquarters’, with further staff to move to two newly creative hubs, also to be located in cities outside of London.

The city which is chosen to host the national headquarters will benefit from an immediate influx of 300 new jobs, but will also benefit from the many hundreds of jobs and accompanying investment that will support Channel 4.

Plymouth City Council has been working behind the scenes on a bid to bring Channel 4 to the city for some time, having responded to a formal Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport consultation on Channel 4 last July.

It is expected that the formal invitation from Channel 4 to cities to bid will be issued in April with a decision made by September this year.

Make sure you’re registered to vote If you want to vote in the local elections on Thursday 3 May and aren’t already on the electoral register you have just four weeks left to sign up.

The deadline for registering is midnight on April 17.

Register at www.gov.uk/registertovote and if you’ve moved or changed your name you can update your details too. If you need help registering call 304866.

For more information about the election and registering to vote visit www.plymouth. gov.uk/votingandelections and www.gov.uk/yourvotematters.

Poetry in motion in Central Park Children from a local school are adding some unique magic to one of Central Park’s exciting new assets.

The enchanting toddler area, which is being built as part of the improvements to the play park, will feature logs with words and poetry devised by pupils from Montpelier Primary School.

Over the next few weeks, the children will work with the council’s Natural Infrastructure team to create some lovely lines which reflect the park’s theme of Birds, Bugs, and Butterflies.

Councillor Patrick Nicholson, deputy leader and cabinet member for strategic transport, housing and planning, said: “Central Park was originally left to the people of Plymouth for their enjoyment so it is absolutely wonderful to see a new generation of young people being actively involved in developing it for the future. This is such a lovely project and I can’t wait to see and hear what the children come up with over the next few weeks.”

Having been introduced to the concept with an assembly last week, the children from Montpelier visited the site on Thursday

to see for themselves where the park will be located and to gain some inspiration from the surroundings. They also got a sneak peak at the designs for the wider park.

The children will then benefit from a workshop exploring nature poetry and literacy and create the text for the logs with the Plymouth Outdoor Learning and Education Network team.

The new play area is part of the ongoing Central Park Improvement Plan. The theme of bugs, birds and butterflies came out of consultation during the summer where

Ford Park exhibition opens Ford Park Cemetery's first exhibition of 2018 'Plymouth 1917-1918' which includes a history of the RAF opens to the public on March 31 and continues until May 17.

The exhibition is open for viewing on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10.30am to 3.30pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 12 noon to 3.30pm with refreshments available.

April 1 1918 saw the formation of the RAF and an associated walk around the cemetery, led by Rod Pickles takes place on Easter Sunday meeting at the Visitor Centre at 2pm.

The heritage team will lead a guided walk in conjunction with the exhibition on April 8, again

meeting at the visitor centre at 2pm.

The popular Dawn Chorus Walk takes place on April 28, this year led by Liz Harris. Liz will lead walkers around the cemetery listening to and hopefully seeing the resident and visiting bird life.

The walk gets under way at 5am, once again meeting at the Visitor Centre. The walks are free of charge (donations always welcome).

Dr Ian Hodgins will be giving a talk entitled 'Prostitution in Victorian Plymouth' on May 9 in the Victorian Chapel, starting at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £3 and can be purchased in advance from the Cemetery Office or by calling 01752 665442 (weekdays only 10am to 3pm).

people were keen to see the nature of the park reflected in the design.

There will be a large fenced area which includes enchanting toddler play such as sand and water and mini-tree houses and equipment for all abilities such as multiperson swings, a roundabout, water pumps and trays, and a huge sandpit surrounded by decking.

The adventure play will be open with a more dramatic feel and will include a huge climbing/sliding structure, trampolines, hammocks, a low ropes course, and double zip wire.

Some of the existing larger equipment, including the space net and existing water play feature, will remain and it will be upgraded and resurfaced.

Other good quality equipment is being removed and will be reused to improve other play areas in the city.

More information on the Central Park Improvements project can be found at www.plymouth.gov.uk/ parksnatureandgreenspaces/findpark/ centralpark/centralparkimprovements

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Free parking on the plain Plymouth City Council is set to bring free car parking to Mutley Plain.

Shoppers using the Mutley Barracks car park, situated at the northern end of Mutley Plain, will be able to park for free for one hour from the end of April.

Councillor Steve Ricketts, Cabinet member for Transport and Housing Delivery, said: “This policy makes absolute sense for all concerned.

“It makes Mutley Plain far more accessible for shoppers and that in turn is good for the thriving range of local, independent businesses that run all the way down into Hyde Park Road.

“It will also benefit residents in the nearby streets who will hopefully find more available spaces outside their homes.”

Users of the car park will need to obtain a ticket by entering the registration number of their vehicle. A charge will be still applicable to those staying longer than one hour.

Mutley Plain’s other car park, the multistory at Napier Street, is currently under private management but will return to the council later this year. A similar parking policy is also being considered for this site.

The Council is now running a short consultation on the plans, with residents able to submit their views to plymouth.highways@ plymouth.gov.uk until 3 April.

Mutley Greenbank Trust AGM announced

The annual meeting of the Mutley Greenbank Trust will take place on May 9 in The Lounge at Mutley Baptist Church, starting at 7pm.

There will be reports on Greenbank Neighbourhood Centre, Freedom Park/ Greenbank and Mount Gould Youth and Moor View Park developments. Light refreshments will be provided. For more information contact Aubrey Curtis on 07766657101.

Newcomers take trophy Over one hundred children took part in the 6th Plymouth Schools’ Choir Competition - and the ‘Lovely Jubbly’ group became the initial choir to come from a church. This was the first time it had been open to such groups.

In the event High View School (this was the first time they had entered) won a trophy in the “Choir” section (based on the Gareth Malone TV series), and the Cathedral School of St Mary won the trophy for the Songs of Praise (BBC) section.

The four judges had a difficult time separating out the winners from the runners’ up in each of the two. So Hyde Park and the Lovely Jubbly group (from St Budeaux Methodist Church) in Section 1, and Compton Church of England school in Section 2, narrowly missed out on the trophies! Nevertheless every participant received a certificate and book to acknowledge their hard work in being part of the competition.

Local broadcaster Dave Simpson made an able chairman for the evening at Mutley Baptist Church. He mentioned about his work on Cross Rhythms radio station which is on 96.3 FM, and is especially geared towards young people.

Dave and Margaret Bennett of Mutley Baptist Church carried out all the technical work, and the lovely presentation books were mainly made available through Christian Resources Project which operates from Lipson.

Organiser Terry Higgins said: “The sound of all the groups together in the first and last songs was full of joy. Leaders of the choirs deserved special congratulations for their work in bringing such a high standard to the evening - which was enjoyed by parents and friends. Mutley Baptist Church was virtually full! Other helpers made sure the children had a drink after all their singing!

Local schools and choirs who would like to participate next March are welcome to make contact on 01752 262 600.

8 April 2018 Sarah Jones of Mayer Estate Agents

@PlymChronicle

Bringing empty homes back into use

Plymouth City Council is celebrating the success of its ongoing empty homes work as four more properties, which between them had been empty for more than 33 years, become available again.

In November the council reported that three derelict homes were being sold at auction. Four months have passed since the auction at Shobrook & Co, and all three homes are about to become reoccupied following extensive renovation projects. Prior to the auction, the council had started compulsory purchase and empty dwelling management orders against two properties in Efford Road and Fullerton Road, both of which had been empty for 15 years.

Both owners agreed to sell the properties at auction following enforcement pressure from the council. The three bedroom house in Efford Road has now been renovated, and the four bedroom house in Fullerton Road, also empty for 15 years, is due to complete in April.

The property in Efford Road was purchased privately by Sarah Jones, of Mayer Estate Agents, who enlisted the help of Mike Norton with its refurbishment.

Mike worked to a high spec with a new kitchen, bathroom and a contemporary cool grey and white colour scheme throughout. Small Mike Norton finishing touches such as classy lighting ensured that the building sold on its first day though Mayer’s.

In addition, a large five bedroom Victorian property in Salisbury Road – which had been empty for eighteen months – sold at auction and is about to be placed on the market for sale having been renovated as a family home.

The former owners of these properties all benefitted by bringing these properties back into use with all three accepting offers above the asking price.

Efford Road property

A fourth property, Hoe Gardens, has also been renovated with £15,000 of help from the Council’s Financial Assistance Scheme.

The council is working with landlords with the aim of bringing 375 long term empty properties back into use by 2021.

The council launched its #EmptyHomesPlym campaign in October with the aims of encouraging empty home owners in the city to come forward and take advantage of the Empty Homes Financial Assistance Scheme and other support the council can offer. Under the scheme, long term empty home owners can apply for up to £50,000 per property in loans and grants to help bring their property back into use.

In the four months since the campaign launched: 19 empty properties have been brought back into use (compared to just eight in the four months prior to the campaign launch).

This brings the total empty properties brought back into use in the past 12 months to 59.

The first property to receive the Financial Assistance Scheme is in Townsend Avenue and is complete and now occupied.

Six properties that received financial assistance are undergoing renovation, and the council has received five planning applications proposing the conversion of five empty properties into 36 new homes.

More information is at www.plymouth.gov. uk/emptyhomes

April 2018

@PlymChronicle

Exciting plans for this year’s Plymouth Armed Forces Day have been revealed at the official launch on Plymouth Hoe. The annual celebration of Plymouth’s proud military history will be held on the Hoe on Saturday June 30 and as 2018 marks the 100th anniversary of the Royal Air Force, the event will include special commemorations for the force.

Representatives from all the forces, cadets and Plymouth Military Kids Club Heroes gathered on Plymouth Hoe as part of the launch.

The Armed Forces Day flag was presented to the Lord Mayor, Councillor Wendy Foster,

by Wing Commander Alex Mason, Station Commander at RAF St Mawgan, who said: “In the Royal Air Force’s 100th year, we are once again proud to offer our support to Plymouth’s Armed Forces Day. Whilst we commemorate the sacrifices of RAF personnel over the last 100 years, we can also celebrate our strong links with the community, now enshrined in the Armed Forces Covenant.

“I hope that today’s launch and the exciting plans for June 30 will inspire young people to realise their own potential and be a part of the next 100 years of Royal Air Force history.”

More details have been added to the Armed Forces Day line-up, which will see audiences wowed by air displays, parades, live music and the day-long arena and stage programmes.

Royal Marines from 30 Commando Stonehouse will be demonstrating their unarmed combat display and the popular field gun competitions will be returning, featuring three teams from the tri-services all competing for the Babcock Cup. Will Erith, programme performance director at Babcock Devonport, said: “Babcock is proud to be working in association with Plymouth City Council again this year to support Armed Forces Day. It is important to acknowledge the vital role that the armed forces play in this country and we are looking forward to taking part in June’s event.”

Councillor Glenn Jordan, Cabinet Member for Culture, said: “We’re delighted to be delivering another fantastic Armed Forces Day this year. Plymouth is a military city and this event gives us all the opportunity to show support for the armed forces, who make such a valuable contribution to our city and the country.

Plans revealed for this year’s Armed Forces Day

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“The team are working incredibly hard to ensure that it’s a day to remember. There’s plenty for the whole family to enjoy, with a spectacular programme of displays.”

A number of ‘villages’ set out across the Hoe will welcome representatives from the Royal Navy, Army, RAF, Royal Marines and the emergency services. Static vehicles and equipment, the Royal Navy Dive Tank, helicopters and vintage fire engines will all be on display for visitors to see up close.

The veterans village will also be returning with over 80 charities and organisations expected to showcase the work they do.

During the evening, an exciting stage programme is being planned, sponsored by C & G Catering, offering a night of free live music for audiences to enjoy. Confirmed acts so far include swing pop group Jack Pack and a tribute act of one of rock’s most outstanding stars, Freddie Mercury.

Headlining the evening will be the lively eight-musician Capitol Motown and Soul Band, who will be performing classic Motown tunes against the stunning backdrop of Plymouth Sound.

Over 50,000 visitors are expected to visit Plymouth Hoe during the day.

More details will be added to the event programme over the coming months. For more information, visit: plymoutharmedforcesday.co.uk

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10 April 2018

@PlymChronicle Rikkie cleaning the Saltash slipway

Trail-blazing ‘environmental warrior’ Rikkie Carette showscases the art of up-cycling

Rikkie’s up-cycled artwork Award winning Plymouth businessman Rikkie Carette is making waves in the art world after successfully exhibiting his handmade sculptures at the Mall Gallery in London.

Rikkie, who was invited to show at the Maritime Art Exhibition last month, has been making driftwood-based sculptures for nearly 10 years, after becoming inspired to recycle the flotsam and other debris he found on and around Plymouth’s waterfront. His impressive sculptures, which include a 4ft fishing village made from driftwood,

were a big hit at the London art show and he aims to show more in the near future.

Rikkie, who has artwork on display on Italian cruise ships, in surf shops and numerous private businesses, is modest about all the attention his work receives. He said: "My sculptures are oneoffs and are a labour of love and all made from items I have sourced myself from the Plymouth shoreline "I was initially shocked by the volume of ocean debris I came across during my work and felt I

could make a strong statement upcycling the discarded rubbish into something which could be visually appreciated".

Rikkie was originally inspired to set up his own business Clean Coast Services, which specialises in providing a cleaning service for marine environments, after he noticed the waste and pollution around the Plymouth coastline.

Rikkie’s first contract back in 2009 was at Mayflower Marina where Clean Coast Services were retained to help keep the water of the marina free

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of floating debris. Since those early days he and his team of five now look after a number of key clients across Devon and Cornwall.

In 2015 he was awarded a Plymouth City Council ‘Our Star’ award for his outstanding work on clearing up marine areas around the City, including Tinside Pool and the Mayflower Steps.

The recent UK ban on plastic microbeads has highlighted the need for a collective responsibility towards keeping our oceans clean and Rikkie has noticed an encouraging shift in attitudes to plastic use since he started his company.

"There has definitely been a huge increase in both awareness and the way in which the problem of marine pollution is managed," he said. "Whether it is encouraging recycling, better waste disposal and education, I have seen a significant change in how the problem is tackled."

He keeps a daily record of everything Clean Coast Services remove from the water and presents his findings monthly. In 2017 Rikkie pulled out 150.6kg of plastic that was carried into Mayflower Marina by the tide.

Charles Bush, managing director of the Mayflower Marina said: “We are very pleased and proud to be part of Clean Coast Services’ success story. The service that Rikkie and his team provide us with is very important for our business, both in maintaining the appearance of our marina, and in doing something positive to tackle marine litter. That Rikkie is able to create award winning sculptures from the bits and bobs he retrieves from the sea is another fabulous achievement for this environmental champion!”

WE ARE HOLDING AN 'OPEN DAY' ON SUNDAY 13TH MAY BETWEEN 11-3 AT THE COPTHORNE HOTEL. Register your interest on our facebook page.

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Rikkie on his boat With tourism in Plymouth predicted to sky rocket ahead of the Mayflower 400 celebrations in 2020, Rikkie and his team will be instrumental in helping to maintain a clean and welcoming shoreline for City visitors and residents alike.

Micky Goble, Pier Master for Maritime Services, Plymouth City Council said: “Clean Coast Services are an essential part of our wider Plymouth Waterfront team, which is striving to keep the shoreline and marine areas as pollution free and as inviting as possible. Rikkie’s work has made a significant difference to both the safety and appearance of our local water slipways.”

Rikkie believes tackling pollution will be an ongoing enterprise for his company. “My role is to maintain a clean and safe coastline. Each spring I run workshops with groups of school children educating them about marine life and encouraging them to make their own art work from beach combing and beach cleans. I hope that through my work and upcycled sculptures I can throw a spotlight on ocean pollution and encourage more recycling to help protect our oceans for the future”

April 2018

@PlymChronicle

11

Environmental enforcement officers hit the streets

Council leader Ian Bowyer pictured with the new team of environmental enforcement officers Plymouth City Council’s new environmental enforcement officers have hit the streets of the city.

Having teamed up with Kingdom Services Group last month, officers will today be on patrol for the very first time.

Tasked with preventing littering, dog fouling, fly-posting and fly-tipping, the officers will be able to issue fixed penalty

notices to offenders.

With the extra officers now treading pavements all around the city, the Council is reminding residents of their responsibility to keep the city clean with a new campaign that asks: can you afford not to pick up after yourself?

Councillor Ian Bowyer, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: "I am immensely proud of

this city and I'm passionate about keeping it clean. I want to respond to the overwhelming view of responsible Plymouth residents who consistently ask me for tougher action to combat these anti-social actions that blight our lives. That's why we've introduced these new teams to beef up our enforcement activities.

"If you don't offend, you have absolutely

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nothing to worry about but if you drop litter, don't pick up after your dog, fly-post or flytip, then be prepared to pay.”

Councillor Dave Downie, Cabinet member for Safer and Stronger Communities, added: "This move is all about ensuring that Plymouth is a cleaner city for us all.

"For too long a minority have blighted it for us all and I am pleased that offenders will be punished for their selfish actions."

Although there are currently council staff trained in the gathering and reporting of evidence, numbers are small and so proactive presence on the street is limited.

By introducing Kingdom Services extra enforcement officers guided by existing expert and experienced staff, will ensure that instead of being a reactive service, teams will be able to proactively tackle issues around the city.

With more officers on the street, members of the public are being encouraged to get in touch if they see an offence being committed.

If residents are able to identify the perpetrator and provide a witness statement then they are encouraged to report it via our online self-service system.

Littering and fly-posting both carry an £80 penalty while dog fouling costs offenders £100. Meanwhile, fly-tipping is punishable by a massive £400 fine.

For more information, go to www.plymouth. gov.uk/envirocrime

TheMoorland Hotel

Win a fabulous break at The Moorland Hotel

The Plymouth Chronicle has teamed up with The Moorland Hotel to offer a superb prize for readers. A lucky couple will win a two night stay in the fabulous Wotter Room with breakfast and dinner included each night.

Situated on the edge of Dartmoor National Park and just a short drive from Plymouth in the village of Wotter, the Moorland Hotel is the perfect place to relax and unwind.

The Phoenix Steakhouse Restaurant offers a relaxed ambience where you can enjoy an extensive menu offering gastronomic delicacies created from Devon’s finest produce.

The comfortable bar has an excellent selection of wines and beers, including popular real ales from West Country brewers.

Accommodation is provided in newlyrefurbished contemporary rooms, all en-suite, ensuring a stylish yet comfortable stay.

The winners of the competition will stay in the luxury of The Wotter Room which features a super king size bed and a jacuzzi for two.

All you have to do is answer the question in the entry coupon and either enter online or complete the coupon and send it to the address shown.

Terms and conditions. The prize is subject to availability and must be taken before December 20 2018.

Not available for bank holiday weekends or during school holidays.

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Key milestone reached for The Box with laying of foundation stone A major milestone in the development of The Box - Plymouth's £37 million new cultural and heritage attraction - has been celebrated.

The foundation stone for The Box was laid in a special ceremony attended at Tavistock Place by representatives from Plymouth City Council, construction firm Willmott Dixon and other key partners and stakeholders.

The stone was unveiled by Council Leader Ian Bowyer and Councillor Tudor Evans, Shadow Leader.

Ian Bowyer said: “We’re back again with yet another key moment for this exciting project which is really set to transform the city’s cultural and heritage offer. So much has happened on site since we were here just over a year ago for our ground breaking ceremony. It’s fantastic to see exactly how much progress is being made.”

Since breaking ground, enabling and demolition works have been completed at The Box site and construction on two extensions has started – one to the former Central Library and Museum buildings and one next to St Luke's Church.

Behind the scenes, designs and scripts for the new galleries that will feature in The Box, and plans for the ambitious exhibitions and events programme it will offer, are well under way.

Councillor Glenn Jordan, Cabinet Member for Culture said:

“Today’s foundation stone ceremony is another proud moment for this fantastic scheme. It’s also a great indication that we are well on our way to creating a first rate visitor experience that will put Plymouth on the map, and form a key part of the city’s Mayflower 400 commemorations when it opens in 2020.”

Led by Plymouth City Council, The Box is a partnership with the University of Plymouth, the South West Film and Television Archive (SWFTA), SWIB (part of the Plymouth Barbican Trust) and the National Museum of the Royal Navy. The multi-million pound project has secured major funding from the City Council, Heritage Lottery Fund, Arts Council England, Coastal Communities Fund, Garfield Weston Foundation, University of Plymouth, Wolfson Foundation, Interreg and British Film Institute.

John Boughton, deputy managing director, Willmott Dixon said: Work is progressing very well on The Box and we are looking forward to the next phase of construction, marked by the laying of its Foundation Stone today. This is an exciting and important building for Plymouth’s future and we are proud to be part of its transformation.”

To stay up to date with The Box visit www.theboxplymouth. com, sign up for the newsletter or follow the project on Facebook and Twitter using @theboxplymouth

Group aims to bring new life to Mutley Plain In the summer of 2017 in response to growing concerns from businesses and residents, Compton Ward Councillors together with Plymouth City Economic Development officers established a Steering Group to consider the issues affecting Mutley Plain and the immediate area.

The group is made up of business people, residents of the Mutley area and key community representatives including the police. The aim is to bring forward ideas and initiatives to rejuvenate the community.

Once, one of the main routes in and out of the city centre and a vibrant shopping precinct, over recent years the Plain has fallen into decline. Banks, building societies and individual shops have closed leaving empty uncared for units.

To date the steering group has secured funding from Compton Councillors' community funds to deliver a short term project applying vinyl wraps to the windows of empty shop fronts. Working with the commercial agents and owners of the properties, this will brighten up and enliven the area.

The art work is being designed by students at the Plymouth College of Art.

From left to right: Samantha Remmer (Art of Dance), Ted Fry (Compton Councillor), David Fletcher (Compton Councillor), Steve Jones (Cross Keys), Richard Ball (Compton Councillor) and Ron Wheeler (Resident) – other members who were not available for the picture include Steve Bartlett (Barrista Brothers), Ally Spiers (Resident) and Rebecca Cheshire (CEO Harbour Centre) .

Traffic congestion and car parking is a problem especially at peak times and to date it has been proposed that parking for one hour at the Mutley Barracks car park will be free to users. The group will look to influence and support discussions around the longer term initiatives for traffic management in the area.

The steering group is still in the early stages of its work, some of which will be in the long term; however it is focused on working to progress this necessary project to encourage business growth and improve the environment for both residents and visitors.

April 2018

@PlymChronicle

Stella Parton bowled over by picturesque Plymouth

Stella Parton with Mayflower 400 CEO, Charles Hackett at the Mayflower Steps

Lighting up the night in memory of loved ones

Dolly Parton's sister, Stella, feels so strongly about the Mayflower story that she has vowed to write a song about Plymouth, following a ‘wonderful’ trip to the city.

Stella Parton, a popular country singer in her own right, was bowled over by ‘picturesque’ Plymouth - and says she's already looking forward to coming back.

During her trip she paid a visit to the historic Mayflower Steps - the site where the Mayflower Pilgrims are believed to have left England aboard the Mayflower before crossing the Atlantic Ocean to settle in North America in 1620.

Stella said she loved Britain’s Ocean City so much she is going to write a song about it and its connection with America. Charles Hackett, CEO of Mayflower 400 said: “It was

Among those getting their glow on will be Julie Barton and Diana Powell. Julie, 51 is a long-serving member of the team at Toshiba in Plymouth before she left to train as a nurse, Julie will join several fellow ‘Toshettes’ for the charity walk.

Julie said: “Toni and Donna were both such special people and died far too young.

Julie Barton

Once a year, they gather for the city’s favourite girls’ night out, the Neon Midnight Walk, in aid of St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth, walking a 3, 6

or 13.1 mile route through Plymouth to raise vital funds for the outstanding end of life care the charity provides.

This year’s event, on Saturday 21 July, is a special way for them to celebrate their memories of loved ones while creating new memories with their friends in a buzzing atmosphere, making a difference in their community.

a great pleasure to meet Stella Parton and show her around Plymouth.

“Stella's passion for the story of the Mayflower Pilgrims is evident. For her, as with many Americans, the Mayflower story highlights freedom, humanity, imagination and looking to the future. That influential journey means so much, not just to the descendants of the Pilgrims, but for many millions of Stella’s compatriots."

She also visited Plymouth’s newly refurbished market, where she cooked pizza at Knead Pizza and tasted some Thai cuisine at Taste of Thailand. She said the market was the ‘highlight’ of her trip, and hopes to visit again in the summer months.

For more information visit www. mayflower400uk.org

Stella Parton and Matt Jones, manager of Plymouth Market

Julie is putting on her trainers in memory of her sister-in-law, Donna, who passed away aged 51 in 2016, and close friend Toni, who died last November, also aged 51. Both were looked after by the specialist team at St Luke’s.

When it comes to celebrating the life of someone special, hundreds of women across Plymouth choose to remember their loved ones by joining with likeminded ladies to light up the night with an abundance of colour and sparkle.

13

“Donna had such an engaging personality.

She was a real individual and loved by all who knew her. I will always remember Toni’s crazy humour and her strength. Even the week before she died, she was determined to make it into town to buy herself some new clothes – and she did.

Joining Julie, is friend and fellow ‘Toshette’, Diana Powell.

“For me personally, my husband Tony was

Diana Powell

desperately passionate about raising money for St Luke’s. In 2016 he did some cycling events for the charity, but unfortunately passed away a couple of weeks after that.This my attempt to continue raising money on his behalf.”

“I first came across St Luke’s about 15 years ago when a friends father was in Turnchapel and I was actually quite stunned about the level of care and compassion. St Luke’s is a caring place and the whole of Plymouth knows that, it’s just something that is out there and we need to keep on raising that profile and keep getting the money through to them.”

The Neon Midnight Walk is sponsored by Nash & Co Solicitors. Registration is £22 and includes an exclusive neon t-shirt, as well as a medal and goody bag for all finishers.

To register, go to www.stlukesmidnightwalk. co.uk or call 01752 492626 for further details.

COMMUNITY

JOB SHOP

14 April 2018

@PlymChronicle

April 2018 15

@PlymChronicle

Nurse Brogan Barnett, survivor Sara Ogbonna and nurse Danielle O’Hea

Advertise your vacancy FREE in Job Shop

All local businesses, voluntary groups, and individuals organisations and groups are invited to post their job vacancies in our Community Job Shop feature. This must be for part-time and voluntary jobs only and should contain no more than 50 words, including contact details. All you have to do is send the details via e-mail to info@cornerstonevision.com Deadline for each issue is the 10th of the month prior.

SPRING SPECIAL DEALS

SHOP ASSISTANT Churchwood Valley Holiday Park, Wembury have a vacancy for a shop assistant to cover some shifts in our park shop from April to October. The hours are 8.30-11am and 5-7pm, Mon – Fri and 9-12am on Sundays. If you are interested contact us on 01752 862382 or email shirley@churchwoodvalley.com

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VOLUNTEERS We need you! Could you spare a morning or an afternoon to help us? You would meet new people, be part of a team, learn new skills and help local people in Plymouth. Various shifts are available. Contact the Manager at Plymouth Drake Foundation Charity Shop, Radford Park Road, Plymstock 01752 491305 VOLUNTEERS Our charity Sensory Solutions is recruiting for a Hearing Support Volunteer to join us for a few hours on a Friday. This role involves helping people with sensory loss who visit our Resource Centre to adjust to life with hearing loss and make best use of the support and technology available. Our new volunteer will work as part of a team and be supported by our Sensory Workers. Comprehensive training will be provided. This role is well suited to a person who has some hearing loss themselves.

For more information and to apply, please contact us on 01752 201899.

VOLUNTEERS Wanted to support the work of the Plymouth Liskeard and Distrct Branch of the MS Society.

For details call 01752 240490.

CLEANERS FOR PRIVATE HOMES If you have previous experience and references and preferably a car, we have clients who will value your services. Choose how many hours you want to work and build them up around your own and your family’s requirements. You can do regular or occasional jobs or both – it’s up to you. £9 an hour paid directly after the clean. Please call 01752 395900 to apply. You can also apply online www.cleanersrus.co.uk VOLUNTEERS YMCA Plymouth requires volunteers in a number of areas: at its charity shop in Saltash, driving its collection van, assisting with collections or groundwork at its Honicknowle base. If you feel you can help in any of these roles and can spare us some time please contact Vic Hibbert, Support Services Director on 01752-761004 or email vic.h@ ymcaplymouth.org.uk

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Cordless Cleaner Was £199.99

COOK Bethany Christian Home, Plymouth have a parttime (34 hours over two weeks) position available for a cook. £7.85 to £8.35 per hour Tel: 0300 303 8440, or apply online at: jobs.pilgrimsfriend.org. uk/vacancy/cook-339793.html DISTRIBUTORS Cornerstone Vision, publishers of the Plymouth Chronicle, are looking for distributors, to help deliver leaflets across the city and surrounding area. Transport an advantage, own phone number essential.

We are particularly looking for people to help cover Efford, Ernesettle, Saltash, Ivybridge and Torpoint, although other areas may be available. Please email john@ cornerstonevision.com or call 01752 225623

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Thank you for saving my life It was just after 12 noon on a Friday in December when Brogan Barnett, 23, and Danielle O’Hea, 25, nurses from Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, were on a day off searching for a Christmas jumper for Brogan to wear to their Christmas meal later that evening. They were close to giving up on their search and were about to go home, when they decided to look in one last shop.

As they walked into the clothing store, Brogan noticed someone on the ground, and despite the relative calmness within the shop, she instinctively realised something wasn’t right.

“I saw feet sticking out and to begin with thought that it might be some kind of training as there wasn’t really any commotion,” explains Brogan. “However, something made me walk us over that way and that’s when we realised there was someone on the floor and they were not in a good way.”

“A member of staff from the shop was performing CPR and there was a defibrillator by the patient’s feet, but it wasn’t being used,” Danielle describes. “We explained to the staff that we were nurses and offered to help, which they accepted and moved aside to allow us to take over.

“Brogan took over giving CPR as I got the defib [defibrillator] ready, whilst the staff from the shop remained on the phone to the Ambulance Service.”

The patient was identified as Sara Ogbonna, 24 from London, who was in Plymouth visiting her boyfriend, a student at Plymouth University. Whilst he was in lectures, Sara decided to take a wander around the shopping centre, on the lookout for a Secret Santa gift. Whilst she has some memory of how she was feeling prior to the day, she has no memory of what happened to her in the shopping centre.

“I don’t think I was feeling well that morning,” Sara tries to recall. “I remember

someone from work had commented previously that I had looked pale and I remember that I was feeling tired but then I was feeling tired a lot. I can’t remember any of what happened to me.”

Sara looks to Danielle and Brogan to fill in the blanks for her. The two nurses, who have been nursing together for the past two years and are also close friends, talks Sara through their recollections of the day.

“We were giving CPR for around 15 minutes as we waited for the ambulance,” explains Brogan.

Remarkably, this was Brogan’s first time giving CPR on a patient, on previous occasions she had delivered it on a mannequin as part of the nurses’ vital training.

“In hospital there is always someone who knows more than you,” explains Danielle.

“You’re so supported. You have things to hand, like meds and oxygen and it’s not long before a doctor comes along. But there, we just had each other, our hands and the defib.”

As Brogan continued the chest compressions, Danielle gave Sara two shocks with the defibrillator and return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) was obtained by the two nurses. They handed Sara’s care over to the paramedics, who then took her to Derriford, to receive immediate treatment in the Emergency Department’s resuscitation area.

Still in the shopping centre, Danielle and Brogan took up the offer of a coffee with the staff from the shop, who were all visibly shaken up. The two nurses debriefed the staff.

“We talked through with the staff about how they felt, we explained that it was ok to feel upset, shocked, to cry and also the importance of talking about the event and possible reasons for the incident. We explained what the paramedics had done and what might happen up at Derriford,” explains Brogan.

“When we finally walked out of the shopping centre, it felt so surreal and we just kept asking, ‘what has just happened?’”

Meanwhile, at Derriford, Sara had been ventilated and taken to the Cath Labs, where she underwent investigations and specialists looked at her heart. From there she spent a few days in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit, before being transferred to the cardiac high dependency ward, Torcross.

“I remember being on the ward and wanting to eat but I felt wobbly,” Sara recalls. “People were trying to feed me but I wanted to do it myself. My auntie tried to tell me what had happened but I just couldn’t remember anything. It was as though I wasn’t there.

“It took me a while to realise what had happened to me and to let it sink in. I remember I wasn’t allowed out of bed and I didn’t get it. But one day I tried to get out of bed and couldn’t walk or even hold myself up.

“Everyone around me was worried but so happy to see me doing things and talking. I didn’t understand their emotions because I had missed so much – the crucial bits. So I didn’t know how to act towards everyone, even family.”

“I found it difficult afterwards and I did struggle until I knew you were awake and doing ok,” Brogan tells Sara. “I was working a night shift and I called Torcross at 3.00am, whilst I had a break, to see how you were doing. The nice nurse I spoke to said you were sitting up and talking and the relief I felt; I think I burst into tears.”

“You sent me a text just after too,” Danielle kindly adds.

That day and the subsequent events that followed have clearly had a very big impact on all three women, evident as they sat down together for the first time since it happened to reflect on everything.

“I remember meeting Brogan and Dani for the first time in Torcross Ward, I was quite shy,” Sara remembers. “I didn’t know what to say but ‘thank you’. I had no idea of what else to say.

“My family stepped in, thank God and became chatty and laughing with them. I felt pretty left out, I wanted in on this. Brogan and Dani were lovely strangers but to them they knew me well, which is sweet.

“I just thank them from the bottom of my heart for walking back to me when I was in need. I can’t thank them enough for being so brave and having initiative. They may do this at work but it’s always different outside of duty.

“They really did shine that afternoon. I thank God for them both.”

“I see that day very often,” Brogan reflects. “It puts it into perspective, especially with us all being of similar age. The way our day had panned out, with one thing after another, it felt as though we were meant to be there.”

Danielle’s reflections also highlight not only how invaluable the training staff receive is but also how important it is for people to know how to use these lifesaving pieces of equipment and to recognise what to do in these circumstances.

“When we were performing CPR, all I could hear was Jackie Williams [the Trust’s Matron for Resuscitation], it was as though she was on my shoulder, talking me through what to do,” Danielle describes. “There were moments when Sara took what looked and sounded like, to those around us, a breath but actually it wasn’t, it was a false breath, and all I could hear was Jackie saying ‘that’s not a breath’, which meant we didn’t stop the CPR, which would have lost us precious time.”

Sara was on Torcross Ward for a few days before being transferred to a hospital closer

to her home in London, where she was fitted with an internal defibrillator, also known as an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD).

“I’ve now got two wires that go into my heart. If a change in rhythm is detected by the defibrillator then it will shock me,” explains Sara.

The nurses were really keen to stress that early intervention was crucial and to also offer reassurance to anyone who might find themselves in a similar situation.

“The shop staff had done really well in starting the CPR,” adds Danielle. “It is so

important that even if it’s not the best CPR, it is started as soon as you realise the patient is unresponsive and not breathing.

“Early defibrillation is crucial too. I think there is a concern from people that they are going to do something wrong, but the defibrillators in the community have really clear instructions on them, which monitor the patient and tell you when you might need to shock them. There’s no way of accidentally shocking someone. If in doubt, it’s best to put the pads on someone as it will then help with

monitoring them.”

The two nurses’ actions have been commended by their trainer, Jackie. “I think it is commendable what they did. They are clearly very supportive of one another and work extremely well together. They were absolutely amazing.

“When we train staff in life support, we explain to them that this is a life skill and although we are teaching them predominately to use it in their roles in the hospital, it will be something that will be taken out into the community, as Brogan and Danielle have demonstrated. The availability of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in public areas is growing year on year and we need to encourage staff and the public to be aware of their existence and to use them.”

Jackie continues: “I would hope that other colleagues, should they find themselves in this situation out in the community, would feel empowered by what they have learned during their training.

The importance of the chain of survival is critical to maximise survival, early recognition and call for help, early good quality CPR and early electricity in the form of a defibrillator.”

Sara has now returned to work in London but is still regularly visiting her boyfriend in Plymouth, as well as Danielle and Brogan.

“I’m glad they were there at the time,” expresses Sara. “I am glad I took up the courage to make contact with them now; I think we will keep in contact.”

“I am so grateful we are able to sit here with you now when we didn’t know how you would be,” adds Brogan. “We will definitely keep in touch.”

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16 April 2018

@PlymChronicle

Local pupils take part in Big Bang@ City College Students from schools across Plymouth were among hundreds of youngsters who took part in the Big Bang@City College event.

The event, supported by Babcock International returned for a third year and this time it was bigger than ever.

It has now expanded to a full day of interactive activities, encouraging budding scientists, techies, engineer and mathematicians to explore STEM opportunities in the city.

Covering everything from cyber threats to cells, seaweed to earthquakes, Big Bang@City College saw pupils from local primary and secondary schools engage with activities based around science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). Local schools involved included Leigham Primary School, Cathedral School of St Mary, Pilgrim Primary Academy and Torbridge High.

The pupils got the chance to take part in exciting workshops led by science communicator and TV presenter, Simon Watt.

His workshop ‘Playing With Your Food’ took place in the College’s hospitality building and explored the science of cooking.

Medical workshop specialists, Medical Mavericks, gave the young people a chance to monitor and examine their hearts using an ECG and ultrasound machine, see what it’s like to go under the knife with keyhole surgery tools, draw blood from a dummy arm and measure their lung volume and age. The STEM-focused company also talked about the various careers in medicine.

The event featured interactive stands and hands-on activities delivered by a range of local STEM organisations, businesses, employers and City College staff, including: Shark Trust, Becton Dickinson, Biovault, BluescreenIT, Building Plymouth, Careers South West, Engineering Development Trust, Institution of Civil Engineers, Institute of Physics and The Box.

City College’s STEM hub officer, Andy Robinson, said: “This event encourages enjoyment and interest in science, technology, engineering and maths. Big Bang@City College Plymouth is all about giving young people from across Devon and Cornwall the chance to discover the opportunities and wide range of careers available through STEM subjects.

The range of organisations and activities on the day showcased just some of the fantastic work taking place across the City, whether in marine science, manufacturing or innovative technologies. STEM subjects form a huge part of Plymouth’s economy, and the energy and enthusiasm at the event will hopefully have inspired the next generation of STEM workers.”

Those interested in STEM subjects or any of the exciting activities going on in the STEM Hub can find out more by visiting cityplym. ac.uk/STEMHub, or call 01752 305050

April 2018

@PlymChronicle

17

First Oceansgate tenants announced The first tenants to move into Oceansgate have been announced at the official opening ceremony for Phase 1.

Surejust, Trend Marine and the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) will be the first to move into the new development in Devonport, Plymouth.

Oceansgate is transforming disused Ministry of Defence land in South Yard into the UK’s first marine enterprise zone and it has been designed with the needs of marine businesses in mind.

Phase 1 has seen the creation of office and industrial space totalling 2,600 square metres with space for up to 21 businesses. Phase 1 was funded by £1.5m from the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (HotSW LEP) Growth Deal funding; a loan of £5m from the HotSW LEP’s Growing Places Fund and £1.2m from Plymouth City Council.

The new buildings, Endeavour House and Endurance Court, were formally opened today by Council Leader Ian Bowyer.

Councillor Bowyer said: “Oceansgate is an absolutely fantastic development for Plymouth and having seen all the hard work put in by the team, I am delighted to be able to officially open Phase 1.

“The first three tenants, all of them marine related businesses, will be moving in very soon. As Britain’s Ocean City, we’re committed to ensuring growth and development in the sector and maximising the potential of our wonderful city.”

Chris Garcia, chief executive at the HotSW LEP said: “Oceansgate is one of our success stories in the LEP’s portfolio of Growth Deal and Growing

Places funded projects.

“The official opening of Phase 1 confirms Oceansgate’s status as a world-class centre for the marine sector, and as one of the Heart of the South West’s Enterprise Zones.

“I welcome our first tenants to the new buildings at Oceansgate and wish them every success in their new ventures. Their investment signifies market confidence in this globally significant Enterprise Zone, and I look forward to further phases of the development taking shape.”

Surejust and Trend Marine are both suppliers to Princess Yachts and will each be occupying an industrial unit in Phase 1. The new location will enable them to provide even better service to Princess Yachts and develop new business opportunities in the South West.

Manufacturing company Surejust specialises in equipment used by the marine industry, including boilers and expansion tanks, whilst Trend Marine is an industry leading manufacturer producing marine glass and glazing products especially designed for yachts and super yachts.

The MCA is responsible for implementing maritime safety legislation and preventing the loss of life on the coast and at sea. The MCA is moving to Oceansgate as part of its Survey and Inspection Transformation Programme and a commitment to retain a Marine Office in Plymouth. The future development plans for the dockyard and Oceansgate will ensure that the MCA resources are embedded at the heart of the maritime community they serve.

From left to right, Andy McAdam (Director at Midas); Councillor Tudor Evans (Labour Group Leader); Plymouth City Council Leader Ian Bowyer and Chris Garcia (Chief Executive of the HotSW LEP).

Minister for Local Growth, Jake Berry, said: “Britain’s Ocean City continues to flourish with the new Oceansgate development bringing businesses, jobs and economic growth to the local area. Government’s Local Growth funding continues to play a vital role in facilitating the transformation of this disused land into a key hub for marine businesses and the wider community.”

The Oceansgate buildings have been designed to reflect the historic nature of South Yard and natural materials such as stone feature heavily. Architects Form Design Group wanted to emphasise the connection with the sea and have implemented a ‘kinetic wall’ on the facade

of Endeavour House, which by reflecting light appears to ripple in the wind as though it’s water.

The buildings of Phase 1 have been constructed

by Midas, with Aecom acting as technical advisors.

Work on Phase 2 infrastructure is already under way with Balfour Beatty contractors installing services ahead of construction of the new buildings for Phase 2, which is due to start next year. Once all three phases of the development are complete, it will offer 25,000 square metres of flexible employment space and three docks suitable for marine industry dockside operations.

For more information about Oceansgate, visit oceansgateplymouth.com.

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Council Leader Ian Bowyer with Councillor Mike Leaves

New state-of-the-art kit for Plymouth’s green spaces A brand new fleet of state-of-the-art grass cutting equipment will cover a massive 55 million square metres this summer.

Over £500,000 was invested in new ground maintenance equipment in January to keep the city’s parks neat, verges tidy and wildflower meadows at their best.

Ride on mowers with flail decks especially designed for wildflower meadows are among the new fleet, as are Samurai grass cutters that are capable of cutting some of Plymouth’s sloping banks with a better quality of cut.

These ride-ons use a powerful and efficient all-wheel drive system which can be switched between 4WD to 2WD depending on ground conditions and can also handle slopes up to 30 degrees, perfect for Plymouth’s many steep banks.

The teams began their grass cutting schedule last week

and between now and October, will do nine sweeps of the city’s green spaces with an extra two cuts in 2018, cutting around 5 million square meters of grass each time.

Councillor Mike Leaves, Cabinet Member for Streetscene and the Environment, said: “We must do all that can be done to keep our parks and green spaces looking lush and inviting. As we know, our climate is everchanging with summers becoming warmer and wetter so our teams must have the tools they need to do their job efficiently. This fleet of new equipment represents a significant investment in this and I look forward to seeing them in use throughout the summer.”

Older machines can be costly to run and maintain and when there are break downs, disrupt the grass cutting schedule so the decision to invest in the new equipment was made in a bid to ensure that grass cutting runs as smoothly as possible.

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18 April 2018

@PlymChronicle

Apprenticeships work for Luke and Reece Two young people from Devonport have been sharing their experiences of apprenticeships as part of National Apprenticeship Week celebrations.

They both attend City College Plymouth, which is one of the largest apprenticeship providers in the country, with success rates 14% above the national average.

Working with more than 1,300 local employers, the college’s apprenticeship programme has been rated as ‘outstanding’

by Ofsted.

Luke Collier and Reece Dunstan, both business administration apprentices, were positive about the benefits of the career pathway they chose.

After gaining two qualifications in IT, Luke, 21, began looking into apprenticeships to build his skills. He was offered a role within the Human Resources department at City College Plymouth and later secured a job with the Finance team.

“The best part about my apprenticeship was that from day one I felt part of the team. I’m used to people trying to wrap me up in cotton wool, but the team made me feel valued and gave me responsibility over my own work. I was also well supported throughout my apprenticeship; if I ever had a question nothing was too much trouble. I could draw on the wealth of knowledge of my colleagues whenever I wanted to know more or was unsure.

“Apprenticeships give you the opportunity to gain a qualification and a whole range of skills all whilst getting paid. They also give you insight and experience of the industry you’re interested in. Through this apprenticeship I feel I have grown as a person and gained skills not just to use in the workplace but also in my day-today life.”

Reece, who is 20, recently completed his business administration apprenticeship at City College working within the Employer Engagement team. He is now employed at Composite Integration as a business development administrator.

“After year 11 I decided to try sixth form but quickly realised that A Levels and the university route wasn’t for me; I was worried about having years of debt and that I wouldn’t come out with all the necessary skills to go straight into a career - so I applied for an apprenticeship.

“I liked the staff development aspect of my apprenticeship - helping people to gain valuable skills and increase their personal development. It was very rewarding to see others progress their careers and now I have done the same with my new role as a business development administrator. I can’t thank the college enough and express how beneficial an apprenticeship can be, no matter who you are.”

Luke Collier apprenticeship. This means that high-quality apprenticeships are now accessible to those who are looking to retrain in a new field at a later stage of their working lives.

“Apprenticeships are well-supported by the Government and there has been an increased investment in skills, which can only be good for our city’s growing economy. It’s important that young people are aware of apprenticeships as one of their post-16 options, but also that adults take note that they can use an apprenticeship as a way of changing their own career path.

“Apprenticeships benefit all involved, from the businesses that use them to grow or develop their teams, to the wider community which sees people of all ages engaged in learning whilst earning a wage.”

Those interested in becoming an apprentice can discover the opportunities on offer at City College’s Open Day on Saturday April 28, from 10am to 1pm at Kings Road.

For more information, visit cityplym.ac.uk/ events, or call 01752 305300.

“Through this apprenticeship, I feel I have grown as a person and gained skills not just to use in the workplace but also in my day-to-day life”

Reece Dunstan

Sue Reed, head of work-based learning and schools partnerships at City College said: “Many apprentices are school leavers and young people, but there is no age limit for those interested in completing an

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April 2018

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Plymouth Coach Station team make a big impact Plymouth Coach Station staff have been crowned the best in the business after winning a top company award for their fundraising work.

The nine-strong National Express team fought off competition from other staff around the UK to win the ‘Business Impact’ Community Values Award for their excellent charity work.

Last year they raised more than £4,000 - the highest amount within the company’s UK divisions - for local charities including the RSPCA, Macmillan Cancer Support and Help for Heroes.

The relatively young team, which only formed when Plymouth Coach Station opened its doors to the public in September 2016, won praise from all over the business for their tireless fundraising work.

They ran a ‘Big Easter Egg Appeal’ collecting over 180 Easter eggs for the local Gold Dust Appeal, held cake bake sales, organised open days with raffles and formed numerous partnerships with local businesses, who in turn donated prizes and hosted supermarket sweeps.

The team also went on six volunteering days and hosted

19

Plymouth Coach Station manager Donna McDonald with their award

nine work experience placements for local school pupils – in order to help children enhance their skills.

Now Dennis, Sam, David, Annie, Anthony, Kirsty, Julie, David and manager Donna, are gearing up for an epic 404 mile indoor bike ride from Plymouth to Birmingham to raise money for Sports Relief Week.

Station manager Donna McDonald said: “I’m really proud of my team and their efforts, and the support we’ve received from local businesses has been outstanding. As a group their motivation and determination is amazing and they keep surprising me with their new fundraising ideas.”

National Express Coach managing director Chris Hardy

presented Donna with a £1,000 cheque for the team as their reward. He said: “The Plymouth Coach Station team’s attitude is incredible which is reflected in the enormous positive impact they have on the local community. Supporting the community is one of our core values at National Express and we hope this award is a beacon to inspire others.”

The team and the other Values Awards winners from each division of the company will be officially recognised at the Group Values Awards ceremony in London at the end of May where they will have the chance to win one of four overall National Express Group Values Awards: Safety, People, Customer and Community.

20 April 2018

@PlymChronicle

Anniversary celebrations at Trinity United Reformed Trinity United Reformed Church in Hartley, Plymouth has celebrated 80 years of witness and work in the community with an anniversary service.

On St. Patrick’s Day, 17 March 1938, the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of England led a procession to the main door of the new building and knocked on it three times. The procession entered, singing a psalm, and the dedication service took place.

The congregation had moved out from the city centre onto what was then a new Plymouth estate.

Many were Scottish and Northern Irish Presbyterians but the new

Improving Plymouth’s playing pitches

church was for everyone and local people from a variety of different backgrounds have always attended.

Special guests at the anniversary service included Plymouth City Councillors, Martin Leaves and Dr John Mahony.

Rev Henriette Wentink, the current minister, said, “Much has been achieved over 80 years including faithful and imaginative worship, a rich variety of church organisations and a close relationship with a partner church in Germany. Many community events take place in the church buildings.”

From left to right: Martin Leaves, Plymouth city councillor, Henriette Wentink, church minister, Ian Criddle, church secretary and John Mahony, Plymouth city councillor.

Credit John Pasmore.

Councillor Patrick Nicholson joins boys from Efford Community FC at their home ground in Higher Efford.

Work on improving Plymouth’s playing pitches will begin next month.

Facilities at Higher Efford, Bond Street and Central Park will all get a makeover as part of the ongoing Plymouth Plan for Playing Pitches.

Following a competitive procurement process, the council have appointed contractor Agripower to undertake the works.

Councillor Patrick Nicholson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet member for Strategic Transport, Housing and Planning, joined players from Efford Community FC at the pitches that act as home to sides from under 11, all the way to under 18.

Patrick said: “It’s great that we’re in a position to begin making a difference with this project.

“These works will benefit three different areas of the city and will help to ensure that more people, both young and old, have access to first class sporting facilities on their doorstep.”

Jerry Anderson, director of Agripower, added: “Agripower are delighted to be chosen again as the preferred contractor for the sports pitch regeneration project at Central Park, Higher Efford and Southway. This brings us back to Devon after a successful project to improve Staddiscombe Playing Fields in 2016.”

The Plan for Playing Pitches, which is backed by the Devon Junior & Minor League, Sport England and the Football Association, will tackle an overall shortfall in playing pitch provision across the city as well as a shortfall

in the quality of many of the existing pitches.

At Higher Efford, the two current junior surfaces will be fitted with better drainage and the disused field at the former Plym Valley View Primary School will be transformed into two mini soccer pitches.

Finally, Bond Street will benefit from four brand new surfaces, replacing two existing poor quality pitches that have been out of action for some time due to water-logging.

The Plan for Playing Pitches compliments a key objective of the Plymouth Plan, which identifies the need to deliver a healthy city by promoting the use of community facilities and public spaces.

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• Wallpapering • All aspects of decorating internal & external • Plastering • All general maintenance undertaken • Friendly & reliable Tel: 01752 559753 Mob: 07796 961036 email: ellis@erbpaintinganddecorating.co.uk

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INTERIOR/EXTERIOR Scaffolding rarely required - Save £100s

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PLASTERING A R PLASTERING & BUILDING From a small repair to the whole house All Internal & External Work undertaken • Plastering • Rendering • Building work • Decorating • Damp proofing • Tiling • and more Free estimates call Alex on 07904755491 S.M.G PLASTERING

Plastering and home improvement services - depend on us to complete your project to an excellent standard.

Interior Plastering and Tiling Specialists • Superb finish • Reliable service • Your plastering job in expert hands 07450 222257 smg1plaster@gmail.com www.smghandy.co.uk

STEVE BENNETT PLASTERING Internal/External Plastering • Spar Dash Specialist • Insurance Work Welcome • UPVC Facias, Soffits and Guttering • Property Maintenance • Painting/Decorating • Coving

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www.stevebennettplastering.co.uk • facebook.com/plasterersofplymouth

PLUMBING AND HEATING SERVICES B Williams Plumbing and Heating Reliable plumber no job too small from tap washers to central heating systems. Free quotes gas safe registered. No call out charge, recommendations can be given. 07971572632 www.bw-plumbing.co.uk

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Clive Gavin & Son Plumbing & Heating 01752 959236 - 07803 320 755 MIKE JARVIS PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES All plumbing, heating and gas work undertaken • Servicing, installation and repair • Gas Safe • • No job too small • 24 hour emergency call out • • Senior citizen discounts • Tel 01752 778440 Mob 07875136429 PINK PLUMBERS Fast, Friendly, Reliable and tidy service by your local FEMALE plumber.

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David Applin PROFESSIONAL INTERIOR DECORATING & PAINTING • Expert in paper hanging • Coving • Paint effects • General repairs An honest and reliable service with over 30 yrs experience Tel: 01752 563934 Mob: 07818 212807 dadecorating@yahoo.co.uk

Full Heating Systems • Boiler Exchanges • Fire and Fireplace Installations • Complete Kitchen & Bathroom Design and Installation • Former British Gas Heating Installer • Gas Safe Registered Special offer on servicing boilers £50 (T&C Apply) 0790 6706 799 www.trbheating.co.uk trbheating@live.co.uk

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Internal & External & General Building Repairs Contact Gerry 07740099288 or John 07843056413

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Full property repair service Call Richard Plumbing, roofing, glazing, windows 07974 and doors, garages, fences 101028 Email 1callplymouth@gmail.com REMOVALS A M Removals Man & Van Service Plymouth Single items to full house moves 1 or 2 men available Fully insured Local/national work 07845735818 • 01752930301 www.amremovalsplymouth.co.uk

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DEVONSHIRE ROOFING SERVICES All aspects of roofing work undertaken, from repairs and maintenance to full restoration and new build projects.

Pitched or flat roofs • GRP (fibreglass) •lead-work • uPVC Fascias & guttering • Roof-lights • Fully insured A fast & friendly service. Competitive rates.

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22 April 2018

COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY

@PlymChronicle

Your guide to community events in your area Central Library Rhymetime Mondays, 11am - 11.30am Wednesdays, 11am - 11.30am Thursdays, 2pm - 2.30pm Songs and nursery rhymes for babies and toddlers.

Libraries also run regular story times for the under 5s.

Memory Café Mondays, 10am - 12pm Drop in for a reminiscence, arts and crafts, singing or to see a friendly face and have a cuppa.

Family History Help Desk Mondays, 2.30pm - 4.30pm Drop in for help and advice with tracing your family tree.

Work Club Tuesdays, 10am - 12pm Thursdays, 10am - 12pm Fridays, 10am - 12pm Get help with searching for jobs, CVs, basic IT skills, interviews and more.

Gadget Drop In Tuesdays, 2pm - 3.30pm Get tips and advice on how to make the most of iPads, tablets, smartphones, e-readers and more. Find out how to use your library card to download free eBooks and magazines.

Feel Better with a Book Tuesdays, 2pm - 3.30pm Enjoy the power of great novels, stories and poems read aloud in a small friendly group.

Chatterbooks First Wednesday of the month Chatterbooks are reading groups for children aged 8 and 12.

Hello World - Coding and Making Thursdays, 4pm - 5.30pm After school club for anyone interested in coding and digital making. For 8 to 13 year olds.

Board Games Evening Thursdays, 5pm - 7pm Drop in for an evening of gaming in a family friendly space. There will be games available, but feel free to bring your own.

IT for Beginners Fridays, 2pm - 3pm, 3.30pm - 4.30pm Aimed at beginners, find out what you can do online by signing up to ‘Learn My Way’. Staff will be on hand to help.

Peverell Library Lego Club Tuesdays, 3.30pm - 4.30pm The Lego is supplied, you supply the imagination and building skills. For ages 5+. Booking required.

Rhymetime Mondays, 2pm - 2.30pm Fridays, 11am - 11.30am Songs and nursery rhymes for babies and toddlers.

Libraries also run regular story times for the under 5s. Booking needed, phone 01752 305633 Efford Library Rhymetime Tuesdays, 10.30am - 11am Songs and nursery rhymes for babies and toddlers.

Libraries also run regular story times for the under 5s.

Work Club Thursdays, 10am - 12pm Get help with searching for jobs, CVs, basic IT skills, interviews and more.

Book Club Monthly, third Wednesday of the month Meet up to talk about what you’ve been reading. Each month there will be a different book to read and discuss.

Peverell Painters We are a group of people who meet to paint. No pressure, use any medium (mostly watercolour used) you provide all your own materials, and we take turns providing subjects, but do your own thing if wanted.

Good, warm, light venue at Hope Baptist Church, Peverell, Plymouth. Cost for new artists £3 per week when attending for the first term, then join and pay upfront from then on for 10 week terms. We have an occasional tutor and pay accordingly if attending on that day. For any other details 01752 231139 answerphone on. NB Text return only to mobiles.

Craft Club Wednesdays Meets at the Northey Rooms at Ford Park Cemetery from 11am to 3pm. Everyone welcome to join.

Refreshments available. The club meets throughout the year.

Scottish Country Dancing Every Monday from 7.30 until 10 at Trinity United Reformed Church, Torr Lane Hartley. £3 an evening including a cup of tea and biscuits. We are a really friendly group and beginners are very welcome. You do not need a partner just soft shoes and a sense of humour. For further details contact Valerie on 01752 220241 or Mary on 01752 338785.

52nd Plymouth Scouts Mondays at Lipson Young people enjoy physical and mental challenges, and help in society. Age 6-8 at 5-6pm, Age 8-10 at 5.30-7pm, Age 10-14 at 7-8.30pm. www.52ndplymouthscouts.org.uk Contact 52ndplymouthscouts@gmail.com or 07999338959 Red ZUMBA for the More Mature Zumba for over 50’s (low impact). Every Monday afternoon 2pm to 3pm, at Pennycross Methodist Church, Pridham Lane, Peverell. Call in any Monday for a free taster, or call Elaine Foster 0779 1778671.

Tots Time - St. Jude’s Mondays during term-time From 9.30 to 11.30 in the Upper Hall at St Jude’s Church on Beaumont Road, babies and toddlers are welcome with their carers at £1.50 per session. Tots Time provides toys, craft, snacks, drinks, singing, etc.

For more details phone 078604573727.

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Every Monday Compton Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Group for young people aged 14 to 23 years. Meet 7.30pm at Compton Methodist Church. Details 01752 706056.

Arrows Kids Club Thursdays Held at Plymouth Methodist Central Hall every Thursday in term time. 6.30pm-8pm for all children aged 7-11 years. (Please note the Drake Circus Mall opposite the church is open till 8pm on Thursdays) Games, Craft, tuck shop, Bible stories, lots of fun.

Only 50p per week.

Lipson Lions Junior Hockey Club Training every Wednesday 6pm until 7pm at Lipson Community College. Currently need players of all age groups and ability particularly girls. Age groups 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. First two visits are free. Go along and try it. Details from Samantha on 0790 555 2318.

Pennycross Sequence Dance Club Meets at the Holy Family Church Hall, Beacon Park Road, Plymouth. Mondays 6.30pm beginners class with step by step instruction. 7.45pm sequence dance. Fridays at 7.30pm for sequence dance.

Baby & Toddler Group Every Friday Lipson Vale Primary School between 9.15am and 10.30am. New families welcome. Please call Kate Timothy or Elaine Bromhead on 01752 224801.

Trinity Art Group Thursdays We are a small group of experienced artists who enjoy meeting and sharing our talents. We meet

Bastille to headline at Ocean City Sounds

Indie pop band Bastille will headline Day One of Plymouth’s new music event Ocean City Sounds, part of the MTV Presents series, on Thursday July 26.

The chart-topping, award-winning band have sold more than 11 million singles including ‘Pompeii’, ‘Things We Lost in the Fire’, ‘Flaws’ and ‘Good Grief’. Most recently they hit the UK top 10 after collaborating with Craig David on the track ‘I Know You’.

Formed in 2010 by lead singer Dan Smith, who was soon joined by Kyle Simmons, Will Farquarson and Plymouth-born drummer and Argyle fanatic Chris ‘Woody’ Wood, Bastille have released two albums in the UK which both rocketed to number one. The band have also been nominated for a Grammy, Billboard Music Awards and five BRIT awards, winning British Breakthrough Act in 2014.

Chris ‘Woody’ Wood is one of Plymouth Argyle’s most famous fans and is looking forward to performing for the audience on Plymouth Hoe. He said: “I’ve wanted to play on The Hoe for years and I was so jealous every week (ring for dates) at Trinity URC, Tor Lane, Hartley from 7pm to 9pm. If you are a beginner and would like to explore the enjoyable pastime of painting in watercolour or acrylics we could offer some assistance. We also welcome all levels of proficiency as our aim is to enjoy our time painting with time to socialise over a cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit, all for £2.50 each night. Details Dave Crawford 01752 215179

Tothill Daytime Sequence Dancers Wednesdays Tothill Daytime Sequence Dancers meet at the Tothill Community Centre, Knighton Road, St Judes, Plymouth Sequence Tea Dance 2pm to 4pm. Everyone welcome.

Karate Club Mondays For those aged 11 years and over at Trinity United Reform Church, Tor Lane, Hartley between 6pm and 7.15pm. Details 07967 313285.

Coffee mornings Last Wednesday of the month Run by the Highbury Trust Community Support Service, Outland Road between 10.30am and 12.30pm.

All members of the public welcome to attend. For details 01752 753711 Plymouth Croquet Club Hartley Park Reservoir, Mannamead Road. New members welcome. Equipment and tuition available.

For further information contact Plymouth 666801.

Plymouth Karate Academy Various dates Based in Faraday Mill Cattedown the club is managed

by Sensei Stuart Hick (4thDan), Sensei Jon Eaton (3rdDan) and Senpai Luke Irving (2ndDan). With more than 45 years combined experience all of the instructors are DBS checked, and teach Shotokan

watching other acts play there year after year.

I can’t believe we’ll finally get to perform there.”

MTV will continue its relationship with the Council as media partner; supporting Ocean City Sounds on-air and digitally. In addition, a TV highlights show – ‘MTV Presents: Ocean City Sounds’ – will be produced and broadcast on MTV in the UK. As previously announced, Plymouth City Council is selecting, booking and announcing artists for Ocean City Sounds, and will be producing the event.

Tickets cost £25 and there is an event pass with access to both days for £45. VIP tickets are also on sale, offering an exclusive viewing area, food, welcome drink and VIP toilets.

Buy tickets now at www.theticketstore.co.uk/ oceancitysounds or by calling the hotline on 0845 146 1460. All tickets are subject to a £2.50 booking fee.

For more information, visit oceancitysounds. co.uk, follow @OceanCitySounds on Twitter or like the Facebook page (facebook.com/ oceancitysounds). karate. With many advantages to learning karate, instructors teach traditional skills and Self-Defence with genuine applications to modern day situations.

Students often say that they feel self-confident; have increased discipline, improved fitness levels and coordination. But above all, they all agree its great value for money, and a fun and a fantastic way to meet new friends no matter what age you are. Tuesday /Thursday Kids only Karate class 6.15- 7pm; Tuesday/Thursday Adult Beginners - Intermediate - Advanced from 7pm onwards ; Saturday Morning class Kids Karate class 10am onwards. For more info: Stuart Hick 07970379268 or stuart.hick@plymouthkarateacademy.co.uk Keep Fit Classes Wednesdays Jackie Hamlin’s ladies keep fit class Wednesdays 10.15am - 11.15am or 6pm - 7pm at Hyde Park Social Club KFA registered, insured, low fees. Contact Jackie on 01752 672685. All proceeds to Alzheimer’s Society.

Waterfront Writers Fridays Meet every Friday during term time at The Swarthmore Education Centre, Mutley Plain 1pm to 3pm. Anyone who wishes to share or listen to poetry and prose is welcome. Visit www.waterfrontwriters. org.uk for more information.

Laira Youth Brass Band Thursdays The City’s premier youth brass band meets at Woodford Methodist Church (next to the school) on Thursdays from 7.15 to 8.45 pm. Open to all youngsters from age eight upwards. Contact Tony Hollick on 01752 216784 for details.

Celtic Music with a Twist Every First Thursday Kitty O’Hanlon’s, 9pm. Three Strand Minstrels play lively Celtic acoustic music at Kitty O’Hanlon’s.

@PlymChronicle

COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY April 2018 23

Mini Matts Parents & Toddler Group Mondays St Matthias Church Hall on the corner of Clifton Street & Bedford Park. 1.30pm to 3pm £1 per family per session. (during term time).

Tennis Club Mannamead Tennis Club, Eggbuckland Rd welcomes new members. 4 hard courts and 2 grass courts.

Coaching available. Contact info@mannamead.org.uk or phone 773652.

Pennycross Friendship Group Thursdays The group meet every Thursday at 2pm in the Pennycross Methodist Church, Pridham Lane off Beauchamp Road, Peverell. Interesting speakers and outings. New members always welcome. For details 01752 362099.

Gary Miller takes on youngsters in penalty shoot out

Mums and Babies Tuesdays Mums and Babies is a support group for mums with babies from birth to eight months old. Come and meet other new mums and enjoy being spoilt by our sympathetic leaders with tea, coffee, biscuits and a listening ear. £2 a session. We meet at Hope Baptist Church Hall, Peverell Corner, Plymouth from 1pm to 2.30pm. For more information ring the church office on 01752 708090.

Keep Fit Classes Wednesdays 10.15am - 11.15am and 6pm - 7pm Hyde Park Social Club.

KFA registered, insured, low fees.Details 01752 672685.

Sequenced Dance Saturdays St Gabriels Church Hall, Hyde Park 7.30pm to 10pm Toddler Group Thursdays Plymouth Christian Centre 9.30am to 11 am, term time only £1.50 per family. Contact Liz Crudgington on 661019 for details or see the www. plymouthchristiancentre.org Weekly Bingo Thursdays Tothill Community Centre, Knighton Road, St Jude’s 7pm.

Entrance £1. Tea and biscuits 20p. Draw tickets on sale.

Watercolour Group Every Friday 10am to 12 noon at Onward House, 55 Greenbank Road, Plymouth. To join this friendly group just come along or ring the group leader Ray on 01752 300633 for more information.

Prince Rock Dog Training Club Puppies to adult classes, obedience training, socialisation. St James the Less Church Hall, Ham Drive; on Monday and Tuesday evenings, from 7.15pm.

More details phone 01752 772411.

Community Herb Clinic Tuesdays 1-3pm Onward House, Greenbank Road. Walk-in for free general health advice or phone for appointments.

Herbal medicine can be used in the treatment of any medical condition in an effective, integrated and affordable way to suit you. Details Sara Hills 01752 872960 www.herbs-work.co.uk Fitness and Fun Touch Rugby Wednesdays Central Park Rugby Pitches 6.45pm-7.45pm OPM Rugby is the official Touch Rugby club for Plymouth.

Come along and enjoy a great welcome. No rugby experience required. Have fun, get fit and make new friends. More details phone Ernie on 07809 209571 or www.opmrugby.com.

Regular events at Oasis, Stonehouse Monday and Tuesday Basic Computer course 9.30am to 11.30am free; Tuesday Art for all: try out a new skill 10am to 12 noon Tuesday Coffee morning; Thursday morning Spreadsheets and other computer skills; Thursday 10am to 12 noon art group; Thursday 2.30pm to 4.30pm Brush up on English; Friday afternoon 1.30pm to 4pm Job Club; First Friday of the month 4.30pm to 6pm Messy Church.

Reading Group Third Tuesday of the month Like reading? Like to share your views on books?

We are a small friendly group who meet at Tothill Community Centre on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 10.30am for approximately 1 hour to discuss chosen books and swap other reading experiences. All new members will receive a very warm welcome. Please ring 01752 513197 for details.

Goulden Girls Stitchers A patch work and quilting group who meet at Mount Gould Methodist Church on Thursday mornings from 10am to 12 noon. We are a friendly group of ladies who share our knowledge and skills. Help and advice available. Anyone interested in joining us please contact Pat King on 240560

Modern Sequence Dancing Tuesdays and Wednesdays Sequence dancing for all.

Further details 01752 493311.

Al-Anon Family Groups Are you concerned about someone’s drinking? A fellowship to help families and friends of alcoholics.

Local meetings. Confidential Helpline 020 7403 088 www.al-anonuk.org.uk

New members welcome to join our club for mainly over 60’s, meeting at Emmanuel Church Hall, Mannamead, on Fridays at 2pm. A varied programme of indoor activities and occasional trips out. For more details call Richard on 707894.

Regular events at Plymouth Unitarian Church, Notte Street First Wednesday of every month 1pm to 2 pm. Quiet time in conjunction with Plymouth Centre for Faiths and Cultural Diversity. Speaker monthly and tranquil music. Oasis of calm on the second, third and fourth Wednesdays 1pm - 1.45 pm. Tranquil music and time for quiet reflection. Mindfulness at lunchtime first Tuesday of every month. Arrive at 12.30 pm bring food to share for lunch at 1 pm.

Youngsters from Plymouth Hope football team enjoyed a training session with a difference with a visit from Plymouth Argyle’s Gary Miller, for Sport Relief.

Plymouth Hope’s Under 12s took on Gary Miller in a penalty shootout, as the whole nation joined forces to try and beat one billion steps a day during Sport Relief.

The Plymouth Hope project, which has received funding from money raised through Sport Relief, aims to promote social inclusion through the medium of sport.

The team is open to young people from all backgrounds to promote strong community relationships.

Plymouth Hope recently won Plymouth Argyle’s diversity tournament, so Gary Miller was keen to get stuck in with the champions.

Argyle defender Gary said: “Sport is a big part of our lives and has made me the player I am today. It is always great to see sport being used to bring people together and create that feeling of community.

“It’s been a lot of fun joining in the session and seeing money raised through Sport Relief in action. Good luck to everyone doing their steps this week. We’ve certainly racked up a few after the run around the

guys at Plymouth Hope gave us!”

David Feindouno, founder of Plymouth Hope said: “When I first came over to the UK, I was looking for something to do to integrate in to the community. It started with a kick about in the park and grew in to what Plymouth Hope is today.

“Thanks to Comic Relief funding, we are now able to have sessions running throughout the week with a variety of male, female adult and children teams.

“Plymouth Hope is now a well-known brand for bringing communities together and fostering social cohesion through sport. It is all about having an active and happy community and all benefits gained through being active are a bonus.”

Rupert, senior project manager at Plymouth Hope, said: “We are so pleased that Gary came along to one of our sessions to see the hard work we put in to making Plymouth Hope a fun and friendly place to do sport.

“Sport Relief is the perfect excuse to get up and moving and we are continually grateful for the funding Comic Relief gives us to develop our project and support our members.”

Line Dancing Tuesday evenings.

All levels, from beginner to advanced. 99 per cent country music. Very friendly club. Pennycross Methodist Church Hall, Beauchamp Rd Peverell Tel: Mike 07854 699683

Central Park Dog Walkers Association Daily Meet at 10am and 2pm every day at the Golf Cafe near Plymouth Life Centre. Very friendly and informal. For help and advice for all ages.

Rainbow Singers Saturdays Come and join our happy band of rainbow singers sharing singing, fellowship and prayer. We meet at St Gabriel’s Church at 10.15 am most Saturdays. For more information please call 01752 262600

Beavers, Cubs and Scouts Thursdays Tavy Lodge Scout Centre, off Lisson Grove, Mutley.

Contact 01752 666706 or 9th21stplymouthscoutgroup@ gmail.com 5-6pm Beavers; 6.15-7.30pm Cubs; 7.45 9.15pm Scouts. Open to young people from the ages of 6 to 14. Come along and join the winter adventures.

Rainbow Group Tuesdays The group meets at Mount Gould Church from 4.45pm to 5.45pm for girls aged from five to six and a half. For more information contact 07913697767 Sequence Dancing for All Saturdays St Gabriel’s Church Hall, Hyde Park Peverell, 7.30pm to 10pm. With tea and biscuits. Everyone welcome.

Self Defence Classes Small but well-respected martial arts club. Classes most nights of the week at St Mary the Virgin Church, Federation Road, Laira. Classes for children and adults.

For details visit www.budosocietymusashi.co.uk or call 07742 834366.

Emmanuel Tea Break Fridays

Pilates Class Mondays and Fridays Wesley Hall, Pennycross Mondays 6pm to 7pm Fridays 10am to 11am. £5 session need to bring a mat other equipment provided. Contact to book on 07401090025 or email tracywilmot@hotmail.co.uk Ford Park Cemetery Gardening Club Third Sunday of the month The Club meets outside the Visitor Centre at 11.30am and is always looking for new members. If you have a few hours spare, why not go along and join them.

Biblical Hebrew Language Classes Thursdays Reviving the passion in Biblical texts at Engage, St Levan Rd, Milehouse, at 7pm. Entrance by donation.

Contact kehila@beit-ezra.org.il Country Dance Plymouth Tuesdays Trinity United Reformed Church Hall, Torr Lane, Hartley, 8pm to 10pm. We dance a wide range of country dances, from the 17th century to the present day, beginners are most welcome and partners not needed, good exercise for the body and mind. Please call 07866 980752 for more details.

Aden Veterans Calling all Aden Veterans. Did you know that the Aden Veterans Plymouth Branch meets every fourth Tuesday of the month at the RAOB Club in North Hill at 7.30pm.

Why not go along and meet like-minded people.

Adult Children of Alcoholics Meetings Tuesdays 6pm – 7.15pm. St Barnabas Church, The Lounge (enter by separate entrance to left of surgery), St Barnabas Terrace, Pennycomequick, Plymouth PL1 5NN. Visit the website at www.adultchildrenofalcoholics.co.uk.

National Phone 01590 610 936.

Badminton Club Fridays Non league club meets on Friday evenings at Whiteford Road, Plymouth to play casual badminton.

All adults welcome including over fifties. For further details contact rcbeasley@btinternet.com Book Stall, Social Call Second Saturday of month Join in the games and fun at Plymouth Unitarian Church, Notte Street. Books, tea, coffee and cake for sale. 2pm to 4pm. Proceeds to support the local Samaritans and the Smile train, an overseas medical charity, repairing hair lips and cleft palates.

Breathe Easy Plymouth First Tuesday of the month Breathe Easy Plymouth, a local support group for anyone with a lung condition, their carers or anyone interested in supporting the group, meets regularly at Tothill Community Centre at 1.30 pm on the first Tuesday of each month. Entry is free and there is tea

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COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • continued from page 23

would find it more economical to pay the £12 single £20 double annual membership fee, and would also be eligible to take advantage of our subsidised taxi scheme (£2 each way). Members are also able to enjoy our regular meetings when we have short mat bowls, darts and other activities, and come to the two meals out every year. So anyone looking for good company and interesting meetings and would like more information please contact the Secretary Mrs Margaret Williams 01752 350498 or email tomag42@hotmail.co.uk

and coffee with biscuits, then usually a speaker. All are welcome. For more details phone Anne on 01752 402310 or Christine on 01752 220919 Buddhist meditation classes Weekday lunchtime meditations 12.15pm - 12.45pm, Wednesday evenings - Introduction to meditation class - 7.30pm - 8.30pm, Thursday evenings - 7.30pm - 9.30pm Meditation - The Art Of Positive Thinking, Sunday mornings 11.30am - 12.30pm Find Inner Peace, Sunday mornings - Children’s classes - 10.30am 11.15am. Held at Ashoka Kadampa Buddhist Centre, 33 Sutherland Road, Plymouth. Tel 01752 224137 www.meditationinplymouth.org Clog dancing Thursdays A fun way to exercise! The Plymouth Maids clog dancers are a small, friendly group of women who welcome new members. From the beginning of October to the end of April we practice at St Bartholomew’s Church Hall, opposite the Life Centre, on Thursdays 8 - 9.45pm. During the summer we dance out on Thursday evenings at various pubs and other venues in and around Plymouth. We also dance at occasional folk festivals and days of dance. No previous dance experience is needed, just a sense of rhythm. Come along and give it a try. For details contact Shirley on 01752 407676.

Club Focus Camera Club Mondays Meets at the Future Inn, William Prance Road, Plymouth. Meets every Monday from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Contact Membership Secretary 01752 231139 Website www.clubfocusplymouth.co.uk Community Dance Classes Exim have weekly Toddle Together dance classes on Mondays at Plymouth School of Creative Arts on Mondays from 9am to 9.45am. Parent/carer toddler sessions open to all ages crawling to four years. £3.50. Children’s contemporary dance (6-10 years) Thursdays in term time at Plymouth School of Creative Arts 4.30pm to 5.30pm. £4.50 per class. Adult just for fun contemporary dance at the same venue 6pm to 7pm Thursdays. £4.50 per class. Also Spaceshot dance classes every Wednesday at St Aidan’s Church, Ernesettle every Wednesday from 6pm to 8pm. A mixture of street dance, fitness and contemporary.

Free. Details e-mail Kerrie at kerrie@eximdance.org.uk Costa Healing Rooms Meet at Costa, New George Street, c/o Old Town Street every Wednesday 2.30pm - 4.30pm Dartmoor Gliding Friendly Flying on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting. Call 07873 483001 for details or Google Dartmoor Flying.

Dartmoor Rambling Club Enjoy the countryside by walking and talking with our club. Membership is only £5 per year. You are welcome to try one or two walks before you join.

As well as Dartmoor, we walk the countryside and coast. Wednesday walks are usually 8 to 10 miles and by public transport. Walks include; Dousland to Princetown, Horrabridge and Peek Hill, River Plym, Burrator, Tavistock Canal, South Brent area, Shaugh Prior and Dewerstone, Spurrels Cross, also off moor!

Yealmpton to Ivybridge, Anthony, Torpoint, Bere Ferrers to Ernesettle, Saltash onwards. For more information call Russell on 01752 266608.

Eddystone Model Flying Club Provide help and free instruction for flying radio control fixed wing. Members fly 24/7 weather permitting. New members are welcome as well as experienced fliers. For details visit www.eddystonemfc. net or phone Dave on 07941 040633 or Mike on 01752 403124.

Families Need Fathers (FNF) Second Wednesday of every month Monthly support meeting 7.30pm to 10pm at the RAOB Club, 41 North Hill, Plymouth, PL4 8EZ. If you are separating or divorcing and are worried about not seeing your children, please come to our monthly meeting for support, information and advice. Talk to people in a similar situation or who have been through similar experiences and understand the family court process. FNF is a registered charity founded in 1974 that helps thousands of parents every year. We believe that each parent has a unique contribution to make to their children’s development and that children have a right to enjoy a loving relationship with both parents after separation.

Meetings are open to mothers and fathers and to

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Performance Training (5-25s) Barbican Theatre’s dance and theatre workshops enable young people to build their confidence and learn new skills and techniques alongside professionals. Visit www.barbicantheatre.co.uk or call 01752 267131.

Doggy charity fete at Chaplins An exciting ‘Doggy Spring Charity Fete’ organised for Woodside Sanctuary and Hearing Dogs for Deaf People in conjunction with Chaplins and Miss Ivy Events, is to be held at Chaplins in Plympton on Sunday, April 8.

This pawsome Charity Spring Fete will be host to a huge range of activities and fun for all the family, particularly the four-legged family members and friends who would like to attend with or on behalf of a parent. For more information, please call Andrew Bull (general secretary) on 01752 793 325, e-mail us at info@plymouth.fnf.org.uk, or visit our website at plymouth.fnf.org.uk Harbour Centre Recovery Café Fridays Female-focused social group for those in recovery from drugs and alcohol. Tea, coffee, regular activities promoting independence, empowerment and positive social/support networks in recovery. Child-friendly.

11am-2pm at Unit 2, 1st Floor, Hyde Park House, Mutley Plain. For more information and support to attend please contact Lynn McKenzie (Harbour Drug and Alcohol Services) on 01752 434299 or email lynn. mckenzie1@nhs.net Healing Rooms Meet at Shekinah Traning Centre, 24 Stonehouse Street, Plymouth on Mondays at 7.30 - 9pm (Not bank holidays) National Trust Plymouth Centre (NTPC) The group helps members to make even more of their NT membership and meet like minded people. During the winter months there are talks as listed: April on Mrs Ronnie, the Royal Matchmaker by Janet Crawford.

In addition there is usually coach events each month from April to September. Membership is only £4 or £6 for couples. For more information and application form call Russell on 01752 266608 Kreative Kidz Tuesdays Crafts, Science and cookery- age 6 months - preschool 12.30pm to 2pm. £5 or £4 if booked in four week blocks. To book email: info:wkuk.org Unit 34 Scott Business Park, Beacon Park Road, Plymouth.

Krafty Kidz Tuesdays Childrens activity workshops from ages 5 to 16.

Cooker, crafts and STEM activities. £5 per session includes materials. 5.30pm to 7pm. To book email: info:wkuk.org Unit 34 Scott Business Park, Beacon Park Road, Plymouth.

Wk’d Wednesdays Adults activity workshops - activities range

members, with a charity dog show, workshops including canine first aid , agility classes, a doggy tea party, a ‘temptation alley’, grooming demos, pet photobooth, charity raffle and a range of stalls.

The event will begin at 10.30am and run until 4pm, entry costs £2.50 per person, U16s free, with all proceeds being donated to Woodside and Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. from crafts, cooking, woodworking, furniture up cycling, sewing. £10 per session includes materials. Accompanied children welcome. To book email: info:wkuk.org. Every Wednesday 6pm to 8pm Unit 34 Scott Business Park, Beacon Park Road, Plymouth.

Plymouth Handball Club Thursdays Between 6pm and 7pm at Plymouth Life Centre.

Come and play an Olympic sport. A fun/recreational session for adults 18+. All levels and abilities welcome. Session is £2 (1st session free) Contact Lee 07414677003, Facebook Plymouth Handball Club, email plymouthhandballclub@hotmail.com Plymouth Musical Activities Club Thursdays A music group for young people aged 9-18 supported by volunteer staff members. At Pmac we teach flute, clarinet, drums, keyboards, singing and guitar. Meet every Thursday at Courtlands School in Eggbuckland from 7.15pm to 9.15pm. The charge is just £1 a week and people of all abilities are welcome. The group plays at lots of different venues and events throughout the year such as Devonport Playhouse, Lord Mayor’s day, Eden Project and many more. If you are interested in joining please call our treasurer Angela Fuller on 01752 773482 or check out the Pmac website www.plymouthmac.co.uk Plymouth Numismatic Society Third Tuesday each month 7:30pm Coin collection and study can be an absorbing and rewarding pastime. New members are welcomed to informal meetings to share interest and knowledge of coins, providing the opportunity to give talks and presentations on any aspect of numismatics. This can range from studies of coins in historical, cultural or artistic context, to acquisitions, valuations and investment. Or members can just listen, learn and enjoy the company. Contact Bryan on 01752 480394 for more details and current location of meetings.

Mayflower Offshore Rowing Club Various dates We meet on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 5.30pm and Sunday mornings at 9.30am at Richmond Walk Devonport. We row out to sea, in The Sound and up the Tamar & Plym rivers. Ages from 14 and all abilities welcome. We run learn to row sessions.

Contact secretarymorc@hotmail.co.uk or Jeff Keast 07865 228800.

Plymouth Lymphoma Support Group Second Thursday of the month The Plymouth Lymphoma Support Group aims to offer friendship and support to anyone who is affected by Lymphoma (Hodgkins or Non Hodgkins Disease), whether patient (past or present), carer, family member or friend, and meets on the second Thursday of each month at the Derriford Health and Wellbeing Centre from 3pm to 4.30 pm. For more information, please call Pam on 01752 785094 or Scott on 01752 661035

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Phobias Support Group Mondays Meets at the Estover Elm Centre at 6.30pm. For details contact Daniel on 07500 837703

Plymouth Play Association For hire of resources for play, recycling scrapstore and arts and crafts. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Saturday 10am-2pm, Thursday 10am-7pm.

Details 01752 256633.

Pensioners & Fifty Plus Action Group If you are more than fifty years old and live in the Plymouth area we invite you to come to our regular meetings and meet some new friends. On the second Friday of each month we have free meetings and invite MPs, local councillors, local businesses, anyone able to speak on issues that affect older people, to come and talk to us. These meetings are held in the Wolseley Trust Community Building next to Sheila’s Café in Wolseley Road, behind the Co-op just down from Milehouse traffic lights going towards St Budeaux. These meetings start 10.30am and end at 1pm, many buses stop outside the Co-op and if you come by car parking is usually available. We also have regular social meetings and would like to advise everyone that these will now be held at the Oak Villa Sports & Social Club in Ferndale Road, Plymouth (PL2 2EL) just down the road from Weston Mill Cemetery.

The No 13 Target Travel bus stops quite near it, and there is a large car park virtually next door to the hall.

These meetings are from 2pm to 4pm and we supply a very good buffet and as with all of our meetings we do have a raffle. Members of our group have free access but non-members will be asked to pay £2.

Anyone intending to come regularly to these meetings

Plymouth Shakespeare Society Meets twice a month from September to May at the Burgess Hall (behind the Unitarian Church) Notte Street, Plymouth from 2.30 - 4.30 p.m. Everyone welcome. Further details call 257764.

Plymouth Skywatch Meet at St Budeaux Parish Church Hall every third Friday of the month at 7.30pm. The meeting usually consists of highlights of the night sky for the following month followed by a talk on an astronomy-related subject. There is a break in between with tea and coffee available.

Plymouth Visually Impaired Bowls Club We play in the Plymouth Life Centre at the bowls hall on Tuesday morning from 10.30am to 1.30 pm and Friday morning from 12 noon to 2 30pm. In the summer we play on Tuesdays and Fridays on The Hoe from 10 30am to 1.30pm. If you require any more information please contact Colin Harris on 01752 222184.

Plymouth and District Advanced Motorists Group Monthly meetings on the third Monday of each month at the United Reformed Church Hall, Powisland Drive, Derriford. The meeting begins at 7.30p.m. with doors

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COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • COMMUNITY DIRECTORY April 2018 25

opening at seven. Guest speaker each month. Details 01752 405926 Plymouth Bridge Club We meet for sessions on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings at 7pm, or Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 1pm. It is thought that learning a foreign language or playing bridge is conducive to maintaining a healthy brain. The former is difficult whilst the latter is much easier. We also offer teaching for beginners and intermediates either Monday mornings at 10.15am or Thursday evenings at 7pm. Why don’t you call Steven Lacey on 07990 521570 or email admin@plymouthbridge.co.uk and come along and join our friendly and conveniently situated members owned club, just off Mutley Plain.

Plymouth Magic Circle Every second Thursday We are a small friendly Magic Club who meets every second Thursday at The Walrus, Athenaeum Street, Plymouth from 7pm to 9pm. All budding magicians are welcome to join us. For details call Ian Marley on 07979 655018.

Plymouth Children’s Theatre Workshop Saturdays A theatre company for children and young people aged 6 to 18. Try your hand at performing, set design and construction, costumes and props, stage make up and much more. St Bartholomew’s Church Saturdays 1 till 4. Tots 3 - 5 years 12 till 1. www.plymouthchildrenstheatreworkshop.co.uk or 07760467857 or see our Facebook page Plymouth Philatelic Society First Wednesday of every month St. Edwards Hall, Home Park Avenue, Peverell from 7pm to 9pm. For details contact David on 01752 402981.

Plymouth Radio Club Second Tuesday of every month.

The Plymouth Radio Club meets second Tuesday of every month at the Weston Mill Oak Villa social Club, Situated in Ferndale Road, Weston Mill, Plymouth.

Commencing 7.30 pm. For all licenced Radio Amateurs and anyone interested in amateur radio. For those wishing to obtain a licence, email pippa117@hotmail.co.uk or telephone 07815542477.

Plymouth West Country Embroiderers Various dates Started in 1972. A friendly group of enthusiastic needleworkers who enjoy sharing their knowledge and expertise with others. Trainees (age 8-15) meet first Saturday each month from 11am to 3pm. Adults meet on second Thursday and fourth Saturday each month from 10.30am. We welcome experts and beginners of all ages. Contact Mary 01752 200047 for more details.

Plymouth Woodturners Third Friday of the month Meet at Pilgrim Church, St Levan Road at 7.30pm. Also demonstrate and sell at Otter Nurseries, Brixton, the first weekend of every month. New members always welcome, just turn up on the night.

Plymouth Meet Up Group First Tuesday of the month A social group for people with disabilities. Meets at Igrow Workspace 25 Phoenix Street from 4pm to 7pm for a chat and games and a short walk to the nearby Mount Pleasant pub for a meal. £2 for members and £3 for non-members. For more information call David on 017523 268777.

Plymouth U3A Second Monday of the month If you are retired, looking for new interests and to make new friends, then come along to the next monthly meeting of the Plymouth U3a and listen to our speaker. We meet at The Holiday Inn from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Coffee available on arrival and an option to stay for a reasonably priced two course lunch in the restaurant. U3A (University of the 3rd Age) is organised and run by volunteers, there are over 60 groups to find out about and maybe join, creating opportunities for continuation of learning. A non member can attend as a visitor, further information can be obtained via the welcome and promotions desk on the day, or in advance by telephoning 01752 563551, joining on the day is also an option. We look forward to meeting you.

Moors Edge U3A Second Thursday of the month New members welcome. Meets at the Woolwell Centre PL6 7TR. Guest speakers and a variety of social events.

Growing number of interest groups including bridge

Volunteer ‘treasure hunters’ wanted When it comes to boosting your skills, making new friends and improving your health, there’s nothing quite like volunteering.

Giving some of your spare time – whether it’s an hour or two once a week or several days a month – to help a good cause has been shown to do all of this and more while providing critical support to help charities like St Luke’s.

Volunteers are absolutely vital to the operation of St Luke’s and they couldn’t do what we do without them. From students to retired people and from a wide variety of backgrounds, they generously give their time in a host of different roles across the organisaton.

While many are based in their shops, others give their time to help in the cafe at the specialist unit at Turnchapel, become befrienders to patients or marshal at key fundraising events, such as the Neon Midnight Walk and Tour de Moor.

And there’s another way fantastic volunteers pitch in – hunting for treasure at the charity shop distribution centre at Huxley Close in Plympton.

It’s at the warehouse that each year thousands of donated items are given by people who choose to drop them off there for beginners, wine tasting, weekenders, jazz, Spanish, art appreciation and still more to start. Details of groups etc can be found on the Moors Edge website, Facebook and reminders are now put on Streetlife.

Plymouth Fishkeepers Society First and Second Wednesday of the Month. 8pm at the Hyde Park Social Club. If you are interested in the hobby of keeping tropical fish and want to learn more, then why not come along to one of our meetings.

Interests among members are diverse, and there is without doubt someone in the society who can answer questions covering most aspects of the hobby.

The society caters for newcomers to people who have been in the hobby for a long time. Just bought your first fish tank? Then Plymouth Fishkeepers Society is the place for you.

Plymouth & District Egyptology Society First Saturday of the month We are a society of some 50 members whose passion is all things related to Ancient Egypt. Between the months of September of one year to May of the next, we meet on the first Saturday of each of those months, including Day Schools, and long weekend visits to UK and European cities to view Museum Egyptology Exhibitions, enjoying the local sights etc.

The Society meets at the The Quaker House on Mutley Plain. Timings 2 pm until 4.30 pm for a normal lecture.

Contact Details: janis.naylor@aol.co.uk Pray Plymouth Every Wednesday morning Organised by Churches Together in Plymouth from 7am to 8am at Open Doors Language School, 14-15, Woodland Terrace Lane, Greenbank, Plymouth.

Breakfast from 8am to 9am. Details 01752 249187.

rather than in the charity shops.

Clothes, coins, crockery, books, records, toys, games, jewellery - the sheer variety of the items we receive is something to behold! And all of them need careful sorting, which is where St Luke’s volunteers come in.

“We call these volunteers our treasure hunters,” said Mark Kendall, logistics and recycling manager.

“That’s because they’ve developed a good eye for spotting the interesting and unusual – and sometimes highly collectable – items that can help us raise that bit more money for St Luke’s.”

On Saturday April 21, there’s an opportunity to find out more at the open day at the charity shop distribution centre in Plympton. From 11am to 3pm and open to everyone, it’s a family-friendly event with activities for children and a barbecue, as well as guided tours and taster sessions giving insight into what it’s like to be a ‘treasure hunter’ for St Luke’s. Those who attend will also see the recycling side, which generates income for the charity too.

For more information, www.stlukeshospice.org.uk/volunteer or call 01752 401172 and ask for volunteer services.

Plymouth Community Choir Monday Evenings Meet at Salvation Army Congress Hall, Armada Way, Plymouth from 7pm to 9pm. New members are welcome, just come along for a free taster session at the beginning of the term, or contact the choir leader.

Terms are 12 weeks long and we sing a variety of music such as gospel, contemporary, sacred, world folk, pop, funky bass lines etc. No previous experience is necessary and you don’t need to be able to read music as we learn ‘by ear’ and repetition. Come and give us a try and see what you think! Our choir leader is Sarah Pennington and she can be contacted on 01392 437792 or by email plymouthcommunitychoir@ gmail.com. We look forward to seeing you!

Plymouth Cycling Touring Club Meet Sundays for a leisure cycle ride. For our latest rides list and meet time/place see www.plymouthctc. co.uk or contact Graham Black 01752 606650 or Andy Prideaux 01752 345170 for more information.

Plymouth Die-Cast Model Collectors Club First Wednesday of the month A club for anyone interested in or a collector of old toys, Dinky, Corgi, Tinplate etc. Meetings are quite informal, any club business is discussed along with a good gossip over a cup of tea or coffee. The meetings are held at the Jan Cutting Centre, Beacon Park Road, Plymouth from 7pm - 9pm. New members are always made very welcome with no charge for a first visit.

For further details or information please contact Paul Simmons, telephone 01752 846250, or check out the Club web site www.plymouthdiecastclub.com.

Plymouth & District Koi Keepers Society First Wednesday of the month If you are interested in koi keeping, or thinking of

building a pond and want to learn more, then why not come along to one of our meetings. We have guest speakers, presentations, visits to club member’s ponds before finishing the evening back at the clubhouse. At the weekends trips are arranged to visit other koi club’s ponds and koi shows and these are excellent days out. Meet at 7.30 pm in the lounge of the Tamar View Community Centre, Miers Close, Barne Barton, Plymouth. New members always welcome.

For more details of club activities please visit www. plymouthanddistrictkoikeeperssociety.org or ring Sandra Crocker on 01752 210118.

Plymouth Pisces Swimming Club for all Disabilities Sundays 11.15am to 1.15pm at Plymouth Life Centre.

Adults £2.50 per session, children £2 per session.

Under 5s free. Annual membership £5.

Plym Ramblers First and third Sunday in the month A well established walking organisation offering regular walks by experienced leaders all within 20 miles of Plymouth. The group meets every first and third Sunday in the month and also hold interesting social events. For details contact the secretary on 344048 or the chairman on 405132. Plym Ramblers have now published their walking book “On the beaten track 4” the fourth book in a popular series of local walks.

Plymouth Inter Varsity Club We are looking for lively, interesting people who want variety in their social lives and would like to mix with others in a friendly, local social group run by its members, for its members. We enjoy a wide range of activities eg meals out, cycling, themed party nights, walking, canoeing, theatre, reading group and weekends away. Want to know more? You can go to our website www.plymouthivc.org, look at what we do and complete an enquiry or contact us direct on 07542 125575.

Boys Brigade Various dates For more information visit www.plymouth.boysbrigade.org.uk. 1st Plymouth - Salisbury Road Baptist Church (Fridays); 2nd Plymouth - Ridgeway Methodist Church (Mondays); 4th Plymouth - St Jude’s Church Halls (Wednesdays); 5th Plymouth - Mount Gould Methodist Church (Fridays); 7th Plymouth - Pennycross Methodist Church (Fridays); 8th Plymouth - Ford Baptist Church (Wednesdays). New members welcome.

Age groups: Anchor Boys (5 to 7); Juniors (8-11) and Company Section (12-18). The Boys Brigade can help your church in its mission to children and young people. Contact the development team at plymouth. battalion@tiscali.co.uk or call 01579 346218.

5th Plymouth Company Boys’ Brigade and Girls Association We meet at Mount Gould Methodist Church, term time, and are looking to recruit both boys and girls aged 5-8yrs (6pm-7pm), 8-11yrs (6.30-8pm) and 1118yrs (6.30-9pm). Our programme is very varied and includes craftwork, cookery, games, computer work, interactive challenges, sports competitions, sponsored fundraising and much more plus the year ending event - summer camp (8yrs+). Many of the skills learnt here can help prepare them for adult life. Interested - then come along to the church on Friday or contact Hugh Porter, 01752 667513, or email porterbb@blueyonder. co.uk for further information 7th Plymouth Company Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Association Fridays We meet at Pennycross Methodist Church in term time, Anchors (5-8 years) between 6.15pm and 7.15pm; Juniors (8-11 years) from 6.30pm to 8.30pm and Seniors (12-18 years) between 7pm and 9.45pm. There is a full programme of activities including crafts, games, drama, music, cookery, interactive challenges, national sport competitions and much more. The year culminates in a week-long summer camp. Our programme enables youngsters to learn many various skills and prepares them for adult life. Simply go along on Fridays to find out more or visit 7plymouth. boys-brigade.org.uk Plymouth Writers Circle Tuesdays Do you have a problem with plotting or characterisation. The Plymouth Writers Circle meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 10am to 12 noon at the Plymstock Community Centre (except in the summer holidays).

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Plymouth Clarion Choir (Male Voice) Tuesdays Rehearsals between 7.30pm and 9.30pm at Crownhill Methodist Church Hall with break in between for refreshments. Nice friendly atmosphere and a variety of music sung. Why not come along and see what it is all about. Musical director Catherine Davies, accompanist Olga Drougaleva. For details call Darell Jago on 01752 266434.

Volunteer co-ordinators needed in Plymouth

Port of Plymouth Canoe Association Mondays , Thursdays and Saturdays May until September. Offering various introductory, taster and child ( 8-11 ) sessions throughout the spring and summer. For more information please contact Tracy Jones 01752 510653 email intro@ppca-club.org. uk or visit www.ppca-canoe-club.org.uk RAF Association (Plymouth Branch) On April 1 2018 the Royal Air Force, will be 100 years old, (1918/2018), having been formed by the amalgamation of the Royal Naval Air Service and the Royal Flying Corps. Special events to commemorate the 100th Anniversary, will be held throughout the UK. The Plymouth Branch of RAFA will be involved especially during the period between September 9 and 16. Watch this space! Dates of Branch Meetings during 2018 will be on Wednesday March 28, April 25, May 23, June 27, July 25, Aug 22, Sep 26, Oct 24 and finally Nov 28.

Meetings will start at 10.30am followed by coffee break at 11am all held at Raffles Club Ermington Terrace, Mutley, Plymouth. The Branch AGM will be on March 7 at 12 noon followed by lunch at Raffles Club. We look forward to meeting members old and new. Please make the effort to join us during 2018.

RASC/RCT/RLC Association (Plymouth Branch) This is to advise members that the Branch meetings will now be held on a Tuesday evening at 8pm, in order that we may be able to meet up with the Army Reservists, after their training session. The Branch Meeting will be held as usual at the Army Reserve Centre, Brest Road, Derriford, Plymouth and the dates for 2018 are: March 13, May 8, July 10, Sept 11 and Nov 11. The Annual General Meeting will be on Tuesday, January 8 2019 at 8pm. Please attend as many meetings as you can, the committee needs your support, if you wish to keep the branch alive.

Road to Recovery Group of Alcoholics Anonymous Open Meeting every Friday at St Matthias Church Hall, North Hill. Doors open 6.30pm. Meeting 7pm9pm. If you think you have a problem with alcohol, you are welcome to attend. Family, friends, health professionals etc also welcome. Contact: Matt 07766 006 153 or Jo 07918 141715. AA Helpline: 0800 9177 650.

Snack ‘N’ Chat Tuesdays Friendship group for the bereaved and those who live alone. From 10.30am to 12.30pm in the Coffee Corner in the Minster Church of St Andrew in the city centre. A community project run by two trained Counsellors and two trained listeners. Come and enjoy coffee, tea and home made cake and talk through how things are for you. Only 50p per session.

in a relaxed and friendly environment. All Instructors DBS checked, safeguarding and first aid trained.

Saturday mornings 10am to 11am Contact Georgina on 07807184279 Special Olympics Plymouth and District The Special Olympics Plymouth and District at YMCA Kitto centre on Wednesday evenings from 6pm to 8pm £15 membership £2 each week.

The Arts Society South Devon (TASSD) We are part of The Arts Society, the National Association, and have about 250 members. We hold monthly evening lectures on a wide range of Arts topics, occasional morning lectures, Study Days, Tours, Visits and Concert visits. We would be pleased to welcome new members and introductory guest visits are available. See website for programme information and other details (www.theartssocietysouthdevon. org.uk) or contact Jim Stevens, Membership Secretary (jst74@hotmail.co.uk).

Plymouth School of Aikido Non-profit well-respected community based Martial Arts club founded over 35 years ago. Classes at Woodview Learning Campus (off Lancaster Gardens, Whitleigh) on Mondays and Coombe Dean School, Elburton, Plymstock on Fridays. Times: 7- 8pm Juniors, 7-9pm Adults. Aikido is a Japanese Martial Art suitable for both Men and Women learning and working together. Enjoyable interesting, useful, physical, family-friendly activity with Child Safeguarded/DBS Nationally qualified Instructors leading to recognised gradings appropriate for students of all ages 7yrs to 70yrs. Fees with concessions; excellent value. Quality equipment including clothing available for purchase at non-profit prices. Checkout www.plymouthaikido. co.uk or Facebook Page. Contact Tre or David Worsley 403325, or Phil Smith 219355 for more information.

Plymouth Hockey Club Sundays Plymouth Hockey Club is the oldest junior club in the city and has recently achieved the highest award for organisation and safeguarding. The club is operated by parents for all children and young people. The club trains every Sunday between 10am - 1pm at Bull Point ATP. The club cater for young people from 4-16 years and no previous experience is required. The first 6 weeks are free to new members and everyone who trains gets to play. For more information, please see the website at www.plymouthhockeyclub.org.uk or contact Rob on 07861 250682.

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Royal Voluntary Service, the volunteering charity, is looking for local volunteer coordinators and leaders to set up and run new activities for older people in Plymouth.

Whether it’s a lunch club, tai chi class or book group or providing companionship to older people in their homes, the charity is looking for local people to put their talents and life experience to valuable use to help grow a network of community groups across Great Britain that improve older people’s lives. Clubs and groups will be supported by funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

No previous experience is necessary as full training is provided. Royal Voluntary Service will also provide guidance on recruiting volunteers to help, managing money and fundraising and on how to run the activity safely and legally. In return, volunteer co-ordinators can enjoy developing their skills and experience, being part of a team and creating something of lasting value for their community and the people in it.

Clara Govier, head of charities at People’s Postcode Lottery said: “We are sure that some extraordinary people will come forward to give their time as volunteer co-ordinators and leaders to help Royal Voluntary Service support older people’s lives. I am delighted that thanks to the support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery, more local people will be coming together to provide vitally important social activities that keep older people engaged in the communities where they live.”

Mandy Turner, Royal Voluntary Service’s Solaris Yoga Enjoy vital relaxation, strengthening and toning muscles. Pregnancy yoga, mum and baby yoga and adult yoga held at Plymouth Swallows, St Andrew’s Cross, Church of the Holy Spirit Southway, Crownhill Fort and Jump. Please call Shilpa on 0771 1899 530 for times of classes.

Soundhouse Brass and Soundhouse Youth Brass Academy Thursdays Want to play with one of the finest Brass Bands in Devon then why not come along and give us a try.

We also have a thriving Youth Band for younger players which is supported by Plymouth Youth Music Service. Both groups practice at The Soundhouse, Torbridge High School, Estover on Thursday evenings (Juniors 6p.m. to 7.30p.m. and Seniors 7.30-9.45p.m) Come along any evening, visit our website www. soundhousebrass.co.uk or ring Alan 01752844108 (Senior Band) or Garry 0744618977 (Youth Band) for further details.

South West Chamber Choir Wednesdays Marjon Chapel 7.30 to 9.30 pm. We are a friendly auditioned choir of 25 to 30 singers specialising

Community Engagement & Development Worker for Devon, said: “Our volunteers are community heroes that make a genuine difference to the lives of older people.

Working with us to set up a programme of new volunteer-led social activities is an exciting challenge for anyone with time to give and ideas, energy and enthusiasm to offer. We look forward to welcoming and supporting a host of new volunteer co-ordinators and leaders to scale up our support for older people, thanks to funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

For anyone with a little spare time that is looking for a way to contribute to the local community, volunteering is hugely rewarding.”

Previous research for Royal Voluntary Service found that older people who volunteer are happier and healthier than their counterparts who don’t. The charity welcomes volunteers of all ages.

Royal Voluntary Service is one of Britain’s largest volunteering charities with over 25,000 volunteers supporting thousands of older people each month in hospitals and the community. The focus is on building confidence, improving well-being and keeping loneliness at bay through an array of social activities and more structured support. The charity is also one of the largest retailers in the NHS, with its network of cafes and shops providing a valued haven in hospitals.

To find out more about becoming a volunteer, volunteer co-ordinator or leader, email mandy.turner@royalvoluntaryservice. org.uk, call on 0300 012 0261 or visit www. royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk in unaccompanied singing, with a programme of madrigals, partsongs and sacred works. We give four concerts annually as well as a weekend of sung services at a cathedral each July. A reasonable standard of sight-reading is needed to join. We welcome enquiries. www.swcchoir.org.uk Shotokan Karate Club Shotokan Karate club in Devonport High school for Girls on Monday and Friday evenings for all ages and grades starting at 6pm. This is an authentic Japanese art, taught in the same disciplined manner instilling personal responsibility for actions, promoting confidence and self esteem.

Karate taught in this environment is deemed to be beneficial for all ages and genders. All Instructors DBS checked, safeguarding and first aid trained.

Contact club secretary Steve on 07518471142 or Colin on 07968061887. Shotokan Karate Club in Eggbuckland Community college Drama studio on Wednesday evenings from 7.00 to 8.30 for all ages and grades. An authentic Japanese art, all Instructors DBS checked, safeguarding and first aid trained. Contact Georgina on 07807184279. Children’s Shotokan Karate Class in St Budeaux parish church hall, specifically for ages 7 to 12 years old, parents can train alongside their children

Tai Chi Beginners Classes Various dates Established in Plymouth since 1995. A friendly group covering all aspects of Tai Chi training for health and well being. Tai Chi is a gentle way to exercise and build strength. For those more keen, it is a complete form of body and mind martial arts system from ancient China suitable for all ages 5 to 95! To get more information, please drop into the class held every Tuesday 6.45pm at Mount Street Primary School, Greenbank, or any other class advertised on www.wutan-plymouth.co.uk.

Tel. 07949 839088 The Pythagorean Society First Friday of the month held at Plymouth Natural Health & Healing Centre, Outland Road, PL2 3PY. 7 pm – 9 pm. We have a different topic each month with a guest speaker, covering a wide range of esoteric subjects. Please see our website for details www.pythagoreansociety.wordpress.net or email mail@pythagoreansociety.net The Plymouth Regional Head & Neck Cancer Support Group Our group is specifically aimed at head and neck patients, their partners and/or carers. Our support group will also welcome anyone who wishes to join us for whatever reason. You don’t have to be a cancer patient to join us but those cancer patients without a support group of their own will be made especially welcome. Due to the nature of this particular disease, most of our members are from the older age group.

We meet up once a month and take a trip out somewhere away from the clinical environment. We might also be able to help with transport if necessary.

Please contact: Geoff Read on (01752) 563 800 or email him on: geoffnread@gmail.com Twins, Triplets or more Support group held on a Tuesday morning 10am12pm at Surestart Children’s Centre, 25 Manor Street, Stonehouse, (Tel 208650) or a Friday morning 10am -12pm at Sir John Hunt School, Whitleigh. An informal group open to all mums and expectant mums. A great chance to meet other mums and dads in the same situation.

Watercolour Art Sessions for Adults Thursdays Beginner and experienced artists welcome.

Chaddlewood Farm Community Centre Thursdays 10am to 12 noon. The Burrator Inn, Dousland, nr Yelverton Tuesdays 10am to 12 noon. Easy car parking at both venues. For more information call Janet on 07742 983311 Yankee Yoga Various days All abilities yoga classes set to sweet tunes.

Tuesdays 5pm @ The Art of Dance (Mutley Plain) 8pm @ Coombe Dean School; Plymstock/Elburton; Wednesdays 6pm @ Merlin Fitness (Crownhill); Fridays 7.30pm Special Class - Yoga for Athletes @ Taurus Gym (Mutley Plain); Saturdays 10am Special Class:Yoga Sculpt @ Merlin Fitness (Crownhill). Contact Emily on 07478 257080

If you would like your event featured in our community directory, please email chris@cornerstonevision.com

USEFUL 110 years of Improving Lives NUMBERS April 2018 27

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Improving Lives Plymouth was established in 1910. For over 110 years the charity has been wrapped up in the life of the city and has played an important part in Plymouth’s caring services.

Formerly known as Plymouth Guild, the new name better reflects the range of services it provides, supporting and inspiring people to improve their health and wellbeing.

They do this by running information, advice and support services for people with disabilities and long-term health conditions. They also support organisations to provide volunteering programmes and they help prospective volunteers find interesting and rewarding volunteering opportunities.

There are 60 paid staff and over 80 volunteers across Improving Lives’ services, led by the charity’s chief executive, George Plenderleith.

George joined as a welfare officer in 1983, supporting people with disabilities. The role was a complete change of career.

“I had served as a navigation officer in the Merchant Navy for eight years,” recalls George.

“When I left the service, in between jobs I watched a TV programme about elderly people being abused. I had a ‘light bulb’ moment, turned to my wife, Carol, and said ‘I want to help people in need’.”

Two years later, with a CQSW qualification from what was then Plymouth Polytechnic, George joined the Plymouth Guild of Community Service, and has never looked back. In 1997 he was appointed as director (later re-named chief executive) of the organisation he had served faithfully for 14 years.

George explained why he has stayed so long: “I’m here because it is such a privilege to work here. You touch a lot of people’s lives, and the change you can make gets you out of bed in the morning.” He says the job is more than delivering services, “We make time for people, as well as using our expertise to support them.”

For George, this includes looking after his staff and volunteers. He believes that by taking time with his team, they will do the same with the people who come for help.

It’s a culture that evidently works – George said staff turnover is low and many of the THE

Experience

service managers have been in George Plenderleith post for over 10 years. “People want to work for Improving Lives when they experience the ethos of the organisation and see the impact it has through its range of services.”

The scale of help that this team offers is staggering – over 17,000 people accessed their services last year. Support is provided for those with hearing and sight loss, long term health conditions, and learning disabilities.

Plymouth’s many veterans and their dependants can find support to navigate and choose services that best meet their needs; and the often ‘unseen’ numbers of carers who look after a partner, family member, or friend with an illness or disability can find advice, and training, as well as support groups to help them.

Volunteers play a vital role in the delivery of services, with a wide range of opportunities available. “Like every charity we are always open to volunteers,” says George, “and if we do not have a suitable vacancy, we can include people in Volunteer condition. With help, they began to discuss how Connections so it’s always worth applying.” her condition affected her, and through this Volunteer Connections creates connections straightforward process they gained a mutual between volunteers, voluntary organisations and businesses to make volunteering happen in the city. understanding and saved their marriage.

“One family with a disabled member came to Improving Lives’ joined up, wraparound services us for information and advice about benefits. We are motivated by enthusiasm and passion. “It helped them access £30,000 in owed benefits. It can be likened to disaster relief sometimes,” said was life-changing for them.”

George. “We often meet people at the point of Like George says, stories like these make it crisis and offer help, then we find the tools to worth getting out of bed in the morning. If you equip them to move forwards in life themselves.” would like to get involved with Improving Lives There are many examples of how Improving Plymouth, either as a volunteer or by supporting Lives has fulfilled its aims. George recalls just the charity with a donation to help sustain and two: “A lady with a long-term health condition develop some of its services, there is more came to us for support. In a communications information on the website. For information, advice workshop, she realised her marriage was and support and to find out more, go to www. in serious trouble because she had never improvinglivesplymouth.org.uk or call 01752 201766. been able to talk to her husband about her

BY DAVE SIMPSON STATION MANAGER OF CROSS RHYTHMS, PLYMOUTH

A man named Jesus lived some 2,000 years ago. His existence as a historical figure is unquestionable and better documented than even Julius Caesar. He claimed to be from God. In fact, as well as being a man he claimed to actually be God. A ridiculous claim surely! The problem is he went around healing people, walking on water and generally doing miracles that backed up his claim of divinity.

His message to people was especially radical.

The followers of God at the time were under Roman rule and wanted, even expected, God to forcibly overthrow the Romans and establish a new kingdom of God on the earth. Instead Jesus preached a message of love. That God loves everyone on the earth and wants to dwell with mankind. Jesus said people should love God, love each other, love themselves and even love their enemies! He even healed Roman soldiers to show he wasn’t joking! Jesus did acknowledge that he came to start a kingdom on the Earth, but rather than a visible nation he said it would be within those who followed him. That God would dwell with mankind in their hearts and give real life, joy, hope and peace. That God’s kingdom would be within us.

The most remarkable thing about how Dave in the studio God showed himself through Jesus is that Jesus died. Not an ordinary death

I wonder what Easter means to you? Is it a chance to eat your weight in chocolate? An overdue long weekend perhaps or a chance to see family members? Or is it something more?

Many people in the UK today question the existence of God. Whether identifying as an atheist or simply an uncertain agnostic, for many, the fact that we can’t physically see God leads to unbelief. After all, surely if there was a God wouldn’t it make itself known? Surely it would come down to earth, show through demonstrations of power that it is God and alter the course of history?

Well whatever Easter means to you, at the heart of this celebration is a story about exactly that.

either but death on a cross. Crucifixion. The most brutal form of capital punishment the world has ever seen was used on God. Surely if Jesus was God he would have stopped that? He wouldn’t have let those around him lead him like a lamb to be slaughtered? Well the accounts of his life written by his friends and followers Matthew, Mark, Luke and John say he put up no fight whatsoever. In fact he let it happen.

You see this was all a part of the plan. God knew that the world wasn’t perfect. Mankind wasn’t supposed to be separated from God, but in allowing humanity the freedom to choose God we had to have the freedom not to. We had to have the freedom to choose evil as well as good. This evil is in the heart of man. Whether it leads to a little white lie or murder it is still in there, in our being. To bring change to the world God knew this had to be dealt with. But what to do when you love the very people who have turned away?

On the cross Jesus didn’t simply die but he took on all the evil, selfishness and sin of every man, woman and child who will ever live. God himself took the punishment, giving mankind a new start. A clean slate. A chance to reconnect with God and have God dwell in our hearts changing us and bringing life from within.

Astonishingly it didn’t end in death. The eye witnesses at the time reported that Jesus came back to life and showed himself to people three days after being killed! He had come to bring humans back to a relationship with God to live life to the full both now and after death.

This relationship with God is not something forced upon anyone. It is however something that has transformed countless millions of people’s lives and is offered to all. At the heart of Easter is God, with arms wide open, inviting us to know Him.

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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 Shopper, 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.

28 April 2018 MAYFLOWER 400 • MAYFLOWER 400 • MAYFLOWER 400 • MAYFLOWER 400 • MAYFLOWER 400 • MAYFLOWER 400 @PlymChronicle

Transat returns to Plymouth in 2020 Mayflower 400 Community Sparks set to fly

Spectators watch the Transat fleet heading away from Plymouth from their vantage point at Queen Adelaide’s Grotto on the Rame Peninsula Photo: Roy Perring

Plymouth has won the bid to host the start of the next edition of The Transat in 2020, the first and oldest single-handed transatlantic race in history.

Plymouth will host The Transat for the second time in succession, having welcomed the race at the start of the last edition in 2016.

Race owner and organiser OC Sport has confirmed a start date of the May 10 2020 for The Transat. The race is the successor, for professional sailors, to the original solo race across the North Atlantic that was born as the OSTAR in 1960 and which featured legends like Blondie Hasler and Sir Francis Chichester.

Hervé Favre, offshore sailing event director at OC Sport, commented: “The Plymouth City Council

bid was extremely strong and we are delighted to be starting the 15th edition of this iconic race from its historic home.

“In the last race in 2016, Plymouth provided the ideal launching platform. The world-class boats were right in the heart of the city, we received fantastic support from local businesses while attracting thousands of people to the free-toenter public race village.”

The 3,500-mile race across the North Atlantic has a fearsome reputation and is regarded as one of the toughest professional solo ocean races. It is a challenge dominated by the progression of low pressure systems sweeping across the North Atlantic that produce the

headwinds that define this classic race.

Charles Hackett, chief executive of Mayflower 400, said: “Plymouth is at the heart of the upcoming 400th global anniversary commemorations of the Mayflower journey in 2020, so it is fitting that we welcome the return of The Transat race, an endeavour of sailing the Atlantic which links the UK and the US, in the same year.”

The start in Plymouth will be preceded by an official Prologue from Brittany, giving sponsors, media and VIP guests the opportunity to join the solo sailors as they race across the English Channel to the start line.

The host city for the finish of the race and the prologue location will be confirmed at a later date.

Business leaders backing Mayflower 400 Business leaders in Plymouth have come together to form the Mayflower 400 Plymouth Founders Club to help realise the opportunities that the significant anniversary will bring for the city and the wider region.

Members of the Founders Club include Plymouth Argyle chairman James Brent; Chris Gates of Princess Yachts; Gareth Kagan of Womble Bond Dickinson; British Land's Matthew Reed, and John Napton of Brittany Ferries.

Adrian Vinken, Chair of the Mayflower 400 National Compact, said: “Mayflower 400 provides an exceptional opportunity for Plymouth to show the world all that it has to offer and transform the way it’s perceived nationally and internationally.

But the city’s ability to take full advantage of these opportunities in 2020 will depend on how much support and focus we are collectively able to put into it.

“In coming together and demonstrating their commitment, these businesses are leading the way towards unlocking Plymouth’s great potential.

We would encourage and welcome other business leaders to also demonstrate their commitment to the city by getting in touch and joining us.”

As companies with major investments in Plymouth, the Founders Club members aim

Advertise to

over 23,000 homes in Central and Waterfront

to grow pride in the city and provide positive community legacies whilst ensuring that businesses benefit from the anniversary.

The businesses involved will also be encouraging their staff to participate in the 2020 programme with many signing up to be ‘Mayflower Makers’ volunteers who will be trained as Mayflower Ambassadors for the city. Their role will be to share the Mayflower story, promote the 2020 events calendar and help educate the public.

Gareth Kagan, Plymouth-based partner at transatlantic law firm Womble Bond Dickinson, said: "We're delighted to be a part of the Mayflower 400 initiative. The iconic ship is an integral part of our city's heritage and a recognition of a voyage that shaped the history of the world. The Mayflower's 400th anniversary is a reminder of Plymouth's strong ties with North America, something that we are passionate about as Womble Bond Dickinson as the only transatlantic law firm in the South West.

“This month we are putting 20 of our people through a pilot scheme with Improving Lives Plymouth to become ‘Mayflower Makers’ and ambassadors for the anniversary. We look forward to working with other partners and local communities to showcase the beauty and

history of our city."

Work is going on throughout Plymouth to ensure the city looks its best during 2020.

Matthew Reed, head of retail asset management at British Land, the company responsible for the new Drake Circus Leisure development at Bretonside, said: “Both Plymouth and the Mayflower have an incredible legacy but for us Mayflower 400 is about celebrating the future of Plymouth. We have invested in this crucial part of the South West through our Drake Circus scheme which has provided the local and wider communities with a place to work and enjoy.”

Future proofing is a priority of the Plymouth Founders Club businesses. James Brent, chairman and chief executive of Akkeron Group and owner of Plymouth Argyle Football Club, said: “Mayflower 400 is absolutely about recognising an important event in our history but it is also about building a legacy for our children. For us, this will involve significant investment in the built environment, particularly in and around Home Park, but just as importantly we will use sport to engage with our community and support them to live fulfilling and healthy lives.”

For more information about Mayflower 400, visit mayflower400uk.org.

The Central and Waterfront Chronicle is delivered door to door every month to homes in Hartley, Mannamead, Compton, Efford, Laira, St Judes, Mt Gould, Lipson, Greenbank, Prince Rock, Cattedown, Barbican, Hoe, City Centre, Mutley and Peverell.

A new fund that will give community groups across Plymouth a chance to get on board with Mayflower 400 has been launched today.

‘Mayflower 400 Community Sparks’ will support grass-roots community, arts and cultural activity in the city through a series of grants of up to £3,000, or £5,000 in exceptional circumstances.

Funding is available for projects that can be delivered by November 2020 and inspire and enrich local communities.

Those which link with the Mayflower 400 themes of imagination, humanity, freedom and futures are encouraged. Projects should also include an element of fun, adventure, legacy or inclusion.

Details about the themes and the wider vision for the commemorations can be found at www.mayflower400uk.org.

Councillor Glenn Jordan, cabinet member for culture said: “Plymouth’s preparations for Mayflower 400, which launches in November 2019, are well underway and we want as many people as possible to take part.

“You may be thinking about organising a themed street party, community mural or intergenerational tea dance and that’s where ‘Mayflower 400 Community Sparks’ comes in. This is a brilliant opportunity for local communities to get creative, bring people together and make Plymouth a special place to be in 2020. All you need is a good idea to get the ball rolling.”

To apply for funding download and complete an application form from any of the partner websites, including www. plymhearts.org/mayflower400-communitysparks. Contact Fiona Evans at Vital Sparks on fiona.evans@plymouth.gov.uk if help is needed with the application.

The deadline for this application round is October 31 with funding being allocated in November.

‘Mayflower 400 Community Sparks’ is a partnership project between Mayflower 400, Plymouth Culture, Plymouth City Council, The Box, Plymouth and Vital Sparks.

The May edition of the Plymouth Chronicle in Central and Waterfront will be published on April 27, with a copy deadline of April 16.

The Central and Waterfront edition is one of four hyper local editions delivered to a total of more than 90,000 homes throughout the city.

For more information, or to talk to one of our sales advisors, call

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April 2018

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