The Plymouth Chronicle Derriford & North November 2020

Chronicle Plymouth

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Derriford & North

November 2020

Woodside Animal Welfare Trust has made an urgent appeal for financial support See page 4

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COVID UPDATE

Plymouth people are being encouraged to join the Virtual My Poppy Run in November See page 10

See inside for news and information from Plymouth City Council Pages 2 and 3

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Wartime tales in print

A Plymouth pensioner’s stories about life as a child in Plymouth during the Second World War have been enjoyed by children at Widey Court Primary School for a number of years - and now the stories have been published in a book called ‘An Evacuee Story. ’ Children from the school are pictured with headteacher Shaun Nicholls and teacher Georgia Carney • Story and photos page 6

Listen to Plymouth’s local radio station on 96.3FM or online at crossrhythms.co.uk/plymouth

Plymouth residents urged to act now as COVID-19 cases surge 2 November 2020

By Ruth Harrell Director of Public Health for Plymouth

Plymouth could be designated a ‘high-risk’ or Tier 2 area within days, with the number of COVID-19 cases in the city rising faster now than at any other time in the pandemic.

Cases surged by 350 in just one week and as of 28 October the number of cases per 100,000 residents was 147 – well above the average for the South West.

If COVID-19 cases in Plymouth continue to rise at the current rapid rate we are only weeks, or possibly days, away from being designated a high-risk area, which would mean more restrictions for families and businesses.

This affects everyone in Plymouth. Cases aren’t limited to any one age group or area of the city and the increase isn’t due to one or

2 November 2020

two big outbreaks; we are seeing cases across our community – within couples, families, schools, care homes and businesses. This means that we’ve all got to do our bit to help stop this rise.

There is absolutely no room for complacency. This virus is having a terrible impact on some families in Plymouth.

Sadly, we have seen 85 people in Plymouth die from COVID-19 related illness and we will see more.

We are also seeing some people’s lives blighted by ill-health for months after initially recovering from the virus. ‘Long COVID’ is now recognised as a serious problem.

A number of wards at Derriford Hospital are once again being used to care for patients with suspected and confirmed COVID and visiting has again been restricted for the safety of staff and patients.

The number and spread of cases in Plymouth suggests that people are not being as careful as they need to be in following the guidelines.

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These include washing hands, wearing face coverings and keeping distance from others, as well as isolating if you have the virus or are a close contact of someone who does.

I would urge everyone to take a stock check and think about whether they are doing everything they need to and to talk to family and friends about it as well.

I know keeping up these measures can be hard and we are all desperate to get back to normal but if we are to have any chance of turning round this rapid rise in cases and avoiding further restrictions, we need to redouble our efforts and remind ourselves – and others – about the need to stay safe all the time.

There are some worrying myths doing the rounds on social media, which may be harmful. Not all information being shared is reliable, so if in doubt please check sources such as the NHS, GOV.UK and City Council websites.

Protect yourself, protect your family, protect Plymouth.

Helping businesses keep you safe when you are out Public protection officers from the City Council have been out and about giving advice to pubs and other businesses on complying with the new measures to tackle the spread of coronavirus.

Councillor Tudor Evans Leader of Plymouth City Council Throughout the pandemic Plymouth residents have been great at pulling together and looking out for each other and, until recently, we’ve had significantly fewer cases than most other areas of the country.

But now things are going the wrong way – and fast. Cases are increasing at a worrying speed and scale and we are not far from becoming a high alert area.

No-one wants further restrictions to be put in place but that’s what we are facing unless we can turn this round.

The surge in cases is already placing severe strain on the NHS at a time when it is also dealing with the usual winter pressures. A few months ago we were all cheering and applauding NHS staff each week. Now is the time to put our masks where our mouths are and demonstrate that support day in and day out, by strictly following the guidance we know we should.

Wear a mask, wash your hands and practise social distancing – and please self-isolate if you have symptoms or if a public health professional asks you to. That way, you’ll protect your loved ones, help to keep the virus at bay and help keep our city safe.

We can do this but we’ve got to keep at it and it has to be team effort.

Dr Ruth Harrell, Director of Public Health

They’ve been visiting premises in and around Mutley and North Hill as well as in Devonport and Stoke.

The overwhelming majority of pubs, bars and restaurants complied with the new rules which include offering table service only and closing at 10pm.

The Council team is also talking to a number of takeaways to make sure they are clear that customers are not allowed to linger in or around the premises after 10pm.

Businesses are doing brilliantly to adjust

to this strange situation and helping their customers get used to these new rules.

It’s not easy for them or for their staff to tell people to go home and we can all do our bit to help them.

When going out, please remember: • It’s against the law to socialise in groups of six or more, either indoors or out • You must wear a face covering when taking a bus or taxi • Use the NHS COVID-19 app to check in when arriving at pubs, restaurants and other venues that are now required by law to record your details for Test and Trace • Wear a face covering until you are seated • Keep up social distancing at all times • Go home at 10pm.

New COVID-19 test centres open in city Two new local coronavirus centres have now opened in Plymouth to help make it easier for people to get a test.

Plymouth City Council has provided the lower ground floor of the Guildhall for one test centre and another has just opened on the Plymouth Marjon University campus.

Both are sponsored by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and operated

by Serco.

They are operating in addition to the regional drive-through test centre at the former Seaton Barracks site.

Anyone going for a test at one of the new centres will be asked to walk or cycle there and back and not use public transport or taxis.

Testing is available only for those with coronavirus symptoms – a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste.

Anyone with one or more of these symptoms should book a test at nhs.uk/ coronavirus or by calling 119. The new centres will be provided as options when booking a test, subject to availability.

Those being tested will be told to wash their hands before leaving home, wear a face covering on their journey to and from the centre and to not stop anywhere on the way.

Anyone testing positive for the virus will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace to help them track their contacts.

This will help people to identify who they may have been in close contact with, protecting others from further transmission.

Close contacts of those testing positive will also hear from NHS Test and Trace, asking them to stay at home for 14 days to prevent them from unknowingly spreading the virus.

November 2020

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COVID-19: A chance to test your knowledge of how to stay safe So you think you’re acting safely? Got a handle on COVID-19 risks? Know what’s real and what’s not?

Many of us have been really careful about COVID-19 precautions, but with cases on the rise, it’s time to test your knowledge and check you’re doing it right!

1. Do you: a) Wash your hands frequently, regardless of what you’ve been doing b) Use hand sanitiser when you’ve come inside or left a building c) Wash your hands when you remember, or when they get dirty You’re doing it correctly if your answer is a). You should wash them when entering or leaving a building. If you can’t use soap and water, which is best, carry a hand sanitiser, and use it frequently. And a quick rinse is not enough – thorough hand washing takes at least 20 seconds or two rounds of Happy Birthday! Don’t forget the backs of your hands too, and avoid touching your face if you can – it’s the easiest way to spread infection.

2. It’s your turn to pick up the children from school. It’s a lovely day and you’ve got there a bit early. There’s a crowd of parents gathered by the gate. You’d like to join them, but they seem to be too close and are not wearing masks. Do you: a) Go and join them, and put aside any worries about COVID-19 as they don’t look ill b) Go and join them – but wear your face covering and socially distance c) Not join them as there are already six of them talking – and you know you are not allowed to be in groups of more than six If you answered c), you’re right. Infection can happen at any

stage, even when people do not look ill – and not maintaining your social distance is a real threat. Even outside, you can pick up the virus if you’re not at a distance – and social situations are often the cause. Think – mask up, space out!

3. You’re dropping some shopping to an elderly neighbour, who can’t get out. She’s so grateful, she asks you in for a cuppa. What do you do? a) Say thank you, but politely decline – you’re not in her support bubble and you know that she is not too well b) Accept, put your mask on, and keep your distance

throughout c) Take her shopping in and put the kettle on. What’s a coffee when you’ve been taking care all this time?

It’s a) but bear in mind older neighbours, family and friends are often finding the lack of contact hard to manage, so keeping in touch is vital. But be aware that some elderly people are much more vulnerable, and you could be taking an infection into their home.

It’s best to try and limit your close interaction – keep your mask on, keep your distance but make a point of checking up as often as you can. Saying hello, ringing for a chat, even doing a bit of gardening are all ways you can stay in contact, without putting them at risk.

4. Your son comes back from university, so you have a family celebration with a Sunday roast at the pub. It’s quiet and well managed. Later that week, your son gets a phone call from Test and Trace saying he may have been in contact with an infected person and needs to self-isolate. He’s due to go back to uni and he feels fine. He asks for your advice – what do you say? a) He seems fine, and wants to go back, so you can’t see why not.

What to do if you are asked to self-isolate

Making sure that everyone who has symptoms of coronavirus or a positive test self-isolates is an essential part of the battle to beat the virus.

The temporary inconvenience is a small price to pay for saving lives, keeping our city open and protecting the NHS. The Government has now also made it law for people to self-isolate if they test positive or are contacted by NHS Test and Trace. Failure to comply with these requirements, including employers who do not allow employees to self-isolate, may result in a fine of at least £1,000 and up to £10,000 for repeated or serious offences.

If you or someone you live with has any coronavirus symptoms, or you receive a positive test result, you must isolate immediately for 14 days.

You should only stop isolating if you receive a negative test result.

If you are identified as a contact of a positive case, you must isolate for the full 14 days since your point of contact - regardless of whether you develop symptoms or not and even if for some reason you receive a negative test result.

When self-isolating, do not go to work, school or any other public spaces. Any exercise should be taken within your home, and you should ask friends or family to buy food or other essentials.

Those on low incomes who cannot work from home and will lose money as a result of self-isolating and on one of the qualifying benefits, can be eligible for a new £500 Test and Trace Support Payment.

3

b) He is not supposed to travel and so you encourage him to stay at home to self-isolate. He cancels the events that he had lined up including a reunion with his mates, to stay self isolated for 14 days. c) You don’t want to take any chances, so you, he and the rest of your family stay isolated for 14 days. If he’s been contacted, and he’s at home, surely it applies to everyone?

The correct answer is b). If you’re contacted by Test and Trace you must stay self-isolated – it’s the law. However, at this stage it is only your son who has been in contact with the infection, so unless you’re contacted, you would not be required to isolate.

However, it’s a good idea to keep the self-isolated person apart from everyone else in the household, just in case they do develop the infection.

Be mindful of cleanliness with separate towels (and bathrooms if possible), try to keep people to their rooms and take food to them rather than let them cook.

5) You get contacted by Test and Trace and told to selfisolate. Do you: a) Book a test at the nearest test centre b) Stay isolated – if you start getting symptoms, you’ll consider a test then c) Go to work – it’s hectic and there’s no one to cover, you’re feeling okay and your son seems to be fine The correct answer is b), but if you answered c) you’d be breaking the law – and if your employer told you to come in – they’d be breaking the law too. You must self-isolate if you’re told to – but it doesn’t mean you have to have a test. You only need a test if you’re displaying symptoms – and you’ll need to book.

4 November 2020

Woodside’s urgent appeal for help

up to Plymouth 01752

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Two of Woodside’s homeless cats ..Tiger and (inset) Soox

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A Plymouth pet charity has warned of a homeless animal crisis as it struggles to cope with an unprecedented number of cats being brought in following the deaths of their owners.

Woodside Animal Welfare Trust at Elfordleigh has seen a sharp rise in the number of cats being taken in after their owners have passed away, with figures up by more than a third on 2018.

In just one weekend, another five cats were brought in to the Sanctuary, on the edge of Plympton, for this reason – with this number expected to rise further as winter approaches.

The charity is concerned that COVID-19 is fuelling the record numbers, as cash-strapped families are less able to take in family pets or are unwilling to travel to collect the animals.

A significant number are elderly pets with health problems, placing a massive financial strain on the charity at a time when it has lost tens of thousands of pounds in income due to the virus.

Woodside founder Carole Bowles said: “With figures rising, it is clear that more animals are needing our help for these reasons. The restrictions that have had to be put in place have so many more effects that we can think of.”

Between 2018 and 2019, the number of cats being taken in by Woodside after their owners died rose by a third to 30. But the charity has

already exceeded this figure in 2020.”

Woodside is one of the few charities to offer a forever home to elderly animals or those with long-term medical conditions, who are often unable to be rehomed. They will live in one of the charity’s dedicated old animal units, where they are given more time, cuddles and creature comforts.

But this comes at a cost, which continues to increase while the charity has seen its income plummet to desperate levels. The Sanctuary has lost more than £25,000 from cancelled fundraising events it had organised directly, and its charity shop income has crashed to a fifth of its prelockdown levels in the last six months, costing the charity around £40,000 a month.

Woodside has now made a desperate appeal to help it through these difficult times, by encouraging people to sign up to its sponsorship scheme.

Members, who contribute £20 a year, have the reassurance of knowing that their pets will be cared for by the charity should anything happen to them. They can receive a card from Woodside, to place in their home, detailing what should happen to their pet if they pass away.

The charity is also urging people to think about Woodside when making a will.

Carole said: “Sadly many animals arrive after

being found with their owner who has passed away. The trauma these animals go through is awful and many need time to grieve and adjust, as we humans do when we have lost a loved one.

“Here at Woodside we are able to provide these animals with the time, love and care they require and nurture them through the difficult time. Some are able to go on and be adopted but for many this is not always possible.

“In these cases the staff try to accommodate them in one of their special cat care units, which provide a homely environment where they can enjoy the freedom of the sanctuary during the day. This kind of care is quite unique and not something that many sanctuaries can offer.

“But this care comes at a cost. The majority of these cats are on lifelong medication, special diets or require frequent vet checks. Heating costs are high in the winter. But without this care and the facility, these cats would have no one and Woodside simply will not give up on them.”

To find out more about how you can support the charity, including sponsorship, visit www. woodsidesanctuary.org.uk or call 01752 347503.

Cheques can be sent to Woodside Animal Welfare Trust, Elfordleigh, Plympton PL7 4AD. To discuss leaving a gift in your Will contact the sanctuary either by phone or by emailing management@woodsidesanctuary.org.uk

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50 NEW ELECTRIC CHARGE POINTS SET FOR CITY STREETS More electric vehicle charge points are set to appear on the streets of Plymouth thanks to new funding.

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Plymouth City Council has been successful in obtaining £225,000 through the Office for Low Emissions Vehicles’ on-street electric vehicle charging grant.

The money will mean that 50 new, onstreet electric vehicle charge points will be rolled out to help residents with the transition to cleaner, greener transport.

The charge points will be installed next year and while exact locations have yet to be decided, it is intended that they are installed on streets which are predominantly used by residents, rather than in public car parks.

This allows the nearly 40 per cent of Plymouth households who do not have access to off-street parking to access charging infrastructure.

Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure, said: “We know not everyone has an electric vehicle and we know that now, in 2020, not everyone can afford one, either.

“But we know that electric vehicles are the future and we have to be ready. We have to make it as easy as possible for people to transition if we’re going to take the climate emergency seriously.”

The council declared a climate emergency in 2019 with a pledge to work towards the city being carbon neutral by 2030.

Two plans were drawn up - the Corporate Carbon Reduction Plan, which focuses on the council’s own operations, and the Climate Emergency Action Plan, which explores the role that the council can play in influencing residents behaviours.

Nearly 30 per cent of Plymouth’s carbon emissions come from transport and the electrification of vehicles has been identified as a key means to tackling this problem.

In a recent survey 85 per cent of residents felt that the council needed to provide more charging points.

More information on the council’s plans to tackle to the climate emergency can be found here: www.plymouth.gov.uk/ environmentandpollution/ climatechangeandenergy/ howweretacklingclimatechange

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6 November 2020

6 November 2020

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Iris and her stories of the Blitz are now in print

Pensioner Iris Tayles grew up in Prince Rock during the Second World War, and later moved to Crownhill.

She has been a regular visitor to Widey Court Primary School for some years, bringing stories of the Blitz and evacuation to life for over 300 children. And now her story is in print.

“Iris has been talking to our Year 3 children for some years now, vividly retelling colourful tales of her life as a child during the war to very attentive children,” said Year 3 teacher Georgia Carney.

“We love her visits and they have become a highlight for Year 3 children. We videoed Iris talking to the children and the idea was born that we could record her tales in a more permanent way and share them with the children in the other Connect Academy Trust schools in Plymouth.

“They make an amazing account of Iris’s memories of bombing and air raid shelters, her experiences as an evacuee and life in wartorn Devon.”

The school applied for funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and was awarded funds to write Iris’s story and have it printed as ‘An Evacuee Story.’

Headteacher Shaun Nicholls said: “We’re absolutely delighted that we’ve been able to do this for Iris and for all of our children. Our intention is to distribute copies of the book to children in our school, with other copies going to the schools within Connect Academy Trust.”

Iris started visiting Widey Court Primary School at the invitation of her neighbour, Sarah Holcombe, who had a child attending the school. Initially, Iris addressed some of the classes and the visit was so popular, she

Iris Tayles sharing her wartime stories with children at Widey Court Primary

became part of the WW2 curriculum for the Year 3 children. “The school even arranged a ‘VE Day’ tea dance for her birthday. That’s the impact she’s had with her mischievous smile and captivating stories. She’s going to love seeing her book in print with fantastic

illustrations by Emma Groves, a Plymouth arts student at the time” said Sarah. “The school have invited another local resident in to share their stories with the children. Iris is a hard act to follow but we know he’ll be a hit too.”

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Plymouth Festival to look at what future holds for city’s economy

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The Social Enterprise City Festival will run from November 16 to 21 with a mixture of online and face to face events, in accordance with guidelines at the time. The theme is Educating the Economy, particularly timely as many businesses are thinking about how to adapt and recover from the impact of COVID-19.

Festival organizer Jess Holliland said: “This year’s festival follows on from our discussions about youth action for the climate during last year’s festival, and the conversations started in the fantastic Regenerate Devon and ALTwork events earlier this year which explored the idea of a new economy and building back in better ways.

“This is an ideal opportunity to look in more depth at what the next generation of consumers, workers and business owners really want and how this can be implemented.”

Research shows that 73% of Millennials (24-28 year olds) are willing to pay more for sustainable products, and 62% of Gen Z (up to 23 years old) prefer to buy from sustainable brands, with increasing numbers in each group taking part in upcycling and reselling.

The Social Enterprise City Festival will look to encourage this younger demographic to consider social enterprise as a model if they want to set up their own business or are looking for a more sustainable employer.

They will also work with those already in business about how to engage with the more ethical generations and what can be done to move our economy towards the more sustainable, caring model that is essential for a healthy economy and planet.

There are over 20 events confirmed so far, including: • Launch event covering PSEN’s plans to make sure the city maintains and builds on its reputation as the most socially- minded city in the UK • ‘No Health, No Economy’ - A workshop from Iridescent Ideas CIC exploring the impact health has on the economy • Information about how to set up a Repair Cafe from Borrow Don’t Buy CIC • A session looking at ethical

entrepreneurship from Marjon • Drop-in surgeries to get advice about using your data better from social enterprise The Data Place A full list of events is available at https:// plymsocent.org.uk/social-enterprise-cityfestival-2020/ The festival is open to everyone, and there is still the opportunity for individuals and organisations to get involved as a Friend of the Festival.

Traditional sponsorship options are also available, with this year’s Gold Sponsors being RIO and Livewell.

For more information about being a part of the Festival, contact Jess at jess@plymsocent. org.uk

8 November 2020

8 November 2020

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Stars welcome Theatre Royal’s £1.9 million vital lifeline grant Theatre Royal Plymouth has been awarded nearly £1.9 million as part of the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund to help face the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic and to ensure they have a sustainable future.

Theatre Royal Plymouth is one of 35 major cultural organisations receiving the first grants between £1 million and £3 million through the Culture Recovery Fund – with £75 million of investment announced earlier this month.

This follows £334 million awarded earlier to nearly 2,000 organisations, also from the Culture Recovery Fund grants programme being administered

by Arts Council England. Further rounds of funding in the cultural and heritage sector are due to be announced over the coming weeks.

Theatre Royal Plymouth is the South West’s principal centre for performing arts and has an extensive education and community engagement

Adrian Vinken, Chief Executive of Theatre Royal Plymouth Photo: Clare Tregaskis

programme that reaches thousands annually.

The doors to Theatre Royal Plymouth have been closed to the public for over six months, the first time in its 37-year history, and saw over 90% of their income vanish

overnight, leaving the charity in a precarious position. The £1,896,000 funding will enable them to continue to deliver their life-changing community engagement projects, support local communities and theatremakers, creative freelancers and to stage live socially distanced performance.

Actress Lesley Joseph and TV presenter and comedian Brian Conley - who have appeared at Theatre Royal on many occasions - have both welcomed the grant.

Lesley said it was a ‘lifeline for the entertainment heart of the South West,’ while Brian added: “More power to the government for giving them the backing they need.”

Adrian Vinken, CEO at Theatre Royal Plymouth said: “We’re relieved to announce that our application to the government’s Culture Recovery Fund was successful and we have been awarded this lifeline.

“This funding will enable us to continue to deliver our lifechanging projects and support our local communities and

Chief Superintendent Matt Longman returns to Plymouth as city’s top cop

Chief Superintendent Matt Longman is the new Plymouth police commander.

He is returning to the city following his posting as police commander for South Devon. Up until late 2019 Chief Superintendent Longman was responsible for operational policing throughout Plymouth and understands the city well.

He said: “I am so pleased to be back in Plymouth and to be working with a fantastic team of officers and staff who are dedicated to keeping the communities that make up this diverse city safe.

“We don’t do this alone in Plymouth.

We work closely with a host of different organisations from the public, private and voluntary sectors to make sure that we get people the right help or support that they need. Making sure these partnerships keep working well will be a focus for my

colleagues and myself.

“Plymouth has over 400 officers, PCSOs, staff and volunteers who work hard every day to keep the city safe. I can’t wait to get started on working with the amazing team once again.”

Chief Superintendent Longman began his policing career in Hampshire and moved to the Devon and Cornwall force in 2003. He’s carried out a variety of roles throughout his career including the Director of Intelligence and the Partnership Superintendent for Cornwall & Isles of Scilly. Until recently he worked in South Devon as the Basic Command Unit Chief Superintendent leading the busy team through the force response to COVID-19 and one of the busiest summers South Devon has ever seen.

Follow Chief Superintendent Longman on twitter @Matt_Longman_

theatre- makers. It should also help us to welcome audiences back to the theatre to see live shows in a safe and socially distanced way in the near future.

This news is a great relief to us, for Plymouth and the cultural landscape of the far south-west and it demonstrates that the government clearly recognises the great economic, social and creative value of an organisation like Theatre Royal Plymouth to this city and region.

“Thank you to DCMS and Arts Council England for this fantastic news and for their clear demonstration of support and confidence in TRP. We look forward to a growing programme of activity across and beyond our stages as conditions allow.”

• £1.3 million grant

boost for The Box,

Plymouth Pavilions

and Barbican Theatre - See page 16

Chief Superintendent Matt Longman

COVID-19 test centre opens at Plymouth Marjon University Getting tested for COVID-19 is now easier for residents and students in the north of the city with the opening of a new local test centre at Plymouth Marjon University.

The centre, which is being sponsored by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and operated by Serco, will operate in addition to the regional drive-through test centre at the former Seaton Barracks site, near The Range, and the local test centre in the Guildhall.

It will make it easier for anyone living in the area to get tested – especially those who do not have a car and so cannot access the Seaton Barracks site or for whom walking to the city centre is difficult.

Those being tested will be told to wash their hands before leaving home, wear a face covering on their journey to and from the centre, not to stop anywhere on the way, and not use public transport or taxis.

The centre in the Marjon Sport & Health Centre’s lower car park is separated from the rest of the campus and will be clearly signposted.

Residents going for a test at the site will not be able to use any of the Marjon buildings or facilities.

Testing is available only for those with COVID-19 symptoms – a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste.

Anyone with one or more of these symptoms should book a test at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119. The new centre will be provided as an option when booking a test, subject to availability.

The site became fully operational on October 24. Anyone testing positive for the virus will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace to identify their contacts, so that they can be advised to self-isolate.

These close contacts will also hear from NHS Test and Trace, asking them to stay at home for 14 days to prevent them from unknowingly spreading the virus. They will be advised to also book a test if they develop symptoms.

However, they should not book a test if they don’t have symptoms.Councillor Tudor Evans, leader of the City Council and chair of the Plymouth Local Outbreak Engagement Board, said: “The City Council has been pressing for more testing capacity in Plymouth and this third site supports our plan to have test centres that are easily accessible for as many people as possible “Testing is a key part of the drive to stop the virus spreading. If everyone with symptoms self-isolates and gets a test this will go a long way towards helping keep Plymouth safe and support not just the NHS but also businesses in our city who need our help in enabling them to stay open.”

Ruth Harrell, director of Public Health for Plymouth, said: “With cases of COVID-19 continuing to rise it is important that anyone who has symptoms self-isolates and arranges a test. This additional site will provide a welcome increase in testing capacity for Plymouth and make it easier for many people in the north of the city to access a test.”

Professor Rob Warner, vice-chancellor of Plymouth Marjon University, said: “We are very pleased to be able to host a COVID-19 testing centre, for the wider community in north Plymouth and to enable easier access to testing for our students and staff. Marjon is a University committed both to student success and to the public good.”

10 November 2020

10 November 2020

Support the Poppy Appeal as city’s first annual Poppy Run goes virtual The Royal British Legion is encouraging Plymouth people to lace up their trainers this October and November to take part in its free to enter Virtual My Poppy Run to help support service and ex-service personnel and their families.

The Legion’s Poppy Run events, which usually take place in ten cities across the country – this year including Plymouth – are unable to go ahead in their usual format this year due to social distancing measures. Instead, people can show their support for the 2020 Poppy Appeal with the ‘virtual’ version, My Poppy Run. The My Poppy Run participants can choose to run, jog or walk a distance of their choice and get family, friends and pets involved too. Wherever and whenever runners choose to do their Poppy Run, from the treadmill to local park, they will be helping to transform and support the lives of many in the Armed Forces community, raising vital funds to ensure that those who have served are offered the life changing support they need and deserve.

Sharon Wells, Events Partnerships Manager for The Royal British Legion said: “My Poppy Run is a fantastic way for people to show their support for the Royal British Legion and have some fun with family and friends at the same time.

“Members of the Armed Forces community need the Legion’s help now

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Over £3 million secured to make Plymouth homes more energy-efficient A £3.3 million grant is set to improve energy efficiency in hundreds of Plymouth homes. The money, which comes from the Government’s Green Homes Grants scheme, will help to go towards measures in the homes that are most in need of energy saving improvements.

more than ever, and we are working tirelessly to ensure that those who have served are being looked after, no matter what challenges the country faces.”

Ex-soldier Lawrence Philips took out a small loan to help the family get through Christmas, but with Lawrence unable to work due to COVID-19, the debt quickly spiralled out of control.

However, with the help of the Legion’s Benefits, Debt and Money Advice team (BDMA), Lawrence was able to clear his debts.

Lawrence said: “The Legion saved my life. They have helped me sort out both my mental health and my financial health. I’m debt-free and looking forward to starting a new career, I cannot thank them enough.”

My Poppy Run can be completed any time until November 30 and is free to enter.

For more information and to sign up, visit www.britishlegion.org.uk/ get-involved/things-to-do/events/mypoppy-run

The programme will support the Plymouth City Council’s Climate Emergency commitment to make Plymouth carbon neutral by 2030. Around 300 homes will benefit from the funding through the installation of energy efficient measures each costing on average of £10,000 per property.

This is estimated to save £4.5 million in energy bills and deliver 19,000 tonnes of CO2 reductions over the lifetime of the measures.

The energy improvements will be subject to the Energy Performance Certificate recommendations at each property, but could include solid wall insulation, under floor insulation and the fitting of solar panels.

The installation programme, due to be complete by April 2021, complements the Council’s Resurgam COVID-19 recovery plan by creating and securing local contractors employing 43 full time staff, including five apprentices.

Cabinet Member for Environment and Street Scene, Councillor Sue Dann said; “This is very welcome funding and will help households in Plymouth, by reducing their energy bills and fuel poverty. “Improving energy efficiency in our homes not only saves money, but reduces carbon emissions and contributes to curbing climate change, this helps local people and the planet.

“Given the current economic challenges, it’s positive that the installation of these energy-efficient measures will further support the local economy by providing jobs and opportunity.”

Residents who wish to apply for national Green Home Grant vouchers directly, can find out more at Plymouth Energy Community’s webpage https:// plymouthenergycommunity. com/news/green-homes-grant

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12 November 2020

12 November 2020

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UK’s first sea-going electric ferry launched in Plymouth Plymouth Boat Trips and Voyager Marine, Cornwall have launched e-Voyager, the UK’s first sea-going electric ferry. The green ferry will now undergo rigorous running trials, before carrying passengers on Plymouth Boat Trips’ ferry routes from April 2021.

The ferry has been designed and developed in partnership with the University of Plymouth, the University of Exeter, Teignbridge Propellers, MarRI-Uk and EV Parts, The project has been funded through the £1.4M Clean Maritime Call: a Maritime Research and Innovation UK initiative supported by the Department for Transport and launched to support the UK’s goal of zero emission shipping.

Project leader for Plymouth Boat Trips and Voyager Marine, Andy Hurley, said: “It’s hugely exciting to see the launch of e-Voyager and the result of such a progressive collaboration to create a cleaner and more sustainable future for the marine industry.

“Through developing the technology and maritime applications, Voyager Marine is helping to place Plymouth and the South West as UK leaders in the conversion and new build of zero-carbon, fully electric commercial vessels.”

Support from the universities came via Environmental Futures & Big Data Impact Lab, a £6.4M project to support small businesses,

and the £4M Marine Business Technology Centre, both part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Dr Richard Pemberton, lecturer in Mechanical and Marine Engineering Design at

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the University of Plymouth added: “Through our diverse mix of staff and specialisms, the University of Plymouth has supported Plymouth Boat Trips and its partners in both data analysis and regulatory advice.

The University firmly believes that the work conducted on e-Voyager will pave the way for larger scale innovation towards meeting the Government’s target of a 50% reduction in emissions from the maritime sector by 2050.”

November 2020 13

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Major milestone for new research centre in Derriford

An advanced scanner that could help scientists better understand brain activity and human behaviour has been installed at a new Plymouth research facility.

The Siemens Prisma MRI scanner is the first piece of machinery installed in the Brain Research & Imaging Centre (BRIC) – a multimillion pound provision currently under construction at Plymouth Science Park in Derriford.

BRIC is a collaboration between the University of Plymouth, the research charity DDRC Healthcare and University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHPNT), and is set to build on the University’s leading expertise in brain and the mind.

The BRIC MRI scanner will be equipped with multiple additional brain imaging technologies – allowing researchers to gather more data more quickly than with just one scan.

The MRI scanner will be the centrepiece of one of seven laboratories based at BRIC, with the other six focusing on different, but connected aspects of brain function, from motor control to brain stimulation.

Set to open for research in early 2021, BRIC will welcome postgraduate students in human neuroscience for teaching sessions in the next academic year.

Professor Stephen Hall, director of BRIC and Professor of Human Neuroimaging at the University of Plymouth, said: “The installation of the new scanner is an exciting milestone in the development of the Brain Research & Imaging Centre. As the first in a series of cutting-edge technologies to arrive at the facility, it is an excellent reminder that the University of Plymouth will soon open the doors to a world-class brain research centre.

It is a privilege to be part of the collaborative partnership with University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust and DDRC Healthcare to bring this project to life.”

Dr Matt Roser, MRI Laboratory co-lead at BRIC and lecturer in Psychology at the University of Plymouth, said: “As a researcher interested in neural processes of reasoning I’m very excited to soon be working on our own MRI scanner. I’m even more excited by the possibility for integrating my research in basic neuroscience with the applied clinical experience of our partners.”

Dr Nadège Bault, MRI Laboratory co-lead at BRIC and lecturer in Psychology at the University of Plymouth, said: “I am especially interested in understanding the influence of social factors on decision mechanisms, and the high resolution of the scanner will give me the power to visualize functional brain activity as the decision unfolds.”

Dr Peter Wright, director of Healthcare Science and Technology at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, said: “This exciting venture of state of the art imaging technologies and leading researchers means the Brain Research & Imaging Centre will not only allow for world class research, with the collaboration between the University of Plymouth and the University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust there will be the ability for seamless knowledge transfer from the research to the clinical domain, benefiting patients now and in the future.”

Professor Gary Smerdon, DDRC Healthcare chief executive, said: “The installation of the scanner is a milestone for new facilities being developed at DDRC Healthcare. The Brain Research & Imaging Centre forms a significant part of the development and consolidates DDRC Healthcare’s close working relationship with the University of Plymouth and the NHS locally.

“Research is at the forefront of our charitable objectives and the co-location of hyperbaric facilities and brain research expertise with state-of-the-art equipment will allow us advance studies of the relationship between oxygen and the brain which are at the forefront of hyperbaric medicine.”

Contractors and representatives from the collaborative project celebrate the installation of the hi-tech scanner

Funding for businesses to develop e-commerce

Online shopping has boomed during lockdown – and many businesses have found themselves having to quickly transform into e-commerce operations simply to stay afloat.

One of the last EU pots of funding is still open to applications from Devon businesses who are already trading online but need help to develop their business model or streamline processes.

A joint venture between a Plymouth-based company and a French firm means that considerable expertise is being made available to businesses looking to increase sales online either in the UK or across the Channel.

E-commerce specialists Vertical Plus, based at Plymouth Science Park in Derriford, have formed E-Channel with French partners, Soledis, to allow them to provide consultancy services to businesses looking to expand their online offering.

E-Channel director Justin Smith said: “We’re looking for SMEs who are based in Devon or Cornwall, employ less than 250 people, have a turnover of less than 50 million Euros and a balance sheet of less than 43 million Euros.

“We’re interested in businesses from any sector, as long as there is scope to grow and they are ambitious. Our remit is to provide advice on new market growth techniques and to provide help and advice to companies wishing to enter new markets successfully.

“We have years of experience building successful e-commerce platforms and we’re already seeing results with the businesses who are already signed up for the funding.”

Interested businesses should contact Justin on info@e-channel.org or call him on 01752 76400 as soon as possible to ensure that they can apply for funding immediately. “The project is already under way and will support businesses until the summer of 2021. We’re hoping to attract a few more businesses before the funding closes,” added Justin.

David Gadd, CEO at Vertical Plus (right) and Justin Smith, director at Vertical Plus and E-Channel

Rallying call for clubs & community projects to come together to support neighbourhoods Sports clubs, Scouts and Brownies, children’s playgroups and faith groups across the city are among those being invited to come together in their communities to best support their neighbours. Since the beginning of lockdown, Plymouth Octopus Project has been supporting the establishment of Neighbourhood Care Networks within local areas, bringing community leaders together with some of the city’s organisations and services to organise immediate help to those in need. POP+, which supports the voluntary and community sector in Plymouth, regards the role of the networks as pivotal in caring for people, not only as the pandemic endures, but to build strength for the future. Now, with winter on its way, and all that might come with it, POP+ is giving £1000 to each NCN and calling on community groups and clubs to join them so that the reach of the networks may be extended.

Keyham has the Kolts; The Hoe has the Catholic Church and Stonehouse, Nudge Community Builders: just some of the organisations which have joined their local Neighbourhood Care Networks and, in doing so, are helping to make the communities around them more resilient.

Matt Bell, the CEO of POP+ believes it really is a case of strength in numbers;

the existing Efford Community Council while community representatives from Plympton and Hooe are currently exploring, with POP+, the possibility of establishing their own.

Meanwhile, city-wide organisations, such as, St Luke’s Hospice; the Citizens Advice Bureau and Neighbourhood Watch have supported reinforcing and widening the NCN’s ability to help people. Now with a further commitment from POP+ of £1000 for each NCN, it is hoped that these innovative community initiatives will be bolstered and ready for whatever comes next.

For more information about the Neighbourhood Care Networks, or any area of POP+’s work, call 395131 or email info@plymouthoctopus.org

Your Neighbourhood Needs You!

If you or your organisation is already a valuable part of your community, but you are wanting to do more, then, email us on info@plymouthoctopus.org or call Plymouth 395131. We can chat abo ut the ways in which we can support you to make a greater difference to more people.

“We’ve seen already how ‘change’ can be achieved by people working together: how quickly help is deployed; how needs can be met and how isolation needn’t lead to despair.

Through the amazing work of the individuals and organisations who collectively make up the Neighbourhood Care Networks many people, who might otherwise have been left extremely vulnerable through the coronavirus pandemic, have been supported, comforted and reassured. Now we hope to see other local clubs and groups getting involved.”

As news of the NCN’s supportive work has spread through the voluntary and community sector so other community groups and organisations have looked to replicate their success in other areas of the city. Efford is the latest area to launch its own network through

In 2019 POP+ set up something radical: The Learning & Collaboration Fund. The aim of the fund is ‘to do what it says on the tin’: to encourage learning (through ‘doing’) and to encourage existing groups and organisations to work together.

“Funding,” says Charlotte Brew, POP+’s Learning Champion (yes that really is her job title), “has traditionally been a competitive dog-eat-dog world where one person’s successful bid means someone else’s attempts have crashed and burned. We believe, so much more can be achieved through working together, and this fund attempts to get us all thinking differently, more radically, about how we can achieve more, with what we’ve got, by collaborating.”

At the end of 2019 four exciting ideas received almost £5,000 each from POP+, enabling more good works to be done, by more people, for more people:

Culture and Integration Through Food has just thrown open its (oven) doors, opening last month as Jabulani at The Plot on Union Street to thrill us all with global food cuisine. Diversity Business Incubator has joined food-forces with Food Plymouth and Miriam & Miriam to tempt us with delicacies from around the world, bringing us closer together at home.

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Creative Natures is reaching out to young people living in hostels and using art, gardening and plants to encourage growth.

Horticultural Therapy Trust and Free Radical Creations have formed a partnership to nurture positive relationships between those taking part in the project and the natural world.

The Eclective Network can be found doing all sorts of creative things in the community space, Leadworks Factory CIC in Stonehouse.

The Learning & Collaboration Fund from POP+ helped to turn a wonderful old warehouse in Rendle Street into a public space. It is a diverse and creative collective of groups and individuals made up of The Kintsugi Project; Flyinghead Studios; Community Arts; Cawfee Community CafÃ; Pride in Plymouth; Empowering Hidden Voices; Imperfect Cinema & Mothership Audio.

The Big Fix was held in February by the collective Repair, Make and Mend which knits together Borrow Don’t Buy, Timebank, Scrapstore and Makers HQ. More than fifty people brought along their broken, chipped and damaged items and while some were beyond repair others weren’t: a vintage doll, a Goblin Teasmade and a couple of cine cameras were just some of the weird and wonderful items saved-from-scrap.

The Big Fix saved approximately £300 in money; 5.6kg in waste-to-landfill and 50.3kg of CO2 emissions.

Throughout lockdown, Neighbourhood Care Networks, have helped to co-ordinate efforts and volunteers to provide care and support; maximising local expertise to support neighbours-in-need. Within Stoke; Keyham; Whitleigh; Devonport; Greenbank; Stonehouse and The Hoe residents have been reassured to know that help has been a phone call away.

Groceries have been purchased; medicines dispensed, and dogs walked. Kevin Sproston, the chair of Keyham Neighbourhood Watch, is certain that that this is the direction communities need to take; “Every organisation in Keyham has value,” says Kevin. “And we are determined to create a close-knit community. We know that collaboration is our best defence, so it makes sense that as many groups get involved, because, as have seen, we are all in this together.”

Learning Together

A participant in the Scrambled Heads Open Mic event at Leadworks earlier this year Unlike more traditional funding streams ‘success’ is rated rather differently. POP+ is more interested to see evidence of trust & relationships; risk-taking & innovation; inclusion & diversity and learning-throughdoing than it is by ‘traditional’ measures, such as, profit, impact and the number of beneficiaries. People and projects are given ‘space’ to adapt and evolve; changing what they do (and don’t do) as they go along.

The most important element of the whole initiative is almost impossible to measure communication, trust and respect.

Efford latest area to launch Neighbourhood Care Network.

Bringing together community leaders; youth workers; the Headteacher from the local school, community workers from the area’s housing associations and faith leaders, the ‘new’ version of Efford’s Community Council will, with the support of POP+, provide greater support for residents. Embracing the technology of SLACK and twilio, it is hoped the NCN will increase the support already given to residents; encourage new ways of working together and strengthen the existing community within Efford.

November 2020 15

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A shiny new welcome to Plymouth The new welcome...by day and night

A shoal of steel fish is now welcoming visitors to Plymouth.

The shiny fish are wrapped around the entrance at one of the North Cross subways leading into the city centre from the railway station and it’s all part of the long term plan to create a more spectacular entrance into Britain’s Ocean City.

The fish - which are made of 316 marine grade stainless steel - were created by Plymouth designer Symon Sweet and local specialist fabricators Stainless Fab Ltd were commissioned to create the creatures splashing out of stainless steel.

Council leader Tudor Evans said: “This is about saying hello in a very Britain’s Ocean City way.

We want people to know how proud we are of Plymouth from the moment they get off the train, walk up the path and see the city centre unfold before their eyes.

“It’s eye-catching, it’s fun and it’s giving a great local company work at a time when their mettle is being well and truly tested by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“One of the key commitments we made as part of our Resurgam recovery programme was to do all we can to employ local companies to keep local people in work. This is a cracking example of industrial and creative talent right here in Plymouth and I hope it brings a smile to people’s faces.”

The commission has been a life saver for the company Stainless Fabs Ltd. Managing director Zhev Liverson said that in the past, the main contractors of development work would often use fabrication and design companies they already had working relationships with. As a result many local companies did not get a look in.

He praised the council’s new more proactive procurement process and added: “These projects have led to the development of Stainless Fabs Ltd design capability and an increase in employment here in Plymouth.

“It’s not only good financially, but it has provided a clear and stable path forward in this company’s development, as we move through this COVID-19 pandemic.”

Massive change is on the cards for the area around Plymouth’s train station.

The Brunel Plaza scheme involves an upgrade for Plymouth Railway Station, along with a major revamp of the surrounding area, including the redevelopment of Intercity House by the University of Plymouth to train the city’s future health professionals; a new hotel and multi-storey car park; and improvements to public areas and links to the city centre.

The corner car park at Station Approach has already been turned into a compound for contractors, planning permission for the Intercity Place project has been granted and the University has signed a long-term lease on the building from Network Rail with work expected to begin shortly.

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16 November 2020

16 November 2020

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£1.3 million Top Conservative councillor calls for grant boost residents to act in non-selfish way for The Box, Plymouth Pavilions So what happens next? and Barbican Theatre Plymouth City Council’s Conservative Group Leader Cllr Nick Kelly has encouraged residents to persevere in these unprecedented times.

“The initial response to the virus of people clapping, painting rainbows and looking out for their neighbours needs to be reestablished as we enter the winter months. The blame game will not save lives and keep us safe. So let’s demonstrate our British spirit and unite to help each other through these uncertain times.

Cllr Nick Kelly “Local businesses have adapted to the crisis and wherever possible look to support them by giving them a fair proportion of your weekly spend.

Grants totalling more than £1.3 million have been made to three of the city’s leading cultural attractions from Art Council England’s Culture Recovery Fund.

The Box - Plymouth’s major new museum and archive - has received a welcome boost of £423,000 while Plymouth Pavilions has secured £726,000 and The Barbican Theatre nearly £168,000.

The grants are part of the Government’s £1.57 billion rescue package announced earlier this year - of which £500 million was made available via the Cultural Recovery Fund, administered by Arts Council England.

Plymouth City Council Leader, Tudor Evans said: “2020 has been such a challenging time for the cultural sector, and yet culture is one of the things that has really helped people get through things.

“We’ve invested in it and it’s great that Arts Council England recognises this. It’s vitally important that culture is supported at a national level too as we move forward with our economic recovery and continue to grapple with all the changes the pandemic brings.”

Sarah Phillips, chief executive of Plymouth Pavilions said: “We really are filled with excitement as we breathe such a huge sigh of relief.

“COVID has had such an unprecedented impact on our industry, and we’re very conscious that many of our colleagues and friends continue to suffer hardship as a result of the pandemic.

“We have been fortunate enough to receive fantastic support over the last six months and my sincere thanks are extended to our partners across the industry, to Plymouth City Council, our local MPs who have championed our campaign at all levels, to the Government and Arts Council England; and most importantly to our fantastic team here at the Pavilions.”

Laura Kriefman, chief executive of Barbican Theatre said: “This vital investment will allow us to continue our extensive work across Plymouth, helping us build people’s creative voices.

“Barbican Theatre is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) and a registered charity established in 1980. We are an inclusive organisation and get excited about people creating and enjoying theatre, dance, culture and live entertainment on stage and in unusual spaces.

“We are relieved to be successful and looking forward to creating extraordinary work with the community and artists in Plymouth and the UK.” • It has also been announced that two popular Plymouth venues have received financial support from the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund.

Annabel’s Cabaret and Discotheque in the Barbican was awarded over £134,000 while the Bread and Roses Community Arts Hub in Ebrington Street received just over £120,000.

They were among the big cash winners in Devon, with a total of over £650,000 paid to a total of eight venues in a second round of grants.

He said: “Unfortunately, COVID-19 continues to dominate the news and our lives. However, we must persevere and look to the future with hope and positivity as we all have our part to play in containing and overcoming the virus. Ours and future generations will look back and read about this world pandemic and the lives it has claimed and the havoc it has wreaked along with the actions we took.

“By us all making relatively small, but essential sacrifices, such as regularly washing our hands, wearing a mask and complying with social distancing we will prevent even more deaths and suffering. Most of what we are being asked to do is about applying common sense and acting in a non-selfish way. If you have symptoms arrange to be tested and isolate as directed.

“This pandemic has really affected everyone in their day to day lives, whether young or old, rich or poor, we are all in it together. It’s that community spirit, like bygone eras that will see us through. We need to be proud and thankful for all our amazing NHS workers and all those key workers who have worked tirelessly in very challenging conditions to ensure the country and city hasn’t ground to a complete halt.

“We are in uncharted waters, but by following the expert advice we are giving time to the scientists to hopefully find a vaccine and drugs that can overcome this virus. In the year that celebrates the 400th anniversary of the Pilgrims setting sail from our city, aboard the Mayflower, into the unknown, we must show that same determined spirit.

“So far, Plymouth has not been hit as hard as other cities, but this could alter quickly if we don’t all keep doing the basics, as directed by the Government. There is lots of support and help available to get us through. Government and Plymouth City Council websites can direct you to such assistance.

“Remembrance Day is approaching where we will remember and honour all of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, in comparison we are being asked to do very little.”

Plans in place for a safe Remembrance Sunday in Plymouth Plymouth’s Remembrance Sunday commemorations will look slightly different this year, as the city adapts to ensure that everyone is able to follow the COVID-19 safety guidelines.

Life is so good for Mish at Klein House in Stoke Mish Burchell, a resident at Klein House in Stoke, is being supported to live a full and active life, despite major health problems.

Mish, 56, who lives with a number of both physical and mental complications, including bipolar disorder, is encouraged to live independently, go out every day, and enjoy walks on Dartmoor, in order to help manage her conditions.

She has lived at the home, which is based on Albert Road, for 10 years with one other resident. They have individual flats, decorated to their own taste, and live as tenants within the protected setting of residential care.

Mish used to live in Africa with her parents breeding labradors, and she still has a great love of animals. She owns two fish who live with her at Klein House and she regularly visits her parents and their dog, Buster.

Like most people, she experienced difficulties brought on by lockdown, but with the help of staff, she is now coping well. She has lost three stone, thanks to a healthy eating and exercise plan, and enjoys regular visits to the cinema.

Mish is also a keen artist and

specialises in painting pictures of people and horses.

Mish said: “I love living at Klein House, because it means that I can have my own flat. I have major health problems, but I’m coping well, and living here has really helped me with that.

“The staff are lovely, and they treat me like an individual. They let me pick out the colours for my flat and they’ve recently given me a manicure. My rainbow nails make me smile every time I see them.”

Becky Saggers, a member of staff at Klein House, said: “I love working at Klein House. I started here during the lockdown and it was very difficult, as you can imagine, but we’ve come out the other side.

“It’s so rewarding working with people like Mish. She’s so positive and fun to be around. She makes coming to work so much more fun.”

Klein House is a residential care home for up to two people. It specialises in the care of people who have a learning disability and associated conditions. It is owned and managed by care provider, Salutem Care and Education.

There will not be a public Remembrance Service on Plymouth Hoe this year. The service usually attracts thousands of attendees so it would not be possible to maintain social distancing and would put vulnerable people, including veterans, at risk.

Instead a service at HMS Drake, attended by the Lord Mayor of Plymouth, will be streamed online and shared through the Plymouth City Council social media channels on Sunday November 8 for people to watch safely from home.

The Lord Mayor, Councillor Chris Mavin, the Naval Base Commander, Commodore Peter Coulson, and representatives from the Lord Lieutenancy and Commonwealth War Graves Commission will also privately lay wreaths at the Royal Naval Memorial on Remembrance Sunday. The Lord Mayor and Naval Base Commander will then lay a wreath at the Polish Memorial at the Belvedere.

The Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Darren Winter, will lead organisations in privately laying wreaths at the Civilian Memorial.

This year, people across the country are being encouraged to pay their respects from home and take part in the two-minute silence at 11am safely from their doorsteps. Anyone who chooses to visit the memorials on Plymouth Hoe is asked to stay safe and reminded to follow the current social distancing guidelines.

The Lord Mayor said: “We are enormously proud of our military heritage in Plymouth and Remembrance Day is a very important date in our civic calendar, giving us all chance to reflect, remember and honour those who have lost their lives. While this year has thrown many challenges our way, we have safely marked the 75th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day and the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, and we will be doing the same this Remembrance Sunday.

“While we cannot all be together, we can still remember all those who gave so much and I’d invite you all to watch our Remembrance Service online and take part in the two minute silence at 11am. If you do choose to visit the memorials on Plymouth Hoe, we’d ask you try and visit at different times of the day in order to help protect the most vulnerable amongst us.”

November 2020 17

@PlymChronicle

Orienteering puts exercise on the map!

Pupils from Manadon Vale Primary School on their orienteering courses

Mention of the word orienteering usually calls up images of intrepid mud-splattered athletes running across the moor.

A teacher at Manadon Vale Primary School has taken a very different view and has the whole school taking part in a range of orienteering courses he’s created using all parts of the extensive school grounds “Sport in schools can be rather competitive and exclusive,” said Year 5 teacher and PE Lead Steve Williams. “Orienteering gives every child the chance to take part. We’re lucky to have grounds here that have allowed me to create multiple courses which teach children about map reading as well as getting them out and about – although it’s so much fun, they don’t realise it’s actually exercise!”

Headteacher Sarah Ryder added:“We’re moving more towards offering a broader and deeper range of school activities, not just team sports or competitive sports.

“Lockdown has stopped schools taking part in the sports we used to do but it’s never been more important to keep children fit and well. We include yoga, pilates and meditation in our school sports timetables now and we’re always looking for ways to encourage children to eat well, get lots of exercise and look after their wellbeing.”

Manadon Vale is part of Connect Academy Trust and is offering parents tours of the school for children due to start in September 2021. Call the school to book a tour.

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It’s green for go on business park building plot in Derriford One of Plymouth’s highly-successful international business parks is to be expanded to allow more businesses to set up there.

The green light has been given for planning permission to develop an acre plot at the Plymouth International Medical and Technology Park in Derriford.

Permission has been granted to build light industrial and office units on a site off William Prance Road on what used to be part of Seaton Barracks. The approval is for two buildings for light industrial and office space.

Block one comprises four units with mezzanine space above which could be either independent office space or storage space. Block 2 comprises six separate but connectable office units.

The development will be highly sustainable incorporating solar panels, EV charging points, high levels of insulation, efficient heating, solar reflective glass and a sustainable drainage system.

A team from the council worked alongside Plymouth-based companies, Bailey Partnership and partners Airey and Coles, to develop the design and progress it through the planning process. Local company John Grimes Partnership also carried out the geo technical work.

The project will be going out to tender over the next month for a main contractor to design and build the development. The build is expected to last around a year with units available from Spring 2022 on a leasehold basis.

The council has committed to spending locally as much as possible under the Spend 4 Plymouth pillar of its Resurgam recovery programme.

Council leader Tudor Evans said: “Now, more than ever, we need to be confident and encourage our businesses to stay, thrive and succeed here. We set out a case for this scheme which could create or support around 56 full time jobs once it is ready and we know there is ongoing demand for good modern and flexible business space.

“But long before anything happens on site, we are working with Plymouth companies to get this project through to the next stage. We are helping companies who employ highly skilled people living in Plymouth, to build premises to attract more business.

“That is what our Resurgam recovery programme is about - creating opportunities and helping our businesses and our city to recover. ” The city has a number of ‘direct development’ schemes including Oceansgate at Devonport which specialises in marine technology companies and Hearder Court at Langage Business Park.

Plymouth International Business Park is a well-established and popular location for employment space and good modern premises are in short supply.

Organisations already based there include The Peninsula Radiology Academy, Biovault Technical, the UK’s leading and largest private tissue bank and K2 Medical Systems.

It is in the north of Plymouth which is set to grow significantly over the next 15 years.

18 November 2020

@PlymChronicle

Opening month sell-out success

Sell-out screenings for Plymouth Arts Cinema highlight the value of independent cinema in keeping the big screen alive.

Plymouth Arts Cinema has released details of its November – December programme, with new films including ‘On The Rocks’, starring Bill Murray and Rashida Jones, Ben Wheatley’s adaptation of ‘Rebecca’, Second World War drama ‘A Call To Spy’ and ‘I Am Greta’, the new documentary about teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg.

The cinema enjoyed a strong opening month with many sellout screenings in October, despite a climate of uncertainty within the film industry.

The closure for the foreseeable future of Cineworld and other multiplex chains is sad news for cinema, with the postponement of films such as the latest 007 ‘No Time To Die’ leaving them with little to screen.

However, there is the potential for independent cinema to be more robust. Plymouth Arts Cinema and other smaller cinemas are lighter on their feet and a good variety of British, US, and foreign language independent films are still scheduled for release.

Loyal audiences have returned to Plymouth Arts Cinema, as well as those discovering the cinema for the first time.

Director and film programmer Anna Navas said: “Our opening month was more successful than we could have predicted, given the circumstances. We are so grateful to our audience for their support, and we have loved seeing familiar faces back in

On the Rocks starring Bill Murray and Rashida Jones is one of the films being screened

the cinema. This is also a wonderful opportunity to welcome new audiences through our doors and introduce them to the great films that we are screening this season.”

The team have worked hard to ensure the cinema is a safe place to visit, with socially distanced seating, face coverings, temperature checks, and an enhanced cleaning regime. They have received positive feedback from audience members who feel safe and happy to return, such as one filmgoer who said “I was really impressed with how PAC have handled reopening the cinema - it’s so lovely to come in and feel welcomed, but for it to also be very obvious that all the necessary

precautions are being taken. Well done for doing this so successfully!”

Social distancing means that the cinema capacity is greatly reduced for now, so income from ticket sales and donations is more valuable than ever, as is the continued support of Plymouth City Council. Following the hard work of organisations such as the BFI and FAN network, many independent cinemas also have access to the Cultural Recovery Fund, which, if granted will provide a buffer to help get them up and running again at full capacity in the future.

To see the full programme and book online, please visit plymouthartscentre.org/whats-on

College appeals for support with festive foodbank initiative City College Plymouth is renewing its call for organisations to join the Further Education Foodbank Friday initiative.

Having seen a huge response across the country to the original appeal, the campaign is being relaunched with a festive twist to help give local Foodbanks a boost in time for the Christmas period.

The FE Foodbank Friday fundraising campaign was set up in the summer in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on local Foodbanks. Due to the lockdown, Foodbanks saw a significant drop in the number of donations they were receiving whilst still supporting individuals and families in need. Organisers behind the campaign are now hoping to re-energise efforts to ensure local foodbanks are well-stocked in the build-up to the festive season.

The college’s director of Student Journey, Bob Hunter, said: “During the lockdown, the college’s

own Foodbank supplies were running low. Our college community has been hugely supportive of the Foodbank but with very few students and staff on campus over that period, our supplies started to run short as we continued to deliver food

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“To ensure we could continue to provide this support - and to help other local foodbanks facing shortages - we joined the nationwide Foodbank Friday appeal to raise money to be used to purchase supplies to be given to those in need.

“Now that we are thankfully back on campus, we are hoping to be able to once again stock our Foodbank through the donations of food items and the college is taking part in a UK-wide initiative to try and collect 30,000 items before Christmas.”

As part of the campaign, the college will be recording a weekly tally of the number of food items donated, but is also appealing to those who may wish to support the appeal by donating via a national JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/ campaign/FestiveFEFoodbankFriday.

For details on how to donate food items, please e-mail studentliaision@cityplym.ac.uk.

For more information or to apply, contact us:

Phone 01752 225623

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Do you look after someone who couldn’t manage without you?

This year Carers Rights day is on Thursday 26th November and the theme is ‘Know Your Rights’ Mandy Street has been a Carers’ Support Coordinator at Improving Lives Plymouth since August 2019, and the role has been a real eye opener.

“I had been looking after my Mum over the past twenty years, supporting her mental health issues, as well as holding down a job as a domiciliary care worker. It was only when I started my job with Caring for Carers that I realised that I was, in fact, a carer for Mum, too.”

Colleagues soon realised that Mandy needed the support she was giving to others, and they helped her to access it for herself.

When we look after someone we love or care about, we may not consider ourselves as a carer. Caring is something we do as parents, partners, children, sisters, brothers and friends, often without question, or the need for a label.

You could be helping with household tasks such as cleaning or cooking, administering medication, organising and transporting someone to medical appointments, providing personal care or providing emotional support.

You could be doing it once a day, a couple of times a week or all the time. There are no time limits to being a carer.

It takes time to see yourself as a carer and even longer to recognise you have certain rights. However, it’s important to know your rights in order to access support that may be essential to maintaining your own health, wellbeing and work life balance.

Carers Rights Day is the national day led by Carers UK that helps to ensure carers are aware of their rights and know where to get help and support. It also raises awareness of the needs of carers.

In Plymouth, it is estimated that there are over 30,000 unpaid carers and every day

6,000 people in the United Kingdom become carers (Carers UK), often unexpectedly.

As a result, they have no way to plan or prepare for the sudden changes to their own life – whether that be juggling their employment with caring or having to claim new benefits. At the same time, they will have to come to terms with their new caring role and navigate the health and social care system. It’s no wonder that caring can feel overwhelming, bewildering and stressful.

Thursday November 26th is Carers Rights Day and we want to help carers in our local communities find their way. Whether they are struggling with navigating a maze of health and social services, looking for places to access information, or finding they need extra support to cope with the pressures of caring, we want to empower them to find any assistance that will benefit them.

Lee Sewrey - Caring for Carers Manager said “For the last 7 years we have run an information event for Plymouth Carers to attend and get advice and support from over 50 different organisations. This year, due to COVID-19 restrictions we are working differently to offer support to carers virtually. Whether you are a new carer or have been caring for someone for a while, we believe that it’s important that you understand your rights and are able to access the support that is available to you as soon as you need it.”

“My journey is typical of a lot of people who care for their loved ones,” said Mandy.

“They think a carer is someone who is a full time professional, and not them. But that’s not the case; what they are doing is a proper caring role and they have rights to access support for themselves.”

The key question that Mandy and her colleagues ask people is, ‘If you were not there to help, how would they cope?’ It may be just with shopping, or with multiple roles involved in caring for a spouse with dementia – whatever the level of care, once assessed and properly registered, carers can access a whole range of support.

“In all those years, I didn’t recognise myself as a carer,” said Mandy. “And most of the people we assess say they just didn’t know where to turn for help. If they’re working, they don’t know they have rights to ask for flexible hours and unpaid leave. They may just want a weekly support group, to overcome isolation and identify with others; they may need help getting benefits sorted out. Whatever it is, we can help by starting with a simple assessment which most people find very beneficial.”

Mandy’s advice is simple: if your caring role impacts on your life at all, you should contact her team for an assessment to see what help may be available – it’s just a phone call away.

Our Virtual Carers Rights Day page can be viewed at www.improvinglivesplymouth. org.uk/carers-rights-day-2020 from Thursday 26th November 2020 where you will have access to support, advice and contact details from all of the usual organisations who attend our annual information events. To access our Carers Rights Day information pack by email or by post or to speak to a team member please call Caring for Carers on 01752 201890 to register as a carer and we will take your details to ensure you receive the information quickly.

Pat King is a full time carer for husband Stephen who developed mental health issues following a prolonged physical illness. Pat says that Caring for Carers is a lifeline for them both especially during the COVID pandemic.

Stephen was diagnosed with renal failure following a viral infection 11 years ago, and needed home dialysis until he had a kidney transplant in 2016.

“We thought that things would improve, but it wasn’t the case for us,” said Pat. “Steve was forgetting things, repeating conversations and getting angry. I have a background in care and I could see something was wrong.

“Steve’s condition worsened quite quickly.

He was a senior support worker, responsible for overseeing several community supported living houses with one or two residents and a staff team. One minute he was fine, then he just went downhill.”

Over the course of a few short years, Pat became a full time carer for Stephen. She has no breaks, no holidays and cannot leave him overnight if she wants to visit relatives.

“If you work in care, you can leave it behind at the end of the day. But like other people caring for their loved ones, I can’t just go home.”

These difficulties put a strain on their marriage and Pat sought counselling. Her doctor pointed her towards Caring for Carers, who helped her realise that she needed care and support as much as Steve.

“They’ve been amazing,” said Pat. “We were on a low income with neither of us working. They helped me apply for PIPs payments, which included a 40 page application form. They connected me to other services that can help us, they’re available to talk to and overall I just feel that I have someone supporting me now.”

Most people looking after loved ones don’t consider themselves carers, but the professional advice provided freely

by Caring for Carers helps them get the financial and other support that they are entitled to.

There’s still a long way to go for Pat and Steve, and COVID presents another level of challenges but Caring for Carers is there to support them, and many others like them.

Mandy and Pat

“It’s been good for us both,” said Pat. “They’ve given me hope that things can get better and there is help, beyond what is happening with COVID. I don’t know what I would have done without them.”

www.improvinglivesplymouth.org.uk The Caring for Carers team are here to support you with understanding your rights as a carer, and to help you to navigate health and social care systems.

Get in touch by telephone on 01752 201890 email caringforcarers@improvinglivesplymouth.org.uk or text us on 07305058088

A Charity supporting people since 1907

20 November 2020

20 November 2020

@PlymChronicle

Why we need to share our life stories...

THE

By Chris Cole, founder of Cross Rhythms Charity

Experience

To be vulnerable, I have really struggled this month with the Cross Rhythms article because it is not always easy in times of real difficulties to be genuinely optimistic.

I have had the privilege for almost 40 years of sharing, on radio and television, what I believe is the ‘Greatest Story Ever Told’. This story has changed lives through the centuries and is increasingly changing the lives of hundreds of millions of people around the world today.

The central theme is focussed on one person: Jesus Christ who claimed to be both God and human. He is bigger and more important than our churches and denominations and yet he is revered, loved, and worshipped in those communities. The impact of this relationship between God and man is why the Church, of all differing denominations, sows so much time, voluntary effort and money into their local communities.

More charities today are started through religious motivation than any other. This relational faith impacts on the lives of individuals and then wider communities and has been for centuries the foundation of our national values. The second commandment of Jesus to ‘love

our neighbours as Chris Cole ourselves’ is not just a quaint saying, for many it is love in action.

It appears that the greatest areas of growth for the Christian faith are in nations where Christianity is oppressed, and its’ adherents persecuted.

What always amazes me, however, are the stories or personal testimonies of Christians in hostile circumstances demonstrating incredible, love and courage under such circumstances.

It seems the more the essence and values of Christianity are persecuted, the quicker the communities grow in faith and effectiveness. This happened in China and is also happening in North Korean concentration camps.

Last month’s article was on the subject of Plymouth City Council’s programme

‘Resurgam, meaning ‘rise again’ - our council leaders encouraging the wider community with hope for our city since we are still experiencing serious health and economic challenges through the pandemic.

We all need to play our part and support each other in this time of international, national and local community crisis. To do this we need to individually draw on our own personal inner courage and resource.

To consistently broadcast an authentic message of faith, hope and love through the media I have always felt that our Christian testimony must be authentic in terms of our hope in the divine nature of Jesus Christ to be balanced with the truth of our messy humanity.

Christians are far from perfect, me included, and that is why an honest account of our spiritual journey is so powerful.

How the love of Christ can inwardly change us and free us from fear.

Therefore, as Christians, the most powerful resource we have is our personal testimony. I would encourage every Christian believer who has a story to tell, regarding His transforming love, to prayerfully consider sharing ‘your story’ in these difficult days.

Even creation speaks to us on this. On a cloudy day when we look up to the sky and the rain and winds are blowing, the sun is still constantly shining above the clouds.

This is the reality of God. Even though we will go through difficult days, He has overcome. This is what resurrection from the dead into life is all about. The Son will always keep on shining.

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

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22 November 2020

22 November 2020

@PlymChronicle

Green travel grants for local businesses Green light for new £10 million care facility Capital grants of up to £25,000 are now available to local businesses for measures that help their staff travel more sustainably to, from and whilst at work.

The grants form part of the Plymouth City Council’s Productive Plymouth Programme for sustainable transport measures. The Workplace Travel Grants Scheme is making £750,000 available to local businesses to boost productivity through investing in infrastructure that helps employees travel sustainably.

The kind of measures that could receive funding include:

• Providing secure cycle parking • Introducing pool bikes • Installing workplace shower facilities • Establishing electric vehicle charging points But the bids aren’t limited to these areas and the council is open to innovative proposals that specifically reflect how the business operates. The council can contribute a maximum of 75 per cent of the scheme costs.

Travelling sustainably means meeting business needs whilst being mindful of the impact on the environment. A sustainable approach has many local benefits including

reduced traffic congestion, improved air quality and healthier lifestyles.

Successful applicants will be supported by the council’s Plymotion at Your Workplace personalised travel planning team to help them get the maximum impact from the grant.

Applications from businesses are now open and full details are available at www. plymouth.gov.uk/workplacetravelgrants. The closing date for applications for the 2020/21 programme is January 15 2021 and all schemes funded this year must be delivered by mid-March.

Researchers and charity launch online tool to help people deal with psychological impact of having a ‘visible difference’ A ‘life-changing’ programme to help adults with visible differences such as scars and burns is being made publicly available for the first time.

FaceIT@home helps people manage any appearance-related distress and anxiety via a self-guided online tool. Using a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) approach, and aimed at people who may need support to feel more confident about the way they look, the programme was previously only available via a referral from a health professional.

Now the newly accessible online version has been warmly welcomed by charities and those living with visible differences, which can include anything from facial scarring, burns and plastic and reconstructive surgery to mastectomy or limb amputation.

FaceIT@home and the earlier, offline version have been developed by Dr Alyson Norman, associate professor of Clinical and Health Psychology at the University of Plymouth, in conjunction with the Centre for Appearance Research at the University of the West of England and charity Changing Faces.

Dr Norman said: “Visible difference covers a huge range of things, but there are probably four or five million people in the UK with a difference of some kind. Our research suggests that about 30 per cent of those people will suffer some degree of anxiety as a result, but we also know there is no strong correlation between the severity of someone’s visible difference and the anxiety they may experience – it is about each individual’s confidence level.

“FaceIT aims to do two things: help people manage anxiety, and help them learn how to manage interactions with other people and deal with their reactions.”

FaceIT@home can be accessed by contacting Changing Faces, with users directed to an extensive website that takes them through a course of eight different sessions including a mixture of

Your guide to community events in your area

In view of the current coronavirus lockdown measures we have held over the usual Community Directory listings as most if not all the events/meetings will not be taking place Your guide to community events in your area

Naomi in March 2004, soon after one of several operations and (below) Naomi pictured 14 years after the accident

presentations, interactive exercises and extensive guidance on how to put what has been learnt into practice.

“The programme is the result of years of research and testing, which has shown that the online version is as effective as faceto-face intervention, and in some cases preferred by users as they are able to go back to and benefit from it months or even years later,” added Dr Norman.

Naomi Milward has been involved with the programme for many years, after suffering life-changing facial injuries in a road accident in Kenya in 2002. After struggling to access appropriate psychological treatment, Naomi was introduced to Alyson and received a face-to-face version of FaceIT in 2008. Since then, she has been a passionate advocate for the programme.

Naomi said: “People often forget the psychological impact of injures like mine, as the physical difference can be so obvious to others. In my case when the accident

happened at the age of 31, having had a successful career and a great lifestyle, the psychological impact was significantly harder to deal with than the physical impact.

“FaceIT helped me in so many ways. Going out in public initially was a massive deal for me – as I felt everyone was staring. This automatically created negative thoughts and frustration. Among other coping strategies, FaceIT teaches you to turn those negative thoughts into positive ones and think, OK they’re staring, but they might be looking at my dress. The programme gives you different scenarios and examples like this of how to manage negative thoughts and assumptions.

“For people who don’t want or can’t access face-to-face support, it will be incredibly beneficial for them to be able to access support in their own home.”

Becky Hewitt, chief executive of Changing Faces said: “We are delighted to partner with the University of Plymouth and the Centre for Appearance Research at the University of the West of England, to officially launch FaceIT@ home in the UK. “This is an unprecedented period of stress, anxiety and social isolation for everyone, and people with visible differences have been amongst those hardest hit. Being able to offer the FaceIT@home online service, developed with specialist psychologists, to anyone in the UK with a mark, scar or condition on their face or body that makes them look different provides another, much needed, source of specialist support for the visible difference community.

“Clinicians can refer clients, and individuals can sign up directly with Changing Faces to join the online self-help programme that is designed to build confidence, resilience and help develop coping strategies to deal with the difficult situations and feelings many people with visible differences contend with every day.”

Plymouth’s most vulnerable adults can look forward to – and help shape – a new purpose-built place to work, rest and play.

The green light has been given for Plymouth City Council to invest £10 million in a new centre of excellence which will combine specialist emergency and planned respite/day care services for people with complex physical and learning disabilities.

The former council depot on Outland Road is being earmarked for this new care facility and the design is expected to feature: • A range of modern en-suite bedrooms and flats specifically designed to maximise independence and allow support for adults with a wide range disabilities.

• Spaces for activity and learning (activities to support daily living, IT suite, pottery, art, relaxation and music) • Sensory rooms and outdoor spaces and quiet spaces for relaxation and therapy • Access to Adapted cycles for use within the grounds of the service and within Central Park • Kitchen area for food preparation and independent living skills • Smart technology to support increased independence It’s proposed location, on the border of Central Park, will open up huge opportunities for customers to enjoy the park, the Life Centre, transport links as well as sharing some of its new planned facilities for others with disabilities, for example, the Access to Adapted cycles, Changing Places and potentially room hire for small local community groups.

The brand new building, which has yet to be designed, will offer essential planned and emergency respite and is intended to make sure customers enjoy their best life with specialist support on hand to help them be as independent as possible, to support education and skills development as well as opportunities for employment.

A key aspect of the project will be to provide carers and individuals with more flexible options for breaks through the day, evening and overnight.

The facility will replace Colwill Lodge in Estover, which currently provides overnight short breaks and respite and the Vine in Whitleigh which provides daytime support.

There is no other respite provision available in Plymouth for this client group.

A decision has been taken to invest £10 million into the scheme which, once available, will bring the services, staff and customers from Colwill and The Vines together under one service.

Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Councillor Kate Taylor said: “We are right at the start of a journey but this is going to be a fantastic facility. I’m really proud that this council wants to invest in making something special for some of our most vulnerable residents and for this to be so close to one of our most treasured spaces. This is not just about what the building will look like, this is about reshaping a service, opening up loads of opportunities because of where this centre will be.”

Cabinet Member for Environment and Street Scene, Councillor Sue Dann, added: “Having a new care facility so close to Central Park will be a huge benefit to the residents, the day care visitors and the staff, access to green spaces really promotes the health and wellbeing of people.”

November 2020 23

@PlymChronicle

Foundation fun at Leigham

The new Foundation Year children at Leigham Primary School are enjoying plenty of time exploring their new school environment.

During their first half-term at school, there have been opportunities for them to take part in some exciting activities which have involved them exploring the school’s extensive grounds.

The literacy curriculum has been brought to life through storytelling and adventures. For example, the children went on a bear hunt on the school’s nature trail and also tried to find the Gruffalo living in the school’s woodland area.

One of the children expressed their delight when she spotted the Gruffalo, proudly announcing ‘it is the best day ever in my new school with my new wellies and I saw the Gruffalo!’

Other outdoor activities have involved older children gathering around the fire pit, collecting apples from the orchard, designing and then flying kites, learning in the outdoor classroom, planting in the new garden area and pond dipping, as well as the usual wide variety of sporting opportunities.

To book an individual or family bubble visit to see what Leigham Primary School has to offer call 01752 790990.

USEFUL NUMBERS Emergency Numbers

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

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Youngsters at Leigham Primary School enjoying time in the school grounds

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

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Focus on photo diaries project As part of our ongoing community work, we are delighted to launch our new activity which is a ‘photo diaries project.’

The community of Ernesettle is leading the NSPCC’s flagship Together for Childhood programme with organisations across Plymouth working with local residents to develop and test ways to best protect children. The Together for Childhood team provide the latest monthly update on its work to keep children safe from sexual abuse.

This aims to show the variety of healthy relationships in Ernesettle and build on the definition young people developed that said: ‘A healthy relationship is a relationship with friends, family or loved ones that is built on a solid foundation of respect, honesty, communication and trust’ The project is for people who live locally and links to part of Together for Childhood’s healthy relationships work, which was the subject of a column earlier this year.

The activity encourages people to take photos of important or memorable moments in their relationship with other people.

Maybe it’s hanging out together, enjoying hobbies or just having fun.

You will choose who you want to take photos with and will take snaps with them for three months. There is no restriction as to who this could be, it could be a family member, your best friend of even a work colleague. All the photos will come together to document what local residents feel is important in their relationships with others.

NSPCC’s Local Campaigns manager, Emma Motherwell urged people to sign up to the project.

“This project is great fun for everyone who gets involved and I am really looking forward to seeing all of the pictures that people send in,” she said. “A project like this will really

show people in Ernesettle just how many healthy relationships there are in the area, spanning all walks of life. “I would encourage anyone who is interested or curious about how they get involved to contact me.”

The pictures could demonstrate how you take care of your family, listen to your best friend or how you are kind to your work colleague.

At the end of the three months, those who were involved will be awarded with gift vouchers as a thank you.

The photos taken by the participants will also be showcased to the community in an exhibition once the project has been completed.

If you are interested in taking part in the Photo Diaries project, or would like to find out more, contact Emma Motherwell on Emma.

Motherwell@NSPCC.org.uk via phone on 020 3772 9884 or through our Facebook Page which can be found by searching @TFCPlymouth.

If you want to find out more about Together for Childhood contact the NSPCC in Plymouth at Plymouth.Servicecentre@nspcc.org.uk or 01752 422577 or visit the NSPCC website.

Any adult concerned about the welfare of a child or young person can call the NSPCC helpline for free and confidential advice on 0808 800 5000 or visit nspcc.org.uk Children can contact Childline for free on 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk 365 days a year, and speak to a counsellor about a worry or concern they may have.

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

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

Entertainment Theatre Royal 01752 267222 Barbican Theatre 01752 267131 Devonport Playhouse 01752 606507 Plymouth Athenaeum Theatre 01752 266079 Plymouth Pavilions 01752 936363 Plymouth Pavilions Ticket Store 03337 727727 Cineworld 03303 33444 Vue Cinema 0345 308 4620 Tourist Information 01752 306330 National Trust Saltram 01752 333500 Plymouth City Museum & Art Gallery 01752 304774 Plymouth Arts Centre 01752 206114

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

Weather The Met Office Weathercall

0870 9000100 0870 6004242

If you think your organisation would benefit from being listed in our Useful Numbers guide please e-mail your details to info@cornerstonevision.com or write to: Plymouth Chronicle, 28 Old Park Road, Peverell, Plymouth Tel 01752 225623

Please note that whilst the Publishers have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of telephone numbers in this Directory, and dates in the What’s On section, no responsibility can be accepted for any errors.

24 November 2020

24 November 2020

@PlymChronicle

Mayflower to-do list ticked off!

From massive monumental restorations, epic paint jobs and new trails for visitors, Plymouth’s Mayflower moment is making its mark on the city whatever 2020 has thrown at it.

While the major commemorations have been put back to 2021, it’s the perfect time to give people a reminder of the work that has been going on over the last two years as part of the city’s push to make the most of its incredible history.

Council leader Tudor Evans said: “While Covid-19 has changed the timescales, it has not changed what we are doing. We’ve had an incredible couple of weeks in spite of COVID: The Box opening, Look II being unveiled, the Mayflower autonomous vessel launch.

“But we’ve also done lots of other work to get to this point. And this work is not just about visitors, it is about helping families here enjoy our fabulous city and learn more about its amazing history.”

The big stuff: Mayflower Trail - the digital trails app was launched to allow residents and visitors to follow the Mayflower trail - a series of bronze totems around the Barbican packed with facts about its buildings and the people who helped shape the city in 1620. The Mayflower trail is one of three core trails on the app with the City Centre trail exploring post-war architecture and the Plymouth Hoe Trail delving into the city’s maritime history.

Repainting Smeaton’s Tower - the grade 1 listed landmark received a new coat in its traditional red and white colours, using special paint and protective treatment.

Look II - the council commissioned a sculpture to go on West Hoe Pier by internationally-acclaimed artist Anthony Gormley as part of The Box permanent art collection.

West Pier, the Mayflower Steps and portico Mayflower Steps restored

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Derriford Hospital introduces new restrictions and visit guidelines Derriford Hospital has introduced restrictions on visiting due to the rise in the the number of COVID-19 cases in the community and in the hospital.

Mayflower Trail launched

- the sensitive sure the city’s restoration of key attractions the historic such as The Box Mayflower Steps and Barcode and and portico Barbican are has smartened easy to find up this key • Updated location.

19 tourist The portico monoliths in the was badly city centre and eroded due to waterfront Plymouth’s salty • Four air and wind. fingerposts Cobbles were to replace old also re-layed ones that had on the pier previously and disabled been removed access to loos and 74 new/ completed. New Refurbishment of Elizabethan House replacement street furniture arms to point and bins have been installed as well as new people in the right direction flags flying • 10,464 square metres of road resurfacing Elizabethan House - the historic house was carried out around the city centre and is being sensitively restored. An extension the waterfront during 2019-2020 has been added to the rear to provide extra • 4,590 square metres of cobble repairs and space and support the deteriorated back repointing completed around the Barbican wall. The conservation work will finish in the • Revamping the entrance to Southside Autumn ready for the fit out of interpretation Street with a stunning mural depicting the and visitor experience.

Mayflower as well as smartening up the Prysten House - a new public square to pavement areas show off the 15th Century building is finished.

• New toilets now built and open at West 1970s paving was replaced with granite paving Hoe park and more are planned for the Hoe and an Elizabethan Garden pattern marked demolition has already started. out with cobbles. New trees were planted, new street furniture installed and the New signs on the A38 stunning building is going to be lit up.

As well as the historic restoration projects, the to-do list included the not so glamorous but equally important essentials. This included: • Over 100 giant outdoor bins installed in and around the city centre and the waterfront including more recycling bins • 13 new signs up on the A38 to encourage people into Britain’s Ocean City and making

The Derriford and North Chronicle is delivered door to door every month to homes in Ernesettle, West Park, Honicknowle, Austin Farm, Crownhill, Manadon, Whitleigh, Southway, Derriford, Estover, Mainstone and Leigham.

Depending on the situation regarding the coronavirus, the December edition of the Plymouth Chronicle in Derriford and North Plymouth will be published on November 27

with a copy deadline of November 16.

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

We welcome submissions but cannot guarantee publication. We accept press releases in the form of text documents and images in JPG or TIFF format (high resolution please).

Visits will only be allowed in the following circumstances and PPE must be worn at all times.

General areas • Patients in the final days of life will be able to receive visitors on compassionate grounds • If the patient’s carer needs to be in attendance to support the patient for physical or mental health reasons Paediatrics areas • In paediatrics and on the neonatal unit, both parents/guardians will be permitted to visit their child together, social distancing permitted. The exception to this will be the Emergency Department where due to lack of space, only one parent/guardian can be accommodated. Social distancing will be monitored by staff. Unfortunately only one parent will be allowed into children’s theatres, due to lack of space, and sadly siblings are not able to visit at this time.

Maternity ward • One nominated individual per patient will be allocated a 2-hour time slot to see women who have given birth in our postnatal ward • Single birthing partner will be able to stay during your time on central delivery suite.

• A nominated individual is able to attend the early scan (undertaken at approximately 12 weeks gestation and also referred to as the dating or screening scan) • A nominated individual is able to attend the anomaly scan (18-20 weeks gestation) with expectant mothers. This will mean that for both routine scans, someone can attend alongside expectant Mums • A birth partner can join expectant mums when they attend for assessment because they are possibly in labour Dropping off patient property Anyone dropping off property for an inpatient, should not go to the ward, but drop any bags or items to the Hub on Level 6 of Derriford Hospital - Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm each day and during the weekend to the Parking Desk between 10am and 2pm.

The Hub is located adjacent to Warrens Bakery on level 6, and can be clearly identified as the ‘glass office’. The Parking Desk is located immediately on your right as you enter the main entrance to Derriford Hospital.

The team will place items into a secure location to keep them safe until they are collected by a member of staff from the ward, who will deliver them to the patient.

There are other guidelines covering attendance at the Emergency Department, outpatient appointments and day surgery which can be found at www.plymouthhospitals.nhs. uk/coronavirus#Visiting

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Woodside Animal Welfare Trust has made an urgent appeal for financial support See page 4

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