Plymouth Chronicle Derriford North April 2022

Chronicle Plymouth

April 2022

# PLYMOUTHTOGETHER

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

Plymouth University academic Professor Camille Parmesan has contributed to a vital report on climate change See Page 24

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Gym manager Adam Domyslawski has raised over £5,000 for a city charity with a 12-hour fitness challenge See Page 16

Peace Bus is just the ticket!

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

• Cross Rhythms Experience • Dial the Experts • Useful numbers

A striking double decker bus is being used across Plymouth and Cornwall to show support for the people of Ukraine and to help raise vital funds for those affected by the war. The bus will be used on Plymouth Citybus and Go Cornwall Bus routes to help raise awareness of the Disaster Emergency Committee’s humanitarian appeal, with a donation point inside for those who wish to give cash

• See story on page 9

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2 April 2022

2 April 2022

@PlymChronicle

COVID WILL CONTINUE TO GIVE US NEW CHALLENGES You may know someone who has had COVID-19 in the last few weeks, or even had it yourself.

Rates are very high in the city again, with more than 1,433 cases per 100,000.

We know fewer people are testing and reporting now so the true rates across our community will be even higher than they seem. From 1 April, free universal testing will also end so it will be almost impossible to know how many cases of COVID-19 there are in our community.

But we do know that COVID-19 is again causing issues for some businesses and organisations due to the number of staff who are off work.

Some people with COVID-19 are fortunate to experience symptoms similar to a cold but many people feel very unwell and need two or three days in bed. Some people complain of feeling the effects of the virus for several months afterwards.

While our rates in Plymouth are higher than the England average, there is no indication that there is anything different happening in the city, compared to elsewhere. We have a combination of BA1 and BA2, two Omicron variants but there are no new ‘variants of concern’ being seen.

However, the high rates continue to impact the NHS due to the measures needed to care for patients in hospital who have COVID-19 and the numbers of health workers having to stay off work.

The good news is that the vaccine appears to be doing a good job of reducing severe illness. The vaccine programme is now being supported by a spring booster vaccine offered to people aged 75 and over and those who are immunosuppressed.

We knew from our experience of COVID-19 over

the last two years that it is far from over – the Government’s Living with Covid document does flag that we are in for some uncertain times – but this current high rates have shown this to be the case even more quickly than many of us had expected.

None of us wants COVID-19 to continue dominating our daily lives in the way it has done for so long. However, the current position shows we need to continue taking it seriously and asking ourselves whether we are doing what we should to stay safe.

By Dr Ruth Harrell

Director of Public Health for Plymouth

How we can live with COVID-19 Help keep rates as low as possible: The higher the COVID-19 rates in our community, the greater the risk of more people getting seriously ill and the NHS being put under even more severe pressure, as well as further disruption to our daily lives, whether at school, work or leisure.

It makes sense to always consider simple measures that can go a long way to reducing the risk to yourself and those around you: wearing a face covering in crowded, indoor spaces, washing your hands frequently and letting fresh air in when meeting indoors – or even better, meeting outside.

Staying at home when sick: While there is no longer a legal requirement to self-isolate if you have COVID-19, you should stay at home if you do have it, and also any time that you feel ill.

Getting tested: Testing is being scaled back from 1 April and the PCR test centres in Plymouth have now closed. After 1 April, PCR testing will only still be available for various at-risk groups and social care staff. Paid-for tests will be available for everyone else.

At the moment free lateral flow tests are still available from libraries in Plymouth, but only while stocks last. We are still waiting for Government guidance on testing arrangements in the future.

Getting vaccinated and boosted: The vaccine is very good at preventing severe illness if you get COVID-19. If you haven’t had all your vaccines yet, there are walk-in sessions being held in locations around the city.

The Government has now launched a spring booster campaign for people aged 75 and over and those who are immunosuppressed.

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

The mobile van will be visiting the following locations: • Monday 4 April: Tothill Community Centre (midday to 7pm) • Wednesday 6 April: St Budeaux Library (9am to 4pm) • Thursday 7 April: Frankfort Gate (11am to 5pm) • Tuesday 12 April: North Prospect Library (10am to 5pm) • Wednesday 13 April: Southway Library (midday to 7pm)

• Thursday 14 April : Frankfort Gate (11am to 5pm) Home Park is also offering walk-in vaccinations.

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

HOW TO KEEP UP-TO-DATE You can check the latest number of COVID-19 cases in Plymouth on the Council’s website at www.plymouth.gov.uk/COVID-19. NOTE: This information was correct at the time of going to press on March 31.

April 2022

@PlymChronicle

Armed Forces Day is back after two year absence Plymouth’s spectacular Armed Forces Day, in association with Babcock, will return to Plymouth Hoe this summer after a two year absence due to the pandemic.

The exciting programme for the event was revealed following a launch on March 17 hosted by 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery at the Royal Citadel.

Captain Chris Morris presented the Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Councillor Terri Beer, with the Armed Forces Day flag before a ceremonial firing of the gun from the Citadel’s battlements.

The hugely popular, family-friendly event will take place on Saturday June 25. This year’s line-up will see audiences wowed by the all-day arena and stage programme, interactive displays, military vehicles and equipment and parades.

There’s lots of live music to enjoy too, including a free evening concert headlined by ‘From The Specials’, starring Neville Staple who’s famous for his 2-Tone legacy.

Councillor Mark Deacon, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Culture, Leisure and Sport at Plymouth City Council, said: “Armed Forces Day is not only a brilliant day out filled with fun activities for the whole family to enjoy, but also a hugely important opportunity for the people of Plymouth to show support for all members of the Armed Forces and their families, and to thank them for their hard work and dedication.

“Plymouth is incredibly proud of its military history and there’s much to celebrate this year.

“It was very fitting to host the launch at the Royal Citadel as this year the Commando Gunners will be celebrating their 60th anniversary with a parade through the city centre in May.” Armed Forces Day will start with the RAF and Allied Air Forces Memorial Service at 9.10am, followed by the main activities beginning at 10am. The Parade of Standards, which is open to all veterans, will see veterans and cadets parade

3

The 2022 Armed Forces Day was launched at the Royal Citadel

across the Hoe Promenade at 11am.

There’s plenty to experience throughout the day. Visitors can chat to service personnel, with representatives from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal Air Force and British Army all in attendance. They will be hosting activities, displays and military vehicles in their own specific ‘villages’.

Members of the Fire Service, Devon and Cornwall Police, Coastguard Rescue Service and Dartmoor Search and Rescue will also be there on the day.

More than 70 organisations and charities will be represented within the Veterans’ Village, sponsored by the Royal British Legion, offering support and advice as well as information from training providers.

To mark the 40th anniversary of the Falklands Conflict, there will be a dedicated Falklands veterans’ parade, with any veteran that was involved in the conflict invited to join.

The arena programme promises plenty of entertainment and thrills, with the

Devonport Services Rugby Team showing off their skills, Field Gun tournaments and displays from local cadets and the City of Plymouth Pipe Band.

The entertainment continues into the evening with a free music concert, sponsored by C&G Catering, taking place on stage from 5pm to 10.30pm.

Performances include: Military Wives Choir; Ocean City Sound Barbershop chorus; Local powerhouse duo Roulette; Absolutely Elton, an outstanding tribute to Sir Elton John; From The Specials – The Neville Staple Band.

This year the Rehabilitation Triathlon, hosted by the Royal Marines, will also take place in Plymouth for the first time ever on Thursday June 23.

This tough competition will see outstanding tri-service athletes take part in a swim in Tinside Lido, cycle time trials across the Hoe and a static rowing challenge before crossing the finish line.

For all the latest information about Armed Forces Day, visit plymoutharmedforcesday.co.uk.

Mark Ormrod presented with Freedom of the City Former Royal Marine Mark Ormrod MBE, has been awarded the title of Honorary Freeman of the City of Plymouth by the Lord Mayor.

marched onto the parade ground on prosthetics to collect his tour of duty medal.

Today, Mark is an internationally acclaimed motivational speaker, a peak Mark was presented performance coach and with his official scroll Lord Mayor Coun Terri Beer the author of the award and medal at a special presents Mark Ormrod winning auto-biography ceremony at the the with his official scroll Man Down. He’s won 11 Council House. medals, including four Being awarded the golds at the Invictus Honorary Freedom of Games and is a source the City is the highest of daily inspiration honour the city can for the thousands of bestow and is awarded people who follow him to ‘persons of distinction’ on Social Media.He is who have shown a relentless charitable exceptional service or fund-raiser and last year achievement. was awarded the Pride of It recognises those Britain Fundraiser of the who have provided year award in recognition ‘eminent services’ to of the hundreds of Plymouth and gone the thousands of pounds he extra mile to enhance has raised for charity by the city’s reputation or undertaking remarkable feats of endurance. improve the lives of people less able to help themselves. Mark The Lord Mayor Councillor Terri Beer said: “I am delighted to is without doubt one of Plymouth’s most inspirational residents. afford Mark Ormrod the Freedom of the City of Plymouth. He On Christmas Eve 2007 Mark was blown up by an improvised has worked tirelessly to fund raise for charities that support our explosive device whilst on a routine patrol in Afghanistan. armed forces and done amazingly well at the Invictus games. I He lost an arm and both legs above the knee and was twice am so proud of Mark, he has overcome so much and continues pronounced dead at the scene. Doctors originally told him to be an inspirational Ambassador for our city.” that he would never walk again. But just five months later, he

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Send details of your event to info@ cornerstonevision.com and we will do our best to include them in Out and About. Unfortunately because of space limitations we are unable to publish details of regular meetings of groups and societies or similar organisations.

include a wide variety of thrilling activities and displays. The main stage will host performances from local choirs and groups throughout the day, and from 6pm, a free evening concert will entertain the crowds with a fantastic range of live music for all to enjoy. You can sing-a-long and dance the night away, with the fabulous backdrop of Plymouth Sound, with a fantastic headline act being announced soon! For more information visit www. plymoutharmedforcesday.co.uk

Exhibition - Yonaoshi Until Jun 11 Featuring paintings, textiles, ceramics, film and sculpture, South West Showcase artist Huhtamaki Wab brings his solo exhibition ‘Yonaoshi’ to the MIRROR at Plymouth College of Art. The exhibition combines influences from Japanese mythology with concepts of ecological collapse and world renewal.

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

Into the Light Apr 8 An evening of uplifting music and readings with the Sir Joshua Reynolds Choir at Sherwell Church, North Hill, Plymouth at 7.30pm. Musical director Jenny George with guest artiste Ed Welch and accompanist Anne Kalas. Proceeds to St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth.

Tickets £7 on the door or in advance call 01752 345390 or 880730.

Collectors Toy Fair Apr 10 Organised by the Plymouth Diecast Club at Jan Cutting Healthy Living Cente, Beacon Park Road, Plymouth from 10am to 2pm. Adults £1 children free.

Free parking, cafe and disabled access. For details visit www.plymouthdiecastclub.com Oxley-Meier Guitar Project Apr 10 Presenting work from their new album ‘The Alluring Ascent’ at Stoke Damerel Church, Paradise Road, Plymouth at 3pm. Tickets £15 available from 01752 770345.

Exhibition Apr 12 to May 19 An exhibition entitled Artists in Residence, detailing the lives and work of some of Plymouth’s famous local artists, will be held at the Visitors Centre, Ford Park Cemetery, April 12. Open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, weekdays 10.30am to 3.30pm (12.30pm to 3.30pm at weekends) until April 30, and then daily until May 19, 11am to 3pm.

Plymouth Jazz Club Apr 17 The Riviera Ramblers at the Royal British Legion Club, Tailyour Road, Crownhill at 7.30pm. Tickets at the door only. Details from www.plymouth-jazz-club. org.uk. Martin Dale Quartet on May 1; The Dart Valley Stompers on May 15 and the Pete Canter Quartet on June 5.

Dinomania Apr 17 Meet the award winning Youtube Rangers from Dinomania who will teach you all about dinosaurs and some prehistoric creatures. With realistic dinosaurs, loads of fossils and replicas any dinosaur enthusiast will have a roarsome time. Hosted by Plymouth YMCA in Honicknowle. Details www. dinomania.co.uk Men’s Day Out Apr 23 Loads of banter with your mates, a pasty and a beer, plus a cracking rugby match at the end! Plymouth’s biggest and best Men’s Day Out is back for 2022, St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth’s 40th anniversary year.

Details www.stlukes-hospice.org.uk/mensdayout/ Put It To Bed Apr 26 to 29 An exhibition by Devonport artist Yvonne Mousley at Devonport Live which is being opened up to community groups who are creating work which will be displayed alongside Yvonne’s exhibits and will

Flavour Fest - the South West’s largest free food and drink festival is taking place from May 27 to 29 then become an interactive project. Mixed media will be available for visitors to use or take along an object to literally ‘put to bed.’ Everyone welcome.

Spring Fayre Apr 30 St Budeaux Church Community Hall from 11am to 2.30pm. Various stalls including crafts, cards, jewellery, cakes and toys. Refreshments available including coffee, tea, cakes and pasty lunch.

Admission 20p. Tables £10 Email: fayres@st-budeauxchurch.co.uk. All proceeds to to the Hall Development fund Spring Fayre Apr 30 Taking place at St Francis Church Hall, Little Dock Lane, Honicknowle. Various stalls and egg painting with the Springtime Bunny. Refreshments on sale, come along for coffee, cake and chat.

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

Guided Walk May 8 The heritage team at Ford Park Cemetery are holding a guided walk in conjunction with its current exhibition Artists in Residence. Meet at the Visitors Centre at 2pm. Light refreshments will be available in the team room and there is free parking is available in the grounds. The walk is free, donations always welcome.

Charity Quiz Night May 13 Dartmoor Zoo will be holding a Charity Quiz Night at Plymouth Argyle to raise funds to support the zoo’s vital conservation work. Bring your family and friends along for a fun filled evening of quizzing on a variety of topics with top team prizes and a fantastic raffle.

For tickets and details visit www.dartmoorzoo.org.uk/ charity-quiz-night/or telephone 01752 837645.

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

Tango Sonoro May 22 Performance by Tango Sonoro, a Devon and Cornwall based band specialising in Argentine tango and Latin music at Stoke Damerel Church, Paradise Road, Plymouth at 3pm.Tickets £15 available from 01752 770345.

Young Frankenstein May 25 to 28 Sounds Musical Theatre Company present Mel Brooks’ award Winning musical comedy at the newly refurbished Devonport Playhouse. The celebrated American brain surgeon grandson of the original Dr Victor Frankenstein arrives in Transylvania to inherit his grandfather’s estate - with hilarious consequences! Book tickets online at www. ticketsource.co.uk/sounds or phone 07395 159955.

Shows are at 7.30pm throughout plus 2.30pm Saturday matinee.

Flavour Fest May 27 to 29 Foodie fans are in for a real treat this year as Flavour Fest returns to Plymouth city centre. It’s the South West’s largest free food and drink festival, with hundreds of local producers selling tasty treats and a chef stage with regional cookery stars showcasing their skills.

The Big Jubilee Lunch June 2 to 5 The Big Jubilee Lunch is the cherry on the cake of The Queen’s Platinum celebrations happening right across the nation over th e first weekend in June. It’s all about sharing friendship, food and fun – a chance for neighbours and communities to celebrate their connections and get to know one another a little better. The Big Jubilee Lunch is a nationwide act of community friendship, with 2022 set to be a bumper year! For more information and to download a free pack go to www.thebigjubileelunch.com 1 Big Summer Jun 2 to 4 Three days of entertainment on Plymouth Hoe. Each day has been curated to appeal to a plethora of musical tastes, genres and audiences, ensuring there really is something for everyone. Details www.1bigsummer.com One Night of Neil June 4 An incredible collection of stars from London‘s West End, backed by a phenomenal nine-piece band, will bring a concert celebrating the wonderful music of Neil Diamond to Home Park Stadium. Fifty years on from Neil‚‘s legendary ‘Hot August Night‚‘ concerts in 1972, One Night of Neil is set to be an extraordinary celebration of one of the world‚‘s greatest singersongwriters. With over 20 years of stadium concert experience, an expert team drawn from the worlds of Rock and Roll and West End theatre reproduce a stunning show worthy of the icon himself. Tickets available by calling 01752 907700. VIP packages available.

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

Plymouth Armed Forces Day June 25 Armed Forces Day returns to The Hoe and promises to be bigger and better than ever, celebrating the military and all the great work they do. This family fun day, in association with Babcock, will

Summer Garden Party Jun 25 Dartmoor Zoo is staging an an exclusive adults only evening of fantastic concert band music and a sumptuous hog roast, salads and mini desserts. There will be a silent auction with some fantastic prizes and a fundraising raffle as well as animal talks. Tickets £25 which includes zoo entry, food and a welcome drink. Call 01752 837645.

Plymouth Model Show Jun 25 Taking place at Plymouth Guildhall from 10am to 4pm.

Plymouth’s model clubs will be displaying all types of static scale models along with several traders who will be selling model kits. Other clubs from across the South West will also be taking part. There will be a large display commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Falklands conflict. Hot and cold refreshments are available during the day. Further details from Dave Watson on 01752 518287.

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

Open Day Jul 16

The Royal British Legion at 41 Market Road, Plympton is holding an Open Day and all are welcome. There will be entertainment, bric-a-brac, cake stall, arts and craft, barbecue food and much more. The fun begins at midday and entry is free.

Sail GP Jul 30 and 31 SailGP will host its Great Britain Sail Grand Prix in Plymouth for the second year running following a bumper event in 2021 which saw an estimated 27,500 spectators enjoy the spectacle. For full details visit SailGP.com British Firework Championships Aug 17 and 18 Look to the skies above Plymouth Sound as six top pyrotechnic companies showcase their very best work and battle to be crowned the champion, each putting on an extra special ten-minute display guarateed to leave you awestruck.

Charity Black Tie Masquerade Ball Aug 27 A special event at Plymouth Guildhall to raise money for three worthy causes - the Royal British Legion, Mind Devon and Jeremiah’s Journey. The evening will feature a live band, buffet and a raffle with amazing prizes. Doors open at 7.30pm with the programme starting at 8pm and ending at midnight. Tickets for the event cost just £25 and can now be booked on Facebook by searching for Black Tie Masquerade Charity Ball.

Send details of your event to info@ cornerstonevision.com and we will do our best to include them in Out and About. Unfortunately because of space limitations we are unable to publish details of regular meetings of groups and societies or similar organisations.

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April 2022 5

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A fleet of green and white cabs is coming to Plymouth – but drivers and operators will have plenty of time to make the changes.

Plymouth’s new taxi licensing policy has now been approved by Full Council but there are some key changes following consultation with the public and the council’s scrutiny committee.

The new livery will happen, but there is now a five year lead-in time, said Councillor John Riley, Governance Human Resources, IT, Community Safety and Licensing, said: “The green and white livery will be introduced to increase public’s confidence that they are hailing a properly-licensed and approved cab.

“The colours are distinctive. They are Plymouth’s colours and promote pride and professionalism. At night, this will help with identification and will support clearer CCTV images if required.

“We know it’s been a tough few years so are giving drivers and operators more time to do this and this is allowable as a business expense.”

From May 1 2022: • There will be no limit on the number of hackney carriages • Drivers can return to the trade within three years without having to complete the knowledge test • The Plymouth Ambassador Course and the English Spoken Test will now be pre-requisites for new drivers • Both Private Hire and Hackney Carriage Vehicles must take contactless payments by July 2022 • The Department for Transport recommendations for additional DBS requirements for drivers, vehicle proprietors and operators will be introduced • Operators will be required to keep a register of all booking staff and undertake safeguarding training • One year licence fees and the first 12 months of a three year licence will now be non-refundable • A staggered approach to introducing cleaner vehicles by 2030 • Livery for new taxis and for existing from May 2027 (private hire vehicles can no longer be white: existing have until May 2027 to change colour)

6 April 2022

6 April 2022

@PlymChronicle

Work underway on new housing schemes in Whitleigh and Lipson Building work is underway on two development sites in Plymouth.

Land at the northern end of Prince Maurice Road in Lipson and the site of the former Whitleigh Community Centre will now provide the city with a total of 126 new homes of which 71 will be Affordable.

Development at both sites has had several false starts. Engineering challenges, escalating costs and of course COVID-19, have all seen the start of development pushed back.

But finally, work is well advanced on both sites, with developer G2 Housing Group brought on board after intervention from the council. The first units will be completed this summer. It is all part of Plymouth’s Plan for Homes to ensure that housing meets a range of housing needs across the city.

This was done by helping the developer through the planning process and committing Land Release Funds to help provide improved road infrastructure at Prince Maurice Road.

The land at Prince Maurice Road had been abandoned for over 10 years following a number of failed housing schemes.

Over that time a number of developers have tried to develop the site but have failed to make it financially viable due to high costs linked to the

Plymouth prepares for Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

An artist’s impression of how the site at Prince Maurice Road will look

steep topography of the site.

The council acquired the site in 2016 and took it to the market. G2 Housing Group made an offer which was accepted in April 2017, with planning permission for 99 homes secured in September 2018.

Meanwhile, the Whitleigh Community Centre closed in 2008. Before the Council demolished the building in 2016, it had been attracting drug users

In June, the entire country will be celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with an extra-long Bank Holiday weekend from June 2 to 5 and the people of Plymouth are being encouraged to celebrate with their community.

Plymouth City Council has created a simplified process for road closures across the Jubilee weekend, making it easier for neighbours to gather together and host their own platinum street party.

Road closures between June 2 and 5 will be free of charge.

Applications must be submitted at least eight weeks before the date

and anti-social behaviour. After the buildings were removed, the Council prepared the site for construction.

G2 have now begun building 27 new affordable homes at the Whitleigh site, which will be sold as Affordable Home Ownership properties.

Both developments will provide high quality, energy efficient homes creating new communities.

of the closure, so people are asked to apply by April 8 to allow the team time to process requests.

Plymouth will also join thousands of towns and cities across the UK and the Commonwealth in hosting a Platinum Jubilee Beacon.

The city’s beacon, which will be on the walls of the Royal Citadel on Plymouth Hoe, will be lit at 9.45pm on Thursday June 2 and remain burning for the entire weekend.

For more information about the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in Plymouth, go to www.plymouth.gov.uk/celebratequeensplatinum jubileeus.

More city plans for walking and cycling A consultation on Plymouth’s 2022 Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan has been launched.

The latest plan considers four cycling routes and sets out current barriers to use and recommendations for changes which will allow more people to enjoy the routes by bike. The four routes being consulted on are: • Hooe Lake (Kingfisher Way) to Armada Way (via Mount Batten Ferry).

• Plymouth Waterfront (Hoe Waterfront to Admiral’s Hard including Stonehouse Peninsula and Millbay Road).

• Union Street to Western Approach and • Western Approach junction to Wolseley Road/ Fletemoor Road roundabout.

Running until May 20 the consultation seeks feedback on the routes and suggested improvements. The 2022 Plan complements the 2021 report and together the plans consider 14 key walking and cycling routes in Plymouth. The plans help make the case to Government for further investment in walking and cycling.

Councillor Jonathan Drean, Cabinet Member for Transport said: “We are committed to investing in walking and cycling and know this is important to you as well, with over four out of five respondents to the 2021 consultation agreeing that it was either extremely or very important to promote walking and cycling within Plymouth. The LCWIP will help inform future investment in walking and cycling infrastructure.”

The Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans are helping to build a network plan for walking and cycling in Plymouth which identifies preferred routes for further development and future investment. Feedback on the 2022 Plan is being collated via a short survey which is available at: www.plymouth.gov.uk/parkingandtravel/ transportplansandprojects/transportplans/ localcyclingandwalkinginfrastructureplan

MAY TO AUGUST: May

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

July

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

27 to 29 Flavour Fest City Centre

August

June

27 West End Carnival Plymouth City Centre

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

17 and 18 British Firework Championships Plymouth Waterfront

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

WhatsOnPlymouth

@PlymChronicle

Stepping back in time for St Luke’s When one of Plymouth’s best-loved charity events returns this year, it is taking participants back to the past to raise vital funds that will help local families for generations to come.

St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth’s iconic Midnight Walk is back on Friday July 22, when it is set to be awash with women embracing this year’s theme of 1982, which is when the hospice – then based at Syrena House in Plymstock - welcomed its first patients.

But that’s not all! As well as the retro theme to mark four decades of St Luke’s compassionate care and support for families across Plymouth and surrounding areas, this year – for the first time – the charity has added a new 2.5-mile route to the popular annual event.

While this shorter walk has been introduced so that young children can be part of Midnight Walk, both this distance and the five, 10 and 15-mile routes are open to all girls and boys aged up to 17, as well as adult women, so that doing good in the community can be more of a family affair.

Sponsored by local company Drakes Jewellers, Midnight Walk is an opportunity for women and children to come together and celebrate the lives of relatives and friends who have died but will never be forgotten, sharing precious memories and creating new ones as they stride the streets of Plymouth in aid of St Luke’s.

Leaving from – and returning to - Plymouth Argyle Football Club’s Home Park Stadium, they will be raising funds that will help the charity continue its specialist service caring for terminally

April 2022

7

Hospital Radio Plymouth is shortlisted for top awards

Volunteers at Hospital Radio Plymouth (HRP) have been nominated for six awards in this year’s Hospital Broadcasting Awards, including the prestigious Station of the Year Award.

ill people at home, in hospital and at Turnchapel and providing emotional support for them and their families.

Speaking about the event, Penny Hannah, Head of Fundraising at the hospice, said: “If ever there was a year for coming together to walk in memory of lost loved ones, this is it – St Luke’s 40th anniversary year.

“As part of marking such a special milestone, we’ve made Midnight Walk more family friendly so that children can join in and enjoy the party atmosphere, too. It feels fitting to be doing this as we look to the next 40 years and build our charity’s resilience so that we can be here for all

the local families who will need us in the future.

“This summer’s Midnight Walk is an opportunity for us to come together as a community to pay tribute to each and every person the hospice team has had the privilege of looking after since our specialist service began, in 1982. We’re inviting our walkers to bring a copy of a favourite photo of their lost loved one and add it to our Memory Wall on the night – they are welcome to do this even if that person was not a patient of St Luke’s.

Registration for Midnight Walk costs £24 for those aged 11 and over and £12 for children aged ten and under. Visit www.stlukesmidnightwalk. co.uk for more information and to sign up.

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HRP have been nominated for Station of the Year every year since 2008, winning bronze, silver or gold eight times.

The station has been serving the community of Plymouth for over 50 years and has also shortlisted in the following categories: Best Male Presenter - Andrew Hill; Best Speech Package - Charlotte Willis interviewing Cystic Fibrosis sufferer and author Zara Teare; Best Special Event - In Conversation with the director of NHS The Musical; Best Specialist Music Programme - Songs of the Westcountry; Best Programme with Multiple Presenters - The New Jolley Good Breakfast with Keith Jolley and Marianne Winter, sponsored by N&T Accountancy.

It is hoped that the awards ceremony will be held in person this year following last year’s virtual ceremony, giving volunteers from across the UK the opportunity to celebrate the work done by volunteers to provide entertainment and interesting programmes for those in hospital.

Station manager Keith Jolley said: “The impact of coronavirus has shown just how important Hospital Radio is in lifting the spirits of those in hospital and the wider community. Our volunteers continue to do an incredible job, keeping communities connected even when they may be physically distanced.

The fact we’ve been nominated for so many awards is testament to the amazing work our volunteers do” Chairman of the Hospital Broadcasting Awards, Grant McNaughton, said: “Hospital broadcasting organisations across the UK have continued to deliver entertaining entertainment, news and information to healthcare users throughout this pandemic.

What is truly remarkable is that our member stations have adapted to these difficult times and remained committed to serving, producing and presenting dedicated local radio for the healthcare community.

“Our National Hospital Radio Awards recognise the talent and dedication of hospital broadcasting volunteers, and this year’s entries showcase that remarkable talent and commitment.”

The multi-award winning station has a team of volunteers who collect requests, put together programmes and make sure there is a friendly voice at the patient’s bedside 24/7.

Anyone wishing to make a request or dedication can contact Hospital Radio Plymouth through their website, www. hospitalradioplymouth.org.uk, by phone on 01752 784300 or through their social media pages.

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8 April 2022

8 April 2022

@PlymChronicle

Fundraising efforts are praised as Keyham appeal passes £90,000

Cruise Ambassadors set to welcome visitors to the city

The fund was set up to collect money raised for the families of those killed in the tragedy of August 12 2021 alongside those injured as well as the recovery of the Keyham and Ford communities.

Around 85 per cent of the money has now been distributed to the next of kin, those physically injured and wider family members, while decisions are being made on how to best to spend the remainder to benefit the local community.

Council Leader Nick Kelly said: “The generosity shown by the Plymouth community over the past six months has been inspiring.

From the big campaigns and events that have raised tens of thousands of pounds to the coffee mornings and car washes it really does feel as though the city has come together to support those most affected by this terrible event.”

The fund does not receive any government finance and none of the donated funds are used for administration. It is also separate from such initiatives as the Keyham Community Sparks Grants as it is solely comprised of fundraising money.

The fund has been overseen by the Wolseley Trust which is a not-for-profit organisation and long-term trusted partner of Plymouth City Council. An advisory committee, featuring members of the Keyham community, the Wolseley Trust and the council, is meeting monthly to govern the distribution of the funds.

Committee chair Robbie Nairn said, “Our deliberations have been really straightforward because money raised has been donated as intended. If the fundraiser has said they wanted funds raised to go to the families then it has gone to the families.

“The sad story of what happened in Keyham has really galvanised the general public who have put their hands in their pockets. It has been an incredible effort and, on behalf of the Keyham community, we would like to say a huge ‘thank you’.”

Robbie added that if the fundraiser had not specified where the money was to be distributed then 65 per cent would go to next of kin, 10 per cent to those physically injured, 10 per cent to the victims’ wider family, and 15 per cent used for a general community reserve to benefit the area.

The Plymouth Together Fund is still open in a bid to collect as much as possible for the families, survivors and community impacted by what happened in Keyham. A host of fundraising suggestions and information is available on the Plymouth Together website fundraising page.

Recent success stories include more than £24,000 raised by social media group, The Plymouth Gossip Girls, and a charity event for the local business community which raised £35,000.

Fundraising events coming up include Skate Together, a sponsored skating day taking place at the Plymouth Ice Rink on Friday April 22. Fundraisers will be hitting the ice for either four or six hours and to secure a spot visit www.plymouthice.co.uk.

Keep up-to-date with the latest fundraising initiatives and information at www. plymouthtogether.co.uk

The city’s Cruise Ambassador Volunteers greet cruise visitors as they arrive and share information and advice about what to see and do in Plymouth.

2022 is set to be a bumper year for cruise visits to Plymouth, with nine ships confirmed so far.

As a result, more volunteers are needed to help showcase all that Plymouth has to offer.

Destination Plymouth and the Cruise Ambassador Volunteer held an open day on March 16 where local people with an interest and passion in Plymouth were able to find out more about what’s involved in being a representative.

The day included a presentation about the cruise industry by Glen Gardner, cruise development manager for Destination Plymouth, who was appointed last year.

Cruise Ambassador lead and volunteer Douglas Kerr also gave an overview about what’s involved, and attendees met other members of the volunteer team, as well as learning about different types of ships, berthing and attractions.

After a successful cruise re-start in 2021 with seven cruise ships visiting following the pandemic, Plymouth will welcome a diverse range of vessels this year including: • Noble Caledonia Cruise Line’ expedition vessel Ocean Nova • The luxurious Seabourn Ovation • The classic Hebridean Princess • A second successive-year call of the German ship Vasco da Gama of Niko Cruises • The wonderfully entertaining Disney Magic • Holland America Line’s impressive Niew Rotterdam • Amadea of Phoenix Reisen Destination Plymouth, working with key city partners Associated British Ports, Cattewater

A total of £92,333 has so far been raised by generous individuals, groups and organisations for the Plymouth Together Fund.

Plymouth has pledged to get serious about cruise liners and now more volunteers are being recruited to provide a warm welcome to the visiting passengers as they step ashore.

Cruise Ambassadors ready to welcome passengers to Plymouth

Harbour Commissioners, Plymouth Waterfront Partnership and Plymouth City Centre Company, now aims to increase both the number of cruise visits and the financial and reputational benefits that come with each visit, year on year.

Cruise tourism brings much needed additional revenues through passengers and crew spending on everything from visiting attractions, taking tours, buying gifts, eating in cafes and restaurants and taking boat trips. It also generates port revenues for berthing, pilotage, harbour fees and staff, creating potential new employment opportunities.

Amanda Lumley, chief executive of Destination Plymouth said: “Plymouth has historically provided a warm welcome to passengers and visitors by sea even from the time of the Mayflower. We want to ensure that everyone who comes to the city feels like they have had a great experience and wants to come back and visit again.

“The Cruise Ambassador team led by Douglas Kerr have been invaluable providing local

knowledge, guidance, enthusiasm and a warm welcome to visiting ships over the past few years.

This is a great opportunity to join them if you are passionate about showcasing Britain’s Ocean City.”

College experience for young artists A group of nine to 11 year old young artists from Cornwall were given a wonderful opportunity to undertake a workshop working alongside professional artists and lecturers at the Plymouth College of Art.

Working within specialist photographic and dark room studios, the students led by photography lecturer Martina Rooney made a series of wonderful Cyanotypes and Chemigrams.

The young students study their art after school at Rame Peninsula Art’s Young Art School in Millbrook. Their tutor is the artist and former member of staff at the Plymouth Art College, Alan Lemin.

Alan, who was a school head at the Plymouth College of Art for 30 years, and was awarded a BEM for services to arts education, left the college seven years ago to set up his own small art school from his home studio.

Alan said: “I speak for all of my students in

Young artists get busy at Plymouth College of Art

offering our sincere thanks to Martina, and her staff teams. Our students had a fantastic day and were so excited to be given the opportunity to work within the studios of the Art College.

We also would like to thank Florence Newsome for providing a tour of the college facilities.

Although young, the college has left an enormous impression on each and every student.”

Alan said it was a sad reflection of present day school curriculums that primarily through budget cuts there has been a significant reduction in the teaching of art and proper art education is becoming increasingly rare.

Alan said: “Our students and their parents are constantly informing me that their children experience very little when it comes to art

education at their schools. That is why they are so enthusiastic to be attending courses at Rame Peninsula Art. “My philosophy has always been to expose my students to as wide a range of arts practice as is possible in an adult way and not to treat them as young children. That is why we explore the works of professional artists from across the generations, build portfolios and make work using a vast array of mediums and techniques. I was thrilled that Martina worked with my group in the same manner.”

The work of all students attending the Young Art School in Millbrook can be seen by visiting their Facebook page at Rame Peninsula Art www. facebook.com/groups/310629802396941

April 2022

@PlymChronicle

All aboard the Peace Bus

Richard Stevens, managing director of Go South West with the distinctively painted bus

A striking double decker bus is being used across Plymouth and Cornwall to show support for the people of Ukraine and to help raise vital funds for those affected by the war.

The bus will be used on Plymouth Citybus and Go Cornwall Bus routes to help raise awareness of the Disaster Emergency Committee’s humanitarian appeal, with a donation point inside for those who wish to give cash.

All funds raised by company employees will be matched pound for pound by parent company Go-Ahead Group. To kick things off, drivers and other colleagues will wear blue and yellow from March 28 until April 8 in exchange for a donation and to show their support.

Plymouth Citybus and Go Cornwall Bus are also working with the local authorities to provide free bus transport to any

refugees arriving in the area as a result of the Ukraine crisis.

Richard Stevens, managing director of Go South West, which incorporates Plymouth Citybus and Go Cornwall Bus, said: “Like many people we felt saddened and pretty helpless by the Ukraine War. We hope our Peace Bus is going to be a strong visual demonstration of our support wherever it travels across Plymouth and Cornwall.

“The events in Ukraine have shocked us all, and we know lots of people will be affected in different ways. Many of our team felt that they wanted to do something positive to help, and by doing this we can encourage our colleagues, passengers and all people in our community to contribute.”

The Peace Bus will be used on various routes across Plymouth and Cornwall. Anyone can donate to the DEC campaign via www.dec.org.uk

A new task force is to be set up to help ensure that Plymouth is prepared for Ukrainian refugees as they arrive in the city.

Following the launch of the Homes for Ukraine scheme, thousands of people across the country have signed up to offer a room for those who are fleeing the war. Local authorities have been tasked with supporting this process. This includes safeguarding checks for host households, welcoming refugees as they arrive and ensuring that they are able to access services such as health, education and benefits as quickly as possible.

A new Ukraine Crisis Task Force has been set up by the new Leader of Plymouth City Council, Councillor Richard Bingley. It will be chaired

by Councillor Chris Penberthy. The group will ensure that the city-wide approach to accommodation, education, health, safeguarding and other services is aligned to support any arrivals as best we can.

The group will also look at the wider community response around issues such as donations.

Councillor Bingley said: “Councillors were again united in condemning the invasion of Ukraine. However, I believe it is also important that we commit to do all we can to proactively support refugees fleeing their country.

“It has been fantastic to see the level of support shown by communities, charities, and organisations towards the Ukrainian people. So many across the city coming together to collect

Plymouth task force to support Ukrainian refugees

9

medicine, food, and other items of comfort. And now many people are preparing to open up their homes.

“We must now stand ready to support the refugees as they arrive in Plymouth. They must feel welcome, safe and able to access the vital services they will need – such as schools, healthcare and jobs. To ensure that we have a city-wide approach, the new task group will oversee our efforts. The safety and welfare of Ukrainian refugees and of the residents and organisations who house and help them has to be front and centre of this response.”

Councillor Chris Penberthy, Chair of the Plymouth Ukraine Crisis Task Force, added: “Thank you to the Leader for his swift response to the motion of notice on Monday and for taking a cross-party approach.

I am honoured to be taking on this very important task and would be really interested to hear what is already going on in Plymouth to support Ukraine and especially to hear from any Ukrainian people already living in the city.”

For more information visit www. plymouth.gov.uk/crisisukraine

10 April 2022

@PlymChronicle

Pledge to spread the word on ASB community triggers Organisations across the city are teaming up with other agencies to help spread the word about tackling anti-social behaviour.

Talented Martha’s incredible journey at Plymouth College of Art

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Plymouth Community Homes, Livewest Housing Association and The Guinness Partnership have joined with Plymouth City Council and Devon and Cornwall Police to sign the ASB Pledge, a commitment to support victims of anti-social behaviour by promoting and using the ‘community trigger’ process.

The community trigger or an ASB case review is designed to make it easier for people affected by anti-social behaviour to get the support they need and to be listened to.

The pledge was set up by ASB Help, a registered charity which provides advice and support to victims and the charity’s CEO Harvinder Saimbhi was at the signing as well as the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Alison Hernandez.

This year there have been six trigger requests in Plymouth and the organisations signing the pledge hope to raise awareness of this process.

Cabinet Member with responsibility for Community Safety, Councillor John Riley said: “We need to let people know that more can be done to tackle anti-social behaviour.

“We know there are often some really complex issues involved in these cases, but that does not mean we shrug our shoulders and say it is too difficult.

“Signing this pledge is a very public signal from all of us that we will do all we can to put the victim at the heart of the process and work to end the problems they are experiencing.”

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: “For too long victims of antisocial behaviour have sometimes been given the impression that their complaints are not taken very seriously.

“Antisocial behaviour blights lives, it can escalate to the point where crimes are committed and people’s health is severely affected. When I surveyed residents of the force area tackling it was their top priority, that’s why it is a priority in my new Police and Crime Plan, the strategy for policing for my term of office.

“The community trigger is a vital tool in the armoury for victims of antisocial behaviour and I am delighted these organisations have made clear their commitment to support it for those we serve and I am able to assist people who feel let down by agencies they have reported their concerns to.”

Anyone who has experienced anti-social behaviour can ask for a community trigger as long

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly pictured with Harvinder Saimbhi of ASB Help and other representatives from organisations backing the pledge

as they meet the criteria, ie they have reported an “It takes a lot of courage to stand up for incident about the same problem to Devon and yourself and your community, but it can make Cornwall Police, the Council, a registered social a real difference and we’re committed to doing landlord or an NHS Devon Clinical Commissioning the right thing and helping people feel safe and Group three or more times within six months and secure in their homes.” where further actions are available to resolve the By signing the pledge, organisations commit case. to complying with the law and the spirit of the They can also ask for one if they have reported community trigger, to make sure that the triggers an incident of anti-social behaviour, relating to are part and parcel of their process and that same problem, to any of the above organisations everyone, including the most vulnerable, know twice or more times within the past six months what it is and how to invoke it. and if at least one of the incidents involves a hate For more information about the community crime. trigger or ASB review visit https://www.plymouth.

The review aims to offer a fresh pair of eyes gov.uk/crimepreventionandantisocialbehaviour/ on a case. A multi-agency panel chaired by an antisocialbehaviourcasereviewscommunitytrigger independent professional can make recommendations for actions to the agencies involved.

Carl Brazier, director of homes and neighbourhoods for Plymouth Community Homes said: “We are serious about tackling ASB and we’re delighted to be a part of this public pledge to provide Coun John Riley and further multi-agency support Harvinder Saimbhi for our residents living in our of ASB Help sign the communities and for people pledge across the city.

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Triple success for Plymouth in Devon Tourism Awards Two major Plymouth events and the Tourist Information Centre have won awards at this year’s Devon Tourism Awards.

SailGP’s adrenaline-fuelled Great Britain Sail Grand Prix came top, winning the gold award in the ‘Tourism Event/Festival of the Year’ category.

The Hatchling, a key event in the Mayflower 400 commemorations which saw a huge puppet dragon come to life through the streets of Plymouth before flying off across the Sound, won the silver award in the same category.

Plymouth’s Tourist Information Centre, which is managed by Plymouth City Council and located on the Barbican, also won silver in the ‘Visitor Information Service of the Year’ category.

Council Leader Nick Kelly said: “This is absolutely fantastic news!

SailGP and The Hatchling were two of the absolute highlights of 2021, and I’m so pleased to see these epic events receive the recognition they deserve. We worked closely with SailGP and Trigger, producers of The Hatchling, to bring these events to Plymouth and maximise the opportunities they brought, which included attracting thousands of visitors and giving our local economy

a much needed boost during the pandemic.

“Huge congratulations must also go to the hard-working team at the Tourist Information Centre, who also run the Mayflower Museum.

They play a vital role, giving a warm welcome to tens of thousands of visitors every year and providing invaluable advice.”

SailGP came to Plymouth for the first time last summer and will return on July 30 and July 31.

The action packed event sees international teams – including Sir

Ben Ainslie’s Great Britain team – comprised of some of sailing’s top athletes, compete in short, intense races in high-speed, hydro foiling catamarans.

SailGP chief operating officer Julien di Biase said: “It is a credit to everyone involved to win the gold award. Plymouth provided an amazing natural amphitheatre to showcase not only SailGP for the first time, but also the amazing waterfront, waters of Plymouth Sound and highlight the amazing work being done around the UK’s

first National Marine Park. We can’t wait to come back in July – to put on another great show for the fans on and off-water and continue to work with the city to ensure everyone benefits from SailGP in the local community.”

Amanda Lumley, chief executive of Destination Plymouth, said: “This is testament to the quality of the tourism, hospitality and events offer we have here in the city and our world-class events and welcome team who run an exciting year round programme for visitors and locals in the city. After the Covid restrictions of the past two years, it is brilliant to be able to celebrate their success.

Awards such as the Devon Awards are vital to not just celebrate success but also to really highlight the quality, experience and hard work of all involved.”

The Devon Tourism Awards are now in their 12th year, celebrating excellence in the tourism industry across the entire county. The winners were announced yesterday in a virtual ceremony, with a face-toface awards celebration set to take place in May. The winners will now be considered for the regional South West Tourism Awards and for nominations into the national VisitEngland awards.

April 2022

Four AA Rosettes for Boringdon’s Acleaf Restaurant

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

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

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

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

Warning after theft of catalytic converters

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

There were four reported thefts in just a few days involving vehicles in the Woodford and Chaddlewood areas, as well similar such thefts reported across other areas of Plymouth. Police are advising motorists who cannot lock their vehicles away in a garage to park close to fences, walls or kerbs with the exhaust closest to these where the layout allows it.

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

ELECTIONS 2022 ARE YOU READY TO VOTE? On Thursday 5 May, have your say on who represents you in the local elections. A number of measures will be put in place to help you stay safe when voting in person at polling stations.

ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE? In order to vote, you must be on the electoral register. The deadline to register to vote is midnight on Thursday 14 April. If you have received the recent household notification letter then you don’t need to re-register.

YOU CAN VOTE BY POST! If already on the register, then you may wish to vote by post. The deadline for registering to vote by post is 5pm on Tuesday 19 April.

CAN I NOMINATE SOMEONE TO VOTE FOR ME? Yes, this is called a vote by proxy, the deadline to register is 5pm on Tuesday 26 April. But remember, you and your proxy voter must both be registered to vote.

For information on registering to vote and how you can vote, visit

plymouth.gov.uk/votingandelections

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12 April 2022

12 April 2022

Fundraisers provide vital support to the work of The Primrose Foundation Thanks to the work of its incredible fundraisers, Derriford-based charity The Primrose Foundation has been able to fund a fixed-term clinical psychologist for the Primrose breast care centre at Derriford Hospital - and one Plymouth woman has been speaking about how the support offered helped her to cope with a shock diagnosis.

The Daffodil Family Centre team

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

@PlymChronicle

Breast cancer patient Nicola Bevan-French

Nicola Bevan-French was diagnosed with breast cancer following a routine mammogram in April 2021. The mammogram revealed bright white dots signifying calcification in the tissue of her right breast and following a biopsy, Nicola was advised she would need surgery.

Faced with having to quickly make some big decisions, Nicola felt overwhelmed. It became clear that what she really wanted was someone to talk to: someone outside of her family and friends bubble where she could express her fears without upsetting loved ones, someone who could help her to make the best decisions for her, and who could offer the extra support she needed - she’d also just started a new job and was worried about taking time off so soon.

Nicola was seen, treated, and cared for by a team of consultants, plastic surgeons, and breast nurse specialists at the Primrose Breast Care Centre within University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, which is also home to The Primrose Foundation.

The Foundation has raised millions of pounds since it was launched in 1995, with the initial aim of opening a ‘one stop’ breast care clinic at the Derriford Hospital. With match funding from the then Plymouth Hospitals Trust, that dream became a reality in 2001 and April sees the 21st anniversary of the Primrose Breast Care Centre’s opening.

Fundraising success

One of the Foundation’s most recent fundraising successes was being able to fund a part-time clinical psychologist for two years. In Spring 2021, Katie Sleep joined the team at the Primrose Centre. Katie had just taken up her post shortly after Nicola received her diagnosis, so for Nicola, Katie’s arrival was perfect timing: “Katie asked me what my concerns were, and I said, ‘I’m scared I’m going to die’. Six to eight hours under anaesthetic terrified me.

“Katie then asked me some very direct questions about my fear of dying so that we went deeper into it, and I said, ‘the reason I’m so scared is that I’ve still got so much more living to do. I love my life’. So, through Katie’s specific questioning, I had reframed it, from being scared to have surgery in case I died, to saying ‘I want to live, let’s get this done’.”

Recently appointed specialist breast cancer care nurses Katie and Kara

Clinical psychologist Katie Sleep, who joined The Primrose Foundation on a part-time basis last year

Nicola had a mastectomy and reconstruction. She decided against an implant, in favour of deep inferior epigastric perforators (DIEP) surgery, where tissue is taken from the abdomen and used in the breast reconstruction.

“In the end, I was under anaesthetic for nine hours,” said Nicola. “But when I came round, I felt fine; I didn’t even feel I needed strong painkillers. The care was so fantastic. And people can’t tell that I’ve had a mastectomy.”

Nicola had the surgery in August 2021 and was back at work in October. She will need a yearly mammogram for the next five years but, other than that, she’s back to living and loving her life just as before: “If I hadn’t gone to my mammogram, it would have been too late. I could be dying of breast cancer without even knowing it. I feel I was one of the very lucky ones.”

Without Katie, Nicola says the diagnosis would have been much harder for her to deal with: “Katie gave me a safe space to talk. The important thing is that the decision must be yours, not your partner’s, not your surgeon’s, not your wider family, yours. Katie knows what questions to ask that bring out our fears.”

Katie usually meets her patients in the centre’s specially designed quiet room, which was opened in 2020 also thanks to local fundraising. Although she does some work with diagnosed patients such as Nicola, her core work is with those who are genetically predisposed to breast cancer. Those with a

BRCA gene alteration have an increased risk of developing breast cancer at some time in their life. Katie will meet these patients and discuss options, and the level of support Katie provides varies according to the patient’s needs.

There are three key stages to her work with each patient: when they are considering the options; before surgery; and after surgery: “My role is to bridge the medical side of things; it’s giving them space to work things out. And it’s about giving patients a degree of control, where before they felt they had no control. They are taking something back in a chaotic situation.

“Some patients, for various reasons, might decide they don’t want surgery. For some, surgery might feel like the only option. Then it’s about feeling comfortable in the decision they make. For one woman, that might be a mastectomy and no reconstruction, for another, reconstruction feels imperative as they could never imagine life without a breast shape.

“So, we look at what’s important to them in their lives. How do they feel about their bodies? What is the ripple effect of that in terms of relationships, self-confidence, going out socially?

New nurses appointed

“And I like to ask questions that others won’t ask, or questions that the patients might not have thought of - such as around intimacy with their partner. Considering these questions helps them to make the decisions that are right for them. Often, by having these conversations with me, it clarifies their own thoughts.”

As well as Katie’s position, the Foundation - which works closely with University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust - has also funded the recent appointment of two additional breast care nurses for the Centre for two years.

The charity’s next big fundraiser is its annual Spring Ball at the Duke of Cornwall Hotel in Plymouth on Saturday April 23, when it hopes to launch its new ‘Support us to Support You’ campaign. The campaign will focus on encouraging everyone to donate the cost of a bra every year or three years after reaching screening age.

Madeleine Matthews, fundraising coordinator for The Primrose Foundation explained: “Your bra offers a vital support role. Like your bra, The Primrose Foundation supports your breasts, too. We offer support to those that require breast care, including breast cancer care. So, would you support us so we can continue to support you?”

For more information about the charity go to www.primrosefoundation.org

April 2022

@PlymChronicle

13

Reel-y good news for Plymouth’s night life One of Plymouth’s 1930s cinemas is set to open its doors as a new entertainment and live music venue.

The former Reel Cinema and Gala Bingo building in Derry’s Cross has been the subject of negotiations with Plymouth City Council and the current leaseholders of the building and a third party operator who are keen to see it reopen.

The council as the freeholder has now signed a conditional agreement with the long leaseholder to rejuvenate the site.

Full details are still to be unveiled but the project is expected to see an extensive refurbishment that will see the main auditorium back to its original glory.

This is likely to include removing an existing wall enabling the auditorium to

Councillor Nick Kelly pictured with Will Furze (left) and Chris Morgan-Giles whose company are leasing the Reel Cinema

hold 1,000 people for live entertainment.

Speaking before he was voted out as Council Leader Cllr Nick Kelly said: “We committed to working with partners to develop and deliver additional venues across Plymouth for music and

entertainment and while this is in the early stages, it’s incredibly exciting.

“Plymouth has a number of smaller venues and a large venue, the Pavilions, but has not had a venue that can accommodate 1,000 people

– that crucial medium-sized venue that is a missing link in Plymouth’s entertainment scene.

“We want Plymouth to be a great place to live and that includes enjoying a great night – particularly in the city centre.

“We are not yet in a position to give more detail, but I promise you, people will not be disappointed.”

The Art Deco front of the building would be preserved under the plans and where possible, remodelling will aim to respect its architectural heritage and its importance as a community asset.

The cinema was completed in July 1938, and was designed by in-house architect W R Glen for the Associated British Cinemas (ABC) and housed 2,024 seats.

The building suffered bomb damage in 1941, but fortunately remained largely intact.

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14 April 2022

Graffiti project is simply ACE!

@PlymChronicle

Students at a Plymouth school have been brightening up the outside of their building, taking inspiration from local street artists.

Pupils of ACE Schools Plymouth, based at Bretonside, have recently been embracing their inner graffiti artists, after seeing some amazing local work by artist collective, Plymouth Artists Together. As one young artist said: “This is alright…I would never have been allowed to do this at my old school!”

Plymouth Artists Together and ACE students are planning some collaborative projects in the near future which later be visible around the city.

Matt Bindon, ACE headteacher said: “We have incredibly talented young people at the schools and it is great to see them express their creativity.”

ACE schools is part of Transforming Futures Trust which provides a range of education services across Devon and Cornwall.

Freedom of the City will be granted to veterans of Falklands conflict

Plymouth City Council have agreed a cross-party resolution at an extraordinary meeting of the council to grant Freedom of the City to all those who served in the Falklands as part of the 40th anniversary of the conflict.

In 1982, Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Army units were deployed from Devonport and Plymouth as part of British efforts to liberate the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic.

Plymouth-based units were involved in some of the fiercest fighting in the conflict. To recognise their contribution, and remember those who served, elected members voted on a motion at Monday’s council meeting (March 21), to grant the Freedom of the City honour to those who fought in the South Atlantic, and are recipients of the South Atlantic Medal.

As is tradition, the resolution will be formally presented to a representative of the South Atlantic Medal Association SAMA(82) on June 25.

This is part of a wider programme of activities that are being organised across the city to mark the anniversary later this year, including an

armed forces veteran parade, talks, moments of remembrance, an exhibition at The Box, and other events to renew Plymouth’s long-standing partnership with the Falklands.

Councillor Nick Kelly, then Leader of Plymouth City Council, who is proposing the motion, said: “I am proud that our city will recognise the service and sacrifice of all those people who served their country in a conflict that saw hundreds of Britons give their lives or suffer injury.

“The contribution of Plymouth during that time should be recognised. And it is right that we record our gratitude and appreciation to all those who served. Offering those veterans, the highest honour that the city can bestow will hopefully demonstrate our gratitude and appreciation. I hope that the city will join us in giving thanks and paying their respects to those who didn’t return.”

Councillor Tudor Evans OBE, Leader of the opposition group at Plymouth City Council, is seconding the motion. He said: “The country owes a huge debt to the people who travelled half a world away to defend the Falklands from Argentine invasion, whether from Plymouth or based in Plymouth. The council places its thanks

to those who returned and those who were lost, to their families and comrades and for the sacrifice, bravery and loyalty shown in the heat of battle.

“It is surely time, on this 40th anniversary year, to make this highest honour to the people who liberated British territory in the South Atlantic. It is also important to acknowledge the role of our Dockyard and Naval Base played in making the Task Force ready in such short order.”

Lieutenant Commander Andrew Lockett, Royal Navy, Trustee and Treasurer of the South Atlantic Medal Association 1982, added: “South Atlantic medal holders express their grateful pleasure and honour to receive the Freedom of the City of Plymouth. The medal holders are proud to have returned the islands of the Falklands, South Georgia and South Sandwich, to the Crown, and to enable the occupants of those islands to enjoy the freedom, prosperity, democracy and community of their way of life.

“Medal holders are also thankful for the significant support of the residents of the City of Plymouth in enabling our forces to leave for the conflict so well-prepared.”

south and at the end of the conflict I got to meet up with him onboard his ship HMS Active.”

After his Leading Seaman’s Radar course, he was keen to become a Helicopter Controller which he passed and joined HMS Andromeda.

This draft took him to the Gulf twice in the mid

for promotion to Chief Petty Officer.

His final sea draft was as an Aircraft Controller for Flag Officer Sea Training in Devonport.

He left regular service in March 2006 and immediately joined the Royal Naval Reserve Air Branch working at the Joint Service Aircraft Tasking Organisation at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton. During this time, he deployed and supported operations as a Reservist. In 2014 an opportunity arose as an Officer of the Watch at HMS Drake, where he has served for over seven and a half years with exemplary service.

In total George has completed 29 Years regular Service and 16 years in Reserves Air Branch, and for this he was awarded the Volunteer Reserves Service Medal and Bar. He’s travelled the world from Belize in the west to the Seychelles in the east.

“I’ve had a brilliant career. On HMS Gurkha we assisted the volcanic eruption on St Vincent in the Caribbean. On HMS Plymouth I went to the Falklands, on HMS Andromeda we escorted thousands of tons of merchant shipping through the Straits of Hormuz and carried out Anti-Piracy Patrols.

“I’d do it all again, in a heart-beat, I’m Royal Navy through and through – the best shilling I’ve ever received!”

Prestigious award for long-serving Chief Petty Officer A Chief Petty Officer from Devonport Naval Base has been awarded a very rare First Sea Lord’s Gold Valedictory certificate for a staggering 44 years’ service in the Royal Navy.

CPO Robert ‘George’ Envy was congratulated on his achievement by Naval Base Commander Devonport, Commodore Peter Coulson ADC, in the Warrant Officer’s and Senior Rate’s mess at HMS Drake where he is currently serving.

George joined the Royal Navy in May 1977, initially qualifying as a Seaman Radar operator at HMS Dryad near Portsmouth, he joined his first ship, HMS Gurkha in Rosyth Scotland.

Quickly progressed to Leading Hand on his second ship HMS Plymouth he qualified as a ship’s diver and was an Air Plot Operator CPO Rob Envy with his wife during the Falklands Conflict in 1982.

Irene, Cdre Peter Coulson and “We were meant to be going to the Warrant Officer Lee Carr (left) Caribbean, but the Argentinian’s had a new task for us, and HMS Plymouth sailed to join to late eighties and was awarded the Gulf medal. the task group in the South Atlantic. We were He continued to progress to Petty Officer (Radar) straight into the action and were part of the group and soon after changed branches, became a that took back South Georgia,” said George.

Petty Officer (Aircraft Controller), George then “The Commander of the Argentinian Garrison, moved onto HMS Illustrious and was awarded Colonel Asdiz signed the surrender in our an Operational Service Medal for service off the wardroom on HMS Plymouth. We then headed off coast of Bosnia. This led him to Instruct at the RN to join the main task group in Bomb Alley at San School for Aircraft Control and was then selected Carlos Water. My brother Mick was also down

Volunteer Shannon awarded Maureen Attrill Bursary

A volunteer has secured a special research bursary awarded by The Box each year in memory of a former longserving curator.

Shannon Lewis has been volunteering at The Box one day a week since the middle of 2021. She’s also an Art History PhD student at the University of Plymouth where she’s specialising in gender studies. She applied for the bursary to help with the ongoing development of her research skills and to contribute information about a painting she’s selected for the public.

Maureen Attrill was in charge of the art collections at the City Museum and Art Gallery for more than 30 years before she passed away suddenly in February 2011. She was hugely committed to developing Plymouth’s art collections; regularly acquiring new works and curating a number of popular exhibitions throughout her career.

Thanks to the generosity of Maureen’s family, an annual bursary was established after her death. It provides university and Open University students, museum staff, freelance researchers and University of the Third Age members from across the South West with an opportunity to carry out a research project linked to the city’s art collections.

Previous recipients have explored Plymouth’s post-war art, the connections between Plymouth and Bristol Porcelain and the wider story of the British Empire and the city’s historically important Cottonian Collection.

Shannon’s research will focus on an oil painting dating from the early 1900s titled ‘Mrs E.B. Guard, The First Lady Doctor of Music’

by Edith Morris. Shannon will be aiming to uncover more information about both the sitter and the artist. She will also analyse the symbolism of many of the items that appear in the painting.

Shannon said: “Although the title of the painting claims that E.B. Guard is the first woman to have received a doctorate in music, we know very little about her. It’s a shame that her remarkable achievements and the skill of the artist who painted her have been forgotten, and my research will explore and highlight the contribution they both made.”

Emma Philip, senior curator at The Box, said: “We were really impressed with Shannon’s proposal which taps into a number of timely themes around the role of women in society.

Her research will add to our knowledge about two successful Plymouth women who, because of the time they lived in, may have been overlooked. It will also shed more light on an artwork we currently have very little information about.”

Once she’s completed her project, Shannon’s research will be used to enhance The Box’s collections catalogue. She will also produce an article that will be shared on The Box’s blog and offered the chance to present her findings as part of its events programme.

Applications for the Maureen Attrill Bursary will open again in October 2022. Details at www.theboxplymouth.com/research/maureenattrill-bursary.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.citizensadviceplymouth.org.uk

0808 278 7910

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options and help negotiating with the council.

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

@citizensadviceplymouth

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16 April 2022

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 in which to best protect children.

The Together for Childhood team provides the latest monthly update on its activity.

Agencies join forces to raise awareness of help available

In the last month you may have noticed we did a lot of work around promoting the Stop it Now campaign during Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence week.

Across Plymouth, lots of different agencies joined together to share messaging and information about Stop it Now, which is run by the Lucy Faithfull Foundation and aims to provide services for people who are worried about their own sexual thoughts, feelings or behaviour towards children.

We recognise this can feel like an uncomfortable space for some.

However, we believe that a better understanding of people who may sexually harm will also provide greater opportunity for us to promote available help for them and stop children from being sexually abused.

Over the course of our activity which was co-ordinated by the Together for Childhood team, we know roughly 20,000 people have seen the campaign on social media with 600 people engaging with the social media posts which is a great start.

These figures are really encouraging but we can’t afford to lose any momentum.

Reflecting on the activity, Shelley Shaw, development manager at Together for Childhood, said: “We had great support from other agencies to promote the campaign but now we really need to reach out to community members and leaders and make sure this help is offered routinely.

“Talking about healthy relationships can be tricky, and letting people know they can get help with potentially harmful sexual thoughts towards children very difficult.

“However, if we want to protect children then we need to be brave in this uncomfortable space. The reality is that sharing this information could stop a child being harmed, and that is a very powerful motivator.”

For further information on Stop it Now and the support offered, visit the Lucy Faithfull Foundation website www. stopitnow.org.uk.

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

16 April 2022

@PlymChronicle

Gym manager Adam raises £5000 for city charity in 12-hour fitness challenge A Plymouth gym manager has raised over £5,000 for a local charity after completing a non-stop 12-hour fitness challenge.

Gym manager Adam Domyslawski, from Club Continental in Plymouth, raised £5182 for local charity Friends and Families. The money raised will help provide valuable support and activities that are a lifeline to many families with disabled children.

During the challenge, Adam cycled 102km, skied 68km, rowed 34km and lifted an incredible 35 tonnes in deadlifts – only to stop for quick comfort breaks!

Jan Burns, fundraising and partnerships lead at Friends and Families, said: “We cannot thank Adam enough for his amazing fundraising effort. The money raised will pay for six months of activities that will give families space to relax, have fun, and make friends.

“The pandemic has hit families with disabled children hard - with many feeling isolated and exhausted having had little respite for over two years. Adam’s challenge is very timely as there has never been a better moment to support our families.”

Adam said: “I wanted to give back to Friends and Families after seeing the amazing

Adam Domyslawski presents Jan Burns with the bumper cheque

support the charity gave to my friend’s family. The services and activities make a big difference to families with disabled children who often face things alone. It has been my absolute pleasure to raise enough money to help other families benefit.”

Friends and Families supports and

empowers families with disabled children in Plymouth and the surrounding area. The charity provides practical advice, support and fun activities to children with a disability and their families.

For more details visit www. friendsandfamilies.org.uk

thank our previous provider – Everyone Active, for their work in Plymouth and support during the transfer.

“Over the next few years we have some exciting plans for our centres including investment in Plympton Gym and Brickfields. This would involve enhancements generally and new gym capacity, and energy efficiency improvements.

“As we get ready for the launch, we look forward to welcoming current and new customers to the centres and there are some great membership

options available.

“There is a lot of work to be done to ensure this transfer is as seamless as possible and that any disruption or inconvenience is kept to an absolute minimum. But I do ask customers to bear with us. Whilst our ambition is that there is no change to customers, there will be some minor changes when new systems are introduced.”

More information can be found at www.plymouth.gov.uk/sportandleisure/ futurerunningleisurefacilities

lights which means drivers will not be waiting for as long at a red light and traffic flow will be improved.

To achieve this, there is a temporary restriction of the straight ahead movement from Novorossiysk Road onto Forder Valley Road (west), towards Crownhill. Drivers will be diverted down

Forder Valley Road (south), around Leigham Roundabout and back up Forder Valley Road. All other movements will be available.

The signals will be automated in the off-peak periods but will be manned during peak periods to help reduce congestion.

It may take a little longer to drive through this junction as lights are reintroduced and road users get used to the changes, so please allow some extra time for your journeys.

The council will be monitoring traffic flow over the coming weeks.

If the delays become unacceptable then a decision will be made to revert back to closing Forder Valley Road (west) until the scheme is completed in the summer and when the entire junction can be opened up.

Council takes on city’s leisure facilities Plymouth’s leisure facilities will be operated by a new council-owned company from April 1.

The new company - Plymouth Active Leisure Ltd – will take over operations at Plymouth Life Centre, Brickfields, Tinside Lido, Mount Wise pools and Plympton swimming pool and gym.

Plymouth Active will continue to provide opportunities for people to be – and stay – active but it will also look at ways to better promote health and wellbeing and benefit our most vulnerable residents, helping to make Plymouth the most active coastal city in England by 2034.

A new customer-friendly website and booking app enabling people to find out more about the facilities, join as a member, book classes and find out about other opportunities to be more active, will be launched on April 1.

People will be able to preview the site and download the app from March 30 to find up to date information.

Councillor Mark Deacon, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Culture, Leisure and Sport, said: “We are excited that Plymouth Active Leisure will be launching on April 1 – cementing our ambition that Plymouth will be the most active, coastal city in England by 2034. I would like to

FORDER VALLEY LINK ROAD: LATEST TRAFFIC CHANGES The stretch of Forder Valley Road (west), between Novorossiysk Road and Fort Austin Avenue, reopened on March 26.

The road was reopened for a short period at the beginning of March, but the effect of the three-way lights at the junction with Novorossiysk Road was much worse than anticipated and put pressure on other major junctions in the city.

Council officials were keen to put this right and quickly made the decision to close Forder Valley Road (west) while they looked at how the road could safely reopen again.

Changes have been made to traffic management measures, which allowed the road to reopen. This time, the junction will operate under two-way, rather than three-way, traffic

April 2022

@PlymChronicle

Huge response to Plymouth survey on violence against women and girls

More than 1,300 people have responded to the survey launched by the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Commission in Plymouth.

In view of the huge response members of the Commission have agreed to extend their work so they can further scrutinise the overwhelming amount of evidence that has been submitted.

The VAWG Commission was launched in January 2022 to review what is being done across the city to educate men and boys, prevent and deter these types of crimes and consider what support is available for victims.

Since it was established the Commission has received a huge amount of evidence, including; • 1,327 local people sharing their experiences in a survey • Written submissions from groups and organisations that work with victims • Around 40 hours listening to feedback from 33 individuals or organisations during evidence sessions • The Commission heard about a vast number of issues and considerations, arranged under the key themes of the role of men and boys, children and young people, places and spaces and culture as well as a session focused on innovation and best practice.

Members of the Commission agreed are going to take two more months to explore the evidence that has been submitted, identify any gaps in areas where they need more detail and consider new regional and national strategies that have recently been launched.

This includes the recent announcements that VAWG is to become a national policing priority, and the fourth round of the Government’s Safer Streets Fund, which has an additional focus on violence against women and girls.

This additional time will ensure that the final report and recommendations will be robust, aspirational, far-reaching and importantly will really make a difference to the lives of local people.

The report will then be published on May 27 2022.

Chair of the Commission, Councillor Rebecca Smith, said: “I have always said that the final report and recommendations must be done at pace.

However, the process must be robust, thorough and demand actions that will result in real change.

“It has been overwhelming how many individuals and organisations have made their views known about what is already happening in Plymouth to prevent violence towards women and girls, and highlight what they think needs to be done.”

Commission chair Rebecca Smith

17

Derriford pair shortlisted for prestigious national awards Two members of staff at Derriford Hospital have been shortlisted for prestigious national awards.

Honorary senior research nurse Archana Shajidevadas was named as one of three contenders for the Nurse of the Year Award, while advanced clinical practitioner Rachel Bryce was one of four shortlisted for the Oncology Nurse of the Year Award.

They were shortlisted in their categories as part of the British Journal of Nursing Awards.

Archana was shortlisted for her outstanding work in contributing to the nursing profession through clinical care, research and academia over the last 22 years.

Archana’s lead position in the pioneering Nursing Associate programme at University Hospitals Plymouth – funded by Health Education England – is one of her many accomplishments. This project saw students receive support in the form of education and pastoral care, which in turn directly supports the safe care of patients and alleviates nursing

Archana Shajidevadas

staff shortages.

Archana also monitored and assessed this pilot programme and fed these results back to Health Ed to improve the programme nationally.

Another success is Archana’s role in the Simple Discharge team, where she has supported the development of the service and how the hospital contacts its patients.

Archana said: “Although I have worked and contributed to different levels of modern nursing through patient care, research and education, this

Top honour for consultant Jason

Rachel Bryce

national recognition came as a surprise for me. I would like to thank Elaine Freeman, the specialist research nurse, for the nomination and her support in the Research Department.

“It has been difficult for healthcare workers during the past few years, especially for nurses, due to the pandemic.

However, we, the nurses, have proven to the world that nursing is a unique profession. Even

in the unprecedented times, we cared for our patients with courage and commitment.”

Rachel was shortlisted for her remarkable work in improving the nursing care of acute oncology patients, their assessment, triage and emergency care.

Prior to September 2019, acute oncology patients had to call the ward or day unit for specialist chemotherapy advice. This led to complaints of delays with the phones being engaged or nurses unavailable. Determined to improve patient experience, in 2020 Rachel and her dedicated team established a single phone number, staffed predominantly by the specialist Acute Oncology team, that patients could call directly for the specialist advice that they require.

Rachel said: “Although I have been nominated as an individual, I really do see this as a team award as I could not do my job without the amazing support and hard work from our fantastic team.”

Southwest Funeral Care is an independent family owned business located in Southway, serving Plymouth and the surrounding areas.

Surgeon Captain Jason Smith has been confirmed as the Principal Investigator of the Year as part of the jointly run research awards by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine and National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Network.

Professor Smith, a Consultant in Emergency Medicine at University Hospitals Plymouth, impressed the judging committee with his commitment to clinical research in the field of emergency medicine.

In particular, he has played a pivotal role in re-launching a portfolio of research studies in Emergency Medicine following the diversion of resources due to COVID-19.

Jason, who also holds an Honorary Chair of Emergency Medicine at the University of Plymouth, said: “It really is a great honour to receive this award and to see Plymouth recognised in this way. However, I really don’t see it as my award – it is testament to my colleagues and to everyone involved in making it possible. I’m also very grateful to the Research and Development team here, as it wouldn’t have been possible without their support.

“Our traditional model of recruitment no longer became feasible when our research nurses were redeployed to provide clinical care and run COVID-19 vaccine studies. It was important to employ a flexible approach to be able to continue to carry out research within the emergency department.

“We therefore empowered a team of healthcare assistants to be able to deliver one study alongside their clinical duties; we appointed two of our clinical nurses on part-time research secondments and enabled research fellows to act as NIHR Associate Principal Investigators for some other studies.”

Thanks to taking these practical steps, Jason and his team have been able to carry out a number of research studies since the start of the pandemic. These include: the FALCON study, which evaluated different diagnostic tests for COVID-19; PRIEST, which investigated patients with symptoms of COVID-19 upon presentation at the emergency department and RELIEF, a randomised controlled feasibility trial on the use of lidocaine patches in patients with rib fractures to aid initial pain relief.

Eight studies are currently running in the emergency medicine portfolio with four further studies in the process of being set up at the hospital.

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18 April 2022

18 April 2022

@PlymChronicle

Green light for station’s new look multi-storey car park

Couple to tackle Drake’s Trail to raise funds for Devon Freewheelers Two blood bike volunteers from Plymouth are gearing up to tackle the 21-mile Drake’s Trail in aid of the Devon Freewheelers are appealing for help from businesses and sponsors.

Planning permission has been given for the new-look multi storey car park at Plymouth’s train station.

The six-storey development will replace the old concrete car park which will be knocked down once the new one is built as part of the massive regeneration of the area around the station and the creation of Brunel Plaza.

Special attention has been paid to the exterior appearance of the new car park, which will be one of the most visible buildings for passengers arriving by rail to the city.

The triangles outside the building, with its aluminium panels and steel mesh, draw on a theme that occurs in other parts of the city centre, particularly the Civic Square.

The new car park will have: • 453 parking spaces arranged over six storeys

• Full CCTV coverage • Electric Vehicle charging facilities with capability to expand as demand increases in the future.

• A new mobility hub which will offer more transport choices to reduce private car use. This could include electric bikes, electric vehicles available for hire, bike parking, lockers for delivery and storage • Disabled and family parking spaces • Defibrillators The car park will be built to the east of Intercity House on the site of the former RISC building.

The new car park’s location means a significant change to how private vehicles will be able to use Station Approach.

All private vehicle trips to and from the new multi-storey car park, once operational, will enter and exit from North Road East (Station Approach) which

will be widened into two lanes rather than the current one-way configuration.

This will mean most of the vehicle movements will be away from the front of the station, creating space and a better welcome for visitors arriving at Brunel Plaza.

Work is expected to start early next year and should be completed by the summer of 2024.

Once the new car park is open and operational, the old multi-storey will be demolished creating development sites for further university campus extensions and a new hotel.

Major work has been progressing at Intercity Place – the tower above the station, with existing fixtures and fittings being removed from the building to prepare for its wholesale refurbishment as a new Faculty of Health for the University.

MORE CCTV CAMERAS FOR CITY CENTRE

Cabling and ground work is now underway for the installation of new CCTV cameras in and around the city centre.

Five locations will be getting new cameras. They are: Subway on North Hill; Athenaeum Street; Sawrey Street, Millbay; Union Street outside Lidl and New Street in the Barbican Once operational they will be monitored from Plymouth City Council’s dedicated CCTV control room which has 24 hour cover with remote access in place for emergency services, Plymouth against Retail Crime, Traffic Monitoring and Public Protection teams.

The cameras can also provide extra lighting in the event of an incident and are in addition to the 354 already in place around the city.

A dozen stand alone emergency help points are also due to be installed in the next few weeks at the following locations: Southside Street junction Friary’s Lane and another outside the Crown & Anchor pub; West Hoe Park; Old Town Street; Armada Way – Sundial; Royal Parade - Centre pedestrian

crossing; Union Street – Octagon and outside Lidl; Mutley Plain; North Hill; Mayflower Street; King Street and High Street, Stonehouse These sites were selected as they are high footfall areas with shops, pubs and clubs or local schools nearby.

The well-lit help points will be installed near new and existing CCTV cameras offering increased surveillance. Anyone who uses them is automatically connected to the CCTV control room.

The cameras nearby can also move to pick up the help points and staff in the control room can monitor a situation while an appropriate emergency response is on its way.

Evidence from a recent College of Policing case study found that violent crime was reduced by an average of 21 per cent in areas with improved street lighting compared to areas without.

The package is part of the city’s Safer Streets 3 funding awarded by the Home Office earlier this year. The fund specifically targets Violence against Women and Girls crimes and aims to improve feelings of safety.

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

Married couple Devon Freewheelers’ volunteers Anthony and Amy Ewens, and a group of more than 17 charity supporters, will on April 17, walk the whole of Drake’s Trail, from the Barbican to Tavistock, setting off at 8am.

The couple are appealing for help transporting the walkers from the Mountbatten meet point to the Barbican walk start, donations of small water bottles, and event and tee-shirt sponsorship.

Entry to take part in the event is £5, and can be paid on the day, or in advance through the Devon Freewheelers website, quoting reference: Drake’s Trail.

Submariner Anthony, aged 32, a Devon Freewheelers Blood Biker for two years, also serving the Plymouth area, said: “You never know when you might need the blood bike service. By coming along and taking part, every step will help keep the blood bikes on the road.”

The Royal Navy Field Gunner added: “As well as raising funds for the Devon Freewheelers, the walk aims to boost people’s mental health and wellbeing because you get to spend time outdoors and see the Drake’s Trail and all its history and landmarks. Along the way you can download audio for all the routes.”

Anthony and Amy Ewens

Amy, aged 28, a Devon Freewheelers volunteer blood car driver for almost two years in the Plymouth area, is appealing for help with transport, such as a minibus or coach, to pick walkers up from Mountbatten to take them to the Barbican ready to set off.

She said: “I am looking forward to walking the trail and taking along our dog, Maddy, as well as exploring the area that we are active in as Devon Freewheelers volunteers.

“The plan is to walk along the whole trail and catch the last ferry back to Mountbatten.”

She added: “We would really like to hear from any companies or businesses willing to donate water bottles so we don’t have to carry five litres with us.”

Russell Roe, Devon Freewheelers CEO, said: “Anthony and Amy already do so much for the charity, giving up their time to volunteer and fundraise, so we are in awe of their latest challenge to help the keep blood bikes service on the road.

“We cannot operate without fundraising, and our volunteers, so we are indebted to our supporters.

We call them our hidden heroes. “I would like to thank Anthony and Amy for organising the Drakes Trail walk in aid of the charity, and for raising awareness of the Devon Freewheelers blood bike service, which supports the NHS for free across the South West.” To sponsor the event, or help with transport or water, email info@ devonfreewheelers.org.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Helpline Numbers:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Festival will never be forgotten.

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

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

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

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

20 April 2022 THE

Experience

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He has called for prayer for his nation.

More than seven out of ten Ukrainians are

20 April 2022

@PlymChronicle

Praying for peace in Ukraine

By Chris Cole, Founder of Cross Rhythms charity

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

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

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

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

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

hourly unfolding events.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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22 April 2022

22 April 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Remember tooth decay is preventable!

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

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Plymouth young people’s music club celebrates belated 40th anniversary A local young people’s music club is celebrating its belated 40th birthday with a reunion in June and concert in May.

Plymouth Musical Activities Club (PMAC) consists of young people aged between nine and 18 along with adult volunteers, is busy rehearsing for a special concert which will see the club perform a selection of their most loved songs from over 40 years. The concert takes place in the Devonport Playhouse on May 13 and 14.

As well as the concert, members past and present are invited to a reunion at the Green Taverners at Home Park on June 25. It will be an opportunity for those who were and still are a part of PMAC to meet, share memories and even play their instruments if they wish.

Tickets are on sale for £5 for past members. Those interested can go along to Courtlands School where PMAC rehearse on a Thursday night or call Carole on 07926 029268 or Margaret on 07805 906297 for tickets.

Established in 1980, Plymouth MAC was started Founder David Ashley

One of the many Lord Mayor’s Day PMAC floats in the procession

One of the intermediate groups at PMAC circa 1997

in Thornbury School by David Ashley, a community education tutor at the time.

His vision was to involve young people from all backgrounds in live music in Plymouth. Through teaching and concerts the club continues to ‘Keep Music Live’ over 40 years on.

The club moved to Widey Court Primary School and then to Courtlands School and over that time the group has played in some prestigious venues including the Theatre Royal Plymouth and the ‘Conservatoire de Musique’ on a visit to Brest in France.

More frequent activities

have also taken place including annual concerts and Christmas concerts at Devonport Playhouse, performances on Lord Mayor’s Day, concerts for the Rotary, RNLI and other charities, numerous school fairs and late night shopping performances.

Plymouth MAC has sections for many instruments including guitars, keyboards, percussion, drums, flutes, clarinets and a singing section.

The young people have been supported by a dedicated team of volunteers for four decades. These

volunteers teach the children how to play instruments and other staff members support the running of the club in numerous other ways behind the scenes.

Some of these staff started with the club as nine year old children themselves and are now bringing their own children along to learn an instrument.

After David Ashely sadly passed away in 2001, the club was left in safe hands with musical directors Margaret Johns and Judy Roberts.

Margaret said: “It’s hard to believe that it was 40 years ago that PMAC started.

We have fond memories of working with David Ashley at that time to get the club to where it is today.

“Over the years we have seen hundreds of members join and some have stayed on to become staff volunteers and are still with us today.

It is a testament to those volunteers giving up their free time that we are still able to provide this opportunity for young people.

Looking ahead to the concert Judy said: “Our audiences can look forward to a journey down memory lane. We asked our members past and present what their favourite ‘MAC’ songs were and we have a really uplifting programme to play for you in May. We would love to see as many familiar faces at the concert to sing along to some of the favourite songs.

Tickets for the concert are £6 and available from Angela Fuller on 01752 773482. For more information visit www. plymouthmac.co.uk

Council agrees fee increase for care workers

Plymouth City Council has agreed an increase in fees to the city’s adult social care providers to recognise the rising cost of providing care for vulnerable adults.

Adult social care providers nationally are continuing to face a significant increase in costs in making sure adults are cared for safely, including for staff and the costs of utilities and food.

To try and support them there is a

national drive towards paying them a fair fee so they are able to fully cover their costs and provide good quality support for those they look after.

This approach also aims to help more staff to stay working in adult social care and attract new carers to the profession by paying higher wages.

The council has made the decision to award a 10 per cent rise to regulated domiciliary care providers and a 6.49 per cent rise for care homes and a 6.39 per cent for

supported living provision.

The funding follows a series of measures over the winter to support adult social care providers including the Workforce Recruitment and Retention Fund, funding for Infection Control and a recruitment campaign for care workers.

Anyone who is interested in care sector work should visit the council website and register their details at www.plymouth.gov.uk/ workinhomecare

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

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

As well as an increase in demand for placements the overall cost of providing good quality care is rising, so the council wants to work with providers in a way that is innovative and imaginative, that flexes to meet the needs of children and young

people and manages risks together using true partnership.

This placement sufficiency plan sets out a series of proposals for 2022/23, designed to work with fostering and children’s home providers to come up with new solutions and choices for Plymouth’s most vulnerable children and young people. It also proposes improving how agency care staff are commissioned, to make sure children are getting consistently good quality support.

Cabinet Member for Children and Young People and Education and Skills Councillor Dave Downie said: “We know that many placement providers are motivated by doing the right thing for children and young people, and we want to ensure we can formalise closer working relationships with providers who are keen to work with us to develop new ways of providing care.”

April 2022

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23

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

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

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

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

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

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

Eco-Plug, one of the UK’s first online solar stores offers a range of solar options to customers. The firm was established by renewable energy specialists Jordan Jones and Oliver Crutchley who, after years of experience in the sales of renewable energy, identified a growing need for honest and transparent renewable energy sales. Eco-Plug aims to offer a transparent way to shop for renewable energy online by offering fixed prices.

Eco-Plug’s mission is to contribute to bringing the UK closer to Net Zero 2050, by changing the way renewable energy is sold, not only in regards to affordability, but also in honesty, transparency and care. It is this ethos which has seen Eco-Plug go from strength to strength in the two years since they were founded. Due to business growth, Eco-Plug is moving from their existing office to larger premises at Plymouth Science Park.

Jordan Jones, co-director at Eco-Plug said: “Moving Eco-Plug to Plymouth Science Park is not far from a dream come true for us!

The location is perfect for the company, and at the Park we are also surrounded by like-minded companies including renewable energy companies and technology and

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Science Park welcomes renewable energy innovators Eco-Plug Sustainability and innovation are at the heart of Plymouth Science Park’s ethos, and the Park is recently welcome drenewable energy specialists, Eco-Plug, to the community of forward-thinking businesses based at the Park.

USEFUL NUMBERS

Eco-Plug’s directors Jordan Jones and Oliver Crutchley

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

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

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

Entertainment Theatre Royal 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 Brickfields Recreation Ground Manadon Football Dev’ment Centre Plympton Swimming Pool Plymouth Pavilions Megabowl, Coxside Tourist Information The Beckly Centre, Plymstock

01752 606900 01752 563320 01752 201918 0870 300 0020 0845 146 1460 0871 5501010 01752 306330 01752 484433

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science-based businesses. We are really looking forward to settling into the Park, collaborating with the innovative businesses already based here, and working on our ambitious expansion plans.”

Fay Davies, business development manager at Plymouth Science Park, said: “With energy prices at an all time high, and an increasing number of businesses looking to address

how they can reduce their carbon footprint, Eco-Plug are a welcome addition to the Park’s community. We are delighted to provide them with the space they need as they work with businesses and homeowners to help the UK tackle the energy crisis and achieve carbon net zero by 2050.”

To find out more about Eco-Plug, visit www. eco-plug.co.uk

0870 9000100 0870 6004242

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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 April 2022

24 April 2022

@PlymChronicle

Plymouth academic contributes to global climate change report:

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

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

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

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

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

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

over 22,500

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

Professor Camille Parmesan

and of Ecosystem-based Adaptation.

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

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

Photo: Shutterstock

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and sustainable development for society.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Plymouth University academic Professor Camille Parmesan has contributed to a vital report on climate change See Page 24

Gym manager Adam Domyslawski has raised over £5,000 for a city charity with a 12-hour fitness challenge See Page 16

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A striking double decker bus is being used across Plymouth and Cornwall to show support for the people of Ukraine and to help raise vital funds for those affected by the war. The bus will be used on Plymouth Citybus and Go Cornwall Bus routes to help raise awareness of the Disaster Emergency Committee’s humanitarian appeal, with a donation point inside for those who wish to give cash • See story on page 9

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