Tour de Moor – the popular fund raiser for St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth – returns in September with a new look and new sponsor
See Page 3
Police officer
Lindsey Walke has swum the English Channel to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Society in memory of her nan
See Page 12
Plymouth Chronicle is partnering with Argyle Life – the popular fans site –to bring exclusive content to our readers
See Page 19
for a tradesman?
to our Dial The Experts guide on pages 16 and 17
BASICS Devon, the emergency response charity, has received a grant of nearly £20,000 from the National Lottery to support its life-saving work. Pictured with the cheque are BASICS volunteers (from left): David Hillebrandt, Ben Morris, Conor Calby, Ian Higginson, Andy Smith, Glenda Cooper, Simon Fairclough, Simon Scott-Hayward, Tom Haigh, and Marc Epps • STORY ON PAGE 2
Wardrobe combination, white/oak effect, 100x60x236 cm
An emergency response charity has received a grant of nearly £20,000 from the National Lottery to support its life-saving work.
BASICS Devon is a network of 15 highlytrained emergency volunteer medics providing immediate access to specialist medical care at the scene of an accident or illness. They make themselves available around the clock throughout the year, responding to incidents at the request of the South Western Ambulance Service. The charity relies solely on donations.
BASICS Devon doctors aim to provide a fast response to incidents in Plymouth and rural areas across Devon and use their extensive skills to support patient care.
In 2024 alone, BASICS Devon responded to 371 emergency callouts, including 55 cardiac arrests and 105 night-time incidents, with a first-on-scene
rate exceeding 40 per cent. The figures highlighted the critical role their volunteers play in bridging the gap between an emergency and hospital care.
With a rural population where some areas are more than an hour from the nearest hospital, this
timely intervention is often the difference between life and death.
Beyond emergency response, BASICS Devon is passionate about health education and community empowerment. In 2024, they conducted 25
YMCA Plymouth has announced the launch of the inaugural Plymouth Community Champion Awards, a brand-new event created to recognise and celebrate the remarkable individuals and groups who are making a lasting impact across the city.
The awards ceremony will take place on October 11 at Plymouth’s Crowne Plaza Hotel, bringing together residents, community groups and local organisations for an inspiring evening of celebration and recognition.
From dedicated volunteers and exceptional fundraisers to courageous individuals and outstanding community projects, the Plymouth Community Champion Awards will shine a light on those who go above and beyond to
YORKSHIRE MOORS RAILWAY
Departing Mon 13 Oct ‘25
Scarborough provides the perfect base for this five-day holiday as we explore the highlights of Yorkshire’s coast. We include excursions to Whitby, Bridlington and Filey, as well as the highlight of the break, a journey on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.
SO MUCH INCLUDED...
Return coach travel from Plymouth, Saltash
4 nights at the Royal Hotel, Scarborough (JG2 rating) with dinner & breakfast
Entertainment some evenings
Heritage train journey on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Excursions to Whitby & York
Optional excursion to Bridlington & Filey (£12pp)
support others and improve the lives of those around them.
“This is a moment to celebrate the heart of Plymouth – its people,” said Tom Lavis, chief executive of YMCA Plymouth. “We’re incredibly proud to launch these awards to give thanks and recognition to the everyday heroes who are helping to make our city a kinder, more resilient place to live.”
Nominations will be across 16 categories, covering a wide range of achievements and contributions to community life
Nominations for the awards open on July 31 and close on August 22 with the Awards Ceremony to follow on October 11. To submit a nomination and find out more, visit www.ymcaplymouth.org.uk/communityawards
Departing Mon 1 Dec ‘25
Indulge in some pre-Christmas celebrations at the Bosworth Hall Hotel, located in the Leicestershire countryside. We spend time in the towns of Stamford and Oakham, explore the vibrant city of Birmingham and can discover Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon.
SO MUCH INCLUDED...
Return coach travel from Plymouth, Saltash
4 nights at the Bosworth Hall Hotel, near Market Bosworth (JG3 rating) with dinner & breakfast (includes traditional ‘Christmas’ dinner)
2 for 1 bar (6pm-9pm) on selected drinks
After-dinner tea & coffee
Light entertainment every evening
Excursions to Stamford, Oakham & Birmingham
Optional excursion to Stratford-upon-Avon (£14pp)
community education sessions and are launching a Community Volunteer Programme, enlisting local medical professionals and community members to extend their reach. They target areas with longer response times, providing training, equipment, and volunteer support to improve survival rates and reduce long-term disability.
Robert Horton, trustee and Chair of BASICS Devon, said: “We want every individual in Devon to have access to immediate care when they need it and to have the confidence to act in a medical emergency when someone near them needs it. With an aging population, high rurality and tourism hot spots, our region faces unique challenges – but we’re here to meet them.”
To continue this vital lifesaving service the National Lottery Community Fund is giving BASICS Devon £19,824 to help their community thrive.
Amie Bull, fundraising manager of BASICS Devon, added: “This funding will help save lives, train volunteers, and build strong, connected communities. From the bottom of our hearts –thank you. Your contribution is not just funding equipment or training; it’s giving enhanced medical care, and opportunities to people across Devon.”
Glenda Cooper, advanced nurse practitioner and treasurer of BASICS Devon said: “Every life we save, every person we train, and every volunteer we support brings us one step closer to a healthier, more resilient Devon.”
To learn more or support BASICS, visit www. basics-devon.org.uk
Departing Mon 22 Sep ‘25
Oh we do like to be beside the seaside! From our base in Bournemouth, we explore Dorchester Market and the harbourside town of Weymouth. We also discover Ryde after taking a journey to the Isle of Wight by hovercraft with the chance to visit Poole and Swanage.
SO MUCH INCLUDED...
Return coach travel from Plymouth, Saltash
4 nights at the Royal Bath Hotel, Bournemouth (JG3 rating) with dinner & breakfast
Return hovercraft journey to Ryde, Isle of Wight
Excursions to Dorchester Market, Weymouth & the Isle of Wight
Optional excursion to Poole & Swanage (£14pp)
St Luke’ s Hospice Plymouth has announced that its legendary Tour de Moor cycling challenge is returning for 2025 – bolder and brighter than ever!
This year’s event not only has a new slot earlier in the autumn, it has a striking new look and a proud new sponsor, too. As ever though, there are plenty of challenges to thrill and delight every rider, regardless of age or ability.
Tour de Moor returning to Dartmoor on September 28 to provide participants with an unforgettable experience in aid of local hospice care. This year’s epic event, proudly sponsored by Pyramid AV, will see the moors turn radiant orange thanks to the new Tour de Moor tee-shirt colour replacing the traditional blue.
More than just a thrilling cycling event with mud, sweat and gears aplenty, Tour de Moor has community spirit firmly at its core. The annual challenge raises vital funds that enable St Luke’s to provide compassionate, expert end-of-life care for local people whose terminal illness means their time is running short.
The charity can only give its specialist services free of charge thanks to the kindness of its supporters. It’ s their generosity that keeps St Luke’s nurses on the road 365 days a year so that
patients can receive the care they need in the comfort of their own home or at Turnchapel.
Tour de Moor is best known as an adrenalinepacked two-wheel quest that can test the skills, fitness, and endurance of even the toughest of cyclists. With three distances and difficulty levels to choose from, it’s the ultimate inclusive familyfriendly cycling adventure.
Penny Hannah, head of Fundraising at St Luke’s, said: “Tour de Moor isn’t just an exhilarating biking challenge, it’s a moving show of solidarity for local families going through the toughest of times.
“Every pedal push helps us reach more patients with the bespoke end-of-life care they need to live well to the end of their lives, making precious memories with their loved ones. The energy at Tour de Moor is electric, and we’re so proud of everyone who takes part.”
Kelly Hinchliffe of Pyramid, AV said: “We couldn’t be prouder to get behind St Luke’ s by sponsoring Tour de Moor. The event brings people together for a cause that truly matters. It’s community at its best.”
All Tour de Moor routes depart from Harrowbeer Airfield (near Yelverton) at 8.30am and finish there, too. To find out more and register, visit www. stlukes-hospice.org.uk/tourdemoor
Voters in Plymouth have rejected moves to have a directly elected mayor for the city.
In the referendum on Thursday July 17 a total of 37,884 people cast their vote - representing a turnout of just over 19 per cent. Of those votes 19,844 voted No while 18,044 were in favour of a directly elected mayor - a majority of 1,746 or 52 per cent against and 48 per cent for.
people actually rely on. Plymouth has sent a clear message. We call on Mr Forbes to take responsibility for this folly, and foot the bill for this vanity project so Plymouth gets its money back.”
A Plymouth Knows Better spokesperson said: “Plymouth really does know better. People saw straight through this failed, costly experiment and they made that known at the ballot box.
“This referendum was always a waste of time and public money. Voter turnout was one of the lowest Plymouth has ever seen – not because people didn’t care, but because they knew it was pointless.
“New legislation is clear: Plymouth cannot have a city mayor. That’s been known for months. But Mr Forbes pushed ahead anyway, wasting £410,000 that could have gone to services working
Cllr Jemima Laing, Deputy Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “The people of Plymouth have rejected this idea, and rightly so. This referendum should never have gone ahead. It stirred up division and it ended up spotlighting some of the very worst elements of local politics.”
Angus Forbes, the man behind the Mayor for Plymouth campaign, said that ‘democracy had been trampled on’ after the No vote. He said that the result and the turnout was not a ‘true reflection’ of the need for change.
He has called on the Prime Minister to apologise to the people of Plymouth for interfering in the last stages of a live referendum, adding that despite the result the referendum will pave the way for ‘the start of change.’
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.
Barbican Arts and Crafts Market
Every Sunday in July and August
The Barbican Arts and Crafts Market is a vibrant celebration of creativity, hosted each summer at the picturesque Pier Masters House on Plymouth Barbican. Showcasing a handpicked selection of talented local artists and makers, the market offers a unique opportunity to discover beautiful handcrafted creations in a stunning waterfront location. From 11am to 4pm each Sunday.
Big Tribute Festival
Jul 31 to Aug 3
The Big Tribute Festival is back in Plymouth’s Central Park for four days of live music, featuring some of the best UK tribute acts. An enormous Big Top hosts a special festival experience. The festival site to include a dedicated family area with bouncy castle, small rides and face painting. There will also be a a wide variety of food and drink vendors, offering everything from international cuisine to classic festival fare. For details visit www.bigtribfest.co.uk
Sounds of the World
Aug 1
International live music festival at the Home Park Fan Zone from 6.30pm to 10.45pm. Featuring sounds and rhythms of different cultures including bands and artists from Ghana and Jamaica. Line up includes Afriquoi, Florence Adonis and Da Fuchaman and the Fire Blaze Band. For more information visit www. eventbrite and search for Sounds of the World.
Summer Sports Fest
Aug 2
Calling all thrill-seekers and foodies. A celebration of sport, charity and community at Commercial Wharf on The Barbican from 10am until 10.30pm. Highlights include swimming, abseiling, strongman event and a golf driving range. Plus a food and drink extravaganza from local suppliers. Details from www. tugboatsanddolphins.com
Coffee Morning
Aug 2
Crownhill Methodist Church Hall from 10.30am to 12 noon. Various stalls. Supporting the Samaritans. All welcome.
An Afternoon with Babs Horton
Aug 2
Author Babs Horton will read from a selection of her short stories and her debut novel ‘A Jarful of Angels’ at Plymouth Proprietary Library in St Barnabas Terrace from 2pm. Babs will also include excerpts from her Edinburgh Fringe sell out play ‘In the Lady Garden’ Babs will be happy to take questions on anything writing related. Refreshments provided. Free for members £4 non-members. For details visit www. theppl.org.uk
Saturday Sessions at The Square
Aug 2 and Sept 6
Live music sessions at Old Town Square on the first weekend of the month in the city centre from 1pm to 3pm. Featuring the Hot House Combo in July, True Foxes in August and Firebird in September.
Celebrities v Forever Green
Aug 3
Former Argyle players and celebrities will be joining together for a special match in support of Forever Green. Two teams – one consisting of famous faces, and the other of iconic ex-Greens – will face off on the Home Park pitch at 2pm. Tickets are £10 for adults, and £5 for children. Tickets can be purchased from argyletickets.com, in-person at the Home Park Ticket
Good Food & Craft Market
Aug 3, Sept 7 and Oct 5
Royal William Yard’s popular market will be taking place on the first Sunday of every month from 10am to 3pm. Known for showcasing some of the region’s most talented artists and makers, the markets offer everything from tasty treats to handcrafted gifts. The monthly markets have been a staple of Royal William Yard’s event calendar for years, and have won event awards along the way.
Old Time Sailors Live!
Aug 6 and 20
Hop aboard the Sailorette and join the lively crew of The Old Time Sailors this summer for an evening of music, dancing, pint clinking and harbourside fun at The Stable in Vauxhall Quay from 7.30pm with free entry. Featuring a 21-piece band dressed in full sailor gear, bringing an energetic night of sea shanties and foot-stomping folk tunes. Expect a proper musical voyage – live, upbeat, and totally unique. For details visit www.stablepizza.com/plymouth
Southway’s Summer Table Top Sale
Aug 9
Church of the Holy Spirt, Southway from 1pm to 3pm. Lots of goodies available, children’s crafts and tombola. Quiet place for cuppa and chat with free entry. For more information or to book a table at £5 please contact Veronica on 07855 256383.
Ultimate 80s Party Cruise
Aug 9
Plymouth Boat Trips present their popular radical back to the 80s cruise leaving from Commercial Wharf in the Barbican at 7.30pm. Featuring their own resident DJ with tickets including a complimentary drink. Toilert and licensed bar on board. For tickets and details visit www,plymouthboattrips.co.uk
Abba Tribute Evening
Aug 9
Get ready to dance and sing along to all the classic hits from the legendary Swedish pop group at The Duke of Cornwall Hotel for a night filled with nostalgia and fun starting at 7pm. Go along dressed in 70s attire and prepare to be transported back in time to the era of disco and glitter. The talented tribute band will have revellers on their feet all night long, belting out tunes such as ‘Dancing Queen’ and ‘Mamma Mia.’ For tickets and details call 01752 275850.
Romeo & Juliet
Aug 9
Award-winning South Devon Players Theatre and Film
Company bring their touring production of William Shakespeare’s classic to The Muse Theatre at Lipton Academy at 7.30pm. Tickets available from www. southdevonplayers.com/box-office or on the door on from 6.30pm.
British Firework Championships
Aug 13 and 14
Tens of thousands of people will head for The Hoe and viewing points all along the waterfront for the spectacular annual competition. Six previous winners will battle it out to be crowned Champion of Champions. Three firework companies will be competing each day at 9.30pm, 9.50pm and 10.10pm. For more information go to www.visitplymouth.co.uk/ whats-on
Heroes and Heroines Party
Aug 13
The Club Argyle Lounge at Home Park is staging a super-powered fun event with special guests Spiderman, Anna and Elsa from 10am to 12 noon. This magical party is perfect for families looking for a morning of fun, fantasy, and superhero action. For details and tickets visit www.homeparkstadium.com/ events/
Charity Coffee Morning
Aug 23
Sherwell United Church Hall in North Hill from 10am to 12 noon with proceeds to Jeremiah’s Journey.
Devon Darts Showdown
Aug 23
Headlining the event at Plymouth Pavilions is 2023
World Champion Michael ‘Bully Boy’ Smith, along with Welsh favourite Jonny ‘The Ferret’ Clayton, Aussie legend Damon ‘The Heat’ Heta and Devon star Ryan ‘Heavy Metal’ Searle. Also featuring a special guest, Terry ‘The Bull’ Jenkins and Canadian Jeff ‘The Silencer’ Smith. For details and tickets visit www. plymouthpavilions.com
West End Carnival
Aug 23
All day fun for the whole family, with plenty of carnival flair, music, entertainment and food from 11am onwards in Frankfort Gate and the surrounding streets.
Jazz and Blues by the Sea
Aug 29
Set against the stunning backdrop of the sea, Jazz and Blues by the Sea is a one-of-a-kind live music event taking place at the iconic Tinside Lido from 6.30pm to 10.30pm. An atmospheric evening of soul-stirring performances from some of the South West’s finest
artists. Enjoy a laid-back, jazz café-style setup under a stretch tent with views over the ocean, as the sun sets and the music flows. For tickets go to www.fixr.co and search for Jazz and Blues by the Sea
Charity Dog Show
Aug 30
The popular dog show returns to Ford Park Cemetery from 2pm to 4pm. There will also be a raffle and refreshments available in the Visitor Centre. More details from 01752 665442 during office hours from 10am to 4pm.
Coffee Morning
Sept 6
Crownhill Methodist Church Hall from 10.30am to 12 noon. Various stalls. Supporting Motor Neurone Disease Research. All welcome.
Classic Car Show
Sept 7
Organised by Saltram Rotary Club in the beautiful setting of the Lyneham Estate near Yealmpton from 11am to 4pm. Supporting Devon Air Ambulance.
Plymouth Brick Festival
Sept 7
Plymouth Brick Festival is returning to Plymouth Life Centre from 10am to 4pm with a great day for families, collectors, adult builders and every other kind of LEGO fan. With lots to see and do including speed building competitions, large scale displays, activities, traders selling loose bricks, new LEGO sets, retired LEGO sets, minifigures and accessories plus a dedicated building area. For details and tickets visit www.eventbrite.co.uk and search for Plymouth Brick Festival.
Murder in the OLD West!
Sept 10
Step back in time… and solve a crime! Join the Cheeky Reaper Murder Mystery Company at The Dock, Plymouth at 7pm for a thrilling Wild West whodunnit! Evening of immersive entertainment. Includes a threecourse meal In aid of Samaritans. Tickets £39.95 from www.CheekyReaper.co.uk
Heritage Open Days
Sept 12 to 21
Visit Buckland Abbey near Yelverton for free as part of Heritage Open Days. Explore the Abbey, gardens and estate. No booking required. For details visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/buckland-abbey
Seafest Plymouth
Sept 13 and 14
A celebration by the sea with a fun-filled weekend of delectable food and sea-themed entertainment. Plymouth Waterfront Partnership is teaming up with Plymouth Sound National Marine Park to create an even more impressive experience, extending the event across the Barbican, Sutton Harbour, Mount Batten Watersports & Activities Centre, Tinside Lido, and Mount Edgcumbe. A treat for seafood lovers also featuring live music, pop up stalls and stands and demonstrations.
Derriford Abseil
Sept 13 and 14
Plymouth Hospitals Charity’s Derriford Abseil is back for 2025! Perched on the rooftop of Derriford Hospital, brave hospital heroes will face the breath-taking heights and adrenaline-pumping challenge of abseiling down the main wing - a moment that will stay with them forever! For details visit www.register.enthuse.com/ps/event/ PlymouthHospitalsCharityDerrifordAbseil
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.
In my role as Neighbourhood Policing Inspector
I lead a team consisting of two Sergeants, 11 PC’s and nine Police Community Support Officers covering the areas, within Plymouth’s boundaries, that are sited north of the A38 corridor.
I am pleased to be able to engage with you via this forum as it is an excellent opportunity to share with you some of the great work that my team does day in day out to support the communities of Plymouth North Sector which you may not be aware of.
Recently officers from Crownhill and Plympton Neighbourhood Police Teams were involved in a coordinated Week of Action across our community.
This initiative was part of our ongoing commitment to making Plymouth a safer, stronger, and more connected place for everyone.
Our team met with local residents at several pop-up stands visiting a number of local schools, including Marjon University, local community centres and local stores. These events allowed for open conversations and an opportunity for residents to voice their concerns and issues and enabled us to discuss how we can work together to address them.
The Week of Action also saw Neighbourhood officers undertake disruption tactics with targeted operations focusing on anti-social behaviour, drug related activity and retail crime to disrupt offenders.
During an intelligence-led operation, plain clothed officers located and arrested a male youth on suspicion of dealing drugs outside a secondary school. The suspect has been interviewed and remains on bail whilst further enquiries are made.
As well as some drugs, officers seized an illegal electric motorcycle. These bikes are being used to support criminality and this operation has resulted in one more dangerous vehicle being removed from the streets.
Such operations are made possible by intelligence reports being made by people within the community, and this incident demonstrates that the Neighbourhood Team will take positive action to reduce crime.
From a crime data perspective inn the last 12 months, in North Sector, violence with Injury has decreased by 6.5%, robbery is down by 21.7% and burglary (business and
community) is also down by 43.9%. This is a positive set of trends with respect to significant crimes which can impact on daily lives.
Sadly, over this last 12 months, we have seen an increase in deaths or serious Injury caused by unlawful driving with five significant incidents in the last year in our area.
My team will be looking to engage with residents’ groups to establish and co-ordinate Community Speed Watch activities.
The police teams covering your area regularly hold ‘Coffee with Cops’ events which are a superb opportunity to come and meet with your local policing team and to discuss any concerns that you have which my team can try to assist you with.
The details of these can be found on our website at www.devon-cornwall.police.uk, social media channels and the new Community Messaging site at www.communitymessaging.dc.police.uk
The Police Enquiry Office at Crownhill Police Station in Budshead Way is now open to the public from 8am to 5.30 pm Monday to Saturday. It is closed on Bank Holidays and Sundays. Police station front desks allow members of the public to have access to walk-in services where they can speak to trained staff who can help with crime reporting, crime prevention advice and help with accessing victim services. To make sure there is enough time to deal with an enquiry, members of the public are advised to try to arrive at least an hour before closing. (Please note that the station will be closed on July 28 and 29 between 1pm and 1.45pm. Apologies for any inconvenience caused)
Derriford’s new Urgent Treatment Centre in the Dartmoor Building will open on August 21, it has been confirmed.
The new centre will be open from 8am to 8pm seven days a week and will provide urgent treatment for a range of non-life threatening problems. These include cuts, small burns or scalds, bites and stings, sprains and certain fractures. Other conditions such as minor head wounds and infected wounds can also be treated at the new centre.
The building will also become a new home for the Fracture Clinic, Main Outpatients Department and Pre-Operative Assessments all of which will open later in September.
The Dartmoor Building is just one of several major building projects being undertaken by University Hospitals NHS Trust, some of which are nearing completion and others which are just under way.
The largest project is the new Emergency Care Building, where work is due to start in the near future following the government’s confirmation of funding for the scheme.
The new four storey building will replace Derriford’s current Emergency Department, and virtually double the capacity of the current facility. Floors above will house Same Day Emergency Care, new theatres for emergency and planned surgery, and interventional radiology theatres, which allow diagnosis and treatment to be carried out while guided by modern imaging techniques.
Enabling works for the construction of this building started in September 2024, with the demolition of the old Plym Theatres. The principal construction partner has now moved onto the site, and the building will begin to rise up from the ground shortly. The anticipated completion date is Winter 2028.
The Paediatric (Children’s) Emergency Department has temporarily relocated as part of the construction and will hopefully move into its separate new home upon completion in Summer 2029.
Meanwhile the expansion of the Plymouth Oncology Centre at Derriford is also under way. The extension involves building a new decant bunker to house a £1.9 million replacement linear accelerator (LINAC), and the creation of a dedicated High Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy Facility.
LINAC bunkers, more commonly known as radiotherapy bunkers, contain equipment that is used primarily to treat cancer. The new decant bunker currently under construction will not only house the new LINAC, but it will
Artist’s impression of the new building
also allow for the future replacement of existing ones, without any impact to radiotherapy services.
The new dedicated Brachytherapy Suite will include a treatment room, theatre area, waiting areas and recovery spaces. Being a complete theatre suite, it will also allow other procedures to be carried out in the area. The extension to the Oncology Centre is scheduled to open its doors in January 2026.
Construction also recently began on the new Plymouth Community Diagnostic Centre, located at Colin Campbell Court in the city centre. This three storey building will provide high quality diagnostic tests for patients, including CT, MRI, Ultrasound and X-Ray as well as ECHO, ECG, EEG and more. Being able to offer appointments for these types of tests in a central location, being close to where a lot of people live, will hopefully help to make it easier for them to attend and therefore receive the healthcare they require. The three-storey building is currently set for completion in 2026.
For the latest news on developments and updatesat Derriford Hospital visit www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/building-for-the-future
A new ‘one-stop shop’ for skills and post-16 education services provided by Plymouth City Council is opening in the city centre this summer.
The new space on the first floor of Cobourg House on Mayflower Street will help to deliver integrated, face-to-face education and employment support services for residents.
The four key services coming together under one roof are:
• On Course South West: The Council’s in-house adult education provider, offering a wide range of courses, qualifications, apprenticeships, and supported internships.
• Skills Launchpad Plymouth: Offers skills, education and careers support through the Youth Hub (for ages 16 to 24) and Adult Hub (for ages 25+), as well as sector partnerships including Building Plymouth, Caring Plymouth, and Welcoming Plymouth.
• Careers Plymouth: Leads career transitions work in schools and for young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET).
• Connect to Work: A new government-funded initiative providing intensive support for individuals facing complex barriers to securing sustainable employment.
Each service will be moving to the new location over the coming months.
The move will see On Course South West transition from Hyde Park House in Mutley, with all courses from September 2025 delivered from eight newly equipped classrooms at Cobourg House.
Skills Launchpad Plymouth will also relocate from its current base on the first floor of Barclays in the city centre, a space which has been
Plymouth’s three Members of Parliament are joining forces to argue for a substantial increase in the number of dental students being trained at Plymouth’s Peninsula Dental School (PDSE).
Peninsula currently accepts 58 new dental students each year and the campaign by the MPs, backed by Plymouth City Council’s cross-party Dental Taskforce, is calling for that figure to rise to 72 places – the national average for dental schools.
Construction of the new city centre urgent care dental hub by the dental school is underway at the council’s old One Stop Shop on New George Street. The dental school is now keen to expand further, providing more training places that will treat local people as part of their studies and see more dentists graduate to stay in the south west.
The three MPs have signed a joint letter to Wes Streeting MP, the Health Secretary, calling for the department to allocate additional places for the Peninsula Dental School when the Department for Health and the Office for Students look at student numbers later this year.
Luke Pollard MP, who represents the Dental School’s Devonport base and new city centre hub, said: “Plymouth’s dental school is the best in England. The crisis in dentistry has been decades in the making but there simply isn’t a fix that doesn’t involve training more dentists.
“We are brilliant at this and that’s why I want to see a huge increase in student places at our dental school to train the next generation of south west dentists.”
generously provided in-kind since 2020. Bringing the services together in a central and wellconnected location will make it easier for residents to access the support they need, with the area well served by transport links whether people are travelling by car, bike, bus or train. The expanded space will also allow for more community events, such as careers fairs, and doubles the classroom capacity for On Course South West which is needed to meet the growing
demand for adult learning and skills training for the city.
The Connect to Work scheme is due to launch in autumn 2025 and more detail will be made available in due course.
Find out more about the courses offered by On Course South West at www.oncoursesouthwest. co.uk. For more detail about the services provided by Skills Launchpad Plymouth, visit www.skillslaunchpadplym.co.uk.
Fred Thomas MP, who represents the Dental School’s Derriford base, said: “Peninsula Dental School is an incredible institution which trains the dentists of the future. They are a key part of tackling the crisis in dentistry that we have in the city. But they know they can go furtherand they want to - by training even more dentists every year.”
Rebecca Smith, MP for South West Devon, added: “Every week I speak to people who are in pain, struggling to find an NHS dentist, and feeling like they’ve been left behind.
“The Peninsula Dental School is already changing lives, but they have the potential to do so much more. This is about ensuring that people in Plymouth and the wider region can get the care they deserve, and I’m proud to back this call for investment in our city’s future.”
Professor Ewen McColl, Head of Peninsula Dental School, added: “Our innovative model of primary care based education has seen the Dental School top the Guardian League table for dentistry in 2024 and 2025.
“Increasing dental student places from 58 to 72 will allow school leavers highly sought after places at dental school. This education funding will create a virtuous circle in not only training the future dental workforce, but allowing further access to treatment for patients across the South West.”
“I’ve advertised in the Plymouth Chronicle many times because I know it will reach a wide audience of Plymouth residents. The staff are always friendly and helpful and prices are affordable for a local independent organisation like ours.”
CM
To find out more about advertising in the Plymouth Chronicle and reach over 90,000 homes call our sales team on 01752 225623
“I’d rather regret the things I’ve done than regret the things I haven’t done.” Lucille Ball
Two city schools have been recognised nationally for their efforts to create a culture of welcome and belonging for children from families seeking asylum and refuge in Plymouth.
Mount Street Primary and Millbay Academy are the first schools in the city to gain the national School of Sanctuary accreditation.
In each school pupils, parents, staff and governors have worked together, supported by the Plymouth Ethnic Minority Achievement (EMA) Team at the council to create caring communities in which children learn positive messages about equality and diversity.
Earlier this month at the EMA Team Hub, hosted by Plymouth Teacher and Schools Alliance, Councillor Sally Cresswell, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Apprenticeships, presented certificates to the two successful schools, and other schools keen to gain this award, joined the celebration.
She said: “We are working hard to make Plymouth a welcoming city, and it is great to see how our schools are going even further by achieving this excellent recognition of Schools of Sanctuary.
“We are really keen to encourage more of our schools to get involved. This acknowledgement and presentation will hopefully create even more interest and awareness. We know our schools do so much in this area, and this is the opportunity to celebrate that work. Mount Street Primary and Millbay Academy are true pioneers.
“It is important that schools provide the very best learning opportunities for the children while they settle in – this is why the council are working with the Schools of Sanctuary to guide schools through the whole process towards accreditation.
“I would like to say a huge congratulations to the schools for achieving this award, and for all their hard work.”
Matthew Bisco, senior deputy head at Millbay Academy, said: “Millbay Academy are incredibly proud to be recognised for our continuous work in this area.
“The School of Sanctuary values are those we live and breathe. I hope that this accreditation gives further confidence to our city’s refugee, asylum seeker and migrant families, demonstrating our commitment to them, and recognising the gift of having such a rich and diverse set of lived experiences within our community.
“Congratulations and full gratitude to all the staff, students and parents who are so committed and learn so much from this work together.”
Bridget Shillaber, headteacher at Mount Street Primary added: “We are delighted to be re-accredited as a School of Sanctuary. This recognition reflects the values we live by every day of inclusion, compassion and community. It’s a journey we began years ago and one we are committed to continuing.”
For more information about the School of Sanctuary awards at: www.schools. cityofsanctuary.org/
“It's great exercise, I think of it as I'm getting paid to do my steady state cardio. Good for the waistline and the wallet!”
Love is in the air at Dartmoor Zoo after the arrival of a tiny new resident, a BlackTailed Marmoset, called Edwina.
Travelling from Amazonia in Scotland, Dartmoor Zoo welcomed Edwina in July, where after a few days of through-mesh introductions, she was introduced to fellow resident Ernie, creating one of only two Black-Tailed Marmoset breeding pairs in Europe.
Upon introduction, Ernie and Edwina bonded immediately and have been inseparable ever since, with positive mating interactions already witnessed by the keeper team. They’re joined in their enclosure by Filis and Splodge, a pair of white-Faced Saki Monkeys and Kinder and Munchie, a pair of Agoutis. Originally planned to have their own enclosure, the pair have bonded so well with our other residents that zoo officials have decided they should all stay together permanently.
Dartmoor Zoo’s chief executive David Gibson commented: “We are absolutely delighted to add Edwina the female Black-Tailed Marmoset to our collection here at Dartmoor Zoo.
Adults, young people and active seniors make up our brilliant team of delivery people across Plymouth. Get in touch to be part of the team. Own transport helpful but not essential. Scan to apply.
Despite being one of the smallest members of our collection, her arrival is very significant. There are only 27 of these animals in zoos globally and in Europe there is only one other breeding pair of the species.
“Edwina was brought in with the purposes of pairing with our male Ernie, originally from
Magdeburg Zoo, Germany. The pair have already bonded, and we very much look forward to this small family growing in years to come.”
Zookeeper Jenna Crawford added: “It has been unbelievable to see our gentle, deserving little boy Ernie paired so successfully with the vivacious,
cheeky Edwina! The two of them were a genuinely perfect match from minute one. We are so proud to house this species and are incredibly optimistic for their future.”
To find out more about Dartmoor Zoo visit www.dartmoorzoo.org.uk
Young Devon has announced a partnership of organisations to deliver an ambitious new initiative supporting the mental health and emotional wellbeing of young people across Plymouth, Torbay and Devon.
Backed by funding from NHS Devon, the ambitious new service provides free, early-access support to children and young people each year, giving them the tools to improve their mental health
For over 75 years, Young Devon has supported children and young people to thrive, and for more than 30 years, has delivered dedicated mental health and wellbeing services. Listening to young people and learning from their experiences, Young Devon continues to innovate how support is delivered; offering a flexible menu of options designed to meet young people on their own terms. Whether through advice and guidance, single sessions, group work, or a series of counselling meetings,
The new programme is a collaboration between some of the South West’s most trusted youth organisations: Young Devon, Kooth, Space Youth Services, Encompass South West, and Plymouth City Council Youth Service
The partners help expand the choices for young people further with Kooth, the leading provider of digital mental health support, giving young people online access all the time and other partners providing youth work and activities in community spaces.
said: “This is a huge moment not just for Young Devon, but for the thousands of young people across our region who will have more choice about how to get help with their mental health. Together with our partners, we’re building a service that puts young people first, listens to what matters to them, and delivers the kind of that changes lives.”
The contract marks a landmark moment in Young Deovn’s history. Moving from annual funding to a three-year agreement reflects NHS Devon’s commitment to working with local partners to deliver preventative, community-based, and personalised care for young people across the region.
Andy Moreman Young Devon’s chief executive
The services are designed to increase wellbeing, resilience and recovery among children and young people, providing improved, early access to timely support. We know this helps improve outcomes in education for children and young people whilst reducing demand on acute mental health services, emergency departments and youth justice interventions.
Designed with a particular focus on 11 to 17 year olds but accessible for young people aged from eight to 25, with particular consideration for
children and young people with SEND or who are care experienced up to the age of 25, the service brings together community-based support, faceto-face therapeutic care, and digitally delivered advice, guidance and therapy. Initially, the service will offer:
• Wellbeing conversations, counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – delivered both face-to-face in communities and online, to support emotional recovery and improve day-today resilience.
• 24/7 access to advice, guidance and online counselling through Kooth’s digital platform –empowering young people to seek support in their own time, in their own way.
• Later this year, a new strand of mental health youth work will be introduced, offering more informal, youth-led spaces for young people to explore their mental health and build connections in a relaxed, community setting.
For more information visit www.youngdevon.org
Plymouth Moor View MP Fred Thomas has expressed his anger after an estate management company and housebuilder failed to turn up to discuss complaints from residents at a new estate in Derriford.
The MP called a meeting of residents at Palmerston Heights following a huge number of complaints regarding the estate management company FirstPort and the housebuilder Persimmon Homes, but despite committing to attending a meeting to hear issues directly from residents neither attended.
Mr Thomas first heard of issues with FirstPort managed leasehold properties at Palmerston Heights shortly after being elected last year.
They centred on them charging excessive service charges for residents despite failing to complete critical building maintenance and failing to respond to a number of concerns.
Having tried to resolve some of these issues on behalf of residents and not being able to make much progress, Mr Thomas summoned FirstPort and Persimmon management to meetings to discuss the poor service that residents at Palmerston Heights were receiving.
During those meetings, both companies agreed to attend a residents meeting to address concerns themselves. However, once
Fred Thomas MP... empty chairs instead of Persimmon and FirstPort representatives
the meeting was arranged, they informed Mr Thomas that they would not be attending.
The meeting went ahead, with empty chairs either side of Mr Thomas.
Around 40 residents attended and shared horror stories about the service that they have received – damp and cold homes,
shoddy maintenance work and excessive service charges. Many residents even reported that they were told they would not be charged a service charge until the estate was completed, but that FirstPort reneged on that commitment as soon as they moved in.
Fred Thomas pointed out that this is not just an issue in Plymouth, and earlier this year FirstPort were hauled in front of MPs in Westminster to explain themselves. Following this meeting, FirstPort were suspended by the UK’s property management trade body.
There are other FirstPort managed estates in Plymouth, and Mr Thomas is planning further meetings in the coming weeks.
Speaking after the meeting the MP, said: “I was shocked that both FirstPort and Persimmon Homes failed to attend this residents meeting, having previously told me to my face that they would.
“Myself and residents at Palmerston Heights had serious questions for them, and their refusal to attend just highlights how little they care about their leaseholders and residents.
“I will continue to fight on behalf of my residents who are being so badly let down, and do all I can to hold FirstPort and Persimmon to account.
“This isn’t isolated to Plymouth, and I am working with other MPs in Westminster to sort this. These issues won’t just go away.”
Big-hearted walkers wore sunny smiles and vibrant pink T-shirts as they strode through the city’s streets on Friday July 11 celebrating precious memories of muchmissed family members and friends, while raising funds to support the compassionate care St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth delivers.
The charity’s annual, family-friendly Midnight Walk attracted an incredible 1,125 entrants taking on a choice of four routes –2.5, five, 7.5 and 13.5 miles (the equivalent of a half marathon) – making it accessible for people of all ages and levels of fitness.
As evening fell on a roasting hot day, participants gathered in the Fan Zone at Plymouth Argyle’s Home Park stadium from 7pm, ready for the challenge ahead. On the backs of their official T-shirts they wrote the names of lost loved ones they would be honouring on the walk, many of whom were cared for by St Luke’s nursing teams at the end of their lives.
This year the three longer routes created a colourful parade through Central Park and down to the Hoe, via Western Approach and Millbay, as sunset approached. While the 13.5-milers completed a circuit that took them through the city to Embankment and back to their starting point via Derriford roundabout, the five and 7.5 mile entrants looped back up to Argyle and beyond via Armada Way and North Cross.
Setting out last, the 2.5-mile walkers swung right out of Home Park, marching up Outland Road to Manadon Roundabout before retracing their steps.
Crossing the finish line, each entrant received an official medal, plus hearty thanks from St Luke’s team of organisers and volunteers, acknowledging their contribution to secure the future of the hospice’s vital endof-life services, caring for patients and their
loved ones at home and at their specialist unit at Turnchapel.
For Helen Platten, her sister Nicola Shell, and their young daughters Molly Platten, 10, and Rosie Webb, seven, it was a particularly poignant evening as with each step they remembered taking part in Midnight Walk with their mum, Lynne, two years ago.
That time they were walking the shortest route together to remember husband, dad and granddad Pip Shell, who was cared for by St Luke’s before his death in 2022.
They never dreamt that Lynne would receive the hospice’s compassionate care just a couple of years later, both at home and at the specialist unit.
“Mum was a supporter of St Luke’s even before Dad was ill because they cared for our
Over 1,000 people of all ages took part in this year’s Midnight Walk Photo: Paul Slater
Nan,” said Helen. “She was so happy that she could be with my dad all the time when he was at St Luke’s; she never left his side. It’s really important for us to keep that link, and both Mum and Dad have a leaf on the Memory Tree at St Luke’s at Turnchapel.”
A group of 12 colleagues from Skills Group, an independent training provider in Plymouth, gathered to walk 13.5 miles in honour of their managing director Sharon Chaffe, who died last October at St Luke’s specialist unit. By Friday they had raised nearly £700 in sponsorship for St Luke’s and were fully embracing the sparkly vibes of the evening.
Plymouth RNLI volunteers played a vital role in providing casualty care for a walker who had fallen 60 feet from the coast path in South East Cornwall.
The casualty had spent the night on the shoreline unable to reach safety until a kayaker discovered the injured man the following morning and raised the alarm.
Both Plymouth’s Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Annabel E Jones and Severn Class all-weather lifeboat Sybil Mullen Glover arrived promptly on scene in the Fort Picklecombe area of Cawsand Bay.
After liaising with Coastguard Rescue Teams from Tamar, Looe and Plymouth, along with Devon and Cornwall Police, it was clear that all extraction options would be challenging due to the casualty’s location.
Four casualty-care trained crew members went ashore to assess the casualty’s condition. They administered pain relief and began immobilising the casualty onto a basket stretcher, ready for transfer by sea to the waiting all-weather lifeboat.
Two members of the Coastguard Rescue Team were also picked up from Cawsand Beach by the inshore lifeboat and taken to the isolated location to assist with the extraction.
The casualty was safely transferred to the all-weather lifeboat, where his condition was monitored by the RNLI crew during the short passage back to Millbay Marina, into the care of South Western Ambulance Service for onward medical treatment.
Wesley Foster, helm of the inshore lifeboat, said: “This was a challenging rescue in a tough spot to reach, but thanks to great teamwork from all emergency services, we were able to get the casualty safely aboard and into the care he needed. Huge thanks to the kayaker who spotted him and raised the alarm.
“It really does show how important it is to look out for one another. It’s also a good reminder that when you’re heading out near the coast or on the water, always carry a means of calling for help.”
Plymouth’s ambitions to provide thousands of homes in the city centre have taken a step closer with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Homes England.
Council leader Tudor Evans and Homes England chief executive Eamonn Boylan signed the partnership document which is the next step in strengthening the working relationship between the two organisations.
A new strategic partnership will accelerate the delivery of high-quality homes in Plymouth, supporting a transformational regeneration of the city centre and surrounding areas.
These homes will play a key role in unlocking the economic potential of recent dockyard investments and help create a vibrant city where people can live, work, eat, shop, and socialise.
The initiative aligns with the UK Government’s Strategic Defence Review, which identifies defence as a new engine for national growth.
The Continuous At Sea Deterrent programme represents a generational investment in national security – and Plymouth is set to benefit directly.
“Plymouth is at the forefront of a new era of economic opportunity,” said Tudor Evans. “By investing in affordable, high-quality housing, we’re not only supporting our defence capabilities but also creating a thriving, inclusive city for future generations.”
Plymouth city centre currently has around 800
homes in it. The top 20 English cities have an average of 8,000 homes, and regeneration over the last 20 years in Newcastle, Manchester, Salford, Sheffield and Leeds has shown that more housing in city centres plays a key part in rejuvenating them.
Councillor Evans added: “We have been working with Homes England on our vision for the city centre and this is another important step along the road to making a vision a reality.
“With change of this scale in the pipeline, we need to set out and confirm common goals, get
clarity of what we are working towards and be clear about how we are going to bring others along on the journey,” said Eamonn Boylan, interim chief executive of Homes England.
“Our new Memorandum of Understanding with Plymouth City Council is an important step in strengthening our commitment to the area.
“We’ll work side-by-side with the council to help achieve their vision for the city centre and support them to deliver 10,000 new homes for the people of Plymouth.”
Organisations across the city are teaming up to help spread the word about tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB).
Plymouth City Council, Plymouth Community Homes, Livewest Housing Association, Devon and Cornwall Police, and the Police and Crime Commissioner have joined up to re-sign the ASB Pledge.
The pledge is a commitment to support victims of anti-social behaviour, using antisocial behaviour case reviews.
Victims of persistent antisocial behaviour have the right to request a case review where a local threshold is met. It is an opportunity for an independent review to see what, if anything else, can be done to resolve the anti-social behaviour.
The pledge was set up by ASB Help, a registered charity which provides advice and support to victims.
The criteria to have the pledge status has changed since the council last signed it in 2022, and to retain the status, we need to renew our commitment.
There have been nine requests so far this year for case reviews, compared to 18 last year in total.
One of the most recent case reviews involved a long-term drug user who supplied drugs to others visiting their flat.
They would leave used needles in the nearby bin shed. The neighbours reported their concerns and unfortunately the issues continued, and the council worked with
Photo: Pixabay/rebcenter-moscow
partners to address it, leading to the police carrying out a drug warrant.
The occupier was issued a Community
Protection Notice Warning to stop visitors at their address.
The council and the police were able to identify one persistent visitor causing antisocial behaviour and were able to obtain a civil injunction which banned them from the area for two years.
Unfortunately, this warning was ignored so the council and the police applied for a closure order against the property and the housing association subsequently regained possession of the property.
The council’s street services cleaned the area of discarded drugs paraphernalia, and the residents returned to a peaceful life.
The case review involves an independent chair who can give an issue a fresh perspective. The review brings together all agencies involved, and a new action plan drawn up.
Councillor Sally Haydon, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “Antisocial behaviour can have an overwhelming impact on its victims and, in some cases, on the wider community.
“It is key that we as partners come together to show our commitment to tackling antisocial behaviour.
“By signing up to our ASB Help Pledge, we will work with partners to ensure that they demonstrate their commitment to supporting victims of ASB and will endeavour to implement and follow best practice with the ASB Case Review.”
Babcock has announced plans to locate more than 2,000 employees from Devonport Dockyard to a new site in the city centre.
The plan is at the heart of the company’s support for regional regeneration in Plymouth and other sites in the UK.
A statement from Babock revealed that the new Capability Centre will involve workers from a range of the Devonport support functions.
The company revealed its plans in a comprehensive Defence Dividend report which outlines its increasing influence across society, highlighting its impact on the economy and jobs across the UK.
Babock currrently contributes £1.3 billion to the South West economy each year, sustaining a total of nearly 21,500 jobs.
The announcement is a major boost for Plymouth city centre and will mean more people living locally, supporting the hospitality, retail and cultural sectors.
In addition, Babcock’s blueprint includes the creation of a dedicated Centre for Engineering and Nuclear Skills. This new facility will significantly boost the city’s STEM capacity, helping to meet growing demand for skilled engineers and technicians in both the defence and civil nuclear sectors.
Babcock is also a key player in the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport snf plans to establish an Integrated Logistics Hub and an Advanced Manufacturing Facility within the Freeport site. These developments will create new, high-skilled jobs, maximise the benefits of Freeport status for the local economy and free up critical space at Devonport Dockyard for operational excellence.
Plymouth MP Luke Pollard welcomed the announcement. He said: “This is good news for the city centre and Devonport. Plymouth City Council and I have been working with Babcock for many months on their plan to create more jobs and invest in skills in our city.
Rebecca Smith, MP for South West Devon said: “I have been calling for defence in Plymouth and the surrounding area to not be worked in a silo – it must be backed by
investment in skills, housing and transport to fulfil our city’s proud history as a defence industrial powerhouse.
“I welcome Babcock’s plan to deliver on the ‘defence dividend’ by forging stronger partnerships with our city. If the Government’s investment can match our city’s ambition, this partnership with industry will regenerate Plymouth city centre, create new pathways back into employment and bolster SMEs.
“This is a really significant moment for Plymouth and I’m absolutely thrilled. This fits perfectly with our ambitions to transform Plymouth’s city centre into a thriving economic and cultural hub”
TUDOR EVANS, LEADER OF PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL
“Crucially, this will lead to a Plymouth city centre we all want to use and have a positive knock-on effect for South West Devon where many of Babcock’s employees live and raise families.”
“The plans announced today are an important first step towards the multimillion pound investment in the city centre. Thousands of new homes, an updated public realm like Armada Way and hundreds of new
jobs created - this is how we’ll make our city centre vibrant again.”
Plymouth City Council leader Tudor Evans said: “This is a really significant moment for Plymouth and I’m absolutely thrilled. This fits perfectly with our ambitions to transform Plymouth’s city centre into a thriving economic and cultural hub.
“We’re not just talking about retail anymore – we’re creating a modern, mixed-use city centre where people can live, work, learn and enjoy. Babcock’s investment will be a powerful driver of that transformation.”
The announcement comes hot on the heels of an independent economic report, which revealed that Babcock made a total contribution of £4.3 billion to UK GDP in 2024, supporting one in every 550 jobs in the UK.
David Lockwood, chief executive of Babcock said: “The Defence Dividend is far reaching, strengthening the UK’s defence industrial base and fostering prosperity, collaboration and innovation in the communities we work in. Our ambitious blueprint for Plymouth is a model for regional regeneration and one we are committed to delivering.
“As a strategic partner to Government, for every pound spent on defence, our community of passionate people are delivering back, and we value the things that matter to our customers, colleagues and communities.”
Community groups across Plymouth are being invited to bring their ideas to life with the launch of the Blue Sparks Community Grants Programme, helping people connect with, enjoy and protect Plymouth Sound.
The new scheme, launched by Plymouth Sound National Marine Park and supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, will run over the next three years, supporting grassroots organisations to develop and deliver their ideas through grants of up to £2,500, and in special cases up to £5,000. These grants are designed to help people access, explore, and better understand the marine park and its blue spaces.
Whether it’s creating art to showcase Plymouth’s heritage assets or improving local blue spaces, the grants will fund grassroots projects that support Plymouth Sound National Marine Park’s ambition to make Britain’s Ocean City more accessible and enjoyable for all.
Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “Plymouth is Britain’s Ocean City, and our relationship with the sea shapes who we are. The Blue Sparks grants are a fantastic way for local groups to get involved with Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, bringing community-led projects to life that help people enjoy, learn about and protect the waters on our doorstep.
“Whether it’s getting young people involved in ocean activities or celebrating our maritime heritage, this programme will help more people connect with the Sound in new ways.”
Stuart McLeod, director England –London & South at the National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “Investing in heritage means investing in the people and communities it belongs to. That’s why we’re proud to support the Blue Sparks Community Grants Programme as part of our continued partnership with Plymouth Sount National Marine Park.
“Thanks to National Lottery players, this initiative will empower local people to celebrate, protect, and connect with the incredible marine and natural heritage on their doorstep. We’re excited to see the creative and meaningful ways Plymothians will bring Britain’s Ocean City to life.”
The launch of Blue Sparks is part of the wider five-year Heritage Horizon Award project, supporting the development of the UK’s first National Marine Park with funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
As part of this, Plymouth Sound National Marine Park received £11.6 million to help revolutionise the way Plymouth connects with its marine heritage.
The Blue Sparks programme is now open for applications. For more information on how to apply, visit: plymouthsoundnationalmarinepark.com/ blue-sparks-programme
A police officer from Plymouth has completed her ‘bucket list’ swim of the English Channel to raise money for charity.
Sergeant Lindsey Walke, who is 49, took on the huge challenge to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society. Her reasons for supporting the charity come from a place close to her heart, in memory of her beloved late nan, Margaret Perriment.
Margaret was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and sadly passed away in 2017. During the Forget Me Not Appeal in June, Lindsey wants to honour nan by raising money and awareness for the charity that supported her family throughout Margaret’s diagnosis.
The Tavistock-based police officer is an experienced open water swimmer. She has been training hard over the past few years to work her way up to the 21-mile endurance challenge.
Speaking about her efforts, Lindsey said: “I felt inspired to raise awareness for people affected by dementia after seeing what it’s like to live with the condition. In the years following my nan’s diagnosis, it was a challenging time.
“My nan was such a special woman - she was like a second mum to me. When it got to the stage in her condition where she didn’t recognise who I was anymore, I found that really hard.
“The swim has always been a dream of mine, and I knew if I did it I wanted to do it for a good cause. I want to raise money to help support people affected by dementia and support those living with the condition in future.”
Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer. One in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime. So far, Lindsey has raised over £3,000 for Alzheimer’s Society.
Alzheimer’s Society regional fundraiser Claire Frost said: “Lindsey is a wonderful advocate for Alzheimer’s Society and her attitude to raising awareness of dementia is amazing. By taking on this mammoth challenge and through all of her fundraising, she’s helping to make a life-changing difference to people living with dementia.
“Alzheimer’s Society provides vital support to people living with dementia, funds groundbreaking research and campaigns to make dementia the priority it should be.
There are over 101,500 people living with dementia in the South West of England, but we simply can’t reach everyone without the continued support of our incredible fundraisers like Lindsey. The support she gives us in memory of her nan is inspiring.”
For more information visit alzheimers.org.uk
Plymouth Community Homes will be delivering 125 much-needed affordable homes for social rent and shared ownership purchase in Southway following planning permission being granted by Plymouth City Council.
Plans were submitted in 2024 to create a new community on land in Southway located between Clittaford Road and Southway Drive and work on site is due to start this autumn, with the first homes anticipated for completion in late summer 2026.
The land, which had previously housed a paper factory was purchased in June 2023 by PCH from Vistry Group, the UK’s leading provider of mixedtenure homes, and the site forms part of a wider area that received planning permission in March 2007 for 490 dwellings.
PCH is a leading social housing provider managing more than 16,000 homes in Plymouth and the surrounding areas into Devon and Cornwall. PCH offers homes for both affordable and social rent, as well as developing homes for shared ownership sale, a scheme funded by Homes England, making it easier for eligible buyers to get onto the property ladder.
The plans to deliver 125 new, energy efficient affordable homes in partnership with the council were shaped and informed by a community consultation held in 2023, gathering vital feedback from local people.
The affordable homes will be built by Vistry, where 81 properties will be made available for social rent for local people in housing need, and 44 homes will be offered for shared ownership purchase through SO Living.
The development will include a mixture of detached and semi-detached properties, including 41 two bedroom, 38 three bedroom and 10 fourbedroom homes, as well 21 one-bedroom and 15 two-bedroom apartments consisting of four three storey apartment buildings.
All homes will have access to an outside or garden space, and the apartments will have
access to green communal spaces, with a blend of traditional and modern architectural elements used throughout the development.
Parking provision will be available, with 221 spaces through a mix of parking courts, parking bays and on-plot parking, including 97 electric vehicle charging points, along with secure and covered cycle parking.
Approved plans mean 34 street trees, 2,751 hedgerow species, and 2,918 shrubs will be planted, and the energy performance of the development will aim to achieve a carbon emissions reduction of 15.84% beyond Building Regulation (2021) levels.
Nick Jackson, executive director of Business Services and Development at Plymouth Community Homes, said: “We are delighted that our plans have now been approved, and work is set to start on site in the coming months to deliver 125 affordable homes in Southway, a really popular area for families with excellent links to the rest of the city.
“Developing homes with a variety of tenures, including a total of 48 three-bedroom and fourbedroom homes, will help to provide long-term security for local people and families in housing need across the city.
“We are looking forward to working with Vistry on this development, which is being made possible thanks to grant funding from Homes England, in partnership with Plymouth City Council.”
Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Housing, Communities and Cooperative Development at Plymouth City Council, said:
“We are in the midst of a housing crisis and so I welcome any and all new homes in our city.
“This new development, in the heart of a thriving and proud community, will provide a new lease of life for so many families in need of affordable housing.
“I look forward to visiting site once work is underway and then of course seeing the houses become homes as people begin to move in.”
A popular charity golf day returns in September and will raise funds for a major building project at the Heart’s Together hospital hotel in Derriford.
The golf event for the Clem Spencer Trophy is celebrating its 31st year and will take place at the Elfordleigh Golf Club on September 20.
The event is organised entirely by a dedicated team of volunteers, led by former Hearts Together trustee Rob Harder, and regularly attracts over 80 players. It promises a full day of friendly competition, fundraising and community spirit in support of Hearts Together’s Big Build project – the most ambitious development in the charity’s history.
All are welcome to take part with the event open to members of the public, guests, club members and teams invited to tee off and compete for the famous red jacket and cash prizes for the first three places.
All funds raised from this year’s event will support Hearts Together’s Big Build project – a transformational plan to expand and improve the hospital hotel’s facilities. Each year, thousands of people travel to Plymouth for medical care or to support loved ones undergoing treatment at nearby Derriford Hospital.
Many are left facing the stress and expense of finding somewhere to stay during what is often a worrying time. Hearts Together’s Hospital Hotel provides safe, welcoming and affordable accommodation just minutes from the hospital. But demand for services has grown significantly and the current building can no longer meet the needs of everyone who needs them.
In 2023 alone, the charity was unable to accommodate over 4,000 nights of guest stays due to a lack of capacity. The Big Build will deliver increased bedroom capacity to reduce waiting lists plus many features designed to create the best possible spaces for guests and including improved accessibility for people with complex needs or mobility challenges and more communal
spaces for families to connect, rest and support one another.
The Big Build project involves expanding the hotel from 26 bedrooms to 73 over two build phases, with £6 milllion needed to complete the first phase. More than half of this is expected to be received through donations and fund raising, with the remainder from grants and borrowing.
Michelle Clark, interim chief executiveat Hearts Together said, “In it’s 31 year history, this annual event has raised over £50,000 for Hearts Together, and we are so grateful to everyone who continues to make it such a success.
“A very special thank you to Rob for continuing the success of this muchloved event, which was originally started by former chairman Clem Spencer. Clem was a deeply respected and much-loved part of the charity, and this special day continues in his memory, it perfectly reflects his generous spirit and unwavering commitment to helping others.”
For details visit www.heartstogether.org.uk
Artist’s impression of the Hearts Together hospital hotel building when project is completed
Fourteen people from Plymouth supported by Seetec’s Community Interest Company, Pluss, embarked on the adventure of a lifetime with a week-long trip to Stockholm in Sweden. It was the first time abroad for many of the group.
Made possible by On Course South West and funded through the UK Government’s Turing Scheme, the opportunity enabled participants to immerse themselves in Swedish culture, history, and cuisine, while gaining valuable life and social skills along the way.
The journey began with a simple question in 2024: would Pluss be interested in supporting a group of customers on an international educational trip? The answer was an enthusiastic ‘yes.’
In preparation, all 14 participants completed a 10-week Entry Level Award in Personal and Social Development, a programme designed to build confidence, communication, and life skills. For many, this meant applying for a passport for the first time, organising travel insurance, and preparing for their first-ever flight. These were significant milestones in themselves, and a testament to the personal growth everyone achieved before even leaving the country.
While the itinerary was packed with iconic landmarks, including The Royal Palace, The Viking Museum, Paradox Museum, a scenic boat tour, and the world-famous ABBA Museum – the experience meant much more than sightseeing.
“This trip wasn’t just about visiting another country,” said a spokesperson for Pluss. “It was about building independence, self-belief, and offering real-world experiences that many of our customers have never had access to before.”
The international experience showcased the impact of specialist support provided by Pluss, opening doors, breaking down barriers, and helping individuals develop the confidence to pursue their goals.
“This is what we do at Pluss,” added the spokesperson.
“We believe in creating meaningful opportunities for the people we support, opportunities that help them realise their potential and imagine new possibilities.”
For more information visit www.pluss.org.uk
Plymouth City Council is celebrating the outstanding achievements of schools across the city in creating inclusive, supportive, and highachieving environments for all pupils, including for those with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND).
Ofsted reports from this academic year have praised many of the city’s schools for their commitment to inclusion, high expectations, and tailored support that enables every child to thrive.
Across Plymouth, schools are demonstrating a deep understanding of pupils’ individual needs. From early identification and bespoke interventions to inclusive classroom practices and strong pastoral care, the city’s education community is working hard to ensure that every child feels valued and supported. Ofsted reports describe schools where ‘pupils with SEND receive high-quality provision,’ ‘learn with equal success,’ and ‘are fully included in the life of the school.’
Inspectors highlighted the ‘exceptional support’ provided to pupils with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), noting that ‘staff skilfully reduce barriers so that pupils with SEND learn successfully” and that “pupils blossom academically, socially and emotionally.’
Inspectors also noted the positive culture within schools, where ‘pupils are polite, inclusive and kind,’ and where ‘staff form positive relationships with pupils and their families.’ This inclusive approach is helping to build communities where children feel they belong and are empowered to succeed.
Councillor Sally Cresswell, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Apprenticeships, said: “We are incredibly proud of the achievements of our schools this year.
“These Ofsted comments reflect the dedication of our teachers, support staff and leaders who go above and beyond every day to ensure that all children, whatever their needs, are given the opportunity to achieve and thrive.
“We are working collectively with our schools and health, social care and education partners to make Plymouth a city where every child has a bright future and we can see that real improvements are being made.
“As we come to end of this school year, I’d like to say thank you to all of our school staff for their commitment and a big well done to all our children and young people for their hard work and brilliant achievements over the past year.”
Another standout theme in Ofsted reports this year is the culture of high expectations in schools across the city. In many cases, inspectors noted
that staff are ‘aspirational and have high expectations for pupils, including those with SEND,’ and that ‘exceptional aspiration for each pupil is at the heart of the curriculum.’ This culture empowers pupils to engage fully in their learning, with schools praised for enabling children to ‘achieve socially, emotionally and academically.’
In addition to the many positive Ofsted reports, a number of schools have also been recently recognised in the Pearson National Teaching Awards.
Staff at three schools, Devonport High School for Boys, Ernesettle Community School and Tor Bridge Primary School, won prestigious Silver Awards and are now in with the chance of winning a Gold Award later this year.
Plymouth City Council’s own adult education provider, On Course South West, also won a Silver Award for the Your Future programme which supports young people with SEND into further education or employment opportunities.
Two schools, Millbay Academy and Mount Street Primary, also became the first in the city to gain national ‘School of Sanctuary’ accreditation, which recognises their efforts to create a welcoming and inclusive culture for children from families seeking asylum and refuge in Plymouth.
Plymouth residents may be able to apply for free energy installations that will make their homes cosier without costing a penny or the earth.
People on a low income, those on certain benefits or live in a certain postcode could be eligible for the grant under the Warm Homes Local Grant.
The grant is designed to give more people who rent or own homes the chance to have more energy efficient measures installed. This could include wall, loft and underfloor insulation; air source heat pumps; smart controls and solar panels.
Plymouth City Council has been allocated £2.5 million and is working with Plymouth Energy Community (PEC) to deliver the improvements. Since starting in 2013, PEC has helped over 37,000 households with energy advice or energy efficiency measures.
A decision has been signed to allocate £2.5m from the Warm Homes Local Grant into the capital programme. This enables the council to fully fund retrofit measures for eligible residents. This funding is expected to pay for over 200 homes to have new measures installed.
Justin Bear, Retrofit Lead at Plymouth Energy Community, added: “Helping people improve the comfort and energy efficiency of their homes is core to what PEC do so we’re delighted to partner with the council on this scheme. “Retrofitting our homes improves people’s health, and also ensures people are more secure in being able to pay their winter bills.”Residents can visit www.gov.uk/applywarm-homes-local-grant to see if they are eligible. Their home will be surveyed to assess
offer comfort, security, friendship and companionship.
• Single rooms with en-suite facilities
• Respite short term care available - including trial stays and carer relief
• A choice of varied nutritious home-prepared meals
• 24-Hour personalised care and support from our experienced staff team run by a dedicated care home manager
• A calendar of varied social activities
• informal visits welcome anytime
A board game which brings disability culture and history to life in a significant and accessible way has won a major prize at the 2025 Games for Change Awards in New York.
Legless in London, which earned the Best Board or Tabletop Game for Impact award, allows players to experience the challenges and opportunities that Victorian London presented to lower-limb amputees.
The game is based on research by Dr Ryan Sweet, a lecturer in English and Creative Writing at Plymouth University, and an expert in disability history.
It stems from his 2022 book Prosthetic Body Parts in Nineteenth-Century Literature and Culture, and many of the game’s characters, locations, and scenarios are inspired by research he conducted for the book.
Through the game, all players assume the role of an amputee and attempt to achieve life goals such as buying property, finding love or fulfilling personal ambitions.
They are challenged to navigate the Victorian streets, the prosthetic limb market, the sickroom, and various locations that provide them with opportunities to achieve their aims.
Dr Sweet completed a significant amount of his research on 19th century literature while working at the University of Plymouth between 2017 and 2020, and continued pursuing it after moving to Swansea University.
It was there that the idea for Legless in London came into being, and the game – which launched in February 2025 – has been designed and produced by Focus Games in conjunction with Dr Sweet and Swansea University.
Speaking about its success at the Games for Change Awards, Dr Sweet, who returned to Plymouth earlier this year, said: “It’s safe to say that receiving this award has blown my mind. As a little boy, I used to make board games for my family as a bit of fun and I thought it would be an interesting way to engage people with my research.
“ I never imagined Legless in London would get this kind of recognition, but it is amazing for everyone involved and I hope it makes more people aware of the experiences of disabled people.”
For details visit www.leglessinlondon.com
Work on the first phase of the Woolwell to The George transport improvement scheme is progressing well and the new left turn from Tavistock Road (inbound) into Woolwell Crescent opened earlier this month, ahead of programme.
The traffic management changed on July 20 to allow all southbound traffic – including traffic using the Belliver Roundabout diversion – to access Woolwell without having to go down to Woolwell Roundabout.
The junction from Eco Way onto Woolwell Crescent has also reopened, with a left turn only, while work on the new traffic light junction for traffic exiting Woolwell Crescent onto Tavistock Road continues.
This is expected to finish at the end of September and will allow vehicles to turn right and travel north (for the first time) or turn left towards the city centre (as they did before).
Work on Tavistock Road, between the Belliver and Woolwell roundabouts has now moved to the central reservation. Southbound traffic will continue to be reduced to one lane and northbound traffic will be reduced to one lane, as it was until recently.
Work on Woolwell Road is substantially complete, with a new toucan crossing and street lighting, along with improved cycle and pedestrian paths.
Preparations for phase two of the scheme, which involves widening Tavistock Road between Woolwell Roundabout and the George Park and Ride, as well as replacing Woolwell Roundabout with a new signalised junction, are ongoing, with work planned to start in the autumn.
The Woolwell to The George scheme has been in the pipeline for many years. It will tackle one of Plymouth’s worst traffic bottlenecks and is a vital part of the city council’s programme to provide better links to and from the north of Plymouth as it grows.
More information can be found at www. plymouth.gov.uk/woolwell-george
Police are appealing for witnesses and information following reports of an assault which took place near Bodmin Road, Whitleigh.
It was reported that at around 6pm on Wednesday July 2, on Taunton Avenue, a man was walking his dog when a vehicle stopped and the male occupant got out, shouted at the dog walker and tried to punch him.
The dog walker ran from the scene along Bodmin Road, and down to Whitleigh Bridge where he reported being assaulted by three males, who had possibly been travelling in either a white Seat or a purple/blue car.
The victim sustained arm and head injuries which required hospital treatment.
A 26-year-old man from Plymouth has been arrested on suspicion of Section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent, threatening behaviour and harassment. He has been released on bail pending further enquiries.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or have any information or dashcam/CCTV footage that could help with enquiries, should make contact via www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/contact or by calling 101 quoting reference number 50250169281. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling freephone 0800 555111.
Plymouth’s junctions and verges have been awash in vibrant colours in recent weeks - thanks to an initiative by Plymouth City Council.
Cllr Tom Briars-Delve, cabinet member for Environment and Climate Change explained: “Last year we as a council organised the Summer of Nature, a series of public events where we listened to hundreds of local people on how to make our green and blue spaces even better. Your responses sparked ideas that Plymouth City Council has been working on ever since.
“I asked one of my teams to develop a project enhancing our city’s major roundabouts with bright, pollinator-friendly flowers. Not only did they
Alma Road
manage to cover the cost with an external grant, a local garden designer was commissioned to curate the species mix.”
The designer was Hayley Herridge, who is known as the Pollinator Gardener, and was awarded a gold medal at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival.
Cllr Briars-Delve added: “She was a perfect fit: passionate about connecting people with the environment by using plants that are great for nature but which also provide beautiful places.”
Cllr Briars-Delve and his team had the tricky challenge of selecting the initial ten sites as there were so many they wanted to cover. In the end they chose a range of locations in different communities as well as busy junctions - from the St Budeaux Interchange in the north of the city all the way down to Derry’s Cross in the city centre.
The first wave of wildflower seeds was sown earlier this year. They’re now in full bloom and are - quite literally - buzzing with wildlife. Cllr
Briars-Delve added: “Living in Stoke, it’s been such a joy watching the new meadows grow on Milehouse junction and Pennycomequick Roundabout whenever I cycle past.”
He said that the initiative was just the start of a multi-year programme.
“We’ve got much more lined up,
Milehouse Junction
including hardy perennials and blossom trees. I also recently set the team a challenge of getting over 10,000 bulbs in the ground for an earlier burst of colour next Spring. Fingers crossed that they will keep attracting lots of bees and lots of smiles for years to come!”
A number of long-awaited road junction improvements in Plymouth have been given the green light by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander.
It means that work will now take place at the A38 Manadon Interchange, Marsh Mills Roundabout, St Budeaux Bypass and Camel’s Head as well as flood prevention works at Embankment Road. Upgraded walking and cycling facilities are also part of the scheme. In a letter sent to Plymouth City Council the
government confirmed the projects will be funded as part of its programme for more than 50 transport upgrades across the country.
“These vital projects have been with the Department of Transport for a number of years, so it’s great to see at last we now have a government that is listening and responding to our priorities,” said Cllr Tudor Evans, leader of Plymouth City Council.
“This announcement really is brilliant news. It will help to ease congestion in areas which have suffered from it for a very long time. This
confirmation following the spending review is a welcome demonstration of the strength and quality of the Plymouth schemes.”
Luke Pollard MP said the bids had been left ‘unresolved by the previous Government for far too long.’
“I’ve consistently pushed for Plymouth to receive its fair share of investment, and I’m pleased that the new Labour government has now reviewed and approved our proposals,” he said. “This funding will help deliver long-overdue improvements to our roads and infrastructure.”
Throughout the last year we’ve been running a Lifelines article every other month in the Plymouth Chronicle.
These articles are written accounts about a local person, their life and more specifically their faith.
I have the privilege of interviewing these people on the radio for Cross Rhythms Plymouth on 96.3FM locally and on DAB and we post the videos of those interviews to our YouTube channel.
Every person’s story is different. They’ve had different upbringings, different life experiences and a range of highs and lows throughout their lives.
You can find all the ones featured so far and more at www.youtube.com/@ CRPlymouth/playlists and click on the Lifelines playlist, or scan the QR code at the end of this article on a smartphone or tablet.
There is however one common thread through them all. They’ve all found faith in Jesus and all share how much of a significant positive difference this has made to their lives.
Whenever we find something transformational in our lives we want to share this thing with others. It might be you’ve discovered wild swimming and the associated health benefits or perhaps you’ve
By Dave Simpson, Station Manager of Cross Rhythms Plymouth
taken up golf and can’t help but share on social media or down the pub how much you enjoy it.
On a more serious note perhaps you’ve given up drinking or smoking and want to share how much better you feel to encourage those nearest and dearest who you think
might benefit from doing the same.
If you feel your entire life, your hope for the future and purpose has been transformed and you knew that was accessible to anyone you knew, it would be odd to keep such a thing to yourself.
That’s precisely what motivates our Lifelines contributors to share their stories. They’ve come to know by experience the love of God that is described in the Bible and has been the experience of millions of people across the globe for many generations.
The diversity of their stories shows that this message really is for anyone.
So what about you? What’s your story? I’m not asking you to share it with others on the radio or the local paper but you have a life story that is unique and a belief and worldview which you base your life on.
All I ask for you to consider is whether that belief and worldview is working for you?
If you’re really honest with yourself do you have peace in your life and a hope for the future or has life become fairly meaningless and flat?
I share in the same faith as those Lifelines contributors and the very real daily hope they’ve found in their faith. That doesn’t spare me or any of them from the same struggles and challenges in life that anyone
A married couple from Plymouth have opened the city’s first Electro Muscle Stimulation (EMS) studio –inspired by a life-changing experience within their own family.
Matt and Ola Sadowski, who run BodyFix EMS in the north of Plymouth, discovered the potential of EMS when a close family member in Poland began using the technology during a period of severe muscle loss and joint pain. Unable to engage in traditional forms of exercise, their relative saw a remarkable improvement in strength, mobility and energy in just a matter of weeks.
“That experience stayed with us,” said Matt. “We saw how just 20 minutes of whole-body, low-impact
stimulation each week could restore independence and confidence – and we couldn’t stop thinking about how many others could benefit from it.”
Electro Muscle Stimulation, widely used across Europe and the United States, works by sending low-frequency impulses to muscle groups during guided movement. These impulses mimic the body’s natural signals activating the muscle fibres. EMS workouts require no weights and are based on simple and joint friendly exercises.
Despite its international popularity, EMS remains relatively unknown in the UK – and there were no local options available in Plymouth.
With the nearest studio located over two hours away, Matt and Ola decided to bring the method home and open a space of their own.
Matt, a former professional ballroom dancer with over 15 years of experience in body movement and control, said their aim was never to open a typical gym. “We wanted to create something inclusive, calm, and supportive – especially for people who feel traditional fitness environments just don’t work for them,” he added.
The couple say the benefits of EMSare wide-ranging. Clients come to improve posture, build strength, support hormonal balance and pelvic floor function, rebuild after pregnancy, tone their bodies, lose weight, or simply feel more energised and in control.
“People often tell us they’re beginning to reconnect with their bodies again,” said Matt. “They’re moving without pain, standing taller, and feeling stronger.”
They’ve had some positive feedback so far. One client, who had suffered from chronic lower back pain, told Matt after her first session that it was the first 20 minutes in four years she hadn’t thought about the pain. After just four sessions, she reported that it had completely disappeared.
“We’re not here to push anyone,” said Matt. “We just want people to know that this technology exists and that it’s already helping people right here in Plymouth.” For more information visit www.BodyFixEMS.co.uk
goes through. It does however mean I know God is with me in all those challenges and I have known on many occasions a peace in the middle of crisis which I can only put down to that reality.
We share these Lifelines stories to encourage anyone who reads them that God loves them too and is waiting with open arms for them to draw near to Him if they want to. Perhaps that’s what you feel you need to do too.
Click on the QR Code here for a link to the Lifelines interviews on Cross Rhythms Plymouth
Listen to Cross Rhythms Plymouth on 96.3FM or online at the new Cross Rhythms Plymouth website at www. crossrhythms.co.uk/plymouth
A matron from Derriford Hospital has met Prime Minister Keir Starmer at a reception at 10 Downing Street to celebrate those working in the public sector.
Vicky Carter, who is the matron at Derriford’s Emergency Department, has been instrumental in driving the recent improvements that have been seen in her department.
Earlier this month it was announced that significant improvements in waiting times at Derriford Hospital’s emergency department had resulted in a £4 million grant being awarded by the government.
University Hospitals Plymouth was the most-improved trust in the country in 2024/25 for patients being seen and either admitted, transferred or discharged within four hours.
Plymouth Moor View MP Fred Thomas had the opportunity to invite a health care professional to attend the reception, and Derriford Hospital leadership suggested Vicky due to the critical role she has played in the recent turnaround in fortunes at the hospital.
Fred Thomas MP said: “We have so many incredible nurses in Plymouth, but I was so glad to be able to accompany Vicky to 10 Downing Street.
“The work that has been undertaken to turn things around at Derriford has been astonishing, and she has played such an important role in that work. The reception was an opportunity for the Prime Minister to meet with public sector workers and thank them for the incredible work they do. Vicky was more than worthy of receiving that thanks – she is the best of our city.”
Alterations Planning & Building regulation applications Personal & efficient service 01752 936125 07745 392764 jjmmdesign@yahoo.co.uk
07765 033470
Residents at Glenholt Park and similar park homes in the city will in future receive water deliveries in the event of an outage following a U-turn by South West Water.
Previously it was reported that South West Water would not deliver to disabled and vulnerable residents if they were not the billpayer.
The issue was first brought to the attention of the Plymouth Moor View MP Fred Thomas during April’s mass water outage in the north of the city.
This problem was particularly acute for those living in Glenholt Park, a park home site where residents pay the site operator who then pays SWW.
In the week after the outage, Mr Thomas met with the Glenholt Park Residents Association to better understand what had gone wrong.
Since then he has raised the issue with South West Water on several occasions, being pushed back and being told their system didn’t allow park home residents to receive water in the event of an outage.
But following his persistent lobbying the MP finally received an email from South West
Water confirming that, in the future, Glenholt Park residents and park home residents across the region would now receive water in the event of an outage in the future.
It is the latest in a series of wins that Mr Thomas has helped secure for Plymouth residents since the outage in April, having already won £250 compensation for residents and forcing the MoD to change their policies to ensure military families received the same compensation as their non-military neighbours.
Fred Thomas MP said: “I am delighted to finally get a resolution to this from South West Water, after months of ‘computer says no’ style answers.
‘It was plainly absurd that these residents were not delivered water, just because of how they pay their bills, and I’m glad that common sense has finally prevailed.
“People in Plymouth were let down by South West Water in so many ways during this saga, and I have been working hard ever since to try and put some of these issues right.
“Thank you to the people who raised this problem with me, and to the Glenholt Park Residents Association for meeting with me.”
A number of long-awaited road junction improvements in Plymouth have been given the green light by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander. It means that work will now take place at the A38 Manadon Interchange, Marsh Mills Roundabout, St Budeaux Bypass and Camel’s Head as well as flood prevention works at Embankment Road. Upgraded walking and cycling facilities are also part of the scheme.
In a letter sent to Plymouth City Council the government confirmed the projects will be funded as part of its programme for more than 50 transport upgrades across the country.
“These vital projects have been with the Department of Transport for a number of years, so it’s great to see at last we now have a government that is listening and responding to
our priorities,” said Cllr Tudor Evans, leader of Plymouth City Council.
“This announcement really is brilliant news. It will help to ease congestion in areas which have suffered from it for a very long time. This confirmation following the spending review is a welcome demonstration of the strength and quality of the Plymouth schemes.”
Luke Pollard MP said the bids had been left ‘unresolved by the previous Government for far too long.’
“I’ve consistently pushed for Plymouth to receive its fair share of investment, and I’m pleased that the new Labour government has now reviewed and approved our proposals,” he said. “This funding will help deliver longoverdue improvements to our roads and infrastructure.”
A.S.
Registered Household Rubbish Removal • Power Washing 16 Lympne Ave, Ernesettle, Plymouth Tel 01752 771457 Mob 07966 639129
Email: a.sdecorating@hotmail.co.uk
ERB PAINTING & DECORATING
Decorating internal & external • Plastering
Renovations • Flooring • General maintenance Garden decking & fencing • Friendly & reliable Tel: 01752 559753 Mob: 07796 961036 email: ellis-ball@hotmail.co.uk
Plastering
Plastering & Decorating Specialist
Painting - Plastering - Wallpaper - Interior & Exterior Work - Over 30 years experienceC.S.C.S Registered - Friendly & Reliable 07859 804389 stevefull@live.co.uk
Qualified PLUMBER
Building Plymouth has officially relaunched its flagship Adopt a School programme which connects local construction businesses with schools across the city. The programme aims to inspire young people to explore careers in construction and the built environment, while strengthening the pipeline of future talent for the industry. The relaunch was celebrated at the recent Building Plymouth members meeting, hosted by Foot Anstey.
Councillor Sally Cresswell, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Apprenticeships at Plymouth City Council said: “Given the growth and investment in Plymouth, it is absolutely crucial that our children and young people are fully aware of the fantastic career pathways available in construction.
“I’d like to thank local construction companies for ‘adopting’ our schools and creating these new strategic relationships to improve awareness and engagement.”
Through the Adopt a School programme, each participating school is matched with a named construction professional who acts as a key contact and ambassador. These ambassadors provide tailored support to schools, including careers talks, site visits, mentoring, and curriculum-linked activities.
The initiative is coordinated by Building Plymouth’s 5E’s Group, which streamlines engagement and shares best practice across the network.
Sam Morcumb, Chair of the 5E’s Group and Business Development and Bid Manager at BuildX (SW), commented: “Our ambassadors don’t just build structures, they lay the foundation for future talent. This is gamechanging work that gives young people access to real-world experiences and opportunities they might never have imagined.”
The programme already boasts a strong list of confirmed partnerships, including:
• AECOM with Lipson Cooperative Academy
• Balfour Beatty with UTC Plymouth
• Drew and Co with Brook Green Centre for Learning
• Obedair Construction with St Boniface’s Catholic College.
Schools have welcomed the initiative with enthusiasm. Emily Waterfield, Work Based Learning Coordinator at Brook Green Centre for Learning, said: “We’re delighted to be partnered with Drew & Co. This collaboration will help introduce our students to careers in mechanical and electrical engineering, supported by real-life experiences that enhance our STEM curriculum.”
We cover all plumbing, heating, gas and drainage jobs.
New slate roofs, Tile roofs, Flat roofs Chimney repairs Lead work All plastics, fascias, soffits, guttering Call Alex on 07979 317757 www.awroofingservice.com
Building Plymouth is calling on more construction businesses and schools to get
involved, helping to expand the reach and impact of this transformative programme. For more information or to get involved, please contact hello@buildingplymouth.co.uk
Derriford’s mobile X-ray car service has won a national award less than a year after its initial launch.
The service, which was introduced at the end of October 2024, has won this year’s ‘Improving Urgent and Emergency Care through Digital Award’ at the annual HSJ Digital Awards.
The specially-equipped car, complete with a full X-Ray kit and staffed by specialist radiographers and imaging healthcare assistants, has already supported over 200 patients in Plymouth and the surrounding areas.
The service treats patients in their own home, preventing them from needing to attend the Emergency Department and providing a full wraparound service to support elderly patients with an injury after a fall. This also keeps ambulances on the road for other patients, and contributes towards less crowding and shorter waiting times in the Emergency Department.
Ryan Hunneman, transformation programme manager said: “We could not be prouder to be a part of this prestigious and well recognised event, and to take home the award in face of some tough competition is a massive achievement for us and we are delighted to be bringing this back to Plymouth.
“The hard work delivered by everyone in the development of this pathway is represented in the overwhelming positive feedback that we receive from patients and service users every single day, with 100% of patients saying they would recommend the service to family and friends. The service was introduced after last year’s data found that over 2,000 patients aged 55 and older, who attended the Emergency Department did not have fractures - and most had arrived by ambulance.
Roselyn Coaches LTD of Middleway Garage, St Blazey Road, Par, Cornwall PL24 2JA is applying for a licence to use Yard 2, Airport Business Centre, 10 Thornbury Rd, Plymouth. PL6 7PP as an operating centre for 10 coaches.
Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Quarry House, Quarry Hill Leeds, LS2 7UE, stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice.
Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A Guide to Making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s Office.
Students from Tor Bridge High enjoyed the experience of a lifetime when they travelled to the iconic Twickenham Stadium to witness Bath take on Leicester Tigers in the Premiership Rugby Final.
The trip gave students the chance to be part of an incredible sporting event, surrounded by more than 80,000 fans in the home of English rugby. The atmosphere was electric as the closely-fought game unfolded, with excitement and energy that left a lasting impression on everyone involved.
From the roar of the crowd to the drama on the pitch, it was a day full of unforgettable moments, inspiring students and offering a powerful glimpse into the passion and spirit of top-level sport.
The school, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust,
In celebration of World Environment Day, Green Team student ambassadors at Tor Bridge High launched a Green Ticket Challenge, encouraging students to recycle plastic bottles over the course of one week.
Each student who recycled a bottle earned a green ticket, entering them into a special prize draw. Thanks to the enthusiastic participation of Tor Bridge students, hundreds of plastic bottles were collected, which will be creatively repurposed into a Remembrance display in the upcoming academic year.
The Green Ticket draw winners received books and treats focused on how to protect the planet, inspiring them to continue their journey toward sustainability.
World Environment Day is a global event celebrated every year to raise awareness and encourage action for the protection of our planet. It serves as a reminder for individuals, communities, and organisations to come together and make positive changes toward a healthier, more sustainable environment.
Tor Bridge High, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, their core values of courage, love, and ambition guide everything they do. Staff are so proud
looks forward to offering more opportunities like this to broaden horizons and inspire futures, both on and off the pitch.
Tracy Stephenson, headteacher at Tor Bridge High said: “This was more than just a day out. It was an experience that our students will remember for years to come, from the scale of the stadium to the thrill of live sport, it gave them a real sense of what it means to be part of something bigger. We’re incredibly proud to offer opportunities like this.”
Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said: “The Ted Wragg Trust is committed to enriching the lives of young people and this trip is a perfect example of how shared experiences outside the classroom can build aspiration, connection, and confidence. Hats off to the Tor Bridge team for making it happen!”
of students for demonstrating the value of love, not only for each other but for the school community and the planet.
Tracy Stephenson, headteacher at Tor Bridge High said: “Our students have truly embodied our values through the Green Ticket Challenge. Their enthusiasm and commitment to caring for the environment show the power of collective action. It’s wonderful to see how a simple act like recycling can make such a positive impact.’
of
Moira Marder, chief executive of the Ted Wragg Trust said: “Tor Bridge High is setting a brilliant example of how schools can nurture environmental responsibility and community spirit.
“ Initiatives like the Green Ticket Challenge inspire young people to become proactive stewards of our planet, an essential part of their development and our future.”
The Plymouth Chronicle is excited to announce a collaboration with Argyle Life to provide regular Plymouth Argyle content from the perspective of the fans. We’ll be publishing regular pieces from Argyle Life contributors in print and via our website at www.plymouthchronicle.co.uk. Our latest article is from lifelong Argyle fan and one of the founders of Argyle Life, Sam Down who joined a hardy bunch of the Green Army to travel to Austria for the Pilgrims preseason friendly match against German side Eintracht Braunschweig
Sometimes, when I share my love for Plymouth Argyle with the general public, especially those not aquatinted with this crazy sport we call football, they perhaps overestimate the extent to which my technical knowledge of and obsession for the sport dwarfs other fans.
Don’t get me wrong – I’ll argue my opinion with the best of them and I like to think I can spot a good player but I’m not one of those who can accurately spot an offside at a thousand paces away. Equally, no more so can I rattle off the starting eleven of each team in the 92 and beyond. I absolutely enjoy watching football, a Sunday afternoon watching back to back games can be very relaxing. But ultimately, the actual technical aspect of the sport isn’t the primary motivator for me. It isn’ t the main reason I fell in love with the game.
Since I first rocked up at Home Park on an unseasonably cold March evening in 2002, I’ve always been drawn by the sense of community and togetherness almost above and beyond any other factor.
Over the years, this intangible has been exemplified. It’s the small things: seeing the same people at away matches year on year and getting the occasional head nod from fellow travellers. It’s knowing the exact voice and intonation of the 50/50 seller in the Devonport End and (in my adult years) it’s a pint after the game to either celebrate or drown sorrows.
Comedy own goal
These factors are more than any the answer to the question: ‘why on earth are you travelling all the way to Austria for a pre-season game?’ Well, the 90 minutes are, as I’m sure you’re aware by now, only a tiny part of the equation.
There really isn’t much to say about the game itself, that took place on Friday against Eintracht Braunschweig (a 2 Bundesliga side). It was, being blunt, mind numbingly dull. Neither side had much of a shot on goal and the difference between the two teams was a comedy own goal from our triallist keeper.
After a pretty tame back pass, he, facing away from goal managed to somehow slice it into his own net. The best thing I can say about it is that if he tried to do it a hundred times again, he couldn’t. Argyle will surely want to take a second look at him before committing to any contract. There were spells in the first half where we tried to play out with a range of impressive passing rotations. The full backs got forward and overlapped to allow the attacking players to move more centrally.
Brendan Wiredu also dropped into a back three when this happened to protect the defence a little more. This shows a degree of tactical flexibility that is encouraging. That said, we looked sluggish and some individuals who I won’t name looked wildly off the pace.
What made the trip special wasn’t the Friday
The stunning setting of Argyle’s pre-season friendly at the Koasastadion, in the town of St. Johann in Tirol
evening detour to St Tirol. It wasn’t even the open training session which, for all the best will in the world, was only attended by about 15 people.
That’ s not to denigrate it - club officials were fantastic and made us feel very welcome. I got to briefly chat to Tom Cleverley and the new signings seem a cracking bunch of lads (albeit often still strangers to each other at this point, never mind us).
But‚ what made it special was the people – I travelled out with a great group of close friends and we left Plymouth at 10pm on Tuesday evening. We arrived back feeling very bleary eyed at about 4.30 Monday morning after three days in Innsbruck via Munich.
Sheer beauty
If any of you are looking for a last minute holiday, I can assure you I’m not being paid by any tourist board to say you may well find Central Europe far more satisfactory than a Mediterranean beach break.
Open water swimming in a lake in the foothills of the Alps. A Bavarian beer garden with currywurst and the sheer beauty of waking up in the valley town of Innsbruck and seeing mountains on either side. Two of my friends even managed a five hour hike up the mountain which I wasn’t able to accomplish but I take my hat off nonetheless.
What I’m really saying is this: Football is, as well as being usually a pretty entertaining game, also a wonderful excuse to visit places and meet people you never otherwise would. It’s a game of inter generational friendship and of memories for life.
It’s something that can always fill the hole of conversation at awkward family events. The new season approaches and nobody really knows how Argyle will do. What I do know is that if you’ve never been to a game before, turn up and give it a chance where you can. Because football isn’t really about the football.
Children who receive benefits-related free school meals can enjoy a wide range of free activities this summer as the popular Fit and Fed programme returns to the city. Fit and Fed offers eligible children access to free holiday clubs, where they are encouraged to get active and receive a nutritious lunch each day.
The summer activity programme for 2025 is now available to view, with holiday club bookings now open.
There’s a huge range of holiday clubs on offer for eligible children aged between four and 16-years-old. Activities include circus skills, football, dance, karate, water sports and more creative pursuits too, such as filmmaking, photography and arts and crafts. There are also SEND specific holiday clubs to support children with more complex needs. Young people between 12 and 16-years-old can also sign up for Teen Taster activities, giving them the opportunity to try new activities such as go karting, adventure golf and trampolining.
There’s also a range of family activity sessions on offer, so children can enjoy a day out with their parents or carers. These sessions include bowling, tennis, bike rides and golf.
New for this year, Plymouth Active Leisure are offering a wide range of free activities to eligible children too, with the chance to swim at one of the indoor pools or Tinside Lido. Other activities include bouldering, junior
gym sessions, pickle ball and bowls. Every year, Fit and Fed also goes on tour. While the bookable activities are only available to children who receive benefitsrelated free school meals, the ‘on tour’ sessions are held in parks and green spaces across Plymouth and everyone is welcome to attend.
The fun days feature a range of free activities, and children are provided with a healthy lunch. This year, the programme will visit:
• Victoria Park on Tuesday August 5
• Ernesettle Green on Tuesday August 12
• Tothill Park on Tuesday August 19
• Central Park on Tuesday August 26
In summer 2024, more than 2,400 children and young people took part in holiday clubs while thousands more attended the Fit and Fed on Tour events where 1,900 packed lunches were handed out.
For more information about this year’s Fit and Fed programme, visit www.plymouth.gov. uk/fit-and-fed.
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.
The September edition of the Plymouth Chronicle in Derriford and North Plymouth will be published on August 29 with a copy deadline of August 22. The Derriford and North edition is one of four hyper local editions delivered to a total of more than 90,000 homes throughout the city.
We welcome submissions but cannot guarantee publication. We accept press releases in the form of text documents and images in JPG or TIFF format (high resolution please).
