Struggling to climb out of your bath?
ANDREW WARD is managing director and sales director of Ability Bathe, a family-run independent bathroom installation company which was founded by Andrew and his wife in 2012.
Andrew has owned and run a complete bathroom supply and installation company for 25 years, fitting all types of bathrooms and wet rooms in the North of England. Since expanding into the South West, Andrew – together with a small team of employees – has specialised in installing and fitting not just bathrooms, but also walk-in showers and wet rooms.
Let Ability Bathe make your life easier. It is small enough to be very personal and approachable, and large enough to have the experience to complete a wide range of bathroom installations quickly and successfully to a very high standard.
Andrew personally goes out to the initial consultation, paying great attention to detail and customer requirements. On commencement, he again attends and personally sets up the installation, running through all points raised with his employees, who will do the hands-on installation.
Then he spends the final finishing hours at the customer’s home to make sure the customer is happy with the installation quality and service. Ability Bathe’s motto is: “A bath to shower in 48 hours”.
Andrew says: “We make the promise that we don’t come to you until our previous job is complete and we will not leave you until yours is complete”.
Ability Bathe offers home appointments up to 8pm; for a free, no-obligation quotation call 07711 184309.
WEST WALES COASTLINE TENBY
& THE VALE OF RHEIDOL RAILWAY
Departing Thu 10 Jul ‘25
The west coast of Wales is renowned for its grand hills, dramatic coastline and purple-heather moors. On this break we visit ancient sites of natural beauty, elegant seaside resorts and journey through the Vale of Rheidol on a preserved narrow-gauge railway.
SO MUCH INCLUDED...
Return coach travel from Plymouth, Saltash
4 nights at the Ivy Bush Hotel, Carmarthen (JG3 rating) with dinner & breakfast
Entertainment some evenings
Heritage train journey on the Vale of Rheidol Railway
Excursions to Aberystwyth, Tenby & Saundersfoot
Optional excursion to Cardigan & St Davids (£14pp)
SCARBOROUGH
& THE YORKSHIRE COASTLINE
Departing Mon 7 Jul ‘25
We explore the very best of Yorkshire on a relaxing five-day break where we visit Goathland, known for being the filming location of the TV series Heartbeat, as well as Beverley, Hornsea and brooding Whitby, forever associated with Bram Stoker’s Dracula!
SO MUCH INCLUDED...
Return coach travel from Plymouth, Saltash
4 nights at the Grand Hotel, Scarborough (JG2 rating) with dinner & breakfast
Light entertainment every evening
Excursions to Goathland (Heartbeat), Whitby, Beverley & Hornsea
Optional excursion to York (£14pp)
FOLKESTONE WEEKEND
Departing Fri 27 Jun ‘25, Fri 10 Oct ‘25
Enjoy a great-value break to discover Folkestone and the stunning scenery of South East England. With a day in Canterbury included and the chance to visit pretty Broadstairs and Whitstable, beloved for their sandy beaches, this weekend is not to be missed!
SO MUCH INCLUDED...
Return coach travel from Plymouth, Saltash
3 nights at the Grand Burstin Hotel, Folkestone (JG2 rating) with dinner & breakfast
Light entertainment every evening
Excursion to Canterbury
Optional excursion to Broadstairs & Whitstable (£15pp)
▶ SAVE £20 - Quote PLY
- Book by 30 May 2025
By Coach from Plymouth, Saltash
A new initiative has been launched to enable local communities to raise funds for defibrillators in Plymouth.
According to the South Western Ambulance Service, there are several ‘hotspots’ in Plymouth where defibrillators are not within easy reach. The new campaign called Make Plymouth Heart-Safe aims to close those gaps as rapidly as possible.
The initiative will empower residents to place 24/7 publicaccess defibrillators in their neighbourhoods – and save lives.
When sudden cardiac arrest strikes, neighbours often arrive long before an ambulance. Yet for every minute without immediate CPR and early defibrillation ideally within three to five minutes of cardiac arrest, survival chances fall by around 10 per cent. With eight in ten cardiac arrests happening in and around the home the new MyCommunityDefib campaign could make a huge difference to survival rates.
Developed by the Dutch Heart
Foundation, the model has already equipped thousands of neighbourhoods in the Netherlands and Sweden, where survival rates from out-ofhospital cardiac arrest have risen
significantly. Building of this success, the programme is now available in the UK for the first time.
The campaign encourages local residents to visit the website at
www.mycommunitydefib.co.uk to check if their neighbourhood already has a registered 24/7 defibrillator. If there’s not one available locally, residents are encouraged to start a campaign to raise funds for for a defibrillator package tailored to local needs.
Fund raisers can share a link to their campaign with neighbours, other community members, including local businesses to encourage contributions.
Once the £1,950 target is reached, the defibrillator, including a comprehensive fouryear support package is ordered and despatched.
“Having a defibrillator accessible round the clock is a simple yet vital safeguard for our families and friends,” said Sophie Verlinden, a spokesperson for MyCommunityDefib. “We urge everyone in Plymouth to come together, raise awareness, and ensure our neighbourhoods are equipped to respond quickly in an cardiac emergency.”
For more information visit www.mycommunitydefib.co.uk
New campaign to fund more defibrillators in Plymouth Lawyer Rob’s marathon effort for charity
A Plymouth lawyer has thanked his sponsors who helped him smash his London Marathon fundraising target for the Headway Plymouth charity.
Rob Antrobus, who is head of Enable Law in Plymouth has raised more than £6,500 for the charity which supports people who are living with acquired brain injuries (ABI) to navigate life’s challenges.
The 51-year-old lawyer, who is also chair of trustees at Devonport-based Headway Plymouth, completed his first ever marathon in five hours and 32 minutes for a cause that is close to his heart. Rob’s knowledge of ABI runs deeper than his decades of professional experience in providing legal advice to clients and their families following an injury. Back in 2020, his wife Sally suffered a life-changing stroke, fuelling Rob’s passion for
supporting brain injury services even further.
“I have to admit that the London Marathon was overwhelming in more ways than one,” said Rob.
“I’ve been really moved by the generous backing of everyone who sponsored me and I’ll always be grateful for their kind donations as they inspired me to go through the pain barrier.
“The sponsorship means a lot and the marathon was the toughest physical challenge I’ve ever faced and while it was an overwhelming and emotional journey, I’d like to think I did Sally and Headway proud.”
Rob sported a Headway running top as he pounded 26.2 miles of London’s streets where some 750,000 people cheered on runners.
“It was probably a once-in-a-lifetime experience
but the incredible memories will live with me forever,” Rob added. “Most importantly, my sponsors’ generosity will help ensure the Headway Plymouth team can keep providing vital support for people affected by ABI.
“This support ranges from provision of day services, helping patients and families in hospital, developing activities for clients that rebuild neuropathways and enable independent living and awareness-raising.
“Anyone can suffer an ABI through accidents, assaults or medical conditions such as stroke and every donation will allow the charity to help yet more people in and around Plymouth.”
To make a donation visit www.2025tcs londonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/robert-antrobus
Rob Antrobus in the London Marathon
Rob during his Marathon effort
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.
Flavour Fest
May 30 to Jun 1
The south west’s largest food and drink festival returns to Plymouth city centre. There will be over 80 stalls of fantastic local produce on the Piazza. Watch inspirational talks and demonstrations by top local chefs and plenty more entertainment throughout the weekend. For more information visit the Flavour Fest website at www.flavourfestsw.co.uk
Plymouth Model & Railway show
May 31
John Kitto YMCA Centre from 10am to 4pm. Numerous clubs from across the South West displaying models, railways, radio control boats, with traders selling kits, ancillaries and railway items. Tombola, cafe on site and disabled friendly. Adults £5, concessions £3, family ticket £10. Further details from ekcork@ btinternet.com
The Witches of Eastwick
June 4 to June 7
Sounds Musical Theatre Company mark their 124th year with the premiere performance of The Witches of Eastwick at Devonport Playhouse. With their show stopping musical score this talented cast will transport you to a world of fantasy and intrigue. Tickets are available from www.ticketsource.co.uk £19 adult. Concessions £17 or call : 07395159955. Age recommendation 12+ contains adult content.
Coast
Jun 6 to Jun 22
A contemporary pop-up gallery showcasing the work of local artists with a deep connection with the coast and oceans. Taking place in the Melville Building at the Royal William Yard featuring a celebration of all things ‘coastwith 2D and 3D artworks. For more details visit instagram@coast.artgallery
Plymstock Tribute Music Festival
Jun 6 and 7
Now in it’s fourth year, Plymstock Rugby Club presents a huge line up of the UK’s very best tribute acts across two days at their grounds in Wembury Road. As well as fantastic tribute acts including Oasis, Queen, The FOO Fighters, AC/DC and Fleetwood Mac there will be lots of street food, stalls and fairground rides. For tickets and details visit www.plymstockfestival.co.uk
Summer Serenade
June 7
West Devon Chorale present work by Britten, Elgar, Finzi and Vaughan Williams at Stoke Damerel Church at 7.30pm. Tickets £16, children £8 available on the door.
University of Plymouth Orchestra
June 7
Summer Classics themed music concerts. Free entry at the Levinsky Hall on the University of Plymouth Campus. Children’s Concert from 3pm - all welcome! Evening Concert doors open at 7pm. Concert begins at 7.30pm. Music to include: a range of popular classical music for the summer. Admission is free but donations would be appreciated! Free tickets can be booked via the ‘What’s Onpage of the University of Plymouth website. At the evening concert there will be a raffle and please join us afterwards for free refreshments.
Coffee Morning
June 7
Crownhill Methodist Church Hall from 10.30am to 12 noon. Various stalls. Supporting ‘Hope for the Homeless.All welcome.
Out and About
Your guide to events in the local community and beyond
Rolling Harmony Concert
June 8
Close harmony singing with eight voice ensemble at Stoke Damerel Church. Featuring contemporary choral music, traditional American folk, jazz standards and spirituals. Afternoon tea at 3.15pm, concert 4pm to 5pm. Tickets £10 at www.tickettailor.com/events/ songways/1688477
Plymouth Summer Sessions
June 12 to June 15
With a spectacular waterfront setting and home to the landmark Smeaton’s Tower lighthouse, Plymouth Hoe will come alive with music as it welcomes fans back to TK Maxx presents Plymouth Summer Sessions in 2025. Following the overwhelming success of last year’s inaugural event,which drew thousands of fans, this year’s lineup kicks off on Thursday with legendary British band James, supported by Razorlight, Jamie Webster and Tom A Smith. Followed by the electrifying Pendulum on Friday, The Corrs and Natalie Imbruglia on the Saturday, plus the beloved Snow Patrol closing the weekend on Sunday, with further names to still be announced. Tickets from www.smmrsessions.com/ locations/plymouth
Rich Hall
June 13
Popular comedian Rich Hall brings his ‘Chin Music’ tour to the Quad Theatre on the Marjon University campus. Tickets on sale at www.offthekerb.com
Father’s Day at Pennywell Farm
June 14 and 15
For Father’s Day weekend only Pennywell is giving all Dads a free VIP upgrade worth £17 (with a full paying adult ticket). The upgrade includes free coffee and cake, free ice cream, free animal feed and free piggy blanket. Visit www.pennywellfarm.co.uk/fathersday and enter the code VIPDAD3P at checkout online.
Divertimento String Quartet
June 14
Featuring works by Bach, Borodin and four folk songs at Stoke Damerel Church at 5pm. Tickets £10, students £10, under 18s free. Call 01803 863677 or email enquiries@divertimento.uk.com
Plymouth Boat Fest
June 21
A festival of all things boating hosted by Plymouth Yacht Haven at Mount Batten. A free fun event for all the family starting at 10am. Step on board classic historic boats, explore second hand boats for sale and a boat jumble. Have a go at stand up paddle boarding
Wimbledon on the Big Screen
June 30 to July 13
Wimbledon returns to Plymouth city centre’s Piazza this summer with an exciting twist – live tennis screenings and the chance to try one of the UK’s fastest growing sports, Padel, all in one vibrant city centre location. every match of the Wimbledon Championships will be screened live on a state-ofthe-art mobile screen. Over 200 deckchairs will be set out in a specially enclosed viewing area, allowing visitors to relax and soak up the electric atmosphere. Entry is completely free, making it the perfect summer experience for tennis fans, families, and city centre visitors alike. At the opposite end of The Piazza, visitors can try their hand at Padel – a high-energy sport that blends tennis and squash, played on an enclosed court using solid bats and the court walls. To mark Wimbledon finals weekend, an international market will take place along New George Street, bringing together global street food, handmade goods, and cultural stalls.
Ruckus 25 Music Festival
July 4 to 6
and watch live safety demonstrations and more. Free parking.
Stoke Damerel Summer Fair
June 21
Popular annual event with beverages, lunches and a variety of stalls at Stoke Damerel Church from 11am to 3pm.
Summer Concert
June 21
Plymouth Philharmonic Choir an Opera Gala Evening at The Minster Church of St Andrew at 7.30pm. Featuring some of the most popular and favourite choruses including the Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves, Verdi’s Anvil Chorus and Bizet’s Carmen. The choir will be joined by soloists Cheryl Brendish (Soprano) and John Hobbs (Baritone). Tickets £15 in advance, £17 on the door, £5 Students and U16s. For details visit www. plymouthphilchoir.org
Summer Fair
June 21
Ford Park Cemetery from 10.30am to 1.30pm. Admission free. Plenty of stalls with bargains and refreshments will be available.
Pirates of Penzance
June 27
Performed by Plymouth Gilbert & Sullivan at Stoke Damerel Church at 7.30pm. Tickets £12, children £10. Available on the door and via 07552 234583
Choral Concert
June 28
St Peter’s Church, Wyndham Square at 7.30pm.
Phoenix Chorale present a fabulous mix of choral music from the Renaissance to Romantic periods, plus contemporary works by a number of composers including Arnesen, Gjeilo, Lauridsen, Rutter and Bach, all representing the joy that singing brings. Refreshments will be available. Tickets £12 in advance from www.ticketsource.co.uk, £14 on the door, children under 18 free.
Plymouth Armed Forces Day
June 28
Armed Forces Day is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to show their support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community from currently serving troops to reservists, veterans, cadets and their families. This exciting family day is packed with displays, parades, military equipment to explore, a thrilling arena programme, live music and much more. Details at www. plymoutharmedforcesday.co.uk
Hosted by Plymouth Albion at Bricklfields Ruckus will feature a line up of top live performances with a focus on iconic UK acts. Headline performers include The Feeling, The Specials, Elvana and Tom Meighan. Alongside the music there will be a food and beer festival highlighting the best of local produce and craft beers. For details visit www.plymouthalbion. com/ready-for-a-ruckus
Charity Summer Concerts
July 4 and 5
The Down Thomas Singers are raising funds for Bowel Cancer West with their two Summer Concerts at the Silver Jubilee Hall, Down Thomas at 7.30pm on Friday and a matinee on Saturday at 2pm. To cheer everyone up in these troubled times the concert consists of light musical numbers, poems and clarinet piece. Tickets are £7 including light refreshments and free parking. There is always a good raffle. Contact 01752 299204 for tickets.
Summer Fair
July 5
St Boniface Church, St Budeaux from 10am to 12 noon. Various stalls including cakes, tombolas, plants, refreshments and grand draw.
Medieval Lunch
July 5
Visitor Centre at Ford Park Cemetery at 1pm. Booking is essential. Tickets cost £15 and can be obtained from the office at Ford Park from 10am to 4pm.
St Levan Park Fun Day
July 5
The popular community event returns from 11am to 4pm with free entry for all. The Fun Day features live music and entertainment, craft, produce and food stalls as well as the Gables Dog Show. There will be a toddler soft play area as well as inflatables and Zigzag entertainer. For updates visit #StLevanFunDay
A Talk on the Remarkable Pinwill Sisters
July 23
This talk at the Plymouth Proprietary Library at 2pm is by Dr Helen Wilson, author of The Remarkable Pinwill Sisters. The Pinwill sisters were famed for creating between them one of the most successful ecclesiastical woodcarving companies in the West Country, with work in over 180 churches across Devon and Cornwall and further afield. When first Mary and then Ethel left the company, Violet ran the business single-handedly, employing nearly 30 carvers and joiners at the height of its success. Talk: £4 for members, £8 for non-members.
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.
Flavour Fest returns to Plymouth city centre from May 30 to June 1 Photo: One Plymouth
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Referendum to decide future governance of city to take place on July 17
A referendum will be held on Thursday July 17 to determine how Plymouth will be governed in the future.
At the referendum, those on the electoral register will be asked to have their say whether Plymouth City Council’s governance model should be changed from a Leader model to a Directly Elected Mayor. This process is separate – and not related to – the ongoing discussions about Plymouth potentially joining a combined regional authority that could be led by an elected Strategic Mayor.
There are a number of ways to cast a vote: in person at a polling station, by post, or via a proxy vote.
Registering to vote is quick and easy, it only takes five minutes and can be done online. Once registered the applicant will be placed onto the electoral register. However, anyone already registered who has changed their name, address or nationality will need to register again.
Requests for a postal vote can be made online. Having a postal vote means that a postal ballot pack containing the ballot paper will be sent to the home address, so the vote can be made via post, avoiding the need to go to a polling station. Anyone unable to vote in person can apply for a proxy vote and ask someone to vote on their behalf.
All registered voters in Plymouth will also need to show an eligible photographic ID to vote in person at a polling station. It is anticipated that the deadlines will be:
• Deadline to register to vote: July 1 2025
• Deadline to apply or change a postal vote: 5pm on July 2
• Deadline to apply for Voter ID certificate: 5pm on July 9
• Deadline to apply for a proxy vote: 5pm on July 9
For more information about registering to vote or applying for a postal vote or voter ID visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/ register-vote
The referendum is taking place after Plymouth City Council received a petition requesting a directly elected mayor for Plymouth. In line with the relevant legislation, the council validated each signature to ensure that they are registered electors in the Plymouth City Council area. Following this process, 10,856 signatures were verified as being eligible, meaning the threshold of obtaining support from at least five per cent of registered electors in the city had been reached to
Sounds Musical Theatre Company celebrate prestigious award
Plymouth’s Sounds Musical Theatre Company, based in Oreston, is one of the longest running theatre companies in Plymouth.
Established in 1911 the Company is celebrating their 114th year of performing for Plymouth and South West audiences, only interrupted in their productions by the two World Wars. Now their highly acclaimed performance of 9 to 5 The Musical has culminated in Sounds Musical Theatre Company being prestigiously awarded by NODA , The National Operatic and Dramatic Association for the South West District Achievement Award, plus a Nomination for the Wilfred Roe trophy for Stage Decor.
9 to 5 The Musical was performed at Devonport Playhouse to sell out audiences in February 2024. NODA judges assess the whole of the UK’s annual cohort of Amateur Dramatic companiesperformances before they can reach their verdicts, so Sounds Musical Theatre Company has had to wait over a year to receive their highly distinguished Award and associated Nomination.
Chair Diane Benellick proudly recalls Sounds Musical’s previous NODA Award for Sister Act so she was delighted to be celebrating this second acknowledgement of the Company’s reputable talent within her Chairmanship of the Company. Likewise Musical Director Kristy Marcer and Director and Choreographer Laura Pearce celebrated their partnership by commending 9 to 5’s cast and backstage staff for their dedicated team work plus the support from the South West, especially Plymouth’s audiences. The Company will officially receive their main Award and hear results of their Stage
Decor Nomination at the NODA Awards Dinner at Exeter’s Sandy Park on May 24. They wish all nominated in fellow Amateur Dramatic Companies the very best of luck in their categories. The evening promises to be a very special celebration of South West Amateur Theatre.
Laura Pearce retains her director and choreographer roles with Phillip Simpson as musical director in Sounds Musical’s forthcoming production The Witches of Eastwick Musical at Devonport Playhouse on June 5 to June 7, again welcoming audiences
new and old to this comedy musical. Performances are at 7.30 pm plus Saturday 2.30 pm matinee.
Based on the John Updike novel and the 1987 film, three bored women living in a small New England town, dominated by the local busybody Felicia Gabrielle all yearn for excitement to spice up their mundane lives. Wishing for ‘all manner of men in one manone arrives in a literal flash as the devilish Darry Van Horne.
As Horne seduces them the three women begin to explore their own unique powers in this comedaic musical. John Dempsey and Diane Rowe’s musical features a showstopping score including Make Him Mine, Dirty Laundry‚ Dance with the Devil and I wish I May culminating in darkly riotous funny consequences.
This exceptionally talented cast embrace the story with wonderful harmony singing and dance. Tickets £19 concessions £17 are available at www. ticketsource.co.UK/ sounds or call 07395159955. Age recommendation 12+.
Livewell Foundation boosted by fundraisers’ efforts
Five incredible fundraisers proudly crossed the finish line of the London Landmarks Half Marathon 2025 at the end of April, raising vital funds for the Livewell Foundation – a charity committed to improving health, tackling social isolation, and supporting communities across Plymouth, South Hams, and West Devon.
Austin Marshall, Lydia Helyer, Abi Hooper, Tony Phipps, and Chris Davies took on the 13.1-mile route through the capital’s most iconic sights, cheered on by thousands of supporters. Each participant carried their own personal motivation for running—and in Tony’s case, a fridge too, symbolising the often unseen burden of mental health challenges.
The team’s fundraising efforts have already raised almost £7,000 to support the Livewell Foundation’s work, helping people lead healthier,
happier lives through community grants, specialist health initiatives, and vital enhancements to health and care services.
Tony Phipps, a seasoned fundraiser with a flair for the extraordinary, once again turned heads by running the entire course with a fridge strapped to his back. Tony said: “This weight isn’t just physical; it represents anxiety, depression, and the emotional toll of life’s challenges. Each step I take, despite the load, reminds me that progress is possible.”
Chris Davies, chairman of the Livewell Foundation, ran alongside Tony in a show of solidarity. After a two year running hiatus the event was a personal milestone for Chris: “It was a true privilege to run with Tony and our amazing team. Their passion, energy, and resilience reflect everything the Livewell Foundation stands for.
Every donation raised will help fund life-changing projects that support our communities health and wellbeing.”
Two of the team – Abi and Lydia – work for Livewell Southwest as a frailty practitioner and lead occupational therapist respectively and their professional experience gives them a deep understanding of the frontline challenges faced by individuals and communities.
Their decision to run for the Livewell Foundation demonstrated the significant impact that their funding makes.
Rounding off the team was Austin Marshall, the youngest of the Foundation’s runners, whose passion and determination have inspired his supporters to rally behind him, helping him nearly double his original fundraising target.
Austin said: “Every day, many people struggle with
mental health challenges, often feeling isolated and unheard. The Livewell Foundation provides essential resources and support to those in need.”
Charity manager, Hayley Everett, said: “Together, the team’s inspiring efforts and the generosity of their supporters will make a lasting difference across Plymouth and South West Devon. We are deeply thankful to all our fundraisers who not only take on the challenge of the race itself, but also dedicate months of training, travel, and time away from work and family to support our cause.
“Their commitment can often go unseen but is absolutely vital to what we are able to achieve. If you feel inspired to take on a once-in-a-lifetime challenge, fundraise, and help transform lives, we would love to hear from you.”
For more information visit www. livewellfoundation.org.uk
Sounds Musical Theatre’s award-winning cast of 9 to 5 – performed in February 2024
Left: The Witches of Eastwick: Charlotte Pascoe, Nichols Holdship, Emily Grace plus their demon lover Mark Reid
Tony Phipps ran with a fridge on his back
The team got together before travelling to London
Austin Marshall, the team’s youngest member
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Historic blue plaque honours remarkable Plymouth man
A historic blue plaque will be unveiled in Plymouth in July in memory of a scientist, explorer and military man whose ground breaking work has been recognised by NASA.
Ralph Alger Bagnold OBE FRS KL was born in Plymouth on April 3 1896 and grew up in Stoke. In the First World War he was an engineer in the British Army. When he returned to service in the Second World War, he was the first commanding officer of the ‘Long Range Desert Group.A precursor to the SAS, the unit carried out reconnaissance work and raids behind enemy lines in North Africa.
In between the wars Bagnold carried out the first recorded East-to-West crossing of the Libyan Desert, pioneering the use of motor vehicles to explore the harsh terrain. He also published ‘Libyan Sands: Travel in a Dead Worldwhich has been described as a ‘classic work of 20th-century Saharan exploration.
His second book ‘The Physics of Blown Sand and Desert Duneswas inspired by the extensive amount of time he’d spent in the desert and the many sandstorms he’d witnessed. The book is still an important reference point for scientists today and has even been used by NASA to study sand dunes and the development of sanddriving mechanisms on Mars. The Bagnold Dunes, a 22-mile-long group of sand dunes on Mars were named by NASA in his honour.
Bagnold was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1944 and continued to carry out research and publish academic papers well into his retirement. He passed away in May 1990 at the age of 94.
Bagnold’s plaque will be installed on the front of Astor House, Devonport Road, Stoke in July. Now a nursing home, it was once his childhood home.
Deputy Leader Councillor Jemima Laing said: “Ralph Bagnold’s legacy bridges military service, exploration and scientific innovation and his research helped shape modern understanding of desert landscapes. This blue plaque will serve as a lasting tribute to his achievements and continue our commitment to recognising people from Plymouth who have made a significant contribution to the world.”
Ralph Bagnold
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Breeding like rabbits sees family’s ‘female bunnies multiply from three to 21 in weeks
A Plympton animal sanctuary has stepped in to help a family whose three ‘femalerabbits multiplied to more than 20 bunnies within weeks.
Woodside Animal Welfare Trust is currently caring for 10 bunnies brought in by the family from Princetown, with another litter remaining with the family until they are old enough to leave their mother.
The charity is urging owners to to get their rabbits spayed or neutered and is offering a discounted scheme at its Wolseley Road clinic in Plymouth for families on low-income and benefits.
“The owner called us asking for help,” Woodside assistant supervisor Claire Newcombe explained.
“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!”
“When he’d bought the rabbits, they were all supposed to be female but one turned out to be a male. He wanted three rabbits, and he’s ended up with 21!
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“It’s not unusual for this to happen and we would urge all rabbit owners to get their rabbits spayed or neutered. As soon as rabbits have given birth, they can get pregnant straightaway and the gestation period is only 31 days.”
The family bought three ‘femalerabbits from a breeder – one for each of their daughters. However, within a short time, one of the rabbits gave birth to two bunnies.
A subsequent vet visit revealed one of the ‘femaleswas in fact a male, which the family then had neutered. Reassured that the two baby bunnies were female, the family returned home with their five-strong brood.
But, just weeks later, a further THREE litters –totalling 16 babies – arrived, as it transpired that a ‘femalefrom the previous litter was also a male.
“The owners were so grateful for our help,” Claire said. “They had been responsible and neutered the first male and have booked the other male in to be neutered.”
In just one year, it’s possible for two rabbits to become 82 bunnies, Claire said, and confirming their gender, especially before the age of eight weeks, can be tricky. These rabbits typically go on to live for up to 12 years.
Claire said it was hard to remember another time in the sanctuary’s history when there were more baby rabbits on its waiting list.
“People assume baby rabbits are easy to home but, in reality, it is not easy to find owners who understand their needs and the care involved for years to come,” she added.
“Rabbits can live for as long as a dog and, in that time, require lots of care and attention. They are social animals and should be kept in neutered, compatible pairs. They usually always want a friend.
“We carry out checks to ensure a prospective home is suitable, including the hutch and rabbit run size. Rabbits need shelter, exercise, companionship, enrichment, veterinary care and the correct diet. A hutch is not enough!”
All rabbits rehomed by Woodside are spayed or neutered which, along with vaccinations and microchipping, is included in the £35 adoption fee.
Sadly, the more rabbits breed the greater their chances of experiencing health complications. Of the 11 bunnies Woodside originally rescued from the Devon family, one had serious health issues which meant it had to be put to sleep and another only has one eye.
This little grey bunny has been fondly named Pirate by staff at the sanctuary, who have given its siblings similar names, including Shivers, Scallywag, Captain and Sparrow.
The bunnies are between four and six weeks old and, whilst they can be reserved, will remain at the sanctuary until they are at least eight weeks.
The female bunnies will need to be brought back to the sanctuary at around six-months-old to be spayed while the males will need to remain at Woodside under they are old enough to be neutered at around 12 weeks.
“A lot of people do not know we have rabbits here,” said Claire. “People are more likely to go to a pet shop than to us. Sadly, it not unusual for rabbits to arrive here with owners who were illinformed about the care their pet would need.”
Neutering and spaying currently being offered under the charity’s discounted scheme, costs £75 for a female and £50 for a male rabbit, with the option to have the rabbit chipped for an additional £10. To find out more, speak to Ali at the charity’s Wolseley Road clinic on 01752 556334.
To see the rabbits currently available for rehoming at Woodside, visit www. woodsidesantuary.org.uk.
Groundbreaking exhibition opens at The Box
A major exhibition celebrating the work of a renowned British artist who has strong connections with Plymouth and the South West has just opened at The Box.
Jyll Bradley: Running and Returning continues until November 2 and is an intimate and powerful presentation that showcases three decades of Bradley’s artistic journey.
The exhibition features photography, film and sculpture and combines historic works that have shaped Bradley’s practice with pieces that are new or rarely seen.
They include a stunning new sculpture – also called Running and Returning – that plays with light; early self-portraits that show Bradley taking on different identities; vibrant geometric works on paper, a photographic series titled Flower Train which explores Cornwall’s flower trade; two films narrated by Bradley that reveal a further exploration of identity and sense of self; and models of some of the large public artworks she’s become known for.
Visitors to the exhibition will also encounter a new version of The Hop – a large eye catching sculpture which was originally commissioned for London’s Southbank Centre in 2022.
Adapted especially for Plymouth and created from Bradley’s signature materials of fluorescent Plexiglas and LED in dark blue and yellow, the work is set to project a spectrum of colours across The Box’s Tavistock Place square over the summer.
Local audiences will be especially interested in the exhibition’s personal links to the region.
Bradley was adopted as a baby and her adoptive family has roots in the South West where she spent many summers as a child connecting with her relatives.
A series of display cases in The Box’s Active Archives gallery explores this further and includes
the East Stonehouse baptism record for Bradley’s grandmother as well as information and archival material relating to her grandfather who once lived in Stoke and was a volunteer Fire Guard during the Blitz.
Victoria Pomery, chief executive at The Box said: “Jyll Bradley has been creating captivating work for more than three decades, with a pioneering approach and creativity that has resulted in an incredibly broad-ranging practice.
“Witnessing her ability to combine the highly personal with the public is a real privilege. We are thrilled to be hosting this major exhibition of her work at The Box and to have created the opportunity for audiences in Plymouth and the South West to experience it.”
Exhibition opening hours are 10am-5pm Tuesday-Sunday and selected bank holidays. Entry is free and there is no need to book.
Jyll Bradley’s work on display at The Box Photos: One Plymouth
Lynx siblings enjoy their Devon break
A pair of Northern Lynx are enjoying a holiday break in Devon while their own habitat in Kent undergoes refurbishment.
Brother and sister Lynx Flossie and Torridon pairing from Wildwood Kent arrived in April to take temporary residence at Dartmoor Zoo.
Dartmoor Zoo are well versed in lynx husbandry, with a family of four Carpathian Lynx currently on site. Emily, Flaviu and their two children Carpi and Bogdan can now be found in what was once the Cheetah enclosure. The team are excited to work with another lynx subspecies and have been working with the Wildwood keeper team closely throughout this partnership.
Dartmoor Zoo chief executive David Gibson said: “We’re delighted to be able to give Flossie and Torridon, a brother and sister pair of Northern Lynx, a temporary home for the time their habitat at Wildwood Kent undergoes some upgrades.
“I don’t doubt the two will love their extended holiday in Devon. Dartmoor Zoo has a long track record of caring for Lynx within our collection and our keepers are very much looking to increase their knowledge of this iconic species.
“Working closely with other zoos with similar approaches to conservation is extremely important to us all. Working together to save threatened species doesn’t simply make practical sense. It is essential to the continuing survival of these species.”
Sally Holt, head of Carnivores and Small Mammals at Wildwood added: “We are very grateful to Dartmoor Zoo for providing a temporary home for our Lynx while we construct their significantly larger and more complex habitat.
“This new facility will feature mature trees for climbing and exploration, as well as expansive platforms and diverse branching for roaming.We greatly value this opportunity to work alongside the Dartmoor team, sharing valuable insights and best practices in the training, welfare, and husbandry of European lynx.”
Initial observations have been conducted, and both Flossie and Torridon seem to be adjusting to their new environment well. They are Northern Lynx, a
subspecies of Eurasian Lynx. There are an estimated 17-18,000 lynxes in Europe (including Russia and Belarus) with the majority of this species residing in forested, mountainous areas of Scandinavia, Russia and Siberia.
There is no specific date set for the pair to return to their home at Wildwood, but it is anticipated visitors will have a month or two to witness Flossie and Torridon in their new setting. Plus, all Dartmoor Zoo tickets now come with an optional, free annual pass upgrade, so visitors can pay once and enjoy an entire year of Dartmoor Zoo for free.
Derriford faces cuts of
Mark Hackett, chief executive of University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, has warned that Derriford faces tough financial challenges in the year ahead with nearly £70 million of cuts to be made.
He said that the savings of £67 million represent around six per cent of the UHP’s £1 billion annual expenditure with the majority being reductions in pay.
To find out more about Dartmoor Zoo visit www.dartmoorzoo.org.uk
He said: “Although we did deliver a large savings target last year of £56 million, we have never made a saving of this magnitude before on a recurrent, every year, basis. Much of our funding goes on pay for our 11,000 staff plus pay to bank and agency staff. Overall we will have to reduce our total spend on pay by about £34m per year.
“It will be a tough year financially as we look to get back into the black. Against the backdrop of global instability and very challenging public finances, the NHS is making some difficult spending decisions for this financial year.
“Despite NHS investment being protected by the government over and above other public services, local budgets are still stretched because of rising need for healthcare and increased costs.”
He said UHP would look as far as possible to make the pay savings through a combination of turnover and vacancies, reducing discretionary pay spend which includes things like overtime and bank pay and better managing sickness absence.
He said that in the year ahead there were some positive developments including:
• opening a new Urgent Treatment Centre on the Derriford site
• opening the new Community Diagnostic Centre in the heart of Plymouth
• implementing a new Electronic Patient Record
• starting to build the new £200million Emergency Care Building at the front of Derriford Hospital (see story opposite).
Reflecting on Derriford’s performance in the past year he said many improvements had been made.
• Derriford is in the best 25% of the country for most planned patient care, including outpatients
• UHP has gone from being one of the worst performing hospital Trusts in the country for four hour waits to being the most improved
• UHP is the 9th best hospital Trust in the country for theatre utilisation
• The average length of stay for patients who are admitted as emergencies has reduced from 8.4 to 7.1 days meaning patients go home sooner
• Between April 2024 and January 2025 Derriford achieved 81 per cent against the 28 day cancer standard - the highest
in the
and
Good Ofsted report for Plymstock children’s home
A Plymstock children’s home has received a ‘Goodrating from Ofsted. Downham House in Church Road is a registered children’s home which provides short breaks for children with severe learning disabilities and complex needs.
Owned and run by Plymouth City Council, the breaks provided by Downham House are vital and much valued by children and their families.
Thirteen children currently enjoy a regular short break at the home.
An Ofsted inspection in March 2025 found the home is ‘goodin all areas, including the overall experiences and progress of children and young people, how well they are helped and protected, and the effectiveness of leaders and managers. The report builds on the last inspection in December 2023 when the home was also judged as good.
Inspectors found that children really enjoy their short breaks at Downham House and are excited for their visits. Children are nurtured and are supported to achieve, with activities designed to suit their individual interests and needs.
The inspectors received ‘overwhelmingly positivefeedback throughout the inspection, with one parent commenting that the managers and staff are like ‘an extended part of their family.’
Councillor Sally Cresswell, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Apprenticeships, said: “We’re delighted to receive a second good Ofsted rating for Downham House. I must say a huge thank you to the staff for all their hard work but also to the parents and young people who benefit from short breaks at Downham House and who provided such fantastic feedback about their experiences.
“We’re committed to providing the best possible support to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
“Short breaks are absolutely vital to help families to remain living together by giving parents and carers a break, which they can enjoy knowing their children are safe, well cared for and having lots of fun.”
Inspectors noted that managers have ‘worked hard to embed reflection and learning across all aspects of children’s care to directly improve children’s experiences and progress. The home has positive links with partners in education, health and social care, which ensures that there is a coordinated approach to the care that children receive.’
The report also highlights that staff understand, monitor and respond to children’s specific health needs.
The full Ofsted report can be found https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/ file/50274600.
New £1m funding boost for ‘hotspot’ policing initiative
A scheme which delivered more than 26,000 hours of additional foot patrols in Plymouth and other towns and cities across Devon and Cornwall has been extended thanks to a £1 million funding boost.
The hotspot policing initiative is designed to tackle antisocial behaviour (ASB) and serious violence with targeted police and street marshal patrols in areas with the highest levels of crime.
The project, which was initially launched in May 2024, was made possible through £1 million of Home Office funding secured by Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The Home Office has now committed a further £1 million to continue hotspot patrols over the next 12 months.
The funding pays for additional officer time to conduct the targeted patrols, providing a boost in visible policing where it is needed most. Local crime data is used to identify areas with the highest levels of crime and antisocial behaviour.
While the priority is to prevent crime, the targeted approach to patrolling places police and partners in the right place at the right time, enabling proactive action. In the past year, this has led to: 26,821 hours of hotspot patrols, 256 arrests, 1,467 ASB incidents attended 52 offensive weapons seized, 248 pieces of property seized including drugs and stolen goods and 177 enforcements of Public Spaces Protection Orders.
Chief Inspector Dom Nicholls, who heads up the project, said: “Hotspot policing was introduced across Devon and Cornwall last year and we have already seen positive results. Focusing highly visible police and street marshal patrols in areas of high levels of violence and ASB has been effective in both preventing crime and making people feel safer.
“I am really pleased that the force has received further funding this year as it provides the opportunity to build on the early success
of hotspot policing and ensure that the public continue to see more police on the streets.”
Community engagement is a key part of hotspot policing to increase public reassurance. Since May 2024, more than 93,000 members of the public have been engaged with during a hotspot patrol and more than 40,000 premises visits.
Businesses and residents have felt an increased uniformed presence and reported feeling safer as a result.
A multi-agency approach has been vital in the success of hotspot policing. The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has worked closely with Devon & Cornwall Police, local authorities, business improvement districts and other local partners.
The street marshals and neighbourhood policing teams have carried out joint patrols and also shared intelligence. This has been made possible as a result of the street marshals receiving training and accreditation through the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS).
CSAS grants street marshals limited policing powers to enhance their ability to address ASB.
The accreditation underpins the commitment to collaborative working, allowing partners and police to work together more efficiently to create safer communities.
In addition to reducing ASB and serious violence, cutting knife crime in half is a new objective for the initiative.
Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, will continue to match fund street marshal patrols.
Commissioner Hernandez said: “Hotspot policing is delivering exactly what our communities have told us they want - more visible patrols, proactive policing and real action to tackle antisocial behaviour.
“The success of hotspot policing really highlights the power of partnership working. With the police, street marshals and local authorities all working together, we’re creating a more coordinated, community-led approach to public safety.” Hotspot policing forms part of a wider Street Focus project, aimed at creating safer city and town centres. For more information visit www.streetfocus.co.uk
First of 50 electric buses arrive in Plymouth
The first of 50 zero-emission electric double-decker buses have now arrived in Plymouth, marking a major shift toward cleaner, more sustainable public transport.
The buses are part of a transformative project led by Plymouth Citybus, part of the GoAhead Group, in partnership with Plymouth City Council, Cornwall Council, and the Department for Transport. The initiative will replace almost half of the Plymouth Citybus fleet with brand-new electric vehicles.
The first bus arrived in April and deliveries have continued steadily since then, with more due over the coming weeks, prior to the buses entering service this summer.
The electric buses will operate on Plymouth routes 21/A, 42, and 50/51, with six vehicles also serving the Rame Peninsula in Cornwall on route 70. The full fleet of 50 buses is scheduled to be on the road by the end of the year.
To support the electric buses infrastructure work is progressing
rapidly and the transformation of the Milehouse depot into a state-of-theart hub for charging and maintaining the electric fleet is on track for completion this summer, thanks to the investment by the project partners.
The project is being primarily funded by Plymouth Citybus contributing £19.6 million, supported by a £10.34 million grant from the Government’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Area Fund, with additional contributions of £1.94 million from Plymouth City Council and Cornwall Council.
Richard Stevens,
managing
director of Plymouth Citybus and Go Cornwall Bus said: “The arrival of our first electric buses marks a huge step forward, not just for Plymouth Citybus but for the city as a whole. Our team is thrilled to be part of this positive change, and we are fully committed to building a greener transport network for generations to come.”
The new buses will bear a livery showcasing their green credentials and recognising the partnersinvestment.
They are expected to reduce carbon emissions by 79,914 tonnes over their lifetime, as well as
reducing nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide emissions by 28 tonnes, and PM (particulate matter) 2.5 emissions by one tonne.
Councillor Mark Coker, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “It’s fantastic to welcome Plymouth’s first electric buses and to be supporting the establishment of Milehouse as an electric bus depot.
“This is a major milestone and demonstrates the commitment of all the project partners – and wider enhanced partnership – to delivering better bus services for the city. I look forward to seeing the new buses out on the road and passengers enjoying the more accessible space and journey information they offer.”
The buses are not only green; they also deliver significant improvements to accessibility, including additional space to accommodate a second wheelchair user or multiple unfolded pushchairs or prams, alongside the mandatory wheelchair space. The new buses also feature audio-visual announcements to provide clear information on routes and upcoming stops.
Royal William Yard calls on community to help shape ‘200 Stories’ celebration
Plymouth’s Royal William Yard is marking its 200th anniversary in 2025 – and is calling on the public to help shape the celebrations.
A new campaign, 200 Stories, has launched to gather memories, photographs, documents, artwork and artifacts that reflect the Yard’s rich and varied history.
The aim is to collect 200 contributions from the community, which will form the basis of two major bicentennial initiatives: a summer History Trail and an autumn 200 Exhibition.
The campaign invites individuals, families, and organisations with a connection to or interest in the site – whether through its Naval past, regeneration journey, or more recent life as a cultural and community destination – to get involved.
A proud past
Built in 1825 and designed by legendary British engineer Sir John Rennie, Royal William Yard is one of Britain’s most important groups of historic military buildings and Europe’s largest collection of Grade I Listed military buildings. Once a bustling victualling facility that produced food, drink, and supplies for Naval fleets, it now stands as a vibrant community hub attracting a vast volume of visitors.
Named after the last Lord High Admiral, King William IV, Royal William Yard served as a vital Royal Navy victualling facility from 1825, helping to keep Britain’s naval fleet supplied for over a century.
After closing in the 1980s, it fell into disrepair until Urban Splash began its award-winning regeneration in 2004. Today, it’s a thriving mixeduse destination featuring restaurants, bars, retailers, art galleries, offices, and residential spaces, while preserving its important architectural and historical heritage. Royal William Yard has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past two decades – and this year offers the opportunity to celebrate and remember all that has gone before.
Celebrating 200 Years
The 200 Stories campaign is about uncovering the human connections to the site, as well as uncovering the hidden histories and experiences
that have shaped this special part of Plymouth over two centuries. The campaign seeks to gather 200 unique contributions from the public, including:
• Personal memories and anecdotes
• Photographs and images
• Artifacts related to the Yard’s history
• Artwork inspired by Royal William Yard
• Family connections to the site’s Naval past
• Professional documents from Yard workers.
All contributions will form part of two major bicentennial projects:
History Trail: Launching this summer, this free tour throughout Royal William Yard will be an interactive trail, connecting visitors to a wealth of digital content, videos and audio. Take a trip through archives, plans, pictures and stories that bring the past alive in a unique way.
200 Exhibition: Taking place this autumn, this curated exhibition at Royal William Yard will showcase original artifacts, historical documents, images and art, sourced from The National Archives, Devonport Naval Heritage Centre,
Hundreds of military families in Plymouth to benefit from new Consumer Charter
Over 900 families in military housing in Plymouth and the surrounding area are set to benefit from a new Consumer Charter, with Defence Secretary John Healey promising to ‘stop the rot’ in military housing.
The Labour Government has brought 36,000 military homes back into public ownership, in a landmark deal completed in January this year. It reverses a 1996 sale described by the Public Accounts Committee as ‘disastrous’ saving the taxpayer £600,000 per day by eliminating rental payments to a private company. A total of 485 military family homes in Plymouth Moor View were brought back into public ownership in January 2025, as well as 420 in South West Devon and 34 in Plymouth Sutton and Devonport. Across the South West, a total of 9,354 military homes were brought back into public ownership in January this year.
Plymouth MPs Fred Thomas and Luke Pollard have welcomed the new Charter, which will introduce basic consumer rights for forces families – from essential property information and predictable property standards, to access to a new robust complaints system. These will be underpinned by new, published satisfaction figures, putting forces families front and centre.
The Labour Government’s Defence Housing Strategy, to be published later this year, will set out further plans to improve the standard of service family homes.
Luke Pollard MP, Member of Parliament for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, said: “Our Armed Forces and their families deserve to live in homes fit for heroes.
“We inherited an awful picture from the last government, with military families having to endure leaky roofs, broken boilers and mouldy bedrooms.
local historians and more. This will sit alongside the content gathered through the 200 Stories campaign. Uncovering hidden history
Both the trail and exhibition will showcase historical insights uncovered during the Yard’s restoration (like the story of the Brewhouse built to fulfil the Navy’s beer ration, which was abolished just as construction finished!), plans and drawings by engineering legend Sir John Rennie, and an array of fascinating facts, discoveries and artifacts. Much of this collection will be on display to the public for the first time, all housed together within Royal William Yard itself.
Anyone with a story to tell or material to share should email 200@royalwilliamyard.com All contributions will be collected over the coming months, shared on a dedicated website, and incorporated into the History Trail and 200 Years Exhibition. For more information and to stay updated on bicentennial events throughout 2025, visit www.royalwilliamyard.com/200
“This government promised to make it a priority to fix defence housing and that’s exactly what we are doing. By bringing 36,000 military homes back into public ownership, we’ve already taken greater control to drive up standards.”
Fred Thomas MP, Member of Parliament for Plymouth Moor View, said: “Many military homes in Plymouth and across the country are in an unacceptable condition. I see it when I knock on doors and speak to folk in Plymouth.
“We have brought almost 500 military homes in my patch back into public ownership and we’re expanding rights for military personnel and their families to ensure they are living in homes that they deserve.
“This Labour government values our armed forces, their families and the commitment they show to our country. The least we can do is ensure they have safe, clean and secure homes and that’s exactly what we are doing.”
Plymouth Proprietary Library,
© Alamy Stock Photo
© Urban Splash
Plymouth Stagecoach drivers
and staff supporting local food bank
Drivers and staff from Stagecoach South West’s Plymouth depot have embraced the spirit of giving and made a series of generous donations of food and monetary donations to the local Plympton Food Bank over the last eight months as part of a drive to support their local community.
In February and March 2025 alone, the depot collected a combined total of 96kg of food and supplies, all of which have been delivered directly to the Food Bank. In addition, during April, staff organised a collection of Easter eggs, which were distributed to families in need to bring a little extra joy during the holiday season.
Emma Potter, driver and health and wellbeing champion at the Plymouth depot, said: “As drivers, we are aware of individuals within our community who are in need of support from the food bank. This may include families who are making sacrifices to ensure their children are provided for, as well as individuals facing challenging circumstances. It is in these moments that our depot is dedicated to offering assistance. Together, we have helped to change lives through our shared compassion and kindness.”
Peter Knight, managing director at Stagecoach South West said: “We believe in supporting the communities we serve in many different ways; and it’s great to see our colleagues at Plymouth depot taking the spirit of giving back into their own hands and organising these donations.”
The team plan to continue these donations throughout the year, continuing to support the local community.
Work of student film-makers to be showcased at More to Sea festival
Student filmmakers from across the South West and beyond are being invited to submit work for the second annual More to Sea festival, a one-day celebration of emerging talent taking place in June at Plymouth Arts Cinema, hosted by Arts University Plymouth.
Part of the university’s commitment to platforming new voices and practice-led creative education, More to Sea is free to enter and open to sixth-formers, college students, undergraduates, and recent graduates (up to two years after graduation).
All selected films will be screened in a professional cinema environment, with separate award categories for Sixth Form/Pre-Degree, Undergraduate and Postgraduate entrants. Organisers are casting the net wide. Submissions are welcomed across all genres and formats, including narrative films, animation, documentaries, music videos, journalism, commercials, branded and short-form content, and any other moving image work created as part of their journey as a student media-maker.
GHQ Training celebrates 25 years based in Plymouth City Centre
Plymouth family-run company GHQ, is celebrating 25 years located in its prime city centre location.
The company marked the millennium in 2000 with the expansion of the training arm of their business into the location in Whimple Street at the top of Royal Parade. Fast forward a quarter of a century and managing director Jean Rogers and her team are always looking for ways to build on their success.
“We have the flexibility to respond quickly to business and learner needs,” said Jean. “We are so proud to have worked with small, large and international brands with their staff development, creating bespoke business packages fit for the 21st century.”
Wellbeing champions, GHQ recently achieved a Good rating from Ofsted. Inspectors said: “Learners feel welcome and cared for by training staff. Learners enjoy their studies and look forward to attending the training centres, where they study in a very supportive environment.”
Having recently won a contract with Plymouth City Council, GHQ lead the way in providing wrap-around training for Plymouth schools, nurseries and child minders. Pennycross school headteacher Stuart Tulloch-Thomas said: “The training provided by Jean and the team from GHQ was exceptional. The Pennycross staff are
now delivering high quality care.”
GHQ specialises in education and training courses, as well as child care and teaching assistant training.
Along with many other training opportunities, with funding available for various courses, GHQ continues to deliver high quality hairdressing, barbering, beauty, nails and make up courses. Circus, The Hair Bar and the new REV salon are just a few of the many successful private salons whose creative owners trained with GHQ.
With so much to celebrate, GHQ will open their doors on June 25 between 10.30am and 3.30pm to give the next generation of learners a first-hand opportunity to see how GHQ can help them. The open day will feature demonstrations, refreshments, a chance to win reduced-price training courses and the opportunity to meet staff and chat to former students from as far afield as Holland.
Visit www.ghqtraining.co.uk for more information.
FareShare South West appeal for help to find bigger warehouse
FareShare South West, the charity that redistributes food to people in need, recently gathered over 120 of Devon and Cornwall’s political leaders, business innovators, food suppliers, charities and educators for its Spring Summit at Plymouth Argyle’s Home Park Stadium.
“More to Sea is all about giving emerging filmmakers the space to experiment and be seen,” said Dr Dom Deane, lecturer in Film & Screen Arts at Arts University Plymouth. “We’re calling for work across all genres – narrative films, music videos, branded content, documentaries, experimental shorts – because our goal is to celebrate the full spectrum of student creativity.
“Whether you’re in sixth form or recently graduated, this is a chance to put your ideas on the big screen, connect with others who love film, and be part of a growing creative community in the South West.”
The one-day festival takes place on Thursday June 12 at Plymouth Arts Cinema.
The event showcased the power of collaboration in tackling hunger and food waste in the South West and announced an urgent appeal for a larger warehouse in Plymouth. The charity has outgrown its current facility and can no longer accommodate additional cold storage, packing lines or the expanding volunteer teams that are critical to the charity’s mission, and needs larger premises in place by autumn 2025 to sustain its much needed expanding operations.
Guests at the Plymouth summit heard from Lucy Bearn, chief executive of FareShare South West, on the charity’s rapid growth and the challenges of scaling food rescue operations across the region.
Lucy said: “Our current warehouse is simply bursting at the seams. Securing a new, larger facility is essential, not just for space, but to ensure that all surplus food we rescue can reach those who need it most.
“The fact is that we are living in a broken food system. There are so many reasons that food goes to waste including seasonal glut, labelling issues, food that
has too short a date to go to the retailers and out-of-season packaging.
“New legislation in March this year means that businesses in England must dispose of their food waste separate from other waste. This is obviously great, but still there is 4.6 million tonnes of goodto-eat food that is going to waste just in the UK. That is the equivalent of 10 billion meals.”
She added: “For many people they do not have reliable access to affordable and nutritious food. Healthy food is twice as expensive per calorie as unhealthy choices.”
Luke Pollard MP for Plymouth Sutton & Devonport and Minister for the Armed Forces attended the Spring Summit. He highlighted the concerning rise in the need for food banks, the importance of securing the charity a bigger warehouse and additional delivery vans so it can better distribute food across the region,
and appealed to attendees to encourage more people to get involved to work towards ending food poverty.
He also stressed how tackling the problem requires action on difficult long term structural problems around wages, housing costs and food availability.
FareShare South West acts as a bridge between food waste and hunger, empowering communities to turn an environmental problem into lasting social good. Since opening its doors in 2018, the organisation has tripled its food rescue volume, with demand from frontline charities growing year-on-year.
FareShare South West is calling on businesses to lend support whether its through volunteering, corporate partnerships, financial donations, pro bono expertise or help sourcing new premises. For further information visit www.faresharesouthwest.org.uk
FareShare South West (from left) Andy Street, chair of trustees; Shelley Wright, director of Partnerships and Business Development; Lucy Bearn, CEO and Josie Forsyth, deputy CEO Photo: Russell Abrahams
Members of the GHQ Training team outside their city centre base
City’s super slimmers raise £75,000 for Cancer Research
Slimming World members in Plymouth have raised £75,000 for Cancer Research UK by donating the clothes they’ve slimmed out of to the charity’s shops.
The Big Slimming World Clothes Throw with Cancer Research UK is an annual event that takes place in Slimming World groups across the UK. It sees members donating good quality clothes, shoes, and accessories that no longer fit – and they’re confident they will never need again.
Slimming World groups across Plymouth, collected 2,508 bags to help support lifesaving research.
Slimming World team developer Lauren Derbyshire, who runs the Ford Saturday morning group, said she’s proud of how the city’s members came together to support the charity, as well as to celebrate how far they’ve come on their own weight loss journeys.
Lauren said: “It’s always a pleasure to see the excitement in groups when The Big Slimming World Clothes Throw comes around! When you’re losing weight, it can be easy to focus on the number on the scales without realising how many non-scale victories are happening in the background, like our changing clothes sizes and body shapes.
“This event celebrates those victories as it is all about members donating their old wardrobe while raising money for an important cause. It makes me so happy to see my membersconfidence grow as they commit to donating their larger clothes knowing they will never need them again, because they’ve made healthy changes they can maintain for life!”
As well as raising funds for Cancer Research UK, the Big Slimming World Clothes Throw raises awareness of how maintaining a healthy weight reduces the risk of 13 different types of cancer. Overweight and obesity is the second biggest preventable cause of cancer in the UK - causing more than one in 20 cancer cases.
Lauren added: “Being overweight doesn’t necessarily mean that a person will develop cancer, but we know that losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent a number of health conditions, including some types of cancer. I’m proud to host The Big Slimming World Clothes Throw at my Slimming World group to help Cancer Research UK continue its vital work.”
Over the years, Slimming World has raised more than £25 million for Cancer Research UK through a variety of campaigns including The Big Slimming World Clothes Throw and supporting the charity’s Race for Life event series.
Last year, Slimming World members, consultants and head office staff raised £2.9m for Cancer Research UK through The Big Slimming World Clothes Throw and are aiming to make this year even bigger and better.
Lauren’s Ford Slimming World group is held at Wolseley Trust Community Centre, every Saturday at 7.30am, 9am, and 10.30am. For more information or to join Lauren’s group or any other group in Plymouth, call Lauren on 07494 754493 or visit www. slimmingworld.co.uk or call 0344 897 8000.
the 2,500 bags of clothes collected for charity
PUBLIC NOTICE
Licensing Act 2003
Notice is hereby given that Plymbridge Stores on 12/05/25 Have made application to the Plymouth City Council, being the licensing authority for the purposes of the above act, for the grant of a premises license in respect of the premises situated at and known as:
Plymbridge Stores, situated at 4-8 Plymbridge Road, Plympton PL74QF.
The relevant licensable activities or relevant qualifying club activities are as follows:
06:30 - 18:30 on weekdays
The activities are: sale of alcohol by retail - consumption off the premises.
You can direct any representations to this application to : Public Protection Service Manager, Licensing Office, Plymouth City Council, Ballard House, PL1 3BJ or licensing@plymouth.gov.uk
No later than 09/06/25
A copy of this application can be viewed on the Council's licensing register or at the Licensing Office address during normal office hours. It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with this application, the maximum fine on summary conviction being unlimited.
Plymouth’s busy Manadon Interchange is set for a major overhaul thanks to new government funding.
The Department for Transport has given a green light to an outline plan for a variety of improvements and awarded just over £13.3 million in development funding to take this scheme onto detailed design.
The Manadon Interchange, which connects the A38 Devon Expressway with the A386 Tavistock Road, is one of Plymouth’s busiest and most critical junctions.
It plays a vital role in linking different parts of the city and providing access to key employment and healthcare sites, including Derriford Hospital, Plymouth Science Park, and the Dockyard.
Originally designed for far lower traffic volumes, the interchange now struggles to cope with demand.
With the planned growth of Plymouth, including over 29,000 new homes and the creation of more than 13,000 skilled jobs, the city’s road infrastructure must be improved to support this expansion.
Without these upgrades, congestion will continue to worsen, impacting local businesses, emergency services, and people’s daily lives. This investment is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve Plymouth’s road network for the future.
The outline plans for the scheme will be launched later this month when a six week period of public engagement will begin, allowing residents to attend information sessions and feedback on a number of areas in an initial design, which focuses on: Safer roads New junctions, crossings, and layouts to reduce accident risks and improve conditions for all road users.
Better walking and cycling routes Safer, segregated cycle lanes and improved pedestrian paths to encourage more people to walk and cycle where possible.
A new community space at Treveneague Gardens Transforming an underused area into a new park with footpaths, biodiversity enhancements and recreational space for local residents.
Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “Improvements to Manadon are well overdue so I’m delighted that we have got to this crucial stage of the process.
“Our city needs to grow to respond to the rising population and be economically viable. We need more jobs and homes.
“That means that junctions like Manadon have to be able to cope, which is why it is so important to that we invest in the infrastructure of the future.”
The total cost of the scheme, from design right through to construction is £156 million, with £133 million from government funding and the remaining £23 million from other transport grant funding, developer contributions and the Council’s own investment.
It is estimated that construction on the scheme would not begin before 2028.
To keep up to date on the scheme visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/ a38manadoninterchange
Super Slimming World slimmers with just some of
New units for economic growth shaping up nicely!
The steel frames for the first purpose-built commercial units within the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport are now up and work is powering ahead on the site that is destined to be home to high growth industries.
Plymouth City Council is delivering four units on a plot in Beaumont Way, Langage – one of three Freeport tax sites as part of the region’s continuing success story in the marine, defence, space, advanced manufacturing, engineering and clean energy sectors.
Devon Contractors, who have only been on site since December, are cracking on with the task to build the units which range in size from 750 square metres to just over 2,000 square metres
The picture above shows how far the work has come, with the roof cladding finished for three of the four units as well as creating the first internal floor within all units. External drainage work is almost complete and internal drainage progressing well.
The units will have workshop/production space inside with fully fitted offices at ground and first floor level (with lift access) and welfare facilities, including showers.
Each will have its own dedicated service yard, parking and EV charging pod and the units will be highly sustainable and incorporate technology to minimise carbon emissions and running costs, including solar photo-voltaic panels, increased levels of insulation, higher levels of natural daylight and ventilation and highly efficient heating systems. The units are being designed and built to BREEAM Excellent standards and Net Zero status.
Plymouth City Council Leader Tudor Evans said: “It’s great to see so much progress on this important site and it’s great to know that we are already getting a significant amount of enquiries from interested companies. They must be the right fit for the Freeport, but the signs are really encouraging!”
The development has been made possible thanks to a £4 million Freeport seed capital funding, match funded by Plymouth City Council. Once complete, it is expected to support around 138 full time jobs and associated long term spin off benefits, not to mention the construction and supply chain employment during the build period.
Devon Contractors are on target to finish the scheme in time for units to be ready to move into by Autumn 2025.
Nigel Whelan, managing director of Devon Contractors, said: “We’re making excellent progress on site at Langage and its a testament to the collaborative spirit across the board.
“Our supply chain, consultants, suppliers and the client team have all come together as one, working seamlessly to drive the project forward. This level of co-operation is what allows us to maintain momentum and deliver with confidence.
“We’re particularly excited to be launching our work placements schools projects next month – a great opportunity to engage the next generation and share in the future of construction.”
The Langage Tax Site is the largest of three tax sites for the Freeport and is on the edge of the existing Langage Business Park. It is strategically significant as it provides the space and opportunities to support sector growth plans and economic specialisation, underpinning the Freeport’s trade and investment objectives.
Eligible businesses that are part of the Freeport can take advantage of a range of tax and customs benefits and incentives to support growth, innovation and investment in the South West, including business rates relief, employer National Insurance contributions rate relief, stamp duty land tax relief, capital allowances, VAT and tariff benefits and simplified import procedures.
As this site is part of the Freeport designated tax site, eligible tenants must specialise in either marine, defence, space, advanced manufacturing, engineering or clean energy.
Interested parties should contact LAPT@Plymouth.gov. uk or information about the Freeport contact Eifion.Jones@ pasdfreeport.com
Blue plaque unveiled on former home of Argyle legend Jack Leslie
A blue plaque celebrating the life and achievements of Jack Leslie has been unveiled in a special ceremony on May 16 as the Chronicle went to press.
The plaque, located at 8 Glendower Road, Peverell where he lived with his wife and daughter at the peak of his footballing career, was unveiled by Historic England’s chief executive Duncan Wilson and Jack Leslie’s granddaughters Lesley Hiscott, Gillian Carter and Lyn Davies.
It was in October 1925 – nearly 100 years ago – that Jack Leslie became the first Black footballer to receive a call-up as a reserve for the England squad.
Though this honour was rescinded shortly afterwards, it is thought on the grounds of racial prejudice, Jack’s resilience in continuing to excel at Plymouth Argyle and his significance in the history of English football has more recently been acknowledged and celebrated.
He was an inspirational footballer who achieved great success playing for Plymouth Argyle from 1921 until 1935. He developed a strong partnership with fellow player Sammy Black, which was instrumental in propelling Plymouth Argyle towards its highest-ever standing in the English Football League. In 1932 he led Plymouth Argyle to the fourth spot in the Second Division - a record that has never been equalled.
In March 1928, Jack was given the captain’s armband in an away match against Norwich. This was a significant moment in football history, for Leslie was the first Black player to captain an English Football League team. He rarely missed a game and was joint top scorer in the 192829 season with 22 goals.
Jack’s final two seasons as a professional footballer were overshadowed by an injury to his eye which forced him to miss much of the 1933-34 season. He struggled to regain his old form and played his final match in April 1935.
He possessed remarkable skills as a striker which brought him a tally of 137 goals in a total of 401 appearances for the club during his career.
After his retirement from football Jack took on the tenancy of a pub in Truro, before moving with his family to East London.
He worked as a boilermaker, riveter and plater in the East India Docks until his retirement in 1966. At the suggestion of his daughter Evelyn, he then found a parttime job cleaning boots and sweeping terraces at West Ham United’s stadium Upton Park, near his home in East Ham.
In 1978, Leslie was interviewed by the Daily Mail and reflected on his career and the racism he encountered. In October 1982, he was honoured with a brief ceremony before the match at Upton Park to mark his retirement from the West Ham boot room.
In October 2022 the Football Association presented Jack with a posthumous cap and recognised that retraction of his call-up ‘should never
have happened.’ The FA stated that ‘he faced adversity because of the colour of his skin, and was deselected and never played for his country and that the posthumous cap recognised Jack’s ‘career, his contribution to our game and wider society, and to right this historical wrong.’
In the same year the statue of Jack Leslie was unveiled in an emotional ceremony at Home Park. The statue was the brainchild of Matt Tiller and Greg Foxsmith, co-founders of the Jack Leslie Campaign which raised £140,000 to fund the statue.
They said: “100 years ago Plymouth Argyle’s Jack Leslie was a young newlywed with the world at his feet. He walked
from this house to Home Park where he was given the fantastic news that is so significant in the history of our national sport. Jack had been picked for England, the first player of colour to be selected.
“He returned to Glendower Road to share that achievement with his new wife, Win. And it was here that he would later have to deal with that dream being snatched away.
“But he bounced back helping Argyle win promotion and becoming team captain. It also became a family home after his daughter Evelyn came along in 1927. It is a wonderful moment to see Jack recognised and celebrated here with a blue plaque.”
Jack Leslie’s granddaughters Lesley Hiscott, Gillian Carter and Lyn Davies said: “We feel honoured as members of Jack’s family that a blue plaque is being unveiled in recognition of his achievements.
“Our grandad made a major contribution to the history of not only football but the integration of black people into our communities. He was a true trailblazer, and we will always be immensely proud of him.”
The unveiling marked the start of an eight-week public nomination period for the National Blue Plaques Scheme, with the public being invited to submit their own nominations for people they would most like to see recognised through a prestigious Historic England national blue plaque at www.historicengland.org.uk/ listing/national-blue-plaque-scheme
Jack Leslie pictured during his time as a boot boy at West Ham United Photo: Jack O’Halloran
Jack Leslie pictured during his Argyle years Photo: Historic England
University wins two top nursing training awards
The University of Plymouth has won two categories at the biggest event in student nursing education.
Plymouth won the Student Nursing Times Award for Apprenticeship Provider of the Year, and third-year student Pip Raud won Student Midwife of the Year.
Degree apprenticeships enable employees to study for a degree in a field related to their job while maintaining their employment, and the University of Plymouth was hailed as a ‘shining example’ of delivering this successfully in nursing.
The judges said: “This passionate and dedicated team truly championed the life-changing potential of the apprenticeship route. Their inclusive approach to learning ensures that everyone has the opportunity to engage, thrive, and succeed. The judges were particularly impressed by the innovation woven throughout the curriculum and the powerful, real-world impact –transforming not only the lives of learners but also enriching the wider service user and carer community. A shining example of apprenticeships at their very best.”
Caroline Jamison, associate professor of Nursing and Academic Lead for Apprenticeships, said: “Having been shortlisted for the inaugural award last year, we’re delighted to have gone one further and won this year.
“What we do is a real team effort, as our apprenticeship programme leads and academic teaching teams work collaboratively with professional services colleagues and the university’s central apprenticeship hub across our pre registration and post registration apprenticeship programmes.
“Our work is focused on meeting the needs of our apprentices, employers, stakeholders and ultimately patients and service users in the South West and beyond, so we’re very much celebrating this award with everyone involved.”
Student Midwife of the Year Pip Raud embarked on a career in midwifery after personal experience ignited a passion in the health sector.
Pip, who has two teenage children, became a professional sailor in her teens and pursued a degree combining water sports and business, while balancing her sailing passion.
She had been diagnosed with severe endometriosis in her teens and was told that she would be unlikely to have children. However, she and her husband had a son and daughter in her early twenties although she required additional care during pregnancy and lots of visits to hospital.
Pip said: “It was during that time, when I received incredible care from midwives and other professionals, that something in my core ignited, and I couldn’t really quieten it down.”
With two young children, and her health in mind, Pip decided to move away from the physical demands of sailing to a career in photography.
She said: “Photography was great, but I always remembered the incredible care I’d
received when pregnant, and maintained this passion for midwifery. I found myself looking through the textbooks I’d accumulated for fun, but I was at a stage of life where I felt it was a nice idea rather than a reality.”
Then, in 2019, Pip’s health issues returned, and she had to have a hysterectomy. While naturally concerned, she again was inspired by the care of the health professionals she met.
“The whole team was amazing, but there was one particular consultant who looked after me and gave me incredible care. I was feeling low but reflecting on his support, I thought ‘I want to be this for other people’, and knew healthcare was my calling.”
A few short months later, the Covid pandemic hit – and the combination of events acted as a catalyst to re-evaluate her career path.
She was approaching 40 when she decided to look at studying midwifery at the University of Plymouth.
“What really appealed was the blended learning option – where some of the theoretical teaching is delivered online to make learning more accessible – and the fact that having an existing degree made me eligible to achieve a masters in three years, rather than four.
Nearing the end of her three-year masters, Pip received a surprise email saying she had been shortlisted for the
Foster carers in Plymouth are receiving a five per cent uplift on all their allowances as part of Foster for Plymouth’s new financial support offer for 2025/26.
This means that weekly payments now vary from between £350 to £779 per child, depending on how old they are and their specific needs. There are also increased financial packages available for the ‘Step Forward’ fostering scheme, which supports children out of residential care.
Foster for Plymouth is a not-for-profit fostering service which is part of Plymouth City Council.
Councillor Jemima Laing, Cabinet Member for Childrens Social Care, said: “Our foster carers do an absolutely incredible job looking after our children and young people who need a safe place to live. I’ve been fortunate enough to spend a lot of time with our carers and I know that none of them do this for the financial reward, but instead because they are genuinely motivated to care for children in need.
“However, it’s really important that our foster carers are not out of pocket and that they are financially supported to be able to provide this vitally important role. This is why we’re committed to reviewing the financial support package every year and I’m delighted that we’ve been able to offer an uplift this year, as well as a number of other benefits.”
As well as a weekly maintenance allowance and a reward payment for each child, extra financial support is provided for birthdays, holidays and celebrations such as Christmas.
Student Nursing Times Awards.
Pip said of her win: “It’s the biggest surprise but I’m so grateful and absolutely delighted. I took the leap back into study and there were lots of unknowns for me, but thanks to support from my family, the university and placement providers, I know I absolutely made the right decision.”
Deeply impressed
The judges said: “We were deeply impressed by Pip Raud’s outstanding clinical knowledge and skill – particularly in antenatal care and the induction of labour. Compassionate, reflective, and driven by a desire to continually improve, Pip places those in her care firmly at the centre of her practice. Service user feedback highlighted her empathy and the positive, person-centred experiences she creates.
“Pip showed remarkable courage in navigating challenging situations, always prioritising safety and family wellbeing. Her ability to bridge the gap between research and practice, combined with exceptional interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach within multidisciplinary teams, sets her apart.
“The profession is truly fortunate to welcome such a dedicated and visionary midwife. The judges congratulate Pip and wish her every success in the journey ahead.”
In recognition of feedback from foster carers, the new financial support package also includes an additional payment to be used towards birthday parties for children as well as a £200 prom allowance to help cover the costs of any clothing or attendance. There is also a new capital grant opportunity available to foster carers to help adapt their homes, either to meet the needs of a specific child or to increase the number of bedrooms they have so they can support more children.
Foster for Plymouth carers may also be eligible for Council Tax discount or a full exemption. This applies to carers who live in other local authority areas as well as those living within the Plymouth City Council boundaries.
In addition to the financial allowances, Foster for Plymouth carers also benefit from a range of support. This includes comprehensive training and development opportunities, regular social events, respite breaks, an online portal with useful information, peer support from other carers and a dedicated supporting social worker. There are currently more than 500 children in care in Plymouth, but not enough local foster homes available to support them. This means children sometimes have to live in residential care settings or live outside of the city, which can negatively impact their wellbeing by separating them from friends, family and trusted professionals.
Foster for Plymouth is looking for more local adults who could consider becoming foster parents. To be a foster carer, applicants must be over the age of 21, have a spare room and be genuinely interested in the welfare of children and young people.
There are less barriers to foster care than most people think, and potential carers can be:
• single or in a relationship
• a parent or have never had children
• a pet owner
• renting your home or a homeowner
• employed, unemployed or retired
• living with a disability.
To find out more, visit fosterforplymouth.co.uk, email fostering@ plymouth.gov.uk or call 01752 308762.
Members of the University of Plymouth nursing apprenticeships team at the awards ceremony
Student Midwife of the Year Pip Raud
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Pop-up contemporary gallery at Royal William Yard in June
A contemporary pop-up gallery showcasing the work of local artists with a deep passion for the coastline and oceans is taking place at the Royal William Yard in June. Organised by two local artists John Dixon and Erica Ankers, the pop-up gallery will be staged in the ground floor of the Melville Building from June 6 to June 22.
The work of John and Erica will be featured along with at least six other local artists with a connection to the coast.
The event will feature a range of artistic expressions both 2D and 3D alongside some exciting event days, including celebration of UN World Ocean Days on June 8.
John’s work is created from beach found marine litter, using mathematical and geometric patterns, while Erica produces semi abstract atmospheric paintings drawing inspiration from the light, colour and texture of the land and seascape.
For details visit their instagram page @coast.artgallery
Artist John Dixon with one of his works created from beach found marine litter
Artist Erica Ankers at work on one of her semi abstract atmospheric paintings
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Lucy’s fund-raising run for St Luke’s Hospice Popular Freedom Community Festival celebrates 25th
A building society worker is taking on a personal challenge later this year - running a 10-mile race to raise funds for St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth, in memory of her father, Stephen Shears, who passed away in March from a rare form of cancer.
Stephen retired to Plymouth in 2015, where he spent the last decade surrounded by the beauty and tranquillity of the coast, until his illness brought him to the care of St Luke’s Hospice.
Now his daughter Lucille Froggett, customer engagement adviser at the Cambridge Building Society is trading the sofa for running shoes to raise money for the charity. In a heartfelt tribute, Lucille is stepping well outside her comfort zone to support the hospice that provided care, compassion, and dignity to her family during a profoundly difficult time.
Lucille said: “Anyone who knows me knows I don’t run – unless it’s to the fridge or sofa! Taking on a 10-mile run is a huge personal challenge, but it’s nothing compared to what families face during the toughest times.
“St Luke’s Hospice gave my dad comfort and dignity in his final days, and this is my way of saying thank you.”
Lucille has already completed her first 5K event in Cambridgeshire, at the end of April and is planning to take part in a 10 Mile event in November. Her goal is to raise vital funds for St Luke’s Hospice, a charity she says made her father feel ‘at homeduring his final days. Before entering hospice care, Stephen had
frequently asked to ‘go home.After arriving at St Luke’s, he stopped making the request – a testament to the sense of peace and comfort the hospice provides its patients.
Peter Ward, community fundraiser at St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth, said: “Lucille’s commitment is incredibly inspiring. Her fundraising run is a powerful tribute to her father and a reminder of how meaningful hospice care can be for patients and their
loved ones. We’re incredibly grateful for her support.”
St Luke’s relies on donations and community fundraising to deliver specialist end-of-life care to hundreds of people across the region every year.
Supporters can follow Lucille’s journey and donate through her fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/page/lucille-shears-1.
anniversary in May
Freedom Community Festival is back for two days to celebrate its 25th anniversary on May 24 and 25 at Freedom Fields Park in Lipson.
The festival volunteer team are working hard to make this year one of the best yet.
There will be a great variety of local live music, stalls, catering, licensed bar, inflatables, community group services information plus a dedicated family area offering various activities.
The Freedom Community Festival is an annual free event that brings people together to celebrate the diverse community of the city.
The Festival is organised and run by a team of dedicated, generous volunteers who work tirelessly to make it all happen. With support from local organisations performing artists, local people, sponsors, and grants.
Event details: Saturday and Sunday May 24 and 25 11am – 7pm (6pm Sun)
Freedom Fields Park, Plymouth, PL4 8RJ
For more information please visit: www. freedomcommunityfestival.org or the Facebook page: Freedom Community Festival.
Roofing
Stairlifts
Lucille Froggett - running in memory of her father who was cared for by St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth
The quiet revival taking place... Experience
Something interesting and frankly unexpected appears to be happening in the UK.
According to research commissioned by the Bible Society and conducted by YouGov it appears that there is a significant increase in church attendance and especially amongst Gen Z (those people born between 1997 and 2012).
These are changing and, in many ways, challenging times. Economically there is uncertainty as well as widening wealth inequalities in many countries and a cost of living crisis affecting many.
Globally there is unrest and war in several places and we are seeing technological advancements move at a near unprecedented rate. All this leaves us at best feeling slightly uneasy and at worst struggling to cope.
That’s a gloomy picture and is admittedly only a part of the bigger global picture. . It may however be a contributory factor in why more people than at other times in recent years are seeking answers to some of life’s bigger philosophical questions.
In seeking for answers, it would appear, many are turning to Christianity.
According to the Bible Society:
The Quiet Revival shows that the most dramatic church growth is among young adults, particularly young men. In 2018, just 4 per cent of 18–24-year-olds said that they attended church at least monthly. Today, says
By Dave Simpson, Station Manager of Cross Rhythms Plymouth
The Quiet Revival, this has risen to 16 per cent, with young men increasing from 4 per cent to 21 per cent, and young women from 3 to 12 per cent.
Source: www.biblesociety.org.uk/research/ quiet-revival
What interests me about the aspect surrounding Gen Z in particular is a turning back to the faith that likely was present in their ancestors but a faith which their parents and grandparents may have turned away from.
Christianity has been the prevalent faith in the UK for centuries. One of the challenges with that is it can become something you feel connected to without ever really exploring it. Some might say ‘I’m a Chrisitan because I’m Britishor because their parents and grandparents went to church. In other words I go to church and my parents go to church because it’s the thing we all do here.
The problem comes when there is no personal engagement with God himself and a receiving of His love through Jesus. It can become a dusty old religion rather than a vibrant relationship with the God who made you.
From the 1960s onwards many in the generation of the day threw off traditions and conventions that were in place which had, in their experience at least, lost all meaning and purpose and therefore had no value.
The pervading cultural Christianity was for many one of those conventions.
A generation rose seeking what life was really all about and this gave way to huge societal shifts in culture which were embodied in many areas such as music, fashion, attitudes to sex and increasingly widespread use of ‘recreationaldrugs.
In their seeking, many could not find answers in traditional expressions of faith, and they rejected what they saw as mere ‘social norms’. The throwing off of traditional Christianity and
traditional Christian values of that time led to a secularisation of the country in the following decades and a disconnection or disbelief in a God who cares for us
Interestingly though at the heart of this search for answers, many hippies in the 60s and 70s in the western world discovered for themselves the person of Jesus and found his teachings, life, death and resurrection contained the answers they were looking for.
Now Gen Z are growing up without cultural Christianity being anywhere near as prevalent as in prior generations. They are seeking authentic answers and as a result many are finding Jesus for the first time. What about you? Are you searching for answers in life? Have you ever looked to Jesus for the answers?
Or perhaps have you turned away from Christianity because your only experience had been a dusty and pointless religion? Maybe now is the time for you to look again to Jesus. Not to how he may have been misrepresented to you but who He says He is and who He can be for you today.
Listen to Cross Rhythms Plymouth on 96.3FM or online at the new Cross Rhythms Plymouth website at www. crossrhythms.co.uk/plymouth
Plymouth achieves Tree City of the World status with more than 35,000 trees planted across city
Plymouth has been recognised as a Tree City of the World on back of another exceptional planting season this winter.
Since November 2024, thanks in part to a major new partnership effort, there are over 35,000 new trees growing and establishing across the city.
In the city, council teams have helped to plant over 5,700 new trees of all shapes, species and sizes all over the city to further enhance the successful legacy of the Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest.
Meanwhile, in addition to the trees planted in and around the city, council and Community Forest teams assisted with the planting of a vast new 30,000-strong forest on MOD land near Ernesettle.
Be it parks and open spaces, road verges, residential streets or in school grounds, council teams have been busy delivering a positive impact for people and nature across the city.
This year more than 650 standard and fruit trees have been established. Standards are large trees that at the time of planting are already six to ten feet tall with this year’s number nearly double that of 2024.
On top of the standards, a further 5,102 whips have been planted as hedgerows and high-density planting areas which will become the wildlife corridors, edible hedgerows, and wooded areas of the future. Over the course of the season teams have engaged with hundreds of people of all ages through various community events and groups including Plymouth Tree People, Headway, Societree, and the Hoe Gardening Group, as well as through partnerships with landowners like Plymouth Community Homes and the Learning Academy Trust.
The successful season, plus ongoing work behind the scenes, has led to Plymouth being awarded the coveted status as an official Tree City of the World.
The Tree Cities of the World programme is an international effort to recognise cities and towns committed to ensuring that their urban forests and trees are properly maintained, sustainably managed, and celebrated.
The status is awarded when a city can demonstrate having policies for tree management; an inventory to determine what trees it has; a budget to care for those trees; a group dedicated to the care of those trees and an annual celebration of its trees.
Plymouth was awarded the status after a joint bid between Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest, the council and local charity Plymouth Tree People, in recognition of the innovative approach to bring our community forest to life.
Councillor Tom Briars-Delve, Cabinet Member for the Environment and Climate Change, said: “Another year, another incredible amount
of trees planted across our beautiful city. Just marvellous.
“Then to be become a Tree City of the World is a real honour for our city. Since taking control in 2023, this administration has championed tree planting and the natural environment so this international recognition as a leading tree city, achieved thanks to positive collaborations with local community groups, shows just how far we’ve come.”
Penny Tarrant, Chair of Plymouth Tree People, said: “We are delighted to have worked in partnership to achieve this accolade for Plymouth. It demonstrates the commitment to, and the value in, working together.
“As a local charity, our core work is to plant, care and learn. As partners we have played our part in planting many street trees across the city, caring for trees via our broad Tree Warden network and in teaching about and celebrating trees through the Plymouth Urban Tree Festival in May.”
The prolific 2024-25 planting season means that that over 17,500 trees have been planted across more than 120 sites since 2021, when the Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest was first launched.
The Defra funded Community Forest project boundary stretches from the South Devon coast, across Plymouth and right across to the rolling landscape of Dartmoor National Park.
By April 2026 a further 300 hectares will be planted creating a mosaic of orchards, hedgerows, areas of natural regeneration, native broadleaf, and productive woodland.
Unlike traditional forests, the community forest isn’t geographically restricted to one place. Instead, it encompasses a wide variety of planting styles from community accessible woodland, private woodland, highway verge planting, urban wooded areas, habitat corridors and hedgerows contributing to the wider England’s Communty Forests.
For more information about Community Forests and how to get involved visit www.psdcf.com
To contribute to the consultation on the Community Forest Plan visit www.plymouth-consult.objective.co.uk/kse/event/38334
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, written after the end of season defeat bvy Leeds United is from lifelong Argyle fan and one of the founders of Argyle Life, Sam Down So, it’s finally happened. After a valiant effort in the last few months to starve off survival, Plymouth Argyle have been relegated to League One.
What happened - and what next?
USEFUL NUMBERS
At the moment, we’re still in the processing phase. It’s raw and it’s difficult to see the club appear so fallible after years of seemingly unstoppable progress.
The last time I wrote for Chronicle readers with reports of Argyle’s progress, it was the start of March. I spoke about how ‘Muslicballhung in the balance. It was capable of brilliant defensive masterclass performances but also staleness and did not show adaptability.
I thought long and hard about how to write this article. Do we look at the story as it’s developed or do we look at what Argyle need to do? Ultimately, the two topics are opposite sides of the same coin.
Despite the gutwrenching relegation, Miron Muslic has arguably proved himself to be Argyle’s greatest asset. We might not have stayed up but we gave it a great shot. The final chapter of our Championship story is the best possible blueprint going forward.
What Happened?
Things had to get worse before they could get better. Following the euphoria of the Man City game, came two back to back fixtures where Argyle reached what was perhaps their lowest ebb.
A crunch trip to relegation rivals Hull: Argyle never got going and it was such a dismal effort that we didn’t even register a single shot until the 75th minute mark. The Greens lost 2-0 as Hull registered only their third home win of the season. The following Saturday at home to Sheffield Wednesday certainly STARTED better but we still didn’t have a shot on target after the 34th minute. A tepid 0-3 loss was only slightly less embarrassing than the 4-0 battering by the same opponents on the opening day.
Something had to change and it had to change fast. The murmuring among critical fans was that Muslicball had had its day- was useful for nothing except smash and grab wins vs superior opponents.
We were back in the doldrums again. Back where we were after the Burnley thumping where all faith seemed lost. The same problems were apparent – the inability to open teams up or to so much as tweak our playing-style.
The win that followed against Pompey couldn’t have been more crucial. It wasn’t our best performance. But it was a brilliantly worked win with a fine team goal. It was our first away win in the league all season - to paraphrase the manager after Sunderland away – ‘signs of life’.
Argyle then lost 2-3 at home to Derby the game after the international break. However, even despite the implications of that loss for our season, the performance gave us hope. Muslic re-integrated Bali Mumba into his best position of wing back and we played the better football on the day.
“I believe that Simon Hallett has done a wonderful job in raising the ceiling of this club’s potential. But the board and the CEO have serious questions to answer about the last year and a half. Hiring Miron Muslic has been about the only good decision made on the football side of the club since the end of 2023” SAM DOWN
After the international break, we knew that hope of survival were slim. It was more like an audition ultimately - for the players and maybe even for the coaching team.
What followed was a run of form tantalisingly close to great escape. The only reason we didn’t quite get there was the fact of Derby, Hull and other sides finding enough form to (once again) raise the bar to an unusually high total for survival.
I won’t break down every game in detail. But, the describe Swansea aside, almost every game was a vast improvement. While Argyle’s style was still direct, we played the ball out to wide areas to find a better outlet (rather than the first time hoof).
Whilst there still wasn’t much possession, we managed to control matches and pin teams back before opening them up with rapier-like passing moves. Three very creditable home wins against Norwich, Sheffield Utd and Coventry demonstrated the new Argyle with a swagger in their step.
The game that deserves the most credit though is the away match at Preston. In heartbreaking fashion, Argyle just found out that they’d been relegated just minutes before kick off following a late Luton goal in the early kick off to win 1-0. Argyle came out and ruthlessly dispatched of a Preston side with everything on the line for them. To respond to adversity with such a clinical and professional performance is testament to Miron Muslic’s impact and the standards he has raised since his arrival.
A creditable performance in the loss at home to Leeds closed out the season and that was that. Or was it?
What Next?
Given the gushing tones of my recent paragraphs, you might be forgiven for thinking that we are going down in a good place. Players like Ryan Hardie, Bali Mumba, Adam Randell and (especially) Mustapha Bundu are ending the season in absolutely fine settle. Muslic’s points per game record would have been enough to secure a
lower mid table finish. His record since the Match international break is even better still.
You might sense a ‘butcoming– and you’d be right to. It seems like Argyle fans can’t even have a bittersweet ending without a sting in the tail.
Miron Muslic’s recent media interviews make for concerning listening.
He’s repeatedly failed to confirm he will be here next season. In a shocking press conference just before the Leeds game, he gave a punchy response. He bemoaned the fact that the club have still not filled the vacant roles of Sporting Director or indeed Head of Recruitment.
Most importantly, he expressed his concern that key players who are either out of contract or rumoured to have relegation release clauses haven’t yet been tied down to extended contracts. It was inarguably a shot across the bow at the board of directors for what he deems to be inadequate support.
At this point, and with all due respect to the ownership who’ve worked hard to get us to this level, you have to question the common denominator. If Muslic does go (and by the time of print, he may well have done so) then it will be the third Argyle manager to think that the grass is greener on the other side since the end of 2021.
Ryan Lowe, Steven Schumacher, now Miron Muslic?
To lose one talented young coach is unfortunate, to lose two could be coincidence. To lose three – well, as the quote goes, that looks like carelessness.
I believe that Simon Hallett has done a wonderful job in raising the ceiling of this club’s potential. But the board and the CEO have serious questions to answer about the last year and a half.
Hiring Miron Muslic has been about the only good decision made on the football side of the club since the end of 2023.
I’ll be honest – I’ve not always been his biggest fan. His critics say he’s trying to manoeuvre an exit and they may well be right. That being said, we will never know whether Muslic would be more amenable to staying if the club didn’t make decisions at such a glacial pace.
As a convert to the cult of Muslic rather than a believer from the offset, my message is this. Keep this man at all costs (within reason). He’s showed himself to be an excellent coach and has acutely diagnosed many of the problems that have plagued us since Schumacher’s departure.
If there’s any way of mediating the differences, we need to do so. Get that new contract on the table and if needed, give him the title of manager rather than head coach.
He’s not perfect: many disapprove of his use of the media and compare it to the old tricks of Jose Mourinho back in the day. It may be true that he’s a Mourinho in a world that caters to Guardiolas. But he’s our Mourinho - Argyle need to take every chip they have, put it on Miron Muslic and hope for the best. I can’t think of anyone better suited to get us back up.
Head coach Miron Muslic at a recent press conference
Chronicle distributor
Dan comes to the rescue of 99-year-old Charlie Trevethan
Ninety-nine-year-old Charlie Trevethan always looks forward to the Plymouth Chronicle being delivered to his home in Southway - but he had a special reason to appreciate the latest delivery.
Charlie, who will be 100 later this year, lives alone at his home in Southway and earlier this month he took a tumble in his conservatory and was unable to get back on his feet.
He had been helpless on the floor for the best part of an hour when the local Chronicle distributor Dan Jacob came to deliver the paper - and saw Charlie’s plight.
Dan, who trained as a physiotherapist in his native India, was able to safely help Charlie back on his feet and ensured that he could make it safely back to his lounge.
Dan, who has been delivering the Chronicle in Southway since August last year, then carried on with the rest of his deliveries - but the story didn’t end there.
Charlie’s friend John Eales contacted the Chronicle to say that
Charlie was very grateful for Dan’s help but felt that he didn’t express his gratitude as strongly as he would have liked at the time.
Charlie said that he would love to meet Dan again to say a proper thank you.
So, it was a pleasure for all concerned to arrange for Dan to visit Charlie again and, of course, the Chronicle reporter and photographer were there to record the occasion.
Charlie said: “I love reading the Chronicle because it’s full of positive local news and look forward to it coming through my letterbox each month. When I took the tumble I was unable to move and was delighted when I saw Dan walking up my path to deliver the paper.
“I am so grateful for his help and am delighted to have met him again to thank him for his help.”
Dan, who is working towards being registered as a physiotherapist in Plymouth, said: “I’m so pleased that I was there just when Charlie needed some help. I just did what anybody would have done in the circumstances.”
Jack Leslie play at Home Park in 1931.
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The Central and Waterfront Chronicle is delivered door to door every month to homes in Hartley, Mannamead, Compton, Efford, Laira, St Judes, Mt Gould, Lipson, Greenbank, Prince Rock, Cattedown, Barbican, Hoe, City Centre, Mutley and Peverell.
The July edition of the Plymouth Chronicle in Central and Waterfront will be published on June 13 with a copy deadline of June 6. The Central and Waterfront edition is one of four hyper local editions delivered to a total of more than 90,000 homes throughout the city.
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It’s not the first time Charlie has made the news. Lifelong Argyle supporter Charlie was just six years old when he started watching the Pilgrims and is possibly the last surviving supporter to see the
When the Jack Leslie statue was unveiled in October 2022 Charlie was there as one of the guests of honour and was introduced to Jack’s granddaughters and the then Argyle manager Steven Schumacher.
Charlie said: “It was as a very special day and one I will never forget.”
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Dan is one of around 80 distributors of all ages who work hard each month
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Charlie Trevethan pictured with Chronicle distributor Dan Jacob