Plymstock Shopper March 2017

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10,050 copies delivered to homes in Plymstock, Elburton and Hooe

March 2017

Retailers welcome opening of new coffee shop

Can Costa revive the Broadway?

Retailers have welcomed the opening of the Costa Coffee shop in the Broadway at Plymstock - but are concerned that it may be too late to revive the flagging fortunes of the shopping centre.

Win a year’s free membership for you and a friend worth £499

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ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

With 30 stations of brand new Technogym® fitness equipment, you can now enjoy use of a fully equipped and air-conditioned gym alongside our existing swimming pool.

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Plympton Swimming Pool

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Everyone Active manages this facility in partnership with Plymouth City Council.

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With a number of vacant shops already in the precinct, businesses are worried that shoppers are staying away from the Broadway.

Full story on the back page

£200 million plan for airport Controversial plans to create a garden suburb on the former Plymouth City Airport have been unveiled

by Sutton Harbour Holdings. The plan would involve construction of 1,500 homes and create 400 jobs - full story on page 24.

An artist's impression of the proposed Plym Vale development

Plymouth warship crew help orphans in Africa see page 27

For More Information Please Visit www.novahomes.co.uk

USEFUL Mixed views over new homes at

numbers former Plympton hospital site Emergency Numbers Police, Fire, Ambulance or Coastguard Police general enquiries Derriford Hospital Electricity, Western Power Distribution Gas, Transco (gas emergency service) Water, South West Water Environment Agency (emergency) RSPCA

999 or 112 101 08451 558155 0800 678 3105 0800 111999 0800 1691144 0800 807060 0300 1234 999

Helplines Age UK Plymouth 01752 665424 Adoption UK 0844 848 7900 Al-Anon Family Groups 020 7403 088 Alcoholics Anonymous 08457 697555 Carers UK 020 7378 4999 Childline 0800 1111 Christians Against Poverty (debt advice) 0800 328 0006 Crossline Listening Service 01752 666777 Cruse Bereavement Care 0870 1671677 Devon & Cornwall Food Association 07410 977598 Disability & Information Advice Line 01302 310123 Money Advice Plymouth (Debt Advice) 01752 208126 NSPCC Child Protection Helpline 0808 8005000 National Missing Persons Helpline 0500 700700 NHS Direct 0845 4647 National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000247 Money Advice Plymouth (Debt Advice) 01752 208126 Overeaters Anonymous 07000 784 985 Parentline Plus 0808 8002222 Relateline 0845 1304010 Samaritans 08457 909090 Talk to Frank 0800 776600 Shelterline 0808 8004444 Stroke Helpline 0303 3033 100 West Country Landlords Assn 01752 242980

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

08000 828282 0800 400600 08457 484950 01752 662271 08717 818181 08705 360360 01752 204090 01752 822105 01752 812233 01752 266030 0870 5210410

Entertainment Theatre Royal Barbican Theatre Devonport Playhouse Plymouth Athenaeum Theatre Plymouth Pavilions Reel Cinema Vue Cinema Tourist Information National Trust Saltram Plymouth City Museum & Art Gallery Plymouth Arts Centre

01752 267222 01752 267131 01752 606507 01752 266079 01752 222200 01752 225553 08712 240240 01752 306330 01752 333500 01752 304774 01752 206114

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

Weather The Met Office Weathercall

0870 9000100 0870 6004242

If you think your organisation would benefit from being listed in our Useful Numbers guide please e-mail your details to info@cornerstonevision.com or write to: Plymouth Shopper, 28 Old Park Road, Peverell, Plymouth Tel 01752 225623 Please note that whilst the Publishers have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of telephone numbers in this Directory, and dates in the What’s On section, no responsibility can be accepted for any errors.

2

The Plymouth Shopper

A housing company which already owns more than 110 homes in Plympton has been given the goahead to build 54 new properties, 16 of them affordable, on the site of the old Plympton Hospital.

The development was approved at the February meeting of Plymouth City Council’s planning committee, but not everyone has welcomed the decision. Some objectors expressed concerns about the loss of trees from the site and the residents of Lavinia Drive which adjoins the development site are unhappy that the boundary hedge in their street will be removed to allow 18 of the new properties to open out into Lavinia Drive.

Special report by Andrerw Hill of the Plympton Podcast felt that traffic flow would increase further when those properties were occupied.

Others commented on the awkward nature of the junction of Market Road with Underlane and the undesirable increase of traffic flow negotiating what one local from Brookingfield Close called the ‘horse and cart width’ nature of Underlane.

The planning officer, however, foresaw no significant

Council planning officer Simon Osborne told the committee: “This (proposal) is considered welcome in design terms as the new houses will positively address the street. It will result in normal relationships with existing properties on the west side of the road.”

His comments however ran contrary to the mood of a neighbourhood Have Your Say meeting held at Plympton Library in January 2015 where residents of Lavinia Drive turned out in large number to voice their concerns about the impact of the proposed development on their quiet cul-de-sac.

brownfield site redeveloped to provide 54 new homes, one third of which will be affordable, providing a mix of homes for shared ownership and rent and helping address an urgent housing need in Plymouth.

“From the initial design stage DCH were mindful to consider the existing neighbours, for example by setting the building line back along Lavinia Drive further than the previous hospital buildings.”

Mr Dulling went on to refer to what he described as ‘two well-attended public consultation events which helped to inform the design further.”

He continued: “We recognise there is some modest objection to the proposals, however DCH has carefully considered this and feel that this proposal will deliver significant benefits and these include the re-use of brownfield land, making best use of this brownfield landsite by providing 54 homes, delivering a high quality environment which will make a positive impact on the built environment in the area, delivering 16 affordable homes to the city; these are just some of the reasons why DCH are proud to present these proposals to you and believe they are balanced, considerate and will provide quality homes which are worthy of your officer’s recommendation of approval.”

Green credentials

10-year-old's plea One 10-year-old boy was later moved to write his own letter to city planners. In it he said: “I love living in Lavinia Drive. I have great friends in my street. I feel safe and secure when I play out and love playing in our den named Jeff, climbing our tree and using the swing, which we all take turns in having a go.

“Every year I love picking blackberries for my mum, Nan and Aunties. If you take all this away from us me and my street friends are all going to be very sad and upset.

We won’t feel safe in our street especially as you plan to open up the bottom to make it a walk through, which might encourage people to hang around.” The youngster ended his letter; “Please don’t make us feel like this.”

Other Lavinia Drive residents had previously said they were also unhappy that the bottom end of their close would be opened up by a new footpath running through to Market Road.

Their concerns were not shared by Mr Osborne who told the meeting: “The proposed footpath at the bottom of Lavinia Drive links the development and provides easier access to facilities in Plympton. The police liaison officer has no concerns over this scheme.”

During the public consultation stage of the application numerous people expressed concerns about traffic impact. Several were worried about the traffic flow in Market Road and at the junction with St Mary’s Bridge.

Patricia Earlam, a pensioner from Wain Park, said in her letter that she already found it difficult to cross Market Road to attend hair appointments at a salon in the road.

Her letter was written before the new properties were completed on the site of the old Hele Arms and she

impact on traffic volumes adding: “Traffic generation from the development is considered to be similar to the previous hospital use and is expected to result in 32 two way vehicle movements during the morning peak period (8am to 9am) and 33 movements in the afternoon peak (5pm to 6pm). This equates to approximately an average of one movement every two minutes in the peak hours.

The traffic impact is therefore considered acceptable.”

Some residents expressed concern at the loss of trees from the site, especially alongside Torybrook. The council officer acknowledged that a number of trees would be lost but explained that many were of low quality and that overall for every tree lost from the site two would be planted to replace them.

In terms of infrastructure impact an agreed condition of the development will be the provision of £125,171 by the developers towards an expansion of Yealmpstone Farm Primary School and there will also be money made available for improved medical facilities.

Mr Osborne explained: “The NHS has not objected to the proposal subject to a financial contribution of £22,171 towards the development of a strategic vision for a health and wellbeing hub in the Plympton area.This has been agreed in full by the applicant.”

While money is to be made available for the expansion of Yealmpstone Farm Primary School, the nearest schools to the site are St Mary’s Infant School and Old Priory Junior Academy.

Louis Dulling, Planning Consultant for DCH told the planning committee: “The proposal will see this disused

Planning Committee Vice-Chair, Cllr Maddi Bridgeman (UKIP, Moor View), said she was ‘relieved’ there was a parking ratio of 1.8 spaces per property and was also impressed with some of the green credentials of the proposed development.

Cllr Bridgeman commented: “It’s good that the garden sizes have increased as nowadays so many new-builds they have got postage stamps for gardens.”

Cllr Jonny Morris (Labour, Southway) acknowledged that the major impact of the development would be felt by the residents of Lavania Drive and sought to clarify that there would still be sufficient space for current residents in Lavinia Drive to park on the road and for vehicles parked on drives in the new homes to get on and off their driveways.

After being assured by the council’s highways officer that there would be sufficient room the matter went to a vote and was unanimously passed conditional on the Section 106 funding for Yealmpstone Farm Primary School and the development of the strategic vision for a local health and wellbeing hub.

Following the decision Market Road resident Stephanie Jensen posted on social media: “I’m dreading this.

I struggle to get out onto Ridgeway at rush hour as it is.” Her sentiments were echoed by Nicky Angus who added: “More traffic chaos for Market Road and Merafield area. Fair enough have housing but the roads need a one way system for people and motorists.”

More details of the planning committee’s deliberations over this proposal can be heard online in this month’s edition of the Plympton Podcast.

Classic cars take part in Drive It Day The Tamar Valley MG Owners Club (they say the collective noun for a group of MG drivers is a Pride!) will have their cars on show in Plympton as they take part in National Drive It Day on Sunday April 23.

This year’s Drive It Day, in which owners of classic vehicles are encouraged to show them off as much as possible, will see their MGs out in force. There will be historic cars as well as more modern examples of the famous British marque.

The TVMGOC cars will be on display in Plympton’s Mudge Way (North) car park as the drivers seek sustenance at Finla Coffee from 9.30am until 10.15am, and then they will park on Roborough Down from 11am until 1pm.

Organised by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC), Drive It Day is about raising awareness of the enormous heritage value that lies in historic vehicles, as well as being a powerful demonstration of the breadth and depth of enthusiasm for our motoring heritage – even among those who do not own a classic vehicle.

Of over half a million historic registered cars in the UK there are proportionally more MGs than any other marque, and according to the latest

report by FBHVC more than 8 million people are interested in all kinds of historic vehicles.

The movement is now generating £5.5 billion annually, up almost 28% on five

years ago, and employs a staggering 35,000 people.

Other research has revealed that 1 in 4 women would now consider buying a classic car and that being part of a car club is no longer reserved for the stereotypical middle-aged man most TVMGOC members take part as couples and some female drivers have their own sporty MGs. Drive It Day will also see all kinds of vehicles out on the roads up and down the land for people to enjoy, but this is an opportunity to see the TVMGOC cars before they set off for an afternoon run along the highways and byways of our beautiful region.

The MG owners will be very happy to answer any questions about their cars.

We won’t be beaten on price or choice!

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REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS

Plymouth Athenaeum Lectures Feb 23 and others From seismic faults to social franking with Professor Iain Stewart at 7.30pm. March 9 Euclid then and now with Professor Vasillis Mavron 7.30pm. March 23 Suffering as trump: an illustrated exploration of the Leningrad Blockade with Rosemary Babichev 7.30pm. Free admission.

Table Top Sale Feb 25 and Mar 25 Saltash Wesley Methodist Church, Callington Road with refreshments served in the foyer. Tables selling craft items, gifts, produce and bric-a-brac. Free entry. Tables £4, to book, please ring Mark Chanter 01752 215546 Plymouth Real Junk Food Project Every Monday in March, 12 noon to 2 pm Stoke Damerel Church, Paradise Road. Soup and bread, coffee, tea, cake.

Donations only.

About Time Tuesdays in March from 12 noon to 2pm at Stoke Damerel Church. Open for lunches on Tuesdays in March 12 noon to 2pm. Donations only.

Global Book Club Mar 8 Doing Good Better - a stimulating discussion of the thought provoking book by William Macaskill which explores effective altruism and a radical new way to make a difference. A topical subject for Fairtrade Fortnight. Free event open to all from 6.30pm to 8pm in Babbage Building Room 404, Plymouth University.

Spring Craft and Quilt Show Mar 10 and 11 Mount Gould Methodist Church from 10am to 4pm. There will be crochet and jewellery demonstrations, refreshments, raffles and haberdashery. An opportunity to see the work of the two local groups quilt groups that meet at the church.

Admission £2 with the money raised to be shared between the church and Children’s Brain Tumor Charity. For more information contact Pat King on 01752 240560. Car park available and 23 and 24 buses stop outside.

Spring Lunch Mar 15 Organised by the Plymouth Ladies Charity Club at the New Continental Hotel at 12pm. Featuring star performer Ceri Dupree. Tickets £35 to include glass of fizz, two course lunch, coffee and cabaret entertainment. Contact for details shelley@plcc.org.uk Plymouth Green Book Club Mar 16 Climate Change - a Ladybird Expert Book. After evaluating the contribution to the debate of the excellent Ladybird Expert Book, Jackie Young, an environmental consultant, will lead discussion on the insights research offers into climate change psychology and how these insights transfer into practical advice for campaigners, policy makers and all those who wish to bring about change in their local communities.

Free event open to all. 6.30pm to 8pm Babbage Building Room 405 Plymouth University.

Lunchtime Lecture Mar 16 Plymouth Proprietary Library 12 noon to 1pm entitled 'The English Medieval Garden an illustrated introduction'. Cost is £4 with light refreshments provided afterwards, all welcome.

The next Coffee Morning is on Saturday March 11 10am to 12 noon again all welcome.

Collectors Toy and Train Fair Mar 19 Organised bv Plymouth Die Cast Model Collectors Club at the Jan Cutting Centre, Scott Business Park, Beacon Park Road, Plymouth. Open to the public from 10am to 2pm, admission £1 for adults, free parking, refreshments available.

This event will be of interest to anyone wishing to buy, sell or swap old or modern collectable toys, model railway, tin plate or die cast models. we expect to have between 20 and 25 stall holders, advanced bookings are already looking good. Visit the club web site www.plymouthdiecastclub.com to learn more or contact Paul Simmons, telephone 01752 846250.

• continued on page 6 4

The Plymouth Shopper

Rhymetimes Central Library Every Monday and Wednesday from 11am, Every Wednesday from 2pm Crownhill Library Every Tuesday from 2.15pm Efford Library Every Tuesday from 10.30am North Prospect Library Every Tuesday from 2.15pm Peverell Library Every Monday from 2pm (booking needed 01752 305633) Every Friday from 11am (booking needed 01752 305633) Plympton Library Every Thursday from 2pm Every Saturday from 10.30am (Under 5s club) Plymstock Library Every Thursday from 2.15pm (booking needed 01752 306606) Every Saturday from 10am Devonport Library Every Saturday from 11am St Budeaux Library Every Thursday from 10am Southway Library Every Wednesday from 10am Stoke Library Every Wednesday from 10.30am to 11am West Park Library Every Friday from 10am to 10.30am Storytimes Central Library: every Wednesday from 2pm (storytime and crafts) Gadget sessions Get tips and advice on how to make the most of iPads, tablets, smartphones, e-readers and more. Find out how to use your library card to download free eBooks and magazines.

Central Library Weekly on Tuesday afternoons 2pm to 3.30pm Peverell Library Fortnightly on Thursdays 10.30 to 12 noon Plymstock Library Fourth Tuesday of the month 2-m to 3.30pm Plympton Library First Wednesday of the month 2pm to 4pm Southway Library Last Thursday of the month 2.30pm to 3.30pm Stoke Library Every Monday of each month 2-4pm Coffee Morning First Wednesday of month St Peter’s Lutheran Church, Larkham Lane, Plympton hold a friendly coffee morning 10am to 12 noon. Cost is £2 that includes a second cup of coffee and homemade cake.

Everyone welcome. Come and make new friends.

Monthly Market Third Saturday of month St Peter’s Lutheran Church, Larkham Lane, Plympton hold a monthly market with crafts, jewellery, cakes, bric a brac and books etc. 10.am - 1.pm. Good refreshments available. Free entry. Why not pay us a visit?

Plympton Painting Group Second and fourth Mondays A fun thing to do! If you are interested in any sort of drawing/ painting, why not join us? We meet at Ridgeway School in Moorland Road, Plympton from 7pm-9pm.

We have great speakers most times demonstrating watercolours, acrylics, oils, pastels and drawing – a wide variety to suit everyone – then we have a go. Don’t worry if you haven’t got the right equipment, we can share and advise you. We are a group of enthusiastic amateurs who love to paint. Come and see for yourself at one of our meetings and enjoy the fun or ring Gill on 01752 340544.

Age UK Plymouth’s William Venton Centre in Plymstock provides a wide variety of regular activities for over 50s.

The activities include: Card and Board Games Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays.

Variety of card and board games, hosted five times a week.

Everything from Scrabble and Monopoly, to Mah-jong and Whist. All games cost just £1.60 Tai Chi for Beginners & Improvers Improvers every Tuesday at 10am-11am Beginners every Tuesday at 11.15am-12.15pm. Learn the basics of the Chinese Martial Art, which focuses on slow and gentle movements, combined with deep breathing and relaxation exercises. Health benefits include increasing the strength of leg muscles, reducing stress and improving balance and general mobility. Cost £3.50.

Bingo Every Tuesday, 1.30pm-4.30pm. An afternoon with a friendly group costs just £4, which includes bingo tickets.

Indoor Games Wednesdays and Thursdays. Activities include darts, carpet bowls, pool, all for just £1.60. Sessions run from 9.30am-12pm on Wednesdays, and from 10am12pm on Thursday.

Computer Lessons Every Thursday. Free IT lessons cover a range of skills, from getting online safely, how to access the internet, or using and reading e-mails. 10am-12pm.

Arts and Crafts Group Every Thursday. Do you like arts

Bubble Rush to raise funds for Children’s Hospice South West

Staff on the Fundraising Team at Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) will be bringing a brand new fundraising event to Plymouth this summer – Bubble Rush.

The Bubble Rush is a 5km sponsored fun run around Newnham Park through different coloured bubble stations along the way making for a very colourful and fun filled run to help raise funds for the children’s charity.

Bubble Rush is coming to Newnham Park on Saturday June 3 and the whole family can take part in the event.

There are no age restrictions however buggies and wheelchairs are not permitted as there is some uneven ground along the course.

Kiley Tellam, events fundraiser for CHSW said “We are really excited to be able to bring such a fun event to Plymouth for people to get involved in and all to help and crafts, and want to join a friendly and social group? For £1.60 you can join in creative activities from 1.30pm-3.45pm.

Busy Fingers Knitting Group Every Monday and Friday.

Groups are held every Monday 9.30am-12pm, and every Friday 9.30am-12am, and costs just £1.60.

Quilling Every Friday Learn a new unique skill rolling, shaping and gluing paper to create interesting designs and patterns on cards and pictures. Classes cost just £1.60, and run from 9.30am-12pm.

Memory Lane Group Every Wednesday and Friday Music and singing for the memory. Carers and those with memory loss are more than welcome, and sessions run from 1.30pm3.30pm. It costs just £1.60.

Chatterbox Coffee Morning Every Tuesday and Friday Good company and a chat in a friendly environment from 10am-11.30am on Tuesdays, and 9.30am-11.30am on Fridays. Cost £1.60.

Reading Group Every third Monday of the month. Come along and enjoy a monthly reading Group on Mondays, 10am-12am. Cost just £1.60.

For more information on any of these events please ring 01752 405632.

Sparkwell WI First Wednesday of month Sparkwell Parish Hall. Guest speaker this month Mark Rendell on the topic Eat, Drink and Be Merry. Come and see what we are about. No obligation but you are most welcome.

Contact Heather Harvey 01752 893 249 Plympton U3A Fourth Tuesday of the month A new group which meets at 2 pm on the fourth Tuesday of the month at Harewood House, Plympton. There is a guest speaker at each meeting. Members have the opportunity to join a wide range of Interest Groups.

Hooe’s Place Community Cafe Thursdays St John’s Church Hall, Church Hill Road, Hooe, Plymstock.

Freshly cooked lunches at reasonable prices and good companionship 11.45am-1.30pm every Thursday. No 2 and 4 /4a stops outside the church every 10 minutes.

Colebrook Community Centre Regular Events Monday 10am -11.30am Yoga; 12 noon to 3pm; Training Hearing Dogs; Tuesday 10am -11am Children Music; 2pm

raise funds for the vital care and support we offer local children and families. Places are flying out fast so if you want to be in with the chance of getting one of the Early Bird discounted places you need to get signed up soon.”

CHSW supports life limited children and families across the south west with its three children’s hospices; Little Bridge House in Barnstaple, Charlton Farm near Bristol and Little Harbour in St Austell which supports children from Cornwall and Plymouth. Families can have short stays at the hospices as well as respite, emergency stays and CHSW also offers end of life care and bereavement support. The charity runs the only children’s hospices in the area which are a lifeline to families facing unimaginable circumstances.

To sign up to Bubble Rush simply visit www.chsw.org.uk/ bubble. Registration costs £22.50 for adults, £12.50 for children and 2 years and under are free. Family tickets are available for two adults and two children for £63.

- 4pm C Friends Over 60s Club; 5pm - 8pm Devon Dogs Training; Wednesday 9.30am -10.30am Pilates; Thursday 11am -1pm Multiple Sclerosis (third week of month); 1.45pm - 2.45pm Pilates; 5pm - 7pm Dog Training; Friday 9.30am -10.30am Pilates; 11am - 1pm U3A (2nd and 4th week of month)1.45pm - 3.45pm Country Dancing 1st and 3rd week of month; Sunday 7.30am -12pm Car Boot Sale at Peacock Meadow. Also sales throughout the winter months inside and outside the community centre. For further details please call Kay on 01752 200046. Colebrook Community Centre is a totally self-funding charity.

Regular Events at Woodford Methodist Community Church CHURCH AND WORSHIP: Morning Worship and Children’s Sunday Club 10.30am 2nd-5th Sunday of every month. A guaranteed relaxed service, with friendly ministers and congregation. A team of wonderful Ministers keep each week fresh and rewarding.

Experienced volunteers in the Sunday Club and Creche, teach and care for children from babies to young teenagers, so you have time to be you. Prayer Team available to talk over your worries at the close of the Service. Drinks, biscuits and opportunity for friendly conversation in the hall after every service. We have grown to expect the unexpected in this modern, happy, friendly church.

Monthly Early Traditional Service (followed by Messy Church) 1st Sunday of every month. 9.30am Traditional Service with hymn books, prayer and a sermon. This is a wonderful time of worship with the traditional contents of a Methodist Service with a modern joyful twist. Members of the Prayer Team are available for you to speak with at the close of the service. You are then invited to go into the Hall for hot drinks and biscuits. This is a great opportunity to meet some of the members of this Church and stay for the Messy Activities or just relax and have a chat over a hot drink.

10.30am - Messy Church begins with a session of arts, crafts, fun and mess in the Hall for everyone, regardless of age or ability. Hot drinks and biscuits are available and the opportunity to stay for lunch at the Church for a minimal cost. The items made are then taken into the Chapel for a very informal short Service. The children are asked about the things they have made, before heading back into the Hall for lunch, or more coffee etc. This is a great opportunity

• continued on page 6

Butchers & Deli Est 1971

The Romanian Evangelical Church

invites all Romanian-speaking people and their friends to the inauguration of our new worship place at Pilgrim Church, St Levan Rd, PL2 3AE, Sunday 5 March at 6.30pm.

Biserica Evanghelică Română

invită toți vorbitorii de limba Română și prietenii lor, la inaugurarea noului nostru loc de închinare la Pilgrim Church, St Levan Rd, PL2 3AE, Duminică 5 Martie la 6.30pm.

Own made Pies £2.50 and Large Family Pies £4.99 6 English Skinless Chicken Breasts minimum 1.2kg for £10 5lbs Pork Chops only £12.50 Jumbo Free Range Eggs only £3.00/dozen 5lbs West Country Minced Steak only £15.50 (£3.10 per lb/£6.82 per kilo) Opening times Large Homemade Pasties £3.00 • Mon, Tue: 8.30am - 4pm • Wed: 8.30am - 1pm All Major credit cards now accepted

• Thur, Fri: 7.30am - 4pm • Sat: 7:30am - 1pm

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Can you help a lonely bunnie find a new home?

Woodside Animal sanctuary in Elfordleigh is appealing for a home for one of its bunnies after he has become very depressed after losing his friend.

Staff are hoping to be able to find Jimmy the perfect match. Jimmy arrived in January and is really struggling since the death of his long term companion.

Woodside Supervisor, Kelly Beutner said: “Jimmy is desperate for a female companion and does not like being on his own. He really is feeling lost and originally preferred the company of a rabbit to a human but now comes to us looking for any attention that we can give him.

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Admission is £2 on the door, children are free and it is free admission for the last half hour of the sale. Two for one vouchers are available at the website shown above.

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O F P LY M P T O N

With a focus on sustainability and stretching family finances, Mum2mum Market sales are very community focused. With escalating costs kitting out babies and children, the markets provide a way of families doing this on a tight budget, but still buying great quality.

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Previous sales drew a large crowd with buyers queuing up to half an hour before the sale starts to get the best bargains.

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At every Mum2mum Market there is a huge choice of baby and children’s items for sale and everything offered for sale must be in excellent condition.

For more upcoming events and information please visit www.mum2mummarket.co.uk

01752 788 345 - Administration Office Visit our website - jackandjillschildcare.co.uk

There will be at least 20 parents selling their baby and children's items at the next Mum2mum nearly new sale at Harewood House, Plympton on Saturday April 22 from 10am.

The markets are aimed totally at families - with goods for sale ranging from large items such as prams, large toys and cots to sterilisers, books, baby equipment and clothes from newborn to age six. Mum2mum Markets are held indoors and are a perfect way to meet other parents in a friendly environment.

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“Whilst we are trying to keep him occupied with feeding him treats and lots of love, what he really needs is a friend. The sanctuary currently doesn’t have any rabbits that we can pair him up with and we would prefer to get him adopted into a loving home as soon as possible with someone who already has a female.”

TRANSFORM FROM THIS

TO THIS!

The sanctuary is asking anyone with a spayed female rabbit who is looking for a companion to contact the sanctuary on (01752) 347503 or visit between 1-4pm Monday-Friday or by appointment at the weekend.

The Plymouth Shopper

5

REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • continued from page 4 to get to know the church and the people involved in it.

• continued from page 4 Pampers Days Mar 23 to 25 Plymouth Natural Health and Healing at the centre 175, Outland Road. For details call Carla on 01752 770048 or 07392 307156 Spring Fayre Mar 25 St Budeaux Parish Church Community Hall,The Green, Crownhill Road from 12 noon to 3pm. There will be several tables selling goods,including children’s toys, gifts, jewellery and beads, bric-a-brac, etc. Refreshments will be available.

There are still a limited number of tables to hire at £5. To book call 01752 362161 Marathon Concert Mar 25 Epic Relay Concert by Stonehouse Music School from 2pm to 7pm at Stoke Damerel Church in Paradise Road. All welcome to pop in and out. £2.50 Adults, £1.50 children.

Performers no charge. Refreshments available.

An Evening of Song Mar 31 Organised by the newly formed Plymouth Area Osteoporosis Support Group featuring the Plymouth Area Police Choir.

7pm prompt at The Abbey Hall, St Andrews Church.

Refreshments provided, plus a raffle. Cost £8 per ticket. can be purchased on the night. To reserve a ticket please call Mobile: 07958500314. All proceeds to the support group, to help raise awareness of the disease.

Easter Fayre Apr 8 Simply Counselling will be holding an Easter Fayre from 10.30am to 3pm at Unit 4a, Stoke Damerel Business Centre, 5 Church Street, Stoke, Plymouth. Entry fee 50p. Everyone is welcome. There will be various crafters from Plymouth selling their products e.g. jewellery as well as tombola, homemade cakes and refreshments available. Any monies raised will go towards supporting families to rebuild their relationship.

Let's all do the Zumba!

A massive charity Zumba event will take place at Plymouth Life Centre on Sunday March 5 starting at 10am to celebrate International Women’s Day which falls this year on Wednesday March 8. Registration opens at 9.30am.

The Plymouth & District branch of Soroptimist International is aiming to get up to 700 women and young girls taking part in the one hour Zumba session to raise funds for the various local, national and international projects they support.Qualified instructors will be leading the session.

Local projects include Trevi House, Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) and Plymouth’s Women’s refuge.

Plymouth’s Lord Mayor Councillor Pauline Murphy is planning to attend the event.

Tickets cost £5 to include a bottle of water and free prize draw and can be bought on line through Eventbrite.co.uk (search - Plymouth’s biggest Zumba challenge) or email plymsorop@gmail.com or call 07709 756617

SEND US YOUR NEWS...

The Plymouth Shopper is a series of community newspapers distributed to over 64,000 homes across the city on a monthly basis. We welcome details of local stories, including success, awards, appointments and events. Send your items by e-mail to: info@cornerstonevision.com

‘Overflow Praise & Worship’ service 6.30pm - 8.30pm on 3rd Sunday of every month. Time in God’s presence:worshipping, giving thanks, praying and sharing what God has laid on your heart in an awesome and amazing way.

Refreshments will be served during the evening.

Prayer Group Tuesdays 9.15am-10.15am (In the Lounge)In all the hustle and bustle of life these days, people struggle to cope, but look to fill that gap in their lives where something is missing. That gap can be filled with the loving family of God in a local church. Giving up a bit of time for regular prayer, together with others, can help you cope with the stresses and worry that life throws at you. We provide a non-judgemental circle of friendship and welcome everyone, regardless of background, luggage and history, to come and seek our friendship. We open our doors every week, for anybody and everybody to walk in freely and pray with us.

Every word spoken is treated with the upmost confidence and privacy, along with unconditional friendship. Come along and pray with us - life is easier to cope with, amongst friends. You can come in and out as you need and should you need to stay longer or talk to anyone at the end, you will not be turned away. If the doors are locked, knock on the window (room on right-hand end of the church). You do not need to attend any church to come and pray with us.

For further information on Woodford’s church and worship events contact Sheila on 338517.

COMMUNITY GROUPS Woodford Wives (1st and 3rd Monday of the month at 7.30pm) This group of friendly women meet twice a month to listen to various speakers and meet socially. They also raise funds by holding a Coffee Bar at Harewood House and stalls throughout the year. There’s always time for a chat!

Day trips away as a group of friends. In recent years they have raised much needed funds for Help for Heroes, Bowel Cancer West (Derriford Hospital) and Shekinah Mission. To find out more Telephone Anne Eames on Tel. 216643.

The Linda Mortimore School of Dance Mondays 4.15pm8pm and Wednesdays 4.15pm-7pm Linda trained at the Royal Academy of Dance in London and teaches RAD ballet and the ISTD tap, modern and jazz. The school holds a very popular adult tap class and produces stage performances, with regular productions. Dance is a great platform for socialising, learning posture and gaining confidence.

Learning to dance can lead to a career or for just having fun.

Call 01752 343791 for more information.

Women’s Fellowship (Tuesdays 2.30pm-3.30pm - In The Main Hall) Come and join this lovely group, with a vast programme of speakers, covering many subjects. They enjoy watching various films and slide shows, have annual outings and visits by choirs. The group also hold a regular Bring and Buy table to support designated charities. It is a really friendly, welcoming group with lots of stories to tell about living through different situations and stages, as Christians. Some of the members may well be in their latter years, but have fabulous personalities and lots to share.

They enjoy each other’s company and are most definitely young at heart! To find out more about this wonderful group of ladies Telephone Muriel on 345284 or Pat on 348672.

Rainbow Girl Guides Rainbows is a section of the Girl Guides organisation which is all about developing selfconfidence, building friendships, learning new things and having fun. Our group is not running at present, but there are other groups in the area. To find a group go to www. girlguiding.org.uk and register your details.

Woodford Men’s Meeting 10am (2nd and 4th Wednesday month) The Men’s Meeting, welcome any men who wish to join this convivial group. Session start with a cuppa before a speaker gives an interesting and entertaining talk, sometimes accompanied by a slide show or film, for about one hour. The meeting ends at 11.30am. A small charge of £2 is levied to cover refreshments and fees. Guest speakers, specialising in a variety of subjects have enthralled those attending. Members and friends are always welcome to give a talk on a subject of their own choice! The group share a huge range of experience, knowledge and stories - why not come and share with them? We always welcome new friends and our group currently range from middle-age upwards. Come along - you will be very welcome and have instant friendship in this cordial atmosphere. To find out more, ring Harold on 01752 337085.

Pins & Needles Knitting Club 2.30pm (1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month). This traditional hobby has bounced right back up in the popularity charts. People of varying ages are now picking up knitting needles and are all most welcome to come and join this group, which handproduce and send knitted goods such as jumpers, blankets and hats for poor children in two areas of Romania and are sometimes asked to produce adult hats for Shekinah Mission, asylum seekers and refugees. One of the members makes cardigans, hats and small blankets for the Neo-natal Unit at Derriford Hospital. It doesn’t matter if you have been knitting for years, or have never seen a ball of wool before - the group will openly welcome you and share their knowledge and skills! To join them, please contact Jean Milroy on Tel. 337578.

Games 4 U 2.30pm-4pm (2nd and 4th Thursday of every

6

The Plymouth Shopper

Sweeney Todd cast drama

Musical director Marcus Alleyne has stepped in to take on the lead role in Sweeney Todd

Plymouth’s Sounds Musical Theatre Company is certainly rising to the challenge of presenting Sondheim’s unique musical style in their forthcoming production of Sweeney Todd the Demon Barber of Fleet Street at The Devonport Playhouse, from March 15 to 18 but they have overcome other unforeseen factors too.

Whilst many companies may have felt defeated by the withdrawal of their leading man for health reasons, and another principal player moving abroad to further his acting career, the company’s ‘the show must go on’ maxim has been rewarded by two cast replacements.

Newcomer Stacey Goff, who by day runs The Hive Mind, an iconic comic and games business in Plymouth’s Frankfort Gate takes on the romantic role of Anthony and company musical director Marcus Alleyne, highly prodigious director and performer throughout the South West musical world has stepped into the leading role of Sweeney Todd. month) A group of friendly men and women who meet during the autumn and spring school terms. The group play various board games from the easy to the quite demanding.

No matter how much you need to concentrate, the club never lose sight that you are playing games and so there is always opportunity for light conversation during the tea and biscuit break! To find out more about this wonderful group telephone Joyce on Tel. 216343.

‘Woodys’ Youth Group 6pm-8pm. A new group set up for the community by the church. There is a good mix of children from 8-16 where they can test their scooter and skateboard skills on the ramps and jumps. Air-hockey also available. Youth workers work alongside members of the church and other volunteers to support this wonderful project. Primary-age children session 6-7pm and Secondaryage children session 7-8pm.

BAND & CHOIR: Laira Youth Band (Thursdays 7.15pm)The Laira Youth Brass Band started in 1972 from the members of the Sunday school at Laira Congregational Church, it has performed hundreds of concerts over the years, in every corner of the City and beyond. Scores of children have passed through its ranks. Most were taught to read music and to play their instrument whilst in the Band, and many have continued their musical hobby into adult life, some choosing a professional career in music. As well as part of the band performing (amongst others) in the weekly church service here at Woodford, the Band also put on regular concerts to raise money for local charities and take part in parades and perform at special church events. To find out more call Tony Hollick on 01752 216784.

DAILY SESSIONAL CHILD CARE: Woodford Methodist Pre-School (from 8am-3pm) every weekday @ Woodford. The Pre-School established in 1963 hold an Ofsted registration and charity status.They run a breakfast club in addition to the normal sessional day care during term-time.The experienced, qualified team can look after children aged from two to starting school, from 8am3pm, Mondays through to Fridays, in addition to offering a summer play scheme. Mother’s and Toddler’s sessions run Thursdays 1pm-3pm. They have links with neighbouring primary schools and can provide funded sessions for 2-4

Marcus, delighted to accept the part of tragic figure Sweeney Todd said: “I have thought for some time that the only role which might tempt me back to the stage was this part, and now out of the blue the opportunity to do just that has come along.

“The way Sondheim interweaves the voice in and around the various instrumental lines is genius so I am both thrilled and petrified to perform this wonderful role at The Devonport Playhouse with Sounds Musical Theatre Company whose musical director I have been in their last two shows.

“Being tucked in behind the music stand or piano is a very happy place to be, however I am sure that I shall feel just as at home on stage with this role as I am when behind a music stand. Kirsty Marcer, colleague and also well known in music and teaching circles takes over as musical director .

Sounds welcome the new challenges they are facing and feel very confident that their show presenting a story full of dark suspense, romance and exhilarating wit will add a new dimension to their repertoire. Tickets can be obtained from the Box Office 01752 510934. year olds and welcome children with additional needs. The Pre-school is quality assured and has a fabulous team of mature and experienced staff. The friendly, fun and safe play environment includes a large outdoor garden, with border gates and fencing, to ensure your child is kept out of danger.

They look forward to meeting you and your little one! To find out more, visit the website at www.woodfordpreschool. co.uk or call 337335. For more information about any of Woodford Methodist events, visit www.woodford-methodist. org or www.facebook.com/Woodford.Methodist.Church Chaddlewood Farm Community Centre Activities Sundays: Church service 10am to 12 noon 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month. Square dancing 5.30pm -9pm Mondays: Salsa classes 10am to 11am. Chatterbox 1pm to 3pm. Table Tennis 6pm to 9pm 1st Monday of the month Federation of Pensioners 1pm to 4pm (Phoenix Club) Tuesdays: Baby sensory classes 10am to 12 noon.

Valannes’s Dance School Children’s Ballet & Tap 4pm to 7pm. Line dancing 7.30pm to 10pm. Tel 347227.

Wednesdays: Over 60’s Club 1pm to 4pm. Dance Aerobics 6pm to 7pm. Latin Line dancing 7.30pmto 9.30pm Thursdays: Watercolour Art Sessions for Adults. Beginner and experienced artists welcome. Thursdays 10am to 12 noon. For more information call Janet: Mobile: 07742 983311 Line dancing 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

Fridays: Evergreen Club 2pm to 4pm. Dance Aerobics 6pm to 7pm. Hall and lounge meeting room for hire telephone Lesley on 07952 465836. Licenced Bar - Open from 7:30pm week days and from 12pm weekends. Soft drinks and hot drinks also sold. All welcome.

Energie Fitness for Women Classes at Lister Close, Plympton Tuesday 9.30am Ladies only Legs, bums, tums Tuesday 10.15am Ladies Only Pilates Wednesday 9.15am Ladies only BodyPump Wednesday 11am Ladies Only Pilates Friday 6pm Ladies only FatBlast Saturday 11am Gentle motorised exercise Sunday 9.15am Mixed Class BodyPump For more information call 01752 340044

• continued on page 8

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Birdies and paws for a good cause Gables Farm Dogs and Cats Home are holding their first ever charity golf competition on April 22 to raise some much needed funds for the animals in their care.

The competition is a four ball Stableford team event.

Entry costs £45 per person and includes coffee and bacon roll on arrival, eighteen holes of golf and two course carvery dinner. There will be a trophy for the winning team, prizes and a raffle.

General manager Claire Sparkes said: “We are very excited to be holding this event for the first time and urge all golfers to take part and help us raise some much needed funds. We are looking forward to the event and hope it will be a huge success.”

For more information please visit the events page on the website www.gablesfarm.org.uk or email d.sparkes107@ hotmail.co.uk

SEND US YOUR NEWS...

The Plymouth Shopper is a series of community newspapers distributed to over 64,000 homes across the city on a monthly basis.

We welcome details of local stories, including success, awards, appointments and events.

Send your items by e-mail to: info@ cornerstonevision.com

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The Plymouth Shopper

7

Labour councillors launch campaign to save Stoke Library

Labour Councillors are leading a campaign to Save Stoke Library, following proposals from Plymouth City Council to close 10 libraries in the city.

Plymouth Labour are campaigning against the cuts across the city with door-knocking and leafleting, using #SavePlymLibraries on Twitter, and with an on-line petition on Change.org www.change.org/p/ cllr-glenn- jordan-stop- the-closure- of-libraries-inplymouth Mike Sparling, Labour Councillor in Stoke said: "Stoke Library in Albert Road, is a valuable hub for community activity, with regular meetings of a reading group, a writing group, a craft group and many activities for children such as RhymeTime.

Local primary schools use the library every week.

The computers there are in constant use.

The public consultation began on Wednesday January 25 and ends on Wednesday April 19.

There is a public meeting at the Central Library on Wednesday April 5 4pm to 5.30pm and there will be one drop-in session at Stoke Library on Wednesday March 8 from 11am to 1pm Mike added: "We ask you to help us fight the closure of Stoke Library. At the very least please sign the petition at Change.org. Even better, e-mail your opposition to planforlibraries@plymouth.gov.uk and also to the Glenn Jordan, the relevant cabinet member, using Glenn.Jordan@plymouth.gov.uk "We are organising street stalls and leafleting in Stoke ward. If you want to get involved in this please contact your Labour Councillors who will be happy to have you help us."

Marathon concert Stonehouse Music School is holding a marathon concert at Stoke Damerel Church, Paradise Road on Saturday March 25 from 2pm to 7 pm.

The school offers music tuition and musical experiences to students of all ages and abilities in a wide range of instruments. Sian Jamison, the principal, was trained at Goldsmith’s College in London in music and dance, then continued to study musical education at Cardiff University. She currently teaches singing and piano.

The 'epic relay' concert will include all of her numerous pupils, who will play a variety of instruments throughout the afternoon. It will be an exciting, stimulating and innovative event to which everyone is welcome. There is a small entrance fee, with refreshments available.

Morrismen appeal Plymouth Morrismen have embarked on their programme of practice sessions for 2017 - and would love to attract new members.

The group hold their practice sessions every Wednesday from 7.30pm at the Plymouth School of Creative Arts in Millbay. The sessions will continue until the end of April.

John Jeffery of the Morrismen said: “We are desperate to get new members to join us. It’s great fun and extremely sociable. In July we will be attending a Morris Ring Meeting in London and are likely to be the only side from the West Country there.”

For more information please call John on 01752 337564 or email him at jeff068@hotmail.co.uk 8

The Plymouth Shopper

REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • continued from page 6 Plympton Moving On Stroke Club Alternate Wednesdays Meet at Pocklington Rise, George Lane, Plympton, Plymouth, PL7 1JL 10.30am to 12.30pm. There is a small charge to cover the rent of the room, and for refreshments £2 per person. We tend to have a speaker one week, and an activity the next. Contacts Tony Stoneman 07834276371; Steve Sargent 07944691482 and Gloria Ward 01752 776978 Plympton Fuschia and Pelargonium Group Second Tuesday of the month The group meets at Harewood House, Plympton at 7.30pm please free to come along. New members always welcome.

Full speaker programme to be found on pfgg.co.uk. Contact Sonia on 514119 for more information Sandy’s Songbirds Wednesdays A thriving, happy mixed choir. No auditions. No need to be able to read music either.This is a fun-filled community choir meeting weekly with refreshments and raffle too. Wednesdays 10 am to 12 noon at Chaddlewood Farm Community Centre in Glen road behind the Coop. For details Ring Sandy on 336953.

Plympton Probus Club Second Monday of month Plympton Probus Club was formed in 1985, and enables retired and semi- retired men to meet a convivial group aged, 55 or over who meet on a regular basis. Would you consider joining us at the Plympton Library venue? We meet on the second Monday of each month at 10am, and provide opportunity to hear a variety of interesting speakers.

Additionally, social lunches with wives and guests are held at various venues throughout the year. Currently, vacancies exist for new members and anyone interested, should contact the secretary, Gerald Hendrick, on 01752 514942.

Hooe & Turnchapel Ladies Group Meets at the Hooe & Turnchapel Community Centre on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. Speakers on various subjects, all ladies welcome. For more information please ring Plymouth 311931.

Table Top Sales Second Saturday in the Month (not January) Plymstock Community Centre: Vintage, Collectables and Craft 9am to 2pm These table top sales are held in Plymstock Community Centre (top of Plymstock Broadway Car Park). A friendly and welcoming atmosphere prevails and there is something for everyone from antiques to knitted gloves and hats to books and records and jewellery.

We hope to bring something new each month. Entry is 20p per person but children are free. There is a selection of hot and cold refreshments. Enquiries to Paula 01752 342321Scottish Country Dancing Mondays at Trinity United Reform Church at Hartley. We dance between 7.30 and 10pm with a break for a cup of tea and a biscuit. We are a very friendly group and beginners will be made really welcome. Partners are not needed just soft shoes and a sense of humour. For further details contact Valerie on 01752 220241 Road to Recovery Group of Alcoholics Anonymous Open Meeting every Friday at St Matthias Church Hall, North Hill. Doors open 6.30pm. Meeting 7pm- 9pm. If you think you have a problem with alcohol, you are welcome to attend. Family, friends, health professionals etc also welcome. Contact: Matt 07766 006 153 or Jo 07918 141715.

AA Helpline: 0800 9177 650 Plymouth Die-Cast Model Collectors Club First Wednesday of the month A club for anyone interested in or a collector of old toys, Dinky, Corgi, Tinplate etc. The September meeting will be the Club’s 24th Anniversary. Meetings are quite informal, any club business is discussed along with a good gossip over a cup of tea or coffee. The meetings are held at the Wolseley Trust Community Building, Wolseley Close, Plymouth from 7.30pm - 9.30 pm . New members are always made very welcome with no charge for a first visit. For further details or information please contact Paul Simmons, telephone 01752 846250, or check out the Club web site www.plymouthdiecastclub.com.

Friday Night Bingo Fridays 7:30pm at Hooe and Tunchapel Community Centre. Tea, coffee and biscuits. Weekly raffles and late raffle once a month. Why not give us a try! Contact 01752 408441 for mor details.

Plymouth Dance Academy Dance classes for children and adults in Ballet, Modern, Tap, Ballroom and Latin. Branches including Southway, Stoke, Mannamead, Plympton, Ivybridge and Totnes. Wedding dance lesson and Parties also available. For further info please email info@plymouthdanceacademy.co.uk. Call 01752 221049. Web: www.plymouthdanceacademy.co.uk

Mansbridge Balment Plymouth managing director Darren Lawson presents the cheque for more than £7,500 to the hospital team

Estate agency boss hands over cheque for £7,500 to rehab staff who helped his recovery from head injury Mansbridge Balment Plymouth managing director Darren Lawson has handed over a cheque for more than £7,500 to the Plymouth hospital unit where staff helped him recover from the terrible brain and head injuries he suffered in a skiing accident in France.

The money – raised from a Top Hat and Tiaras Ball in September last year, sponsored by the estate agents and organised by the Business Networking in Plymouth (BNI Pilgrims Chapter) – will be used to fund services and the latest equipment at the Plym Neurological Rehabilitation Unit at Mount Gould.

It takes the total amount of money Darren and others have raised for the unit to more than £20,000 over the past two years since his accident in December 2014 during an annual pre-Christmas skiing holiday with his two young sons, Sam and Cameron.

Darren said he was delighted, alongside friends such as the BNI, to be able to make such a significant financial contribution to the unit, where medical teams nursed him out of a coma and then taught him to walk and talk again during a period of intensive rehabilitation.

“I cannot tell you how lucky we are to have such an amazing unit in our great city. The difference they made to both myself and my family is beyond words,” said Darren.

“Having the unit locally meant my wife Debbie and my sons could visit me every day, which gave me the incentive and determination to overcome my injuries.

The staff there are truly inspirational and I am deeply Plymouth Musical Activities Club Thursdays Youth music group for nine to 18 year olds. Meet at Courtlands School Eggbuckland (term time). Staffed by volunteers and teach guitars, keyboards, drums, singing and flutes and clarinets. We support local events and twice a year hold concerts in the Devonport Playhouse. The children are only charged £1 per week. www.plymouthmac.co.uk.

Book Stall, Social Call Second Saturday of month Join in the games and fun at Plymouth Unitarian Church, Notte Street. Books, tea, coffee and cake for sale. 2pm to 4pm.

Badminton Club Fridays Non League club meets on Friday evenings at Whiteford Road, Plymouth. Opportunities available for new members of any age over 18. We also welcome over fifties. For further details contact rcbeasley@btinternet.com Pensioners & fifty plus action group Can we take you for a ride? If you want to meet new friends why not take advantage of our subsidised taxi service (for anyone 50+ living locally) and wishing to come to any of our meetings, but have difficulty in getting to the meeting places - like physical problems or awkward bus connections.

You can now enjoy the luxury of door to door travel, hear interesting speakers and watch a variety of cabaret acts. We

indebted to everyone who has contributed to this fund raising effort as their donations will make a real difference.”

The Top Hats and Tiaras Ball, held at Plymouth’s Duke of Cornwall Hotel, was a huge success and capped a series of fund raising efforts for the unit. Darren took part in the 2015 Plymouth 10k in aid of the unit and was joined by several members of the medical team in the run.

Darren’s brother Stuart Lawson also contributed when he married his bride Janine, swopping wedding favours for a donation to the appeal, while their father Derek also helped swell the coffers with the help of his ukulele band.

The Plymouth Area Property Professionals Association (PAPPA), of which Darren is a long-time member and former chairman, also made a donation following a charity golf day and gala dinner.

Much of the hard work in organising the Top Hats and Tiaras Ball was done by Mansbridge Balment sales negotiator Julie Comber and her husband Dave, owners of Brooklands Roofing and members of the BNI Pilgrims Chapter.

“A huge thank you to everyone involved, especially Laura Anne Owen from the unit, who works tirelessly to raise funds to help pay for the excellent work every member of staff there delivers for patients,” said Julie.

“I would also like to thank the Duke of Cornwall Hotel for providing such a great setting and fabulous food, and someone who perhaps doesn’t get the recognition they deserve, Darren’s wife Debbie who is quite simply, totally inspirational.” meet on the second Friday of every month in the Wolseley Trust Community Building (next to Sylvia’s Café) behind the Co-op superstore in Wolseley Road, PL2 3BY, just down from Milehouse traffic lights going towards St Budeaux. We have interesting speakers chosen by members, from MPs to representatives of national and local businesses, and these free meetings are from 10.30am to 1pm. Parking is usually available and many buses stop outside the Co-op.

Our social meetings are held in Kings Tamerton Community Centre, PL5 2BH (the No 16 bus stops outside) and we have a variety of acts to entertain us, from cabaret to country & western, and these meetings are from 2pm to 4pm on some Fridays. Non-group members pay £2 but this includes a very good buffet and we always have a raffle. Anyone over the age of 50 looking for good company and interesting meetings can get more information from Mrs Margaret Williams (Secretary) Tel; 01752 350498 or email; tomag42@ hotmail.co.uk Circle Dance Thursdays Yealmpton Circle Dance Group. Yealmpton Community Centre, Stray Park, PL8 2HF. 7.30pm-9.30pm. A variety of dance styles from gentle and expressive to lively and joyful.

Traditional and contemporary world music. Good for mind, body and spirit. Clearly taught and easy to learn. No partner needed. Friendly and fun. 01752 880196 for details.

• continued on page 18

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Plympton Police are continuing with lines of enquiry after a burger van parked in a Coypool car park was completely destroyed by fire in a suspected arson attack.

The burger bar vehicle has regularly served customers from the corner of the old B&Q car park at Coypool, but in the early hours of last Monday morning the vehicle was found to be ablaze, completely destroying the vehicle and a car parked beside it.

The fire service was called to the scene just after 2am. A spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue said: “The Fire Service were called to a report of vehicles on fire at Coypool Road. One fire appliance from Crownhill and a fire investigation officer attended this incident. On arrival the crew confirmed that two vehicles were well alight.

“Two vehicles involved in fire, one burger van and one saloon car. Both vehicles totally destroyed by fire.”

Fire-fighters extinguished the blaze using breathing apparatus, two hose reel jets and one main jet.

Devastated business owner Peter Matthews said: “We are all gutted” but vowed to rebuild his business, adding: “Hopefully we will get back on our feet and have a Burger Van Plymouth the second.”

The blaze is another in a string of set backs for Mr Matthews whose van has previously been broken into twice before this latest incident. The parked car also destroyed in the fire belonged to a friend of Mr Matthews’ who had parked it there to try and prevent further break-ins to the van.

Police are still appealing for additional information to assist their enquiries. Plympton’s Neighbourhood Beat Manager PC Greg Rendle said: “I am appealing for any information that may assist me in this enquiry, in particular anybody that might have been parked up nearby, dog walkers or passing motorists.”

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9

Years of suffering and illness - all because his mother drank during pregnancy of struggling at school and growing up socially and mentally finally made sense."

A Plympton man who has suffered massive problems in life because his mother drank alcohol during her pregnancy has launched a support group for families and individuals who have been affected by the same condition.

Lee looked for advice and support about FASD and its effects - but found there was none in Plymouth. "Even GPs and social workers don't fully understand the implications of FASD,” he said.

"Despite the serious lifelong impact of this condition, families often struggle to get a diagnosis for their child. As the child gets older, the cognitive challenges become more obvious since they relate to more abstract thinking and the way different parts of the brain communicate."

Lee Harvey-Heath, 31, from Chaddlewood was diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, known as FASD, in 2011 - but only after he had suffered years of pain and suffering.

This included brain damage, serious physical problems, mental illness, attempted suicide and addiction.

Experiences Determined to raise awareness of FASD, Lee set up two Facebook sites dealing with the condition and his own experiences. He soon found that he was getting responses not only from all over the UK, but the rest of the world as well.

Addicted Lee said: "I was born addicted to alcohol.

Both my biological mother and father were alcoholics, unable to be suitable parents.

At the age of three, I was taken into care, passed from foster home to foster home for three years until I was finally adopted at aged six along with my two older sisters.

"In other parts of the world there is plenty of advice and support services for people with FASD and there are pockets of excellence in the UK where best practice exists and where youngsters with FASD are growing up into adults who can and do contribute their many talents to the community," he added.

His adoptive mother was a single mum living in Portsmouth. She was kind and loving, but the death of his birth father when he was just 10, led Lee into turmoil, causing his adoptive mother continual problems.

Organisations such as FASD Network UK and the National Organisation for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome UK provide a variety of support services - but Lee wanted to focus his attentions on Plymouth, as well as Devon and Cornwall.

By the age of 16 he had run away from home several times, became hopelessly addicted to alcohol and eventually ended up in a hostel.

Drunk and emotional he tried to kill himself by jumping out of a first floor window and seriously injured his back.

Lee spiralled into a life of crime, finally ending in a lengthy prison sentence for robbery.

By the time he was 26 he had two children by different partners, but because of his addiction rarely saw them.

Lee said: "A few more years passed not seeing my children and that was heartbreaking, but it only fuelled my drinking even more. I got arrested and cautioned a few times for being drunk and disorderly, and I had got on the wrong side of a family in Plymouth and was threatened. I decided I had had enough.

I was now 26 and had missed out on my children’s lives and wasted 10 years.

"I had broken family relationships. My sisters had given up on me and were convinced I was either going back to prison

Lee Harvey-Heath...determined to raise awareness of FASD

or going to kill myself through drinking. My only way out was to go and stay with my mum, so I did.

"I managed to get sober after two relapses, but my home life wasn’t good. I hated being at home with my mum, and she would get frustrated with me everyday over silly things. And, she could not understand why she was dealing with the same issues that she had dealt with when I was a child.

"I forgot everything. I could not understand simple instructions. I would not see something as dangerous, and I couldn’t keep a job because I couldn’t do what I was being told to do.

"My mum would continuously ask, 'What’s wrong with you?' 'Why won’t you listen?'

Truth is, I didn’t know. I couldn’t explain that if she told me to go get something from upstairs, that by the time I got to the

top of the stairs, I couldn’t remember what she said.

"She used to get so angry with me, saying I was lazy and bloody-minded and didn’t listen. By now, I had got used to it. I had heard it from schoolteachers when I was younger and from my mum. I had no idea what was wrong with me.

"It wasn’t till my mum was in the library one day that she Googled all the problems I had, and they all pointed to one thing – Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

"At that point my mum had just read a profile about me – I couldn’t concentrate on anything. I couldn’t remember simple things; I had very poor social skills; and I had no real friends. I struggled to see right from wrong, and that’s just the start.”

"We finally got the diagnosis after hours of testing and months of waiting. All my years

Working with Headcount, the Plymouth mental health organisation, and Healthwatch, Lee has now established FASD Devon & Cornwall, a local group offering information, advice and support.

The group is now meeting regularly at The Hub in Plympton Ridgeway and Lee is encouraged by its initial success. "It looks like we may outgrow the space there really quickly because of the response.

"The group is a place where those affected

by FASD, their families and others can exchange experiences, learn more about the problem and help each other with pressing problems."

Lee is also working with Cathy Hillman, who runs the Exeter-based charity ManAGEable, which works with people affected by alcohol. As a result it has already been possible to assist two people to get FASD diagnosis needed to understand their issues and access support. He is now mentoring the son of one of them.

National press Lee has also spoken about his experiences at national conferences, appeared in an ITV documentary and also been featured in the national press.

He is now trying to raise funds for the support group by completing a sponsored sky dive. "If my GP says that I can't do it because of my back then I will do an abseil - from as high as I can," said Lee. In the meantime he continues to work tirelessly to raise awareness of FASD and the damage it can cause.

"I have been told I have helped to change the lives of many young people by sharing my experiences, which makes everything worthwhile."

For more information contact Lee Harvey-Heath on 07582 885928 or e-mail him on lhh.fasd@gmail.com Facebook: FASDDAC Twitter AFASDDAC

FASD FACTFILE Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) are caused by pre-natal exposure to alcohol. Recent global research has revealed that the UK is among the worst countries in the world for alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

It is estimated that at least four out of ten British women drink during pregnancy, with many young professionals binge drinking in the first few months because they do not realise they are expecting a baby.

A BMA Report in 2016 noted that FASD is ‘the leading known cause of non-genetic intellectual disability in the Western world.’ It is estimated that more than 400 conditions can co-occur with FASD. This can include irreversible brain damage that is incurable. There are no accurate figures for the number of babies born each year with FASD, but it is estimated that the number is likely to be similar to the number with autism.

Rocking good time in store for Selkirk residents All set for the big Men’s Day Out fundraiser Selkirk House Care Home residents and visitors are in store for a rocking good time later this month as part of a worldwide day aimed at using music to raise awareness of dementia and supporting people and their families affected by the condition.

Rock music is not normally something you might think would help dementia and the loud beats and vocals are far from soothing but it is hoped an afternoon of rocking could provide a big boost for people living with dementia.

Activities coordinator Chris Dawkins from Anchor’s Selkirk House in Plymstock has organised an event 10

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at the care home in Church Road as part of the World Rocks Against Dementia Day. It will be held on Saturday March 18 from 2:30 pm. This will see musicians from all around Plymouth and those working as musical entertainers take to the stage to raise funds to help manage the condition.

A collection will also be held on the day for any kind donations which will be given to the Alzheimer’s Society. Any musician wishing to join is asked to contact christopher.dawkins@anchor.org.uk Last year more than 29 cities in 15 countries rocked for dementia during a similar day.

(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

St Luke's Hospice is encouraging men to join their annual Men’s Day Out and walk 12km across Plymouth, enjoy a pasty, with a pint and watch the rugby at the end.

St Luke’s Men’s Day Out is now the largest men-only event in the South West. Last year, 750 men walked the streets of Plymouth, raising thousands for local patients.

This year we are looking for 1,000 men to join us for the same fun once again!

Men are being encouraged to take part on Saturday March 25 for a 12km sponsored walk starting and finishing at Plymouth Albion RFC. The day starts at 11am following a planned route of Plymouth City Centre and South West

coastal path (passing one or two watering holes along the way!) before heading back for a pasty, pint and a fantastic game of rugby as second in the table Plymouth Albion take on Blaydon.

Registration is just £25 which covers t-shirt, pasty, pint, rugby ticket and the logistics of running the event. Please note that places are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Early registration is advisable as places will fill up fast!

Men’s Day Out not only gives participants the chance to have a great experience but also to make a real difference to the patients of St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth in the last months, weeks and days of life. Register at www.stlukeshospice.org.uk/mens-day-out-registration-page

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Saltram Rotary Club raises

£8,000 for two local charities Saltram Rotary Club is always busy with various activities and it recently had the pleasure of passing on the fruits of its labours to two worthy causes.

The ever popular Plymouth Santa Fun Run, now in its seventh year raised over £8,000 and cheques of £4,000 each were presented recently to local charities Hannahs and Jeremiah’s Journey.

Fund raising takes place throughout the year but for Saltram December is always the busiest month of all, when the majority of its fund raising is done.

‘Sons’ kick off their 2017 gig season in Plympton Plympton-based nineties BritPop band Sons of Dirty Lil chose home ground to kick off a big season of gigs for 2017.

The band has been going for around nine years.

The Post Office Inn in Ridgeway was the venue for the start of their season on Saturday February 18. A packed crowd of pub-goers enjoyed the band performing covers of well-known songs by groups such as Oasis, Pulp, Coldplay and The Verve.

Sam said: “This year we’ve got the most gigs we’ve ever had in a year, about thirty in total, which is quite a lot for us and we’re hopefully adding a few more as the weeks and months go on.”

‘Sons’ as they are commonly known are planning an ambitious set of around thirty gigs for 2017 and will be back at the Post Office three more times during the year - April 29, August 5 and December 22. Their next performance in Plymouth is on 10 March at the Ships Tavern in Elburton.

The group, who are a four-piece, perform all over Devon and Cornwall. This year will see them travelling to venues in Lewtrenchard, Liskeard, Kingsbridge and Exeter.

Dates for MTV Crashes announced

MTV Crashes Plymouth will return for its fourth year on Thursday July 27 and Friday July 28 and is set to see thousands of people enjoy two more nights of charttopping acts on Plymouth Hoe. Tickets for the live music event, organised by MTV in collaboration with Plymouth City Council, went on sale in February and offer music lovers the opportunity to see headline acts for a fraction of the price of regular touring gigs.

The two-day music extravaganza has grown yearon-year and 2017 is set to be even bigger and better, bringing a number of top artists and huge hits to the South West. Previous years have seen the likes of Kaiser Chiefs, Rudimental, Tinie Tempah, Little Mix and Jess Glynne grace the MTV Crashes Plymouth stage and artists for 2017 will be announced soon.

Councillor Glenn Jordan, Cabinet Member for Culture, said: “We’re really excited to be working with MTV again to bring this hugely popular event to the city for its fourth year. We’re expecting 2017’s MTV Crashes to be even bigger and more popular than previous years’. Where else can you enjoy world class music in one of the most spectacular waterfront locations in the UK?” Tickets are on sale via the Ticket Store, in partnership with Plymouth Pavilions and can be bought individually for either evening or as a special offer Event Pass package covering both nights.

They are available on the Ticket Store hotline (0845 146 1460) and the Ticket Store website.

The price for each evening is £15, plus a booking fee of £2. The Event Pass gives access to both evenings for just £27.50, plus booking fee.Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult on Day One. Day Two is for 16 and overs only.

12

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Their line up has varied during that time, but their current composition is Matt on drums, Mikey on guitar, Lauren on bass guitar and Sam Atkinson-Sporle on lead vocals.

The band’s name came from a dream one of their previous singers had.

Sam explained: “He had a dream one night that we were supporting the Kings of Leon at Glastonbury and the name was lit up in light behind us as we came on stage.

It seemed like a good idea at the time and the name has kind of stuck.”

An interview with Sam Atkinson-Sporle can be heard online in February’s Plympton Podcast at www. soundcloud.com/plymptonpodcast/edition-41

The Santa Run heralds the start of their busiest fund raising season and hard on its heels come the club’s own collections on the Broadway, outside Morrisons and on Santa’s sleigh runs round the villages of Yealmpton and Wembury and parts of Plymstock.

Roger King of Saltram Rotary said: “As always we find the people of Plymstock and the South Hams incredibly generous and in the ten days or so leading up to Christmas we raised over £4,300 for local children’s charities notably Children’s Hospice South West.”

Rotary is a huge international organisation of which the Saltram club is one very small part, but pulls its weight, contributing to major projects like ShelterBox, the End Polio Now and Jaipur Limb campaigns - as well as supporting the local community and charities.

The club recently initiated the installation of a defibrillator in Yealmpton and have also been involved in getting others installed at Oreston School, Staddon Heights Golf Club and one shortly to be installed on Plymstock Broadway.

At the club Christmas Dinner a raffle for a magnum of wine donated by one of the Yealmpton members was raffled and this raised enough to buy two blood pressure monitors which have been presented to the Yealm Medical Centre.

Anyone who feels that they could contribute some of their time or talents to put something back into the community

GERMAN JAUNT FOR HELE’S GROUP A group of staff and students from Hele’s School spent last month’s half-term break in Germany forging new friendships with students from the Marienschule in Limburg an der Lahn, a beautiful town in Hesse, not too far from Frankfurt.

please contact the club to discuss what becoming a Rotarian involves.

Despite the club name, it meets at Staddon Heights Golf Club and draw members from far and wide including Yealmpton, Wembury, Plymstock and Plymouth. To learn more about its activities just Google Saltram Rotary.

New plan for Drake's Island is submitted A new planning application has been submitted to Plymouth City Council for the regeneration of Drake’s Island into a luxury hotel, spa and restaurant.

Students from Years 10 and 11 who are studying GSCE German were hosted by German families and experienced firsthand what life is like for young people in that country today.

The application by owners Rotolok (Holdings) also include plans for an educational visitor experience on the Island. The new application demonstrates the company’s commitment to the project as it seeks to address the outstanding environmental issues and secure a future for this exciting development.

The first culture shock was a 7.30 start in school on their first day there – for many this meant leaving the house just after 6.30am to get the bus or train into the town!!

The application follows extensive discussions over the last few months between Rotolok and Councillor Patrick Nicholson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Housing, Transport, and Planning.

Conversely the 1pm finish was more appreciated, with the students realising just how much homework can be done when you have the whole afternoon to do it.

Councillor Nicholson said: “We want this incredible proposal to happen, but we also take our environmental responsibilities seriously. A development such as the one proposed on Drake’s Island would really enhance our offering to visitors and holidaymakers as well as open up the island to local residents. A lot of work has taken place behind the scenes to get to this stage and I’m pleased that Rotolok has responded to the environmental issues.

During the afternoons they also spent time with host families and many of the students got involved with sporting activities, musical events or learnt new board games to overcome any language barriers.

“We hope this application can be considered by the Planning Committee at the earliest opportunity.”

As confidence grew students soon picked Hele’s students outside the Marienschule during their half-term trip up new words and phrases and were delighted to show these off to accompanying staff.

Hele’s now look forward to welcoming their German hosts back to Plymouth immediately after the Easter weekend, During the trip the students and teachers also visited where the German students will experience life in a busy Schloss Freudenberg in Wiesbaden and the Gutenberg secondary school and no doubt enjoy some traditional Museum in Mainz with their hosts, as well as numerous family life. other local towns and attractions.

Frankfurt, Marburg, Koblenz and Cologne were popular locations and a snowy start to the weekend gave an added frisson of excitement to the trip.

The German students are said to be looking forward to seeing our beautiful city and tasting fish and chips!

(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

It also follows further research into the impact of the development on the roosting Little Egret colony and contains proposals for its long-term protection.

Sean Swales, group managing director of Rotolok said: “We remain committed to this project as we firmly believe it is an exciting opportunity to bring new life to this historic site. We fully appreciate the environmental concerns that have been raised in the past and hope we have manged, in this application, to respond to these and find acceptable solutions.”

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LIFE INTEREST TRUSTS or RIGHTS TO RESIDE If you are considering placing a life interest trust in your Will, or a right for someone to reside in your property, you will need to be familiar with the difference between these rights before completing your Will.

for a testator who has a current spouse from a second marriage and children from a first marriage. The testator would then preserve the capital for his or her children whilst providing his or her spouse with an income for his or her life time.

What is a Life Interest?

What is a Right to Reside?

A life interest is a trust. Although there are many variations the most common is where an asset (eg., a property or shares etc) are held on trust for the benefit of an individual (the life tenant) for his or her life time. The life tenant is entitled to the income generated from the trust for his or her lifetime but has no entitlement to the capital of the trust (the asset). The capital is preserved for the benefit of the remainder beneficiaries. On the death of the life tenant the capital is distributed to the remainder beneficiaries.

A right to reside is an entitlement to occupy a property for a specified time or for the life time of the beneficiary.

The beneficiary’s entitlement would normally be subject to certain conditions such as, maintaining the property, paying all outgoings and keeping the property insured.

The beneficiary cannot rent out the property nor is he or she entitled to receive any income from it. When the trust ends, the property is either transferred or sold and the net proceeds paid to the remainder beneficiaries.

The Trustee of a life interest must balance the needs and interests of both the life tenant and the remainder beneficiaries when managing and investing the assets of the trust. Therefore the Trustee must invest in assets which have both a capital growth element and an income producing element and must not advantage one over the other.

This type of trust is often created in a testator’s Will where he or she wishes to financially support one individual during their lifetime but wishes to give the actual asset to another party. A typical example of this would be

It is also common to include in the right to residue, the ability for the Trustee to sell the property and purchase a more suitable property for the beneficiary to live in.

Catherine English

This is also created in a testator’s Will where a testator provides for someone (usually the spouse) to have the use and benefit of the property for their lifetime whilst preserving the property for the benefit of another party (usually the children).

If you would like to discuss life interests or rights to reside in more detail, please contact Catherine English at Howard and Over Solicitors on 01752 284063 or by email at catherine.english@howard-over.co.uk

254 Dean Cross Road, Plymstock, Plymouth, Devon, PL9 7AZ

If you would like more advice in relation to obtaining probate or administration of estate, please contact Catherine English at Howard and Over Solicitors on 01752 284063 or by email at Catherine.english@howard-over.co.uk The Plymouth Shopper

13

Saltram top of the flower count again National Trust garden teams have recently conducted their annual flower count for Valentine’s Day. Although this year spring seems to be on the way, just as would normally be expected, what was noticeable was how many scented plants were out in flower at this early time of year.

Brian Adamson (centre white shirt) leads the training session in the Clovelly Bay Inn

Turnchapel residents learn how to use defibrillator

National Trust gardeners reported 1,737 plants blooming in this year’s 12th annual Valentine’s Flower count, 34% down on last year’s figure of 2,644. Although numbers are down on 2016, they are still higher than the previous three years.

Following the recent purchase of a public access defibrillator the Turnchapel & Mount Batten Residents Association and the Clovelly Bay Inn hosted a training and awareness evening led by Brian Adamson from #defib aware and other NHS health care professionals.

Brian Adamson shows Dino Riccobono how to use the defibrillator

The snowdrop has been voted the top spring flower for the fourth year running in a survey run with National Trust supporters on social media. The gardens at Cotehele, Lanhydrock, Kingston Lacy and Saltram have been voted the most popular places to see spring blooms.

They demonstrated how to use the defibrillator and offered critical health care advice. The event was well supported by the villagers and was a great success.

Dino Riccobono landlord at the Clovelly Bay Inn said: “It was fun and informative for the whole community. We had very young children attending who were given advice on what to do in a 999 emergency and the adults were given fantastic hands on training in using the defibrillator. Next we are looking at doing paediatric based training for the village, especially due to our close proximity to the water.”

For the second year running, Saltram had the highest number of flowers recorded with 176 blooms (193 in 2016).

John Wheeler presents Dino Riccobono with his defibrillator certificate and (below) the display outside the Clovelly Inn

The more normal and cautious approach of spring than in previous years does mean we can enjoy the early flowering plants for a bit longer as the cooler conditions will help extend the flowering season of the earlier blooms, this is reflected in the lower numbers in this year’s count.

With later flowering plants on hold for warmer sunnier conditions‚ Ian Wright, National Trust Garden’s advisor in the South West said: "Our gardens are full of buds ready to burst into flower, but spring isn’t here quite yet, but when it does it will be a good one.

John Wheeler, chairman of the Residents Association said that the evening was the product of a successful combined operation and gave thanks for the financial support to fund the defibrillator given by the Clovelly Bay Inn, St John’s Church Hooe, Plymouth Round Table and the good people of Turnchapel.

"Alongside the usual signature

plants of spring we are seeing such as Magnolias, Camellias and Rhododendrons, what is often over looked is the amount of plants that have highly scented flowers at this early time of the year.

"They’re all out there advertising their presence by pushing out scents like perfume counters in a department store trying to attract their insect customers, which are few and far between at this early time.

"We have reports of Daphne, Mahonia, winter flowering honeysuckle, and Witch hazel to name but a few all of which give off sweet heady aromas and, are well out in flower at many of our gardens such as at Killerton, Knightshayes, Cotehele and Hidcote. Some types of snowdrops and other early spring bulbs add to this annual attack on your senses producing subtle and beautiful scents.

National Trust Garden teams in the South West have recorded fewer flowers in bloom than last year in this year’s annual Valentine’s Flower Count, with nearly all gardens showing a decrease in the amount of varieties of plants in bloom.

Figures from the Met Office confirm that 2016 was one of the warmest two years on record. Such changes

Young musicians shine at Rotary competition Plymouth’s North Hill came alive with wonderful music performed by some of the best young musicians in Devon and Cornwall recently.

the sensitive and emotional 'Remembrances' from Schindler’s List and Clair de Lune by Debussy to the poetic and passionate Schumann for clarinet and the stirring piano prelude by Rachmaninoff.

Rotary District 1175 which covers the South West Peninsula held their District Finals of the National Young Musician competition at Plymouth University's Sherwell Centre.

The adjudicators were Simon Ible, director of music at Peninsula Arts, Dr Tim Watson, saxophonist and exRoyal Marine musician and Rebecca Smith vocal soloist and they had the unenviable task of selecting a winner

It featured young people under the age of 17 who have a particular talent and passion for performing. Three vocalists and four instrumentalists competed for a place in the regional final to be held in March.

and runner up in each category to go through to the regional final.

The winner in the Vocal section was Katherine Gregory and the runner up Cameron Mills. For the instrumentalists the winner was Fred Bareham, clarinettist, and the runner up was pianist Jack Thomas.

The regional final will be held at Queen’s College, Taunton on March 19.

The audience were in awe of the three vocalists, all with different approaches to their singing, from the classical Caccini to musical theatre and the jazz number Feeling good.

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Gardeners at 31 National Trust properties across the South West took part in the annual Valentine’s Day flower count which first started in Devon and Cornwall in 2006.

Gardens in the South West are usually the furthest advanced in the UK with early spring blooms but this year numbers are down on last year which shows spring may be back to normal for this year at least with 907 less blooms.

This year 1,302 plants were recorded in 18 gardens in Devon and Cornwall compared to 1,938 in 2016 and 1,345 in 18 gardens in 2015. In 2008 3,335 plants in bloom were recorded, marking the earliest spring so far recorded in Devon and Cornwall.

Many National Trust gardens are already open in the South West.

For more information and opening times see www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ southwest

Evening of music at Ford Park Cemetery Ford Park Cemetery is teaming up with with the Central Library for a family event on March 7. The Integral Art Workshop is aimed at grandparents and pre-school children. The workshop will take place at the Visitor Centre between 2pm and 4pm.

The next event sees the Plymouth Area Police Choir presenting an evening of music on Friday March 10. The choir was formed in 1972 and is made up of serving and retired Police officers, special constables and police staff, also men with no affiliation to the police service, under the leadership of musical director Brian Gerry.

There will be a Spring Fayre on Saturday April 1 in the Visitor Centre from 11am to 3pm. Organisers are hoping to attract younger visitors, as well as mums and dads and will have various activities aimed at the younger generation, including chocolate tombola, pick a lolly and an 'odd sock game.' There will also be the usual stalls including bric a brac, homemade cakes, books and gardening stalls.

Then came two violinists, Rachel Pankhurst from Bideford and James Culwick from Okehampton along with a pianist, Jack Thomas from Ivybridge and Fred Bareham, a clarinettist from Truro.

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In 2008 3,335 plants in bloom were recorded in Devon and Cornwall, marking the earliest spring so far recorded.

The choir is renowned for it's charity work and have preformed in many foreign countries,including Germany, France and the esteemed Basilica of San Marco in Venice. Tickets cost £6 and are available from the Cemetery Office (weekdays only), from 10am to 3pm.

Alice Blackler from Plymouth exhibited wonderful stage presence and poise in her musical theatre pieces, Katherine Gregory from Truro impressed everyone with her beautiful tonal quality and Cameron Mills from Hatherleigh gave a strong and convincing rendition of Feeling Good.

All gave commanding and engaging performances from

to our weather pose the single biggest conservation challenge to National Trust gardens and places.

How we all garden whether in a National Trust garden or at home, what plants we grow and where may need to change.

Competitors, judges and Rotary representatives at the event

Refreshments including, pasties, sausage rolls, tea and coffee will be on sale at the Visitor Centre cafe.

Apprenticeship offers ladder of opportunity for Bethany With career progression opportunities up to degree level, and more than 170 industry options available, apprenticeships have never been a more attractive proposition for young people looking to start their careers.

Also, the Government target of three million apprentices by 2020, with an apprenticeship levy coming into play in April, has really raised the profile of the work-based learning programme.

The attraction of earning a wage, while learning on-thejob and gaining qualifications, is obvious but the benefits go far beyond the apprenticeship itself. After finishing, 90% of apprentices stay in employment, with seven in ten staying with the same employer.

A quarter are promoted within 12 months of finishing. On average, individuals with an Advanced Apprenticeship earn between £77,000 and £117,000 more over their lifetime than others with Level 2 qualifications; this figure increases to £150,000 for those completing a Higher Apprenticeship.

City College Plymouth is one of the largest apprenticeship providers in the country, with a success rate of 16% above the national average.

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

Bethany Parker, 18, from Plymstock is a City College hospitality apprentice, employed by The Boathouse Café on the Barbican. She has worked as a waitress since she was 15 and in that time, she has experienced a broad range of dining styles - a five-star restaurant, a pub, and an American diner.

Bethany is now taking her career to the next level, formalising what she loves doing with on-the-job-training and qualifications.

“I love what I do, particularly meeting different people and getting to know their stories,” said Bethany. “Being an apprentice is the perfect solution; as well as earning a wage I am studying for a Level 3 qualification, which is going to help me progress my career.

"At the moment I am learning how to do the books and look after customers. I’ve done my first close down, which involved cashing up and locking up.

“Because I’m learning as I’m working, I am picking it up really quickly and when I qualify at the end of this year I will already have hands-on management experience.

I want to take my skills and travel around the world; experience different cultures and hospitality styles. The apprenticeship is opening up that opportunity for me.

“City College has been fantastic in supporting me,” Bethany continued. “In fact, it was working at a college function day being held at the Boathouse Café that got me the job. As well as visiting me at the café, my assessors always come and see me when I am at the college - I attend for maths and english sessions or to help out in the PL1 Restaurant. They are always at the end of the phone and if I need to talk, they listen and give me sound advice.

“I am very lucky because I also get great support from the team at The Boathouse Café, who are teaching me

worked, including who was keen and interested in how the business works! Beth was motivated, hardworking and keen to learn. These fundamental skills are all one needs to succeed in this industry. From that moment on I was eager to have here as part of my team.

everything they know. It is a real family atmosphere and after we close for the day we all go off and have a game of pool together!”

Boathouse Café Manager, Charlie Sturgess, said: “Last April, The Boathouse Café hosted the Trans-Atlantic Boat Race. This attracted sailors and other visitors from all over the world.

“Training apprentices is a great way of attracting enthusiastic talent, who are keen to put forward and try fresh ideas. Beth is one of those people who continues to write down ideas and bring them to meetings.

"City College volunteered their students to host and cook for the guests. As a result, I got to see how everyone

"It encourages other staff to think ‘out of the box’ and bring something unique to the team. Hiring Beth as an apprentice has helped me reduce staff turnover because she has become very loyal to the business and is willing to come in when required. This helps me fill in gaps in the rota and fulfil the business needs on a day-to-day basis.”

White goods at St Luke's shop St Luke’s Hospice charity shop in Plympton is now stocking brand new white goods.

With end of line stock arriving every day, there is already a wide selection of washing machines, fridges and freezers from big brands including Zanussi, Bush, Indesit, Beko and Hoover.

For more information about apprenticeships, City College is holding a Course Information Drop-in on Wednesday March 8, from 4.30pm to 6.30pm, at Kings Road. For further details please visit cityplym.ac.uk/events or call 01752 305300.

All items come with a three month warranty and delivery is available. To find out what stock is available before visiting the store, call 01752 231082.

The shop is located next to Peacock Meadow, just down the road from Chaplins and is open seven days a week.

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Spring is here at last now it's time to think about all those jobs in the home and garden There are few times of the year more thrilling than the arrival of spring. As the temperature starts to shift ever the slightest bit and the birds return to their favourite trees, it is normal for homeowners to think about the impending warm weather seasons and the home improvement projects which had been put on hold.

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Being an expert with tools and chemicals is not required to pull off most do-it-yourself jobs around the house. However, there are some tasks which are best handled by the experts and a number of local companies are featured in this double page spread.

Here's a few suggestions for projects in the coming weeks and months...

Decking repair and treatment

Give individual rooms a facelift There’s no need to go mad and decorate your whole home. Pick rooms that are looking a little tired or you haven’t paid much attention to lately.

Kitchens are a great place to start as most families spend a lot of time there. Simply painting the walls, changing the door knobs or handles and adding a few colourful utensils will inject your kitchen with a new lease of life. If you want a completely new look, painting the units or replacing old cabinet doors will make you feel like you’ve got a new kitchen without having to go to great expense. Lounges and bedrooms could benefit from repainting or wallpapering as well. Just wallpapering one wall rather than the whole room can have a similar impact and saves you a few pounds. And, depending on the size of the rooms, you should be able to get it all done in a weekend.

Window replacement

Update your furnishings

It’s hard to argue about the effect new windows can have around the house. Whether an old window is starting to make a home look bad or poor insulation is letting in too much air, these things will only become more troublesome as the weather warms up. New windows can reverse these effects, sealing off the window at every point and creating a stunning new look on the exteriors of the home. The cooling system will get a break with less energy required to combat the interior heat, while the possibilities to be opened up in terms of light are limitless. Window replacement is not for the raw beginner, yet careful measurements can make the job viable for almost any homeowner. To approach the job cautiously, go one room at a time instead of ordering an entire home’s supply of windows.

An easy and affordable way to transform your home is to update your furnishings. You don’t need to trek round the furniture shops looking for a new sofa though - changing your cushions or curtains makes a massive difference. Think about dropping in a few brighter colours and patterns for a bold impact. If you’re feeling creative, a good way to save money is to make your own. All you need is some fabric, a sewing kit and your imagination. Making some cushion covers, table runners or a new pair of curtains gives you a chance to get your creative juices flowing and an enormous sense of pride when you’ve finished.

Hopefully, the autumn and winter seasons allowed for the interior jobs around the house to be handled. For the spring, touching up the home’s exterior should be on the menu. Adding a new coat of paint is one of those jobs which can brighten up the spirits of any homeowner. Even if a jacket is still required, breathing that fresh spring air and becoming active once again will cure the remaining winter blues. Once a new coat of paint has dried, spring can officially begin.

Landscaping and garden work Another job which naturally falls into the springtime category is landscaping work. It won’t be unusual to find patches of grass in dire need of attention after being subjected to the rigours of the last winter.

Once some new patches of grass are installed and the lawn starts looking to be in good shape, think about adding some colour to the scene. New flowers and bushes create an entirely different feeling around the house. It’s one of those things which can’t be explained, yet whenever such an effort is made, it will be greatly appreciated by everyone at home. Green thumb or not, these tasks are never too much for a homeowner to learn about.

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If the time has finally come to sell the house and start over somewhere else, spring is a good time to do it. Before the summer holiday season hits and after winter is making every home look a little more tired, springtime represents a real change to home shoppers. Coincidentally, the interior concerns could weigh on their minds heaviest of all. The bathroom and kitchen should definitely be up to par if the marketing campaign is about to begin. In the DIY department, homeowners could repair tiles, reface cabinets and even replace kitchen countertops. If these projects are left for buyers, they will have ammunition in the negotiation process.

With the arrival of warm weather comes the return of outdoor parties and lounging on the deck. Make a survey of what has become of the decks around the house over the course of a long and rather brutal winter season. Even if the deck has escaped any outright damage and could be described as ‘intact’, there are probably a number of surface effects present. The dampness and continual pounding the deck can take from the elements of winter will leave patches of rot and grime. To instill some new life in the wood, look into one of the wood brightening products which utilize oxalic acid. Solutions made with this chemical have been proven to rejuvenate wood – something any house could use as spring hits its stride and time spent outdoors increases.

Exterior painting

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Last-minute jobs in anticipation of a property sale

Give your garden a once over It’s important to show your outside space some love too, especially as you’ll be planning to spend more time there as the weather improves.

Give your flowerbeds and borders a good tidy up... trim back overgrown bushes, plants, hedges and trees, and dig out anything that’s on its last legs. Spring is also a good time to get some new plants and shrubs into the garden ready for summer. All your existing plants will bloom back to life as the season changes, but a few new additions will give you something fresh to enjoy. Gladioli and small evergreens are ideal to pop in your garden in spring, while Dahlias are perfect for pots on the patio. Unfortunately weeds also love the better conditions, so make sure you dig them all out. You may be unhappy to hear it’s also time to start mowing your lawns again too. Get on top of these particular jobs early and it’ll be easier to maintain a glorious garden throughout the warmer months.

Finish those little jobs Finally make sure all those little DIY jobs are finished. Fix broken handles and hinges, oil squeaking doors and sort out any old grouting in showers and bathrooms. Also, don’t forget to clear your gutters and drains of leaves and repaint or mend any drainpipes that are looking a bit worse for wear.

Local experts who you can call on with confidence RESOLVE PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Resolve Property Maintenance are a local family run business, offering a friendly and experienced service without a call out fee, within a 15 mile radius of Plymouth.

They replace steamed up/misty/broken sealed units, door panels and with their well stocked van they are able to offer a wide range of mechanical solutions to uPVC & aluminium window and door problems. Now also able to offer garage door repairs. Call 0787 204 1114 TOTALLY GUTTERED Spruce up your house this spring!! From cleaning to repairing Totally Guttered offer a friendly and reliable service from a local family business. Guttering is an extremely important part of your property and should be re gularly maintained to avoid rainwater wreaking havoc!

Give Tim a call on 07467 297363 for a free, no obligation quote GREEN SCHEME SOLUTIONS Want a beautiful but low-maintenance outdoor space?

Why not try the latest generation natural-looking composite decking boards which are rot-proof, anti-slip and eco-friendly being made from recycled materials. These decks look amazingly like wood but come without the maintenance headaches.

Team your new deck with artificial grass as it provides the perfect pet and child friendly lawn without the mowing, mud and maintenance hassle of natural grass.

Contact Green Scheme Solutions Ltd on 01822 855427 today to transform your outside.

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• REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • mixture of street dance, fitness and contemporary. Free.

Details e-mail Kerrie at kerrie@eximdance.org.uk

• continued from page 8 Dancing Duo Fortnightly Saturdays With Henry and Jeannie at Plymouth Life Centre (Central Park near Plymouth Argyle ground) for ballroom, Latin and sequence, old time and more. Time 7.45pm to 10.45pm free parking. Entry £7. Bring your own soft drinks and and snacks. Early tea and coffee available at cafe.

National Trust Plymouth Centre Make the most of your Trust membership by joining the Plymouth Centre for even more activities. During the winter there are talks. This summer there are coach visits to: April to Treslissick House and gardens; May to the Trengwainton Garden; June to Mapperton House; July to Montacute House; August to Tyntesfield House and Village, September to Barrington Court. Membership is only £4 per person or £6 for two people at the same address. For more information and an application form call Russell on 01752 266608.

Kreative Kidz Thursdays Pre school messy play sessions, overalls provided, different activity each week, meet new people make new friends £3 per child includes tea/coffee for adults. 12.30pm to 1.30pm To book email: info:wkuk.org Unit 34 Scott Business Park, Beacon Park Road, Plymouth.

Krafty Kidz Tuesdays Childrens activity workshops from age 7 years. Crafts, cookery, baking, woodworking, model making, scrap heap challenge. £5 per session includes materials. 5.30pm to 7pm.To book email: info:wkuk.org Unit 34 Scott Business Park, Beacon Park Road, Plymouth.

Wk’d Wednesdays Adults activity workshops activities range from crafts, cooking, woodworking, furniture up cycling, sewing. £10 per session includes materials. Accompanied children welcome. To book email: info:wkuk.org. Every Wednesday 6pm to 8pm Unit 34 Scott Business Park, Beacon Park Road, Plymouth.

Messy Church at Elburton Methodist Community Church Messy Church is held on the first Saturday morning of every month (excluding August), from 10.30am to 12.30pm at Springfield Road, Elburton. All welcome to join fun morning of arts, crafts, drama, music and refreshments. All for a small donation. Activities for the whole family. For more details contact Debbie on 215632 Snack ‘N’ Chat Tuesdays Friendship group for the bereaved and those who live alone.

From 10.30am to 12.30pm in the Coffee Corner in the Minster Church of St Andrew in the city centre. A community project run by two trained Counsellors and two trained listeners. Come and enjoy coffee, tea and home made cake and talk through how things are for you. Only 50p per session.

RASC/RCT/RLC Association Meetings for remainder of 2016 are Sept 14 and November 9 at the Army Reserve Centre, Brest Road Derriford at 7.30pm. The AGM will be held on January 11 2017 at the same venue and time. All ex-Corps members welcome to attend. For any welfare problems please call 01752 343 492 or write to the Army Reserve Centre Derriford Plymouth (c/o RASC/RCT/RLCAssoc) Mayflower Offshore Rowing Club Various dates We meet on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 5.30pm and Sunday mornings at 9.30am at Richmond Walk Devonport.

We row out to sea, in The Sound and up the Tamar & Plym rivers. Ages from 14 and all abilities welcome. We run learn to row sessions. Contact secretarymorc@hotmail.co.uk or Jeff Keast 07865 228800.

Plympton Fuschia and Pelargonium Group Second Tuesday of the month The group meets at Harewood House, Plympton at 7.30pm please free to come along. New members always welcome.

Full speaker programme to be found on pfgg.co.uk. Contact Marie 343386 for more information Plymouth & District Koi Keepers Society First Wednesday of the month If you are interested in koi keeping, or thinking of building a pond and want to learn more, then why not come along to one of our meetings. We have guest speakers, presentations, visits to club member’s ponds before finishing the evening back at the clubhouse. At the weekends trips are arranged to visit other koi club’s ponds and koi shows and these are excellent days out. Meet at 7.30 pm in the lounge of the Tamar View Community Centre, Miers Close, Barne Barton, Plymouth. New members always welcome.

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

Special Olympics Plymouth and District The Special Olympics Plymouth and District at YMCA Kitto centre on Wednesday evenings from 6pm to 8pm £15 membership £2 each week.

Plymouth Pisces Swimming Club Sundays Plymouth Pisces swimming club from 11.15am to 1.15pm at the Life Centre subs £2 each week £4 membership.

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

Opportunity knocks for apprenticeships Plymouth’s leading construction and manufacturing businesses will take part in a huge joint apprenticeship recruitment drive as part of National Apprenticeship Week 2017 which is from March 6 to 10.

Building Plymouth and the Plymouth Manufacturers Group (PMG) have joined forces to organise an inspiring Apprenticeship Jobs Fair on Saturday March 4, 10am to 3pm in the Plymouth Guildhall.

Aimed at engaging with young people, their parents and family, as well as adults who are considering a career change, the Fair aims to promote the benefits of apprenticeships as a ladder of opportunity to a brighter future.

Local employers including Babcock International, Becton Dickinson, Gilpin Demolition, Kawasaki Precision Machinery, Kier, Midas, Princess Yachts and SWH Group will showcase current vacancies across trade, technical and professional route ways into construction and the built environment, manufacturing and engineering.

Plymouth City Council Leader Ian Bowyer, who will open the Fair and also present the Construction Apprentice of the Year Award said: “It is fantastic to see these two high growth sectors working together to promote diverse apprenticeship opportunities which will help local businesses build their skilled workforce for the future. As a city we are committed to grow the number of Highbury Trust Highbury Disco Tuesdays and Fridays subs £2 each week.

St Budeaux disco £2 each week on Thursday evenings 6.30pm to 9.30pm at St Budeaux Community Centre.

Age UK Plymouth Bridge Fridays Friday afternoons between 2pm and 4pm at Elspeth Sitters House, Hoegate Street, Plymouth. Do you play bridge and would like to join a friendly, social group. £2 per session which includes tea and biscuits. Details phone 776881.

Tots Time - St. Jude’s Mondays during term-time From 9.30 to 11.30 in the Upper Hall at St Jude’s Church on Beaumont Road, babies and toddlers are welcome with their carers at £1.50 per session. Tots Time provides toys, craft, snacks, drinks, singing, etc. For more details phone 078604573727.

Plymouth Children’s Theatre Workshop Saturdays A theatre company for children and young people aged 6 to18. Try your hand at performing, set design and construction, costumes and props, stage make up and much more. St Bartholomew’s Church Saturdays 1 till 4. Tots 3 - 5 years 12 till 1. www.plymouthchildrenstheatreworkshop. co.uk or 07760467857 or see our Facebook page Plymouth Karate Academy Various dates Based in Faraday Mill Cattedown the club is managed by Sensei Stuart Hick (4thDan), Sensei Jon Eaton (3rdDan) and Senpai Luke Irving (2ndDan). With more than 45 years combined experience all of the instructors are CRB checked, and teach Shotokan karate. With many advantages to learning karate, instructors teach traditional skills and Self-Defence with genuine applications to modern day situations. Students often say that they feel self-confident; have increased discipline, improved fitness levels and co-ordination. But above all, they all agree its great value for money, fun and a fantastic way to meet new

apprentices.”

Steve Gerry, Secretary of the PMG said: “This is the third year in a row that the PMG has held its Apprentice Jobs Fair in Plymouth Guildhall and this year we take a significant step forward by joining forces with our friends in ‘Building Plymouth’ which brings together many of the significant employers from within the local Construction Industry. It promises to be a major event with over thirty exhibitors offering literally hundreds of apprenticeships in two of our most exciting sectors in the City.”

Emma Hewitt, Building Plymouth skills co-ordinator said: “Apprenticeships represent a fantastic opportunity to earn while you learn and to get a recognised and relevant qualification whilst taking your next step on the career ladder. We know that of all sectors, construction requires the largest number of apprentices to help overcome the skills shortages and skills gaps. Our Fair will be the perfect place to get inspired, to find out more about becoming an apprentice and to vastly improve your chances of securing an apprenticeship – don’t miss it!”

There will be a chance for visitors to try their hand at taster activities, demonstrations, competitions and also to meet current apprentices already working in these dynamic and growing industries. Gilpin Demolition and Princess Yachts will also be exhibiting kit outside of the Guildhall, and Street Factory will be livening up the event by performing Hi-Hop dance routines.

For more information visit www.buildingplymouth.co.uk and www.mypmg.co.uk friends no matter what age you are. Tuesday /Thursday Kids only Karate class 6.15- 7pm; Tuesday/Thursday Adult Beginners - Intermediate - Advanced from 7pm onwards ; Saturday Morning class Kids Karate class 10am onwards.

For more info: Stuart Hick 07970379268 or stuart.hick@ plymouthkarateacademy.co.uk Pray Plymouth Every Wednesday morning Organised by Churches Together in Plymouth from 7am to 8am at Open Doors Language School, 14-15 ,Woodland Terrace Lane, Greenbank, Plymouth. Breakfast from 8am to 9am. Details 01752 249187.

Plymouth Community Choir Monday Evenings Meet at Salvation Army Congress Hall, Armada Way, Plymouth from 7pm to 9pm. New members are welcome, just come along for a free taster session at the beginning of the term, or contact the choir leader. Terms are 12 weeks long and we sing a variety of music such as gospel, contemporary, sacred, world folk, pop, funky bass lines etc.

No previous experience is necessary and you don’t need to be able to read music as we learn ‘by ear’ and repetition.

Come and give us a try and see what you think! Our choir leader is Sarah Pennington and she can be contacted on 01392 437792 or by email plymouthcommunitychoir@gmail. com We look forward to seeing you!

Community Dance Classes Exim have weekly Toddle Together dance classes on Mondays at Plymouth School of Creative Arts on Mondays from 9am to 9.45am. Parent/carer toddler sessions open to all ages crawling to four years. £3.50. Children’s contemporary dance (6-10 years) Thursdays in term time at Plymouth School of Creative Arts 4.30pm to 5.30pm. £4.50 per class. Adult just for fun contemporary dance at the same venue 6pm to 7pm Thursdays. £4.50 per class. Also Spaceshot dance classes every Wednesday at St Aidan’s Church, Ernesettle every Wednesday from 6pm to 8pm. A

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

Entry is free and there is tea and coffee with biscuits, then usually a speaker. All are welcome. For more details phone Anne on 01752 402310 or Christine on 01752 220919 Arrows Kids Club Thursdays Held at Plymouth Methodist Central Hall every Thursday in term time. 6.30pm-8pm for all children aged 7-11 years.

(Please note the Drake Circus Mall opposite the church is open till 8pm on Thursdays.) Games, Craft, tuck shop, Bible stories .. lots of fun. Only 50p per week.

Plympton Probus Club Second Monday of month Plympton Probus Club was formed in 1985, and enables retired and semi- retired men to meet a convivial group aged, 55 or over who meet on a regular basis. Would you consider joining us at the Plympton Library venue? We meet on the second Monday of each month at 10am, and provide opportunity to hear a variety of interesting speakers.

Additionally, social lunches with wives and guests are held at various venues throughout the year. Currently, vacancies exist for new members and anyone interested, should contact the secretary, Gerald Hendrick, on 01752 514942 Aden Veterans Calling all Aden Veterans. Did you know that the Aden Veterans Plymouth Branch meets every fourth Tuesday of the month at the RAOB Club in North Hill at 7.30pm. Why not go along and meet like-minded people.

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

Further details call 257764.

Twins, Triplets or more Support group held on a Tuesday morning 10am-12pm at Surestart Children’s Centre, 25 Manor Street, Stonehouse, (Tel 208650) or a Friday morning 10am -12pm at Sir John Hunt School, Whitleigh. An informal group open to all mums and expectant mums. A great chance to meet other mums and dads in the same situation.

Mini Dance Machine Thursdays At Rees Youth Centre, Mudge Way, Plympton. Modern fun disco dance group for children. 4.15pm - 5pm for ages 4 to 6; 5pm - 6pm ages 6 to 10. £2 per session. Call Lisa 07896 105 479.

Portal Writers Tuesdays The Portal writers are a helpful group of writers who are dedicated to helping first time and have a go writer. Meet Tuesdays 10am to 12 noon at Southway Community Centre, Hendwell Close, Southway. Tea or coffee. Contact Gloria Lane on 01752772686.

Boxing Classes Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays Carl’s boxing stable has opened a new gym in Colebrook training for all ages to compete or just get fit. 7pm to 8pm.

Details from Carl on 07837 920150.

Plymouth Play Association For hire of resources for play, recycling scrapstore and arts and crafts. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Saturday 10am-2pm, Thursday 10am-7pm. Details 01752 256633.

Trinity Art Group Thursdays We are a small group of experienced artists who enjoy meeting and sharing our talents. We meet every week (ring for dates) at Trinity URC, Tor Lane, Hartley from 7pm to 9pm. If you are a beginner and would like to explore the enjoyable pastime of painting in watercolour or acrylics we could offer some assistance. We also welcome all levels of proficiency as our aim is to enjoy our time painting with time

• continued on page 20

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• REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • • continued from page 18 to socialise over a cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit, all for £2.50 each night. Details Dave Crawford 01752 215179 Plymouth Dog Training Club meets at St Edward’s Church Hall, Eggbuckland on Wednesday evenings. For details call 01752 350788.

Anyone for hockey?

Mums and Babies Tuesdays Mums and Babies is a support group for mums with babies from birth to eight months old. Come and meet other new mums and enjoy being spoilt by our sympathetic leaders with tea, coffee, biscuits and a listening ear. £2 a session.

We meet at Hope Baptist Church Hall, Peverell Corner, Plymouth from 1pm to 2.30pm. For more information ring the church office on 01752 708090.

Coffee mornings Last Wednesday of the month Run by the Highbury Trust Community Support Service, Outland Road between 10.30am and 12.30pm. All members of the public welcome to attend. For details 01752 753711 Plymouth Skywatch Meet at St Budeaux Parish Church Hall every third Friday of the month at 7.30pm. The meeting usually consists of highlights of the night sky for the following month followed by a talk on an astronomy-related subject. There is a break in between with tea and coffee available.

Plymouth Croquet Club Hartley Park Reservoir, Mannamead Road. New members welcome. Equipment and tuition available. For further information contact Plymouth 666801.

Plymouth Radio Club Second Tuesday of every month.

The Plymouth Radio Club meets second Tuesday of every month at the Weston Mill Oak Villa social Club, Situated in Ferndale Road, Weston Mill, Plymouth. Commencing 7.30 pm. For all licenced Radio Amateurs and anyone interested in amateur radio. For those wishing to obtain a licence, email pippa117@hotmail.co.uk or telephone 07815542477.

Al-Anon Family Groups Are you concerned about someone’s drinking?

A fellowship to help families and friends of alcoholics. Local meetings. Confidential Helpline 020 7403 088 www.al-anonuk.org.uk

More than 20 parents and volunteers trained as new coaches or extended their coaching qualification at Plymouth Hockey Club recently.

The training, which ran all day, covered Introduction to Coaching and Engaging Games for Children.

Club chairman, Rob White, who administered the course, was extremely pleased and proud that so many people had given up an entire Sunday to complete the training.

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

He explained that Plymouth Hockey Club was entirely run by parents and former players and, as such, it was necessary to constantly top up the ‘coaching pool’.

Tennis Club Mannamead Tennis Club, Eggbuckland Rd welcomes new members. 4 hard courts and 2 grass courts. Coaching available. Contact info@mannamead.org.uk or phone 773652.

We are looking for lively, interesting people who want variety in their social lives and would like to mix with others in a friendly, local social group run by its members, for its members. We enjoy a wide range of activities eg meals out, cycling, themed party nights, walking, canoeing, theatre, reading group and weekends away. Want to know more?

You can go to our website www.plymouthivc.org , look at what we do and complete an enquiry or contact us direct on 07542 125575.

Time Out Second and fourth Wednesday A group for individuals who are lonely and isolated. Come for a chat and make new friends. Plymstock United Church, 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month, from 1.30pm 3.30pm. Refreshments £1. Contact Lin: 07818 254527.

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

Buddhist meditation classes Weekday lunchtime meditations 12.15pm - 12.45pm, Wednesday evenings - Introduction to meditation class 7.30pm - 8.30pm, Thursday evenings - 7.30pm - 9.30pm Meditation - The Art Of Positive Thinking, Sunday mornings 11.30am - 12.30pm Find Inner Peace, Sunday mornings - Children’s classes - 10.30am - 11.15am. Held at Ashoka Kadampa Buddhist Centre, 33 Sutherland Road, Plymouth. Tel 01752 224137 www.meditationinplymouth.org Laira Youth Brass Band Thursdays The City’s premier youth brass band meets at Woodford Methodist Church (next to the school) on Thursdays from 7.15 to 8.45 pm. Open to all youngsters from age eight upwards. Contact Tony Hollick on 01752 216784 for details.

Plymouth Numismatic Society Third Tuesday each month 7:30pm Coin collection and study can be an absorbing and rewarding pastime. New members are welcomed to informal meetings to share interest and knowledge of coins, providing the opportunity to give talks and presentations on any aspect of numismatics. This can range from studies of coins in historical, cultural or artistic context, to acquisitions, valuations and investment. Or members can just listen, learn and enjoy the company. Contact Bryan on 01752 480394 for more details and current location of meetings.

Plym Ramblers First and third Sunday in the month A well established walking organisation offering regular walks by experienced leaders all within 20 miles of Plymouth. The group meets every first and third Sunday in the month and also hold interesting social events. For details contact the secretary on 344048 or the chairman on 405132. Plym Ramblers have now published their walking book “On the beaten track 3” The 3rd book in a popular series of local walks.

Plymouth Inter Varsity Club 20

The Plymouth Shopper

The Plymouth and District Advanced Motorists Group Monthly meetings on the third Monday of each month at the United Reformed Church Hall, Powisland Drive, Derriford.

The meeting begins at 7.30p.m. with doors opening at seven. Guest speaker each month. Details 01752 405926

The club benefits from the generosity of a huge number

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

Woodside Animal Welfare Trust Elfordleigh Your local sanctuary for most types of unwanted domestic pets. Good homes always needed - have a look at lovely animals, and what we do on www.woodsidesanctuary. org.uk. We don’t destroy any animal unless it’s beyond veterinary help or dangerous and we have special units for elderly residents. Please don’t allow your pet to breed, ask us for friendly advice, or about our spay and neuter scheme for owners on benefit instead. Tel 01752 347503.

Clog dancing Thursdays A fun way to exercise! The Plymouth Maids clog dancers are a small, friendly group of women who welcome new members. From the beginning of October to the end of April we practice at St Bartholomew’s Church Hall, opposite the Life Centre, on Thursdays 8 - 9.45pm. During the summer we dance out on Thursday evenings at various pubs and other venues in and around Plymouth. We also dance at occasional folk festivals and days of dance. No previous dance experience is needed, just a sense of rhythm. Come along and give it a try. For details contact Shirley on 01752 407676.

The Boys Brigade Various dates For more information visit www.plymouth.boys-brigade. org.uk. 1st Plymouth - Salisbury Road Baptist Church (Fridays); 2nd Plymouth - Ridgeway Methodist Church (Mondays); 4th Plymouth - St Jude’s Church Halls (Wednesdays); 5th Plymouth - Mount Gould Methodist Church (Fridays); 7th Plymouth - Pennycross Methodist Church (Fridays); 8th Plymouth - Ford Baptist Church (Wednesdays). New members welcome. Age groups: Anchor Boys (5 to 7); Juniors (8-11) and Company Section (12-18). The Boys Brigade can help your church in its mission to children and young people. Contact the development team at plymouth.battalion@tiscali.co.uk or call 01579 346218.

5th Plymouth Company Boys’ Brigade and Girls Association We meet at Mount Gould Methodist Church, term time,

of people. It was hoped that these courses could be run once every two years, with umpire training in the intervening years. Rob said: “These coaches will start the next generation of hockey stars on their journey toward gold medals. It is vital that they receive the best training available.”

“Our sincere thanks go to Stephen Tabb, England Hockey’s coach training and development manager, who travelled from Warwick to deliver a thoroughly enjoyable and engaging course.”

Training as a coach is just one of the development opportunities for members of Plymouth Hockey Club.

Anyone interested in playing for, or volunteering at the club should visit www.plymouthhockeyclub.org.uk or contact Rob directly on 07861 250682. and are looking to recruit both boys and girls aged 5-8yrs (6pm-7pm), 8-11yrs (6.30-8pm) and 11-18yrs (6.30-9pm).

Our programme is very varied and includes craftwork, cookery, games, computer work, interactive challenges, sports competitions, sponsored fundraising and much more plus the year ending event - summer camp(8yrs+). Many of the skills learnt here can help prepare them for adult life.

Interested - then come along to the church on Friday or contact Hugh Porter, 01752 667513, or email porterbb@ blueyonder.co.uk for further information 7th Plymouth Company Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Association Fridays We meet at Pennycross Methodist Church in term time, Anchors (5-8 years) between 6.15pm and 7.15pm; Juniors (8-11 years) from 6.30pm to 8.30pm and Seniors (12-18 years) between 7pm and 9.45pm. There is a full programme of activities including crafts, games, drama, music, cookery, interactive challenges, national sport competitions and much more. The year culminates in a week-long summer camp. Our programme enables youngsters to learn many various skills and prepares them for adult life. Simply go along on Fridays to find out more or visit http//:7plymouth. boys-brigade.org.uk Plymouth Cycling Touring Club Meet Sundays for a leisure cycle ride. For our latest rides list and meet time/place see www.plymouthctc.co.uk or contact Graham Black 01752 606650 or Andy Prideaux 01752 345170 for more information.

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

Contact Mary 01752 200047 for details.

Plymouth Philatelic Society First Wednesday of every month St. Edwards Hall, Home Park Avenue, Peverell from 7pm to 9pm. For details contact Martin on 01752 781252 or David on 01752 402981.

Plymouth Marjon Hockey Club Hockey for all ages and abilities from age 5 through to 60+ with weekly coaching and regular matches based at the University of St Mark & St John. Tuesdays & Thursdays 5-6pm age 7-11 boys and girls. Girls age 10+ and senior ladies Tuesday evening. Men’s Club training Wednesday 7.15-9pm. Boys age 10+ and senior men Thursday evening.

Sunday mornings boys and girls aged 5 to 14 years. For more information visit www.pmhc.co.uk

Rainbows Fridays 1st Devonport Rainbows, Salvation Army, Haddington Road, Stoke Every Friday 6- 7pm Call 01752 405027 for details.

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

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

Parent & Babies and Toddler Group Tuesdays and Fridays Come and join us, meet new friends during term time at Crownhill Methodist Church Hall, 10am- 11.30am.

Booking recommended as places are limited. Call Anne 07791332503.

Toddler Group Thursdays Plymouth Christian Centre 9.30am to 11 am, term time only £1.50 per family. Contact Liz Crudgington on 661019 for details or see the www.plymouthchristiancentre.org Ballroom & Social Sequence Dancing Various dates Plymstock Community Centre every Tuesday afternoon 2pm until 4pm and every third Monday of the month from 7.30pm until 10.30pm. Details 01752 251313 or 01752 668017.

Club Focus Camera Club Mondays Meets at the Future Inn, William Prance Road, Plymouth.

Meets every Monday from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Contact Membership Secretary 01752 231139 Website www.clubfocusplymouth.co.uk Plymouth Woodturners Third Friday of the month Meet at Pilgrim Church, St Levan Road at 7.30pm. Also demonstrate and sell at Otter Nurseries, Brixton, the first weekend of every month. New members always welcome, just turn up on the night.

Plymouth Striders Running Club Twice weekly Meet at Widewell School, Lulworth Drive, Widewell (behind The George at Roborough). Mondays and Thursdays 6.30pm. Over 16 years and all abilities welcome. For info contact widewellstriders@yahoo.com or check out our website www.widewellstriders.co.uk Watercolour Group Every Friday 10am to 12 noon at Onward House, 55 Greenbank Road, Plymouth. To join this friendly group just come along or ring the group leader Ray on 01 752 300633 for more information.

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

For details call Ian Marley on 07979 655018.

Prince Rock Dog Training Club Puppies to adult classes, obedience training, socialisation. St Matthias Church Hall on Monday and Tuesday evenings, from 7.15pm. More details phone 01752 772411.

Plymouth Hockey Club Sundays Plymouth Hockey Club is the oldest junior club in the city and has recently achieved the highest award for organisation and safeguarding. The club is operated by parents for all children and young people. The club trains every Sunday between 10am - 1pm at Bull Point ATP. The club cater for young people from 4-16 years and no previous experience is required. The first 6 weeks are free to new members and everyone who trains gets to play.

For more information, please see the website at www. plymouthhockeyclub.org.uk or contact Rob on 07861 250682.

• continued on page 21

• REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • continued from page 20 Plymouth Clarion Choir (Male Voice) Tuesdays Rehearsals between 7.30pm and 9.30pm at Crownhill Methodist Church Hall. Seeking to fill vacancies in all sections. For details call Darell Jago on 01752 266434. This year is the choir’s centenary.

Fabulous fundraisers

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

The Society meets at the The Quaker House on Mutley Plain.

Timings 2 pm until 4.30 pm for a normal lecture. Contact Details: janis.naylor@aol.co.uk

Community Herb Clinic Tuesdays 1-3pm Onward House, Greenbank Road. Walk-in for free general health advice or phone for appointments. Herbal medicine can be used in the treatment of any medical condition in an effective, integrated (and affordable) way to suit you. Details Sara Hills 01752 872960 www.herbs-work. co.uk Off Key Singing Group Mondays For people who love to sing in the shower! Mondays 5.50pm to 6.50pm at Derriford Health & Leisure Centre, function room.

Girl Guide Hut in Plympton 10.30am to 11.30am. Call 07770 683 314 for more info.

Soundhouse Brass and Soundhouse Youth Brass Academy Thursdays Want to play with one of the finest Brass Bands in Devon then why not come along and give us a try. We also have a thriving Youth Band for younger players which is supported by Plymouth Youth Music Service. Both groups practice at The Soundhouse, Torbridge High School, Estover on Thursday evenings (Juniors 6p.m. to 7.30p.m. and Seniors 7.309.45p.m) Come along any evening, visit our website www. soundhousebrass.co.uk or ring Alan 01752844108 (Senior Band) or Garry 0744618977 (Youth Band) for further details.

Plymouth Writers Circle Tuesdays Do you have a problem with plotting or characterisation. The Plymouth Writers Circle meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 7pm to 9pm at the Plymstock Community Centre (except in the summer holidays).

South West Chamber Choir Wednesdays Marjon Chapel 7.30 to 9.30 pm. We are a friendly auditioned choir of 25 to 30 singers specialising in unaccompanied singing, with a programme of madrigals, partsongs and sacred works. We give four concerts annually as well as a weekend of sung services at a cathedral each July. A reasonable standard of sight-reading is needed to join. We welcome enquiries. www.swcchoir.org.uk Fitness and fun touch rugby Wednesdays Central Park Rugby Pitches 6.45pm-7.45pm OPM Rugby is the official Touch Rugby club for Plymouth. Come along and enjoy a great welcome. No rugby experience required. Have fun, get fit and make new friends. More details phone Ernie on 07809 209571 or www.opmrugby.com.

Harbour Centre Recovery Café Fridays Female-focused social group for those in recovery from drugs and alcohol. Tea, coffee, regular activities promoting independence, empowerment and positive social/support networks in recovery. Child-friendly.11am-2pm at Unit 2, 1st Floor, Hyde Park House, Mutley Plain. For more information and support to attend please contact Lynn McKenzie (Harbour Drug and Alcohol Services) on 01752 434299 or email lynn. mckenzie1@nhs.net Guitar Classes Guitar lessons for children aged from 6 - 12 years. Taught in small groups of 2 or 3. Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 3.45 or 4.30pm Fridays at 4pm Saturdays between 9.30 - 4pm For more details Tel: 01752 216456. Classes held in the Woodford area.

Carers Support Group Last Tuesday of the month Are you a carer? Would you like somewhere to go for advice & info, to relax & unwind with other Carers? Come to our drop in session at St Budeaux Library 10am- 1pm on the last Tuesday of the month.

Watercolour Art Sessions for Adults Thursdays Beginner and experienced artists welcome. Chaddlewood Farm Community Centre Thursdays 10am to 12 noon. The Burrator Inn, Dousland, nr Yelverton Tuesdays 10am to 12 noon. Easy car parking at both venues. For more information call Janet: Mobile: 07742 983311 Tai Chi Beginners Classes Various dates Established in Plymouth since 1995. A friendly group covering all aspects of Tai Chi training for health and well being. Tai Chi is a gentle way to exercise and build strength. For those more keen, it is a complete form of body and mind martial arts system from ancient China suitable for all ages 5 to 95! To get more information, please drop into the class held every Tuesday 6.45pm at Mount Street Primary School, Greenbank, or any other class advertised on www.wutan-plymouth.co.uk.

Tel. 07949 839088 Make A Difference, Plymouth Fridays in term time Support group for parents or carers in Plymouth of children with disabilities or special additional needs either diagnosed or still going through the process. From 10am at Tamar View Community Resource Centre Barne Barton. Open to any parent or carer who can get to us. For further information please visit Make a Difference Plymouth on Facebook or call Kerry on 07599996389.

Lord Mayor’s day, Eden Project and many more. If you are interested in joining please call our treasurer Angela fuller on 01752 773482 or check out the Pmac website www. plymouthmac.co.uk

Sailors Mark Belamarich and Phil Slade

Royal Navy dinghy sailors in new record breaking bid

Two sailors have been backed by two charities as they plan to break their own dinghy endurance world record.

The ambitious voyage, from Plymouth to Scotland, will not only raise awareness of dinghy sailing as a sport, especially within the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, but also raise awareness and funds for the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity and Bowel Cancer UK. Last year Acting Petty Officer Phil Slade and MOD civilian Mark Belamarich sailed a Royal Navy Bosun sail training dinghy nonstop from Plymouth to Portsmouth (via Sept-Iles in France).

Their spectacular voyage of 309.25 nautical miles was recognised by Guinness World Records as the longest distance ever sailed in a doublehanded dinghy.

Over the first three weeks in May this year Mark (a sea survival instructor with 1 Assault Squadron Royal Marines), and Phil (from the RN/RM Sail Training Centre at Royal Marines Stonehouse) will try to break their own record by sailing over 500 nautical miles of open sea from Plymouth to Faslane in Scotland.

Adult Children of Alcoholics Meetings Tuesdays 6pm – 7.15pm. St Barnabas Church, The Lounge (enter by separate entrance to left of surgery), St Barnabas Terrace, Pennycomequick, Plymouth PL1 5NN. Visit the website at www.adultchildrenofalcoholics.co.uk. National Phone 01590 610 936.

Plymouth Lymphoma Support Group Second Thursday of the month The Plymouth Lymphoma Support Group aims to offer friendship and support to anyone who is affected by Lymphoma (Hodgkins or Non Hodgkins Disease), whether patient (past or present), carer, family member or friend, and meets on the second Thursday of each month at the Derriford Hospital Health and Leisure Centre from 3pm to 4.30 pm.

For more information, please call Pam on 01752 785094 or Scott on 01752 661035 Plymouth Youth Cycling Various days Free coaching for 10-16 yr olds. Thursdays (mountain bikes) 5pm-6.30pm Life Centre and various locations across Plymouth; Wednesdays HMS Raleigh (road racing bikes). We can teach you manuals and jumps and how to ride like the Tour de France winners. No fancy gear needed. Bike, helmet and a sense of adventure! For locations and times find us on Facebook.

Mark has a very personal reason for supporting Bowel Cancer UK not only did he survive the disease but his family is living with the consequences.

He said: “It’s a privilege in supporting the two charities, bowel cancer has caused much sadness through the generations within my family, raising awareness for those under 50 in particular the 20-30 age range is extremely important. Early detection means better survivability - at 26 I thought my world had fallen apart now at 45 it very much alive.”

Phil explained why the pair are taking on such a testing challenge: “We are very privileged to be able to raise awareness and funds for the RNRMC and Bowel Cancer UK, especially doing what we love to do. We are pushing the bounds of the envelope and taking Bosun sailing to the next level, in hope that whether you are a sailor or not, you will understand what we are taking on for these brilliant charities.”

Support Phil and Mark's 2017 record breaking attempt, 'Bosun 500 Challenge' at virginmoneygiving.com/ fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserPage.action?u serUrl=bosunchallenge500&pageUrl=5 Singing 4 Fun Thursdays 2pm - 3.30pm We welcome new members. St Pauls Church, Torridge Way, Efford from 2pm to 3.30pm. For more details contact Janette 07854 850830 Rainbow Singers Saturdays Come and join our happy band of rainbow singers sharing singing, fellowship and prayer. We meet at St Gabriel’s Church at 10.15 am most Saturdays. For more information please call 01752 262600 Broadway Organ Society Third Wednesday of the month Organ concerts held at Plymstock Community Centre, top of Broadway car park. Concerts start at 7.45pm. Everyone welcome.

Plymouth Musical Activities Club Thursdays A music group for young people aged 9-18 supported by volunteer staff members. At Pmac we teach flute, clarinet, drums, keyboards, singing and guitar. Meet every Thursday at Courtlands School in Eggbuckland from 7.15pm to 9.15pm.

The charge is just £1 a week and people of all abilities are welcome. The group plays at lots of different venues and events throughout the year such as Devonport Playhouse,

Stay & Play Toddler Group Wednesday mornings during term time St Mary’s Church Pre-School, St Mary’s Church Parish Centre, Market Road, Plympton. 9.15am to 11.15am. Group is run by friendly and experienced early years practitioners from St Mary’s Church pre-school that was given an overall Outstanding outcome by Ofsted (July 2011). New and expectant parents welcome. A one-off donation per week to cover costs of £1.50 per adults (children under 12 months) £2 per adult (children over 12 months). Includes refreshments.

Telephone 01752 348525 Mobile No: 07527 734990.

Exercise Classes Various days For over 60’s and less abled people. Plymstock United Church, Plymstock Road Tuesdays 9.30am to 10.45am and 11am to 12 noon. Thursdays Life Centre 1.45pm-2.45pm.

Run by Birgitta Whight. Contact 01752 408951.

Rainbow Group Tuesdays The group meets at Mount Gould Church from 4.45pm to 5.45pm for girls aged from five to six and a half. For more information contact 07913697767 Yankee Yoga Various days All abilities yoga classes set to sweet tunes. Tuesdays 5pm @ The Art of Dance (Mutley Plain) 8pm @ Coombe Dean School; Plymstock/Elburton; Wednesdays 6pm @ Merlin Fitness (Crownhill); Fridays 7.30pm Special Class - Yoga for Athletes @ Taurus Gym (Mutley Plain); Saturdays 10am Special Class:Yoga Sculpt @ Merlin Fitness (Crownhill).

Contact Emily on 07478 257080 Sounds Musical Theatre Company Wednesdays Founded in 1911, we are a friendly, diverse group of people who love Musical Theatre and produce two shows a year. In March/April we perform our annual full musical production, with a musical revue in October. Rehearsals are every Wednesday 7.30pm to 9.30pm in Oreston Methodist Church Hall, Plymstock Road, Oreston. Visit www. soundsmusicaltheatrecompany.co.uk for more information.

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

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

Ford Park Cemetery Gardening Club Third Sunday of the month The Club meets outside the Visitor Centre at 11.30am and is always looking for new members. If you have a few hours spare, why not go along and join them.

Beavers, Cubs and Scouts Thursdays Tavy Lodge Scout Centre, off LissonGrove, Mutley. Contact 01752 666706 or 9th21stplymouthscoutgroup@gmail.com 5-6pm Beavers; 6.15-7.30pm Cubs; 7.45 - 9.15pm Scouts.

• continued on page 22 The Plymouth Shopper

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• REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • REGULAR EVENTS • continued from page 17 Open to young people from the ages of 6 to 14. Come along and join the winter adventures.

Bumps & Babes Group Fridays Make new friends with other parents and parents-to-be. A weekly group welcoming all parents, parents-to-be and carers held in Crownhill. Organised by NCT Plymouth and West Devon branch. Refreshments, chat and toys. £1 donation to the NCT Charity. More information Sally Hall 07702 738757 Self defence classes Small but well-respected martial arts club. Classes most nights of the week at St Mary the Virgin Church, Federation Road, Laira. Classes for children and adults. For details visit www.budosocietymusashi.co.uk or call 07742 834366.

Plymstock & District Art Society (PANDAS) Pandas is a small friendly group of amateur painters meeting for two hours (7.30-9.30pm) every Wednesday fortnight at the Radford Family Centre, Plymstock. Members paint and draw in all media and enjoy occasional demonstrations and models. We are not a teaching class but help each other and have programme of themed evenings. Each year our annual exhibition takes place in Plymstock Library. New members are always given a warm welcome so please contact Mike on 794281.

Lets Work It Out! Mondays Weekly drop-in at the Efford Youth and Community Centre (Blandford Road PL3 6HU). Friendly help and support for all ages and abilities in a relaxed environment Mondays 2-5pm.

Basic computer skills, job searching and CV/application writing, voluntary/work placements and training courses, benefits advice and free tea and coffee! Starting March 14. To find out more call Becky on 07933916513 or email letsworkitout@mail.com RAF Association (Plymouth Branch) The association are hoping this year to increase the membership of RAFA, that means approaching ex-members of the RAF and serving members. If any of you know of friends or relations who may wish to join please get in touch.

Branch committee meetings will be held as usual on the fourth Wednesday of each month. Dates for 2016 Oct 26, Nov 23, and Dec 14, to which old and new members are invited, should they have any problems or wish to join up.

Meetings are held at Raffles Club, Ermington Terrace, Mutley Plain, Plymouth at 6.30 pm. For details contact the branch secretary on 07722 338090 especially prospective new members.

South Devon Decorative & Fine Arts Society (SDDFAS) We are part of NADFAS, the National Association, and have over 250 members. We hold monthly evening lectures on a wide range of Arts topics, occasional morning lectures, Study Days, Tours, Visits and Concert visits.

We would be pleased to welcome some new members and introductory guest visits are available. Visit www. southdevondfas.org.uk for programme information and other details.

Plym Valley Branch of the British Sugarcraft Guild Third Monday of the month Meets on the third Monday of the month at 7.30pm at Norley Hall, 70-74 Plymstock Road, Plymstock, Plymouth, PL9 7PB. We are a friendly group of likeminded people of varying ages and skills, from beginners to the very experienced.

We hold various demonstrations and/or workshops each week from flower making to how to stack a cake. For details contact Ursula Brown 07801 824517 or 661780 or Ros Hawkins 01752 408759. Website https://bsgregion6.com Dartmoor Rambling Club Enjoy the countryside and get exercise by walking and talking with our club. As well as Dartmoor we walk the countryside and coast. Wednesday walks are 8 to 10 miles by public transport and also some weekend walks- eg. Buckland Monachorum, Lydford, Hemerdon Mine, Three Barrows, River Lynher. Call Russell 01752 266608 for more info.

Plympton Moving On Stroke Club Alternate Wednesdays Meet at The Rise, George Lane, Plympton, Plymouth, PL7 1JL 10.30am to 12.30pm. There is a small charge to cover the rent of the room, and for refreshments £2 per person.

We tend to have a speaker one week, and an activity the next. Contacts Tony Stoneman 07834276371; Steve Sargent 07944691482; President Gloria Ward 01752 776978 and Chair Janine Capstack. Website www.pmosc.btck.co.uk Plymouth U3A Second Monday of the month If you are retired, looking for new interests and to make new friends, then come along to the next monthly meeting 22

The Plymouth Shopper

Giant bronze sculpture gets go-ahead Plans for a giant bronze sculpture for outside the Theatre Royal Plymouth have been given the green light.

Councillors at Plymouth City Council have unanimously approved the scheme saying it would be an ‘exciting, vibrant and visual addition’ to the city centre.

Work will now begin to bring the towering figurine known as Bianca - to life. She will stand seven-metres (23ft) tall and measure nine-metre (30ft) wide and could be in place by 2018. of the Plymouth U3a and listen to our speaker. We meet at The Holiday Inn from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Coffee available on arrival and an option to stay for a reasonably priced two course lunch in the restaurant. U3A (University of the 3rd Age) is organised and run by volunteers, there are over 60 groups to find out about and maybe join, creating opportunities for continuation of learning. A non member can attend as a visitor, further information can be obtained via the welcome and promotions desk on the day, or in advance by telephoning 01752 563551, joining on the day is also an option. We look forward to meeting you.

Moors Edge U3A Second Thursday of the month New members welcome. Meets at the Woolwell Centre PL6 7TR. Guest speakers and a variety of social events. Growing number of interest groups including bridge for beginners, wine tasting, weekenders, jazz, Spanish, art appreciation and still more to start. Socially, we will be enjoying ‘High Tea’ at Yelverton Golf Club and our date for Xmas Lunch has been set for December 15. Details of our Groups etc can be found on the Moors Edge website, Facebook and reminders are now put on Streetlife.

Plymouth Fishkeepers Society First and Second Wednesday of the Month. 8pm at the Hyde Park Social Club If you are interested in the hobby of keeping tropical fish and want to learn more, then why not come along to one of our meetings. Interests among members are diverse, and there is without doubt someone in the society who can answer questions covering most aspects of the hobby.The society caters for newcomers to people who have been in the hobby for a long time. Just bought your first fish tank? Then Plymouth Fishkeepers Society is the place for you.

Beckly Centre Regular events at the Beckly Centre at Mayers Way, Hooe Road, Plymstock include: Mondays 7pm to 9.30pm adult social group with a variety of activities including crafts, life skills, cooking quizzes bingo and outings; Thursdays 7pm to 9pm youth group providing social activities in a small friendship mixed ages and ability groups for young people with additional needs; Saturdays and Sundays 10.30am to 3.30pm weekend activity groups for mixed age and ability groups of children and young people with special needs offering good range of social and group opportunities; school holidays weekdays 10.30am to 3.30pm holiday playscheme activity sessions for small friendship groups of children and young people with special needs. For details call 01752 484433 or 07780 662391.

Adrian Vinken, Theatre Royal chief executive, said that Bianca would signal change for Plymouth.

He said that the city was steeped in history and was one of great global influence, and still has with plans for the Mayflower 400 celebrations in the future.

Adrian added: “In 2020 Plymouth will have a once in a lifetime opportunity to transform how this city is perceived nationally and internationally and we must get maximum benefit from that opportunity.

“We need to make sure that, when the eyes of the world Plymouth Regional Head & Neck Cancer Support Group Our support group aims to offer support and understanding to Head & Neck cancer patients, their families and carers, in the Derriford Hospital Catchment area. The aim of this new support group will be to provide information and support to all Head & Neck Cancer patients, their carers, and their families. It will primarily be a social group to encourage individuals to meet up to chat in an informal and friendly venue and atmosphere. If you are a cancer patient of any type without a support group at all, you can be assured of a warm welcome with us. So why not get in touch, and come and join us? We usually meet at 10.30 a.m. on the first Monday of each month and we will try to help with transportation if needs be. Please contact Geoff Read for further details or advice. Telephone: (01752) 563 800 or email geoffnread@gmail.com The Pythagorean Society First Friday of the month held at Plymouth Natural Health & Healing Centre, Outland Road, PL2 3PY. 7 pm – 9 pm.

We have a different topic each month with a guest speaker, covering a wide range of esoteric subjects. Please see our website for details www.pythagoreansociety.wordpress.net or email mail@pythagoreansociety.net ZUMBA for the More Mature Zumba for over 50’s (low impact). Every Monday afternoon 2pm to 3pm, at Pennycross Methodists Church, Pridham Lane,Peverell. Call in any Monday for a free taster, or call 01752 251614 Reading Group Third Tuesday of the month Like reading? Like to share your views on books? We are a small friendly group who meet at Tothill Community Centre on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 10.30am for approximately 1 hour to discuss chosen books and swap other reading experiences. All new members will receive a very warm welcome. Please ring 01752 513197 for details.

Dartmoor Gliding Flying on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting. Call 07873 483001 for details or Google Dartmoor Flying.

Goulden Girls Stitchers A patch work and quilting group who meet at Mount Gould Methodist Church on alternate Thursdays and Fridays. We are a friendly group of ladies who share our knowledge and skills. Anyone interested in joining us please contact Pat King on 240560

are upon us, we show them the kind of great city this is – one that is firmly rooted in its proud maritime history but with a bold forward-looking vision of the future.

“Bianca can be an important and iconic stepping stone to that future and to Plymouth really, finally becoming one of Europe’s finest waterfront cities.”

Theatre bosses hope the sculpture will create a unique and iconic landmark for the city, similar to that of Gateshead’s Angel of The North and Damien Hirst’s Verity in Ilfracombe.

Fun Club Fridays in term time Fun filled club for primary school aged children from 6.30pm to 7.30pm at Plymstock Chapel, Church Road, Plymstock.

Games, crafts, stories, songs, tuck shop etc. 50p entrance.

Friday Night Bingo Fridays 7.30pm At Hooe and Turnchapel Community Centre. Tea, coffee & biscuits.Weekly raffles and meat raffle once a month. Why not give us a try! Contact 01752 408441 for more details.

Plymouth Handball Club Thursdays Between 6pm and 7pm at Plymouth Life Centre. Come and play an Olympic sport. A fun/recreational session for adults 18+. All levels and abilities welcome. Session is £2 (1st session free) Contact Lee 07414677003, Facebook Plymouth Handball Club, email plymouthhandballclub@ hotmail.com Friendship Club Alternate Wednesdays For the over 55s at King’s Tamerton Community Centre.

Meet new friends, bingo, raffle, tea and biscuits, and every month from May until September a trip to the coast. For further information ring Ida 01752 368841.

SING Every Thursday in school term times Plymouth Community Choir at Pomphlett. Great songs, lovely people and loads of fun! Do you want to sing with us?

We meet on Thursdays 7.15pm-9pm at Pomphlett Methodist Church Centre (just behind Morrisons in Plymstock).

We sing songs at the soul funky/world music end of the spectrum. Visit www.singdevon.com. Or ring Pete Scott on 07896 276577. First session free! Book online or by phone.

Regular events at Plymouth Unitarian Church, Notte Street.

First Wednesday of every month 1pm to 2 pm Quiet time in conjunction with Plymouth Centre for Faiths and Cultural Diversity. Speaker monthly and tranquil music.

Oasis of calm on the second, third and fourth Wednesdays 1pm--1 45 pm Tranquil music and time for quiet reflection.

Mindfulness at lunchtime first Tuesday of every month.

Arrive at 12.30 pm bring food to share for lunch at 1 pm.

Plymouth Plan aims to keep the city as green as possible Plymouth’s parks and green spaces are being protected in the plan for the city’s future. Plymouth City Council has made concerted efforts to strike an appropriate balance between the need for growth, setting aside sites for employment to create jobs and much-needed new homes, while making sure there is enough green space in and around all the neighbourhoods across the city.

Thousands of hectares of green space will enjoy protection from development through the Joint Local Plan in response to community voices which have strongly influenced what appears in the final version of the Plymouth and South West Devon Joint Local Plan.

Some of the key changes that affect local green spaces are: • Dropping planned housing on the edge of Central Park and a commercial garden nursery at the Council depot in favour of a £12 million investment in improvements in the park which could see a new cricket pitch.

• At Boringdon, a 49 acre site that a developer wanted to build on is being put forward for strategic green space to include plans for a cycling circuit • The popular Staddiscombe playing fields are to be expanded.

• Land at Mowhay Road, St Budeaux which was earmarked as a possible gypsy and traveller site, is to be set aside as a community green space, alongside an area for housing and other uses.

• A number of separate sites put forward for housing developments in Tamerton Foliot are no longer in the Joint Local Plan to ensure a balanced approach to development in the local area.

Councillor Patrick Nicholson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Housing, Transport, and Planning said: “I’m really excited by what we’ve achieved here. There have been a lot of intense discussions about the need to look after our environment and we’ve listened to those who use our parks and our open spaces.

“I believe this plan brings forward the strongest set of green spaces policies we have ever had – ensuring generations to come can benefit from these green spaces.

“Green space is as important to a city’s growth and how its citizens feel as providing new homes and jobs. Places such as Central Park are hugely important in the daily lives of so many people. Not only are we dropping some development proposals, we are making active plans to improve the offer we have. This includes the Council bringing forward over £14 million investment in our green spaces in the next five years.”

Six sites, covering 1,900 hectares of land, are to be allocated as strategic green space.

Aimed at providing recreational and wildlife benefits, they will be proactively delivered and invested in as part of the growth agenda. As well as Central Park, the new designations are • Saltram Countryside Park.

to create a landscape buffer to the wider countryside.

Founder of the Trust Carole Bowles said: “Veterinary, feeding, staffing, utility costs are always rising and we need to be thinking constantly of ways to raise funds. Whilst we are just about surviving on a day to day basis we need to have some security for the animals long term. We are hoping to More detailed work has been carried out on initial ideas for the Woolwell sustainable urban reach out to those that have found their ‘best friend’ through extension. Situated on the edge of the city, land is allocated for comprehensive residential Woodside and ask them to help us to continue our work. led mixed use development to provide a Whilst the Trust already has sustainable urban extension. a membership scheme which In response to comments from residents, proposals now include a new community park is open to everyone we felt it and a requirement for master-planning so that would be nice if we could ask the development can be sensitively carried out. those ‘adopters’ to be part of a unique club .

A total of 1,880 new homes will be built within the plan period – although none occupied until “Many of the animals adopted have not had the best start the A386 Woolwell to the George Junction in life, we are hoping that Transport Scheme has been implemented.

Other considerations being taken into account adopters will see the good

Use of the plot was acquired some time ago by the Plympton St Maurice Civic Association who arranged for the site to be leveled, a small boat put in and planted out with flowers as well as a small bolder being put in situ.

All three councils will be asked to agree that the Joint Local Plan is ready to submit to the independent Government Planning Inspector.

If approved, a final consultation will get underway and will run from March 15 to April 26.

• Derriford Community Park – a new park with significant wildlife and heritage assets will be opened up to the public more and become a significant recreational resource in the north of the city.

This will be the last chance for the public to comment on the Joint Local Plan before it is formally submitted for examination and has to follow a more regulated process.

• Plym Valley – extensive landscape, wildlife and recreational area with new recreational routes delivered and its important heritage and wildlife protected.

At this stage, the public and other interested organisations will be able to make comments but the comments need to relate to the soundness of the plan. More details will be available when the consultation starts.

• Woolwell Community Park – a new park to be delivered as part of the new community

For more information visit http://web.plymouth. gov.uk/plymouthplan

The latest addition to the site is a large noticeboard engraved with the name of Plympton St Maurice on the top and featuring three acrylic pictures relevant to the village.

The new board was the brainchild of local resident John Hunt and it was unveiled by Stannator of Plympton Rose Hamley in a ceremony recently.

Plympton Erle Councillors Terri Beer and Ian Darcy have offered to make some funds available from their community grant scheme for a solar light to be added to the board.

work we are doing both at the sanctuary and actively within the community and join the club for just £2 a month or £24 a year.

When you consider how many animals were adopted last year this could make a massive difference.”

To join the Woodside Adopters Club either visit the sanctuary’s website on www.woodsidesanctuary.org.uk and click on the ‘make a payment’ tab where you can now easily complete and register online or click on the ‘Support us’ tab and download the joining form from the Adopters club page.

Pictured below is Fletch who has recently been adopted but is giving the ‘paws up’ to the club

include a detailed transport and access strategy, a landscape strategy that responds to the site’s s location on the edge of Dartmoor National Park.

• Sherford Community Park – a new park to be delivered as part of the new community.

Features to include a community farm, significant tree planting and an extensive network of recreational routes.

The three pictures have been produced by the Plymouth College of Art and feature a portrait image of Sir Joshua Reynolds in the centre and the old Plympton Grammar School and the historic St Maurice guildhall on either side.

A local animal sanctuary have launched a new ‘Adopters Club’ in a bid to raise funds for the animals in its care. Woodside Animal Welfare Trust rehoused over a 1000 unwanted pets in 2016 and have been desperately trying to think of ways to help with the increasing costs.

The plan also outlines protection for over 700 hectares on the fringes of the city to protect sensitive landscape on the edge of Plymouth.

A further 150 smaller sites will be protected as Local Green Spaces – many of these have been nominated by local communities and will enjoy the same protection as green belt.

NEW FOCAL POINT FOR ST MAURICE A new village focal point for St Maurice has been unveiled on a plot of land off Dark Street Lane.

Woodside launches new ‘adopters club’

Mr Hunt chiseled out the Plympton St Maurice inscription himself using tools left to him from his father which he himself had never used before.

Mr Hunt said: “I was nervous I can tell you.

I really was. I started with the letter T and I thought that’s an easy one, if I make a mess of it, it comes virtually in the centre, I can put a patch there if it goes wrong.”

In the event all went to plan the the finished product now cuts a very eye catching sight at the entrance to St Maurice from the Mudge Way end.

A longer audio interview with Mr Hunt can be heard online at: www.soundcloud.com/ plymptonpodcast/edition-41 (story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)

24 hour service line 01752 407 100

FUNER ALS from

£1,800 • Female run Funeral Directors • Affordable, dignified, professional • Free advice without obligation

www.FUNERALDIRECTORSPLYMOUTH .com John Hunt gives a brief address about the new display board at the public unveiling

Stannator Rose Hamley unveils the new display board

Councillors Ian Darcy and Terri Beer along with Rose Hamley and John Hunt after the unveiling of the board

Unit 9 & 10 • Sugar Mill Business Park Billacombe Road, Plymstock PL9 7HT The Plymouth Shopper

23

PLYM VALE

What it would look like and mean for Plymouth

Photographer Mel shortlisted for top award

Plans have been revealed for a new garden suburb in the north of the city on the site of Plymouth Airport.

Plymouth-based Sutton Harbour Holdings plc, the regeneration and destination creation specialist which is the joint landowner and leaseholder of the site.

Called Plym Vale, it will create an entirely new city quarter with walkable neighbourhoods connected by communal green spaces, allotments, squares and a tree-lined semipedestrianised boulevard from north to south.

They will be submitted to Plymouth City Council as part of the council’s ongoing consultation into the Plymouth and South West Devon Joint Local Plan, which is due to be considered by a planning inspector in the autumn.

The plans for Plym Vale have been assembled by

Developing Plym Vale would cost almost £200 million

A Plymouth photographer has been shortlisted for Wedding Photographer of the Year in the 2017 Bridebook.co.uk Wedding Awards/ Owner Melanie Hamlyn of Melanie Barnfield Photography said: “I am so delighted to have been shortlisted for this award, any recognition from my lovely clients means the world to me.

“I absolutely love my job and feel so honoured to be able to spend one of the most amazing days of their lives with them and capture it in order for them to re-live it time and time again.”

Over 180,000 votes were cast to choose the shortlist from over 70,000 entrants. With 40,000 engaged couples planning their weddings on Bridebook.co.uk, the awards provide nationwide recognition to the best of the wedding industry. The winners will be announced on March 1.

City College students cook tasty community initiative

Sophie Brown and Elizabeth Phan, two students on the Level 3 Business studies BTEC at City College Plymouth, organised a lunch time event at Stoke Damerel Church in early February for the benefit of the community.

Sophie and Elizabeth enlisted the help of the Plymouth Real Junk Food Project, a social enterprise which utilises food that would otherwise be going to waste, and turns it into a lovely warm meal.

The local church was chosen as a warm and welcoming environment with good transport links and wheelchair access. The lunch proved a great success, enjoyed by all, particularly members of the volunteer gardening team from Devonport Park.

Plymouth Real Junk Food Project has been working locally for the past year, as part of a national network of similar projects. The objective is to use food from various sources that would normally be thrown away and to create delicious meals for hungry people with a wide range of backgrounds, who contribute financially according to their means or they can volunteer to help with preparation and clearing up.

Food brings people together, and eating in company reduces social isolation in local communities enabling friendship and support networks to be built.

24

The Plymouth Shopper

and create 350 construction jobs every year for the next 10 years, making a significant contribution to the city’s Building Plymouth initiative to create 10,000 additional construction jobs by 2020.

Once built it will be home to 440 permanent jobs and generate tens of millions of pounds every year for the Plymouth economy.

Plymouth City Council would be in line to receive a £50m windfall because it owns the majority of the freehold of the site and is entitled to 75% of development proceeds.

Millions more would come from New Homes Bonus and Community Infrastructure Levy payments, council tax and business rates.

A village high street of local shops and restaurants will meet local needs, winding its way past a new primary school, hotel and community hall, opening out onto a large communal village green on one side and flanked by sports pitches on the other.

£266 million investment in city’s future announced A multi-million pound investment to transform the look and feel of the city centre is being planned as part of an ambitious £266 million investment programme.

Details are still in their infancy but the public realm project is to take into account major developments in the city centre that have already started or will get underway shortly.

Council leader Ian Bowyer said: “We’ve got some extraordinary developments coming to the city centre, such as the History Centre and the new leisure development at Bretonside.

“It makes sense to take a look at the city centre as a whole to see how we can improve it and make it even more of a destination. More people coming into the city centre means more money in tills and into people’s pockets.”

Up to £27 million is allocated in the capital budget to enable detailed preparation of the project to continue, so that the developments and the space around them and between them tie in, creating a seamless and pleasant experience for shoppers and visitors as well as entice new business into the city centre.

Councillor Bowyer added: “It is early days, but putting this into the capital budget means we are setting a marker down. We want to take the retail offer in the city centre to a new level, with Plymouth seen as the premier destination for the South West.

“It shows we are prepared to commit financially to this exciting idea that could attract a new wave of visitors and investors, particularly in time for the Mayflower Commemorations.”

The capital budget also includes a commitment from the

r ppe n Sho etitio mp for Co nner i W nuary Ja

council to invest up to £55 million on a range of transport and infrastructure projects needed including: • £15.7 million contribution to fund the George to Woolwell scheme and £24.6 million towards the Northern Corridor transport scheme • £5 million for schools • £6 million for Derriford Park Other big-ticket projects now in the capital budget include: • £5 million cruise terminal • £5 million Mayflower 2020 celebration • £5 million towards development of Plymouth rail station • £4 million Oceansgate • £3 million Millbay Boulevard The budget also includes £41 million to maintain and improve key city assets including £20 million on the city’s roads.

A further £21 million has been earmarked for projects designed to help the way the council delivers services.

It includes investment in IT infrastructure, extra care facilities as well as improvements to the city’s cemetery and crematorium facilities.

Another £100 million asset investment pot is also planned and will enable the council to invest in new land and property assets to generate an income.

In total the £266 million investment by the council over the next five years could unlock over £417 million in terms of investments and external funding.

The entire programme aims to enable the delivery of the Plymouth and South West Devon Joint Local Plan, which outlines plans to build 18,200 new homes across the city, create 18,000 new jobs and to carry out a major infrastructure programme including transport, schools and green space.

Congratulations to the winner of the Elfordleigh competition which was featured in our January edition. D Davis from Plympton won a full year’s leisure membership worth £420. There’s another great competition on page 15

A new University Quarter will feature the University of St Mark and St John as its centrepiece, with two new squares, courtyards of student accommodation and a veterans’ rehabilitation village closely linked to a new multi-use sports arena and Derriford Hospital.

As well as the new student accommodation, in the region of 1,500 new homes will offer a range of accommodation from starter-homes and social housing, to detached family houses, to supported homes and health facilities for older members of the community.

This would meet up to 10% of Plymouth’s local housing need, taking pressure off greenfield sites on the edge of the city and in surrounding towns and villages in West Devon and the South Hams.

Plym Vale will occupy the site that was once home to Plymouth Airport, which a Government report confirmed last December could not be viably re-opened as a commercial airport.

It is designed as a walkable garden suburb where people can meet many of their daily needs on foot. It will encourage walking, cycling and the use of public transport over other forms of transport, linking with the nearby park and ride and connected to major employment centres including Derriford Hospital, Estover and an expanded University campus.

The plans have been drawn up in consultation with local residents, local businesses, University of St Mark and St John, social housing providers, the NHS and other professionals, including representatives from the Devon and Cornwall Business Council and Devon Chamber of Commerce.

The plans have been welcomed by the University of St Mark & St John, which would be at the centre of the proposed University Quarter.

Sutton Harbour Holdings‚ chief executive Jason Schofield said: “Plym Vale is a tremendous opportunity for the city to get behind a vibrant new sustainable community that will create an enduring legacy and make the best possible use of this long redundant site.”

“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”

Ephesians 6:4

COLEBROOK HOSTS A CANINE CONVENTION...

Twenty six dogs, mostly greyhounds and lurchers, came to Colebrook Community Centre on February 18 for a ‘meet and greet’ session put on by the Forever Hounds Trust.

take dogs from all over the country.”

Dogs coming into the charity’s care are typically two to four years old and realistically go on to have lifespans of 10 to 12 years and sometimes more.

The idea behind the event was to raise awareness of the charity and to seek out potential new homes for the dogs in the charity’s care.

Katrin explained that the dogs adapt very quickly to family life although sometimes they can have trouble with stairs and French windows and they are not used to these given their previous kennel life.

Kathrin Rettberg from Forever Hounds said: “We rescue mainly retired greyhounds and lurchers. We

She added: “They make lovely, lovely pets. They are really laid back, really calm, really easy. It’s the

perfect sort of dog for anybody whose never had a dog before.”

The Forever Hounds Trust are also seeking volunteers to help out with their work and they are also planning to hold an event called ‘Dogs at the Rock’ at Yelverton in July.

Enquiries about volunteering or re-homing one of their dogs can be made via their website www.foreverhoundstrust.org and there is a longer audio interview with Kathrin talking about the Trust online in this month’s Plympton Podcast.

Coombe Dean students explore careers in construction industry Students from Coombe Dean School and Tavistock College experienced a working construction site when they visited the new Regional Centre of Excellence for STEM at City College Plymouth.

The £13million state-of-the-art facility, which is due to open in the autumn, is being funded by HotSW LEP, Plymouth City Council and the Regional Growth Fund.

The Centre has seen more than 200 employers involved in shaping its development and will provide a flexible learning environment that simulates ‘real work’ scenarios with industry-standard workshops, laboratories and studios. It will be equipped with high-tech resources to support a broader and more relevant STEM curriculum.

The Centre is being built by Kier Construction. Senior site manager, Andy Shepherd, took the students on a tour and talked to them about the key aspects of a building project, as well as the different careers available in construction.

me. I was amazed when my teacher told me how much tradespeople could earn and the range of jobs onsite. This trip has really opened my eyes to the opportunities available.”

Sarah Cunningham, a teacher from Coombe Dean School, said: “The students found the tour of the site very informative and worthwhile.

Getting to see the facilities available to them gave a lot more scope for careers within the construction industry and what the College has to offer.”

Jo Williams, youth liaison officer at the college added, “We hope that inviting the young people in to experience what a construction site looks like and offering them the chance to ask questions to industry professionals, was valuable to them. The College works with a lot of employers in the City and it was great to collaborate with Kier to offer the students this insight into the careers available to them.”

With STEM a local and national priority for addressing current and future skills shortages, the College’s new Centre will focus on the City’s priority sectors relating to STEM, to provide growth and investment in skills development, connectivity and innovation. This will include support for job creation, particularly in high-growth sectors, to drive productivity and promote enterprise.

A student from Tavistock College said: “I really enjoyed the visit to the building site. I now have a better understanding of construction as a whole and what work goes into a big building. I am really sure that I want a job in construction as I love the idea of making something with other people and learning new skills.”

Another Tavistock College student said: “I’ve decided I do not want to be cooped up in an office or a shop; learning a Coombe Dean students at the STEM Centre trade and working on a site would suit

For those interested in a career in construction, or any of the full or part-time study options available, the college is holding a course information drop-in on Wednesday March 8, from 4.30pm to 6.30pm. Visit cityplym.ac.uk/ events or call 01752 305300 for more information.

Run the half marathon for a good cause - St Luke's Plymouth Britain’s Ocean City Half Marathon is taking place on Sunday April 23 and runners are being invited to raise funds for specialist care by running for St Luke's Hospice.

Every St Luke’s runner will receive: training hints, tips and nutrition advice; a fundraising pack; pre-race team meet and greet; St Luke’s running top and goody bag and a free post race massage.

To run for St Luke’s, firstly sign up on the official Plymouth Half Marathon website at www.runplymouth.co.uk/britainsoceancityhalf. For further information please contact Events fundraiser Rebecca Kelly on 01752 492626.

SPOTLIGHT on the only independent female-run funeral directors in Plymouth Plymouth and District Funeral Services is a family business, established almost two years ago, by Cheryl Whatmore.

Based at Sugar Mill, Billacombe Road in Plymstock, it is the only independent, female run funeral directors in the Plymouth area.

Funeral Director Cheryl Whatmore, office manager Rachel Taylor and the rest of the team are dedicated to making sure that every funeral they arrange is just as the Deceased and their loved ones would want.

They offer a range of traditional and bespoke funeral options for all tastes and budgets, with no pressure, just sensitivity, support and expertise, along with a private Chapel of Rest at their premises in Plymstock.

Funerals don’t need to be expensive and prices start from £1800 for direct cremation. Cheryl and her team have organised many funerals in the last two years, ranging from the simplest to the most extravagant - nothing is too much trouble.

Many people are now choosing a less traditional funeral format, often as a way to reflect an individual’s beliefs. Cheryl and her team have experience of assisting in woodland burials, humanist services and unique funerals to celebrate the special qualities of loved ones departed.

Cheryl identified the need for a really personal and compassionate service at a reasonable price and along with the rest of her team they are proud to consistently deliver a truly caring experience. They blend a modern, friendly approach with expertise and understanding, nothing is too much trouble, and almost everything is possible.

Pre-paid funeral places are available - everyone has different needs and Plymouth and District Funeral Services are able to provide a range of plans designed to meet these needs. Every funeral is individual and it is the simple touches that mean so much.

Please call for more information.

On call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, Plymouth and District Funeral Services are there when you need them most. Telephone 01752 407100.

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25

Gangsters and gamblers take to the stage at Hele's School The main hall at Hele’s School was the setting last month for a tale of gangsters, gambling, love and redemption as the school’s drama department staged a four-night run of the production ‘Guys and Dolls’.

The entirely in-house production involved over 50 students taking on a variety of roles both on and off stage with music provided by the school’ s own orchestra and lighting and stagehand work was also carried out by the students.

Even the choreography work was done in house. Year 11 student Isobel Thomas took on the role of dance director.

Sam Jones, head of drama at Hele’s, said: “I would like to say a huge thank you to Isobel who choreographed all the dances. She has given up endless hours over the past four months. Without her vision, talent and dedication I would not have been able to produce such a professional outcome.”

Lead roles on stage were taken by Harry Morris (Nathan Detroit), Dino Squara (Sky Masterson), Emily Kirk (Arvide), Claudia Greiner (Benny), Grace CudmoreRay/Ellen Granville (Sarah), Victoria Pratt (General

Matilda), Matt Maunder (Brannigan), Joe Hannon (Harry the Horse) Kelly Armstrong (Nicely Nicely) Emily Shepperd/Izzy Hannon (Adelaide) Harry Cheetham (Joey Biclamore) and Lucy Jenkins (Rusty Charlie).

For Emily Witts, who played another lead role as Big Jule, it was a week of mixed emotions. The post 16 student has been involved in all the school’s musical productions during her time at Hele’s but this year was her last as she plans to go to University next year, where she will be studying drama with particular emphasis on stage craft, performance skills and theatre history.

Mr Jones added: “I feel privileged to work with such a supportive cast, who everyday bring an abundance of energy, professionalism, commitment and, most importantly, fun.”

Hele’s Principal, Justine Mason, described herself as ‘speechless’ after watching the closing night of the production. She did eventually muster some words, adding: “The quality of the school production was just awesome.” Later on she tweeted: “Guys, this Doll is one proud Principal!”

(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast, picture thanks to Hele’s School)

Jam, cream and scones help animal home Woodside Animal Sanctuary hosted a cream tea recently to raise funds for its work. Tables were laid, vintage china was out and the kettles set to produce enough tea to sink a battle ship.

The Sanctuary, based at Elfordleigh see heating costs rocket at this time of year and organised the fundraiser to help cover the soaring costs.

Woodside founder Carole Bowles said: “We have radiators on for much of the days and nights so oil costs rocket, in addition many of the vulnerable animals have heat pads. We have four different units that care for cats that are elderly or have additional needs, many of these feel the cold more than the average cat.”

“The event sold out more than a week before it took place. Over 100 people attended, including 15 from Plymouth Chapter Ladies of Harley. The atmosphere was great on the day and feedback was brilliant. We raised an amazing £900. We hope to host another day in the near future, so keep checking our events pages.”

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Devonport High School student Joseph joins vital water project in Uganda A 17-year-old student from Devonport High School for Boys will join a team of nine young people and nine adults to help improve water supplies and sanitation in Uganda.

Joseph Morris, who lives in Bere Ferrers, will be with WATSAN, a UK charity dedicated to the support of a water and sanitation programme in South West Uganda.

Thanks to WATSAN’s work, people in rural communities have access to lifesaving clean water and hygienic toilet facilities. The programme is managed by the Anglican Dioceses of North Kigezi and Kinkiizi which cover some 500,000 people.

to walk several kilometres to do so. Women and children bear the brunt of this work. In wetter areas the water is often low down and they must return up muddy slopes carrying 20 kg on their heads.

A typical unimproved latrine is smelly, fly-blown and dangerous to children. WATSAN install Ventilated Improved Privies (‘VIPs’) and ‘Ecosan’ latrines, which ensure that there is no smell, no flies and no embarrassment in using the facilities. An Ecosan toilet uses an innovative but simple composting system so that waste can be reused to mulch or fertilise crops.

In South West Uganda most people do not have a tap, shower or toilet in their home. Their water supply typically comes from a stream, river, pond or well.

Many thousands of people collect their Joseph Morris..travelling to water from muddy holes, and often have Uganda in August

Joseph said: "When we visit in August we will be going to a village school at Rumbugu to assist the local WATSAN team install a clean water supply with new taps and toilet/hand washing facilities.

outcomes are poor for the children and if this work is not carried out soon the school will have to close.

Some of the members of the Watsan team who will be working on the sanitation project in Uganda

"Sanitation facilities are grossly overloaded and dilapidated, and there is only one water tap with an intermittent supply for the 400 children and staff. The tour could therefore be a matter of life and death and

continuing educational outcomes for the children of Rumbugu, as well as a source of tremendous encouragement to our Ugandan Team.

"The visiting team, as well as bringing financial support, are keen to help with a particular project at this school.

Currently educational and health

"In order to finance the trip, our team needs to raise £28,000 - £1,550 per person - to cover the cost of flights, transport, accommodation, food and resources for the project. To raise the funds we are planning various team events and individual initiatives."

Anyone interested in supporting the initiative can make a donation at https://mydonate.bt.com/donation/start. html?charity=176768

Plymouth warship crew help African orphans

HMS Portland Lt Cdr Gemma Britton with Sierra Leone orphans

Sailors from the Plymouth-based Royal Navy warship HMS Portland have generously spent their patrol rest period ashore helping orphans.

painting and gardening, some of the sailors joined the children in storytelling and colouring-in and football.

The frigate’s crew volunteered for two days at the Heaven Home and Saint George’s Foundation orphanages in Sierra Leone to help make life a little better for the youngsters as the ship visited the capital Freetown on her nine-month deployment.

“Despite having already been through so much in their short lives the children are full of joy and were so much fun to be around – I don’t think anyone escaped without having a cuddle and reading a story.

Engineers re-wired one of the orphanages, mended the main generator which was broken for a year and completed basic plumbing jobs and fixed showers. After also

Flight Commander Lieutenant Laura Cambrook, 30, in charge of the frigate’s Lynx helicopter, said: “It’s been a really worthwhile couple of days.

“It is easy to forget how lucky we are in the UK. These children have nothing, but they are just so happy.

Much of this happiness is because of the fantastic work of the staff at the orphanages, many of whom are volunteers.”

Volunteering at the homes was the highlight of the four-day visit to the Commonwealth country, which focused on forging ties with Sierra Leonians at every level.

Ambassadors and diplomats, led by the country’s Foreign Minister Samura Kamara, received a presentation on HMS Portland’s mission and the importance of maritime security operations off Africa, followed by a question and answer session with the frigate’s captain Captain Paul Stroude.

HMS Portland, last visited Sierra Leone in 2014 and is due back in Plymouth next month, after 37,000 miles sailing through the North and South Atlantic, Mediterranean Sea, Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean.

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27

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28

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29

MONEY MA££ERS with Tony Jopson

How WOW works In 2016, Advice Plymouth helped 1,284 people with financial problem and 108 of them were aged 18-24.

According to Citizens Advice, young people are increasingly experiencing debt and borrowing money from banks, payday lenders or family members. More than 1 in 3 adults never or hardly ever save any money however good advice helps people make the most of their money and avoid financial difficulties.

WOW: Get Wis£r with your Wonga is a Big Lottery funded project, delivered in partnership by Citizens Advice Plymouth, The Zone and Devon and Cornwall Housing, supporting young people living in social housing and communities across Plymouth to improve their financial confidence.

WOW has two elements, casework and community projects who work in close collaboration together.

In 2016 WOW worked with 710 young people and community members and helped tackle £73,550 of debt. Our Casework team provides individual support for young people aged 16-24 and our WOW community project team runs projects for anyone aged over 14 years.

An example of our casework involved Sean. Sean did not have enough money to buy food and was declined hardship funds because he had already had a payment before.

“I was spending lots of money on fast food and things I didn’t need and went out shopping a lot. I was also lending money to my friends which I didn’t get back. I received a letter from my bank who told me I had an unauthorised overdraft and had rent arrears; I asked the WOW team for help.”

By Gary Neeves of Advice Plymouth

The WOW caseworkers helped Sean complete a budgeting plan, set up a Jam Jar account with the Credit Union and understand how to pay his bills.

“They put me on the right path encouraging me to be my best. I now feel more confident and can talk to anyone. I know how to manage my money and I am saving to move into my own place and I am paying my rent in my shared house.”

Our WOW Community projects team run activities to gain self-confidence, money management skills, and increase the likelihood of a successful tenancy by supporting young people in making positive financial and personal choices.

An example of how our Community projects work involved Chloe, who used to be a homeless. She attended the Female Lifehouse project in May 2016 and through the activities run by the project she built her confidence, which helped her start engaging with people she didn’t know.

Chloe used her new found confidence to launch a Book Club and, with the support of a volunteer worker, her club engaged enough members to meet regularly and develop. This young person also engaged in the latest group session at the Lifehouse as a peer mentor.

As a result she has helped organise activities, encouraging group members to attend, supporting them to fill out paperwork, keeping the group focused and helping others to make good decisions.

For more information about WOW and how to get involved, or to make a referral, visit www. wiserwonga.org.uk

Debt - where are we now?

An update on debt this month. Firstly the number of people declared insolvent owing to unmanageable debts was 13% higher in 2016 compared with the previous year, official figures show. A total of 90,930 people in England and Wales found themselves in that situation in 2016, the Insolvency Service said.

The Office for National Statistics published figures last year that reveal total unsecured debt hit the all-time high of £349bn in the three months to the end of September 2016.

Dividing this by the total number of households in the UK and, including student loans, this equates to £12,887 of debt per household, before mortgages are taken into account.

However, according to a Bank of England spokesman, officials are not concerned about debt levels at the moment, as interest rates are still very low, so there are fewer concerns about debt servicing than there were in the past.

Yes, interest rates are very low and can’t really get much lower, so the only way for these is up surely - and it wouldn’t take much of an increase to have a significant adverse effect on individual (and national) budgets!

Indeed the Money Advice Trust says (somewhat understatedly) that if the

economy suffers this year, some households could find themselves exposed to “sudden changes in their financial circumstances”.

Student loans are an increasingly relevant issue; the exclusion of student loans makes a significant difference to the total amount of unsecured debt, which refers to borrowing through credit cards and loans, including car finance.

Figures published in December by the House of Commons Library suggest that students who began studying in England in 2012 will leave university with debts of almost £40,000. Annual university fees have risen since then so people who began studying later will likely come out with even more debt than this.

We have developed a culture of debt in this country, which is being perpetrated by educating our young people that debt is normal. They are sent off to university without the clear explanation of the ramifications of having tens of thousands of pounds of debt to repay (yes it is repayable, apparently) when one leaves the education system and starts earing over £21,000 per annum.

It seems that we educate our youth into debt but rarely about the consequences of debt.

Dealing with debts may require a long-term plan and may not yield instant results but it is definitely worth the effort for the freedom that can ultimately result. If you do have personal or business debt problems you might appreciate seeing someone

locally rather than phoning one of the internet based remote organisations that will only deal with you by phone. In my firm we deal mainly with business related debt but apart from ourselves, here are the contact details of some organisations offering local sources of help: Christians Against Poverty (Plymouth) 0800 328 0006 (freephone) CAP Money website: www.capmoney.org.uk Plymouth Focus 01752 669785 www.plymouthfocus.co.uk Citizens advice (Plymouth)

0844 8269717 Tony Jopson, FCA Insolvency Consultant, 246 Peverell Park Road, Plymouth, PL3 4QG Telephone: 01752 775068 tony@tonyjopson.co.uk

Post your job vacancy here

Each month we offer local businesses, charities and other organisations the chance to advertise their positions totally FREE of charge. The Community Job Shop feature is only available to advertise part-time and voluntary posts and must contain no more than 50 words including contact details. Please note that all advertisements must be submitted with a full name and address for verification purposes.

VOLUNTEER - Plymouth Natural Health and Healing is looking for a part time Receptionist at 175 Outland Road Plymouth PL2 3PY. No experience is necessary training will be given, travel expenses will be paid. Please contact the chairman Mr Parkins on 01752 210279. Reg Charity No 288813.

TRUSTEES - Required for Plymouth & District Disabled Fellowship. This voluntary position requires a commitment of four meetings per year to discuss finances and the general running of the Charity. No previous experience required. For more information please telephone Bruce on 01752 695610 or by e-mail at pddfclub1@ btconnect.com.

PLYMOUTH ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION (PEA) carries out practical conservation throughout Devon and Cornwall during weekdays and weekends. Projects include tree-planting, hedge-laying, coppicing, dry-stone walling, wildlife pond creation, species surveys, and beach cleans to name a few! Get involved, gain skills and experience in countryside management and conservation! www.pea-volunteering.co.uk 07749 818160 CARE WORKERS - Peninsula Care Devon have positions of employment available working as Community Care Workers in the areas of Ivybridge, Cornwood, Yelverton, Horrabridge and Dowsland. There are Full and part time positions available and at differing times of the day. So if you are interested or just want to make an inquiry, please give us a call on 01752 695448 and talk to a member of the team or Email us on peninsulacaredevon@btconnect.com

WORK FROM HOME - Mels Magic makeup team are looking for individuals who would like to earn some extra money selling a well known brand Avon, we are offering £350 worth of products for free. Hours to suit, discounts on your favourite band , great commission. Why not become a representative or sales leader today you don’t even have to go door to door and you have your own personal on line shop please contact Mel 07950006144 for more information on this great opportunity.

EXPERIENCED CLEANERS - £8 an hour.

Regular work, with the same clients, in the same place and at the time each week. Ability to fit your work life around family and other commitments. You pick the hours, the places of work and we do the rest. Call Plamen on 07414 675998.

CLEANERS FOR PRIVATE HOMES - If you have good job or personal references and preferably a car and DBS (Police Check), we have clients who will appreciate you. Choose how many hours you want to work.

You can do regular or occasional jobs or both – it’s up to you. To earn £8.50 an hour (Blitz:occasional) cleans £10 an hour) please call 01752 395900.

VOLUNTEER – required to assist/accompany disabled lady, either to drive her to school to collect daughter; driving/accompany her to gym/swimming; accompany her on walks ives Hartley. One or two afternoons per week. Ring Liz on 01752 656 136 PART TIME HOUSEKEEPERS – wanted by

Bright & Beautiful Plymouth. Eco-friendly domestic cleaning company looking for cleaners with good references, a love of housekeeping, driving licence and a car. Fully employed role, holiday pay. Hours occur between 9-5, Mon - Fri. Please call Lucy 07927 405428.

VOLUNTEERS WANTED – We are looking for dog lovers to look after other peoples dogs while they are away. This is not a job but a very rewarding hobby.

Expenses paid. Please contact Jennifer 01752 769453 STYLIST WANTED – Local hair salon has an opportunity for a stylist to rent a chair. Hours negotiable.

Please telephone 01752 771100 Tuesday to Saturday 9am - 5pm.

JONELLS SALON ST BUDEAUX – Beautician and nail technicians required, flexible hours, daytime and evenings, contact Lisa for more information 01752 364 700 VOLUNTEERS - Royal Voluntary Library Service Derriford Hospital needs help for the book trolley ward rounds on weekdays between 10am 12pm. If you are interested in the service and can spare the time, please contact Pat Hamilton Thursdays 9.30am to 3.30pm on 01752 792857 for further information.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - Want to meet new mums? Passionate about ante/post natal services? Already a member of National Childbirth member and want to do more? Want to support more groups in your area?

Advertise your vacancy FREE in Job Shop

Want something to make your CV stand out? We’re an enthusiastic groups of Parents wanting all those things too, and we’d love to welcome you! We need volunteers, Committee Members and specifically a new Treasurer.

You can get involved as much or as little as you like, but need to be able to commit a minimum of 2-4 hours every 4-6 weeks to attend meetings. Support will be given. For more information, please contact Linda Ludlow, branch coordinator plymouthandwestdevon@nct.org.uk or look at the website www.nct.org.uk/Plymouth or like the Facebook page NCT Plymouth to message.

VOLUNTEER GARDENERS WANTED – College Road Primary School is a primary school situated in the heart of its community in Keyham, Plymouth. We are looking for volunteer gardeners to help children and the staff learn how to grow and maintain its allotment area. If you can spare any time and have some gardening knowledge or experience we would be extremely grateful for your help.

Please contact Sam Brown in the school office on 01752 567660 We are committed to safeguarding children and promoting their welfare, therefore volunteers will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.

DISTRIBUTORS WANTED – Cornerstone Vision, publishers of The Plymouth Shopper, are looking for new distributors, to help deliver leaflets across the city and surrounding area. Transport an advantage, own phone number essential. We are particualrly looking for people to help cover Efford, Ernesettle, Saltash, Ivybridge and Torpoint, although other areas maybe available. Please email John@cornerstonevision.com or call 225623

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

30

The Plymouth Shopper

Council to tackle traffic bottleneck in north of city Plans to tackle one of Plymouth’s worst traffic bottlenecks have been given the green light.

budget to deliver the scheme, which will help reduce congestion along the A386 Tavistock Road and support proposed new developments in the north of the city.

Plymouth City Council has allocated £420,000 for design work on a scheme to alleviate congestion at the notorious pinch point between Woolwell Roundabout and The George.

More than 30,000 vehicles use this section of Tavistock Road during the day and there are often queues and delays at peak times, caused by traffic having to merge over very short distances.

It has also committed more than £15 million in its capital

The Council is exploring options to widen the road

Waterfront BID ballot under way Plymouth’s Waterfront traders have received their ballot papers ahead of a crucial 'yes' or 'no' vote to continue the area’s Business Improvement District.

The Plymouth Waterfront Partnership has been lobbying its members to back Waterfront BID2 and allow the organisation to continue its work for a further five years.

The PWP team is hoping the hard work has paid off as they await the return of 877 ballot papers from local business owners, who will have the final say on whether to extend the Waterfront BID’s work to 2022.

Traders in a four-square mile area stretching from Stonehouse to Coxside - currently pay 1.5 per cent of their rateable value annually in return for enhanced services, projects, events and marketing.

host of new Waterfront events, including the Plymouth Pirate Weekend, Plymouth Seafood Festival and Christmas lights.

They have increased and strengthened the marketing of the area, both at home and abroad, improved signage for visitors, secured a new cruise ship terminal and helped to garner the support of Washington for the highly-anticipated Mayflower 400 celebrations in 2020.

And smaller, aesthetic projects have included stopping the Barbican’s historic cobbled streets being filled in with tarmac, installing more planters full of flowers, better Christmas decorations and cleaner roads and pavements.

Roundabout meeting (left to right): Philip Heseltine (Head of Transport, Infrastructure and Investment), Councillor Patrick Nicholson, Council Leader Ian Bowyer, Councillor Nicky Hopwood (Woolwell ward councillor for South Hams District Council), Sally Farley (Strategic Transport Manager) and Paul Barnard (Assistant Director for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure)

between Woolwell Roundabout and The George and provide two lanes in each direction, removing the need to merge and reducing journey times for everyone.

but will explore all potential sources of external funding to support this essential infrastructure improvement work.”

The scheme will also include plans to upgrade the junction with Woolwell Road, as well as improved public transport, walking and cycling links.

The Plymouth and South West Devon Joint Local Plan, due to be published later this month, identifies Derriford and the northern corridor as one of three strategic growth areas where most of the planned growth in the city will take place through to 2034.

Some initial feasibility work has already been completed and the funding agreed today will be used to develop the design, undertake surveys and quantify the benefits and impacts of the scheme.

Councillor Patrick Nicholson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Transport, Housing and Planning, said: “This council has made it a priority to tackle traffic bottlenecks and help keep Plymouth moving and this stretch of Tavistock Road is a well-known hotspot for traffic hold-ups.

“Congestion is only going to increase as the city grows and we must deliver improvements on key routes to enable new developments to come forward and accommodate the additional traffic they will generate.

“We have added the scheme to our capital programme

THE CHRIS COLE

Since the original Waterfront BID was launched in 2012 the PWP team has been the mouthpiece for the area, securing more than £6m of investment, ring fencing council spending and increasing visitor numbers to a

By Ian Pilkington Trustee Cross Rhythms Plymouth … ‘It ain’t what you do, it’s the way that you do it,’ is how the song goes.

I watched the movie Hacksaw Ridge recently, and it shook me up so much that I’ve had to rephrase that song for personal use to: ‘it ain’t what you do, it’s why you do it that matters’.

(Beware of spoilers coming up.)

In this movie, Desmond Doss, the main character, makes a stand based on his faith and belief, refusing to use or even carry a rifle. Commonplace nowadays, but not back in WW2 in the US Army.

Needless to say, his superiors and his brothers-in-arms don’t get it. His stand draws persecution, bullying and institutionalised intimidation as the army tries to make him either conform or get out.

Doss has signed up as a combat medic in the infantry, to serve his country by saving lives. He has no axe to grind with those who choose to fight, but insists that he must be true to himself or he won’t be the man he is meant to be. Accusations of cowardice, and comments about his

The vision for this area is that it will be transformed to create a high quality, distinctive, vibrant, mixed-use new heart for Plymouth. The vision supports major investments and radical improvements in transport infrastructure and the Woolwell to the George project is the flagship infrastructure project as part of this.

The scheme will be part of a master plan of highway improvements that will help to deliver jobs and homes in the north of the city. It will complement other schemes in the area such as the Derriford Transport Scheme, where work has just got under way and the Forder Valley Link Road, which is also currently in development.

The council will consult on options being considered in the spring. All comments will inform the next stage of design along with various site surveys and investigations. The council is aiming to have a design for the preferred option by the end of the summer.

The decision to fund the Woolwell to The George scheme will be published today and may be subject to call-in for scrutiny.

Experience

It ain’t what you do... uselessness in battle, are all answered on one hellish night on the battlefield.

Doss pulls 75 wounded men off the ridge to safety, alone in enemy territory. It is awful and inspiring at the same time. His prayer, as he goes beyond all possible human strength and endurance, is ’please Lord, let me get just one more’.

Saviour’s lead.

I was deeply affected by this movie. By Doss’s courage and faith, his integrity and love for other men. I started to berate myself and others for ‘not taking life seriously enough’ and ‘not giving it 100%’. ‘We need to just get on with it, go do great deeds and that is more important than everything else’ I thought. That can be true, but it’s all depends on motive.

That prayer stunned me. I thought of the Bible’s clear portrayal of life on this planet being a battle between good and evil, To borrow from another great story, where salvation is offered to desperately if I had been one who battled in wounded people, by the One who they Mordor in Lord of the Rings, I would have often despised (good wins, I’ve doubtless have come home to the read the end of the book); Jesus teaches sleepy, Devon-like Shire and given its that to ‘lay down his life for his friends’ happy inhabitants a hard time for not is a person’s greatest act of love, and appreciating what had been done for He demonstrated that graphically on them. the cross.

Desmond But Chris Cole, is the founder of Cross Rhythms charity. He is also a Fellow Doss, in Mel surely, the of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA). Listen to his Cross Rhythms Gibson’s happiness, Experience programmes on 96.3FM or online at www.crossrhythms.co.uk/ the peace, movie and also in real life, plymouth. Also, download Cross Rhythms Plymouth app from Google the ease of followed his Play and the Apple app store. the Shire is

the very thing that those in the Fellowship of the Ring were fighting for. And in real life, what Doss and others laid their lives down for.

Jesus lived this. He fought evil and hatred to an extent that no other person has ever done, or will ever do. Hunted at birth

by Herod; hated by murderous religious leaders; yet in the middle of all of it, when his disciples were turning away parents who had brought their kids to see Jesus, he stopped everything, took up the kids in his arms and said that these are the people who embody the qualities of the kingdom of heaven. They made the battle worth it. They were his ‘why’.

And in his agony on the cross, he turned to his close friend John and told him to take care of his mother, Mary. He was fighting his biggest battle, but he remembered and acted on his ‘why’.

It ain’t what you do, it’s why you do it that matters. The Good Book teaches that without love being the ‘why’ we do things, then everything we do is just a noise, really. ‘Ain’t love the sweetest thing’ as U2 sang. It’s the reason we fight injustice.

And at the end of the fight, when the dust settles, it’s all that’s left. Like the Queen said in her Christmas message: ‘love starts small, and always grows’.

The Plymouth Shopper

31

Seven editions reaching 64,000 homes

Can Costa revive the Broadway?

Retailers in Plymstock Broadway have generally welcomed the opening of the Costa Coffee kiosk but fear it may be too late to revive the fortunes of the shopping centre.

raised hopes for improved trading conditions.

The Broadway has seen a number of shops and banks shutting down in the last three years, following the closure of the Co-op supermarket - which still remains empty.

“I hope it will lead to an increase in the number of people visiting the Broadway and shopping locally. Unfortunately it feels like the people of Plymstock have forgotten all about us.”

There are several other empty units and retailers say that there has been a marked decrease in footfall since 2014.

Barbara said that her turnover had been hit by shoppers switching to online purchases and her overheads meant that it was difficult to balance the books.

The Costa Coffee kiosk finally opened in February many months later than originally planned - and it has

“The rateable value of my shop is actually higher than some of those in the city centre, which is nonsense.

Barbara Greep, who has run the Wool Palette for nearly five years in the Broadway said: “It has been really tough for quite a long time now, so I’m delighted that Costa has arrived at last.

Costa opened in the Broadway in February - several months later than originally planned

For some reason the Broadway is classified as a high value in terms of income potential, but the reality is far different.

“We’ve had two banks close, several independent shops close in the last couple of years and pretty much all that is left is charity shops, bookmakers and national chains.

“Last summer was particularly difficult because of all the scaffolding that was around for buildings being repainted and then we had all the ground works for the new Costa going on.

“There were days when I hardly had more than a handful of customers in my shop. It is so different from when I started the business here.”

Barbara Greep of Wool Palette - ‘people in Plymstock have forgotten us’

Barbara said that the recent review of business

rates had led to a slight reduction in her costs, but not enough to make a real difference.

Two doors away Trevor Higgins of Homeworkx, also welcomed the opening of the Costa but is equally concerned about business rates.

my rateable value, but it takes an age for these appeals to be heard and decided and you have to provide a huge amount of evidence.”

Across the way at Lidstone’s Butchers Peter Gold said: “Even though it has only been opened for a short time there’s no doubt that Costa has rejuvenated things.

“I have done a lot of research on business rates and rateable values and there is no doubt that they are unrealistic in the Broadway, compared with similar outlets in other parts of the city.

“We are seeing a lot more young mums and families around, which is definitely a good thing. Only time will tell if it will help independent businesses in the long run.”

“I have appealed against

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