Plymouth Chronicle March West 2024

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March 2024 A specialist nurse at Derriford Hospital has received a national Public Police Bravery Award See Page 3

Plymouth solicitors Wolferstans have raised a magnificent sum of £12,500 for The Mustard Tree Plymouth See Page 3

Waterside & West Royal William Yard is hosting a special event in March to mark the 200th anniversary of the RNLI See Page 10

ALSO INSIDE: Looking for a tradesman?

Turn to our Dial The Experts guide on pages 16 and 17

The Sound of success!

Photo: Jay Stone Photography

An £11.6m funding boost from the National Lottery Heritage Fund has been awarded to Plymouth to help deliver the UK’s first National Marine Park – a £22m transformation programme that will help empower and engage the city in the marine environment.

FULL STORY ON PAGE 18

FR EN E TR E Y

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Wolferstans raise £12,500 for Mustard Tree Plymouth A year-long fundraising campaign by Plymouth based law firm, Wolferstans Solicitors has resulted in a donation of £12,500 to Mustard Tree Plymouth, the firm’s charity of the Year for 2023.

Gemma Wellman

collective efforts of the Wolferstans team, resulted in an outstanding £12,500 raised for Mustard Tree Plymouth.

Paige Bartlett, assistant marketing manager at Wolferstans said: “We are immensely proud of this achievement and express our hope that this substantial donation will significantly contribute to enabling the charity to continue its exceptional work.

“Mustard Tree Plymouth’s impact on the lives of individuals facing cancer is unmeasurable, and Wolferstans Solicitors looks forward to continuing its support for this vital cause in the future.”

Go Beyond named as Woollcombe Yonge’s Charity of the Year

The company is planning on raising muchneeded funds through a variety of fun activities, including their famous annual quiz and various challenge events.

Devon-based national charity Go Beyond offers breaks to children facing serious challenges in their lives from centres in Cornwall and Derbyshire.

Raegan Leather, partner and head of Department Wills, Trusts and Probate at Woollcombe Yonge said: “One of our Woollcombe Yonge family was lucky enough to experience a break away from their homelife, similar to that which Go Beyond has provided since 1992.

“Living in extreme poverty and in turbulent surroundings, the experience offered by the charity has never been forgotten for the happy memories

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Wolferstans staff who took part in the Ben Nevis trek

Inspired by the profound support provided by Mustard Tree Plymouth to a beloved late colleague during their battle with cancer, Wolferstans Solicitors dedicated its time, resources, and creativity to a series of fundraising initiatives throughout the year.

The fundraising journey started with events such as bake sales and an afternoon tea extravaganza, creating an atmosphere of generosity and warmth within their three offices in Plymouth, Plympton and Plymstock.

Wolferstans actively participated in nationwide initiatives like the Macmillan Coffee Morning and hosted a hot chocolate sale to provide a sweet respite during winter days.

Beyond the sweet endeavours, the firm’s staff 50/50 monthly prize draw, facilitated through payroll giving, emerged as a consistent contribution, raising over £1000 throughout the year.

The commitment to Mustard Tree extended beyond office walls through community events, including a quiz night at Boringdon Golf Club and the pinnacle of the year, the Ben Nevis Trek, where dedicated team members conquered the highest peak in the UK. In the spirit of community engagement, collection tins were placed at all Wolferstans’ offices and events like Armed Forces Day, where generous clients and members of the public contributed donations. The firm also hosted a cheese and wine night, bringing people together in the name of charity.

Wolferstans Solicitors actively participated in the Plymouth Half Marathon, not only running for Mustard Tree but also dedicating time to help man the charity’s stand at the event.

Clients played a pivotal role in the fundraising journey, showing generosity and solidarity through donations. Their contributions, coupled with the

Plymouth-based solicitors Woollcombe Yonge has named UK children’s charity Go Beyond as the company’s charity of the year for 2024.

March 2024

it created and the welcome relief it provided at that time.

“We look forward to being able to support the charity with fundraising, all in an beffort to help them continue their amazing work in the local region.”

Vanessa Fairfax-Woods, Go Beyond’s business development manager, added: “We are delighted to have been chosen as Woollcombe Yonge’s charity of the year for 2024 and look forward to engaging with their clients and helping raise much-needed funds.

“Thanks to Woollcombe Yonge, children and young people who have been bereaved, abused or bullied, who are living in poverty or caring for loved ones will have the chance to escape their worries and pressures. To have the moments and experiences they need to believe in themselves and think beyond the day-to-day for a bigger, brighter future.”

Every one of Go Beyond’s breaks is provided free-of-charge thanks to the generosity of supporters such as Woollcombe Yonge. For more information about Go Beyond, becoming a corporate partner or learning more about other ways to support Go Beyond, visit www.gobeyond. org.uk.

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Derriford nurse receives national bravery award A specialist nurse at Derriford Hospital has received a national bravery award for providing emergency care to a member of the public in 2022.

Gemma Wellman, a renal transplant nurse specialist, was awarded a silver medal at the Police Public Bravery Award ceremony after she was nominated by Somerset Police.

The annual event, which was held in Sheffield on behalf of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, is designed to celebrate members of the public who go above and beyond to protect those around them.

Gemma was nominated following her courageous actions when responding to a member of the public in danger.

Alongside Gemma, nearly 70 members of the public, who risked their lives to protect the people around them, were honoured at the ceremony.

Speaking about the importance of the event, Chief Constable Lauren Poultney, who hosted the ceremony, said: “As a Chief Constable and a police officer of twenty five years, I know we ask our police officers to run towards danger and put themselves between harm and the public. We support them in doing so by providing training, safety equipment and support in the form of other police officers. The ask is still a significant one and takes great courage and bravery every day to deliver.

“But, when we see members of the public step up to support another person, someone they have never met before, or to support the police in preventing a crime, they do not have the same armour, they do not necessarily know that help is coming.

This is bravery in its purest form and is to be commended.”

Reflecting on her award, Gemma said: “I am honoured to receive this award among the other acts of bravery that were awarded. The event really highlighted the incredible everyday people that have saved and changed lives, while putting themselves at risk. It really celebrated humanity in a way I had never seen before.”

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

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

World Day of Prayer Mar 1 Service open to all at Woodford Methodist Church, Greenway Avenue at 1.30pm. The The subject will be Palestine and the Middle East. Refreshments to follow the service. Everyone is very welcome.

The popular Oktoberfest is returning to Plymouth in October following a huge sell out in 2023. The event takes place on Saturday October 26 with sessions in the afternoon and evening. Details from www.oktobergestplymouth.co.uk

Coffee Morning Mar 2 Crownhill Methodist Church Hall from 10.30am to 12 noon. Various stalls in aid of the Cuttack community in Northern India. All welcome.

Stuart Lee Mar 3 Returning to Theatre Royal Plymouth by popular demand after a phenomenal 2023, Stewart Lee brings back his returning show ‘BASIC LEE’! After a decade of ground-breaking high concept shows involving overarched interlinked narratives, massive sets and enormous comedy props, Lee enters the post-pandemic era in streamlined solo stand-up mode. Tickets from www.theatreroyal.com or from the Box Office on 01752 267222.

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra Mar 7 and 8 Members of one of the country’s best-loved orchestras will perform two exciting concerts in Saltash. A 14-member ensemble from the orchestra will perform a new concert of film-inspired music at Saltash Wesley Methodist Church on March 7 at 7.30pm. Designed for families of all ages, new audiences, and seasoned concert goers alike tickets cost £6 to £12. The following day the orchestra’s ‘Teatime Trio’ will host a special dementia-friendly Cake Concert at Saltash Social Club at 2pm. They will be performing well-known classics for all to enjoy with a piece of cake, a hot drink and good company.

The afternoon is presented by the musicians who will give insights into their instruments and guide the audience through a mixed programme of classical repertoire and special arrangements of popular music from Bach to Joni Mitchell. Tickets cost £10 and include the tea and cake. Tickets for both events are available at www.saltarts.org or from Piglets Haberdashery Shop on Fore Street, Saltash.

West Devon Chorale Mar 9 Concert at Plymouth Roman Catholic Cathedral, Wyndham Square, Plymouth at 7.30pm featuring Tippet’s Five Negro Spirituals and Parry’s Songs of Farewell. Tickets: £15 (£14 in advance), children and students £5. Contact 07837 017078, or online at www. wegottickets.com/westdevonchorale Honicknowle Allotment and Garden Association Mar 12 Annual general meeting at Agaton Social Club, Bedstead road at 7.30pm.

Spring Fayre Mar 16 To be held at Ford Park Cemetery from 10.30am to 1.30pm. All welcome.

Spring Concert Mar 23 Plymouth Philharmonic Choir perform Puccini’s Messa di Gloria and Rossini’s Stata Mater at St Andrew’s Church, Royal Parade at 7.30pm. The choir will be joined by four first class soloists and orchestra.

Tickets £18 in advance or £20 on the door, students and U16s £5. Tickets from wegottickets.com/ events/586917 or the choir ticket manager 07949 311030. For more information, visit plymouthphilchoir. org

Easter Activities Mar 23 to Apr 14 Saltram invites visitors to make their way around the garden and find 10 colourful activities, including active games and interactive challenges for all the family to get stuck into. Full of fun and colour, race around a race-track in the trees, compete in a sack race, go on a colour-hunt, and much more. Normal admission plus £3 per trail, includes an Easter trail sheet and a chocolate egg, or a vegan ‘Free-From’ chocolate egg, both made using cocoa from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms. For details and times visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/saltram Easter Fair Mar 23 Onward House Community Centre in Greenbank from 2pm to 4.30pm. Something for all the family with face painting, children’s Easter Egg hunt, raffle, refreshments and much more. To book a table to sell crafts contact Alison 01752 251641.

World in Union Mar 23 and Mar 26 Sir Joshua Reynolds Choir present an evening of well loved music for Passiontide with musical director Jenny George and soloist Anna Kalas. Sherwell United Church at 7.30pm on March 23 and 7.30pm at St Matthew’s Church, Elburton. Tickets £10 in aid of the Children’s Society. Tickets on the door or in advance from 01752 345390 and 880730.

Earth Hour Mar 23 An annual worldwide event, set up by WWF in 2007 at Plymouth Unitarian Church, Notte Street at 8pm. Join millions from around the globe, as electric lights are switched off for an hour to show symbolic support for the planet and raise awareness of the environmental issues affecting everyone. Prayers, readings about the environment, live music and time for quiet reflection followed by light refreshments. Free event open to all.

More details at www.earthhour.org Tim Vine - Breeeep!

Mar 24 Tim Vine is back with a brand new stand-up show at the Quad Theatre on the Marjon campus. Enjoy a mountain of nonsense, daft one-liners, joyful songs, wobbly props and ridiculous humour. Plus utter drivel.

Witness the stupidity. Then leave. Tickets from www.comicalentertainment.com Collectors Toy & Train Fair Mar 24 Organised by the Plymouth Diecast Club at the Jan Cutting Healthy Living Centre, Scott Business Park,

Beacon Park Rd, Plymouth from 10am to 1pm. Adults £1. Accompanied children Free. Free Parking onsite.

Cafe open. Wheelchair friendly.

Spring Fair Mar 28 St Budeaux Church Community Hall, behind where the Blue Monkey used to be, at Higher St Budeaux, is holding its popular event from 11am to 2.30pm.

Everyone welcome, and a great choice of tables to browse, good refreshments, cakes and pasties, and only 20p entry.

Coffee Morning Apr 6 Crownhill Methodist Church Hall from 10.30am to 12 noon. Various stalls in aid of St Luke’s Hospice. All welcome.

St Luke’s Men’s Day Out Apr 6 March memorable miles to support St Luke’s Hospice expert care. An unmissable mix of miles, mates, memories and it’s back for 2024! Grab your pals, join the mass of big-hearted men marching through Plymouth to make a massive difference to families who need the compassionate, expert care St Luke’s provides at the toughest of times. Places for the event always go fast. for full details and egistration visit www.stlukeshospice.org.uk/mensdayout Fishermen’s Friends Apr 6 Cornwall’s beloved singers bring their brand-new major headline tour for 2024 to Plymouth Pavilions.

Fisherman’s Friend have nine albums to their name, two feature films, a stage musical, a book, a TV documentary, they’ve played for royalty and to tens of thousands of fans in sell-out tours year in year out. Tickets from www. theticketstore.co.uk or call 01752 522205.

Tin Soldier Apr 17 to Apr 20 The story of Steve Marriott and Ronnie Lane, ex-Small Faces, how their lives and careers went very different ways, leading to two very tragic ends. It’s a play with music (rather than a musical) and it plays the Soapbox theatre in Devonport Park at 7.30pm each night.

Tickets from www.wegottickets.com Brunel Quilters Exhibition Apr 20 An exhibition of quilts and textile works by Brunel Quilters, plus charity quilt raffle, sales table and refreshments at Saltash Wesley Church, Callington Road, Saltash from 10am to 4pm. Entry £2.

Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival Apr 28 Entries now open for the Festival which features distances of half marathon, 10k and 5k from Plymouth Hoe. Sign up at www.runplymouth.co.uk Green Man Weekend May 25 and 26 Fantastic mix of entertainment provided by local bands circus acts, Morris Dancers, re-enactment groups and much more ay Mount Edgcumbe.

Traditional family activities will be running throughout the event along with food and craft stalls, bouncy castles, beer tent and much more. Details at www. mountedgcumbe.gov.uk Charity Murder Mystery Evening May 31 Candlelight Murder Mystery present the event in aid of the Samaritans Plymouth at Plympton Conservative Club at 7pm. Tickets £25 including a two course meal.

Call Vanessa or Suzanne on 07942 740759 for details and tickets.

Come and Sing Apr 6 Brent Singers are inviting singers interested to Come and Sing Faurés timeless Requiem and Vaughan Williams’ Five Mystical Songs at Buckfast Abbey.

Singers are welcome to join the afternoon rehearsal and then join the evening performance. Tickets for the come and sing are £20, which includes music and refreshments. Visit www.brentsingers.org.uk.

The concert performance is at 7.30pm with tickets available from the Abbey website www.buckfast.org. uk/events/faure-requiem

Plymouth Model and Railway Show Jun 30 The show will be held at the John Kitto YMCA Centre from 10am to 4pm. Features include a D-Day 80 display along with local and south west model clubs displaying a large range of static and radio controlled models. These are supported by model railways and traders selling models and accessories. The Centre is disabled friendly and also has a cafe onsite.

Admission adults £5, concessions £3 and families £10.

Further details from Ken Cork, 01752 258604 or email: ekcork@btinternet.com

Andy Parsons Apr 12 Following a complete sell out at the Edinburgh Fringe Andy Parsons brings his Bafflingly Optimistic Tour to the Quad Theatre on the Marjon campus at 8pm.

Tickets and details at www.andyparsons.co.uk

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

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Measures to encourage more private hire drivers

New private hire drivers will no longer have to take the ‘Knowledge of Plymouth’ test as part of a proposal to encourage more people into the trade and help the city’s night time economy.

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Plymouth City Council’s Cabinet is being asked to remove the test requirement following a consultation in the autumn which looked at changes to the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy.

They are also being asked to drop the requirement for green and white livery on Hackney Carriages, given the cost of living and the lack of appropriate vehicles available.

Councillor Sally Haydon, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Libraries, Cemeteries and Crematoria said: “We had a good response from the trade and would like to thank them for their helpful input.

“We know, that like other areas of the local economy, that they have been hit hard by fuel prices and the cost of living. This is one of the reasons why we are no longer requiring taxis to have the green and white livery. While it was a great idea, the reality is getting the white vehicles needed proved too difficult and expensive.”

The Knowledge of Plymouth test assesses drivers’ knowledge of the quickest available routes, venues, tourist destinations and popular locations as well as the law and conditions of licence and customer care. It is an exam taken under supervised exam conditions.

An error in the policy wording about the knowledge test only applying to hackney carriage drivers led to an increase in people applying to become licensed private hire drivers.

While there was less support from the trade about dropping the test, the Department of Transport recently issued best practice guidance which stated that given technology used by taxi operators, the test should be removed for private hire drivers as they know their planned route in advance.

Sally said: “We need more people in the trade. We need more drivers so that people feel they can get home after a great night out in Plymouth. We know there are bar and restaurant staff who struggle to get a ride home after an evening shift.

“We need to be more pragmatic and remove barriers to people becoming drivers – times have changed, drivers can use sat nav and apps on smart phones to help them navigate around our city. Modern dispatch systems send bookings direct to the drivers’ data pads, which have the inbuilt GPS navigation.”

The Cabinet report highlights that the council also considered the outcomes of the Violence Against Women and Girls Commission where it was reported that the reduced numbers of taxis and private hire had an impact on the perceived safety of women and girls.

Councillor Haydon added: “We are proud to have Purple Flag status, which recognises the fact this city is safe after dark, but being stuck for hours not being able to get home is not helping our residents or visitors. We hope these changes, if approved, will lead to more people becoming private hire drivers and help our residents as well as our pubs and restaurants.”

If Cabinet approve the proposals when they meet in January, the matter will go to Full Council.

6 March 2024

DERRIFORD BOSS ANN JAMES STEPS DOWN AFTER 12 YEARS IN CHARGE

Ann James is to stand down as chief executive of University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust.

She has spent more than 12 years leading the Trust and 35 years in the NHS. Ann began her NHS career as a management trainee in 1989 and held many key leadership positions across the NHS in the south west, before taking up her current post in September 2012.

She has been an exemplary and incredibly driven, public servant and made a significant contribution to improving healthcare across Devon and Cornwall, most notably in Plymouth, in very challenging circumstances.

Trust Chair James Brent said: “I want to lead the thanks to Ann for her commitment, dedication, professionalism and her very values-driven leadership but I know I will not be alone in thanking her.

“Under Ann’s leadership UHP has achieved so much – often in difficult circumstances – including her leadership through the difficult pandemic period, her embodiment of the values that are the beating heart of this organisation, her passionate support of UHP’s role as a teaching hospital and military city; her development of the Healthy Lives Partnership with Livewell Southwest and securing in excess of £300m investment for capital developments such as the new Royal Eye Infirmary and the new Community Diagnostic Centre as well as for the Urgent and Emergency Care Centre – Phase 1 of Future Hospitals.

“She has also led regionally during this time, for example chairing the Peninsula Pathology Network, the Peninsula Cancer Alliance and has been Chair of the Southwest Leadership and Talent Academy. “We are all hugely grateful to Ann for her commitment to the Trust, its staff and the communities that we serve and we wish her the very best as she heads into the next phase of her journey.”

Ann said: “It has been the greatest honour to play a part in the incredible journey of UHP and it was never going to be easy, or feel like the right time, to step away from being chief executive.

“The teams at UHP lead with compassion, give outstanding care and work hard every day to deliver clinical excellence despite many challenges. It has been a heartfelt honour to be part of that and of all my 35 years in the NHS, the time I spent at UHP will undoubtedly be the years I will treasure and remember the most.

“University Hospitals Plymouth has a very exciting future ahead, with so many wonderful people working in the organisation and I wish all of my colleagues all the very best for the next 12 years and beyond.”

Ann will step down as chief executive at the end of March and the recruitment process to appoint an interim and then substantive successor will begin shortly.

@PlymChronicle

Celebrating Excellence in Care Awards to honour Plymouth’s best care workers The Celebrating Excellence in Care Awards are returning to Plymouth for the first time since 2019.

The awards celebrate and recognise the very best staff working in the adult social care sector in the city, including those working in care homes, supported living provision, day centres and domiciliary care supporting people to remain living in their own homes.

The return of the awards has been driven by the new city-wide health and social care partnership, Caring Plymouth, which is working to connect local people with opportunities for skills, training and careers in the sector. The partnership’s immediate focus is on tackling staff recruitment and retention in adult social care.

Nominations are now open for this year’s awards and there are more than 30 categories, including Care Worker of the Year, Nurse of the Year, Ancillary Worker of the Year and Culinary Care Team.

People across the city, including managers, colleagues, someone receiving care or one of their family members are now invited to submit a nomination to recognise enthusiastic and dedicated staff members or teams.

Nominations will remain open until Monday February 26 and the winners will then be chosen by an independent panel of judges.

The winners will be celebrated at an awards ceremony on March 23 at the Crowne Plaza, with a

trophy and certificate for every winner.

Councillor Mary Aspinall, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care said: “The awards give us an incredible opportunity to say thank you to everyone working in adult social care in Plymouth, and to recognise all of the fantastic work that takes place every day across the city.

“Our social care workers are hugely valued and play such an important role in the local community.

“Every single day they help adults to live fulfilling and dignified lives, providing all the extra help and care they need whether that be

in their own home, a care home or in supported living facilities.

“If you know someone working in adult social care that has gone above and beyond to help the people they support, please show them the recognition they deserve and nominate them for an award.”

Awards nominations can be submitted at www.plymouthonlinedirectory.com/ celebratingecxcellenceincare.

Learn more about Caring Plymouth and find support to access training or jobs at www.skillslaunchpadplym.co.uk/caringplymouth.

Three key priorities for Plymouth’s dental taskforce Plymouth’s Dental Taskforce has agreed the three key priorities that it will collectively work towards to improve NHS dental provision for local residents.

The taskforce was created last year in response to the city’s growing dental crisis, which has seen over 22,000 Plymouth residents join the waiting list for an NHS dentist. The cross-party group includes representatives from Plymouth City Council, NHS Devon, Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise (PDSE), Livewell Southwest and University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust as well as the city’s three MPs. The taskforce has agreed to focus on three key priorities: • Deliver a new dental facility in the city centre run by the Peninsula Dental School which is aligned to the oral health needs in the city.

• Provide additional funding to Plymouth City Council to enable it to enhance the oral health improvement offer available in the city, to help prevent dental health issues.

• Use some of Plymouth’s annual NHS dental underspend to commission new services for high priority groups and those who don’t have access to an NHS dentist.

Since June 2023 the taskforce has been working to deliver improvements, such as a new scheme by PDSE to provide NHS dental appointments to primary school children. It will now focus on campaigning for and delivering these three priorities.

Councillor Mary Aspinall, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care and Chair of the Taskforce said: “There is still a huge amount of work to be done in Plymouth and so we will keep campaigning for better outcomes for our residents. At the moment the situation is only getting worse. There are thousands of people still waiting for an NHS dentist and we believe this is just the tip of the iceberg, because it doesn’t capture the number of people who don’t have an NHS dentist but haven’t joined the waiting list, or who have simply given up and had to pay private dental fees.

The underspend is a result of some high street dentists not being able to provide NHS appointments, and historically this money has been returned. In future it is hoped that this funding will be ringfenced to use towards other oral health initiatives in the city.

Luke Pollard, MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, said: “It is ridiculous that when faced with a growing NHS dental crisis in our city, we return millions in unspent dental funding each year simply because there aren’t enough dentists in Plymouth to use the paltry funding we have been allocated.

“The problem is only getting worse in Plymouth, with thousands still unable to see a dentist. That’s why I have relentlessly campaigned for building a new city centre dental hub to provide urgent care and prioritising

the training of more dentists for our city.

“These three priorities set out by Plymouth’s Dental Taskforce will help focus our collective lobbying and build on the campaigns I’ve been running as a local MP since 2017.”

Johnny Mercer, MP for Plymouth Moor View, said: “I have been clear that Plymouth’s dental provision is in an unacceptable state. Last November, I facilitated free dental appointments for schoolkids at Peninsula Dental School.

Progress since has been frustratingly slow. I welcome the Dental Task Force’s newly-agreed three priorities which will deliver long-overdue improvements to our City’s dental care. These three local priorities will complement the Government’s NHS Dental Recovery Plan which creates 2.5m extra appointments and helps areas like ours where recruitment is difficult.”

Gary Streeter, MP for South West Devon said: “The recent announcement of the NHS Dentistry Recovery Plan and its significant new investment by government is hugely to be welcomed but we will continue to work together locally to improve services for local people.”

Dental taskforce (left to right) Back row: Dr Sarah Wollaston, NHS Devon; Rob Witton, PDSE; Cllr John Mahoney, Shadow Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care; Nigel Acheson, NHS Devon;, Rob Nelder, Plymouth City Council. Front row: Cllr Mark Lowry, Cabinet Member for Finance; Johnny Mercer, MP for Plymouth Moor View; Cllr Mary Aspinall, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care; Luke Pollard, MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport; Claire Roberts, Livewell Southwest

March 2024 77 March 2024 A March 2024 @PlymChronicle

@PlymChronicle

Teenager Sofia scoops top award for her work tackling Violence Against Women and Girls Young people from across the Southwest came together recently to celebrate the work of local Youth Parliament Members and recognise their work supporting the local communities – with Plymouth’s teenage representative scooping a top award.

The British Youth Council held ‘Youth Con’ in Plymouth, where around 40 young people and youth workers came together to discuss local and national issues that matter to children and young people. At the event, a series of awards were also presented by the Lord Mayor, to recognise those young people who have gone above and beyond.

Eighteen-year-old Sofia Elliot, who is a member of the Plymouth Youth Parliament, was presented with the southwest ‘Campaigner of the Year’ award, for her efforts in raising awareness of Violence Against Women and Girls.

Sofia has been very proactive in working to help tackle Violence Against Women and Girls in

Sofia Elliot

Plymouth, including participating in a number of discussion panels alongside councillors and

organisations discussing women’s safety, such as attending the Youth Conference organised by Councillor Zoe Reilly during the 16 Days of Activism. She was able to not only represent the voice of young people – but also provide advice and guidance to decision makers.

Sofia has designed resource materials for schools and has campaigned for better education in schools and colleges. And she has created workshops to improve awareness of the issues, working alongside local MPs and councillors.

Sofia also has worked tirelessly with Trevi, the leading local women’s charity and recently raised over £700 with a silent auction and a raffle.

Sofia said: “I was really surprised to be honest! I know a lot of young people have been working so hard this year across the whole southwest on amazing campaigns, but it was amazing to be recognised for the work I’ve been doing as it’s been a lot of effort but so worth it!”

Councillor Sally Haydon, Cabinet Member for Community Safety,

said: “Sofia has worked tirelessly to continue campaigning for the safety of women and girls, I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this award, she is a brilliant example of a young person who really cares about her city and making it feel and be safer, she is a great voice for young people, keep up with the amazing work.”

Councillor Zoe Reilly, Violence Against Women and Girls Champion said: “Sofia has been with Youth Parliament for seven years and she always brings a smile to the sessions, she supports new members of the group and is a fantastic role model to everyone she works with and supports.

“Sofia has worked closely with me on raising awareness of VAWG sitting on panels and helping to organise the Youth Conference during the 16 Days of Activism. I am inspired both by her determination and her passion in this area, she is studying for her A-Levels and has not let that slow down our progress. I am incredibly proud of Sofia and look forward to what comes next.”

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Lisa Matthews

Volunteer Lisa making her mark at Mount Gould Rehab Unit After becoming very unwell last year, Lisa Matthews became a patient at the Mount Gould Rehabilitation Unit.

She noticed that there weren’t any volunteers at that time. Unable to return to her job after her illness, Lisa decided to get in touch with the Volunteer Services team at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHP) to enquire about helping, specifically at the Rehab Unit.

The General Rehab Unit – Skylark and Kingfisher wards at Mount Gould – have a capacity of 35 patients each. The unit sees patients that are on a rehab journey with the intention to get them home or into a care home.

They provide physiotherapy, occupational therapy intervention and social worker support. Lisa starts her day by speaking to staff to understand which patients require support that day.

She helps patients by simply chatting to them, helping with activities such as colouring and reading, or taking them out into the garden, which is tended to by another UHP volunteer, Ann. Lisa also likes to help with encouraging the patients to eat and drink. Lisa said: “From start to finish, the process of becoming a volunteer only took a few weeks.

“Staff were on hand to assist with my application, and I had to complete some online training before starting.”

She continued: “The staff are fantastic.

The care they give to patients is amazing.

The support staff treat me like a member of the team which is what I need, as I have been unable to return to my previous employment.

“Volunteering has given me a purpose.

The staff always thank me, and I really adore it.”

Elaine Nicholl, community hospital support manager, said: “To get volunteers here has made a massive difference to patient welfare, but also to staff welfare because they feel like some of the pressure has been removed as patients want the clinical staff to spend time with them, but they don’t have the capacity to do that.”

@PlymChronicle

8 March 2024

New car club Plymouth student nurse is nominated operators are for no less than three top awards! announced

Plymouth’s drive to make people less reliant on private cars is back on the road with a new contract for a car club as part of Connect Plymouth – the city’s expanding sustainable travel network.

A decision has been signed to award a contract to Co Wheels CIC, now the UK’s largest community interest car club operator.

The company runs pay-as-you go car clubs, pool car fleet management and franchise operations in over 60 towns and cities across the UK with a 24/7 call centre.

The Plymouth fleet will be all electric vehicles and people will be able to book them online, on apps on their phones to pick up at hubs which are dotted across the city.

This contract has been re-procured following the unfortunate demise of Exeter based Co Cars, which went into administration last July.

Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport said: “Welcome Co Wheels to Plymouth. We have been delighted to see how much Plymouth people have taken to the Beryl bikes and the growing interest in electric vehicles.

“We think there is a real appetite for people to explore greener ways of getting around and a car club is a great addition to our offer.

“Not only is an electric vehicle for hire greener, it is cheaper than a car sitting outside homes costing money in MOT, tax, servicing and fuel.”

The scheme will provide at least 10 vehicles which will be available for hire 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. This is for an initial period of four years with an option to extend. The first cars are expected to be on the streets later this Spring.

The council’s Connect Plymouth network now has 105 e-bike sites across the city, with 689 docks and over 500 e-bikes now in operation.

There are nine rapid EV charge point sites provided by WENEA now up and running with a further 15 being built and an additional 20 sites due to come online during 2024.

Councillor Tom Briars-Delve, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change added: “Transport accounts for 30 per cent of the city’s total emissions and is an area which requires a major change in public behaviour if we are to achieve our net zero target.

“Electric vehicles play a key part in this, but we realise to own one is out of reach for many people.

“Being part of a car club that gives you easy access to electric vehicles can only be a massive step in the right direction. I look forward to joining the club.”

Connect Plymouth is part funded by the Department for Transport’s Transforming Cities Fund (TCF), which aims to change people’s travel habits by making it as easy as possible for people to choose low carbon options to get about.

The schemes improve access to work, restart the city’s growth agenda, deliver homes, safeguard and create new jobs. It is also designed to improve air quality and reduce the city’s overall carbon emissions as a direct response to the city’s climate emergency declaration.

For more information about the new car club operators visit www.co-wheels.org.uk/about-us

Plymouth University has been shortlisted in four categories of national nursing awards - with one student nominated in no fewer than three.

The university is in the running for the inaugural Nursing Apprenticeship Provider of the Year prize at the Student Nursing Times Awards – which celebrate quality in all specialities of student nursing.

Meanwhile Jenita Loheswaran is shortlisted for Student Nurse of the Year (Adult); Outstanding Contribution to Student Affairs; and the Mary Seacole Award for Outstanding Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion.

The latest shortlists follow Plymouth’s win in 2022 for Nursing Associate Training Programme Provider of the Year, and the 2024 winners will be announced at a ceremony in London in April.

The degree apprenticeship award recognises the breadth of theuniversity’s nursing degree

Janita Loheswaran

apprenticeship provision, across undergraduate and postgraduate, and incorporates all three of its teaching sites in Plymouth, Truro and Exeter.

One Cornish care home owner recently credited the university’s degree apprenticeships with helping him to ‘grow a new generation of nurses’.

Studying BSc Nursing at the University’s Truro campus, Jenita is currently working as a Nursing

Associate at Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

She also has a Biomedical Sciences degree from the university, and studied as a degree apprentice for her Nursing Associate qualification.

She said: “I’m blown away to have been shortlisted in three categories of the Student Nursing Times Awards.

I’m passionate about diversity in healthcare, so it’s wonderful to be recognised in this way.

“The best thing about my training

is seeing the positive impact I can have on people’s lives every day – whether they’re patients, families, or fellow students. I’m having a great learning experience so far and I can’t wait to see what comes next.”

Plymouth University has the largest range of healthcare courses in the South West, with degree apprenticeships one of the many ways that it is looking to recruit and inspire the healthcare workforce of the future.

Caroline Jamison, associate professor and academic lead for the Nursing Degree Apprenticeships, said: “We are so thrilled to be shortlisted for Nursing Apprenticeship Provider of the Year, as we’re incredibly proud of our degree apprenticeship offer and collegiate relationship with our partners in the South West and beyond. We’re also incredibly proud of Jenita too – being shortlisted once is amazing but three times is outstanding, reflects all the hard work she puts into her training.”

Council leader slams ‘immoral’ profits of companies caring for young people Plymouth City Council is calling for greater scrutiny of private companies profiting from the care of vulnerable children and young people.

Council Leader Tudor Evans has written to David Johnston MP, Minister for Children, Families and Wellbeing, to express concern about the huge profits being made by private companies that provide children’s social care placements. This follows a Motion on Notice tabled by Councillor Jemima Laing at the Full Council meeting in January.

There are currently 520 children in the council’s care and they are supported by a range of providers. Due to a lack of suitable placements, such as foster homes, this includes privately-owned, profit-making organisations.

With 52 children currently residing in residential care at an average cost of £328,719 per child, per year, the total annual spend with these organisations makes up 13 per cent of the council’s overall annual budget for 2023/24.

A recent Local Government Association (LGA) report found that the 20 largest providers of children’s social care collectively made profits of £310 million in 2021/22, a 19 per cent profit margin on their total income.

Councillor Evans said: “It is completely immoral that these companies are profiting at such huge levels. Caring for the most vulnerable children and young people in our society should not provide an opportunity for material gain.

“These companies are collectively making millions of pounds worth of profit each year, while local authorities across the country are struggling to balance their finances and hardworking taxpayers are struggling with rising costs.”

Councillor Laing, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, said: “All of our children and young people deserve the very best start in life, with the best possible care and ensuring their safety and wellbeing is absolutely paramount.

“This is not simply about cutting costs, because our priority is always to make sure that each individual child is receiving the care that they need whatever the cost.

“But we need more transparency about the fees that we are being charged, because these are public funds and the more we spend on these services, the less funding is available for other preventative programmes that help to keep families together.

“We completely understand that providers need to cover their operating costs and save funding for future investments, but the Government needs to look into this more closely.

“It is absolutely scandalous that this much money is being made from such a vitally important service.”

The council is asking for the Government to investigate the largest providers to children’s social care services so that there is greater scrutiny of the fees they charge and how any profits are distributed.

MPs urged to back better protection for care experienced young people Plymouth MPs are being urged to support a change in the law to ensure care experienced young people are better supported as they become adults.

Councillor Jemima Laing, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, is calling on the city’s three MPs to back a move that would give young people who have been in care the same protection against discrimination that the Equalities Act already gives on characteristics such as age, sex and race.

Councillor Laing, who also chairs the Council’s Corporate Parenting Group, said: “As a council we are an ambitious corporate parent and are fully committed to ensuring that the children and young people in our care can fulfil their potential.

“We have already agreed as an organisation that we will treat care experience as if it were a protected characteristic in the same way that other characteristics are protected but we now want to see this backed up by the law everywhere.

“The experiences of those who have been in the care system, in

foster care and in residential care are varied but the challenges some face can have profound and lasting impacts.

“We believe it is vital to recognise the additional challenges and barriers that care experienced individuals face so we are calling on our MPs to support a change to the Equality Act (2010) that broadens corporate parenting responsibilities across a wider set of public bodies and organisations, as recommended by the Independent Review of Children’s Social – the MacAlister Review.”

Councillor Laing said the change would be relatively easy to make as it would simply require the Government to lay a statutory instrument to extend the list of protected characteristics under the Equality Act (2010) to include care experienced individuals.

She said: “This is a simple change that could make a big impact on the lives of many young people. It would give local authorities and other public bodies greater authority to put in place policies and programmes that would lead to better outcomes for care experienced people.”

@PlymChronicle

March 2024

9

New crematorium just months away from opening The Park, Plymouth’s brand new crematorium, has hit its latest significant construction milestone.

Located off Haye Road in Plympton, The Park has designs inspired by the landscape, where the buildings will nestle into the slope of the site.

With the just a few months until building work finishes, representatives from the council and construction partner Kier gathered to lay a foundation stone that will be placed outside the entrance to one of the new Ceremony Rooms.

It marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Council’s Bereavement Service who will move to the site when construction finishes this summer.

Councillor Sally Haydon, Cabinet member for Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Libraries, Cemeteries & Crematoria, said: “I am so honoured to have been able to lay this foundation stone at The Park, which will be an incredible asset for Plymouth and its residents for many years to come.

“The road to this point has seen colossal efforts by so many council members and officers and also our fantastic partner organisations.

“I can’t wait to come back here in a few months to see the site finished and operational for the first time.”

Doug Lloyd, regional director at Kier Construction, Western & Wales, said: “It is a huge pleasure to lay the foundation stone at the Park as we celebrate the new facility taking shape and the positive impact it has already had on the local community.

“Throughout this project, we have worked with Plymouth City Council and Building

Jobs boost as DWP launches major recruitment drive

Over 100 jobs are up for grabs after the Government launched its latest wave of a major recruitment drive in Plymouth.

Representatives from the Council and Kier Construction. From left to right, Kate Swain, Kier marketing manager; Kristian Cartwright, Kier contracts manager; Paul Fletcher, Kier senior project manager; Councillor Sally Haydon, Cabinet Member responsible for Bereavement Services; Council Leader Tudor Evans; Doug Lloyd, Kier regional director; Nick Anderson, associate partner of Ward Williams Associates and Simon Gillingham, Kier senior project manager

Plymouth to provide local employment opportunities, including apprentices and work experience placements.

“Our local supply chain has also played an integral role in the delivery of this scheme, which is months away from being completed.”

The Park which will neighbour Drake Memorial Park, is being built with Plymouth Limestone and the Ceremony Rooms look out onto pooled water.

Outside, reflective spaces, designed for memorialisation and scatterings will embrace the local environment and ecology.

In addition, the site will benefit from a new café, which will be open to serve refreshments for people attending funerals and also for

those visiting the site to pay their respects.

Crucially, though, it will have two rooms available for families to hire for wakes, memorialisation events or other family functions. The rooms will be able to accommodate up to 40 guests or combine both rooms with the retractable wall and it will hold 75 guests.

Later this year, the Bereavement Service team will move to The Park from its existing base at Weston Mill. At that point, all cremations will take place at The Park, with Efford and Weston Mill still active for burial and memorials. More information on plans for the new crematorium can be found at www. plymouthcrematoria.com

The Department for Work and Pensions is recruiting up to 140 new universal cedit review agents who will play a key role in the Government’s £3.5billion drive to get thousands more into work and grow the economy.

Applications opened on February 15 and anyone who is looking for a civil service career is encouraged to apply.

Universal Credit review agents check claims to ensure people are receiving the payments they are entitled to.

Successful applicants will be part of an exciting new team offering on-the-job learning and development, with opportunities for hybrid working to fit around your home life and caring responsibilities.

Patrick, a universal credit review agent, said: “My job in DWP is very rewarding. I love the teamwork and the career development opportunities in the civil service.”

His colleague Doreen agreed: “If you enjoy helping customers and want to work with a great team, working for DWP could be the job for you.”

Those interested in applying should search ‘DWP EO jobs’ online or go to www.dwpjobseorecruitment-microsite.co.uk/

Struggling with the cost of living?

Online support

The Cost of Living hub will signpost you to the huge range of support available in Plymouth.

This includes: • Financial help and advice • Help with energy costs • Help with food costs • Free things to do in Plymouth • Help for families • Employment and skills support • Mental health support

Find all the help on offer at

plymouth.gov.uk/costofliving

Warm, welcoming spaces

This winter, venues across Plymouth are opening their doors and offering everyone a friendly and warm community space to spend time in.

There are nearly 50 locations open across the city, including libraries, churches and community centres.

All of the spaces have somewhere to sit comfortably, with many offering extras such as free wifi, refreshments, activities, games and signposting to other advice and support offers.

Find your nearest space at

plymouth.gov.uk/ welcoming-spaces

10 March 2024

@PlymChronicle

RNLI celebrates 200 year annivesary with a big birthday bash at Royal William Yard To mark the magnificent milestone of the RNLI’s 200th year, a day of celebrations will take place at Royal William Yard on Sunday March 3 from 10am to 3pm.

The waterfront destination will host a jampacked day of free activities, including the chance to climb aboard lifeboats in the marina, watch daring demonstrations, enjoy sea shanty performances, and discover the remarkable history of the RNLI during its anniversary year.

Four RNLI lifeboats, including the Severn class all-weather lifeboat – the largest in the fleet – will be moored in Royal William Yard Marina, which will be the backdrop for live sea rescue demonstrations. The lifeboats and their crew will welcome visitors on board throughout the day, before the flotilla sets sail for a procession – accompanied by a rescue helicopter - across the Hoe to close the event.

Adding to the party atmosphere, live music will come courtesy of shanty band, the Tavy Tars, performing songs from the sea.

The event will provide plenty of entertainment for all, while also raising funds to help support the work of the RNLI and its 238 lifeboat stations and 242 lifeguard protected beaches.

As well as all the action on the water, the RNLI team will provide information and entertainment back on dry land with the RNLI fundraising team, RNLI shop, Water Safety Team, Coastguard Rescue Team, and Dartmoor Search and Rescue all in attendance.

At the RNLI stall, children can have fun trying on lifeboat crew uniforms, with custom-made Helly Hansen kids’ kits. Families can get involved in a RNLI-themed interactive trail, exploring Royal William Yard to uncover fascinating facts about the

Photos: John Baldry RNLI

charity and delve into its remarkable history.

Plymouth was one of the first places on the coast of Great Britain to have a lifeboat, and has played a pivotal role since the RNLI was founded in 1824.

Live event schedule: 10am-2.45pm – Severn, Atlantic 85 and two Tyne class lifeboats will be open to the public to board and explore, making the perfect activity in between

the other live events below: 10.30-11am – Tavy Tars shanty group performance 11.30-12.30 – man overboard recovery demonstration 12.30-1pm – Tavy Tars shanty group performance 1.30-2.45pm – event, activities and final performance from the Tavy Tars on the Green 3pm – all lifeboats depart Royal William Yard and will be joined by a Rescue 924 Helicopter for a procession across the Hoe foreshore.

With activity unfolding site-wide, visitors can make a day of it and enjoy Royal William Yard’s popular monthly Good Food & Draft Market, taking place alongside the RNLI’s big birthday bash. The market will run from 10am-3pm and showcase the region’s best producers and artisans, with food, drink and treats aplenty.

Making it even easier to enjoy the day of celebrations, there will be a free dedicated shuttle bus service running in a loop from the City Centre to Royal William Yard and back every half hour. The hop-on hop-off service has two pick-up points in the city and runs from 10am to 3.30pm.

Find out more about Royal William Yard at www.royalwilliamyard.com/ and uncover the great work of the RNLI at www.rnli.org/about-us/ourhistory/2024 Shuttle bus information is available at www. royalwilliamyard.com/visit/shuttle-bus

BLOOMING GOOD NEWS FOR STOKE! Stoke in Bloom is now in its third year – a pretty impressive achievement for something that just started as a conversation.

Kenny Raybould has been building floral relationships with many local people from his base on Pasley Street, and Stoke in Bloom now has an active Facebook group, open for anyone interested in gardening in the local area.

Organisers will be keeping to the same categories as before to enable entries from the widest sectors of the local community. The categories are: • Lift a slab, supported by BRIC - Lifting a concrete paving slab to put back nature • Express yourself - Let your personality shine through to your garden!

• The Eurovision Award - Do you live outside of Stoke and Morice Town? If so this is the award for you to take part!

• The North Face of the Eiger - For those with a north facing or shady space • The Pollinize Award, supported by Pollinize CIC - For gardens that support insects and biodiversity.

• The Home Grower - Those who grow fab produce in Stoke.

• Young Gardener - For gardeners under 35 years of age • The Business Award - Awarded to businesses that bring more bloom into their work space.

• Community Growing Award - For schools, those with a community garden, a group of neighbours growing along together, or simply a rebel grower!

Details of how to enter will be on The Village Hub website (www. thevillagehub.org.uk) and Facebook group. There will be a launch party on Tuesday April 2 at 6.30pm in The Village Hub. During the evening Kenny will chat more about Stoke in Bloom and answer any questions residents may have.

March 2024

@PlymChronicle

11

All systems go as new Armada Way design approved by council leaders

up to

The new design for Armada Way has been confirmed following one of the largest listening exercises ever carried out by Plymouth City Council and a cross-party scrutiny review.

The council’s Cabinet confirmed the new design for Armada Way on February 19, giving the green light for further work on the cost of construction.

The design includes 10 changes that were made as a result of the public consultation and more changes that were suggested by a cross-party scrutiny committee who reviewed the scheme last month.

Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “In May I promised to take control of the Armada Way regeneration.

I pledged to scrap the previous design for Armada Way, clean up the felled trees and work with residents, businesses and stakeholders on what they would like to see from a new scheme. We have delivered on these promises.

“Today is another milestone on our journey to create a better city centre, one that rivals others across the country, where people want to live, work, visit, shop and do business in.

“We have listened and the design agreed today includes more trees than ever, different tree species, changes to footpaths and cycling routes, extra cycle parking and more accessible green space.

“The design also includes the innovative water drainage system, powered by new solar canopies and the exciting new play village.”

The confirmed design means that further work can be carried out on establishing the final cost of delivering the scheme.

Once a final construction cost is known, a further report will be considered by the Cabinet.

Exploratory trial pits are currently being dug on Armada Way to get a more accurate picture of what is beneath the surface. When these are finished it will help provide clarity on the scope of the works needed.

Councillor Evans added: “After the consultation and after we updated the design, we were able to start looking in detail at the scheme costs.

“The figure that has been talked about so far is the outer limits of what we may have to pay.

We are now doing more investigative work to eliminate unknown risk and we are having detailed cost review sessions with our contractors.

“We are looking at every aspect of the scheme, how long it will take, and how much it will cost to borrow the money, before a final budget will be agreed. None of these discussions could take place until we had a confirmed design.

“Over the next few weeks we will finish our exploratory work and work with the contractors to get accurate costings. Cabinet will then consider these at a later date.

“We have to be realistic that creating a city centre that we all can be proud of cannot be done on the cheap.

“We are trying to create something really special that will be a focal point for our city but at the same time, we are incredibly conscious that there will be some public

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money going into this project. We will keep get the costs down.”

Amendments to the design following the public consultation included: • Retention of two extra existing trees This means only four trees will be translocated from Armada Way to The Park.

• Some tree species selection has been modified. This includes changing the proposed single ‘Tree of Heaven’ to a London Plane tree.

• The final design includes an increased amount of accessible green space which is beyond that of the design of the scheme which was consulted on. ‚• Removal of two east-west pedestrian

footpaths to reduce conflict of two separate paths crossing the cycle way at the point of chicane. This will make the space safer for both pedestrians and cyclists.

• Changing the colour of the granite denoting the cycle way to a dark pink hue to provide a strong visual differentiation to the other pedestrian areas.

• The new scheme will include a considerable amount of extra cycle parking in the form of stands and cycle hoops onto lamp columns.

• Further changes will be made to the pedestrian and cycle wayfinding to enable the cycle way and its use to be very clearly demarcated. This will make the space safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

• The final scheme includes for the addition of a minimum of one drinking water station on Armada Way which will help reduce the use of single plastics and align with Plymouth’s Plan for Plastics.

• An increased amount of seating has been added to the play village area to ensure that there is enough seating for parents and carers whose children want to use the facilities.

• Defibrillator(s) will be installed on Armada Way. There are currently a number of defibrillators across the wider city centre area, but none on Armada Way directly.

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12 March 2024

Performance report shows progress in council’s priorities being delivered Strong progress is being made in delivering the City Council’s priorities for Building a Better Plymouth despite significant challenges caused by national factors, a new performance monitoring report shows.

The report to Cabinet highlights evidence that employment rates are improving, anti-social behaviour incidents reducing, the number of young people in education, employment or training increasing and the numbers of households prevented from becoming homeless increasing.

The report also highlights a wide range of initiatives during the last quarter that have helped deliver the administration’s priorities of tackling crime and anti-social behaviour, filling in potholes, creating cleaner streets, building new homes, green investment and better access to healthcare.

They include: • A new multi-agency working group focusing on predatory and high-risk males within the evening and night-time economy as part of the work to tackle violence against women and girls • A trial of Velocity patching technology which has seen around 10,000 road repairs that didn’t require excavations to the road surface, speeding up the repair process • Investment in a new fleet of mechanical street sweepers, including one dedicated to more sweeps of pavements on key routes and another to clean rear lanes, using special steel brushes to tackle weeds • Work with partners on schemes to deliver new and refurbished homes at Millbay, Plympton, Efford and Barne Barton • The development of a Green Skills Action plan and the mapping of green skills and training needs in the city • Success in securing funding to support net zero investment to deliver renewable energy schemes • The dental task force working together on initiatives to tackle the crisis in dental provision, including the securing of dental appointments for a number of schools.

The report also highlights ongoing challenges, including the numbers quitting smoking not dropping quickly enough, not enough Key stage 4 pupils achieving in English and Maths and an increase in the number of people on dental waiting lists.

Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet member for Housing, Cooperative Development and Communities, said: “This latest performance report is encouraging as it shows real, tangible progress on a whole range of critical issues for Plymouth – and things that we know make a difference in the lives of many residents.

“It is particularly encouraging to see the number of incidents of antisocial behaviour is down in the last quarter and more people being successfully supported to avoid becoming homeless.

“It is also encouraging to see employment rates increasing as a result of the huge amount of ongoing work to attract and secure employment opportunities and investment in the city and to ensure there opportunities for residents to develop the skills required for the current job market.

“Many of the challenges we continue to face in Plymouth – such as rising homelessness and lack of access to dental care – are down the national issues and the ongoing cost of living crisis – but we are determined to ensure that tackling them alongside our partners remains a high priority.”

@PlymChronicle

Achievements of construction and manufacturing apprentices celebrated at awards ceremony Outstanding local construction and manufacturing apprentices have been recognised for their skills and high standards demonstrated in their efforts and achievements at an awards ceremony held as part of Plymouth’s National Apprenticeship Week 2024.

The Apprentice of the Year Awards were presented jointly by Building Plymouth and the Plymouth Manufacturers’ Group (PMG), with nominations submitted by local construction and manufacturing employers and training providers, with the awards recognising 45 talented finalist and winning apprentices who were celebrated at the ceremony held at Market Hall, Devonport.

Introducing the awards ceremony, Councillor Sally Cresswell, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Apprenticeships at Plymouth City Council said: “It is fitting to be holding this celebration in National Apprenticeship Week 2024 with the theme ‘Skills for Life,’ a good chance to reflect on how the opportunity to ‘earn while you learn’ can help both young people to start their career journey and adults to change career direction.

“These apprentice awards truly represent the very best of achievement in two of Plymouth’s high growth sectors: construction and the built environment, and manufacturing and engineering.

This important week and our Awards today, presents us with a great platform to shine a light on the amazing opportunities that an apprenticeship brings to employers, individuals and the economy.

“I thank all our local employers and training providers who continue to invest and support our apprentices. I am delighted to be able to share a personal congratulations to everyone celebrated.”

During the celebration, Daniel Alford was presented the highly respected Ron Simmonds Construction Trade Apprentice of the Year 2024 Award.

Being recognised through his successful Level 3 Installation and Maintenance Electrician apprenticeship with ME Contracting Ltd and The Focus Training Group, Daniel said: “From first meeting my employer ME Contracting at the Building Plymouth Early Careers Fair in 2022 to today, I’ve really enjoyed my apprenticeship hands-on experience and training provided by Focus Training.

Thank you for the recognition and I hope winning this award provides a springboard for my career.”

Next up, Elijah Bennett was awarded the prestigious Building Plymouth Technical Apprentice of the Year 2024 Award. Employed by the innovative service Shared Apprenticeships and hosted by Kier Construction with Exeter College, undertaking a Level 4 Construction Site Supervisor apprenticeship, on winning the award Elijah said: “Thank you for the award, it is an honour to be recognised. Thank you to both Kier Construction and Shared Apprentices for support during my apprenticeship journey. I look forward to the future and developing within my career.”

Presenting the construction apprentice awards, Nikki Griffiths, Partner at WWA and Vice-Chair of Building Plymouth said: “I was delighted and honoured to be able to present the awards to the outstanding Apprentices we have in the local Construction and Built Environment industry. It is great to see such a diverse range of skills being recognised and the pride everyone showed in winning their awards. It certainly felt that the industry is in a good place and is attracting such talented people to build their careers in a fantastic diverse range of roles. Building Plymouth has championed the various pathways to the work environment through many different routes and

Award winners pictured with the Lord Mayor and other dignitaries and guests at the ceremony this is testament to its success in promoting construction as a career of choice.”

For 2024, the PMG Apprentice of the Year Awards were sponsored by Make UK, of which Jim Davison, Make UK’s regional director for the South of England was on the judging panel and presented the awards to the winners and finalists. Jim commented, “Through the nominations process, we heard about the dedication that these apprentices have towards their apprenticeships, their companies and their colleagues, which is hugely reassuring for the growth and development of the manufacturing industry. While we especially congratulate the winners, we must applaud all the finalists for their hard work and passion for our sector which is why, once again, I am delighted to support the PMG Apprentice of the Year Awards and celebrate our industry’s future talent in this way.”

The first award was presented to Kane Garside, a Procurement and Supply Chain Apprentice at Babcock who won the PMG Business Rising Star Apprentice of the Year Award.

Kane said “I am incredibly honoured and grateful to have won the Business Best Rising Star Apprentice Award. This recognition means a lot to me and I am truly grateful for the opportunities and support, given by the Supply Chain Function at Babcock, that have led me to this point.

“Thank you for believing in me and helping me grow as a Supply Chain professional. I am excited for what the future holds and I am grateful to be recognized as a rising star in the business world!”

For 2024, it was impossible to differentiate between the strongest of the nominations for the PMG Manufacturing Final Year Apprentice of the Year Award and two joint winners were declared.

They were Abbie Tucker of BD and Emily Taylor of Babcock.

Abbie Tucker completed her Engineering Technician Level 3 - Mechatronics Standard with Cornwall College in October 2023. Abbie has also

been recognised by BD globally for creating an injection mould manual which is now being utilised worldwide.

Abbie said:“Thank you to my employer BD for the recognition for this award. Proud to have won apprentice of the year and excited for the next chapter in my career within engineering.”

Joint Winner Emily Taylor is currently in the Final Year of her Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship with City College Plymouth.

Emily said: “I am extremely proud to have jointly won the Plymouth Manufacturing Group (PMG) Best Final Year Manufacturing Apprentice. I am grateful for the opportunities I have taken through Babcock and thank the Early Careers team and my department for giving me an amazing start to my engineering career. I am excited to continue encouraging future generations of engineers whilst maintaining my own professional development.

Plymouth is fortunate to have PMG as a fantastic network and continued growth in the sector is assured with their support in apprenticeship programmes. I am privileged to have been a part of this inspiring community in Plymouth.”

Karen Friendship, managing director at Aldermans and chair of the Plymouth Manufacturers’ Group said of the winners and finalists: “As I employ apprentices and I know the huge pride we feel when we see them grow, not just in their abilities but also in their confidence in our companies.

“Plymouth is one of the UK’s Top Ten Cities with the largest concentration of manufacturing employment. And our sector contributes a higher than average percentage to Plymouth’s economy – which means our apprentices, are also critical to the economic growth and future success of our city and local area. These awards are a significant way to show them that we recognise their endeavours, their importance in our businesses and that we are, in turn, committed to them.”

@PlymChronicle

March 2024

PLYMOUTH’S PLAN FOR HOMES DELIVERS OVER 7,500 NEW HOMES IN NINE YEARS

Plymouth’s innovative Plan for Homes programme has now delivered more than 7,500 new homes across the city over the past nine years.

The Plan for Homes details the council’s priorities for ensuring that the city has the housing to tackle the local effects of the national housing crisis as well as cater for the city’s growth agenda.

Now in its third incarnation, the successes of the programme were debated by the council’s Growth and Infrastructure Overview and Scrutiny Committee in February before the fourth version of the plan goes to Cabinet in March.

“When you sit back and look at what we’ve achieved since the initial plan was drawn up, support a variety of new and affordable it’s really quite something,” said Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet member for Housing, housing to tackle housing needs and homelessness whilst addressing existing poor Communities and Cooperative Development. housing conditions.

“By working to a set strategy, and by It also sets out a clear ambition for the working in partnership with a number of future of housing in the city by intervening in organisations, both locally and nationally, the market to provide the homes Plymouth we’ve been able to make things happen; people need whilst supporting the delivery of move things along and crucially, make a real the Joint Local Plan housing numbers. difference to residents by delivering the Successes so far have included: housing needed by so many.”

GNH_PLYCHRON_264x160_SB9_Feb2024_DEXP 20x3 06/02/2024 15:49 Page 1 of which 1,980 • 7,581 homes delivered in all The purpose of the Plan for Homes is to

READER TRAVEL

Artist’s impression of Broadland Gardens in Plymstock - the first council built homes for decades

are affordable • 48 council sites released to developers for new homes • Partnered on the regeneration of Devonport, North Prospect and Barne Barton • 385 long term empty homes brought back into use • Specific schemes for certain groups including service veterans, adults with learning disabilities, Extra Care for older persons.

• Supported innovative affordable homeownership schemes like RentPlus.

• Helped numerous self and customer build projects to succeed in building their own house.

• Close to completing on the first councilbuilt housing project for 40 years.

While the first three plans have been a success, there is still more work to be done to ensure that Plymouth has the homes it needs over the next few years.

“It would be very easy to pat ourselves on the back for job well done but as it is well documented, we’re in the middle of a housing crisis,” added Councillor Penberthy.

“We have to kick on from here and the new Plan for Homes 4 will do exactly that.

“Much will be the same – you don’t change a winning team – but we do have to adapt which is why a focus on more energy efficient homes will be a key pillar, along with a goal to drive up standards in the private rental sector and reduce the impacts of homelessness.

“Plan for Homes has been a great success and we must ensure that it continues to thrive over the next five years.”

Plan for Homes 4 is set to be presented at the meeting of the Cabinet on March 11.

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14 March 2024

Special event for young people with Type 1 diabetes

City College Plymouth chief executive Jackie Grubb pictured with the apprentice award winners

Young people in Plymouth living with Type 1 diabetes are being invited to a special event in the city.

The event is organised by the national ‘Type 1 Together’ team at Diabetes UK and hosted by Plymouth Sugar Zappers, a local support group for children living with diabetes and their parents and careers, The Plymouth event is taking part at Paradise Island Adventure Park Golf on Wednesday March 6 at 6.30pm and entry is completely free.

Becky Moore, volunteer and chair of Plymouth Sugar Zappers, said: “We are keen to promote this event beyond our local support group, to other young people diagnosed with the lifelong condition who might benefit.”

To register for the free event e-mail plymouthsugarzappers@gmail.com or contact Becky on 07580 393690.

Police appeal for witnesses after Millbay accident

Police are appealing for witnesses and information following a serious road traffic collision in Millbay on Friday February 9.

Officers were called at around 11.25pm to Sawrey Street where it was reported that a collision involved a Vauxhall Zafira and a female pedestrian.

The female pedestrian, aged in her 30s, sustained serious injuries and is being treated in hospital.

A man in his 20s was arrested in connection with the incident. He has been released on police bail while enquiries are ongoing.

The road was closed while an investigation was carried out at the scene. Officers from the Roads Policing Team would like to thank the public for their patience whilst the road was closed.

Anyone with any relevant information or dash-cam footage which may assist the investigation is asked to contact police via the Devon & Cornwall Police website or by calling 101 quoting log 929 of February 9.

Jools Holland date

Musical maestro Jools Holland and his famous Rhythm & Blues Orchestra have announced the run of dates for their 2024 Autumn/Winter tour, with special guests Marc Almond and Toby Lee.

From his years in the internationally acclaimed duo Soft Cell to the successful solo career that followed, Marc Almond has sold over 30 million records worldwide with his list of hit songs including Say Hello, Wave Goodbye‚ Something’s Gotten Hold Of My Heart and, of course, Tainted Love. Marc has been awarded the Ivor Novello Inspiration Award and the Icon Award by Attitude Magazine.

Audiences will also be treated to the supreme talent of blues guitar prodigy and social media sensation, Toby Lee. The show will also feature Ruby Turner and the vocals of Louise Marshall and Summed Jayatilaka.

The popular event makes its annual return to Plymouth Pavilions on December 13. Tickets are on sale via www.ticketmaster.co.uk and www. seetickets.com.

City College apprentices celebrate their successes at first ever awards ceremony City College Plymouth has demonstrated its commitment to honouring the hard work and achievements of its apprentices by hosting the very first College Apprenticeship Awards Ceremony.

The event, which took place at Plymouth Argyle Football Club, showcased the talents and accomplishments of the college’s apprentices over the last academic year.

The ceremony was marked by a blend of excitement and pride as apprentices, their families, college staff, employers and guests from the local business community gathered to celebrate the momentous occasion.

Award winners, their families, college staff and employer guests were treated to a performance from Imogen Early, a college music student, as well as an engaging address from special guest speaker, Ben Towers.

A celebrated and award-winning entrepreneur, Ben has left an undeniable mark on the business world through his groundbreaking ventures and dedication to fostering employee well-being. He highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship and the commitment that City College has to fostering this initiative for its students.

By working hand-in-hand with a diverse range of employers, the college ensures their apprentices receive the best possible training and experience, preparing them for successful careers.

Celebrating success at the awards ceremony

Awards were presented across departments, industries and disciplines to recognise the amazing work our apprentices have accomplished in the past year, with final awards presented to Siobhan England by the college’s Students’ Union and Emily Taylor by the Board of Governors in recognition for their positive contributions to college life.

The final award of the evening went to Piotr Pelka who received the Chief Executive’s Award.

Piotr embarked on his Apprenticeship journey in 2021, overcoming unprecedented challenges during the global pandemic. Not only did he achieve level 2 qualifications in English and maths, but he also earned a full distinction for his end-point assessment last July.

City College’s chief executive, Jackie Grubb, expressed her pride in the apprentices’ achievements, adding: “This evening is a testament to the exceptional talent and perseverance of our apprentices.

Their inspiring journeys of personal and professional growth truly embody the spirit of our college.

“I am confident that the skills and experiences they have gained here will propel them towards successful and fulfilling careers.

I couldn’t be prouder of them and I can’t wait to see what they do next.”

Award Winners Reflecting the diverse fabric of Plymouth’s community, the award recipients represented a wide range of ages and backgrounds.

Logan Holdsworth, Advanced Automotive Apprentice of the Year Ysabella Payn, Intermediate Construction Apprentice of the Year Daniel Butler, Advanced Construction Apprentice of the Year Joel Smith, Higher Construction Apprentice of the Year Cassidy Blake, Higher Digital Apprentice of the Year

City College chief executive Jackie Grubb pictured with guest speaker Ben Tower

Toby Humphries, Intermediate Engineering Apprentice of the Year Leo Marshall, Advanced Engineering Apprentice of the Year Sophie Hitchcock, Intermediate Hair & Beauty Apprentice of the Year Nathan Graham, Intermediate Health Apprentice of the Year Ruby Salmon, Intermediate Hospitality Apprentice of the Year Caitlin Whitford-Robson, Intermediate Science Apprentice of the Year.

@PlymChronicle

March 2024

GOOD THINGS START SMALL

THE

15

By Dave Simpson, Station Manager Cross Rhythms Plymouth

Experience In the Autumn of 2023 my three year old daughter found an acorn which looked to be sprouting. I said we’d plant it to see what would happen.

We duly took it home, found a small pot and some compost and set it on the window sill in our kitchen.

Day after day for many weeks it appeared as though nothing was going on. It didn’t look to be growing but I decided to give it a little bit of water every so often just in case there was still life in it.

Sadly as time passed I resigned myself to the fact that it wasn’t going to grow at all.

Though I couldn’t quite give up on it. Not just yet.

Some more days passed and I took a closer look at the acorn. There weren’t any shoots visible but it did seem to be changing. It appeared to be opening up more and the centre of it had turned green.

At this point I was tempted to dig it up and see what was going on under the surface.

Were there roots forming which I couldn’t see? I knew disturbing it at this point wasn’t an option and would only harm its potential growth. I just had to wait, keep watering it and stay patient.

You’ve probably guessed what happened next. The green colour change was indeed a

sign of life and eventually anything is growing and for a small shoot did come up that impatience to lead to out of it. discouragement and the From then on there’s been temptation to give up. no stopping it!

I imagine Jeff Bezos and A recent post I saw on his team in the early days social media drew parallels of Amazon had several to the process of our little points when, despite their acorn. It was a photograph best efforts, it didn’t look of a man sat at a desk alone like their business was in a very small office space. growing. I’m sure that’s On the wall was written been the case for most ‘amazon.com’ in rough spray entrepreneurs and probably painted letters. all of us in one way or The man in the photo another. was Jeff Bezos, now one Perhaps you’ve started of the wealthiest people writing a book and you’ve in the world and the got writer’s block in Dave Simpson image showed him in the the first chapter. Maybe uninspiring early days of you’re learning a musical Amazon. One of the largest instrument and right now corporations on the planet you just can’t get the hang now but back then barely a noticeable start of it. up company.

We like to see big changes happen now or There’s a quote in the Bible which says “Do at the very least today or this week. However not despise these small beginnings, for the it is far easier to track significant growth over Lord rejoices to see the work begin”. a number of years than it is days.

Almost everything we do in life which Growth is funny like that. You’ll see it more is valuable starts small. It’s very easy to with the turning of the years but it is actually become impatient when it doesn’t look like taking place daily. The acorn I planted was

growing, little by little everyday.

The regular actions I was taking to ensure it had enough water and all that was happening under the surface with the roots developing and the seed opening up set the foundation for the shoots to rise above the surface. Giving our little acorn the best chance to one day to become an oak tree.

Quite how we’re going to manage the later stages of its growth I’m not too sure, but that’s beside the point!

I want to take this opportunity to encourage you to keep doing what you’re doing. Keep taking those little incremental steps in whatever endeavour you have before you. Right now it may look like nothing but in time you will see the growth and development which simply will not happen if you stop now.

In the years to come our little plant will look mighty. For days on end it looked like it was dead.

Take from that what you will.

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

From the factory floor to the hospital ward – how one Plymouth man has turned his life around...

Simon Raymont, who is 48, admits he didn’t do well at school. He was in and out of hospital with asthma and his studies took a hit.

Now the father of one from the west of Plymouth is studying an assistant practitioner foundation degree apprenticeship at University Centre South Devon (UCSD), part of South Devon College, and is enjoying the challenge.

“I left school, spent a few years working in factories before becoming a care assistant for a private ambulance company. However it was a zero-hours contract and as the hours got less I knew I had to find something else.”

Simon, whose mum was a nurse for 50 years, then decided to apply to Derriford Hospital to be a healthcare assistant. He’s worked on the Planned Investigation Unit now for 17 years and after doing various qualifications he decided to do an

apprenticeship to help boost his career.

UCSD has seen a large increase in the number of people who have signed up for the assistant practitioner foundation degree apprenticeship.

“We’ve seen a 403% increase in the last year,” said Lucy Parkin, head of curriculum for health and care at UCSD. “This is due to the role being more in demand and the fact that it opens up a lot of career opportunities with pathways including occupational therapy, physiotherapy, theatres, ICU, A&E, care of the elderly, speech and language, podiatry and many more.

“It’s a direct route to work in the NHS or other health or care organisations and is essential to the future development of the sector.”

Simon admits that working and studying can be hard at times. “It can be a challenge and sometimes you think how am I going to get this done but you do. It is harder as you get older as

learning styles are different.”

But Simon’s advice to anyone considering doing an apprenticeship is to not doubt yourself.

“You have the knowledge and everyone at UCSD is very supportive.”

Simon’s apprenticeship is just one of many available at UCSD and South Devon College.

Apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships are available across many sectors, including the more well-known such as bricklayer and beauty therapist, but there are more surprising ones available too like nursing associate, sea fisher, paralegal or chartered manager.

Simon admits he loves a challenge and hasn’t ruled out taking more qualifications in the future.

Simon Raymont who is studying an assistant practitioner foundation degree at University Centre South Devon, part of South Devon College

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Councillor Tina Tuohy named as Lord Mayor Designate The Lord Mayor Selection Committee has recommended the new Lord Mayor Designate for 2024/2025 as Councillor Tina Tuohy.

The recommendation will be put forward at the next Full Council meeting on March 18 before it is fully agreed.

Tina was born in Berlin but grew up in Devon with her father’s family. Tina started her career as an art student studying Fine Art and Textile Production in London.

Tina moved to Plymouth in 1970 after getting married and raising a family, and in 1987, she went back to education as a mature student via what was then the University of Exeter’s ‘Department of Extra Mural Studies’ and went on to graduate in Single Honours Archaeology.

In 1990, Tina went on to do a course in Wetland Archaeology at Leiden University in the Netherlands before continuing as a postgraduate at Exeter where, in 1996, she received her PhD on the study of Iron Age Weaving combs.

Tina was a lecturer in Archaeology at the University of Exeter for 16 years and Bristol University for four years.

Councillor Tuohy used to be a governor at the old North Prospect Primary School before it became the Mayflower Academy. She has also worked to introduce archaeology to primary school children and local community groups.

Tina currently serves as a Ham Ward Councillor and was first elected to the Ward in 2009. She is also Vice-Chair of the Planning Committee.

Tina has campaigned to support the community of North Prospect throughout her work as a councillor, such as supporting community events.

Tina lived in North Prospect for over 40 years and has seen the area expand and change throughout the regeneration.

Councillor Tuohy said: “It is a huge honour to be asked to be the Lord Mayor Designate.

“I have always been so passionate about Plymouth and the people that live here, I’ll never forget the moment when I stepped off the train in 1970 and walked out and saw the city, that’s when I knew that it was home.

“Plymouth is such a lovely place to live, work and visit. I have lived here for over 50 years and seen this city grow and change, I look forward to the year of office.”

Current Lord Mayor, Councillor Mark Shayer, said: “I am delighted that councillors have agreed to support Tina as Lord Mayor Designate for 2024/2025.

“I wish her a rewarding and enjoyable year in office. She has so many incredible stories to tell and will make a fantastic Lord Mayor.

“Personally, it has been an absolute privilege and pleasure to be Lord Mayor for this city, I have enjoyed every minute of it.”

Current Lord Mayor, Councillor Mark Shayer congratulates Coun Tuohy on her nomination

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Plymstock gets new woodland addition Volunteers from the community group Friends of Downhorn Park have recently completed the planting of over 500 trees in the field adjacent to the Community Centre at the top of the Broadway Car Park.

Working with staff from Plymouth City Council, the planting forms part of the Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest project.

Chair of the Friends group, Dr Colin Munn commented: “This is a big step forward

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Soroptimists gift boxes for young care leavers Plymouth Soroptimists have handed over the first batch of gift boxes for youngsters leaving the local care system in an ongoing initiative.

in our mission to protect and enhance this lovely green space in the heart of Plymstock.

“Urban trees have huge benefits for the environment and biodiversity, as well as boosting our physical and mental health.”

The trees will be managed to establish a woodland canopy, which will mature in the coming years to enhance walks in the park and provide shady spots to relax, picnic, and play.

Radford Ward Councillor Bill Wakeham commented: “This is

a wonderful creation and will greatly assist in meeting our city’s environmental targets.

“It really is a park of the future and will transform a very ordinary piece of grassland into a pleasurable and welcoming area.”

The boxes contain household items such as tea towels, cleaning products, chopping board, dustpan and brush and other items as well as a gift voucher.

Using money from a legacy the Plymouth Soroptimist club voted to provide a box of useful items and a Tesco gift voucher to around 50 youngsters as they leave their foster homes and set up on their own in the coming months.

Female care leavers will also be offered period pants with the funding for these coming from the £10,000 lottery money recently awarded to the club. The pants are reusable and therefore environmentally friendly and the aim is to encourage the use of period pants in place of other unsustainable options.

Member Margaret Luscombe is liaising with the social workers who will identify the care leavers and deliver the boxes. Margaret said: “The whole club is fully behind this project to give a little extra help to these young people as they embark on this new stage in their lives.

“We have worked with the social workers to identify the items that will be most useful, and the gift voucher will enable them to buy some nice extras to personalise their new homes.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about the Plymouth Soroptimist club can email plymsorop.org.uk, visit the website plymsorop.org.uk and/ or follow on X or Facebook.

18 March 2024

MILLIONS TO BE INVESTED IN PLYMOUTH’S YOUNG PEOPLE Young people in Plymouth look set to benefit from a massive investment designed to encourage them to learn, gain skills, enjoy incredible opportunities – and have fun.

It comes after Plymouth City Council was successful in its bid for a share of the £560 million Youth Investment Fund, a government initiative to provide every young person in England with access to regular out of school activities, adventures away from home and opportunities to volunteer.

It means that from coast to countryside parks, from the waterfront to the neighbourhoods of Efford, Honicknowle and Stonehouse, more will be on offer for young people to do, with regular out of school activities, adventures away from home and opportunities to volunteer all opening up.

The big-ticket item for Plymouth will be £2.4 million for the expansion, refurbishment and overall improvement of Fredrick Street Centre in Stonehouse, Efford Youth and Community Centre and Honicknowle Youth and Community Centre.

In Stonehouse, one-on-one youth justice and targeted support work with young people will be expanded. There will be dedicated resources for young people who have experienced care, including support, resources, IT facilities, life skills, and fitness equipment along with a new education suite.

Efford Youth and Community Centre will get a brand new Multi Use Games Area to increase sporting activities, while supervised access to basketball and boxing will be expanded. At Honicknowle Youth and Community Centre, current successful SEND provision and groups will be improved alongside a new digital engagement project aimed creating a fun, informal learning environment for young people.

Both buildings will also undergo complete refurbishment, increasing their size and ensuring that they are fit to serve generations of young people in the city in the future.

Projects at Derriford Community Park, in and around Forder Valley, and at Tinside on the waterfront will also be getting a financial boost through the fund.

Through this fund and additional money, Derriford Community Park is set for further expansion, thanks to a huge £1.6 million investment. The park, with Poole Farm at its heart, will eventually cover a massive 146 hectares containing a large area of previously inaccessible farm land.

This investment will lead to yet more access for residents with the final elements of the multi-use access network opening up 40 hectares of countryside to visitors.

The derelict Old Hayloft at Poole Farm will be renovated to provide a room for educational groups as well as welfare facilities for site users. A new cabin building will also be built, providing a year-round space for eco-therapy, training and teaching whilst connected to the outdoor environment.

Over on the Foreshore £1.8 million is being set aside for the refurbishment of two of Tinside’s listed buildings, to open them to a new generation of users.

Together, the improvements will enable youth workers to work with young people to build confidence, develop skills, undertake marinerelated training and learn about blue sector career opportunities in Plymouth.

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National Marine Park wins Heritage Fund boost An £11.6m funding boost from the National Lottery Heritage Fund has been awarded to Plymouth to help deliver the UK’s first National Marine Park – a £22m transformation programme that will help empower and engage the city in the marine environment.

Unlike other National Parks, Plymouth’s landscape is mostly under the sea, hidden from view, yet brimming with wildlife of international importance, outstanding maritime heritage, and over 600 shipwrecks.

The project will create the country’s first National Marine Park, revolutionising the way Plymouth interacts with its heritage, promoting a more harmonious relationship with the ocean and creating hundreds of jobs. The National Marine Park will encourage people to become ‘Marine Citizens’, developing closer connections with the ocean, learning to care about the coastal environment and change the way everyone behaves in order to protect it.

The project is the beginning of a movement – a first-of-its-kind opportunity for the development of National Marine Parks across the UK and it is being led by Plymouth.

Thanks to the funding from the Heritage Fund and their Heritage Horizon Award programme, Plymouth’s National Marine Park is one step closer to coming a reality. This innovative project puts the restoration of nature and the city’s marine heritage at the heart of the project, engaging with all those living, working and studying in Plymouth. Through an exciting and diverse activity plan, Plymouth Sound National Marine Park aims to engage the entire city in its three-step journey to: • Engage and inspire; • Provide opportunities for learning and discovery; • Enable connection and positive action to support the long-term care of Plymouth Sound National Marine Park.

Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “As Britain’s Ocean City we have a unique opportunity to pioneer a new approach to protecting and restoring the amazing heritage of Plymouth Sound, transforming the lives of local residents.

“In developing the UK’s first National Marine

Plymouth Sound - set to become the UK’s first national Marine Park. Photo: Ocean Conservation Trust

Park we will create a blueprint for an innovative new model of National Marine Parks across our island nation – and this feels both vital and exciting.

“We are proud to lead as the first city to enjoy this incredible opportunity to innovate, protect and develop our connections to the sea.”

A series of sensitive restoration projects across the citywide waterfront will enable greater accessibility to Plymouth Sound National Marine Park. These developments will open up new ‘gateways’ to the National Marine Park through previously inaccessible heritage sites, including the 17th century Mount Batten Tower and Garden Battery at Mount Edgcumbe, which has been closed to the public since World War 2.

Improvements to Mount Batten Peninsula will enhance dwell time and increase access to nature, whilst Tinside, Plymouth’s beloved Art-Deco Lido, will undergo transformational work to open up new spaces that can be enjoyed year-round.

In addition, a pioneering nature boost project will restore habitats and species including sea grass beds, mudflats and saltmarshes, oysters, mussels, little egrets, avocets thornback ray,

seahorses, sand eels and the rare allis shad.

Elaine Hayes, Plymouth Sound National Marine Park chief executive, added: “This programme has been designed to maximise the number of people accessing the National Marine Park’s incredible built and natural heritage, encouraging everyone to discover the treasures of Plymouth Sound and to enable communities to care for the National Marine Park.”

Roger Maslin, chief executive of the Ocean Conservation Trust, said: ‘’We are hugely proud to be a delivery partner of Plymouth Sound National Marine Park. The impact the ocean has on the day-to-day lives of Plymouth’s residents has been visible for thousands of years.

“So, being the UK’s First National Marine Park is a pivotal next step in our city’s pioneering approach to the relationship between nature and people. “We sincerely hope that this will be the first of many National Marine Parks around the UK’s coastline and are now thrilled to be embarking on the next exciting chapter of this journey’’ For more details visit: www. plymouthsound nationalmarinepark.com

nature and heritage and an inclusive activity plan, will commence in 2024.

Infrastructure improvements getting under way include: Work to enhance the city’s iconic art-deco Tinside Lido Scaffolding will go up before the start of the bathing season to support maintenance works and the refurbishment of the first floor and terrace which will create a multi-purpose event space for people to enjoy with panoramic views of the National Marine Park. The works will not interrupt enjoyment of the pool over the summer.

The Mount Batten Peninsula Works to install a new pontoon, a warm and welcoming refurbishment to the centre café, accessible changing rooms, and improved access to the 17th Century Tower will all begin this year.

Mount Edgcumbe’s Garden Battery New designs to open up the Palmerston coastal defence fort will be finalised during 2024 before works commence in early 2025.

Meanwhile there will also be lots of exciting activities that people can join in with over the course of the year, including: Swim Safe A programme designed to build skills and confidence in, on and under the water, offering beginner swimming lessons through to snorkelling

and diving, all located at Tinside Lido.

Rockpool Encounters An expert led session introducing the incredible and unique habitat of marine life that lives beneath the waves of Plymouth Sound National Marine Park.

Community Coastal Cleans An opportunity for communities to come together and spend time helping to clean and protect their natural environment and a great stepping stone try out our volunteering scheme.

Meet the Marine Park Team The team will pop-up at new locations across the city offering opportunities to find out more about Plymouth Sound National Marine Park and how to get involved.

Sea in your School An exciting KS2 programme where lots of primary school children will get to virtually experience Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, a unique and memorable way of bringing education to life.

For those who want to engage further, an exciting citywide volunteer recruitment drive will roll out from early spring.

This will offer people, with varying levels of commitment, opportunities to support Plymouth Sound National Marine Park either for a couple of hours, a day, or as an active regular.

Range of exciting firsts lined up for the summer The summer of 2024 is set to be one to remember for the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park.

Having just received an £11.6m funding boost from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the UK’s first National Marine Park is now set to embark on a transformation programme that will help empower and engage the city in the marine environment.

With exciting events and innovative improvements set to take place across 2024, the new Marine Park will ensure a legacy that cements Plymouth’s relationship with the sea for generations to come.

“This really is the start of something massive for our city,” said Council Leader Tudor Evans OBE, who on Monday presented the marine park business case to his colleagues at Cabinet.

“The Plymouth Sound National Marine Park will revolutionise how we look after, utilise, and celebrate the sea that is so much part of our history, our heritage, and now our future.

“We’ve got so much to look forward to over the next few months alone and I can’t wait to see some of the improvements take shape.”

Following a two-year development stage where the council spoke to over 10,000 people on what they wanted to see from the Park, several restoration projects that will improve access to

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March 2024 19

New £14.5 million Plymouth Business School is unveiled Plymouth University is creating a first-class new home for the Plymouth Business School at the heart of its city centre campus.

The transformed Fitzroy Building will include a number of specialist teaching facilities and social learning spaces for students on undergraduate and postgraduate programmes including those in Business, Accounting and Marketing.

These will include an upgraded Bloomberg Interactive Learning Suite, where students learn how to analyse financial markets, as well as a Maritime Suite and a Language Lab. It will also provide a new location for The Cube, the University’s acclaimed student and graduate enterprise support service, which in the past three years has supported over 4,400 student interactions and generated 230 businesses.

Through these facilities, students will acquire the skills they need to succeed in their chosen career at the same time as developing an understanding of their sustainability and social responsibilities.

The £14.5 million project is a key element of the University’s £250 million Campus Masterplan, a decade-long programme of modernisation designed to maintain a first-class learning, research and working environment for all students and staff.

Professor Judith Petts, vicechancellor of the university, said: “The transformation of the Fitzroy Building is further evidence of our long-held commitments to sustainability and net zero. Once again, we are taking an existing building and repurposing it to create a cuttingedge space that will enhance

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An artist’s impression of the new Plymouth Business School

teaching and experiences for both our students and staff. It is also the result of a long-held desire to bring our business students into the heart of the campus, giving them a facility that will advance their aspirations and inspire their innovation.”

The Plymouth Business School aims to combine career success with a commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.

It has affiliations to professional bodies including the Business Graduates Association and the International Accreditation Council for Business Education, as well as collaborations with businesses, organisations, community groups, and public bodies.

The School has also recently been selected as a PRME

Champion, demonstrating its commitment to raising the bar for sustainable business education.

Professor Chris Bennewith, executive Dean of Arts, Humanities and Business at the University, added: “Courses like our Marketing programme are consistently ranked among the best in the country, and the Business School attracts significant numbers of international students.

“Our industry-led programmes equip graduates to be successful, and we know the quality of our teaching and support is already held in high regard.

“This new home for the School will create an exciting new space in which current and future students can foster the knowledge and enthusiasm that they will need to achieve their ambitions.”

The Fitzroy Building was originally constructed in the 1970s, and the plans for its transformation have recently approved by the local planning authority, Plymouth City Council.

Constructed to the highest sustainability standards, the new facility will extend the University’s ambition for net zero, a commitment that in 2023 saw it become only the second university in the UK to achieve verified carbon neutral status.

The building is being refurbished in line with the latest thermal efficiency standards, with a focus on reducing heat loss and ensuring energy efficiency.

Air source heat pumps will be used to provide heating and hot water for the building, while photovoltaic panels will be installed on its roof to generate electricity.

New campaign launched to promote career opportunities in Plymouth Children’s Services Plymouth City Council has launched a new campaign promoting the range of careers available in Children’s Services, with new and exciting opportunities for staff.

The council has a comprehensive transformation and improvement programme in place in its Children’s Service with one of the key priorities to ensure there is a stable, well supported and high performing workforce.

The service is now seeking permanent staff to join with a variety of roles available, including experienced social workers, team managers, service managers and heads of service.

Councillor Jemima Laing, Cabinet Member

for Children’s Social Care, said: “Our aim is for all children and young people in Plymouth to have a bright future – and we want that for our staff too.

“Our Children’s Services team are ambitious and positive and we’re investing so that we can offer manageable workloads and excellent learning and development opportunities for our staff. Now is a really great time to join the team, with some really exciting job roles available for anyone looking to progress their career.

David Haley, director of Children’s Services, said: “We are looking for talented, experienced professionals to join our determined and enthusiastic team, to help

us make a difference to the lives of children, young people and their families.

“It’s an exciting time to join our service. We’re transforming the way we work and making improvements in children’s social care and our services for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

“With a range of roles available, we’re excited to welcome new staff so that we can help them realise their ambitions as they help us to make a real difference to the lives of children, young people and their families in Plymouth.”

To find out more and see the jobs available visit: www.plymouth.gov.uk/ childrens-services-careers.

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20 March 2024

to Plymouth sailors in big clean Advertise over up operation in Antarctica 23,000 Plymouth-based Royal Navy sailors have helped preserve the natural beauty of Antarctica by removing three tonnes of waste from an island.

Ice breaker HMS Protector returned to Brabant Island – on the west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula – for the first time since 2017 to continue work to remove abandoned equipment from an expedition in the 1980s.

Ice had frozen some waste into position but subsequent thaw and freeze cycles meant it could now be removed seven years on.

Twenty-nine members of HMS Protector’s expedition headed ashore on the ship’s Zodiac boats, including operations officer, Lieutenant Commander Hannah Lee, who also took part in the 2017 effort.

Lt Commander Lee said: “It was rewarding for the ship’s company to be able to conduct a clean-up and preserve the natural beauty of Antarctica.

“I was part of the team that did the initial cleanup in 2016/17 and it was interesting to see how much the snow had melted and how much more equipment had been exposed.

“Unfortunately, we were not able to get everything off the Island due to permafrost and the severity of the landscape however, we have made it as safe as possible for the wildlife living there.”

Over 15 months from January 1984, a Joint Services Expedition to Brabant Island – the second largest island of the Palmer Archipelago within the British Antarctic Territory – undertook a scientific mission.

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Crew members from HMS Protector pictured during the clean up on Brabant Island

Brabant had only been visited on six very brief occasions since its discovery in 1898 and the expedition sought to explore the island in three phases, travelling by boat, canoe and overland – each phase was landed and recovered by former ice patrol vessel HMS Endurance.

Nearly 40 years on, Protector returned for her second clean-up effort as part of the ‘One Tonne Challenge’. First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Ben Key, asked personnel to spare time to rid beaches of one tonne of rubbish as part of an environmental drive. Protector smashed that challenge three times over in one sitting on Brabant Island – with the locals, Chinstrap penguins, watching on.

Marine Garrett said: “It was quite shocking seeing all the mess left behind at first. But once we got together to gather up all the rubbish, we could instantly see the benefits of our work, quite a bitter-sweet feeling.”

HMS Protector is the Royal Navy’s polar research ship and is currently deployed in the Antarctic region promoting British interests and enforcing the Antarctic Treaty by working with partners including the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), United Kingdom Antarctic Heritage Trust and the governments of the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands.

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An £11.6m funding boost from the National Lottery Heritage to help deliver the Fund has been awarded UK’s first National Marine Park – a to Plymouth help empower and £22m transforma engage the city in tion programme the marine environme that will nt.

FULL STORY ON PAGE 18

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Refurbishment work is currently taking place on our new home at Stonehouse Creek. After 31 years at Bath St we are now moving to new premises and we will be able to support so many more people through expanding our services. We will be able to offer community space once open and look forward to welcoming you to our new building. Please check our social media pages and website for updates. @shekinahcharity

Waterside & West Royal William Yard is hosting a special event in March to mark the 200th anniversary of the RNLI See Page 10

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