Plym Links February/March 2023

The deadline date for any inclusions in the April/May issue of Plym Links is 24 February.

For all editorial enquiries please contact Joanne Mallard via email at: joanne.mallard@linksmagazines.co.uk

THE LINKS TEAM:

Publisher: Tim Randell

Editor: Joanne Mallard

Design: Julian Rees

Advertising: Jane Daniel, Olivia Breyley, Joanne Mallard

February is already underway and March, with its promise of spring flowers and longer days, is just around the corne...

If you’re looking ahead to springtime, take a look at Sue Fisher’s fabulous tips for revitalising your garden. There’s plenty to be getting on with now so that your outside space is ready for spring. Ron Smith has also shared a fabulous walk with us, best walked in the second half of March to enjoy the best of the season’s flowers.

It’s no secret that our NHS is under increasing pressure, and you’ll find an uplifting article on Devon Freewheelers on pages 8 & 9. These incredible volunteers have provided a vital resource for years and are no doubt more valuable than ever to our health service at present. We are grateful to them for their dedication and for sharing their work with us.

Our feature this issue is on Plymouth Artists Together (PAT); Mike Vosper set up the group in 2020 when he became disheartened at the amount of neglected, run down spaces in our city. As the group has grown, PAT artists have shared their work across the city. A recent crowdfunder has provided much-needed funds, but there is

always more support needed. If you’d like to get involved, contact Mike – you’ll find all of the details on pages 6 & 7.

If that’s not enough to get excited about, this issue’s Local People share some incredible stories about their careers. Leanne Hawker has travelled all over the world as an actress and worked with the most amazing people. And Michelle Stacey took a leap of faith in her forties, selling her successful business to embark on a new career as a yoga teacher, which she loves. Both of these inspirational ladies demonstrate how important it is to follow your dreams.

The What’s On pages are packed this issue – there are 14 pages of local shows, concerts, library sessions etc to peruse. Hopefully there will be something for everybody.

As you read, I’ll be looking ahead and working on the April/May edition; please send me any news stories or contacts for interesting local people, as I’m always delighted to receive your emails.

I hope you enjoy this issue!

Best wishes

Joanne

It feels rather belated to be saying it a month into 2023, but a Happy New Year to all of our Plym Links readers!

celebrating art on our streets

Looking back on the origins of his Plymouth Artists

Together (PAT) group, Mike Vosper recalls that he was ‘fed up’ with seeing neglected, wasted local spaces. He founded PAT on Facebook to reach out to local people, and then set about brightening up a bridge in Stoke as the very first PAT project. “I knocked on a few doors to see if I could get some support and worked on the bridge with a couple of ladies. I then went back the following week. A key thing about brightening up spaces is keeping them fresh and looking after them, so that the community enjoys and respects the artwork.”

The Facebook group really took off, with many people turning to art projects as a hobby during lockdown. PAT now has over 2,000 followers.

“PAT is important to so many people for a wide variety of reasons,” explains Mike. “We work with Plymouth City Council, local businesses, landlords etc to ensure that we have spaces for our artists to produce legal street art. This brightens up the area for those who own it and offers the artist the space to be creative.

“Exhibitions and events offer fundraising opportunities as well; for example, we have previously raised £400 for the victims of the Keyham shootings.

“We also work closely with the Probation Service, offering invaluable experiences where the clients can help to clean up and prepare forlorn areas, then return later to see the creative transformations that have taken place. In turn, this helps keep our costs down.”

“ PAT supports a range of different artwork that can be completed in different ways. Legal graffiti and street art are key components of its work, but it also provides street galleries where artists of all ages can share their talents. ”

“We’ve worked with people who suffer with anxiety, who have shared and sold their artwork for the first time at one of our exhibitions and really built up their confidence.

PAT supports a range of different artwork that can be completed in different ways. Legal graffiti and street art are key components of its work, but it also provides street galleries where artists of all ages can share their talents. “Our outside galleries give everybody, regardless of age or background, the chance to display their work,” explains Mike. “PAT offers opportunities to artists who are unable to paint in public by providing them with a plywood board to paint at home, which can then be mounted at a later date. We have various Street Galleries, our latest being fish shaped boards; these are installed in a predominant landmark area on Plymouth Hoe.”

In 2022, Mike set up a Crowdfunder to support the group’s future development. Funding to date has

In 2020, just before lockdown, Mike Vosper set out on a journey to brighten up our city with inspirational fresh pieces of street art.

often been partially provided by local councillors from their community pots of money; the ability to selffund will offer the group more creative freedom whilst releasing the local council’s funds for other causes. The crowdfunder has so far raised just over £13,500 in support of local art projects. Mike estimates that around £1,500 of this has come from the general public.

One particularly poignant donation came from Arts Society South Devon, chaired by Jane Howlett, in memory of Dr Elizabeth Mansfield. The Society donated £500 in memory of Elizabeth; this donation will provide art experience to those who go to Leadworks for the warm bank, and their final work will be installed on the random art corner.

“Every penny counts,” says Mike. “We aim to bring unexpected artwork to neglected local spaces to put a surprised smile on people’s faces – and that’s what the money we have raised will help us to do.

“The crowdfunder is still open and we are grateful for every small donation, which will help us to keep growing and get our artwork out into the more suburban areas of the city.

“We could also really do with support from volunteers who are

able to help us apply for grants or bid funding. You don’t have to be an artist to get involved with PAT; the administration that goes into our work is also vitally important.”

If you’d like to get involved, you can contact Mike on 07816089757. n

Joanne Mallard

Where can you see PAT’s work?

The chances are, you’ve already seen it! If you’ve spotted an eye-catching creation in an unexpected location, it’s likely to have been created by PAT. If you want to see some speci c examples, keep an eye out for these.

• Five portraits of women of di erent ethnic backgrounds on a former hospital building – a Victorian Building in Devonport owned by Livewell

• 40ft (12m) mural of triple-amputee former Royal Marine Mark Ormrod on the side of a house in Pounds Park Road

• The sh-shaped boards on Plymouth Hoe

• Chimps on a changing room at West Park

• Fox on the foot bridge at Bodmin Road in Whitleigh

• Yellow wall of feathers in North Road East

• Meadow scene at E ord Crematorium

• Piece on violence against women on boards outside the Civic Centre

• An old sherman and trawler in stormy seas at St. Levan Road, next to Ford pub

“ A key thing about brightening up spaces is keeping them fresh and looking after them. PAT supports a range of different artwork that can be completed in different ways. ”

THE ARTS SOCIETY SOUTH DEVON

not end there – the volunteers regularly transport breast milk to aid vulnerable babies in neonatal units across Devon, and collect from mums donating their own milk. Devon Freewheelers also proudly supports Devon Air Ambulance (DAA), transporting freeze-dried blood plasma, called LyoPlas, from the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital to DAA’s air bases in North Devon and Exeter.

Nigel Hare, operations director at Devon Air Ambulance, said: “Devon Freewheelers has supported Devon Air Ambulance for many years. The nature of pre-hospital care means we cannot predict when a patient might need our critical care doctors and paramedics to administer life-saving treatment, which also means we cannot predict when we require replacement LyoPlas to be delivered. We are incredibly grateful for the service Devon Freewheelers provides, often with minimal notice, as it ensures our team always has LyoPlas available to administer to patients in their time of need.”

Chances

are it was a volunteer blood biker from the Devon Freewheelers charity – a group of men and women from across the county who each evening pull on their leathers and helmet, and head out on the charity’s motorbikes (and cars), often riding late into the night, quietly collecting hundreds of samples from medical centres and doctors’ surgeries in our towns and villages. This free, daily, out-of-hours, reliable courier service was set up in 2009 to save the NHS money – in the past, it was not unheard of for samples to be taken to the hospital laboratory by taxi, at huge cost. Thanks to the Devon Freewheelers’ volunteers, surgeries and medical centres signing up for the charity’s free help can arrange for their samples to be picked up even when they are closed – meaning they can run later clinics for their patients. The charity is made up of a team of trained volunteer riders, drivers, call handlers and fundraisers – all dedicated to providing a 24/7 service, delivering blood, medical test samples, medication, medical equipment and patient notes to support the NHS. Each month the team travels hundreds of miles, transporting thousands of samples. The role of the Devon Freewheelers does

Dave Cook, a Devon Freewheelers volunteer rider who coordinates Devon riders in the east and north, and also transports LyoPlas to the air ambulance, said: “We understand that when we collect anything upward of 10 blood or fluid samples from a medical centre, each of those samples is the medical wellbeing of an individual, who has had it taken for a reason. They’re tested by a pathology or microbiology lab for confirmation of a medical professional’s initial diagnosis. Until those results are filtered back to the doctor, nurse or midwife, so that appropriate treatment can be administered, the anxiety of the patient is increased by simply not knowing what their medical predicament is. That’s ten-plus quality-of-life issues that, as a rider, we are responsible for delivering safely and quickly to their destination. That responsibility gives me enormous pride in how we as volunteers are serving the community, improving people’s quality of life.”

and

Each day, from early afternoon, the phone call collection requests come thick and fast into the office at the charity’s headquarters in Honiton, as medical centres and doctors’ surgeries arrange for a blood biker

If you have had a blood sample taken by your doctor for testing, have you ever considered who took it to the hospital laboratory for you?

“ Thanks to the Devon Freewheelers’ volunteers, surgeries and medical centres signing up for the charity’s free help can arrange for their samples to be picked up even when they are closed –meaning they can run later clinics for their patients. ”

Freewheelers rider Emma Pring

to take their day’s samples to the many Devon hospital laboratories. No appeal for help is ever turned down –and if an urgent request comes in, the rally call goes out to the charity’s team of loyal volunteers; the blood bikers are quick to act, instantly dropping whatever they are doing to respond.

Dave Cook added: “Because of the nocturnal life of a blood biker, we don’t normally meet any of the recipients of the commodities we collect and deliver around the county. A huge proportion of the community who attend surgeries probably aren’t even aware of our involvement. We occasionally meet medical professionals at hospital. The staff are always so appreciative of our services and occasionally learn for the first time of our volunteer status.

“Having been a blood biker for nearly ten years, I’m as motivated and enthusiastic now as I was when I first joined. Having had lots of personal family involvement with the NHS in the past, I know a fast, professional, and reliable courier service is crucially important for the welfare of others. I wear the Devon Freewheelers emblem with the same pride as I would a medal, and am

privileged to highlight the role of the charity to anyone who’ll listen.”

Blood biker Emma Pring said: “In 2012 I had a brain haemorrhage and as a result I can no longer give blood. I was distraught and it really saddened me beyond anything else I had to deal with. After my recovery, I needed something to give back. I had already got my licence and the IAM qualification, so knew I could join up with the Devon Freewheelers. Every time I go on duty, I know it is my little way of giving something back and helping people around the west of Devon. As a female blood biker, I thought the response from people may have been different towards me, but I get ‘good on you girl’ when I tell them that I ride the bikes.”

Retired police officer Phil Hicks, who serves Plymouth and the west area as a blood biker and driver, said: “It is great being a blood biker as everywhere I go, people are always so happy to see us. I have been doing it for about 14 months now and on several occasions I have been personally thanked by the public for doing the job.”

Jamie Rutherford, a West Devon volunteer, said: “After a long shift, one cold night outside Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, I returned to the bike after dropping off the samples to find a lovely block of M&S millionaire’s shortbread on the bike seat; a guy was leaving. He just said ‘thanks’ and walked off.” n

“ No appeal for help is ever turned down –and if an urgent request comes in, the rally call goes out to the charity’s team of loyal volunteers; the blood bikers are quick to act, instantly dropping whatever they are doing to respond. ”

In the spotlight

Asyoung children, Leanne and her sister, Amy, would record songs using their Dad’s microphone.

“Performing didn’t run in our family,” recalls Leanne. “But our parents sacrificed family holidays so that we could attend summer workshops at the Theatre Royal and they ferried us about every night of the week, whether it was to dance class, LAMDA lessons or rehearsals.”

At the age of seven, Leanne was cast as Marta in The Sound of Music at Plymouth’s Theatre Royal. It was her first taste of life on stage – and she loved it. Aged 12, she became part of Plymouth Youth Music Theatre, which she was involved with for seven years. At 13, she appeared in Roger Redfern’s Fiddler on the Roof. Throughout her teens, Leanne focussed on dance, speech and drama and her London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) exams. At 19, she got a place at the Guildford School of Acting and was awarded a local authority grant, which was vital to her being able to attend.

Leanne spent three years at drama school, followed by a part in The Snow Queen, touring schools with the production. She then joined the cast of Cameron Mackintosh’s Oliver! for 12 months, heading to Toronto with big names such as Russ Abbot and Gary Wilmot for the turn of the millennium.

“I was a ‘swing’,” explains Leanne. “I had to learn all 12 female ensemble parts, which is challenging and a really good learning opportunity!”

After a year out working in a call centre, whilst

auditioning, Leanne found herself as Faith Brown’s understudy in Sunset Boulevard. Other prestigious roles started to come up, including concerts at the Theatre Museum in London, South Pacific with the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, a season at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and My Fair Lady in Cyprus.

And then there was the doublebilled Peter Pan & The Pirates of Penzance at the Savoy Theatre in London, where Leanne starred with Antony Head and, perhaps more importantly, worked professionally alongside sister Amy. “It was brilliant,” recalls Leanne. “Our parents made numerous trips to see us in the West End.”

Before long, Mamma Mia in London’s West End was in her sights... “Mamma Mia was incredible. We performed in the West End but also travelled to China, Dubai, Israel… For the first three years I understudied all three dynamos, and was lucky to play them all, but in the fourth year I landed the role of Rosie. We performed on the Christmas and New Year’s Eve editions of Top of the Pops in 2008.”

Next in Leanne’s repertoire is Les Misérables, where

For Leanne Hawker, performing has been a central part of life from a very young age.

Leanne Hawker

“ It makes me quite emotional thinking back and recalling the incredible people I’ve had the pleasure of working with ”

she understudied Madame Thénardier opposite Matt Lucas as Monsieur Thénardier and Alfie Boe as Jean Valjean. “It makes me quite emotional thinking back and recalling the incredible people I’ve had the pleasure of working with,” says Leanne. “I don’t often take stock of my career in such a way, so it’s very powerful to reflect. I came back to Plymouth in 2012 and started my PGCE. I always said that once you lose the fire for being on stage then it’s time to move away. I didn’t want the industry to give up on me, so the time was right to come home.”

Soon after moving home Leanne met her future husband and they welcomed their first son, Freddie, in 2015. Samuel arrived in 2017 and the couple married in 2018. “The highlight of my life is my family; my children and my husband,” says Leanne.

2015 turned out to be an exceptionally busy year, as it also saw the launch of Plymouth Performing Arts Academy (PPAA), which Leanne runs alongside sister Amy.

“We’d discussed launching PPAA for years,” explains Leanne. “There was a gap in the market for quality musical theatre teaching. We opened in September 2015. It was a busy time – I had a five month old baby, went back to work at a school in Newton Abbot, opened PPAA alongside Amy, and we were also planning the wedding! I look back and wonder how I did it all.”

PPAA now has approximately 180 students. There are ensemble sessions for those in Years 10-13 on a Friday evening and classes for the ‘minis’ on Saturday mornings, followed by classes for Years 3-9. “Friday and Saturday are the highlight of my week!” says Leanne. The Academy remained active throughout the Covid lockdowns, learning routines online and then performing in bubbles. Protecting the arts was vitally important to Leanne and Amy.

Leanne was instrumental in supporting the Theatre Royal when it closed during lockdown in 2020; she encouraged singers and performers to take part in a video sharing their links to our iconic theatre. More than 180 pledged their support for the theatre as part of a fundraising bid. At the time, Leanne said: “Since returning to Plymouth and working with young talent at Plymouth Performing Arts Academy, the theatre has offered opportunities

to both them and the wider community. I hope to raise awareness of the plight of the entertainment industry and show support for the staff at the theatre who make it such a joyous place to visit.”

The pull of the stage is still present, which is evident from Leanne’s outstanding performance as Annie in Plymouth Theatre Company’s production of Calendar Girls back in September. “It was an incredible cast and a wonderful show,” says Leanne. “To be given that opportunity, to not be an understudy and to have ownership of the role, was just brilliant.”

What’s next for the woman who has had such a colourful career and continues to educate the next generation of performers across Plymouth? “I’d like to do my own one-woman cabaret!” says Leanne. We can’t wait to see it!

foster

n

Joanne Mallard

We are looking for with huge hearts, time and energy to give a child a loving, happy home.

carers

“ The pull of the stage is still present, which is evident from Leanne’s outstanding performance as Annie in Plymouth Theatre Company’s production of Calendar Girls back in September. ”

Finding my fire...

Michelle Stacey was the owner and managing director of M&B Residential Lettings, having worked with the company for 15 years. However she is now pursuing a very different career.

Keento leave school at 16, Michelle started an apprenticeship with a Tavistock letting agency, where she soon realised she had found an occupation that suited her. From there followed a steady but ambitious career path in property management and lettings, as she gained qualifications and accrued many years of experience as a property agent before gradually working her way into the position of owning her own company. Her work at M&B Residential Lettings took her all over Devon, visiting many interesting properties and people. She also spent numerous hours talking to landlords and tenants, using her communication and problem-solving skills to the full, as she liaised with both parties to maintain good relationships, ensure properties were well maintained and legal procedures observed. It was a complex and often demanding environment, which Michelle admits took its toll over the years. She describes herself as an empath, and although a keen sense of empathy was a huge attribute in terms of carrying out her role, the constant need for empathy in a people-focused business was draining. An empath needs time to recharge their own emotional battery after giving so much of themselves to others, and Michelle found that her life/work balance didn’t allow for this. She reached a stage where she felt her empathy had been exhausted and this began to impact on her job satisfaction, as well as on her life and health. She knew something had to change, and she eventually made the diffi cult decision to sell the business. Working initially with the new owners to ensure a smooth transition for landlords and tenants, she left the company in March 2022.

People often reach their forties and change career or rethink aspects of their lives, but it takes enormous courage to sell a thriving business and start afresh in a different terrain. Michelle’s personality radiates energy and it would be utterly impossible to imagine her sitting

back and taking it easy. And so of course she hasn’t, and instead she’s started a new career – this time as a yoga instructor. Michelle has attended pole fitness classes for the last eight years and they have been a way to engage her energy, or work out her feelings after a bad day, so she investigated training in other stress-relieving techniques. She qualified in Swedish massage, Indian head massage and aromatherapy before choosing yoga after attending a few classes herself. She is disparaging about her lack of flexibility – but has set herself a personal goal of doing the splits. However, since she started her classes in Yelverton and Plympton last year, this refreshingly, unintimidating approach to yoga is

drawing in men and women of all ages, experience and levels of fitness to try out the benefits.

Michelle completed 200 hours of yoga training to qualify as an instructor, but as she was nearing her

Michelle Stacey

exam one of her teachers suggested that in addition to traditional yoga, she might enjoy more energetic forms. This encouraged her to explore dynamic yoga and also buti yoga with a London teacher, Sara Fakih, whom she continues to work with closely. Michelle finds buti yoga sessions exhausting and limits the number she takes each week, but she has also found they bring people together and are emotionally empowering. Buti yoga is rapidly increasing in popularity, although Michelle is currently the only instructor in the South West. Michelle says: “Two years ago, I would probably have said I didn’t have time for yoga. My stress levels built up with a repeated pattern of keeping busy and ignoring the warning signs. Self-acceptance is the key and then you can start to address issues. I feel fulfilled now, I’ve made some very good friends and I’ve also been able to laugh a lot! I am a bit surprised by my own success but I love seeing people enjoy the classes, and find a new sense of confidence they can also take into the outside world.”

Michelle instructs in the following types of yoga as well as pole fitness. She is also available for group parties and one-to-one sessions. For more details see Facebook: FindYourFire.Yoga.Pole or contact her on 07795 071843.

• Gentle flow yoga: a gentle blend of traditional yoga, finding correct alignment and balance in the pose, whilst incorporating breath for a deeper stretch.

using breath.

strength

• Vinyasa yoga: featuring variable poses strung together seamlessly, Hot core yoga: a flowing yoga class designed to warm up and build strength in the core muscles. Dynamic yoga: fun, energetic and suitable for all levels, focusing on building muscles and burning

calories.

Buti yoga: a music-guided workout combining cardio bursts and deep core conditioning, interwoven with primal movements.

Illustration students support nature recovery at National Trust Saltram

Arts University Plymouth students work with Green Minds to share the benefits of helping nature

BA (Hons) Illustration students from Arts University Plymouth have collaborated with one of the South West’s most loved National Trust properties, Saltram House. The students created a range of displays to educate visitors about the benefits of helping nature as part of the Green Minds project, as Saltram House commits to creating green corridors.

Creating green corridors for nature involves restoring ecosystems to the point where nature is allowed to regenerate and take care of itself, encouraging a balance of land use between people and wildlife. When an area that had been actively managed by people in the past is given a new focus for nature, it can appear messy and uncared for; the community team at Saltram worked with local illustration students through Green Minds to find ways to visually educate visitors about the benefits and intent behind the plans.

Working with National Trust Community and Volunteer Engagement Manager, Annie Winsland, 60 students from BA (Hons) Illustration created and pitched design proposals to bid for the project work. Their brief was to create artwork that helps communicate information about the history of Saltram House; why particular areas of land were chosen; the relationship between the land, plants

and wildlife in the areas; and the importance and diversity of insects, birds and bats in the area. Two successful teams were selected.

Abi Brown, Aidan Mills, Jacob Judd and Lucy Ward focussed on creating digital assets for use online and Lucy Hartman, Hannah Harvey, Claudia Minelli, Archie McKenzie, Susan Marsden, Jasmine Stewart and Wyatt Harris focussed on creating the artwork for the rewilding interpretation boards being installed on site.

Lucy Hartman, 21, from Exmouth, took a lead role in coordinating the students who were creating illustrations for the physical display boards. With a keen interest in ornithology, Lucy had wanted to create illustrations for the National Trust since she was 11-years-old.

Lucy said: “My family taught me to birdwatch at a young age and for as long as I can remember I’ve been fascinated by nature and loved drawing birds and wildlife. Opportunities to work with the National Trust don’t come around very often, so I jumped at the chance to collaborate with them. It was an incredibly rewarding experience.”

Abi Brown, 22, from Gloucestershire, led the group of students creating artwork for use digitally. Abi said: “Illustrating for the National Trust website was an amazing opportunity. Our group really appreciated the experience of working for such a prestigious client and it taught us so much about the business side of illustrating.”

Annie Winsland (Saltram) Lucy Hartman (student), Phil Trenerry (BA Illustration tutor), Abi Brown (student) & Ben Wright (BA Illustration course leader)

Student Claudia Minelli

Hello!

My name is Lilibet and I am a beautiful Nordmann Spruce!

The lovely folk of Bickleigh Village have been given permission by the Maristow Estate to plant me as a tribute to Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. I’m even registered on the Queens Green Canopy Website!

Councillor Barrie Spencer, South Hams District

Council (Uncle Barrie) found me at Heathfield Cross Christmas Tree Farm and my foster Dad, Colin Campbell, drove me all the way to my new home on the green at Bickleigh complete with my luggage (an “H” frame, ties and water pipes donated by Colin to make sure I have the best start in life!)

Thanks to my new neighbours at 42 CDO RM, my new bed had been made ready for my arrival, the team of Royal Marines digging the hole and expertly planting me in the pouring rain!

I am looking forward to growing big and strong on the village green for many years to come! Come and say hello if you’re passing.

Marjon Stores grand opening success

Marjon Stores, a new community shop based on the Plymouth Marjon University campus, held a launch event at the start of December to celebrate its grand opening. The shop, accessible to students, staff and the local community, was declared open by the Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Councillor Sue Dann, and the ViceChancellor of the University, Professor Rob Warner. The new shop stocks Co-op products, with its range covering fresh and frozen foods, vegan and vegetarian products, toiletries and household cleaning items. The Store also stocks on-tap hot coffee from the environmentally friendly Smokin’ Bean company, fresh fruit juice, and hot foods from Rollover Hotdogs. The grand opening event kicked off with speeches by the Lord Mayor and Vice-Chancellor, before the ribbon was cut and the Store was declared open.

Professor Rob Warner, Vice-Chancellor at Marjon, said, “Marjon is here for the public good. I hope that our neighbours will be able to enjoy and use the new shop. This is a giant leap forward in bringing our local community into Marjon.”

in Southway attended and sang a variety of carols for attendees, with the Lord Mayor even joining them for a special rendition of ‘Jingle Bells’ before the children received Christmas gifts from Vice Chancellor Rob Warner. Members of the Marjon and local communities jumped at the chance to join in this community-based event, which was clear in the shop’s foot traffic throughout the day. The University hopes the new store will offer a more local food and essentials retail option for its neighbouring communities in Derriford and Glenholt and help to reduce the number of short car journeys in the north of the city.

Marjon Stores is open from 8am to 10pm every day and can be accessed to the right of the main university entrance. The shop has two regular and two self-service checkouts, four free parking bays (free parking for up to 30 minutes) directly outside, and an Amazon locker and post box right near the entrance.

Children from the local Oakwood Primary Academy

Lost property becomes digital lifeline for Plymouth residents

Unclaimed mobile phones left on Plymouth’s buses have been given a new lease of life thanks to a local repair and recycling scheme.

Borrow Don’t Buy is Plymouth’s Library of Things, where you can borrow things like DIY equipment, camping kit or party paraphernalia for a small fee, rather than paying for brand new items that you’ll only use once or twice.

During Covid, Borrow Don’t Buy turned their skills to refurbishing and recycling digital equipment to get tech to the people who needed it most. Although there aren’t the same restrictions as previously, more people are now finding they need internet access when they didn’t before for things like making GP appointments.

Every year, Plymouth Citybus and Go Cornwall Bus is left with thousands of items of lost property, including many mobile phones. While most of these get back to their owners, there are some that are never claimed. After a few months in the Lost Property cupboard, the devices are now going to Borrow Don’t Buy, where they can be inspected, cleaned, upgraded and redistributed by the Borrow Don’t Buy ‘elves’.

Elf Esther Scali said: “We have a very secure data-

wiping procedure which removes all personal data – it’s more thorough than a data reset – and we use this before the phones go anywhere else. They’re nicely packaged and come with their own instructions, so whoever gets it has all the excitement of opening up a new box.”

Mia Ward-Edwards said: “People are referred to us from across Plymouth through different organisations. We keep a database of which devices we’ve given out and where in the city they go, so we can see if there are any areas that might need more support.”

As well as mobile phones, Borrow Don’t Buy refurbish and redistribute tablets and laptops too, helping more people get online in conjunction with the Plymouth Digital Inclusion Network.

Plymouth Citybus Customer Experience Manager Jason Beverly said: “We always do our best to reunite people with belongings they leave on the bus, but on the occasions we can’t, it’s great to be in touch with organisations like Borrow Don’t Buy who, as well as stopping items going to landfill, can use them to help others.”

Individuals and organisations with unused devices can contact Borrow Don’t Buy on geo@borrowdontbuy.co.uk to see if they can be refurbished and redistributed.

Borrow Don’t Buy’s Esther Scali and Mia Ward-Edwards with Plymouth Citybus’ Jason Beverly

Students from Peninsula Dental School visit Dementia Day Centre at Age UK Plymouth

Second year dentistry students from Plymouth’s Peninsula Dental School have been working with the city charity to gain a deeper understanding into a day in the life of a person living with dementia.

As part of the Inter-Professional Engagement Module, the students have spent time working with Age UK Plymouth to understand the very specific challenges that present for a person living with dementia, including completing Dementia Friends training. Utilising the knowledge and experience gained from their time at Age UK Plymouth, the students will then go on to devise and deliver a health improvement project for people living with dementia.

The Dementia Day Centre relocated to central Plymstock two years ago and has gone from strength to strength, continuing to provide an approach focused on clients enjoying quality time with a variety of stimulating and engaging activities on offer. The

dentistry students arranged a series of dental hygiene themed activities and enjoyed spending time chatting to the day centre guests.

Tracy Walker, Dementia Day Centre Manager, said: “It’s been great to have the students here. It’s really important to us that as a community

Plymouth continues its dementiafriendly journey. Sometimes it just takes tiny changes to someone’s process to support a person living with dementia, and the first step to that is simply education and awareness.”

If you’re interested in finding out more about the various forms of free Dementia Awareness Training available for your group or business, please email tammy.walker@ageukplymouth.org.uk.

celebrates 80 years of supporting over 50s

The William and Patricia Venton Centre, Age UK’s Mount Gould home, played host to the charity’s 80th anniversary celebrations back in November.

Age UK Plymouth welcomed guests including Sue Dann, Plymouth’s Lord Mayor and Councillor for the Sutton and Mount Gould Ward; Councillor Dr John Mahony, who recently opened the Wellbeing Hub; and Councillor Rebecca Smith, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning Homes & Communities and Councillor for the Plymstock Radford Ward, encompassing Age UK Plymouth’s Dementia Day Centre on Memory Lane, The Broadway. David Wood, Age UK Plymouth’s CEO said, “It’s an

organisations across the city were also present, including Plymouth City Council, LiveWell South West, National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth Arts Cinema, Penninsula Dental and others.

Highlights of the open day included several exhibits showcasing Age UK Plymouth’s eight-decade history and an installation demonstrating some of the principles from the Dementia Awareness Training that the charity provides free to groups and organisations across the city. Guests also had the opportunity to find out more about some of the incredible people and essential projects that are fulfilling the charity’s mission to make Plymouth a place where people love later life and to make a pledge to support Age UK Plymouth as it begins its next 80 years. “Age UK Plymouth has been working effectively in the background for eight decades, with a passion to make Plymouth a city where people love later life. Our

absolute privilege to be part of an organisation that has so steadfastly been dedicated to improving the lives of older people in its community for eighty years. The history of Age UK Plymouth is intertwined with the lives of many talented, incredible and dedicated individuals. We’re honoured to be custodians of this essential charity and our celebration has been a great opportunity to share our amazing history with our community, stakeholders and supporters.”

Friends of the charity and delegates from partner

organisation has an incredible history of innovation and a fascinating story of pioneering women spearheading the charity,” said Tara Dale, Head of Fundraising. “It’s bittersweet to see how the greatest challenges facing over 50s in Plymouth have remained relatively unchanged over the years. Themes of isolation, loneliness and a rising cost of living are reoccurring throughout our history, but what is heartening to see is the ever-present and essential support provided by charities like ourselves and our partners across the city.”

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Age UK Plymouth Senior Management Team - Rich Masters, Heather Stenning, Steven Hookway, David Wood (CEO) & Tara Dale

AtLinks Publishing, we have been producing our much-loved local magazines for over 11 years and take pride in working with the local community. We have recently developed a new range of services designed to help you share your company with local audiences via a variety of different media.

Struggling to find time?

Many of the businesses near us are small, independent companies that are often family-run. In the absence of marketing staff solely focussed on promotion, it can be hard to find the time to sort out branding, a website, social media posts, printed media and so on in between the day-to-day tasks involved with running your own business. What’s more, unless you have a knowledge of these areas then it can also be a challenge to know where to start. Yet these are exactly the things that will help your company to grow. We live in an age where a quick online search for a service will bring up a multitude of websites… Does yours stand out?

Our aim is to be a friendly guide when you need it. If your website is looking tired and you aren’t sure how to revitalise it, we are always happy to meet you to discuss it

over a pot of tea! If social media scares you, pick up the phone and we can work out what platforms would be best for your brand and arrange to manage regular posts for you. As always, community and building local relationships are our main focus. We want to take the time to get to know you and your brand so that we can advise you on the best range of media to reach your target audience. We then have a team of professional staff who can support you with your promotional plans. n

Something to ponder...

Aswe head towards spring, a time of regeneration and new life, many of us will be looking forward to the familiar sights of frogspawn and tadpoles in local ponds. However, ponds, streams and rivers are in decline and this in turn will threaten our wildlife. You don’t need a large amount of space in your garden to introduce a pond for small creatures to enjoy. Devon Wildlife Trust encourages mini ponds, suggesting that a network of smaller pond-sites across a neighbourhood could actually be better than a few larger ones.

liner. You can then add a layer of gravel and rocks to the base of your pond and fill it with rainwater; avoid using tap water, which contains chemicals.

Once you’ve prepared your pond, you’ll want to introduce some aquatic plants to oxygenate the water. You’ll only need two or three plants in a small space; aquatic baskets, lined with hessian to stop the soil from washing out, are very useful. Use aquatic compost or a mix of sand and gravel. You can stabilise taller plants using rocks in the base of the container.

Once your pond is ready, it’s time to sit back and wait. Enjoy watching your plants bloom and your habitat grow! n

There are many different ways to create a water habitat and you can do so in a cost-effective way by re-purposing old containers. An old washing up bowl or wheelbarrow, for example, could be perfect for a mini pond.

Decide on whether you would like to set your pond into the ground or have it above ground level. To inset it, you will of course need to dig a hole. You can otherwise have it above ground, but will need to include a small ramp for access. A wide ‘neck’ is also important for wildlife to get in and out.

If your container isn’t watertight, you’ll need to line it with some pond

For more information, take a look online at wildaboutgardens.org.uk

Good plants for mini ponds:

Miniature waterlily (Nymphaea ‘Pygmaea Helvola’)

Lesser spearwort (Ranunculus flammula)

Starwort (Callitriche stagnalis)

Flowering rush (Butomus umbellatus)

.'

“ An old washing up bowl or wheelbarrow could be perfect for a mini pond ”

Cottage Garden Wildlife

Country Mouse’s bi-monthly diary

While ‘die-back’ fungal infection meant the sad loss of a beautiful ash tree, two of its most regular users, the greater spotted woodpeckers and treecreepers, thankfully continue to regard our garden as their territory. The only grumpy visitor has been our resident male pheasant, upset that a new greenhouse meant its favourite pastime of sneaking in to remove seed labels was over. Its mate had nested in a nearby flowerbed last year – being discovered after hissing at my wife when she stepped too close. Sadly, the egg clutch was later poached by the local fox. We have loved watching and listening to song-thrushes using strategically placed stone anvils to break open their favourite, brown-lipped snails – leaving broken shells of multiple-colours and patterns. The discovery by Oxford scientists in the 1950s still appears to hold true – discarded shells are mostly yellow in winter when the ground is covered in leaves, and pink or brown against a green background in summer. Rarely do we see a mistle thrush though. The preChristmas freeze did bring insect-foraging visits to the leaf mulch under the Japanese maple by two other thrush family members – redwings and fieldfares. It also increased the skirmishes between our six robins –each determined to claim unfair portions of food put out for them. Other winter sounds have included the return of the tawny owls – one perching nightly outside the bedroom window, noisily calling its mate – and the delightful high-pitched squeaks of goldcrests foraging

hidden bugs among the needles of old, recycled Christmas trees.

Spirits always lift when early morning frosts create their seasonal magic, as frozen spiderweb carpets meander across the lawns and undergrowth. As only half of British spider families build webs, it’s reassuring to know the garden provides shelter for many of them. Snow flurries lasted just long enough to enjoy another seasonal pursuit –identifying the myriad tracks created by our small mammal and bird residents.

n

Country

Mouse

Time to assess, plan & action

AfterDecember’s bitterly cold weather, our gardens have taken a real beating and it’s inevitable that there will be some plant casualties from the cold. But the days are stretching out and spring is not far around the corner, which makes this the perfect time for some border or even whole-garden makeovers. Winter, when the garden is pared back to its ‘bones’, is a great time to assess, plan and action some fresh new looks.

Start by taking a good hard look both from indoors and outside. While I’m a great fan of keeping existing plants, they don’t go on forever. And if there are plants you’ve inherited with a garden and never really liked, or are in the wrong place – well, you won’t like them more as time passes! While some can be renovated with selective hard pruning, there are others – especially fast-growing shrubs like forsythia, broom, and laurel – where it’s a case of “thanks, but it’s time to go”. Do this as soon as possible, before birds start to nest.

Then comes the fun of choosing new treasures. Putting in feature plants is a superb way to give borders real pizzazz, using shapely and stunning ‘prima donnas’ to take centre stage. If there is enough cash for instant planting, putting in one budget-busting mature plant will make an immediate transformation. At the risk of stating the obvious, choose a plant to match the amount of sun or shade; the soil; and whether the site is exposed or sheltered. Feature plants should have good shapes above all, for year-round appeal, and I’m particularly fond of multi-stem trees or shrubs and standards with a clear stem to create height. Examples

are elegant Japanese maples (acers) with beautifully shaped or coloured foliage; shaggy-barked paperbark maple or birches; snowy Mespilus (Amelanchier) with spring flowers, attractive leaves, and autumn colour; and standard wisteria that drips with fragrant blooms plus handsome foliage. If you’re fortunate to have a sheltered, sunny spot where the soil drains freely, create an exotic look with the Mediterranean fan palm (Chamaerops) or even an olive tree. All of these and more can be bought as specimens in a range of sizes and prices. Or start small and wait, planting three or five small saplings in one planting hole to create a multi-stem plant. The beauty of multistems and standards is that they give lots of space beneath for complementary underplanting of perennials, grasses, ground cover shrubs and bulbs: pulmonaria, hellebore, hosta, hardy ferns, brunnera and herbaceous geranium, to name just a few. Plant these in groups, drifts, or in a colour-spangled tapestry of flower and foliage colour. n

Mediterranean fan palm (Chamaerops)

Japanese maples (acers)

Seasonal gardening jobs and tips

Cut and laid hedges of deciduous native plants like hawthorn and hazel make brilliant wildlife-friendly boundaries. Plant this month or next using bare rooted plants (much cheaper than pot grown, and plastic free too). Complete pruning or laying of established hedges by March, before growth starts and birds begin to nest.

Reduce weeding, improve soil, and grow healthier plants by mulching with chipped bark or shredded composted, green waste. Spread a generous 5-8cm layer on bare soil between plants.

Start growing tender plants indoors so long as there’s a warm, well-lit spot for them. Sow seed of flowers and veg such as tobacco plant, geraniums, and tomatoes. Buy and pot up tubers of frost-tender flowers like dahlias and begonias.

Deciduous ornamental grasses need cutting back in March before new growth establishes. Evergreen grasses just need a tidy-up, combing through with a rake or with fingers, to remove dead leaves and old flower stems.

“ Putting in feature plants is a superb way to give borders real pizzazz, using shapely and stunning ‘prima donnas’ to take centre stage. ”

Sue Fisher

Wisteria sinensis ‘Prolific’

Snowy mespilus (Amelanchier ovalis)

Ashley Tritschler explains

the Trade Secrets behind Gardens by Ash.

When and why did you launch Gardens by Ash?

I decided to set up Gardens by Ash in May 2022 after serving 15 years in the Royal Navy as a Marine Engineer, to pursue my interest in gardening and landscaping and to be able to spend more time with my young family. Where do you begin with a garden design?

Each garden design starts by speaking to the customer, finding out what their vision is. Then I visit their garden. Whilst there I find out the most important information, such as where the sun is positioned at different times of the day, so that the best use can be made of any different areas. I check what the customer’s tastes are with regards to colours and material types for any decking, fencing or patio areas. I also check out details such as where utilities run to and from so that there’s no mishaps with drains or TVs. Can you achieve a fabulous garden in a very small space?

A fabulous garden can be achieved in even the smallest of spaces with a little creativity. Utilising space on walls with wall planters gives more area for foliage and colour. Creating a miniature garden in a hanging basket can add a lot of character to a space. Even mirrors in the right place, adjacent to the end of a shelf full of plant pots, can give the illusion of a larger space. How would you advise somebody who is struggling with their garden upkeep?

Try and do little and often. Simple tasks like using a spray gun on weeds with a homemade weedkiller of white vinegar, salt and washing up liquid will help to keep the weeds at bay.

What services do you offer?

We offer a very wide range of services including garden

design, weeding, planting, grass cutting, garden clearances and hard and soft landscaping including fencing, paving and artificial grass. What do you enjoy most about your role?

The most enjoyable part of my job is the interaction with the customer, finding out what their vision is, creating what they have envisioned. Then when the project is complete, I love seeing how happy the customer is with the end result. n gardensbyash.co.uk

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Springing forward...

As we move into the new year and the days slowly pull out, our focus moves to spring and new life on the farm.

February will be spent looking after the ewes, making sure they are in the perfect condition for lambing. Much of the hard work of lambing is done before the ewes even start giving birth. In fact, it starts way back in the autumn, making sure the rams are introduced on the right date and that they and the ewes are in the best of health. Ewes are scanned to establish how many lambs are being carried so we can help ewes having multiple births by giving them more feed, while the singles get less food to avoid the danger of big lambs, which can be difficult to birth.

In March, we move the Whiteface Dartmoor ewes and any other animals needing extra care, like triplets, into the shed where they will give birth. They have everything they need and it is a great resource. Sheep are very able to cope with lambing outside, but we bring them in so we can lamb them a bit earlier and keep a closer eye on them, as well as rest our grazing fields which will hopefully have plenty of lush, fresh grass for the ewes and lambs once they leave the maternity ward!

be leaner through the winter, give birth in spring as the grass comes and then use that lush grass to produce plenty of milk. As farmers, we just work with nature’s cycles to make the animals and our life as stress-free as possible, whilst harvesting what nature provides.

are

barn, they are at very close quarters; it’s a great opportunity to view a small but magical part of our lives at Greenwell Farm. ”

I would like to finish by mentioning my dad’s sister, Esme Stacey, who very sadly passed away around Christmas. She grew up at Greenwell until she married and moved to Lewdown, where she farmed with her husband, Roy, and their family. She was always full of stories of Greenwell’s history and was an encyclopaedia of knowledge on our family history. Gemma and I will always regret not asking more questions about Greenwell and the history of the Coles. Another character gone, but her memory will live forever in her children, Phil and Jane, and her four grandchildren. n

Mat Cole, Greenwell Farm

We have run our Greenwell Lambing Live event for many years and it is amazing to share the lambing story with our community. Generally, we are busy getting on with the job in hand and most people have very little understanding of what we do. As the sheep are lambing in the barn, they are at very close quarters; it’s a great opportunity to view a small but magical part of our lives at Greenwell Farm.

The cattle are all still in the barns and our spring calving herd is getting closer to calving in April and May. In the same way as the sheep, the cows must be kept in good health and it is important that we don’t overfeed them. They usually only have one calf and we don’t want it to get too big! The cows have evolved to

We will be running Greenwell Lambing Live 2023 every evening from 5.30pm until 7.30pm from Monday 20 to Friday 24 March, with a longer open day on Saturday 25 March from 1.00pm until 4.00pm. We also welcome school groups and any other kind of group during the days through the week. Booking is essential and we can be contacted preferably by email: greenwellfarm@gmail.com or by phone: 01822 855535.

For more details find us on Facebook: Lambing Live Greenwell Farm.

Matt Cole

“ As the sheep

lambing in the

Focus on HIV

6February 2023 marks the start of National HIV Testing Week in the UK and I have been thinking about how much things have changed in the decades since we first became aware of the condition.

I remember seeing the adverts on television about HIV and AIDS as a child in the eighties. The ominous voice and terrifying gravestone inscribed ‘AIDS – Don’t Die of Ignorance’ sent a message of fear to children and adults alike. Sadly, ignorance was widespread with people wrongly believing that they could contract this new disease from touching an affected person or sharing eating utensils or toilets with them. Affected patients were often ostracised and poorly treated by those around them, including by medical professionals. The outstanding Channel 4 programme ‘It’s a Sin’ dramatized these early

contact, with smaller numbers of people being infected by intravenous drug use or from an infected mother to her unborn child.

1 in 20 patients with HIV are unaware of their status. This means they are missing out on treatment that can keep them healthy and also are at risk of passing the virus onto others. In 2020, 42% of people first diagnosed were diagnosed late. Those diagnosed late have a sevenfold increased risk of death within the first year of diagnosis. Whilst some groups are more likely to be affected by HIV, the key message is that HIV can affect anyone. Recent statistics show it is more often heterosexual patients and those over the age of 65 who are diagnosed late, perhaps reflecting the assumption that they were not in ‘at risk’ groups.

Once on treatment, the vast majority of patients achieve an undetectable viral load. This means they are unlikely to pass the virus on and can live a healthy life free of symptoms. If HIV is diagnosed early enough, life expectancy is the same as for those who are HIV negative. Testing for HIV is easier than ever. A simple fingerpick test can now give you results quickly and confidentially. As well as testing, there is also treatment for people who think they may have been exposed to HIV. Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is medication that can be started within 72 hours of HIV exposure to reduce the likelihood of infection. n

years in a powerful and emotional series. As I progressed through medical school in the nineties, the outlook for patients with HIV was starting to improve with the emergence of new drug treatments, but the prognosis was still fairly bleak and many viewed HIV infection as a ‘death sentence’. I could not have foreseen then how far we would come with treatment and hugely improved survival rates. Whilst there is still a lot of work to do nationally and globally, it is heartening to see that HIV is not the disease it once was.

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus and it is the virus that can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). If left untreated, HIV infection can progress to AIDS and cause serious infections. HIV is primarily transmitted through sexual

Testing in Plymouth

In Plymouth, the Sexual Health in Plymouth (SHIP) clinic offers free confidential testing, PEP and advice for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Visit yourship.uk/stis/hiv-testing or call 01752 431124.

The links below are other organisations that offer testing and advice.

HIV Testing | Devon, Cornwall, Torbay, Somerset, Gloucestershire – The Eddystone Trust: eddystone.org.uk/pages/testing

Testing for HIV | Terrence Higgins Trust: tht.org.uk

Dr Rachel Tyler is a doctor at Stirling Road Surgery, St Budeaux

“ If HIV is diagnosed early enough, life expectancy is the same as for those who are HIV negative. ”

22 April - 5 May

Planning is well underway for the Tavistock Festival 2023. Over a period of fifteen days, audiences and participants will enjoy a variety of concerts and workshops. Tavistock Library is hosting a number of events and we see the welcome return of The Wheelhouse Folk Choir.

Helen Porter returns, this time with her Big Jazz Choir and, by popular demand, we host again Nina Savicevic, a young concert pianist. Thanks to generous sponsorship, we will be able to offer free entry to all the lunchtime concerts and some evening events, but donations will be welcomed to offset costs.

Two new ventures this year include a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at the Bedford Hotel and a large children’s choir, which is presently rehearsing in our local schools in preparation for a concert during the Festival. Dr Sean Sweeney (Chairman) and friends will also present a lunchtime concert with a ‘Coronation’ theme and we hope Tavistock will turn out with flags ready to sing some well-known songs!

The Festival commences on Saturday 22 April and ends on Friday 5 May, a day before the King’s Coronation. In preparation, three free lunchtime events have been scheduled leading up to the main festival period on 2, 9 and 16 March at 1pm in Tavistock Parish Church. Admission is £5 (promoted by the Friends of Tavistock Festival). Full programme details for these concerts and the rest of the festival programme can be found at www. tavistockfestival.org. Tickets will be available online and at the door. We look forward to seeing you.

Dr Sean Sweeney

Tavistock Festival is generously sponsored by: Miller Town and Country, Alistair Kinsey, Tavistock Chamber of Commerce, the Bedford Hotel, Tavistock Library, Tavistock Wharf, Tavistock Guildhall, Tavistock RC Church, Tavistock Methodist Church, Tavistock Parish Church and Links Magazines.

Step into spring with a

The Bridging the Tamar Visitor and Learning Centre opened in 2019, following a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and is supported by the Tamar Crossings Joint Committee. It has welcomed many families, locals and holiday-makers since then. Visitors can enjoy guided bridge tours, walks and talks, and the chance to find out more about Brunel’s iconic Royal Albert Bridge as well as its companion, the Tamar Bridge. Anchorage Tours involve heading underground to see where the cables meet the Earth. Schools can enjoy bridge building activities, and curriculum linked workshops from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 4.

Entry to the Centre is free of charge and the Centre is open from 10am to 4pm every day. The Centre offers many free interactive activities such as mini bridge building, a costume dress-up station, interactives and video content. Visitors can find out more online at https://www.bridgingthetamar.org.uk/

Bridge Ambassador Volunteers are on hand to welcome visitors, deliver tours of the Centre and local area and support school visits. The events programme which volunteers support includes the Plymouth History Festival, Heritage Open Days, special anchorage tours, and local regattas, amongst other things. Guided talks are led by volunteers on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Pre-booking is essential and can be done via Eventbrite. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bridging-the-tamar-guidedintroductory-talk-tickets-383928990947 Groups such as the U3A can also book bespoke tours.

Volunteer Bridge Ambassadors are being recruited to support the Bridging the Tamar Centre during 2023. They will join an existing corps of 30 people from Cornwall and Devon who help the Centre’s work. The Bridge Ambassador role is varied, and provides people with the chance to increase their confidence by giving guided tours or speaking to a variety of people. Ambassadors also gain an insight into the work of the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art

and Maths) sectors, develop their skills and have the satisfaction of giving people an enjoyable experience or day out.

Applications are being invited if people are interested in joining; please get in touch for further information. Those interested will have an informal interview followed by a full induction and training process. No prior knowledge of history or engineering is necessary, and the most important thing is that you enjoy helping and meeting people from all walks of life.

The Ambassador position has various roles within it - Bridge Guides give guided tours; Welcome Assistants welcome visitors as they stop off at the Learning Centre on their way to Cornwall; Learning Assistants support staff to inspire children on a school trip. There is also the opportunity for Research Volunteers to find out more about the histories of the bridges and the surrounding areas.

Get involved:

If you are interested, you can download an application form from www.bridgingthetamar.org.uk/volunteering/ If you have any issues filling in this form or have any other queries, please contact Mark Tebbs on 01752 361577 or e-mail volunteer@tamarcrossings.org.uk

February & March

Moor’s Edge u3a – Update

Both of our Garden Visit groups have been to Tamar View Nurseries, whilst the Coffee, Cake and Chat group went to the Moments and Memory Matters café in the city centre.

One of the Scrabble groups met and played the games at Al’s Kitchen and enjoyed refreshments while there.

Other groups running include Play Reading, Arty Crafty and Canasta, to name a few.

This is just a snapshot of some of the groups and activities. Take a look at our website www.u3asites.org.uk/moorsedge/events to see what we have planned.

Marilyn Beer

Edge

Please note: Meetings have moved to the second Friday of the month, 2.30pm at The Woolwell Centre. We welcome those who are retired or semi-retired; there are over 20 interest groups. Our November speaker was Plymouth historian Chris Robinson. Chris’ talk was about Plymouth in the age of Petrol-driven cars – take a look at our Moor’s Edge Facebook page to see more about the reasons for number plates and dashboards.

On December 13th we held our Christmas party, with our Singing for Fun group providing entertainment and the opportunity to join in with some well known carols.

The Music Event group enjoyed the Two Counties Jazz group at Plymouth Jazz club, held at the Crownhill Royal British Legion.

Dartmoor Border Morris

As you read this in the depths of winter, you might think Meavy-based Dartmoor Border Morris has packed up shop for winter. However, we are busy in Meavy Parish Hall every Wednesday from 7.30pm, learning new dances and practicing our tunes ready for the new season. Throughout the summer of 2022, we travelled all over Dartmoor National Park and beyond to meet up and dance with our Morris buddies. In so doing, we collected £500 for the Dartmoor Rescue group. After a long summer season where we took part in 30 events, we attended our first proper pagan wedding. We also helped with the rewilding of a giant Corn Dolly and taught Morris dancing to local Guides and Scouts. At an Archangel’s Way event, we helped to celebrate a historic footpath across North Dartmoor linking up churches.

Autumn was also busy; October saw us dance at the harvest of the apple trees. In November, we organised an event in

Diary Dates:

10 February: David Follett’s talk will be ‘Tragedy to Triumph’ and will let us know how he became an English National Wheelchair Badminton Champion following a road accident with spinal injury at 17.

10 March: Mike Temple will tell us about the ‘Mercy Ships’. These are hospital ships delivering healthcare and surgery where most needed in the world.

Tavistock that involved over 200 Morris performers, three kegs of ale and one yellow bear called Pudsey. In a six-hour period of Morris dancing, £1,900 was collected for the BBC Children In Need appeal.

Then there was Boxing Day; did you dance with us at the Royal Oak in Meavy?

We started 2023 with three Wassails held at Cornwood, Buckland Abbey and Bere Ferrers, blessing the apple trees to encourage good growth and scaring away the evil spirits.

Our charity changes every year; this year it will be BASICS Devon, supporting doctors who volunteer to help the ambulance service. Feel free to bring a musical instrument and join us in our legendary Apres Morris music session held in the Royal Oak Inn every Wednesday night after practice from 9.30pm. And if you would like to book Dartmoor Border Morris for an event, now would be a good time – before our diary gets too busy again!

Check out www.dartmoorbordermorris.com or like our Facebook and Instagram pages for contact details.

Treggie, Dartmoor Border Morris

24-26 February

24-25 March

Sister Act Junior

by Brian Luff

Family pantomime: ‘Aladdin and the Pirates’ by Brian Luff

Ivybridge Theatre Company will be bringing you an original take on the popular Pantomime, Aladdin. There will still be the usual quest to find love, some great jokes, plenty of booing, a few meddling genies and a magic lamp… but also add in to the mix some swashbuckling pirates and a chirpy penguin! What’s not to enjoy?! Come and join Aladdin, Dame Widow Twankey, Wishee Washee and friends for some fun, singing, dancing and audience participation.

Tickets & Dates:

Dates: Fri 24 Feb, 7.30pm; Sat 25 Feb, 2.30pm & 7.30pm; Sun 26 Feb, 2.30pm

Venue: The Watermark, Ivybridge.

Tickets: Adult £8 & Child £5 (inc. booking fee) Box office 01752 892220 / www.ivybridgewatermark.co.uk

16-18 March

Honk!

Plymouth Performing Arts Academy presents the heartwarming story of the Ugly Duckling. A musical sure to teach us all a lesson about tolerance and acceptance.

Plymouth Youth Theatre Company brings us Sister Act Junior, a feel-good musical comedy that will have audiences jumping to their feet! Filled with powerful gospel music, outrageous dancing and a truly moving story, this show is a sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship and a reason to rejoice! Featuring original music by Alan Menken (Newsies, Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors).

More Information:

Venue: Devonport Playhouse

Tickets: Online via www.plymouththeatrecompany.com

30 March-1 April

Fame

The Wranglers Youth Theatre Company presents Fame! Follow the highs and lows of the students of New York’s High School for the Performing Arts as they embark on their journey from 1980-1984.

More Information:

Venue: The Muse Theatre, Lipson, Plymouth

Tickets: Available via www.ppaa.co.uk

More Information:

Venue: The Muse Theatre, Lipson, Plymouth

Tickets: Available via www.thewranglers.co.uk

14-25 February

The Ocean at the End of the Lane

The Ocean at the End of the Lane, based on the best-selling novel by Neil Gaiman, is coming to Theatre Royal Plymouth. The 17-strong ensemble cast are: Charlie Brooks (Ursula), Daniel Cornish (alternate Boy), Trevor Fox (Dad), Emma-Jane Goodwin (understudy), Paolo Guidi (ensemble), Millie Hikasa (Lettie Hempstock), Lewis Howard (understudy), Kemi-Bo Jacobs (Ginnie Hempstock), Jasmeen James (understudy), Ronnie Lee (ensemble), Aimee McGoldrick (ensemble), Laurie Ogden (Sis), Keir Ogilvy (Boy), Domonic Ramsden (ensemble), Joe Rawlinson-Hunt (understudy), Risha Silvera (understudy) and Finty Williams (Old Mrs Hempstock).

Adapted by Joel Horwood and directed by Katy Rudd, this thrilling adventure of fantasy, myth and friendship will visit 29 towns and cities across the UK and Ireland from 12 December 2022 until 30 September 2023.

Returning to his childhood home, a man finds himself standing beside the pond of the old Sussex farmhouse where he used to play. He’s transported to his 12th birthday when his remarkable friend Lettie claimed it wasn’t a pond, but an ocean – a place where everything is possible... Plunged into a magical world, their survival depends on their ability to reckon with ancient forces that threaten to destroy everything around them. This first major stage adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s work blends magic with memory in a tour-de-force of storytelling that takes audiences on an epic journey to a childhood once forgotten and the darkness that lurks at the very edge of it. The award-winning creative team brings the show alive with stunning scenery, light and sound design plus fantastic costume and puppet design.

Tickets: Book online at www.theatreroyal.com

• Flanked by woodlands.

• Pleasant walks.

• Close by Park & Ride offers easy travel links.

Woodland surroundings with views of the rolling hills of Dartmoor.

• Good shopping facilities.

• Plenty to explore.

• Dartmoor is only a 10 minute drive away.

Photos

© Cameron Slater

Charlie Brooks

Musica Viva Concert Series

In the Spring of 2018, at the outset of his appointment as Music Director of The Arts Institute, University of Plymouth, concert pianist Dr Robert Taub initiated the Musica Viva Concert Series. The series offers a programme of concerts and workshops, bringing top-tier performances to Devon and the South West. As Director of Music, Robert aims to share music with as many people as possible through the Musica Viva series. “There is a wide spectrum of music in our programme that withstands the test of time. Some of the pieces that are new will survive for future generations; equally, there is music that was once new and is still vital today,” he explains. “As an example of this, as part of our Beethoven 250th anniversary festival I asked Jonathan Dawe to explore sketches that Beethoven had written but had never used and compose a new piece from them. It was a great way to bring the music that Beethoven once had in mind into the 21st century. This can add greatly to our artistic experiences.” Robert believes that it is important to establish a series of pre-concert talks. “We generally hold an informal talk for the 30 minutes before a performance. This gives audiences opportunities to hear guest artists speak about interpretive issues. Ultimately, everybody will

hear pieces differently; each person brings their own life experiences and they are free to listen, absorb and embark upon their own musical journey. But if there are elements in the talk that can help them with this, then so much the better!”

On 4 February, Musica Viva presented the Southbank Sinfonia – an opportunity to hear some of the most loved Beethoven masterpieces performed by 33 of the best young professional musicians in the UK, at the start of very promising careers.

11 March will see an evening of contemporary music presented at Levinsky Hall. This promises to be an exciting evening of works of our time performed by the translucent London-based Trio Kurtag. The concert will also include the premiere of a new composition commissioned by Musica Viva from David Bessell. Dave specializes in electronic music, and Trio Kurtag performs a wide range of repertoire of the present day. This is a unique concert, a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in music that is literally being heard for the first time along with music that is recently composed. The evening starts with a pre-concert talk at 7pm, with music commencing from 7.30pm.

Tickets:

Available online via the University of Plymouth website:

Photo © Southbank Sinfonia

“ The series offers a programme of concerts and workshops, bringing top-tier performances to Devon and the South West. ”

Stabat Mater

Plymouth Guildhall

A recent episode of Mortimer and Whitehouse’s fishing programme, a supermarket shop and watching The Shawshank Redemption set me thinking about Plymouth Philharmonic Choir’s next concert at the Guildhall, when they will perform Dvorak’s Stabat Mater. Paul Whitehouse was suggesting that Christmas should be run like the World Cup, taking place every four years. Exhausted by the commercial razzmatazz, I was almost in agreement and ready to include Easter, when I saw chocolate bunnies and eggs for sale in late December. It’s easy to joke, but getting serious for a moment, for Christians across the world these are the two most significant times in the calendar. They have inspired some of the most wonderful music ever written.

The Stabat Mater, Latin for Mother standing (at the foot of the cross), is a 13th century poem attributed to Jacopone da Todi, which

reflects on what Mary, the mother of Jesus, might have felt watching her son die on the cross. The music was written during a period of unimaginable personal tragedy when, in the space of two years, three of Dvorak’s children died. He expressed his grief through this composition, for example in the opening movement with the use of a minor key with descending chromatic notes and a dissonant diminished chord like a cry of despair.

For Christians, the brutality and wretchedness of the crucifixion are not an ending. They believe that Jesus paid the price for our sins and rose again to reconcile us to God. Christ’s resurrection means that eternal life is granted to all who believe in Him. Interestingly, Dvorak’s final movement includes a fast-paced fugue on the word Amen and the key of D major, which was also used by Bach and Beethoven, to depict heaven. The choir sing an a cappella hymn, which gradually fades leaving listeners full of hope and peace. So, what about The Shawshank Redemption, a film that I didn’t think I’d enjoy? My favourite part was the transformative effect when the record was played over the Tannoy, so everyone could hear the music. Music reaches the very core of our being and unlocks something that is unique in each individual.

Plymouth Philharmonic Choir would like invite you to join them as they perform this profoundly moving work.

Mary Johnson

Wurlitza: The Kid + One Week

Plymouth Arts Cinema is delighted to welcome back Wurlitza for a live performance and screening of two rare gems, Charlie Chaplin’s ‘The Kid’ and Buster Keaton’s ‘One Week’. Each film soundtrack is a labour of love, taking on average about 2 years to compile. The band is often asked how they come up with their soundtracks, and the answer is simply a diverse interest in music and a lot of trial and error.

One Week (25 mins) Buster Keaton and Sybil Seely star as a newly-wedded couple who attempt to build a house from a prefabricated kit, with less than perfect results. This charming and comedic short has allowed Wurlitza to delve into the world of

Plymouth Jazz Club

www.plymouth-jazz-club.org.uk

Sunday 19 February

Devon Magnolia Jazz Band

The Devon Magnolia Jazz Band is a six piece traditional style jazz band from Exeter, led by banjoist Pete Miller, which contains some of the most accomplished jazz musicians in Devon and around. The band plays lively traditional and New Orleans style music which is foot-tapping and highly danceable.

Sunday 19 March

The Tommaso Starace Trio pay tribute to Charlie Parker & Cannonball Adderley

Tommaso Starace is a fantastic Italian jazz saxophonist who moved to the UK in 1980 at the age of 18 to further his music studies. He graduated at Birmingham Conservatoire with a B.Mus first class honours and later studied at the Guildhall School Of Music and

slapstick, and create not only a musical accompaniment but an array of inventive sound effects!

The Kid (60 mins) Starring alongside his child protégé Jackie Coogan, this is an hour-long treat of Charlie Chaplin at his best. This funny yet heart-warming film follows Chaplin’s character as a child almost literally falls into his life.

Tickets:

£12 / £10 concessions. PAC Friends 10% off (please note membership complimentary tickets are not eligible for this event). Website: www.plymouthartscinema.org

Drama. He has played with some of the most respected jazz musicians including Dave O’Higgins, Kenny Wheeler, Stan Sulzmann and many others. Tommaso has performed in many Jazz Festivals and Clubs across the world. He is currently busy performing concerts all over Europe with several of his projects.

Accompanying Tommaso are Plymouth piano virtuoso Martin Jenkins and eclectic Cornish drummer Pip Harbon. The group will play this tribute to two of the jazz greats in an accessible style that all should be able to enjoy!

Admission: £12 (Members £9, Students £7) | Tickets on the door

Located in the heart of Tavistock, within the market complex, Butchers Hall is home to a fantastic array of vibrant themed markets and events

Spring Season

The Box

The Box, Plymouth’s award-winning museum, art gallery and archive, has unveiled an ambitious programme of exhibitions for 2023. Throughout spring 2023, the focus will be on powerful women and Plymouth’s extensive fine art collection.

Sue Williamson: Between Memory and Forgetting

4 February-4 June 2023

Sue Williamson (b.1941) is a British-born South African artist and activist. Between Memory and Forgetting will present an extended overview of her work, dating from 1981 to the present day.

Hannah Quinlan and Rosie Hastings: Portraits

4 February–4 June

Portraits is an exhibition of drawings, etchings and films grounded in research into how various communities have been represented

at different moments in history.

Making a Mark: Dazzling Drawings from the Cottonian Collection

4 February-4 June

This new exhibition will showcase over 40 rare and important drawings dating from the 1600s-1700s from The Box’s Cottonian Collection – arguably Plymouth’s most significant fine art collection, and one which has been designated by the UK Government as being of international importance.

People and Place: Art Collection

Showcase

From 4 February, throughout 2023

This updated presentation from The Box’s permanent art collection will include landscapes showing Plymouth through the ages, a mass case display of 300 pieces of decorative art, including ceramics, silver, craft, textiles and Plymouth Porcelain, and a new selection of works by female artists such as Wilhemina Barns-Graham, Elizabeth Adela Forbes, Rose Hilton, Dame Barbara Hepworth, the much-loved Beryl Cook and 2019 Turner Prize winner Tai Shani.

The Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I From 11 February, throughout 2023

The Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I is arguably the most recognisable depiction of the famous Tudor Queen. From 11 February 2023, The Box will take one of the three known surviving versions of the portrait on loan from Woburn Abbey, the home of the 15th Duke and Duchess of Bedford.

DIARY DATES

FEBRUARY

10 Feb 2023

Winter Warmer

Comedy Night

Three great comedians, fresh Thai food and a nice warm room! Featuring Dave Arnold, Anna Keirle and Ashley Frieze.

Venue: Plymstock Oaks Rugby Club, food from 18:30 | Booking via www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/oaksfest-winter-warmer-comedy-nighttickets-482340753177

11-12 Feb 2023

MEND Pop-up weekenders programme

Browse our classes and events, and book your place online at: www.mendsewing.com/book-online

22 Feb 2023

Lucy Porter: Wake-Up Call

A brand new stand-up show from the fringe favourite.

Venue: The Quad Theatre, Marjon from 20:00 | Book online at www.comicalentertainment.com or call 07778804479

22 February 2023

Coffee Morning

£2 for a cuppa, cake and chat...

Venue: Lee Moor Public Hall, 10:00-12:00

11 Feb 2023

The Liquid Engineers – The No.1 tribute to Gary Numan

This band gives Numan fans old and new a show that will remain in your memory long after they’ve left the venue.

Venue: The Quad Theatre, Marjon from 19:30 | Book online www. eventbrite.co.uk/e/liquid-engineers-gary-numan-tributetickets-461751279507 or call 01752 401142

24 February 2023

Bingo

Venue: Lee Moor Public Hall | Doors open at 19:00; bar and food available.

25 Feb 2023

Susie

Dent

– The Secret Lives Of Words

Take a journey into the curious, unexpected and downright surreal origins of the words we use every day.

Venue: The Quad Theatre, Marjon from 14:00 Book online www.comicalentertainment.com or call 07778 804479

25 Feb 2023

Queen Tribute Night

Enjoy an evening with ‘Freddie’. Venue: Crowne Plaza, Armada Way from 19:00 | Book via events@cpplymouth.valoreurope.com or call 01752 639900

MARCH

2 March 2023

Mike Wozniak – Zusa

Ever wondered how Mike’s Great-Aunt Zusa made it from Poland to Luton with a war nipping at her heels? Here’s your chance to find out.

Venue: The Quad Theatre, Marjon from 19:30 | Book online www.comicalentertainment.com or call 07778804479

4 March 2023

Music for Lent

Choral Concert of music suitable for Lent.

Palestrina Stabat Mater

Mozart Coronation Mass

Also includes motets by Gesualdo, Rachmaninov, Gabrieli and others

Venue: Plymouth Roman Catholic Cathedral, 45 Cecil Street, Plymouth | Tickets via www.wegottickets.com/westdevonchorale

11 March 2023

St Luke’s Men’s Day Out

It’s time to round up your mates, sign up for our flagship Men’s Day Out and walk, talk and remember together. Discover a special bond with friends old and new as you stride a scenic 12km (7.5 mile) route through the city and waterfront from 10am. Winding up at Plymouth Albion, you’ll be ready to tuck into a well-earned pasty, enjoy a welcome beverage and cheer the local boys as they clash with the Rams from Reading. Sign up at www.stlukes-hospice.org.uk/mensdayout/

3 March 2023

Cloudbusting – The Music of Kate Bush

Cloudbusting can’t wait to share their love for the music of Kate Bush as they bring their brand new Love & Anger Tour live to the stage!

Venue: The Quad Theatre, Marjon from 19:30 | Book online via www.katebushtribute.com/tour-dates or call 07581094904

24 March 2023

Bingo

Venue: Lee Moor Public Hall |

Doors open at 19:00; bar and food available. 31 March 2023

31 March 2023

Stevie Wonder Tribute with Guests

Enjoy a great night out with friends. Guests: Pete Gover and Party DJ. Venue: Woolwell Centre | Tickets available on 01752 695888

APRIL

Saturday 1 April to end of May

Burrator Reservoir – 125/100 exhibition

South West Lakes Trust is celebrating the 125th anniversary of the completion of Burrator Reservoir in 1898, and also 100 years since commencing the enlargement of the reservoir by raising the height of the dams in 1923.

Venue: Burrator Discovery Centre during normal centre opening hours from 11.00am to 4.00pm. Please check which days the centre is open on 01822 855700.

Sunday 2 April

Exploring Burrator: book launch & walk

At 10am, author Paul Rendell will be signing copies of his book, Exploring Around Burrator at Burrator Discovery Centre, coinciding with the opening of the Burrator Reservoir – 125/100 exhibition. Tea and biscuits will be available. Copies of the book can also be purchased at Burrator Discovery Centre after 2 April

(cash sales only). At 11am, there will be a free, 2-hour guided walk with the author looking at the building of the dams which started on 9 August 1893 and the raising of the two dams in December 1923, as well as visiting the site of the suspension bridge and the outcrop of rocks known as Burrator.

Venue: Burrator Discovery Centre, from 10am | Booking is required for the book launch and the guided walk on 01837 54727 or at paul.dartmoor@gmail.com

REGULARS

– a selection of regular activities in your local area

Lee Moor Public Hall

www.leemoorpublichall.org.uk

Sequence Dancing

Monday, 19:00-22:00

Badminton

Tuesday, 18:45-21:00

Shaugh Prior Village Hall

www.shaughpriorhall.co.uk

Pilates – Bottoms Up Fitness

Wednesdays, 12:00-13:00, Shaugh Prior Village Hall Contact Lorraine on Facebook/fitmoorin@gmail.com

Sparkwell Farmers’ Market

Last Sunday of the month, 9.30-12:00, Parish Hall

A wide selection of local businesses with a range of products and a Sister Snacks in the kitchen offering a full breakfast menu. Spaces available for stall holders. Contact Corey-Ann via the facebook group @sparkwellfarmersmarket or via email at mmeventsdevon@gmail.com

St Mary’s Church Hall, Plympton

Plympton Foodbank

Tuesdays & Thursday, 10:00-13:00

Woolwell Centre

www.woolwellcentre.co.uk

Woolwell Cafe

Weekdays, 9:00-16:00

Quiz nights

First Friday of every month, 19:30

KIDS’ DIARY DATES

FEBRUARY

10

There

MARCH

18 March 2023

Plymouth Brick Festival

Plymouth Brick Festival will be celebrating all things LEGO! Lots to see and do including speed building competitions, large scale displays, activities, traders selling loose bricks, new LEGO sets, retired LEGO sets, minifigures & accessories plus a dedicated building area.

Venue: Plymouth Guildhall | Book online via www.eventbrite.com

REGULAR EVENTS FOR CHILDREN

Local libraries

Contact the library service or look online for full schedules: library@plymouth.gov.uk | 01752 305900

Lego Club

Saturdays, 10:00-12:30 at Plympton, Plymstock and Southway libraries, 10:30-12:30 at Crownhill library

Come along to our Lego club and get creative. Suitable for children over 5 yrs accompanied by a parent/guardian.

Rhyme Time

Mondays & Saturdays, 10:30-11:00 at Plympton Library | Tuesdays, 10:00-10:30 at Southway library | Fridays, 11:30-12:00 at Estover library

Enjoy songs and rhymes with your child and mingle with other parents and carers. Aimed at children under 5yrs old and their families.

Storytime

APRIL

1-2 April 2023

Dinomania Tour Plymouth

The award winning YouTube Rangers from Dinomania will teach you all about these amazing creatures. Dinosaurs will roam around the crowd in the UK’s most interactive dinosaur show.

Venue: YMCA Plymouth | Book online via www.dinomania.co.uk/ events/dinomania-tour-plymouth.php

Tuesdays, 15:45-16:15 at Plympton library | Fridays, 15:30-16:00 at Crownhill library

Come along to our after school storytime session aimed at children aged 4 to 8 yrs and their families.

Baby & Toddler Group | Latch On Rees Centre Wellbeing Hub, Plympton

Mondays, 13:00-14:30

Messy Church

St Mary’s Church Hall, Plympton

Third Saturday of the month, 10:.30-12:30

Come along for family fun!

01752 680030

Landmark £5.8m funding for Marjon

TheOfS has awarded £400 million to institutions in the UK to fund scientific, technical, and practical subjects.

Marjon was successful in its bid to the OfS following a rigorous application process. £5.8 million was awarded to the University to fund the development of specialist facilities such as clinical skill, diagnostic and simulation laboratories.

specialist skills labs to be ready to deliver outstanding patient-centred care as graduates.”

Marjon will deliver a range of technology-enhanced student and apprentice programmes, with flexible stepon and step-off progression opportunities.

The funding will be used over the next three years to develop technology, buildings and programmes at the University, in preparation to launch its new hub in 2025.

Marjon already delivers a variety of health-based programmes including osteopathy, physiotherapy, and speech and language therapy, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

In 2023 and 2024, the University will unveil a series of new healthcare courses featuring a Health and Wellbeing Practitioner degree, a Nursing Associate foundation degree, a Clinical Science degree apprenticeship and a Masters in Nursing. n

an adventure!

The University will also use this milestone cash injection to create an outpatient and wellbeing community hub. The hub, launching in 2025, will provide placementbased learning for students whilst offering another important healthcare provision for the Plymouth community.

These new specialist facilities will support the delivery of new technical and clinical programmes such as healthcare science, nursing and allied health professions.

Professor Michelle Jones, Deputy ViceChancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange at Marjon, said: “This funding will have a real regional impact. We have worked closely with health and care employers to develop new programmes that will plug gaps in workforce shortages.

“It will support residents in Devon and Cornwall who will benefit from high-quality integrated person-centred wellbeing services. Most importantly it will ensure our students and apprentices will benefit from sector-leading

www.moorswayfederation.org.uk

“ The hub, launching in 2025, will provide placement-based learning for students whilst offering another important healthcare provision for the Plymouth community. ”

Something to wine about…

Many wine drinkers have experienced Covid-19 (horror of horrors – a loss of smell/taste!). However, vines went through something far worse in the 1860s when one tiny pest nearly wiped out the world’s vineyards.

Phylloxera Vastatrix is a microscopic aphid that feeds on vine roots, injecting poison that weakens and eventually kills them. Originating in America, where vines have resistance, phylloxera spreads incredibly quickly. European vines have absolutely no resistance, and when it was accidentally introduced to France (probably in 1858), vines began dying at a fearsome rate. By 1860, southern France, Douro and Austria were suffering significant losses, but it wasn’t recognised as a new problem until 1863. Researchers were preoccupied with another vine problem, powdery mildew, and digging up dead vines had provided no indication of a new pest (aphids leave when the plant dies).

Phylloxera spread like wildfire –large swathes of France including Bordeaux were quickly destroyed with massive impact. At the time, one third of France’s workforce was reliant on the wine industry. How many Gilets Jaunes would we see if a third of France faced unemployment?

By 1868, phylloxera began spreading globally. The Agricultural Society in Montpellier commissioned a botanist, Jules-Emile Planchon, to unravel the mystery. His breakthrough came when he dug up healthy vines and discovered the microscopic menaces munching on the roots. Discovery was not a solution. Frenzied activity followed; new chemical treatments and less scientific methods (a toad for every vine for example). None worked. Planchon knew that American vines grew well in Europe, but a proposal to graft European vines onto American roots appalled French purists. Also many things could go wrong – for example, the vines might simply reject one another. Crucially, however, wine from native American vines tasted terrible, so something had to be done.

When grafting was finally tried, the results were almost miraculous. The American roots resisted the phylloxera while grapes grown on grafted-on European vines retained their original character – and the process was easy! The wine trade was back in business.

There is, however, a sting in the tail. There remains no ‘cure’ for phylloxera – American rootstock still provides resistance, but a mutation could put us back to 1860. Phylloxera has never taken hold in some places – Chile and South Australia in particular –though growers are planting some grafted vines as long-term insurance. Areas such as Washington State and Argentina are intriguing – phylloxera is present but somehow not a major problem. Finally, the Assyrtiko grape from Santorini in Greece has recently been found to be naturally resistant – though it’s not clear whether the grape or the volcanic soil provides protection. So enjoy your wine, but bear in mind that phylloxera may not be finished with the vine yet!

Dave Anning

n

Dave Anning SW Bottle Shop

“ Phylloxera spread like wildfire – large swathes of France including Bordeaux were quickly destroyed with massive impact.. ”

The story of pantomime The story of pantomime

For many families, a visit to the pantomime is an annual tradition, offering a chance to unwind with quickwitted banter and hilarious antics, as you’re drawn into the magic of the spectacle and its extravagant costumes and larger-than-life characters – as well as joining in with booing the villain and the obligatory ‘it’s behind you’ and ‘oh no it isn’t’! It’s extraordinary to think that people have been enjoying this wonderful tradition for around 300 years, although it has changed a little over the centuries.

The origins of this characteristically British entertainment though, lie in 16th-century Italian street theatre, ‘Commedia dell’Arte’ or comedy of the artists, which included music, dance, acrobatics, comedy, and a cast of stock characters such as the old man Pantalone, the clown Pierrot, and Columbine who was in love with the mischievous servant Arlecchino – or Harlequin as he became known in English. During the 17th century, the actors began to take commedia across Europe, visiting France and then also England, where they performed at the popular English summer fairs. Due to the language barrier though, scenes from the continental shows were mimed rather than spoken, and there was more emphasis on singing and dancing, as well as the comic chases. Harlequin’s character particularly delighted

audiences, and by the end of that century some of the commedia characters even began to appear in English comic plays. Theatre became increasingly popular in the 18th century, with people from all walks of life regularly attending the London theatres, and by 1850, theatres were being built in towns across Britain.

and using action not words. It first appeared on a poster in England for

characters. It was John Rich though what

The word ‘pantomime’ is derived from the ancient Greek pantomimus, meaning ‘imitator of all’ - a dancer playing multiple roles, and using action not words. It first appeared on a poster in England for a 1717 production by John Weaver, and then became associated with his next production including Harlequin and Columbine, so that the name stuck for plays involving these characters. It was John Rich though who produced what is considered to be the first real pantomime in 1721, entitled The Magician; or Harlequin a Director.

An actor and theatre manager, Rich developed the harlequinade, a comic chase telling the adventures of Harlequin and Columbine, melded with acrobatics, music, magical transformations and ‘slapstick’ comedy. Rich played the part of Harlequin and used his magic wand/sword (a wooden ‘slapstick’ with a hinged flap to make a loud slapping noise) to change the stage scenery by touching it, while

Dick Whittington with Basil Brush 2012, courtesy of Theatre Royal Plymouth

“ The word ‘pantomime’ is derived from the ancient Greek pantomimus, meaning ‘imitator of all’ ”

Oh no it isn’t...Oh yes it is Oh no it isn’t... Oh yes it is

giving the backstage crew an audible cue. The sound also lent more theatrical effect when the stick was used to slap other actors – hence the term slapstick comedy. Rich went on to introduce animals, serpents, and even flying vehicles to enhance his productions. His harlequinades became so popular that other theatres decided to adopt them, despite warnings from the critics that they would finish serious theatre. The manager of the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane, David Garrick, initially joined in the criticism but seeing the commercial opportunities offered by pantomime, he decided to put on new pantomime stories with a speaking Harlequin. However, he limited pantomime performances to the Christmas season, aiming to maintain a balance between serious and more frivolous theatre – and the tradition of Christmas pantomimes was sown.

The 1700s had seen a rise in the popularity of folk tales and fairy tales, and then in the early 1800s the stories of Aladdin, Ali Baba and Sinbad were translated into English. Gradually, pantomime stories evolved, and many are still performed today. Jack and the Beanstalk developed from many different folk tales going back hundreds of years, and there was even a reference to the popular Cornish folk tale of Jack the Giant Killer in Shakespeare’s King Lear. The story of Cinderella has also existed for centuries, but became very popular when the French writer, Charles Perrault included it in his collection of fairy tales published in 1697; it is also the only pantomime to retain a transformation scene at the

end. Dick Whittington was based on the life of a real mayor of London who died in 1423.

From 1800, Joseph Grimaldi’s performances of the clown with his mischievous tricks, clever satire and bizarre songs started to edge Harlequin out of the limelight – Grimaldi also introduced cross dressing to create the role of the pantomime dame, although until 1660 men had always played women’s roles as female performers were banned from the stage in Britain. By the Victorian era, pantomime had become a Christmas custom, and gender switching became even more established when women started playing the role of the principal boy, dressed in shorts and tights. At a time when women wore long skirts this was considered risqué, but allowed for a woman playing a male role. Until the Theatres Act of 1843, only theatres with a royal patent could produce spoken drama – after this, pantomimes had freedom to make the most of witty puns, quickfire patter and audience participation. During the 1860s, music hall stars were increasingly cast in pantomimes, and their celebrity status and extrovert characters changed the shape of pantomime, replacing lengthy plots with topical satire and popular songs, as well as attracting new audiences. Pantomime may appear to be an absurd mix of bizarre characters, curious plots, and tomfoolery, but as you can see, it is a piece of our history which has evolved around the conventions of the times through the innovations of inspired performers and entrepreneurs to please and delight audiences over the years. And if it has managed to do that for this long then it must be getting something right!

custom, and more established a time when women long

n

Rosemary Best

“ By the Victorian era, pantomime had become a Christmas custom, and gender switching became even more established when women started playing the role of the principal boy, dressed in shorts and tights... ”

By the Victorian era, pantomime

A varied short walk for early spring

From Tavybank to Dartmoor-edge Tor along classic high-banked Devon lanes

Distance: About four miles – about two hours with time to photograph. Ideally walked in the second half of March for the very best of the flowers.

Park at Denham bridge, on the road between Buckland Manor and Bere Alston. Do not bring your articulated lorry to this spot, with no way over the bridge, no way to turn and no mobile signal to send for the help you would need. Enjoy the sight of this old narrow and zig-zag bridge. Go up the lane by the Tavy and take the second driveway diagonally back down to Tavy level at Ludbrook. Stop and be amazed by the display of squills and other flowers. Camera obligatory!

The riverside meadow is covered by spring squills; a haze of blue paler than bluebells, and a month earlier. These flowers are more usually found in small patches on local cliff tops; I would claim this meadow as being unique. This was voted as the official flower of County Down in 2012. The meadow really is a stunning sight. Note also a patch of marsh marigold, unusual for this area.

As you carry on along the footpath, it is best to strike up onto the parallel permissive path unless the river is very low indeed. Ludbrook Weir is a spectacular sight half way to Hatch Mill. There look for the remains of the waterwheel and a display of old farm machinery; I am always particularly amused to see the label reading Lanson on the end of the last one; Launceston with fewer letters I presume.

Continue up the lane from the farm for half a mile, choosing the two left forks to climb up to the edge of open moorland. You will need to fossick into woodland to your right to find Berra Tor, hidden until you are a few tens of metres away. This is unusual in that it is not granite, but Devon Killa, sedimentary rock altered by the heat of the magma coming up from below.

Keep along on the very edge of the open moor, noting the ditch and wall of a medieval enclosure (Settlement). Before you turn off the open moor, look left to admire the view. The main part of Dartmoor is visible on anything like a clear day.

Now you are back on lanes for three-quarters of a mile. The footpath on the map starts as a driveway and takes you past a large area of native daffodils, not to be confused with the many and various commercial varieties planted delightfully but perhaps over showily just about everywhere at this time of the year. The final section runs along the top of a very steep slope down to the Tavy. A profusion of wood anemones tumbles downslope. Finally, you join the steep lane above Denham Bridge at its hairpin bend. You might wish to go once more down the Ludbrook drive for another look at the squills before a final descent to your car.

It is not possible to include photographs of all “The Flowers That Bloom in the Spring Tra La”. Do look them up before you walk! n

Ron Smith

Walks such as this, walks in the middle of Dartmoor, walks in the valleys and walks on the coast – all are led by keen and knowledgeable volunteers, various lengths, various days of the week. Google Plymouth Ramblers or, for walks using public transport, contact the Dartmoor Rambling Club via Ron Smith ronaldfwsmith@gmail.com / 07780913546

Spring Squills

Ludbrook Weir

Denham Bridge from upstream

Berra Tor

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Why advertise your business in PLYM LINKS?

Here’s what our customers say...

Plym Links has been part of Moorsway Federation’s marketing strategy for several years now, and is a reliable, quality publication that we are pleased to be associated with. From design to print, the prompt, efficient and friendly service from the Links’ team has given peace of mind we continue to benefit from a widely circulated platform from which to share our news, via both advertisements and editorial features.

Joanna Cooper, Moorsway Federation

After moving to the area last year I was looking to advertise in local magazines and came across Links Magazine, from the first email they have been informative, helpful and welcoming. I have had a great response from advertising in Links Magazines and thoroughly enjoy the quality of the magazine, varied articles and information enclosed!

Gemma Harvey, Painter & Decorator

EFFICIENT BIOMASS HEATING TECHNOLOGY

For over fifty years the name Froling has stood for state-of-the-art and e icient biomass heating technology

From the outset Froling has specialised in the e icient use of wood as a source of energy and is a pioneer of state-of-the-art wood heating systems. Today the name Froling stands for modern biomass heating technology.

Froling’s firewood, wood chip and pellet boilers are being used successfully all over Europe. All of our products are manufactured in our factories in Austria and Germany.

Chamings are the local supplier, installer and service agent for Froling biomass heating technology

RAYBURN HEATING BATHROOMS

All aspects of heating and plumbing from a dripping tap to full installations of heating systems, bathrooms, solar and underfloor heating • 1 Year Guarantee on all workmanship

WE SELL, SERVICE, INSTALL & REPAIR

APPROVED

Tavistock 01822 610222

2a Westbridge Industrial Estate • Tavistock PL19 8DE info@chamings.plumbing