Plymouth Chronicle North February 2023

Rescued turtle arrives at National Marine Aquarium

Plymouth’s National Marine Aquarium has welcomed a new tank-mate – Heidi, a 29kg male turtle rescued from South Malé Atoll in the Maldives.

Heidi was found entangled in a ghost net, a fishing net that has been abandoned, lost or discarded into the ocean. He had deep wounds to both front flippers, and unfortunately the front left flipper had to be amputated. Heidi’s remaining front flipper suffered extensive muscle, nerve and blood vessel damage so is also not functional, meaning he would not have survived in the wild.

The 65cm turtle underwent surgery and spent four years at the Olive Ridley Project - a charity which carries out vital work to rehabilitate turtles caught up in ghost nets. Thanks to their partnership with Coco Collection, the Olive Ridley Project created the first veterinarian-led turtle rescue centre in the Maldives, located on Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, where Heidi resided before being transported by IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group, to his new home in Plymouth.

Landing in the UK at the start of November, Heidi has spent a few weeks in an acclimatisation tank at the National Marine Aquarium in order to properly settle into his new abode before he is moved to the Aquarium’s stunning Great Barrier Reef Tank.

Marcus Williams, curator at the Ocean Conservation Trust, said: “We are delighted to be able to give Heidi a home in our Great Barrier Reef Tank. As well as allowing our audiences to engage with this wonderful

animal, we will be able to educate on the dangers of ghost nets and the importance of conservation efforts around the world.

It was an amazing effort to get Heidi safely over to Plymouth, and we couldn’t have done it without the help of some dedicated

organisations, including Olive Ridley Project, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, IAG Cargo, JCS Livestock, Trans Maldivian Airways and British Airways.”

Dr Claire Petros, lead veterinarian from the Olive Ridley Project commented, “We’re excited that our long-term patient, Heidi, has arrived at his forever home at the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth in England.

“Sadly, Heidi would not have been able to return to the wild as he has no use of his remaining front flipper and as such wouldn’t have survived back in the ocean. He has such an incredible personality and we thought he would make a fantastic ambassador, raising the awareness of the threat that turtle’s face from ghost nets around the world.”

Despite his injuries, Heidi is a competent swimmer and diver using his back flippers. Quite the acrobat, he often puts on a display of turning upside down and spinning around to catch pieces of fish, so will be a fascinating addition to the wonderful array of animals that can already be found at the National Marine Aquarium.

Valerie Hadley, specialised product manager at IAG Cargo, said: “We are delighted to have partnered with the Ocean Conservation Trust to transport Heidi the turtle safely from the Maldives to LondonHeathrow. At IAG Cargo, we’re used to handling precious cargo and have been moving live animals for many years.

Now in the Great Barrier Reef tank guests to the aquarium can see Heidi putting on his gymnastic display and making friends with the tank’s current residents.

Bags of success for Clean Our Patch

Plymouth’s Clean Our Patch community group is celebrating after an outstanding record-breaking year in 2022.

At the end of 2021 having cleared 17,002 bags, the community interest group set themselves the target of collecting 20,000 bags last year - and they totally smashed it!

Clean Our Patch and their army of litter pickers collectively spent over 55,000 hours collecting 21,366 bags from across Plymouth and South Hams.

It is an incredible achievement by Clean Our Patch founders El Clarke and Ash Sanuels who first embarked on their anti-litter campaign in in 2018 and set up the group as a Community Interest Company (CIC) the following year.

Their activities have grown rapidly over the years and they now organise around 350 litter picks each year across Plymouth and the South Hams.

Clean Our Patch not only work closely with local councils, but also with over 40 schools, the mini police, home schooling groups, businesses, sponsors, charities, festivals and various other organisations such as Plympton Rotary, Morrisons Plymouth - Outland Road Community Champion, Advanced Disposables, Devlin Trust, @ gambianproject and Devon Contract Waste to name a few.

One of their most committed supporters is young Sam Ryeland who, supported by his care team, walked a marathon to raise money for Clean Our Patch which paid for equipment and workshops for three Plympton Schools.

For the group’s anniversary in March he’s already planning a triathalon to raise more funds! He also inspired his friends at I-Grow Day Centre to form a group which is the first adult learning disability litter picking group in the city. Inclusion is one of Clean Our Patch’s primary focuses and they plan to expand this in 2023.

They won a Diamond award from Plastic Free Plymouth thanks to the nomination by Jackie Young and were shortlisted for two regional awards at the Great British Expo’s Southwest Business and Community Awards.

El Clarke said: “We have attended over 30 fundraising events and many people have donated not just to Clean Our Patch, but also helped to raise just over £800 for this year’s chosen charity Kidney Research UK.

“We have also donated shoe boxes and bags full of gifts to nursing and dementia homes Ernstell House Care Home and Merafield View.”

Ash Samuels added: “We have helped put together food boxes for those in need and we helped (along with many others) to cook and serve Christmas dinner for those needing some love at Christmas.

“Most of all we hope that we have helped to empower individuals and communities. We can all feel so powerless in the current climate and can’t fix everything but we can all do ‘one thing’!

“Whatever your ‘one thing’ is please know that

it makes a huge difference. Because together we can make things better for our communities, for our friends and for each other. Be kind. Together we can make change happen.

El added: “But ultimately we could not do any of it without the support, kindness, humility and time of so many wonderful individuals and ambassadors - who in total have volunteered 55,511 hours this year!

“You are all part of the Clean Our Patch family and we are honoured to know each and every one of you.”

Out and About

Your guide to events in the local community and beyond

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

Hey Duggee Live Theatre Show

Feb 10 and 11

Hey Duggee Live Theatre Show is coming to the Theatre Royal Plymouth. Join Duggee and the Squirrels in this new vibrant interactive production bursting with music, puppets and barrels of laughs along the way. Tickets and details at www.theatreroyal.com

Valentine’s day Table Top Sale & Tombola

Feb 11

Church of the Holy Spirit, Southway from 1pm to 3pm. Tables available (pre-book only) £5 each. Contact Veronica on 07855 256383.

The Liquid Engineers

Feb 11

The No 1 tribute to Gary Numan at The Quad Theatre, Marjon University at 8pm. Tickets £12 in advance from www.eventbrite.co.uk

Building the Box Architectural Tour

Feb 16, Mar 16

Building The Box was a huge task. Meet a guide at the Welcome Desk and then take an architectural tour of the site and learn about the restoration, demolition and new build construction that took place between 2017 and 2020. Also discover some fascinating information about the history of the buildings, dating back to the 1860s. External pulpits, Blitz bomb damage, redundant tram lines, and more! The tour involves walking up and down stairs. Tickets £10 must be booked in advance at www.theboxplymouth.com/ events/talks-and-tours/architectural-tour

Live Music at The Roundabout

Feb 17

Featuring Ask My Bull, jazz punk four piece from Manchester supported by Semantics, a one man machine of honesty, energy, words and noise. 8pm to 1am. Tickets £3 in advance from www.trybooking.com

The George Michael Story

Feb 18

This touring show performs George Michael’s hits in chronological order at Plymouth Guildhall at 7.30pm. The George Michael Story tells in detail, the career of George and his 100 million record selling history. Featuring a full live band with video screens supporting the show, including footage of George and interviews with the man himself. Expect to be taken on a musical journey of George Michael’s biggest hits in this celebration of his life and generosity, as seen on BBC & ITV. Tickets £27 in advance from www. trybooking.com

Plymouth Jazz Club

Feb 19

Featuring Devon Magnolia Jazz Band at Royal British Legion Club, Tailyour Road, Crownhill at 7.30pm. Tickets on the door from 7pm. Details www.plymouthjazz-club.org.uk

Wedding Fair

Feb 19

China Fleet Country Club from 10am to 1pm. Free entry. Details at www.china-fleet.co.uk/events/eventcalendar/

Lucy Porter: Wake Up Call

Feb 22

Brand new stand-up comedy show from the fringe favourite at The Quad Theatre on the Marjon campus at 8pm. Lucy’s TV appearances include Would I Lie To You, QI and Live at The Apollo. Tickets £18 from www. comicalentertainment.com.

Anniversary Ceildh

Feb 25

With Plymouth Morris at the Woolwell Centre from 7pm to 11.15pm. With Black Velvet Ceilidh Duo. Tickets £8. Contact bagman@plymouthmorris.uk or www. plymouthmorris.uk

Susie Dent - The Secret Lives of Words

Feb 25

Take a journey into the curious, unexpected, and downright surreal origins of the words we use every day at the Quad Theatre, Marjon campus at 2pm. Susie will retell the adventures that lie hidden within such words as lasagne (involving a chamber pot) and bugbear (a terrorising monster). Susie will also share a selection of the funniest moments from her 30 years on Countdown and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, as well as some startling results from eavesdropping on a group of waiters. Tickets £23.50 from www. comicalentertainment.com.

The Terry Higgins Concert

Feb 26

Part of Jeannie Moore’s 29th International Concert Series at Stoke Damerel Church at 3pm. Terry has chosen seven pieces for this concert and performers include pianist Mark Bebbington, violinist Peter Fisher and flautist Judith Hall. Tickets £15 on the door and from www.wegottickets.com/event/568323

Cloudbusting:

Mar 3

one adult and one child for £8/£10/£15 or pay what you can afford. Call 07947 880557 for tickets.

Mozart’s Requiem

Mar 11

The University of Plymouth Choral Society together with the Levowan XII choir and the Divertimento Ensemble present this legendary work and other compositions at 7.30pm in the Minster Church of St Andrew, Plymouth. Bookings from 01752 585050, www. plymouth.ac.uk/arts-institute/tickets or Mannamead News, Eggbuckland Road. Tickets £16 adults, £6 students/young people also available on the door.

St Luke’s Men’s Day Out

Mar 11

The Music of Kate Bush

As the longest running and most universally applauded homage to the music of Kate Bush, Cloudbusting has been championed by Radio One as one of the most authentic tributes in the world. Their passion for Kate’s music has won over sceptical fans everywhere, challenging perceptions of what a tribute band can be and resulting in sell-out performances across the UK. Hosted at the Quad Theatre on the Marjon campus from 7.30pm. Tickets £19.50 from eventbrite.co.uk

Music for Lent

Mar 4

West Devon Chorale present works by Mozart, Palestrina and others at Plymouth Roman Catholic Cathedral at 7.30pm. Tickets £14 (£12 in advance) £4 children and students from www.wegottickets/ westdevonchorale or from the choir adm inistrator on 01752 776479.

Rule the World

Mar 10

Take That tribute band appearing at Boringdon Park. Doors open at 7pm, 1am finish with house DJ. Tickets including three course dinner and welcome drink £40. Call 01752 339113.

Stand Up for New Parents

Mar 10

Professional comics perform for new parents who can’t get out at night!. At the Soapbox Theatre in Devonport Park at 11am. Limited tickets which include

Join the mass of big-hearted men marching through Plymouth to support the compassionate care St Luke’s provides for hundreds of local families at the toughest times in their lives. This special day is so much more than a fun, banter-fuelled, outing to revel in with your friends – it’s also about being mindful of our mental health. 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. Starting and finishing at Plymouth Albion, participants can tuck into a well-earned pasty, enjoy a welcome beverage and cheer the local boys as they clash with the Rams from Reading. For details visit www.stlukeshospice.org.uk/mensdayout/

Plymouth Brick Festival

Mar 18

A LEGO fan event at Plymouth Guildhall dedicated to all things brick! From 10am to 5pm Early bird from 10am £12 per person. Standard entry from 11am £6 per person, children £4. Family tickets available.

Table Top Sale

Mar 18

Trinity United Reformed Church, Hartley from 10am to 12 noon. Entry 20p. Light refreshments available. To book a table contact Jill on 01752 249337.

The Marsha Head Concert

Mar 23

Part of Jeannie Moore’s 29th International Concert Series at Stoke Damerel Church at 3pm. Programme to include Passacaglia, Siciliana and Innocence Lost. Tickets £15 on the door and from www.wegottickets. com/event/568327

Plymouth Harbour Half

Mar 26

Join the Plymouth Harbour Half for a scenic running experience from Yelverton, following the former

railway lines through Plym Woods, back to Saltram, and finishing up around the picturesque harbour. Jump on a coach to the heart of Dartmoor and enjoy the breathtaking views overlooking Plymouth, as you end up back on the Barbican. Details www. phrdevonmind.com

Dinomania Tour 2023

Apr 1 and 2

Dinomania is a fun filled five star interactive dinosaur show hosted by YMCA Plymouth at Honickknowle. Two sessions per day at 11am and 3pm with only 300 tickets available per session.

Join Ranger Chris and his dinosaurs as seen on BGT 2022! 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. Tickets at www.dinomania.co.uk/events/dinomania-tourplymouth.php

Magical Bones: Soulful Magic

Apr 2

Magician Magical Bones brings his show to The Quad Theatre on the Marjon campus at 7.30pm. Britain’s Got Talent finalist takes to the road with awe-inspiring and high energy magic. Tickets from www.tickettailor. com/events/comicalentertainment/784365

Francis Rossi - Tunes & Chat

Apr 14

Status Quo legend Francis Rossi is taking up his acoustic guitar to bring a selection of well-known hits and some previously not-performed-live-before tunes at The Quad Theatre on the Marjon University campus at 7.30pm. It’ll be a unique evening in which Francis will reprise fan favourites from a remarkable 50+ year career. Expect original-style, acoustic versions of Quo classics, threaded together with chat in this music based evening. VIP packages are available for those wishing to meet Francis before the show. Tickets at www.comicalentertainment.com

Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival

May 14

One of the South West’s most popular running events with half marathon, 10k and 5k distances as well as team challenges and Primary Schools Challenge. Enter now at www.runplymouth.co.uk

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

Crownhill Podiatry

Marjon announces appointment of new vice-chancellor

Plymouth Marjon University will welcome a new Vice-Chancellor to the city following the retirement of Professor Rob Warner in December.

Professor Claire Taylor will join the University in May 2023, from her current position as deputy Vice-Chancellor and Professor of Education at Wrexham Glyndwr University in North Wales.

Like Marjon, Glyndwr is a values-based university, rooted in a background of social inclusion and with similarly outstanding student satisfaction ratings.   Professor Taylor studied Music and Education at the University of Cambridge and qualified as a teacher, working with learners of all ages for ten years before becoming a primary school headteacher.

She then moved into higher education, studying for her PhD at the University of Nottingham.  Professor Taylor also held Dean and Pro Vice-Chancellor roles at two other values-based universities: Bishop Grosseteste in Lincoln and St Mary’s University, London.

Reflecting the experience of many of Marjon’s students, she was the first in her family to go to university and this continues to inspire her work.  She has advised on a wide range of boards and panels across higher education, including with the Office for Students, Advance HE and the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales.

Professor Taylor is committed to addressing areas of social inequality and to seeing individuals and communities flourish. Outside of higher education, she is currently Chair of the Board for Alpha - a social housing provider on the Wirral and is Interim Chair of the advisory board at Ty Pawb, Wrexham’s flagship arts, markets and community facility.

Graham Raikes, chair of the Board of Governors at Marjon, who led the recruitment process and chaired the appointment panel, said: “Professor Claire Taylor is an outstanding appointment to Marjon. Her breadth of experience, clear vision and values mean that Claire is the ideal person to take forward the legacy left by Professor Rob Warner.”  Professor Taylor said: “I’m looking forward immensely to joining Plymouth Marjon University as the next Vice-Chancellor. Marjon’s purpose, values and ambition resonate deeply with me and provide a solid platform from which to extend the university’s influence as a distinctive place of learning, research, and innovation for current and future generations.

“I look forward to joining the Marjon community and working with students, staff, Governors, and partners as we shape the future together.”

Professor Taylor will join Marjon as ViceChancellor and chief executive, responsible for the day-to-day leadership of the University and driving the long-term vision; developing new academic provisions, expanding into international markets, building research and taking the University to carbon

zero by

“Learn as if you will live forever, live like you will die tomorrow.” Mahatma Gandhi

The nurses in purple scrubs

Day in and day out, NHS clinical staff at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust are working tirelessly to save lives and make sick people better. Sadly, doctors must sometimes break the news that nothing more can be done to prolong someone’s life and that a person has only weeks, or even days, left to live.

That’s when the St Luke’s at Derriford team steps in to wrap a blanket of compassion and expertise around a patient, aiming to make sure their remaining time can be lived as fully as possible, with dignity and minimal pain.

Unless you’ve encountered them first hand, most people don’t realise that St Luke’s has a permanent and regular presence at the hospital, with highly trained doctors, nurses and admin staff on duty seven days a week, working alongside NHS staff, and having a major impact on the care of around 100 patients a month.

Life-limiting illness

Based on Level 8, alongside Brent Ward, the St Luke’s doctors and nurses visit adult patients anywhere in the hospital who have a progressive, life-limiting illness and a terminal diagnosis, and there are as many as four or five new referrals daily. Their priority is to offer quick and efficient advice on how best to manage someone’s symptoms and provide the most appropriate care, as well as to help determine the best place – often preferably not in hospital - for a patient to spend their final months, weeks or days.

The team are also there to offer emotional and social support to patients’ families and carers, as well as to share their knowledge and compassion with Derriford’s own nurses and doctors who can find it upsetting and challenging when, despite their best efforts, death becomes inevitable.

As gatekeepers for the hospice as a whole, the St Luke’s hospital team liaises closely with the organisations at home and Turnchapel services to find the right solution for each individual. If it’s possible for someone to leave hospital, the team help Derriford’s own complex discharge service arrange their transfer, often recommending them for St Luke’s end of life care in the community or, for those with the most complicated needs, seek admission to the specialist unit if it’s appropriate.

During the first Covid lockdown, the nursing team started wearing surgical scrubs for practicality, naturally choosing purple in line with St Luke’s customary colour scheme, and that has carried on ever since, visually underlining their identity as experts in a very important field.

I was honoured recently to join St Luke’s at Derriford Nurse Consultant Martin Thomas and Clinical Nurse Specialist Julie Ayers for what can’t really be described as

a typical shift because every single day is different, with its own unique challenges and crucial decisions to be made.

“We have no idea who is coming through the door each day. We try to see urgent cases within 24 hours and if they have very bad pain or other symptoms, we try to see them the same day,” said Julie, who is clearly passionate about her own work as well as educating others.

“We are in a unique and privileged position here advising throughout the hospital. It is all about maintaining good relationships and being part of one big team. We also do a lot of education and believe strongly in encouraging people to use the taboo ‘D’ words - death and dying. It’s about getting the right messages across.

“The earlier we get involved with patients who are palliative, the more they can plan for death and how they are going to spend their remaining time. It’s a privileged role, sorting people’s pain out and stopping them from feeling rubbish.

“We have cover here seven days a week, from 8.30am through to 4.30pm for urgent cases and we always tell hospital staff they can ring through to the specialist unit at Turnchapel for advice out of hours.”

Each day is different but there are regular routines, and the morning begins with a briefing meeting. The busy team has the equivalent of 6.5 full-time nurses, led by Martin, and two full-time and one part-time doctor, headed by Consultant Doctor Doug Hooper, plus a vital clinical administrator who keeps the whole machine rolling. There are always two or three student doctors too, gaining important experience as part of their training.

They meet on camera in a virtual online room

– a practical move introduced during the peak of Covid because the team are squirrelled away in three tiny rooms that aren’t big enough for a socially distanced face to face get together.

There’s just one thing on the agenda and that’s the welfare of the day’s list of patients, more than 25 on the day I was there, including several new referrals from various parts of the hospital.

Each individual’s circumstances are discussed in detail – who they are, how unwell they are, whether their condition is stable or deteriorating, whether they have been seen by a member of the team and when, what medications are being used to manage their symptoms and whether that could be improved, what their family situation is and when or whether they might be able to be discharged.

Relationship of trust

Decisions are made collectively about which patients need to be seen urgently that day and which member of the team will visit them on the wards, always prioritising continuity of care and quickly building a relationship of trust with patients and their loved ones.

Individual cases can be enormously complex. One person had been fighting cancer for years but was now reaching the end. Chemotherapy had initially helped to control their cancer, then the disease had now spread and was no longer treatable, and a chest infection was also adding to their discomfort. They had been brought into hospital because they couldn’t cope at home and now needed to look at what was the best course of action.

It’s a thorough and painstaking meeting that goes on for more than an hour and at the end everyone has their allotted tasks, although in such an unpredictable environment they are always prepared for the unexpected. For today Julie’s role is triaging referred patients as requests come in from around the hospital.

Meanwhile, Martin takes responsibility to visit several patients on the list during the late morning and early afternoon, with important meetings and briefings to fit in too.

In the second part of this series next month Jackie Butler joins St Luke’s nurse consultant Martin Thomas as he visits patients on the wards and find out how the team take time out to remember patients who have died.

Popular Jolly Jacks bistro to reopen

Jolly Jacks Bar and Bistro based at Plymouth’s Mayflower Marina is due to relaunch under new ownership in February.

The popular restaurant, which closed in October, is to be run by experienced businessman and restaurateur Jason Bond and his wife Hannah. Jason, who has recently taken on the lease of the waterside eatery, is currently spearheading a reinvigoration of the bistro, which will maintain its ‘Jolly Jacks’ name, ahead of reopening to the public on Sunday February 26

Jason has a lifelong passion for good food and already operates two successful restaurants based in Looe, the ‘Little Barn’ and ‘The Coddy Shack,’ which chef Nathan Outlaw once described as “The best shed I’ve ever eaten in”.

It’s an exciting time for the marina restaurant as Jason and his team, prepare to open. Hannah said: “We’re thrilled to take on this new project. As frequent patrons of Jolly Jacks, we’ve always enjoyed the welcoming atmosphere of the marina and look forward to preserving that sense of community. Our ethos is all about good food, excellent wine, and engaging conversation. We look forward to welcoming customers old and new, and sharing this experience with them.”

Ahead of opening to the public for Sunday Roast on February 26, the restaurant will host two bespoke prelaunch events on February 24 and 25 for select guests to enjoy a delicious range of canapes and sample the curated wine list.

Jolly Jacks will be open every day between 9am and 9pm for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The bistro will continue its long-standing commitment to using fresh local produce and sourcing from sustainable producers. The Bonds and their team have already confirmed West Country based St Austell Brewery and Castang Wines as part of their beverage offer and will be announcing further suppliers, alongside their menus soon.

As the pressures of winter illnesses put more strain on already overstretched hospital services, Jackie Butler meets the dedicated St Luke’s Hospice team providing expert end of life support for patients and staff at Derriford Hospital

New health programme launched at Marjon

The first group of assistant practitioner apprentices have started their programme at Plymouth Marjon University.

The higher level apprenticeship assistant practitioner course is one of 12 new health programmes launching at the university this year.

Marjon welcomed 24 students to its new apprenticeship programme from Livewell Southwest and University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust. The new students will learn in Plymouth Marjon’s brand-new simulation suite.

The suite, which will move into the university’s new Community Wellbeing Hub set to open in 2025, features a full acute hospital ward with simulation patients and an intensive care bay, as well as a GP surgery and home set-up so that students learn how to care for patients in a variety of settings.

With first-class technology, the students will work with the simulated patients to

develop skills in supporting and caring for patients in a clinical setting whilst learning theory and relationship management, building their healthcare knowledge and discovering

how to manage and administer medicines.

Marjon will focus on training locally and through partnerships with settings across the city, will help to fill staff shortages in

medical provisions in Plymouth.

Claire Langman, associate dean of Health and Wellbeing at Marjon said: “We are so excited to have launched the first of our new health programmes. Marjon is here for the good of the community, and delivering courses that allow people to study locally and live locally whilst training to support their local healthcare offer just adds to our social investment in Plymouth.”

Marjon will also be launching MA Clinical Science, BSc Healthcare practitioner and hearing degrees. With doctors only making up 10 per cent of NHS staff, there are plenty of roles to consider.

For more details about the higher level apprenticeship assistant practitioner programme go to www.marjon. ac.uk/courses/hla-assistantpractitioner or find out more about studying a health course at Marjon by visiting www. marjon.ac.uk

Plymouth mourns loss of well-known former pipe band leader

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Hear him speak:

Saturday 25th Feb

The King’s, Tavistock PL19 9AZ at 7:30pm

Sunday 26th Feb

The King’s, Tavistock PL19 9AZ 10:30am

One of Plymouth’s most well-known bandsmen has died. Commander Charles Crichton, OBE, MScSoc, RN was for many years a familiar face heading the procession of the City of Plymouth Pipe Band during its processions at Lord Mayor’s Day and on many other occasions.

An accomplished musician, he was their Drum Major for many years, prior to which he spent 37 years in active service in the Royal Navy followed by 10 further years in naval uniform as a retired officer civil servant.

Cdr. Crichton passed away in November at the age of 80, surrounded at home by his family. He had continued to enjoy a full and active life despite living with cancer for 15 years.

Charles was raised with a belief in diligence, social responsibility and a passion for knowledge which served him well through his navy years and saw him involved in countless charitable endeavours.

He received the OBE in 1994 for his service to the Royal Navy.

A committed participant, patron and ambassador of several youth and veterans organisations involved in supporting city-based projects he was also the go-to man for matters of the maritime history of Plymouth. His wealth of knowledge and stories will be greatly missed.

A memorial service was held at the Minster Church of St. Andrew in Royal Parade at on January 6.

For more information email info@fathershouse.org.uk or call 01752 225623

New Royal Eye Infirmary to open in the Spring

People with eye conditions will be able to access a brand-new state-of-the-art facility this year as the building for a new Royal Eye Infirmary (REI) is well underway.

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust’s new REI on William Prance Road will include theatres, an increased number of treatment rooms and an expanded area for children.

Dave Adams, head of the Optometry Department, explained how the move will be good for patients: “We are an ageing population which means that eye care and eye issues are going to continue to increase, with more people experiencing conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.

“The new REI means more space and more equipment which is good news for waiting

times for patients accessing our services.

“We can treat more patients if we have the space, the staff and the equipment, and the good news is that we are employing more staff to work here too.

“In addition, when we move off the busy Derriford Hospital site, University Hospitals Plymouth will be able to put more wards in that space and take some of the pressure off the Emergency Department.”

The new REI includes the addition of a third operating theatre dedicated to subspecialisms, such as oculoplastic, orbital and corneal surgeries, to start to reduce the waiting times of patients from across Devon and Cornwall.

The new REI will have improved access for patients with a drop-off zone and parking. It is due to open in the Spring.

Proposals for state-of-the-art fracture clinic are unveiled

Plans for a new state-ofthe-art fracture clinic and urgent treatment centre at Derriford Hospital have been submitted to Plymouth City Council.

The three-storey building is the first step in the development of what is known as the North West Quadrant at Derriford. It will contribute to improved care for patients who need urgent and emergency treatment.

The fracture clinic will cater for outpatients with acute fractures, musculoskeletal injuries and orthopaedic conditions and will include imaging and X-ray, treatment areas for adults and young people, waiting rooms, clinical support rooms and staff facilities.

The three-storey building will also include an urgent treatment centre, pharmacy, primary care facilities, healthy bones and orthopaedic outpatients department and offices and staff facilities.

The site of the new facility is located to the north west of the hospital campus on an area of gravel parking to the south to Rowan House, where the dermatology unit is located.

The plot of land is seen as a a key strategic development site fort the hospital and the wider local area.

The application has been made by Plymouth-based architects Stride Treglown on behalf of University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust.

Voters will have to provide ID at the council elections in May

Residents in Plymouth will need to show photographic ID to vote in person at this year’s local elections which are being held on May 4. It is the first time this has been a requirement.

Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a full or provisional UK, EEA or Commonwealth drivers’ licence; some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass and a blue badge.

Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID can now apply online at www.gov.uk/ apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate or by completing a paper form which is available from the council. The deadline to apply for this ID is April 25.

Anyone who wants to vote in the local elections this May, must be registered to vote by April 17. For those who aren’t already registered it only takes five minutes to register online at www.plymouth. gov.uk/voting-and-elections.

Voters wishing to apply to their council for free ID should first make sure they are registered to vote.

More information on registering to vote, what voter ID will be accepted or how to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate is available on the Plymouth City Council website. Anyone not able to visit the council website, or apply for a Voter Authority Certificate online, can contact the council by calling 01752 30486 or emailing ero@plymouth. gov.uk.

Tracey Lee, returning officer for Plymouth, said:

“Anyone voting at a polling station in England this May will need to show photo ID before they can be given their ballot paper. It’s important that everyone understands what types of ID they can use, and how to apply for free ID if they need it.

“With elections taking place in Plymouth on May 4, it is important that those who want to vote make sure they are registered to vote and have an accepted form of ID. It may seem early but checking now means you will be ready to vote in May.”

Voters will be able to use expired ID as long as the photo remains a good enough likeness to the elector, and the name on the ID is the same name as appears on the Electoral Register.

The changes do not affect postal votes but do affect proxy voters who will be required to show their own valid ID when voting on behalf of someone else.

It’s National No Smoking Day on Wednesday 8th March and this year the campaign’s theme will focus on the link between smoking and dementia. Most of us already know that smoking can cause serious conditions like lung cancer and heart disease, but fewer people know that it can also increase your risk of dementia. Every cigarette contains harmful chemicals that are bad for your brain, quitting smoking could be the next step you take for better brain health.

There are lots of products available to help you such as nicotine replacement therapy or switching to a vape/e-cig to help reduce potential cravings. Paul Carder, went smoke free last year by switching to vaping and found that giving up was not as stressful as he initially thought: “Vaping dealt with the habit side of smoking as it replicated the action of smoking and satisfied my hand to mouth addiction.”

Don’t give up on giving up. Every time you try to stop smoking, you’re a step closer to success. Get the support you really need, call 01752 437177 or email oneyou.plymouth@nhs.net and quit this No Smoking Day.

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New plan for controversial Armada Way regeneration is unveiled by city council

A modified design for the Armada Way regeneration project has now been published.

This follows a decision by Plymouth City Council in November to pause the project to allow campaigners concerns regarding the removal of the existing trees to be considered.

A multi-disciplinary design team – comprising planners, engineers, landscape architects, urban designers, an ecologist and a specialist tree consultant considered the proposals to see if more of the existing trees could be incorporated within the project, or relocated elsewhere, while keeping the overall integrity of the scheme and its wider benefits.

The review has taken some time as the process took into account a number of different issues, both above and below ground, with the Christmas shutdown adding to this delay. The modified scheme now proposes the retention of 24 existing trees and a total of 150 new semi-mature trees of various native and ornamental species more appropriate to a city centre setting. This brings the total of trees in the Armada Way scheme to 174.

The vast majority of new trees range from between six metres up to eight metres tall at the point they are planted, with some specimens being slightly shorter, however still semi-mature/mature at planting. Planting will take place in phases, and new planting will have an instant impact, including visually and environmentally.

After much discussion, an extra seven existing trees can be retained including four cockspur thorns, two wild cherry trees and a Swedish whitebeam. In addition a further three new trees will be added to the scheme. campaigners were asking for as many trees as possible to be kept.

But the design team had to take into account a number of other factors. This included the creation of a tree-lined avenue through the centre of Armada Way with a stream in the middle – with links to drainage systems, a path and a new cycle route, which is critical to the scheme.

The proposed location of tree pits, existing and proposed drainage systems, which will form part of the

urban sustainable drainage system as well as the considerable network of utilities beneath the ground and proposed levels were other factors at play.

The design team also considered options suggested by campaign groups for the translocation of existing trees.

Some 25 existing trees were identified as potentially possible for translocation but this is now not being taken forward as it is not regarded as good arboriculture practice and the relocated trees are unlikely to survive the move.

Cabinet Member for Transport, Councillor Jonathan Drean said: “We have tried to take on board the wishes of the campaigners and have incorporated more existing trees as well as new trees.

“But this scheme has to be about so much more than trees. It is about changing a tired street into somewhere people want to go, where there are things for families to do and a much more attractive – and much needed – new look for

the city centre.

“City centre businesses have been crying out for this investment. We have received strong representations from the City Centre Company and many local businesses asking us to support the delivery of the original scheme.“Our previous consultations also had support from many organisations including Historic England, Homes England, the Twentieth Century Society, Devon Gardens Trust and others.

“Ultimately I have to balance a number of different views and opinions on the best way forward, including the sustainable transport outcomes I am responsible for delivering under the Transforming Cities Fund programme.

“How Armada Way looks at the moment is hardly inspiring to future investors in our city. It is not a safe and welcoming environment. We want and need this scheme to happen because we know that we have to re-imagine how our city centre works in the future as it will face many economic challenges in

the coming years that we have to act upon.”

He added: “I genuinely understand the concerns expressed about the removal of the existing trees, which is why I paused the scheme and asked for these concerns to be considered again, even though we had already started work.

“I personally asked that we look carefully at the opportunity to translocate some of the trees. As I said before, I am not a tree expert, and all the advice I have received, including from the project tree experts, the council’s own Natural Infrastructure Team and the Woodland Trust was that this was simply not advisable.

“I am disappointed by that, but ultimately I have to follow that specialist advice I am given. Translocating the trees would have cost over £50,000 and I was told a very large number would be likely to die.

“I have reluctantly, therefore, decided not to include this within the final design that we have published.”

10,000 SIGN PETITION TO STOP THE CHOP

Over 10,000 people have signed a petition calling on Plymouth City Council to save more of the trees in Armada Way.

Organisers behind the STRAW (Save the TRees on Armada Way) campaign claim that the new plan still means that over 120 trees will be felled. The petition has been submitted to Plymouth City Council and campaigners will have five minutes to speak at the full Council meeting on January 30 when the new plan will be debated.

Apart from public support, the campaign to save

scores of mature trees has been fully backed by Plymouth Tree Partnership and Environment Plymouth. Luke Pollard MP and a number of city councillors had also pressed for a review of the original proposals. The campaign team have been active on social media calling for local residents to sign the petition and contact their local councillor. They have also created a special website at www.strawplymouth.com to highlight their case.

The battle to save the trees has attracted extensive media coverage locally and nationally.

CLOCK TICKING FOR EARLY BIRD GARDEN WASTE PRICE

There are just a few weeks left for residents to benefit from a reduced price for garden waste collections.

As announced last year, Plymouth City Council will be bringing in a charge for the non-statutory service in 2023.

Residents who sign up in the early bird period will be able to benefit from a discounted price of £39 for the season.

But time is running out to claim the discount,

with the cost for residents opting-in for the service after February 12 reverting to £49.  As in previous years, collections will run fortnightly from April until November.

The decision to charge will brings Plymouth into line with the majority of local authorities nationally and will help to close an unprecedented £37.6m shortfall in the Council’s budget for local services next year.

Inflation, rising energy costs and rising demand

for social care services are causing huge budget pressures for all local authorities and this is among the measures to help close Plymouth’s gap. But secondly, and crucially for residents, it will also help to ensure the resilience of all types of waste collection with the extra revenue invested in the required staff, both loaders and drivers, ultimately allowing the council to run a reliable service.

Residents can sign up at www.plymouth.gov.uk/ gardenwaste

THE BOX UNVEILS SPRING EXHIBITION PROGRAMME

The Box, Plymouth’s award-winning museum, art gallery and archive, is busy getting ready to launch its spring exhibition programme, which will shine a light on its extensive art collection plus a selection of female artists.

The new season comes hot on the heels of British Art Show 9, which completed its national tour in Plymouth at the beginning of January. The multi-site exhibition, which was also displayed at KARST, The Levinsky Gallery at the University of Plymouth and MIRROR at Arts University Plymouth, welcomed over 80,000 visitors in total, nearly 68,000 of whom experienced it at The Box.

Throughout spring 2023, The Box’s exhibition programme will feature: Sue Williamson: Between Memory and Forgetting

February 4 – June 4

Between Memory and Forgetting is an overview of the work of British-born South African artist and activist, Sue Williamson. Stretching from the 1980s to the present day, the exhibition will be displayed in the beautifully restored St Luke’s church and will include mixed media portraits, photographs and a newly commissioned sculpture. Williamson’s work highlights some of the many women who played key roles in South Africa’s liberation struggle and in the years that followed. This show also reflects on the futility of war and the significance of memorials.

Hannah Quinlan and Rosie Hastings: Portraits

February 4 – June 4

Portraits is an exhibition of drawings, etchings and films by artist duo Quinlan & Hastings, who are known for their thought-

provoking work that explores ideas of belonging, institutional power and the safety of the LGBTQ+ community. Two of the highlights will be important works acquired by The Box in 2020/21: a Michelangeloinspired drawing and a video work that explores the iconography, politics and relationships associated with gay culture.

Making a Mark: Dazzling Drawings from the Cottonian Collection

February 4 – June 4

Making a Mark will highlight the methods, materials and centuries-old approaches to drawing that still inspire artists today. The exhibition will showcase 40+ drawings dating from the 1600s-1700s from Plymouth’s most significant fine art collection – the Cottonian Collection – as well as a selection of plaster casts, ceramics and books.

People and Place: Art Collection Showcase

February 4 – January 24 2024

This updated presentation from The Box’s permanent art collection will include landscape paintings of Plymouth, over 300 pieces of decorative art and a new selection of works by female artists including Wilhemina Barns-Graham, Rose Hilton, Dame Barbara Hepworth, Beryl Cook and 2019 Turner Prize winner Tai Shani.

The Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I

February 11 – January 7 2024

The Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I is possibly the most recognisable portrait of the famous Tudor Queen, and one of the three known surviving versions will be on display in The Box’s ‘100 Journeys’ gallery from February 11. The portrait commemorates the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588 and is on loan from Woburn Abbey, the home of the 15th Duke and Duchess of Bedford.

The Box will be running a great series of events in connection with its spring exhibitions, including a special ‘In Conversation’ event with artists Sue Williamson, Hannah Quinlan and Rosie Hastings on Friday February 3, ‘Bitesize’ gallery talks, ‘Archives Insight’ presentations about Plymouth’s connections with the Boer War (1899-1902) and family-friendly activities for February half term.

Full details for all exhibitions and events can be found at theboxplymouth.com

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Jolly time was had by all!

Age UK Plymouth’s Jolly Elders group has recently had the opportunity to get out of the city and travel on two local scenic railways lines, thanks to a collaboration with the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership, a non-profit partnership who support branch lines in the South West including the St Ives Bay Line, Tarka Line and Atlantic Coast Line.

The Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership was founded in 1991 has been nationally recognised with 30 awards from the Community Rail Awards since its inception in 2005. The Jolly Elders Programme was formed just 12 months ago as part of the charity’s active living project and has gone from strength to strength ever since.

The group is for those over 50 who want to get together, meet new people and enjoy different themes and activities each week. Initially just one group met at Manadon Sports & Community Hub on Fridays but the group was quickly running at capacity. Keen to make Jolly Elders as accessible as possible across the city a second group was launched at Central Park Community Hub on Monday afternoons.

At the end of 2022 a third group was launched at the charity’s Mount Gould HQ, which gave the opportunity to make this a lunch club, with catering provided by the team at Age UK Plymouth.

Many have found Jolly Elders a lifeline with one regular saying, ‘the club saved my sanity after two years of being shut away. I could not mix with anyone. Lisa and Abi have been

doing everything, we think they are wonderful!’

Abigail Young, community support manager at Age UK Plymouth said: “As a charity one of the things we’re here to champion is wellbeing in the city of Plymouth. It’s amazing to be a part of supporting our Jolly Elders, an outing like a day’s round train trip to Looe can make a huge difference to someone’s wellbeing and helping them love later life.

“Our Active Living programme has been a huge part of the charity’s focus over the past year to reduce isolation in the community. We look forward to our weekly groups knowing that they are making a real difference to people. The psychological impact of lockdown has been huge on those who found themselves

grouped as vulnerable people. It’s amazing the effect of groups like Jolly Elders has in supporting people in leaving their homes and reducing that loneliness in the community.”

With the generous donation of free tickets, thanks to Great Western Railway, the Jolly Elders took their first ever trip, visiting Looe. The sun was shining as the group enjoyed a classic Cornish Fish ‘n’ Chip lunch and a walk along the sea front before making their way back to Plymouth Station along the Looe Valley Line.

For their second trip in December the group headed along the Tamar Valley Line where they enjoyed mince pies on the way and were greeted by children from Delaware Primary School who boarded the train singing Christmas carols.

The next step for Age UK Plymouth is to continue to grow the Jolly Elders Lunch Club which meets every Tuesday at The William and Patricia Venton Centre in the heart of Mount Gould.

The centre can be accessed by the number 23 and 24 buses direct from Royal Parade and the sessions include a hot cooked two course meal, activities and regular visits from guests including live singers.

For more information about Jolly Elders or any of the work of Age UK Plymouth visit www. ageukplymouth.org.uk.

To find out more about working in partnership with Age UK Plymouth or to talk about how groups or organisations can work with or support the charity please email enquiries@ ageukplymouth.org.uk.

SCHOOLS COMMIT TO INCLUSIVE PRACTICE

A group of local schools have signed the Plymouth Inclusion Charter following their commitment to inclusive practice.

Discovery Multi Academy Trust, which includes Beechwood, Oakwood, Weston Mill Primary Academies and the Edison Centre – which is based at Beechwood –completed an audit of what they have implemented to support its children, families, and staff, which enabled it to join the Charter.

The Plymouth Inclusion Charter, led by Plymouth City Council and Plymouth Parent Carer Voice, aims for children in the city to have ambition and succeed leading to a thriving enjoyment of life.

To achieve this, the Charter is aiming for schools to join and show how they are making Plymouth a safe, valued, and respectful place to be through inclusive practice.

The Discovery schools each showed how they meet the Charter’s expectations through

its use of clubs for children and parents, cognition and learning trips for children with social, emotional, and mental health needs, regular external trips, special meet and greets which one school has been doing for nearly a decade, and additional support from their highly trained practitioners.

All three of the Trust’s schools

have a Helping Us Thrive (HUT) space where children go for support and special interventions to support their social and emotional development.

Lindsay Cooper-Smith, inclusion and safeguarding lead at Discovery Multi Academy Trust, said: “We have an incredibly dedicated team of staff who strive to support all children and

families. ‘Inclusive’ is one of our Trust’s values and that is seen in the work of our teams every day. We are really pleased to be one of the first Trusts in Plymouth that shows all our schools have a commitment to the Inclusion Charter.”

In addition to their signing of the Charter, the Trust operates the Edison Centre, a short-term nurture provision for children across the city struggling in mainstream education with special educational needs, social, emotional and mental health needs, or traumas. The centre is ranked as a top 10 setting for children with ADHD by For Plymouth Lovers.

“Alongside the Charter, the Trust was also the first educational group in the UK to win the Mentally Healthy Organisation award for its commitment to pupil and staff mental health. The award, presented by Trauma Informed Schools UK and the Centre for Child Mental Health, was awarded to the group in 2020.”

Sign up for fun and friendship with Moor’s Edge U3A

People who are retired or semi-retired will find plenty of friends and lots of different activities at the Moor’s Edge U3A.

Meetings are now on the second Friday of the month at 2.30pm held at the Woolwell Centre. Anyone interested in finding out more can attend two general meetings before deciding to join. Membership is £15 a year for individuals or £28 for a couple.

There are over 20 different groups interest that new members can join.

In January Judi, one of the group’s own members gave a talk about Dartmoor Border Morris which she has danced with for several years. She came dressed in her outfit complete ‘with bells on’! It was interesting to learn the origins were from poor people performing mummer’s plays and wassails to earn some extra money. Today there are around 750 groups with 13,000 members made up of dancers and musicians.

The annual New Year meal at Yelverton Golf Club also took place in January with over 40 members enjoying the meal.

The Garden Visits group has became very popular and there are now three groups in total. The second group recently went to The Garden House and enjoyed the Snowdrop Festival and early spring flowers.

There are two walking groups: short walks up to three miles and long walks up to seven miles for those who wish to do more exercise. The next short walk will be at Central Park.

The music events group regularly attend Plymouth Jazz Club at Crownhill British Legion. The next gig is on February 19 at 7.30pm featuring the Devon Magnolia Jazz Band.

Several members have tickets ready for a future event at the Woolwell Centre to see a Stevie Wonder Tribute act at the end of March. The group’s musical tastes are eclectic!

Other groups include canasata, bridge and scrabble for those who enjoy games and learning to play the ukulele for the musically inclined.

At the Arty Crafty group members enjoy a cuppa and a natter and take along their latest project which could be patchwork quilt making, knitting, crochet or another craft skill. News of forthcoming events can be found at https://u3asites.org.uk/moorsedge/events.

Visit the Group’s section for details of the range of interest groups available. The Moors Edge U3A Facebook page has photographs and write ups of activities. Diary dates:

February 10: David Follett’s talk is entitled ‘Tragedy to Triumph’ when he shares how following a road accident with spinal injury at 17 he became an English national wheelchair badminton champion.

March 10: Mike Temple will talk about the ‘Mercy Ships’ which deliver healthcare and surgery where most needed in the world.

April 14: Brenda Loosemore’s topic is ‘Ladies of Laughter’

Work starts on road improvement plan from Woolwell to The George

Initial preparations for the first phase of the Woolwell to The George transport scheme are due to get under way in a few weeks.

Phase 1 will include walking and cycling improvements on Woolwell Road, new cycling facilities on Tavistock Road (north of Woolwell Roundabout) and a new signalised junction where Woolwell Crescent meets Tavistock Road.

Balfour Beatty have been appointed to carry out the scheme preparation works. Site clearance will start on February 13 to get the area ready for construction works later in the year and will include the removal of trees and vegetation on the east bank along Tavistock Road (between Woolwell Crescent and Woolwell Roundabout) and along Woolwell Road.

As part of the Phase 1 construction works a retaining wall will be built on the east side of Tavistock Road. This will allow for widened and improved walking and cycling facilities north of Woolwell Roundabout while avoiding any impact on properties on the west side. Woolwell Road will also be widened to build shared pedestrian and cycle paths on both sides.

All of the necessary environmental impact assessment work has been carried out, including arboricultural and ecological surveys and there will be an ecologist on site during these works.

The bank will be replanted after construction works are complete and, although there are some site constraints meaning some of this will be in other areas of the scheme as well as

off-site locations, the council is fully committed to planting more trees and vegetation than we remove.

Detailed landscaping plans are still being developed but replacement tree and shrub planting will be a priority across the whole Woolwell to The George scheme area.

The site clearance is expected to take around five weeks to complete. To carry out these works safely, some lane closures will be needed but only during off-peak hours (9.30am to 3.30pm) between Monday and Friday. These will be on the southbound side of Tavistock Road, from Woolwell Crescent to Woolwell Roundabout.

Some footpaths will also be closed for safety reasons but alternative pedestrian routes will be provided.

A temporary contractor compound and storage area will be provided on an area of council-owned land in Eco Way, just off Woolwell Crescent. We will start setting up this area from Monday 6 February. It will be fenced and returned to its original condition on completion of the works. There will be some traffic restrictions on

Woolwell Road for up to two weeks from February 20 but, again, only during off-peak hours.

Vehicles will not be able to travel westbound from the Towerfield Drive roundabout towards Tavistock Road (along Woolwell Road) and there will be no left turn out of Woolwell Drive. Traffic will instead be directed along Woolwell Crescent to join the A386 Tavistock Road.

Businesses will remain open during these works.

Other site preparation works will include the demolition of three council-owned properties on Tavistock Road. These properties were purchased to support the planned widening of Tavistock Road, which will be delivered in a later phase of the scheme but are being demolished earlier to provide the contractor site compound for Phase 1.

Further details will be provided when the date for demolition is confirmed, along with more information about the start of the main Phase 1 construction works.

Detailed design work on the second phase of the scheme, which will include the replacement of Woolwell Roundabout with a new signalised junction, as well as the widening of Tavistock Road, is continuing and further details will be made available at a later stage.

The Woolwell to The George scheme is a vital part of the council’s programme to provide better links to and from the north of Plymouth as it grows and will complement others in the area, such as the completed Derriford Hospital Interchange and Derriford Transport Scheme, as well as the Forder Valley Link Road, due to open shortly.

Freedom of City for military hospital group

A local organisation that provides military medical staff to work alongside the NHS have been recognised for their commitment to healthcare by being awarded the Freedom of the City.

The Joint Hospital Group provides around 170 personnel including consultants, nurses, operating department practitioners, radiographers and medics working in the trust.

The group is one of five tri-service – army, navy and air force – military hospital groups situated around the UK which provides the staff the opportunity to rapidly deploy and provide

the ‘highest quality of healthcare’ in the UK and abroad, when needed.

The Freedom of the City – which was granted at the meeting of Plymouth City Council at the end of January – is an honour bestowed upon a valued member of the community.

Councillor Sue Dann, Lord Mayor of Plymouth, said: “The Joint Hospital Group have looked after and will continue looking after the military community. They provide healthcare professionals to interact with people locally and nationally, and deliver the highest level of healthcare for those in need around the world when it is needed the most.

“The citizens of Plymouth have expressed

their admiration for their great achievements in the service of this country and of their long and historic association with the city, and this is why we have chosen to grant Freedom of the City to them today. I would like to thank them for all of the incredible work that they do.”

Speaking on behalf of the Unit, the Commanding Officer, Commander Jonathan Coates, Royal Navy said: “It is an absolute honour to be recognised for our long standing history of providing healthcare to the people of the city of Plymouth.

“It is a tremendous privilege to be recognised by the city of Plymouth and be bestowed with the Freedom of the City.”

Plymouth-based Royal Navy patrol ship HMS Tamar visits Indian Andaman Islands

Plymouth-based HMS Tamar visited the Indian Andaman and Nicobar islands between January 6 and 10 as part of the Royal Navy’s permanent presence in the region.

The patrol ship spent five days in Port Blair, capital of the islands – roughly 600 miles East of the Indian mainland. The ship has deployed to the Indian Ocean for the first time as part of the UK Government’s Indo-Pacific agreement set out in the Integrated Review.

Tamar and her sister ship HMS Spey have been operating in Asia, the western Pacific Rim and Oceania since deploying from the UK last year.

The ship’s command team sat down with the Indian regional commander, Lieutenant General Ajai Singh; the UK’s Defence and Naval Advisors and local Indian Navy commanders to discuss joint patrols, exercises, opportunities to work together and to better understand the region, including the vast Bay of Bengal.

Tamar hosted an evening reception and sunset ceremony for local dignitaries and residents, attended by 80 people, to educate the community about the ship and the purpose of her presence in the region.

The deployment builds on the visit of the UK’s Carrier Strike Group to the country in 2021, and further engagements are expected later this year with frigate HMS Lancaster, based in Bahrain, and a Royal Marines littoral strike group.

First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Ben Key said: “The work HMS Tamar and her crew are doing with allies, partners and friends across the Indo-Pacific is crucial.

“As threats to global peace and stability mount, the Royal Navy values deeply its relationship with the Indian Navy in a shared endeavour to confront those who challenge the rules-based system and ensure peace and prosperity on and from the sea.”

Deputy British High Commissioner to India, Christina Scott, added: “HMS Tamar’s deployment is the UK’s Indo-Pacific tilt in action; its visit represents further evidence of the importance we attach to our defence and security relationship with India.

“The Indo-Pacific, and indeed India, will drive future growth and prosperity for the world. It is imperative that it remains free and open to all in

support of trade, shared security and values.”

As well as important meetings and ceremonial duties, the visit allowed for some more unusual activities, including a yoga session led by Padmini Jog – one of the country’s most respected teachers and revered by the Indian Armed Forces.

Commander Teilo Elliot-Smith, Tamar’s Commanding Officer, said: “Through coming here we have garnered a much better sense of the regional security challenges and how the UK can complement regional strategy in delivering security in the maritime domain.

“At the same time, the ship’s company have had a spectacular experience they will never forget.”

Two local bus routes partially restored with warning - use them or lose them

Two of the local bus routes that were withdrawn due to low customer usage and extreme pressures on Plymouth City Council’s finances will be partially reintroduced at the end of January.

Last November, the council had to make the difficult decision to withdraw subsidies for five of the 14 ‘non-commercial’ bus routes in Plymouth.

This was one of a number of proposals to address the unprecedented £37.6m shortfall in the council’s revenue budget for next year and followed a procurement exercise where all tenders came back over-budget.

Retaining all 14 routes could have cost up to £1m a year and, given the severe financial pressures, it was simply not affordable.

Since this time, the council has been working with Devon County Council and local bus operators to look at whether there are any options to reintroduce services.

At a Cabinet meeting on January 17

Councillor Jonathan Drean announced that officers had been successful in finding a solution that will extend the number 59 bus to Merafield and onto the city centre via Marsh Mills

(to partially replace the original 19 service) and the launch of a new commercial service from Holly Park and Ringmore Way to the city centre (which will partially replace the 44A service). Both of the services come at no cost to the council.

Councillor Drean said: “We face huge financial challenges. The tender returns would have resulted in nearly £1m to be found to retain all the existing routes. It is simply not affordable and many of the routes require high subsidies due to the low overall patronage.

“I know that this was disappointing and behind the scenes Council officers and myself have been working really hard to see if there was any way that some of the routes, albeit partially, could be reintroduced.

“I would like to express my thanks to Devon County Council and Plymouth Citybus for working with us on finding a solution. But I need to emphasise to people who live on those routes that bus services can only operate if they are commercially viable. Therefore, if you don’t use them, you will unfortunately lose them.”

The 59 service is a route that

Plymouth Citybus currently operates under contract to Devon County Council.  The new extension will begin on Monday 30 January and partially replaces the previous route 19.

It will operate four journeys a day in each direction, reinstating links for Merafield residents to both the Ridgeway and the city centre, as well as expanding travel to Sparkwell, Shaugh Prior and Bickleigh. The timetable also has a peak time journey to and from the city centre, which will hopefully help generate commuter numbers on this route.

In addition, following detailed discussions with Citybus, a new service 13 from Holly Park and Ringmore Way, providing links to West Park, St Budeaux and the city centre, will also begin from the end of the month. This route partially replaces the 44A between Holly Park and St Budeaux.

The new service will comprise four journeys a day in each direction, Monday to Friday. The service will be more limited than what was provided before and will be run on a commercial basis. Plymouth Citybus will be reviewing its use after six months to ensure that it is financially viable.

Chef Gourav Pandey said: “I took a road trip and could understand the cultural differences from mainland India by chatting in Hindi and Bengali. The clean beaches, birdlife and plants were really interesting and the food in the region was good.”

Midshipman Alice Ray added: “I loved the vibrancy: the islands were beautiful and the kindness of our hosts was striking.”

Throughout her stay, the ship was hosted by the Indian corvette INS Karmuk and upon sailing from Port Blair for the next leg of her Indian Ocean patrol, the two warships conducted various combined training – also joined by a Dornier maritime patrol aircraft.

Campaign to get the No 31 bus route reinstated gathers momentum

A local activist and a City Councillor have delivered hundreds of letters to residents in a bid to get Plymouth City Council to reverse their decision to remove the councilfunded 31 bus route.

Cllr Charlotte Holloway, Labour Councillor for Drake ward, said she was ‘deeply concerned’ at the move which came into force at the end of December.

“Like many residents in the area, I am deeply concerned at the Conservative Council’s decision to axe the local 31 bus route,” said Cllr Holloway.

“The Conservatives are taking away a lifeline for the poorest and most vulnerable in our area to make local people pay for the dire state of local government finances under

the Conservatives. I don’t think that’s right at all, and we have to fight for local people here.

“That’s why we are delivering hundreds of letters to residents to tell them to let us know the level of impact that the removal of this route will make to their quality of life.”

Plymouth campaigner Paul McNamara, who is Labour’s Candidate for Drake ward in this year’s local elections, has been hearing from residents first hand about the way the changes will affect people.

“I have been knocking on doors across the ward and hearing how many local residents, particularly elderly people, those without transport and those with mobility needs rely on this route,” said Paul.“We will be pushing the council to think again.”

MATTHEW IS A TRUE COMMUNITY HERO

Matthew Jeffery has been named Drake Circus’ Christmas Community Hero after going the extra mile last year to raise money for charity despite a diagnosis of thyroid cancer in July 2020.

Nominated by his girlfriend Sabrina Turner, keen runner, Matthew refused to let the devastating news about his health keep him from his hobby. What’s more, he set out to raise as much money as possible for charity whilst doing it.

And his efforts have now seen him named Drake Circus Christmas Community Hero in recognition of his heroic achievements in 2022.

The centre called for people across the region to nominate their friends, family, and neighbours who had gone above and beyond in 2022 to receive an extra gift to say thank you, and was inundated with wonderful entries, but one story in particular stood out.

After running the London Landmark Half Marathon, Matthew set his sights higher, aiming to complete the Abbots World Marathon Majors, which comprises the six major marathons across the world: London, Berlin, Tokyo, Chicago, New York, and Boston.

Throughout this journey, Matthew has to date chalked off two marathons – Berlin and London – while raising money for charities such as the American Cancer Society, Cancer Research UK and Macmillan Cancer Support.

As a small way of saying thank you, Drake Circus

has given Matthew £250 to spend at the centre in return for all of his efforts.

Matthew said: “I am really grateful to have even been nominated for this competition, let alone to be the one selected to win it!

“I’ve never shared my story or raised this money for myself, it’s always been to help other people and support charities doing crucial work. So, to win something for myself was really nice, as it’s been a heck of a lot of work. I look forward to using the voucher to buy all my new training kit for race days.”

Greg Lumley, centre director at Drake Circus, added: “Giving back is so important and, now more than ever, and at the end of 2022 we want to do our bit to recognise the people who are going above and beyond to help those most in need.

“We were so inspired by Matthew’s story, hearing about everything he’s tackled and all he does to help and support our local community. A huge thank you to him, and all the other heroes, charities, and organisations that continue to work tirelessly to support our community.

“We want to wish Matthew the very best of luck in his future running endeavours!”

Historic Athenaeum gets big funding for facelift

Plymouth’s Athenaeum is to get a facelift that could help the historic institution open its doors to the public once more, thanks to a grant of £86,194 from Historic England.

Plymouth City Council has been liaising with the charity to help them apply to Historic England for funding under their High Street Heritage Action Zone scheme. And they have just learned that their bid to restore the front façade of the building has been successful.

The Athenaeum is an historically important post-war building within the City Centre Conservation Area. The Plymouth Athenaeum charitable society moved to its current building in June 1961, on almost the exact location of its pre-Blitz home. The project includes: repair and repainting window glazing and steel repair of concrete columns and plinths, roof parapets and edging as well as updating original external lighting and signage.

Councillor Mark Shayer, deputy leader and Cabinet Member for Finance said: “The Athenaeum is part of Plymouth’s history. Its members have included Charles Darwin and stamp dealer Stanley Gibbons among a very distinguished list.

“Its modern building has seen the likes of the Beatles, Arnold Schwarzenegger and, Malcolm McDowell and it’s an important venue for performing literature, arts and culture.

“But closure during the pandemic has led to repair and maintenance issues and like many organisations, the charity is still recovering from the impact of the pandemic.

“This funding will help improve the state of this important building and hopefully see the Athenaeum open its doors once more and resume its important role in the city’s cultural scene.”

The building has a 340-seat theatre, lecture hall, meeting rooms and library. It generates income through memberships, room and

Citybus boss is awarded MBE

Richard Stevens, managing director of Plymouth Citybus and Go South West, has received an MBE in the New Year Honours List for services to transport and to the community.

Richard began his transport career in 1989 as a driver and was appointed MD of Plymouth Citybus in May 2012. He is currently Chair of the Devon and Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, Chair of the Plymouth Area Business Council, Chair of the Plymouth Growth Board, and Chair of Destination Plymouth. He is also a board member for the Southwest LEP, Chair of Governors for City College Plymouth and All Saints Secondary School, and is also one of the King’s Deputy Lieutenants. On receiving the honour, Richard said: “I am blessed to work with wonderful people across the bus industry and the Plymouth, Cornwall and Devon business community. It is a privilege to know you all, thank you hugely for your support and friendship.

“I believe businesses should be at the heart of our communities as great partners.

“My huge thanks to the Go Ahead Group for enabling me through their commitment to empowered local management to achieve this award. I am both proud and humbled.”

...and so is CPO Miriam Charlton

A Plymouth based Royal Navy Chief Petty Officer has been honoured in the New Year’s Honours list with an MBE.

CPO Miriam Charlton of HMS Drake in Devonport has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for her work in improving the lived experience of Service Personnel who work in the Naval Base.

theatre hire, donations, legacies and investments.

Some of its meeting rooms and the library are now open for member activities and for hire, but no major events have taken place since the start of the pandemic due to the repair and maintenance issues.

Chief executive of the Athenaeum, Owen Ryles said: “The funding will help to address a range of repair and maintenance issues to the outside of the building and give the front of the Athenaeum a much-needed and very welcome facelift, which will significantly improve its appearance.

“We would really like to thank Plymouth City Council and Historic England for the funding award and for their help and support during the application process. The HSHAZ award will make a tremendous difference to the project to re-open the Athenaeum’s theatre.”

Simon Hickman, principal inspector of Historic Buildings at Historic England South West said “The Athenaeum symbolises the spirit of the post war rebuilding of Plymouth. The City was confident to rebuild a cultural institution that had been lost to the Blitz in a bold and modern style. It’s a miniature

version of London’s Royal Festival Hall, and with a bit of care and attention it’ll look just as stylish as its famous counterpart once again.”

Planned improvements to the front entrance, including a disabled access ramp, are subject to another funding application through the Crowdfunder/City Change Fund scheme. The society also plan to raise funds for internal repair works, including the theatre balcony and toilets, in order to get the theatre open again.

The Plymouth City Centre High Street Heritage Action Zone programme –‘reinvigorating the Abercrombie Estate’ – is a four-year programme celebrating, enhancing and adapting the City Centre’s post-war heritage and making it a more attractive, engaging and vibrant place for people to live, work and spend time. The Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) project is managed by Plymouth City Council and Plymouth Culture, with support from The Box and Plymouth Octopus Project.  It’s part of a £95 million governmentfunded programme which is being delivered by Historic England to unlock the potential of 60 different high streets across the country.

Working as the Parent Support Information Manager in the Personnel Support Group (Devonport), Miriam has made a sustained and tangible improvement in the lived experience of Service Personnel with parental responsibilities.

Miriam has made a significant and lasting impact on the personal lives of a great many service people and has transformed the support given during pregnancy which has improved retention.

On hearing of her inclusion in the New Year’s Honours list Miriam said: “I feel extremely honoured and humbled to receive an MBE from His Majesty the King.

“The nomination and the award have come as a complete surprise to me, and I am immensely proud that my efforts within the Personnel Support Group (Devonport) have been given recognition, and all whilst doing a job that I love.

“I have worked with many very professional and fantastic colleagues over the years within the Personnel Support Group, and I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge them for their support and in sharing the aim to bring welcomed improvements to the lived experiences of Service Personnel with parental responsibilities.”

When Heaven invaded Earth...

Every year around this time, I like to do an article that focuses on the Head of the Christian Church, Jesus Christ Himself. The earthly ministry of Jesus started in conflict; from His birth to His death and resurrection. He was no stranger, within His earthly ministry, to genuine hardship and suffering as many of His followers around the world over the centuries and even up to today, experience.

Living in the UK it is not often understood how large the Christian community is globally. The mainstream media are not religiously literate and never cover the stories of the ‘persecuted church’ because it isn’t on their agenda.

I am a biased broadcaster working in Christian radio and television, and my bias is obvious. I share the story regarding Jesus and His followers. Mainstream media often proclaims a lack of bias but naturally has the bias of its own secular worldview.

History teaches us that our liberal democratic values have their foundations in Christendom that has worked through our culture for centuries and provided the freedoms we enjoy that other global authoritarian regimes do not.

Passion for truth

Within these regimes the passion for truth, reality and freedom is valued so highly that people are prepared to suffer greatly for God given rights. We are in a time when these values are being challenged once again on the geopolitical front in Russia, China, Iran and North Korea. Perhaps our challenge within Western Civilisation will be the balance needed by every citizen between personal rights and personal responsibilities.

Jesus gave us two commandments.

“‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40. This isn’t a theoretical or cerebral understanding as much as it is from the spiritual heart of mankind. Christians in the

persecuted nations have cultivated a deep and abiding personal relationship with Jesus which has provided them with the personal heart revelation to experience the following:

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think on these things.” Philippians 4: 6–8

So, who is this Jesus really?

According to Pew Research Agency, as of 2015 there were just under 2.4 billion Christians around the world, or about one-in-three (31.4%) people worldwide. This makes Christianity the world’s largest religion. The world’s Christian population is expected to grow to 2.9 billion by 2050. Christendom, or structured Christianity in the West, is challenged as it endeavours to adapt to social changes since World War 2, but global Christianity continues to grow. However, there are some encouraging signs of new life in the church in the west especially amongst the younger generation. According to ancient scripture (the Bible), historic tradition, history itself and the belief of orthodox biblical Christianity through the ages, Jesus Christ is the focus of global Christianity. Christ lives in the heart and experience of those who believe who He is, whose lives are confirmed by the Holy Spirit.

C.S. Lewis wrote that there are only three

options of opinion open to us when we consider the claims Jesus makes about himself: madman, liar or Son of God... For Christians, Jesus is the one and only Son of God, He has existed with the Father and the Holy Spirit for all eternity, and He came to Earth as a man 2,000 years ago in the mysterious act we call the incarnation. Quite literally, Heaven invaded Earth. But who is Jesus to you and me? A couple of hundred years ago, Napoleon Bonaparte had this to say: “I know men and I tell you that Jesus Christ is no mere man… Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires… upon force. Jesus Christ founded His empire upon love; and at this hour millions of men would die for Him.” Even today more than 350 million Christians live out their faith under severe persecution across the globe.

In 1926 Dr James Francis wrote the following: “Here is a man who was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. He grew up in another village. He worked in a carpenter shop until He was thirty. Then for three years He was an itinerant preacher. He never owned a home. He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never had a family. He never went to college. He never put His foot inside a big city. He never travelled two hundred miles from the place He was born. He never did one of the things that usually accompany greatness. He had no credentials but Himself...

“While still a young man, the tide of popular opinion turned against him. His friends ran away. One of them denied Him. He was turned over to His enemies. He went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed

upon a cross between two thieves. While He was dying His executioners gambled for the only piece of property He had on earth – His coat. When He was dead, He was laid in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend.

“Nineteen long centuries have come and gone, and today He is a centrepiece of the human race and leader of the column of progress. I am far within the mark when I say that all the armies that ever marched, all the navies that were ever built, all the parliaments that ever sat and all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of man upon this earth as powerfully as has that one solitary life.”

Foundation

The foundation of the Christian faith is that Jesus Christ has existed for all time and beyond time. He created us and the world we live in. ‘Gentle Jesus meek and mild’ He may be, but He is also ‘tougher than hell’ and he defeated death, rising again to life to empower men, women and children with grace to carry on where he left off.

He enables us to defeat fear with love in the power of His Holy Spirit. He sits now, ‘the lamb Who was slain’ on a throne beside his Father’s in heaven and his Father has given Him charge of everything that He has reclaimed with His own life.

He has promised He will one day return to bring His peace and the rule of righteous Love in the world. Prophetic scripture confirms this.

This is who Jesus is, for me, and I believe it’s who the Bible says He is... What about you? When Pontius Pilate stood before Jesus and asked Him ‘what is truth?’ it is ironic that Pilate was standing before Absolute Truth Himself and didn’t realise it.

From all at Cross Rhythms, have a powerful and influential 2023 especially in these challenging times.

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

BASICS RECEIVE GRAND PRESENTATION FROM GARDENERS

Plympton Gardeners Association have handed over a cheque for £1,000 to their chosen charity for 2022 - Basics Devon.

Basics Devon are volunteer medics who respond to incidents at the request of the South Western Ambulance Service.

Basics Devon’s volunteer medics help save lives in communities across rural Devon and can be at a patient’s side in minutes, day or night. Responding to incidents at the request of the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust they provide an additional tier of medical support supplementing the excellent service provided by our local ambulance crews.

They receive no government funding and rely solely on donations, such as those from Plympton Gardeners.

Their committed volunteer doctors make themselves available around the clock throughout the year. They are often first on

the scene be it at the roadside, in a field, on a farm or a home emergency. Operating since 1992, Basics Devon’s qualified and experienced doctors live in rural areas uniquely placed to best support their remote communities. Some are close to accident black spots. Severely injured patients are more likely to survive the sooner that emergency care begins, and the doctors are able to help to reduce their pain and suffering.

The gardeners raised the money they have donated by running the coffee bar at Harewood House and other activities during the course of 2022.

In 2023 the Gardeners will be raising funds for the Plymouth Deaf Children’s Society, a charity providing social events for hearing impaired children and their families throughout Plymouth & surrounding areas of Devon.

Dial the Experts

The handy guide to Plymouth trades & services

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Plymouth Market - serving the city’s shoppers for over six decades

It’s on record that the seafaring folk of Plymouth have enjoyed the retail therapy of a market since 1253 when the town was granted the right to hold one. Indeed, Henry VI sealed the deal by granting a Royal Charter in 1440 to the Mayor of Plymouth and Commonality for fairs, feasts and markets.

For over 60 years, Plymouth Market has undoubtedly been one of the area’s most important and significant local buildings, which has stood the test of time and continues to be a welcoming place of passionate traders with a huge variety of stalls and eateries.

At Plymouth Market there is something for everyone, no matter your budget. The market’s traders have a huge range of goods; from clothing to flowers, books to DVDs, fresh vegetables to Asian noodles and everything in between.

Located in Plymouth’s West End since 1959, the market is open six days a week for shoppers’ convenience and to make the experience even better, visitors can park for just £1.00 an hour in our dedicated car park.

Follow Plymouth Market on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter as there are lots of exciting upcoming news and events.

Facebook: Plymouth Market

Instagram: @plymouth_market

Twitter: @plymouthmarket

For more information scan the QR code below of visit www.plymouthmarket.co.uk

New light installations to inspire and illuminate iconic Civic Centre

The first in a series of light installations in the heart of Plymouth is glowing from the windows of the iconic Civic Centre.

A programme of artistic creations in the city centre has launched with the illuminating message from the building, currently being developed by Urban Splash.

The message reads, ‘What Will You Make Of It?’ and has been developed by agency Creative Concern as part of the marketing campaign for the nationally-recognised British Art Show 9, which runs at city venues until early January.

It’s the first in a series of light installations commissioned in the city centre in a project led by Plymouth Culture, in partnership with Plymouth City Council and funded by Historic England through the Heritage Action Zone programme.

The light-powered artworks are designed to breathe new life into spaces and buildingscreating everyday cultural encounters for those who see them.

They are designed to represent the rebirth of the Civic Centre and the area that surrounds itsymbols of hope for the future that also highlights the heritage of the past.

Plymouth Culture CEO Hannah Harris said: “This thought-provoking programme of art installations is designed to light up the spaces and places in Plymouth that we might otherwise walk past without a second thought.

“Plymouth is building a fantastic art and culture heritage that’s often inspired by light - whether that’s the remarkably successful Illuminate festival or the No New Worlds installation in Plymouth Sound in 2020/21.

“These new creations activate spaces in a really accessible and everyday way - and are likely to grow in scale as we progress through the programme. They will fit into the improvements being made to the city centre, such as the redevelopment of the Civic Centre and Civic Square.

“We hope the artworks provide a moment for everyone to stop, think and enjoy - while activating the spaces and buildings in the heritage zone.”

While this first work has been created in response to the British Art Show, future commissions will be available to artists through open calls in 2023. The British Art Show is taking place at The Box, KARST, MIRROR gallery at Arts University Plymouth and The Levinsky Gallery at the University of Plymouth.

Adam Willetts, associate director development at Urban Splash, said: “Successful regeneration is about so much more than bricks and mortar. Making successful places means understanding the value people bring, especially the role of artists and creatives who deliver intangible value to the places they inhabit.

“For almost three decades Urban Splash has collaborated with artists and designers to feature their works within our buildings and we are delighted to be a part of this new installation –

something which will light up Plymouth in January.

“Our congratulations to all involved.”

One of the show’s themes is ‘imagining new futures’ - the light installations reflect this by trying to connect people to their heritage while looking to the future of the city, in a way that builds understanding, tolerance and pride.

This first installation has been supported by contractors Squibb Group, and JHAV are providing technical project management throughout the programme.

Simon Hickman, team leader at Historic England, said: “The High Street Heritage Action Zone is designed to help breathe new life into Plymouth city centre, and we hope that this artwork signals the rebirth of the Civic. It’ll get people thinking about the opportunities that will come from a revitalised city centre.”

...AND A FACELIFT FOR CITY CENTRE

A total of 16 building facades are going to look fresh-faced and clean, thanks to funding from Historic England.

A gentle facelift with a specialist steam spray is on the cards for blocks of buildings in Old Town Street, St Andrew’s Cross and Royal Parade. Decades of grime and dirt, together with some algae will be coming off, revealing the light Portland Stone that was widely used in the postwar rebuild of the city centre.

The work is being carried out by specialist cleaners Prestige Cleaners and will be carried out by blocks over the coming weeks.

The funding has come from Historic England via the Plymouth High Street Heritage Action Zone, with Historic England contributing half the costs, while the property owner pays the rest.

Councillor Mark Shayer, deputy leader and cabinet member for finance and the economy said:

“We have approached a number of landlords and companies who own buildings and British Land are working with us on cleaning some of their more historic city centre estate.

“We have already seen what difference a clean makes to the buildings – look above the store at Flannels. We are very grateful to Historic England for their support on this project. It helps the city centre look better and also reminds us about our history.”

Simon Hickman from Historic England said: “Plymouth City Centre has the highest number of 20th century listed buildings in the country and its post-war architecture makes Plymouth unique. We are delighted to play our part in helping residents and visitors view the city centre with a fresh eye.”

Plymouth City Council’s role has been to negotiate between Historic England and the property owners and to work with them to identify specialist cleaners as well as the grant application. Other landlords are also in discussions with the council about cleaning their buildings.Plymouth City Centre is unique.

It was destroyed during World War II, but instead of rebuilding, the council appointed leading town planner, Patrick Abercrombie, to create ‘The Plan for Plymouth’.

FACADES

The plan proposed replacing overcrowded and congested city centre with a bold, modern style with wide streets, space for landscaping and greenery – all completed with a uniformity of architectural style and materials. It is the only large-scale example of post-war town planning to be fully implemented in the country.

Abercrombie was trained in the French classically-inspired ‘Beaux-Arts’ style and the Plan for Plymouth is heavily influenced by the style’s symmetry and use of intersecting boulevards.

This can be easily seen in Plymouth’s main shopping streets (Cornwall Street and New George Street) being intersected by Armada Way and Royal Parade. Like most of his contemporaries, he hated Victorian architecture with its lack of zoning and poor forward planning.

City centre sculpture unveiling for Plymouth-based artist Paul

Arts University Plymouth has unveiled a new public sculpture in the grounds of its city-centre campus.

Situated between Arts University Plymouth, Charles Cross Police Station and Drake Circus, the sculpture, named ‘Presence in Absence’, is a large-scale hollow cubic steel structure that captures the light that cuts through it and is over two metres tall.

It has been created by Paul Hillon, a multidisciplinary artist and technical demonstrator at the arts university.

Paul is a visual artist who lives and works in Plymouth. A studio holder at KARST Gallery, Paul studied Fine Art at BA (Hons) and MA levels at Arts University Plymouth, before joining the Arts University as a technical demonstrator within the Materials Lab. His work has featured in exhibitions across the south west.

His creative focus is on the design and production of sculptural forms, exploring the interaction between viewer, spatial dimensions and fortified structures. Scale and connectivity are key considerations in his work, with current research exploring principles and new media technologies that unify sculpture with space to produce immersive works that provide potential for increased accessibility and audience participation.

‘Presence in Absence’ was created based on Paul’s investigations into the relationship between a sculptural object’s physical properties and the space around it, questioning whether drawing attention to

the contrast between the tangible and the immaterial alters the awareness of the space that we occupy.

Paul said: “I am delighted to have been given the opportunity by Arts University Plymouth to show this work outside of the gallery context. As a public sculpture

‘Presence in Absence’ offers an opportunity for new conversations about relative scale, the use of light and the space that both occupies and surrounds the work.”

CHRISTOPHER’S AWARD-WINNING COMPOSITION WILL BE PREMIERED AT CITY’S LEVINSKY HALL

An 18-year-old composer has been announced as the winner of the Musica Viva Composition Award, which will be premiered at Plymouth University’s Levinsky Hall in February.

Christopher Churcher’s Breakwater was chosen as the winning composition for The Arts Institute’s under-25s composer competition. It will be performed by Southbank Sinfonia at the Musica Viva concert on Saturday February 4 from 7pm at the Levinsky Hall.

Christopher is an award-winning British composer of classical music with experience performing as both a pianist and bassoonist.

Based in Birmingham and Oxford, he began his musical life as a chorister at Birmingham Cathedral, after which he studied composition at the Junior Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. In October 2022, he began his studies as a music undergraduate at Lady Margaret Hall, University of Oxford.

He considers his compositional voice as versatile and eclectic, influenced by works ranging from those of Oliver Messiaen and Arvo Part through to Caroline Shaw, Michael Nyman and Bjork; the philosophies of Simone de Beauvoir to the writings of Sappho.

The competition called for UK-based composers under 25 to write an overture of five to seven minutes with orchestration of six first violins, fivesecond violins, four violas, four cellos, two basses two flutes, two oboes, two clarinets, two bassoons, two horns, two trumpets and tympani.

The panel of judges included Mark Forkgen,

Simon Speare and Robert Taub, The Arts Institute Director of Music and applicants were encouraged to portray musically an association or a link to the city of Plymouth. One of the purposes of this competition is to help provide opportunities to young UK-based composers.

The concert programme on February 4 will feature the new Overture (premiere performance) by Christopher Churcher, and two major works of Beethoven: Symphony No.7 and Piano Concerto No.4 with Mark Forkgen, conductor and Robert Taub, piano.

The Musica Viva Concert Series brings internationally acclaimed performers to the Plymouth community to inspire, educate,

challenge, and unite audiences by presenting leading musicians in public concert performances, open rehearsals, and informal talks.

Christopher said: “It’s difficult to put into words exactly how excited I feel to have won this competition. It has been an ambition of mine for a while to write for orchestra, so to have this opportunity to hear my music played by such an exceptional orchestra is just extraordinary.

“I’m excited to hear the piece in rehearsal in February, and hopefully receive some useful feedback from Mark Forkgen and the Southbank Sinfonia.”

Described as ‘a remarkable talent,’ Christopher was announced as the winner of the 2021 Benslow Young Composers’ Competition by Judith Weir – Master of the Queen’s Music– and in 2022 he was named the under-18 winner of the National Centre for Early Music Young Composer’s Award. He has also worked extensively as an accompanist and is currently a member of Oxford University Philharmonia.

Dr Robert Taub, Director of Music, The Arts Institute said: “We are all very excited about this concert featuring the dynamic, young Southbank Sinfonia playing both stalwart works of the repertoire and the premiere of the winning composition, Christopher Churcher’s Breakwater. Christopher’s work is highly expressive and evocative, and the combination of his new work with Beethoven’s mighty 7th Symphony and sublime 4th Piano Concerto is compelling indeed.”

Tickets and further details available at www. plymouth.ac.uk/whats-on/musica-viva-presentssouthbank-sinfonia

Please note that whilst the Publishers have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of telephone numbers in this

Plymouth set to welcome French tourists

Plymouth is aiming to welcome an influx of French visitors this year through an initiative with Brittany Ferries, showcasing the city as a go-to destination.

The partnership will promote the benefits of cross-channel sailing to reach the spectacular coastline and surroundings of Britain’s Ocean City.

Travellers from France can reach Plymouth in as little as six hours on a Brittany Ferry from Roscoff and it is anticipated the promotion will appeal to those seeking an easily accessible, sustainable and stunning coastal destination with a warm and inclusive welcome.

The partnership is being financed from VisitBritain’s GREAT Gateway Innovation Fund, enabling a joint marketing campaign, focusing on North-West France from Brittany, Normandy and the Loire regions across to Paris, to target the post-Covid-19, short-break travel market.

Amanda Lumley, Destination Plymouth’s chief executive, said: “We are delighted to be involved in this initiative which is such a good fit for our own ethos as a sustainable destination offering unrivalled coastal and

countryside locations and activities, value for money and a plethora of other travel options from here onwards.

“We are known as Britain’s Ocean City and have enjoyed a very proud maritime history of welcoming visitors by sea for centuries, so we are eager to see many more make that short journey across the channel to explore all the opportunities Plymouth has to offer. This partnership is an excellent example of two key organisations working together to make that happen.”

VisitBritain chief executive Patricia Yates said: “The Gateway Innovation Fund encourages local destinations in forging partnerships within the industry and boosts their marketing activity, showcasing the very best of their region.

“It also encourages visitors to broaden their travel itineraries, boosting inbound visits across more of the year and across more of Britain, supporting local businesses, destinations and economies.”

Brittany Ferries sails from Roscoff to Plymouth once or twice a day from March to November. Sailings take around six hours by day and nine hours by night.

With great motorway links from the Loire,

Dordogne and Atlantic Coast to the French port, it offers easy access to crossings to Plymouth for travellers from a large swathe of France.

Once docked at Plymouth visitors will have myriad opportunities to explore the city’s culture – including The Box museum and gallery – its history and a fantastic choice of dining and accommodation options.

The area’s environmental attractions include the UK’s first National Marine Park, numerous stunning walking trails and Dartmoor National Park.

Julian Patchett, partnerships manager at Brittany Ferries added: “While Brittany Ferries today links 12 ports in France, UK, Spain and Ireland we never forget that Plymouth was our very first destination port 50 years ago when French farmers established a fledgling ferry route from Brittany to Devon.

“Their vision wasn’t just to transport cargo and holidaymakers - they wanted above all to enrich the regions served by Brittany Ferries ships by promoting trade and tourism links. Our mission remains the same to this day, as we look to reveal the fabulous destinations of Plymouth and the southwest to a new generation of French travellers.”

The Derriford and North Chronicle is delivered door to door every month to homes in Ernesettle, West Park, Honicknowle, Crownhill, Manadon, Whitleigh, Southway, Derriford, Estover, Mainstone and Leigham.

The March edition of the Plymouth Chronicle in Derriford and North Plymouth will be published on March 3 with a copy deadline of February 20.

The Derriford and North edition is one of four hyper local editions delivered to a total of more than 90,000 homes throughout the city.

We welcome submissions but cannot guarantee publication. We accept press releases in the form of text documents and images in JPG or TIFF format (high resolution please).

Last month’s answers

visit plymouthchronicle.co.uk/chronicle-crossword Across: 1 Amused, 5 Both, 7 Akela, 9 Hermit, 10 Rips, 11 Algae, 12 Wept, 13 Doze, 14 Orange, 16 Stem, 17 Scar, 19 Cradle, 20 Frau, 23 Neat, 24 Nahum, 26 Taxi, 27 Obtain, 28 Taper, 29 Thus, 30 Ensign. Down: 2 Mae West, 3 Symptom, 4 Data, 5 Bared, 6 Topaz,

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