A new voice for Plymouth’s maritime sector

As Maritime Plymouth winds up as a company in February it will leave as a legacy a Maritime Special Interest Group (SPIG) within the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce. Existing members of Maritime Plymouth not already members of the Chamber will be eligible for free membership for their first year.

Membership of Maritime Plymouth had fallen below the level at which subscriptions could cover the costs of delivering the services its members expected. By joining an existing larger organisation with some common aims, such as improving the environment for doing business in Plymouth it will be possible to keep the city concentrated on its maritime sector.

David Parlby, CEO Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, said “I am very pleased that Maritime Plymouth has decided to become a Chamber special interest Group. The maritime sector is extremely important for Plymouth’s economy and the new arrangement is a win-win situation for all concerned. It is my hope and intention that we expand the group significantly over the coming months to make maritime have a loud voice in the city’s affairs”.

Membership of the Chamber will deliver several benefits including:
• >90 networking/briefing events a year on a huge range of topics
• Chamberlink magazine, with a new regular maritime feature
• Website including members only Extranet with links to hard to find documents and tendering opportunities
• Lobbying – currently concentrating on improving connectivity
• Priority Sector Coordination through a contract with Plymouth City Council, including “Marine and Renewables.”
• A number of dedicated maritime events a year free to Maritime SPIG members
The SPIG will manage itself with its own chair, who, it is envisaged, will join the Chamber board in an advisory role as the maritime portfolio holder. As Cornwall Council already has a maritime portfolio holder, there will be even more reason for Plymouth City Council to follow suit.

“Plymouth is Britain’s maritime city,” says John Hepburn, outgoing secretary of Maritime Plymouth, “but until recently not enough have recognised it. With Plymouth Chamber now carrying on broadcasting the marine and maritime message, Plymouth should start to make the most of its strengths as the city on the sea.”

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Quad Core

Petition Launched to Save Outset

A business start-up in Plymouth has launched a petition to generate support for Outset Plymouth and Finance, on hearing news that the organisation’s future hangs in the balance.

Fireproof pr, of Tamar Science Park, started trading last year and used the courses and advice offered by Outset Finance to ensure its business was built on solid foundations. Funding for Outset Plymouth and Finance comes from the European Regional Development Fund and Plymouth City Council and fireproof pr has launched an online petition to show the funding decision makers how much Outset is valued and needed by Plymouth’s business community.

Emma Taynton-Young, owner, fireproof pr said: “The support offered by Outset is invaluable. We would not be where we are today without their help, and I know that there are many other businesses across the City who feel the same way.
“The government is looking to SMEs to help drag the country out of a recession. Without the help and support from organisations like Outset, this task will be even more difficult.”

In the last 18 months Outset has helped to establish 77 new businesses, which in turn have created an additional 84 local jobs. This is great news for Outset, for Plymouth and for the economy as a whole.

Emma added, “These new businesses are the key to the City’s future prosperity and we are calling on other local organisations to show support for new businesses and sign our petition. The local economy benefits hugely when new businesses are created as SMEs tend to trade with each other and for every £1 spent in the local economy, five other local businesses benefit.”
The petition has had more than 40 signatures added to it in just 24 hours and can be found at www.fireproofpr.com.

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Canyon in the Garden

By Ellie Hudson 

Fans of live music hailing from the late 1970’s in and around Plymouth will definitely recall the band Canyon who were mainstays in some of the city’s most popular music venues.

The band reformed last year in light of singer Robbie Heape’s ill health due to a muscle wasting disease and a stomping reunion gig with masses of fundraising through a raffle was put together and held at the Voodoo Lounge with several current local bands also on the line up.

Such was the response to the Canyon’s 50 minute set which included the crowd singing their hearts out along with the band to hits like Stairway to Heaven and Ripples, the band decided to keep going and tickets are already all but sold out for a gig on Feb 26^th taken place at The Garden venue in Torpoint.

For those that need a gentle reminder of who Canyon are, read on!

In the late 1970’s Robbie Heape (lead vocal & bass guitar), Ian Snow (drums) and Pete Spearing (guitar) formed a rock band in Plymouthand called it Grand Canyon. Later Pete left and Eddy Hayward took his place on guitar with Robbie converting to 2nd guitar with Alan Underwood joining on bass. It was at this point they decided to drop the prefix ‘Grand’ and became simply… Canyon!

Soon after this Jimmy Smith arrived from local rivals Asgard and replaced ‘Snowy’ and this became the definitive Canyon line-up. The band developed a formula of covering classic rock classics with the odd spattering of current chart hits performed in a totally unique way.

The Canyon ‘sound’ started with the amazing voice of Robbie Heape.

With a smooth tone and the ability to sing incredibly high notes in full voice with seemingly no effort Canyon had the edge immediately over local rivals as it meant they could cover literally any song they wished as no vocal was out of bounds. Also Robbie’s guitar playing was second to none and much underrated, and he was equally adept at playing lead and rhythm.

Eddy Hayward’s guitar playing provided a perfect foil for Rob’s sound. Usually fairly chorused, it subtly added a texture to the band that helped make it sound unique. Eddie was also a fine backing singer.

Alan Underwood produced thumping bass lines just as the doctor ordered and quickly formed a tight unit with Jimmy Smiths right foot! He also provided useful vocal back up.

Behind a big kit (usually with twin bass drums) Jimmy Smith drove the band like a freight train often exploding into solos and fills with incredible hand speed pleasing the packed venues of the day! His secret weapon was his ability to sing very high backing vocals, rich with vibrato, which formed a perfect rock combination with Robbie’s lead.

Canyon dominated the Plymouth music scene at this time packing out all the local venues night after night. They made The Ark Royal their own every Saturday night and Sunday lunch time, the venue bulging with punters often passing boxes of beer over the heads of others as it was impossible to get to the bar! Sunday nights at The Ship’s Tavern, Elburton became a pilgrimage for fans often leaving the local beaches early in the summer just to get a place at the front of a packed house. Even to this day mention Canyon at the ‘Ship’ to a true fan and you will see them go all strange as the nostalgic memories kick in!

In 1982 Eddie left the band and was replaced by a young keyboard player, Malcolm Middleton. Obviously losing a guitarist gave the band a slightly ‘lighter feel’ but it also meant the band could now create a more produced sound due to Malcolm’s electric piano and synthesiser sounds. Songs like ‘Rosanna’ by Toto and Jeff Wayne’s ‘War of the Worlds’ became regulars in the Canyon set

Richard Johns (guitarist) replaced Malcolm in late 1983 and the band reverted to a heavier feel. Robbie and Richard quickly developed a big twin guitar sound sharing rhythm and lead and Richard’s fine backing vocals were an added bonus.

In late 1985 Peter Gover replaced Jimmy Smith, a hard act to follow but his fine drumming and superb vocals ensured that the band maintained its high standards.

In 1986 Canyon officially played their last gig at The Millbrook Football Club and although there were a few reunions, in 1990, 1991, and 1992, the band never reformed for any length of time.

There may be yet more Canyon magic to come, who knows? But whatever happens the memories of Canyon performing in Plymouth for over 30 years will remain with many for a long long time.

Plymouth Waterfront Business Improvement District

Joint Statement from the Councillors for St Peter and the Waterfront Ward and Sutton and Mount Gould Ward 

The successful Plymouth City Centre Company (PCCC) has demonstrated the way in which a BID can revitalise an area, build business confidence and increase economic activity. We welcome the opportunity PWP has to replicate this success across the city’s waterfront.

For many years local residents and businesses have told us that something needs to be done with our waterfront. We totally agree. PWP has enabled local businesses to come together to propose a way forward, and in doing so has managed to secure a potential substantial investment in the waterfront area.

The Plymouth Waterfront BID encompasses an area that has thousands of residents. This makes it different from the geography covered by PCCC. As ward Councillors we have argued that the BID, whilst meeting business objectives, must ensure that it recognises the needs of local people in its planning and delivery. We are pleased that this concern has been addressed by the PWP Board and that residents’ groups within the BID area will have a formal role to play within the Advisory Board, which will become increasingly influential in determining strategic priorities as well as providing an opportunity for the PWP Board and officers to involve stakeholders directly in policy and direction.

We congratulate the BID on securing a guarantee that a ‘Yes’ vote will lock in a wide range of existing Plymouth City Council services. In a time when cuts to services are the norm this £2,000,000 commitment will benefit local residents. As ward Councillors we have worked with both Plymouth City Council and PWP to ensure that these services are not re-allocated from residential to commercial areas. We have received assurances from both parties that this will not happen, and that services to residential areas will be protected.

Initially we were concerned that PWP stated that the BID would be ‘the primary consultee for City Council strategies and planning applications’. As Ward Councillors we challenged this in order to prevent any perceived diluting of the importance of local people’s voices. We are pleased that PWP quickly recognised this and have made the necessary correction. We therefore welcome the potential for the BID to be an important consultee alongside local residents.

We have found key PWP Board members and staff to be committed to the success of our waterfront. They have listened to our concerns and suggestions and worked with us to improve their plans.

We welcome the proposals contained within the BID Business Plan and wish PWP success in the forthcoming ballot on adopting this.

Cllr Mary Aspinall (Sutton and Mount Gould)

Cllr Sue McDonald (St Peter and the Waterfront)

Cllr Jean Nelder (Sutton and Mount Gould)

Cllr Chris Penberthy (St Peter and the Waterfront)

Cllr Eddie Rennie (Sutton and Mount Gould)

Cllr Ian Tuffin (St Peter and the Waterfront)

PLYMOUTH GAMES

What is the Plymouth Games?

Our Sports Development Unit, in partnership with Plymouth NHS and Plymouth Chamber of Commerce would like to invite you to take part in the first ever ‘Plymouth Games’.

With the London 2012 Olympics fast approaching there’s no better time to take part in some fun sporting activities. Whether you are re-igniting old passions for sports you last played in your teens, or playing new sports you never thought you’d try, the Plymouth 2012 Games will definitely get you in the Olympic spirit.

No matter how big or small your company, business or department, you can enter as many or as few events as you like. It doesn’t even have to be a work team, you could get together with a group of friends and enter a team.

To make the event as fun and attractive as possible, we will be introducing awards for the best dressed team, the best supported team and the team that embraces the spirit of the Games in the best way. There will also be an Olympic theme with gold, silver and bronze medals being awarded in each sporting event.

The Plymouth 2012 Games will kick off on 19 May, just after the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay stops in Plymouth on its journey across the UK.

So dig out your sweat bands and get involved!

What sports are involved in the Games and when?

• Sport: Athletics
• Venue: Brickfields Recreation Ground, PL1 4NE
• Time: 1pm to 5pm

• Sport: Tennis
• Venue: Hele’s School Bri-dome, PL7 4LT
• Time: 7pm to 10pm

• Sport: Water polo
• Venue: Plymouth Life Centre, PL2 3DG
• Time: 1pm to 4pm

• Sport: Volleyball
• Venue: UCP Marjon Sports Centre, PL6 8BH
• Time: 7pm to 10pm

• Sport: Football (male)
• Venue: Goals Soccer Centre, PL2 3DE
• Time: 1pm to 6pm

• Sport: Football (female)
• Venue: Goals Soccer Centre, PL2 3DE
• Time: 1pm to 6pm

• Sport: Hockey
• Venue: UCP Marjon Sports Centre, PL6 8BH
• Time: 1pm to 5pm

• Sport: Badminton
• Venue: Plymouth Life Centre, PL2 3DG
• Time: 7pm to 10pm

• Sport: Table tennis
• Venue: Plymouth Life Centre, PL2 3DG
• Time: 7pm to 9pm

• Sport: Netball
• Venue: Plymouth Life Centre, PL2 3DG
• Time: 1pm to 6pm

• Sport: Basketball
• Venue: Plymouth Life Centre, PL2 3DG
• Time: 7pm to 10pm

How do I enter a team?

Complete the entry form in the document below. The closing date to enter a team is Friday 20 April 2012. For further information please contact the Sports Development Unit on 01752 307140.

 Plymouth 2012 Games [414KB]

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There are some things worth fighting for.

by Plymouth City Councillor Chaz Singh 

Today 4^th January 2012 marks a significant milestone in the History of Race Relations.

Eighteen years ago on the night of 22^nd April 1993 is also a significant date.

One name brings the 2 dates into perspective.

Stephen Lawrence.

He lived for 18 years, 7 months and 9 days.  It took 18 years, 8 months and 12 days to find justice.

Just like every other 18 year old there were hopes, dreams and ambitions. Tragically these were cut short by the actions of some ruthless thugs. I choose my vocabulary carefully and I am sure there are many others who would opt for worse.

Over 18 years there have been many hoops, red tape, enquiries and investigations to bring the 4^th January 2012 sentence verdict into perspective.

We have been told that Racism will not be tolerated, not now, not ever. It still happens. We only have to look at the recent murder of Anuj Bidve in Salford, again hopes, dreams and ambitions cut short.

I sometimes wonder where Stephen Lawrence would have been today.

I would like to say that your name is an inspiration to us all.

The sheer dedication of Doreen and Neville Lawrence has shown that far too many lives have been lost and that justice will and can prevail.

Were the sentences too short? Were the hands tied of the Judge in his sentencing? Are the Parents relieved? Only the individuals involved will know the answers.

Let us not forget that there are still 3 people out there who also need to be held responsible.

I can only share the pain and grief of the Parents, family and friends of Stephen Lawrence over the last 18 years.

In today’s society we have missed the opportunity to reach out to those who are too far.

From my own experiences I feel that the Education system needs to be addressed. I am concerned at the lack of opportunities that have been missed for trivial matter to be taken as more important.

There is a failure to promote the professionalism, skills and contribution members of the BME Community in Plymouth possess and until we are all treated equally there will always be an untoward attitude.

In order for all of us to enjoy a more robust, diverse community and for all of us to live, work and play we need to look and address the issues.

There are many more areas that need to be addressed and we can only raise the awareness and implement the importance of Race Relations in the UK.

Today is an important message for all of us and across all Communities that in the 21^st Century we are dealing with issues like these. It is a shame that we do too much when it’s too late.

In Sikhism we have a prayer but I think it is Universal to All.

To put this in a clear language, it means that the Sikhs desires, prays and asks God for the:

Well being of all of humanity Prosperity for everyone in the worldwide community and Global Peace for the entire planet.

In Remembrance to Stephen Lawrence and his parents struggle to find Justice.

Chaz Singh is a Funding and Training Officer at Fata He BME Development Ltd based in Devonport serving across the South West. www.fatahe.com

A Poem from our friend Cllr: Chaz Singh

How long before
we’re accepted
we don’t feel rejected
they call us by our name
they realise their shame
they see our commitment
they feel the resentment
they realise we’re all the same
they see we’re different by name
they realise this is our home
they realise this isn’t Rome
they realise this is OUR England
they realise this is our land
there’s hope
I cry and say I can’t cope
anyone understands my story
we can all revel in the glory

Copyright Chaz Singh

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• Stephen Lawrence murder: Gary Dobson and David Norris found guilty (telegraph.co.uk)

HUGE EVENT TO CELEBRATE CITY HISTORY AS PART OF CULTURAL OLYMPIAD

Plymouth’s amazing waterfront looks set to form the backdrop to a massive event to celebrate the city’s history as part of the Cultural Olympiad.

Plymouth City Council has been awarded £96,000 for its project ‘World at Your Feet’ which will bring young people from across the city together.

The project looks set to be Plymouth’s biggest ever participation event and young people will be able to get involved in every aspect of the event – from the initial concepts, research, acting and dance workshops, creating scripts and scores and finally the spectacle itself.

‘The World at Your Feet’ is a celebration of the richness and variety of Plymouth’s history and its role in relation to migration to other parts of the world.

It will also look at the role of new-comers to the city over the centuries and how they have helped contribute to the city’s culture.

This project will culminate in a large-scale performance along the length and breadth of Plymouth’s waterfront, incorporating sites which have a historical link to stories about migration such as the Phoenix Wharf and the Mayflower steps.

The performance will coincide with the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games and The Big Dance weekend over 14 and 15 July, with more performances over the following fortnight.

Councillor Glenn Jordan, Cabinet Member for Community Services (Safer and Stronger Communities and Leisure, Culture and Sport) said: “The Olympics are bringing together the world’s best athletes to our shores and it’s very fitting that our cultural Olympiad will celebrate the role Plymouth has played in the lives of thousands who have gone on to build other nations.

He added: “We have set ourselves priorities including raising aspirations, reducing inequalities and delivering growth. This exciting project will give young people a once-in-a-life-time opportunity to work alongside professionals to create something exceptional. And at the heart of this will be a celebration of people who made Plymouth their home as well as those who left.”

The programme will involve the Theatre Royal, Barbican Theatre, Attik Dance, Plymouth Dance, and Plymouth Music Zone and provide young people with a unique opportunity to work along side professionals to create something from a grain of an idea.

Parts of the Council including the Plymouth City Museum and the Plymouth and West Devon Record Office, will also be heavily involved in the research element of the project. The Council’s Arts Unit, which successfully applied for the funding, will work closely with other departments such as parks and events, to make sure this exciting event goes smoothly.

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Cinderella

Theatre Royal Plymouth

Friday 16 December 2011 – Saturday 21 January 2012

Comedian Julian Clary will be joined by guest stars Keith Harris, Orville and Cuddles in this year’s unmissable Theatre Royal pantomime, Cinderella.

With an abundance of comedy, stunning sets, fabulous costumes and pantomime magic, Cinderella is ideal entertainment for all ages.

Julian Clary will be playing the role of Prince Charming’s servant Dandini, and is one of the country’s most recognisable entertainers.  During his career he has turned his hand to comedy, acting, presenting, writing and even performed as a novice dancer on Strictly Come Dancing where he reached the final.

Keith Harris, who plays Buttons, is one of Britain’s most inventive and talented performers, and together with his creations Orville and Cuddles, has starred in every major theatre in the UK.  The Theatre Royal’s production of Cinderella is Keith’s 43^rd pantomime – and the first when Orville’s Christmas wish to fly finally comes true!

Produced by Qdos entertainment, the world’s largest pantomime producer, Cinderella promises to be a fantastic treat for all the family!

For more information or to book tickets please contact Box Office on (01752) 267222 or online at www.theatreroyal.com