Plymstock and Hooe Parish Magazine

2. FROM THE REV‟D PAULINE HARDY
Dear Friends,
The Christian Journey
The coming of May, with its warmer and longer days, encourages us to look forward to our holidays. After settled
days in the security of our homes we can feel the need to embark on un-experienced journeys, see new countries
and meet new friends. Some, like many of our young people, are about to take their last school exams and are
preparing to move to new jobs, or begin University courses away from home.
Our main „experience‟ of life is one of being on a journey, which is made easier if we feel that there is some
form of security to hold onto, such as a stable home or reliable friendships. We feel this need too when we are
travelling along the Road of Christian Life. In the early days of the Christian Church this was even called The Way
(see Acts 9:2).
On our holiday journeys we enjoy the fact that the scenery is changing all the time, but often find this harder to
accept when the scenery keeps changing on our Christian journey. We are tempted to try to give ourselves a
sense of security by making the scenery stand still, perhaps by refusing to accept Service changes or alterations
to the church layout. Sadly, by trying to hold onto external things for our security, instead of relying on Jesus
Christ, who is a constant presence with us on our Christian journey, we can miss the rich and sometimes exciting
discoveries that are waiting for us along the road. It is a lesson that his disciples learnt on the Day of Pentecost.
Pauline Hardy
Prayer by St Anselm
O Lord our God
grant us grace to desire you with our whole heart;
that so desiring, we may seek and find you;
and so finding, may love you;
and so loving, may hate the sins from which
you have delivered us;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

3. PARISH OF PLYMSTOCK AND HOOE
8am Parish Service of Holy Communion
St John’s — 8am Communion 1
st
& 3
rd
Sundays
St Mary’s — 8am Communion 2
nd
& 4
th
Sundays
_________________________________________________
EVENSONG at St John’s Church has resumed for the summer months on the 2
nd
Sunday of the month at 4.00pm.
JOINT PARISH SERVICE
SUNDAY, 24
th
MAY, 2015 at 10.00am
ST JOHN’S CHURCH
Followed by Bring & Share Lunch
PLYMOUTH WELCOMES BACK BISHOP NICK
St Andrew‟s Minster church was filled with people and clergy from all over Devon and East Cornwall to welcome back
Bishop Nick McKinnel. The Lord Lieutenant of Devon, local members of Parliament, the Lord Mayor of Plymouth were
joined by the congregation of St Andrew‟s as well as people from Axminster to Ilfracombe.
Just over two years ago he was consecrated Bishop of Crediton and has been extremely busy until Robert Atwell joined
him as Bishop of Exeter. After many letters and e-mails from the Plymouth area, Bishop Robert proposed that Bishop
Nick be transferred to Plymouth although he would greatly miss his help and wisdom.
Bishop Nick‟s sermon was based on Jesus‟ final appearance to the disciples and His commission to go out and witness to
His death and Resurrection.
Tea was then served in several areas of the church and we were invited to share in the eating of a giant cake whilst
talking to many friends from all over the diocese.
HOLY WEEK IN THE PARISH OF PLYMSTOCK & HOOE
After much discussion and prayer the clergy decided to try a different way of worshipping during Holy Week. Of course
this decision was greeted with very mixed reactions as we all love to worship in our own churches.
Palm Sunday was a very traditional Service held at St Mary‟s with the distribution of palm crosses and the reading of
Jesus‟s entry into Jerusalem.
Maundy Thursday was held in St Mary‟s Church Hall and began with an Agapé Meal. It was a simple meal of bread,
cheeses, sliced meats followed by fruit with the emphasis on sharing. Agapé is one of the four forms of love mentioned in
the Bible, it is a Greek word meaning the gift of love to one another and follows Jesus‟s commandment that you Love one

4. another as I have loved you. A short excerpt of the film of the Passion of Our Lord was shown with the sharing of the
Passover meal. A painting of the washing of the disciples feet was shared which reflected Jesus‟s face in the bowl of
water. The clergy then washed many people‟s feet.
The Service of Communion followed with the sharing of a single loaf of bread and giving the sacrament to each other‟s
neighbour.
As the people quietly left, the men who were washing the dishes in the kitchen were singing a hymn unaccompanied. The
whole evening was very thought provoking.
The Agapé meal (Photo Dave Appleby)
Good Friday was a Service of meditation at St John‟s on Jesus‟s seven words on the Cross. Again the church was well
filled and on the altar seven Candles were lit. As the Words from the Cross were read by seven members of the
congregation there was a short reflection or quiet music. Then followed a period of silence and a candle was
extinguished. Hymns were sung and music of a quiet nature was played. A very moving Service and the people left in
silence.
On Holy Saturday the Service of Easter Vigil was held at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Oreston. Again it was well
attended and finished with the lighting of the Easter Candle to symbolise Light returning to the world with the Resurrection
of Christ.
MAY 14
th
: ASCENSION DAY - 40 DAYS WITH THE RISEN CHRIST
40 days after Easter comes Ascension Day. These are the 40 days during which the Risen Christ appeared again and
again to his disciples, following his death and resurrection.
The Gospels give us little of Christ‟s teachings and deeds during those forty days. Jesus was seen by numerous
disciples: on the road to Emmaus, by the Sea of Galilee, in houses, etc. He strengthened and encouraged his disciples,
and at last opened their eyes to all that the Scriptures had promised about the Messiah. Jesus also told them that as the
Father had sent Him, He was now going to send them - to all corners of the earth, as his witnesses.
JOIN IN THE VE DAY 70
th
CELEBRATIONS!
Following the General Election on 7
th
May, there will be a national three-day commemoration for the 70th anniversary of
the end of the Second World War in Europe.
On Saturday 9
th
May, communities are encouraged to organise street parties and at 11am Churches and Cathedrals are
being asked to ring their bells, as they did in 1945. Beacons will be lit from coast to coast, and on Sunday, 10
th
May, a
Service of Thanksgiving will be held at Westminster Abbey, followed by a parade of Armed Forces personnel and
veterans from the war.
CARAVAN FOR SALE ~ £1,700 ono
1997 ELDDIS WISP OVATION (2 BERTH) ~ FULLY EQUIPPED
2014 Awning & Eco Groundsheet.
Stored in Garage at LA TABARDIERE, a family run site 200 miles
south of ROSCOFF, 1 mile from sea & 2 miles from the

5. beautiful town of PORNIC. Ideal to holiday on site
or for touring VENDEE, LOIRE & SOUTHERN BRITTANY.
Contact: Brian Hancock (Tel: 01752 298780) or
email: chrisbrian44@blueyonder.co.uk
CHRISTIAN AID WEEK ~ MAY 10th – 16th
‘MOOVE OVER POVERTY’
When I saw the Christian Aid children‟s pamphlet „Moove over Poverty‟ and a huge cow‟s head smiling at me, even I realised that this year‟s
theme would be about cows.
We didn‟t realise how important cows were in Africa until our first visit to Uganda. It was a good job Silas was driving a Toyota 4x4 as the
village where his family grew up didn‟t even have a „beaten track‟. We were met by children singing a song of welcome. The biggest surprise,
however, was Christine and I being presented with a cow (a symbolic gesture) and realised that a person‟s wealth in the rural areas was
measured by the number of cows they possessed.
Meanwhile! over to Ethiopia where Adi and her children live in one of the poorest areas. But thanks to Christian Aid she now has a cow and
her children can enjoy milk and butter and sell the surplus to give the family a better quality of life.
It is great that all our four churches work together in Christian Aid week in a common cause to eliminate poverty. The Church of the Good
Shepherd‟s representative, Sue Nicholls, will be distributing Christian Aid envelopes to the congregation.
Jean Medway at St John‟s informs me that there will be a Christian Aid Sale on Saturday, 9th May, envelopes in the pews and collecting tins.
Holy Family and St Mary‟s will be organising „house to house‟ collections and envelopes in the pews.
Don‟t forget Ruth & Bob Davidson‟s SOUPER SOUP LUNCH on Saturday. 9th May. Watch the Notices for further details.
Christian Aid „partners‟ carry out feasibility studies, on-going inspections and final evaluation of every project to verify that all the monies are
spent wisely.
We need . . .
 Collectors
 Helpers to count money
 People to give
 Help on a stall
 Could someone organise a Coffee Morning
 Any other great ideas
 Prayer support (our bedrock)
So let us go forward in prayer, in the knowledge that Jesus is with us and the Holy Spirit goes before us. In Matthew 25 v45 Jesus says
“Forasmuch as you did it for the least of my people, you did it for me”. So let us join together in Christian aid week to light a candle in the
Darkness. -Brian Hancock
ST JOHN’S CHURCHYARD
At St John‟s we are blessed with a churchyard which provides a place of quiet reflection and
remembrance. It has panoramic views over the city and moors which aid contemplation.
Plymouth City Council, who maintain the churchyard, have agreed to leave the bank immediately
above the internments plot uncut this summer to encouragement the growth of wildflowers.
This year we will be recording what grows naturally with the intention of planting further wild flower
species for following years.
Many churchyards are now managed in this way, most notably Ford Park Cemetery here in Plymouth.
-Revd Steve Payne

6. EASTER LILIES AT ST JOHN’S CHURCH
This year we again had a wonderful response to our appeal that people might like to buy a
lily in memory of a loved one. In addition to the many anonymous donations, there were
over 60 names on the list taken up to the altar to be blessed at the Easter Service.
The church looked lovely - full of lilies stretching up the nave to the high altar. This year we
had stems of lilies in new glass vases on the window sills.
We also created a very poignant Easter Cross, as we did last year, fashioned from the trunk
of last year‟s Christmas tree. This formed a deeply moving link between Christ‟s birth and
subsequent resurrection. During the Easter Day Service, the congregation came up to tie
coloured ribbons on to the cross in memory of a loved one or just to say thank you.
Outside, at the entrance to the church, another similar cross was fixed as a reminder to us
all as we go about our daily lives that Jesus died for us.
My thanks go to the small team of ladies who worked so hard to create a memorable display.
-Lis Pemberton
EVENSONG @ ST JOHN’S
SUNDAY, 10th
MAY at 4.00pm
CHRISTIAN AID SALE
ST JOHN’S CHURCH HALL
SATURDAY, 9th
MAY 2015
10.30am – 12.30pm
WOULD YOU BELIEVE IT ?
At St John‟s on Easter Sunday the Rev‟d Steve Payne spoke about how during the week he was in the study preparing
his sermon when he heard a strange noise coming from outside. He looked out the window and to his amazement saw
two adult ducks and three tiny ducklings walking up the vicarage drive. The family came up to the front door then
proceeded to waddle along the veranda then out of the garden.
He introduced his sermon by referring to the incident and asked the congregation did they believe him? He suggested
that firstly they might believe him because he was a trustworthy character and had no reason to be lying. Secondly, that
Hooe Lake was not far away, a known habitat for ducks! Thirdly and lastly, Spring is the time for the appearance for
ducks.
He went on to explore the evidence that Jesus had indeed been raised from the dead. There were reasonable grounds
for belief.
Just as Jesus appeared first to the disciples and lots of other people, we have the proof of the wandering ducks and
family, they had been spotted in several gardens in the area! (as seen on front cover).
LOVE INTO ACTION
Without a job to bring home an income, people with special needs are considered a burden by their family.
Within the Palestinian Territories there is no financial support for anyone affected by disability who does not have a job
nor is there any support or advice for those seeking to find a job. The Olive Wood Sheltered Workshop supports them in
their employment enabling them not only to earn an income for themselves but also to learn many life skills to support
them in all aspects of their lives.

7. This very small charity‟s workshop is based in two locations. The first is in Bethlehem at the entrance to Aida Refugee
Camp, opposite the boy‟s school. The second is located at Love into Action‟s Beit Yusef Centre in the Shepherd‟s Fields
of Beit Sahour.
At the Beit Yusef Centre some severely disabled young people are also involved with a range of meaningful tasks
including packing, applying olive oil, and assembling the finished products ready for selling.
Lawrence Garnett and his family have worked to build up this charity for many years. Their parents Pat and Hillary
Garnett are active members of St John‟s. On Easter Day the congregation were asked to put our Love into Action by
making a retiring collection for this charity. It resulted in £200 being given and this will be taken direct to Palestine by
Hillary who planning to visit the family in the near future.
‘YOUNG @ HEART’
We opened our April meeting with a few minutes of business. Ruth reported that „Young @ Heart‟ had been awarded a
gift of £150 from Councillors Ken and Wendy Foster‟s Community Grant given to Ward Councillors by Plymouth City
Council. We were very pleased. Needless to say the money has to be used for „Young @ Heart‟ activities, i.e. speakers‟
fees, Christmas party expenses, etc. (we will decide what at a future meeting).
We went on to welcome our speaker, Graham Dee, who spoke on his work as a Chaplain at St Luke‟s Hospice. It didn‟t
take long for us to realise we had a very special person speaking to us; his obvious dedication to his post was
immediately recognised.
Graham talked of his work at the Hospice where care for the families of the sick patients was a vital way of helping
them cope with seeing a loved one so ill. He stressed the need to be able to be silent and to be able to listen. He
praised the staff for their dedication, from the top highly qualified doctors and nurses to the cleaners and volunteers
without whom the Hospice could not operate. The Hospice Charity Shops also played their part. He couldn‟t praise all
of them highly enough.
Sometimes his work could be very emotional – as it happened the very morning of our meeting Graham had to witness
the death of a young man. He could not hide his sadness, in fact we all felt sad for him and, as Graham said “Yes,
Chaplains do sometimes cry”. I don‟t think there was anyone at our meeting who had not had the experience of a
family member or friend being treated with the wonderful care of St Luke‟s. There were times during Graham‟s talk
when the quietness in the Hall was tangible.
Graham answered a few questions from members and we all chatted during tea when we showed our appreciation with
a donation to St Luke‟s.
In contrast to our very serious talk by Graham, next month‟s speaker will be Diane Law whose talk is entitled „Wash
Day Blues‟ which promises to be fun.
We look forward to seeing you then. New members can be sure of a warm welcome.
Best Wishes, -Ruth Earl
Next Meeting ~
Tuesday, 5th
May 2015, at 2.00pm in St John’s Hall.
EASTER EGGTRAVAGANZA
Palm Sunday afternoon, at Church ot the Good Shepherd hall, was
certainly an “All Age” event – Mums, Dads, children, Aunties and
Grandparent‟s came to the Easter themed event. All aspects of
Easter were captured from Easter crafts and word searches to the
refreshments with a definite chocolate theme.
Steve played a short film of a young girl who told us the story and
message of Easter. We also sang an Easter hymn and said a short
prayer.
Debbie very kindly made beautifully decorated pots with a candle,
holding very tempting mini chocolate eggs. Steve reminded us of the
light of Jesus and we switched off the lights and lit the candles. This
emphasized Steve‟s words.

8. Regardless of the weather one of the
highlights of the afternoon was the
Easter egg hunt. It was good to see
people enjoying each other‟s company.
Sue & Josie Howing Nicholls
Goosewell Primary School’s ‘Easter Journey’ at St Mary’s
on Monday 23
rd
March.
Three classes of 30 children discovered Palm Sunday, the Last Supper,
the Garden of Gethsemane, and a donkey called „Bob‟!
Easter Day Daffodil Cross St Mary‟s

9. THE TABLE TOP SALE on Saturday, 21
st
March, raised £370.52. THANK YOU to everyone.
The next TABLE TOP SALE will be on Saturday, 6
th
June 2015. -David Roberts
LENT LUNCHES
£866.00 was the total raised by all the churches hosting the Lent Lunches. Margaret Passmore, Treasurer, will be
forwarding the money to Christian Aid. -Brian Hancock
CRAFTS, COFFEE & HOT CROSS BUNS
Pictured are some of the 15 children and 23 adults who enjoyed crafts, coffee and hot cross buns on Good Friday in St
Mary's Parish Hall. As well as playing with play dough and decorating crosses, we played Easter Bingo and heard the
story of Good Friday.
(Photo: Howard Hockedy ) -D. Appleby
FROM THE PARISH REGISTER
We welcomed into God’s family through Baptism at St Mary’s:-
22
nd
March MAX PETER ROBERTS, the son of Gareth and Charlotte
Roberts.
29
th
March MEGAN OLIVIA HORN, the daughter of Lee Horn and
Cathryn Seltham.
_______________________
PLYMOUTH HISTORY FESTIVAL
As part of the Plymouth History Festival, there will be two talks given by Graham Naylor of the Plymouth Central Library
during the month of May at St Mary & All Saints Church. Details as given below:-
Sunday, 10
th
May ~ 2pm to 3.30pm

10. ‘BROTHERS OF THE BREAKWATER’
Enjoy an illustrated talk that reveals the stories of twenty men who were drowned in Plymouth Sound in November 1838.
These men were masons and labourers employed in the construction of the Breakwater.
They were drowned when returning home from the Breakwater and many
lived in the Plymstock area.
Admission is free. Donations towards the church are welcome.
There is no need to book in advance.
Sunday, 31
st
May ~ 2pm to 3.30pm
‘LOST CHURCHES OF PLYMOUTH’
Enjoy an illustrated talk revealing the histories behind „lost‟ or former churches in Plymouth. Graham Naylor will present
the history and show images
of churches such as the Catholic Apostolic Church, Unitarian and
many CofE churches lost during or after the Blitz.
Admission is free. Donations towards the church are welcome.
There is no need to book in advance. -Howard Hockedy
Messy Easter @ The Staddy on 22nd
March
FOR CHRISTIAN AID
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Bob & Ruth Davidson‟s
SOUPER SOUP LUNCH
SATURDAY, 9
th
MAY ~ 12 noon to 2.00pm
at „Holmwood‟, Great Churchway, Plymstock.
Tel: 481020 for a reservation.
@ THE STADDY
SUNDAY, 17th
MAY, 4 - 6pm
‘JOSHUA’S JOURNEY TO JERICHO’

11. This is a free event for all the family!
More details from Bob: Tel 481020
COACH TRIP TO TRAGO MILLS, HEATHFIELD,
& FERMOYS GARDEN CENTRE
WEDNESDAY, 13
th
MAY 2015
The above Coach trip will leave Lidl, Plymstock, at 10.00am,
returning at approximately 5.00pm.
QUIZ ????
??? NIGHT
SATURDAY, 30
th
MAY 2015
7 pm – 9 pm
St Mary & All Saints Parish Hall,
Church Road, Plymstock
Admission £2 per person
(Teams of 4 persons or less)
Includes tea/coffee/light refreshments.
Bring wine if you wish
Raffle
Proceeds in aid of St Mary’s
YOUNG STUDENTS ENTERTAIN
A select audience at St Mary & All Saints Church were treated to some wonderful entertainment
on Saturday 11
th
April 2015.
Charlotte Badham, a young Plymstock mezzo soprano, programmed and performed a recital of
classical songs produced by a variety of well renowned international composers.
Her renditions were faultless and a joy to listen to, holding the audience spellbound with her very professional standard. I
think we‟ll hear much more of this young lady in the years to come.
She was accompanied by Jenny Shepley, an accomplished pianist from Newton Abbot.
The programme also featured James Girling, a young classical guitarist from Cheltenham, who not only accompanied
Charlotte but played a selection of mesmerising solos in his own right.

12. Both of these young people are students at the Royal College of Music in Manchester and most definitely look destined
for promising futures in their respective fields. We shall follow their progress with interest and look forward to an early
return to St Mary‟s to entertain us.
-Howard Hockedy
PLYMSTOCK GARDENING SOCIETY
The speaker at our meeting on Monday, 18
th
May 2015, 7.30pm, at Plymstock United Church Hall, Plymstock Road,
Oreston, will be:-
Dr Alison Smith who will give a talk and presentation on the Outdoor Laboratory, Plymouth University's research project
into Plant and Tree diseases.
Non-members welcome ~ £1. Contact number 01752 407578.
-
Margaret Lowles, Vice Chair
HOOE & TURNCHAPEL LADIES GROUP
We meet at the Hooe & Turnchapel Community Centre on the 1
st
and 3
rd
Tuesday of each month at 8.00pm. ALL ladies
welcome.
Our programme for MAY 2015 is:-
MAY 5
th
THE POWER OF FLOWERS – Charmaine Evans
MAY 19
th
AFTERNOON TEA – RECIPE SWAP & TASTINGS
For further information please contact: -Diane McCarthy (Sec) Tel: 311931
PLYM VALLEY HERITAGE
The next meeting is on Thursday 14
th
May, 7.30pm in St John‟s Church Hall, the guest speaker is:-
Dr Todd Gray talking on „A Visual History of Devon‟s Gardens‟.
Visitors welcome - £3. Refreshments available.
Note: The deadline date for items for June 2015 Magazine is May 15
th
2015
Our thanks to the Advertisers who sponsor this Magazine.
Advertisements and service quotes do not imply recommendations on the part of the Church.
Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Editor.
Printed & published by St John‟s DCC, Hooe, Plymouth UK. © Plymstock & Hooe PCC 2015.

13. Local News
Elections 2015
Polling stations will be open between 7.00am and 10.00pm on Thursday 7th
May 2015.
Candidates standing for in Parliamentary and Council for elections in:
Plymstock Dunstone Ward
Churchill, Nigel A Conservative
Didham Farm, Buckland Monachorum, Yeverton, PL20 7NW
Davarian-Dehsorkhe, Sima K. Lib Dem
157 Springfield Road, Plymouth, PL9 8PU
Rafati, Dena Labour & Co-op
16 Labatt Close, Thornbury, Plymouth, PL6 8AZ
Salmon, David UKIP
4 Raphael Drive, Elburton, Plymouth, PL9 8EU
Scott-Carter, Aaron Duncan Green Party
28 Fircroft Road, Beacon Park, Plymouth, PL2 3JU
Stuart, Teresa Trade Union & Socialist Col
58 Maker View, Stoke, Plymouth, PL3 4EZ
Plymstock Radford Ward
Foster, Ken Conservative
5 Brookwood Road, Elburton, Plymouth, PL9 8BN
Sloman, Thomas Trade Unionist & Socialist
1 Eddystone Terrace, West Hooe, Plymouth, PL1 3DB
Thompson, Mark Andrew Labour
67 Furzehill Road, Plymouth, PL4 7LB
Wheeler, John Edwin UKIP
Dolphin Cottage, Boringdon Road, Turnchapel, PL9 9TG
South West Devon
Davis, Tom Liberal Democrats Stronger
Economy Fairer Society
6 Lutterburn Street,Ugborough,Ivybridge, Devon, PL21 0NG
Julian, Robin UKIP
Higher Wembsworthy Farm, Hartland, Bideford, EX39 6 EN
Scutt, Win Green Party
Address in South West Devon parliamentary constituency
Singh, Chaz Labour
Address in South West Devon parliamentary constituency
Streeter, Gary Nicholas Conservative
The Farmhouse, Old Newnham Farm, Plympton, PL7 5BL
Have Your Say Meetings
The next meeting for the Turnchapel, Hooe, Oreston and Mount Batten area will be held in Hooe Baptist Church
on Tuesday 12th
May 2015 at 7.00pm.
At the last meeting in January the legality of the meeting was questioned by Cllr. Michael Leaves on the grounds
that no staff representative was present.
No dates for future „Have Your Say‟ meetings for Elburton, Goosewell and Plymstock have been published on
Plymouth City Council‟s website.
Only nine neighbourhood areas out of 39 listed are scheduled to hold meetings in the coming months.
New Bus Fares
On the 30 March 2015 First Devon and Cornwall launched a £1 single journey fare on Service 2 for the whole of
Plymstock between Mountbatten and Morrison‟s, including trips within Plymstock on the 93 and 48
services.(50p for young people aged 5-18 or NUS card holders of any age)
Plymstock Library Films
The film, Captain Phillips, will be shown on Monday 18th May at 2.00pm. It carries a Certificate 12 and
runs for 134 minutes.
Classic Films to be shown this month:
The French Lieutenant’s Woman on Tuesday 12 May at 2.00pm. The Certificate 12 film runs for 119
minutes.
Out of Africa on Tuesday 26 May at 2.00pm. The Certificate PG film runs for 155 minutes.

14. Sherford New Community
Planning applications 15/00517/REM, 15/00517/REM and 15/00519/REM for 568 houses on land
south/southwest of the A38 at Deep Lane Elburton have been submitted to Plymouth City Council.
The reserved matters applications cover
affordable housing and associated parking along with all necessary infrastructures
including landscaping, open space, playing fields, drainage, ecological mitigation, highways, sub stations,
pumping station and gas governor.
VE Day Commemoration
On Friday 8th
May 2015 prayers will be said at The Minster Church of St Andrew‟s in Plymouth to mark the 70th
anniversary of the end of WW2. On Sunday 10th
May a special peal of bells will be rung between 2pm and 3pm
to commemorate the ending of WW2. Both these events are open to everyone.
Mount Batten Tower
English Heritage (Historic England) has provided £6,540 to carry out a detailed condition survey of the gun
tower and to clear scrub vegetation next to the tower which covers the Civil war earthworks and to facilitate a
five year management plan.
Plymouth City Council has owned the tower since it was handed over by Plymouth Development Corporation in
the late 1900‟s. Surveys of the tower since then have recorded the structure as being water logged and cracks in
the walls needed to be monitored.
The tower was declared unsafe due to the conditions existing inside and is now effectively closed to the public.
Plymouth History Festival
The month long festival in May celebrates the city‟s history and heritage with exhibitions and displays, guide
tours, talks, walks, family fun, open days and special events food, drink, music and performance
Full details on the website:
https://plymhistoryfest.wordpress.com
Local Events
Brothers of the Breakwater
St Mary and All Saints Church, Plymstock
Sunday 10 May 2pm to 3.30pm
Graham Naylor will give an illustrated talk revealing the stories of twenty men who were drowned in Plymouth Sound in
November 1838. These men were masons and labourers employed in the construction of the Breakwater. They were
drowned when returning home from the Breakwater and many lived in the Plymstock area. Admission is free. Donations
towards the church are welcome.
Lost Churches of Plymouth
St Mary and All Saints Church, Plymstock
Sunday 31 May 2pm to 3.30pm.
Enjoy an illustrated talk revealing the histories behind “lost” or former churches in Plymouth. Graham Naylor will present
the history and show images of churches such as the Catholic Apostolic Church, Unitarian and many CofE churches lost
during or after the Blitz.
Admission is free. Donations towards the church are welcome.
Trace Your Family History
Plymstock Library, Tuesday 5 May.
12pm to 3.30pm (last visitor at 3pm).
Join members of the Devon Family History Society will be available to help you with tracing your Family History
Admission is free and there is no need to book.