WINTER 2022 NEWSLETTER

2021 Highlights

Britain In Bloom and our natural environment: Last year we managed to win another Silver Gilt from Britain in Bloom and were also winners in the village category. Thanks especially to Wendy, Mo and Liz who did a huge amount of “guerrilla gardening” throughout the year, working hard to keep our green spaces looking good. Thanks also to all those who were able to help out on some of our “weeding parties” and to those who made efforts with their pots and hanging baskets. We will be organising more events to get people together for this year’s efforts, starting this work in March, so look out for future announcements. We are hoping we can also plant a tree or trees as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in Barn Meadow. Special thanks to Andy for the continued maintenance of Barn Meadow and his work on the bank in Back Lane amongst the many things he does for village! We are aware there are some areas in the village that do need some attention and so if anyone has any ideas of other things we can do to preserve and enhance our natural environment, please do contact Wendy on wendyep64@gmail.com

Repairs and ongoing improvements in the Guildhall: Friends of Plympton St Maurice Guildhall (FRoGs) have been carrying out improvements throughout lockdown. The entrance hall and stairway has been completely rebuilt and redecorated. Other improvements include a new intruder and fire alarm, cctv cameras, new light with movement sensor and signage to the car park, new electric remote controlled roller blind and screen in the main hall and improved sound system for the pop-up cinema. Plymouth City Council are now carrying out repairs to the upper chambers including removing window sashes for repair (hence the windows being boarded up) and the fascia and guttering has been looked at from a Hydraulic platform.

Christmas Magic: The magic of Christmas was felt throughout December in the village with our beautiful Advent windows and a visit from Santa. We had a spectacular display of Advent windows and many others decorated theirs as well. The windows were enjoyed by many of the local community and Facebook saw our windows being shared internationally. The penultimate window on 23rd December was revealed at the Guildhall when Santa and his elf crew visited the streets of St Maurice and Redvers Grove. It was a truly magical evening and brought joy to many. This year we served up mulled wine and hot blackcurrant at the Guildhall too. We raised over £100 for the Civic Association and FroGs, which was much needed. We hope to make this an annual event as it made us all smile so much.

Forthcoming Events for 2022 (NOTE: All Subject to Confirmation)

Civic Association AGM 24th March at 7:30pm - we especially welcome new residents to St Maurice to come along and find out how they can get involved

Irish Night 18th March at 7.30pm – a popular evening of music and revelry celebrating all things St Patrick

Easter Windows Residents are invited to create seasonal displays for the Easter weekend

Easter Craft Fair An opportunity to buy locally made items

Race Night – We are hoping to host a race night in the Guildhall in April

Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Weekend 2nd to 6th June – we are hoping to host a Big Lunch or maybe a street party – let us know if you are able to help organise an event to celebrate this historic event

Midsummer Festival and Lamb Feast 17th 18th and 19th June – After a 2-year hiatus we are once again planning to hold our annual mid-summer festival this includes the “Lamb Feast” which is held on the Saturday. For those new to the area and maybe unaware of this, it is a family fun day out that has been running for 20+yrs with games for children big and small and stalls supporting local charities and small businesses as well as Civic Associations run stalls. This event is organised/run completely by volunteers, of which we need more of to help with setting up and dismantling the site, assisting running the stalls (money handling, serving food), BBQ cooks, and more! If you are interested in getting involved and want to know more, please come along to our public meeting in the Upper Chamber of the Guildhall on Thursday 3rd February at 19:30pm – if you can’t make this but are interested, please contact us at hello@plymptonstmaurice.com or complete the slip at the bottom of this newsletter and post it through the Guildhall letter box.

Regular Activities within the Guildhall

Judo Club - Runs every Monday at 6pm and Wednesday at 7pm & 8.30pm for all ages and abilities. Judo is great to improve your fitness, agility and self-confidence. Contact Andy Cooper 07814016021 andrew.cooper@talktalk.net

U3A Pilates - This group operates under the U3A banner and meets on Wednesday mornings at 10.30 a m. A popular class and a friendly supportive group. Further details about the class can be obtained from Liz on 01752 231901 (there is a call guardian) Membership to the U3A is all that is needed to join the class and the membership gives you plenty of opportunities to do other activities.

Pilates - Every Wednesday 5.25pm. For great core strength, posture, muscle tone and balance. Great for joint mobility and to relive stress and tension. VTCT level 3 Diploma instructor. Contact Chris Juckes purrfectpilates1@gmail.com

Tai Chi - Every Saturday 9.30am Contact John Hamlett 07972846443 plymouthtaichi@gmail.com

Iaijutsu - Thursday 7.00-8.30pm The Study of Traditional Japanese Sword Arts. Entry is by recommendation usually – All enquiries David Worsley david.j.worsley@btinternet.com

Japanese Yoga - Thursday 5.45-6.45pm Breathing exercises, meditation and physical movements to bring mind and body into harmony. Enquiries: Peter Hughes phughes@japaneseyoga.co.uk

Pop Up Cinema - First Friday of each month (this is subject to change, see flyers for update) showing a variety of films. Doors and bar open at 7pm. Screening at 7.30. Next screenings: Unbroken 4th Feb, No Time to Die 4th March

The Guildhall - is available to hire for all occasions. We have 2 rooms, the Council chambers for up to 30 people, the main hall for up to 80 people or book both for a joint max of 110 people. With a well-stocked licenced bar available. Contact Andy Cooper 07814016021 plymptonguildhall@gmail.com

If you would like to be part of any event this year, please let us know via the Civic Association e-mail, the WhatsApp group, Facebook page or by talking to your neighbours and letting us know of your interest.