DEVON & CORNWALL REFUGEE SUPPORT

A Private Company Limited by Guarantee

Providing
Practical

NEWSLETTER
Support
To
Refugees

September 2010
7 Whimple Street, Plymouth PL1 2DH Tel: 01752 265952 Fax: 0870 762 6228 Email: dcrsc@btopenworld.com Website: http://dcrsc1.cfsites.org

FOREWORD
Written by Lorna M. SEWELL The latest possibility, according to the Minister of Justice,
Kenneth Clarke MP, is the likelihood of all funding to be
withdrawn from asylum seekers wanting to appeal against
the decision they have received for refugee status. Recent
Dear Friends and Supporters,
statistics have shown that a good number of appeals have
been successful. We, along with all Support Groups in the
The Board of Trustees are now able to welcome the two
country, also hope that the campaigns recently
latest members of our Staff, Helen LAOLU-BALOGUN and
undertaken, will mean that the detention of children will
Erena IRONS, who have recently taken up their posts of
stop, and a more humane system will be found by our
Project Support Workers with DCRS. Trish BAXTER will be
Coalition Government.
spending some time with them for a while, but as both of
them have been volunteers in the Centre and Helen for
Yours sincerely,
some considerable time, the work will not be new to them.
As Trustees, we hope they will find the work fulfilling.
Lorna M. Sewell
The Board is gradually complying with all the legal Lorna M. SEWELL
requirements necessary to finalise our transformation into Chair of the DCRS Board of Trustees
a Private Company Limited by Guarantee and revising our
Constitution. Arnold MELHUISH has being involved in all
the work involved, including many consultations with our
solicitors, and our formal thanks are due to him. At our
previous Board Meeting we not only spent some time on
legal matters but also on the requirements of the Big
Lottery to our Accounts Procedure. Our Trustee Treasurer, CONTENTS
Svetlana STOUPNIKOV, and Pat JOYCE, have spent many Compiled by Geoffrey N. READ
hours putting new systems in place. We say a big Thank
You to them also. Just run your mouse over the blue links and click...
you’ll be taken straight to your page!
Over the next few months our Funding Committee will be
Activities Group Page 4
concentrating on procuring further funds to cover our
original support work, as, of course, the Big Lottery funds Advertisements Page 7
only cover our new projects. This won’t be easy, because of Clothing Store Page 5
the current economic situation, and all charities will be Diary Dates Page 17
chasing fewer and fewer available funds. Consequently our DCRS General Information Page 3
local supporters will be even more important to us! Editorial Comment Page 2
Food Programme Page 5
The support for asylum seekers generally is becoming more Foreword Page 1
and more desperate with the Plymouth office of Refugee General Information Page 7
Action closing down. This will mean extra support and Greetings Page 2
advice for our Staff to give, and to enable them to do this,
Internet Suite Page 7
the acting Manager of Refugee Action will be training our
Letters to the Editor Page 2
Staff in some new aspects of support.
News Page 7
Reception Desk & Volunteers Page 7
1
 EDITORIAL COMMENT From: Joanna S.H.
Written by Geoffrey N. READ To: Geoffrey READ <saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk>
Sent: wed, 4 August, 2010 16:59:07

C ONTRIBUTIONS. I do rely on you all to provide me

with articles, reports and newsworthy items to make
this Newsletter readable. So do please keep sending me
Subject: Re: DCRS: THE AUGUST 2010 NEWSLETTER

Dear Geoffrey
Thanks for another interesting and informative newsletter. I shall be
your contributions! Contributions are required to be leaving UCLan soon, but please would you continue to send me your
submitted for the October 2010 edition by no later than newsletter to my new address?
th Working with the fantastic team of people from DCRS has been a real
Friday, 24 September 2010. pleasure, and I hope our paths may cross again in the future.
Sending very best wishes to all who were involved in the Community
Engagement Mental Health Work.

Many thanks and kind regards,

Joanna

LETTERS Senior Support Worker

Compiled by Geoffrey N. READ Community Engagement Programme
International School for Communities, Rights and Inclusion
University of Central Lancashire
Preston
From: Emily PR1 2HE
To: Geoffrey READ <saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk>
Sent: Mon, 2 August, 2010 20:07:15
Subject: Re: DCRS: THE AUGUST 2010 NEWSLETTER Thank Joanna... so pleased you’re staying with us! Ed.

Hi Geoff,

Hope you finds you well.

Another good newsletter - many thanks.
But I have one question... how did you know it was my birthday this week? GREETINGS
It was a massive surprise to read about it - but very kind... thank you ever Compiled by Geoffrey N. READ
so much. (except where stated)

Best Wishes,

Emily :-)

Emily, We have our methods! Ed.

From: Elaine - Cafcass

W ELCOME! We welcome two new Project Support
Workers to our Staff Team:
To: Geoffrey READ <saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk> Helen LAOLU-BALOGUN
Sent: Tue, 3 August, 2010 17:36:01 and
Subject: RE: DCRS: THE AUGUST 2010 NEWSLETTER Irena ONIONS

Dear Geoffrey,
We hope they settle in quickly and enjoy their new roles.
It was a very pleasant surprise to receive the DCRS Newsletter.
I’m not sure how I managed to get on your Circulation List but am please Submitted by Liz HARDINGE
to be there and will circulate the information amongst our staff for their

W
information.
ELCOME! We also extend a very warm welcome to
Kind Regards, a new volunteer who has joined us...
Elaine Hay
Alan LAMBLE
Good to have you with us Elaine! Ed.
Thank you for volunteering!

Submitted by Liz HARDINGE

F AREWELL. A big Thank You to Htin KYAW who has

been a regular volunteer in our
Internet Suite and a great help
to us. He is moving to London
and we wish him well for the
next phase of his life.

Submitted by Liz HARDINGE

2
F AREWELL GATHERING. There will be a small
nd
gathering at 2 p.m. on Thursday, 2 September 2010
to say goodbye to Sylvia HAMLEY and to thank her for all
she has done. Refreshments (tea and cakes) will be
available. All former Volunteers, particularly those from
the Clothing Store will be very welcome to attend.
Submitted by Liz HARDINGE
B ROCHURES. We’ve recently updated our DCRS
General Brochure and copies are available in English
and Chinese for information, or for downloading, from our
website: http://dcrsc1.cfsites.org These new brochures take
account of our new Opening Hours. The brochures are
designed to be printed off in black-and-white or colour,
back-to-back, and then to be folded in three. We only
have English and Chinese versions at the moment and the
Editor would very much appreciate getting assistance to
translate them into other languages. Any offers of
assistance please?

C ONTACT POINT FOR NEW VOLUNTEERS.

people wishing to enquire about the possibility of
For

volunteering there is an exclusive email address especially

for the purpose: liz_dcrsc@btinternet.com

H APPY BIRTHDAY! We wish a very Happy Birthday

to all those who have birthdays in September, Submitted by Liz HARDINGE

especially:
Sunday, 5th September:
Thursday, 23rd September:
Friday, 24th September:
C
UTBACKS, CHALLENGES & CHANGES. We’re all
Samuel NEVER aware of the Government’s cutbacks and the effects on
community and personal life. The full impact of these
Luqman GUBARI necessary cuts is now having repercussions on our services,
Alison WILLIAMS which bring challenges unforeseen in the present climate
of immigration policy.

Nationally we have seen:

 The closure of one of the largest legal advice firms that asylum
seekers turned to when others abandoned them in their
claims.

 The swift response of the Legal Services Commissioner’s office

H
by cutting legal aid to those with low income which are, of
APPY BIRTHDAY! We wish a very Happy Birthday course, Solicitors representing asylum seekers.
to all those who have birthdays in September,
 Cuts to the funding of the One-Stop-Service, which in Plymouth
especially:
is Refugee Action.

Tuesday, 5th October: Lorna M. SEWELL  The Ministry of Justice being forced to cutback legal
procedures and court hearings.
Wednesday, 6th October: Hayley KEMP

Wednesday, 27th October: Sally MULFORD

Locally this has meant that:

 Both Devon Law Centre and Fursdon & Knapper Solicitors, who
represent many of our service users, have closed their books to
new clients until a review in October.

 Refugee Action have decided that the Plymouth Branch will

close at the end of September leaving Refugees First and DCRS
the main drop-in services to offer advice and support to the
Asylum Seeker & Refugee (ASR) community.

These challenges come at a crucial time in our own

GENERAL INFORMATION development as the funds from the Big Lottery offer us the
Written by Geoffrey N. READ means to restore staffing levels back to what was in place
(except where stated) some years ago.

B OARD OF TRUSTEES’ MEETINGS. A meeting of the

DCRS Board of Trustees was held on Wednesday, 18th
August 2010. The next meeting has been scheduled for
We welcome Helen and Irena, our two new Project Support
Workers, who come with insight and experience to offer
the team and assist when those accessing Refugee Action’s
Wednesday, 22nd September 2010 at 2 p.m. Should services will be sign posted to our centre.
anyone wish to have a particular matter discussed then
please contact a Trustee of DCRS.

3
With the possibility of extra demand, we have new opening
hours that will allow service users to come each day the
centre is open from 10 – 1 p.m. and facilitate the
R EFUGEE WEEK 2011. Steering Group Meeting.
Christine REID and Geoff READ represented DCRS at a
meeting of the Steering Group
development of two new posts currently being advertised on Wednesday, 25th August
on our website. 2010. The next meeting is
scheduled for Wednesday, 15th
In these days of challenges we are confident that, with the September. Should anyone
commitment of all our volunteers, we will be able to go on wish to make any suggestions or
serving the ASR community and make the changes comments then please contact
necessary to actually improve both the facilities and the Christine or Geoff. Should anyone wish to make any
service made possible with the developing posts to come. suggestions or comments then please contact Christine or
Geoff (details at the foot of each page).
The current staff wish to thank all volunteers whose efforts
go so poorly rewarded in the busyness of our centre, for
being such a faithful team of willing workers. Without their
commitment, staff could not do their work or expand the STAFF VACANCIES AT DCRS
service, as we require.
DCRS is currently recruiting for two new posts:
Submitted by Trish BAXTER

Training & Outreach Coordinator

and
Sports & Fitness Coordinator
D ONATIONS. Whenever we receive donations,
whether in Cash or in Kind, whether from Individuals
or from Organisations, we like to send a Thank You Letter Further details and an Application Pack are now
to express our appreciation. Those delivering donations in available on our website.
person are asked to record their donation in the Donations
Book on the Reception Desk. It is intended in future that
we send such Thank You Letters by email in future
whenever we can. This would save us the cost of printer
ink, paper, envelopes and of course, the cost of actual T ALKS & PRESENTATIONS. No talks or
presentations were given during August. If you know
of any group or organisation who would like to receive a
postage! To facilitate this could all those making
donations please let DCRS have their email address? You talk with a PowerPoint Presentation, then do please get in
can email this to the Editor at: saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk. If you touch with the Editor of this Newsletter. Contact details at
are making a donation and are not on-line then don’t the foot of the page.
worry... you’ll continue to receive a Thank You Letter via
Snail-mail! Submitted by Christine REID

H ARVEST FESTIVAL APPEAL 2010. Once again,

we’re appealing for Harvest Festival donations.
These extras supplement the usual Food Parcels that we
give out to our destitute Service Users each week.
Further details will be sent separately but in the meantime
if you can help, please contact the editor of the Newsletter
(details at the foot of the page), or by contacting Christine
REID, our Food Programme Coordinator, either at the DCRS
office or by telephoning her mobile number: 07792292353.
V OLUNTEERS’ MEETINGS. A meeting was held on
th
Thursday, 29 July and the minutes are available at
the Centre. There will be no meeting in August. All
volunteers are strongly encouraged to attend the next
th
meeting scheduled for 10 a.m. on Thursday, 30
September. Volunteers who find they are unable to attend
are requested, as a matter of courtesy, to inform our
Volunteer Coordinator (Liz HARDING) prior to the meeting.

Submitted by Christine REID

P LYMOUTH ASYLUM SEEKER & REFUGEE

CONSORTIUM (PASRC). Ms. Jane FARLEIGH, the SW
Regional Director of the UK Border Agency
THE ACTIVITIES GROUP
Written by William (Bill) BUDGE

M
(http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/) is expected to attend the
th
next meeting on Monday, 25 October. If you have any ONTHLY UPDATE. August was a really quiet
issues or questions that you would like her to clarify for you month and we’ve had nothing very much going on.
at the meeting, please let please contact a Trustee of DCRS. But wait for our next report... we have a few things lined
up!

4
 THE CLOTHING STORE Toiletries. We’re continuing to issue toiletries each month
to our destitute Service Users so donations of toiletries for
Written by Geoffrey N. READ
men are always welcome. This is a list of our general

M ONTHLY UPDATE. No news to report this month requirements:

but here is a list of our current requirements:
Combs. Gentlemen’s, Yes please!
Deodorants / Body Sprays (Men) Yes please!
ITEMS REQUIRED OR NOT REQUIRED Handkerchiefs (Disposable) No thanks!
Blankets Yes please! Razors (Disposable type) No thanks!
Jeans, Young Men’s, No storage space! Shampoo No thanks!
Curtains No storage space! Shaving Soap, Foam, etc. No thanks!
Duvets - double Yes please! Shower Gels, / Body Wash (Men) Yes please!
Kitchenware Yes please! Soap No thanks!
Pillows Yes Please! Toothbrushes No thanks!
Pots and Pans (with lids) Yes Please Toothpaste No thanks!
Shoes, Young Men’s No storage space!

Sleeping Bags (in good nick!)
Towels
THE FOOD PROGRAMME
Written by Christine REID
B
Yes please!
Yes please! ROCHURES. We’ve recently updated our DCRS Food
Brochure and copies are available in English and
Chinese for information, or for downloading, from our
website: http://dcrsc1.cfsites.org These new brochures take
account of our new Opening Hours. The brochures are
designed to be printed off in black-and-white or colour,
back-to-back, and then to be folded in three. We only
have English and Chinese versions at the moment and the
Editor would very much appreciate getting assistance to
translate them into other languages. Any offers of
assistance please?

B
(except where stated)
EANZ MEANZ... JARZ: Screw-Top Could Spell the

M
End of the Tin Can. This article was published in the
ONTHLY UPDATE. st
Daily Mail on Saturday, 31 July 2010 by Sean Poulter:
We are continuing to give out toiletries once a month to
Every fridge has one - the dried-up remains of a tin of
our destitute Service Users and toiletries for men are
baked beans which was a little too much for one serving.
always welcome.
But that waste could soon be a thing of
the past.
The Food Team. We’ve continued to be busy in the
Heinz has developed a screw-top jar
kitchen at the Centre, preparing Food Parcels for our
for baked beans that allows the
destitute Service Users and dispensing welcoming cups of
contents to be used bit by bit as
tea / coffee and biscuits. This shows the care and support
needed.
offered by our Volunteers to our Service Users. There’s
Can the can: The plastic 'fridge pack'
always a welcome at No. 7 Whimple Street!
holds the equivalent of just under two-
and-a-half standard cans. The see-
The Food Programme. Food parcels are still being issued
through level meter helps you measure servings.
at a fairly steady rate and we now have some families on
The plastic 'fridge pack' holds the equivalent of just under
our programme who have been given Refugee Status but
two and a half standard cans.
still require assistance with food. The reason for this is the
Baked beans fans will be able to serve exactly the quantity
length of time they have to exist with no support until the
they want on their toast or jacket potato and put the jar
benefits due to them are sorted out and paid.
back in the fridge with the lid firmly in place.
The change, which could eventually kill the can, will have a
Donations. For this reason we’re so very grateful for your
major impact in British homes, which get through 442
continuing support with donations of food. This also helps
million cans of Heinz beans a year - three times more than
our Food Budget because, as you will see in a later article,
all other countries combined.
the cost of food is rapidly rising!
The manufacturer has already made a move away from the
traditional can with the introduction of 'snack size' snap
Harvest Festival. Accompanying this Newsletter is our
pot plastic tubs of beans that can be put in the microwave.
Harvest Festival Appeal... every little helps! You may recall
More than 9 million were sold last year.
from one of our earlier reports that the Food Programme
The changes come at a time when the Government and
budget was reduced this year. Our Funders, as with
waste campaigners are putting pressure on food
everyone else, are feeling the pinch!
companies to reduce packaging and food waste.

5
However, they have alarmed metal can manufacturers,
who insist there is still plenty of life in this sturdy form of
packaging.
Heinz said: 'The fridge pack has been designed primarily for
busy families looking for convenience and flexibility when it
comes to consuming beans, as well as the opportunity to
reduce waste and leftovers.'
The fridge pack of 1 kg of baked beans will cost £1.79. This
is less than the price of five small 200g cans, which would
cost £2.40.
However, the price per kilo works out at a lower £1.31 if
you buy four normal 415g cans, which would cost £2.16.
The Metal Packaging Manufacturers' Association put a
brave face on the change. Its director, Nick MULLEN, said:
'Shoppers can rest assured that the much loved, iconic
baked beans can is here to stay.
'The clever, innovative Heinz fridge pack is designed to sell
more beans but certainly not at the expense of the
approximately 442million cans already being sold across
the country.'
Like metal cans, the new jars can be recycled.
Click on this link to...
Enlarge
F
OOD PRICES UP 58%: With Many Facing a Freeze
on Wages, the Cost of Groceries has Rocketed
Since 2007. This article was published in The Mail by
th
Arthur Martin on Monday, 16 August2010.
Shoppers are paying up to 58% more for basic grocery
items than they were three years ago, according to figures
published today.
The price of tea has shot up by
30% while the cost of staple
foods such as bread and eggs
have risen by 18 per cent since
2007.
But the biggest increase has been in the price of rice and
pulses such as lentils or beans, which have risen by 58%.
The cost of staple foods such as bread and eggs have risen
by 18% since 2007. The soaring prices are in contrast to the
overall inflation rate
Figures compiled by the price comparison website
www.mySupermarket.co.uk how that parents with young
children are also being hit particularly hard.
The cost of baby wipes, creams and bath wash has risen by
38%. Baby food and snacks have gone up by 21% while
baby milk and drinks have increased by 29%.
Even pets are proving to be an increasing drain on families,
with dog food up by 20% and cat food rising by 13%.
The soaring prices are in contrast to the overall inflation
rate, which is currently 3.2% a year.
Britain's high food prices are also at odds with many of our
European neighbours, who have seen their grocery bills fall
steadily over the past year.
The mySupermarket research does not quote prices for
individual items. Instead, the researchers selected a basket
of supermarket items for each food category from Tesco.
They then divided the total price by the number of items to give average
prices and compared their results for 2007 and 2010.
The statistics show the same worrying trends as the Daily Mail's Cost of
Living Index, which in January found that the cost of a basket of the most
commonly bought foods had increased by 7.5% in 12 months.
Experts say UK food prices have surged above the official rate of inflation
because of worries about the financial uncertainty in the face of drastic
public spending cuts.
Nervous shoppers are concentrating on buying essentials rather than
luxury items, which is pushing up food price inflation.
Jonny STEEL, of mySupermarket, said: 'While prices generally have
stabilised or even gone down over the past year, the cost of everyday
essentials has still dramatically increased in the last three years.'
Consumers may feel they are starting to bounce back from the effects of
the recession, but the battle to save money is still very much on.'
The price of bread, pasta and many processed foods is likely to rise further
after Russia announced a ban on the export of wheat. Analysts believe
Britons could soon be paying 15p more for a loaf of bread.
Russian prime minister Vladimir PUTIN said it was necessary to protect his
country against wheat shortages following a severe drought which has
ravaged crops.
Melons, kiwi fruit and olives are being grown commercially for the first
time in the UK because of warmer summers and improved farming
techniques.
Stephen MCGUFFIE is growing cantaloupe melons in Lichfield,
Staffordshire and his first crop is expected next month.
They are due to be sold by Marks & Spencer. Kiwi fruit is being grown near
Canterbury, Kent, on a large scale and they are expected to be sold in the
high street when the plants mature in a couple of years' time.
Mark DIACONO has planted 120 Italian olive trees on his farm near
Honiton in Devon, and hopes to produce olive oil.
Submitted by Geoffrey N. Read
6
W HEAT PRICES REACH 22-MONTH HIGH. This article was
rd
broadcast by BBC News 24 on Tuesday, 3 August 2010.
Wheat prices have hit a 22-month high after a severe
drought and ensuing wildfires in Russia devastated crops.
Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) wheat for September
delivery broke through the $7-a-bushel level in US trade for
the first time since September 2008, before falling back to
$6.93. Prices have risen 50% since late June. Concerns
are growing that the rise will lead to an increase in prices of
flour-related products such as bread and biscuits.
Gary SHARKEY, head of wheat procurement at Premier Foods, which
makes Hovis bread, told the Financial Times that the industry would be
"unable to ignore a 50% rise in wheat prices".
Analysts are also worried about the possible knock-on effects.
"I think it will have an effect on both food prices and food company
profits," Martin DEBOO from Investec told BBC Radio 4's Today
programme.
The heat wave and drought have led to wildfires in several regions in
Russia
"Experience of 2008's round of inflation would suggest cost side increases
from wheat do get passed on to the consumer eventually," he added.
"Generally the wheat content of a loaf of bread is probably about 12-15
pence a loaf [in the UK]. So if this wheat cost increase has to be passed on
then we're talking about 5p on a loaf of bread."
He added that the price of other food products could also go up.
"Animals are fed on wheat or wheat derivatives and therefore this will
feed through indirectly into meat and poultry prices, so this will have a
significant effect on food price inflation generally."
Submitted by Geoffrey N. Read
THE INTERNET SUITE
Written by Geoffrey N. READ
M
ONTHLY UPDATE. No news received.
THE RECEPTION DESK TEAM
& VOLUNTEERS
Written by Geoffrey N. READ
M
ONTHLY UPDATE. No news received.
NEWS, INFORMATION &
ADVERTISEMENTS
Written or submitted by Geoffrey N. Read
(except where stated)
B
E AWARE OF POSSIBLE PAKISTAN APPEAL
SCAMS, SAYS CHARITY COMMISSION. Advice
issued on Saturday, 7th August
2010. The Charity Commission,
the independent charity regulator
for England and Wales, has
published advice for people who
want to support those affected by
the floods in Pakistan, whether by fundraising or by making
a personal donation.
The public’s support is crucial to enable charities to deliver
desperately needed aid to Pakistan but it is vital that
donations go to a genuine charity so that they reach those
in need. Sadly, there are criminals who try to take
advantage of the public’s generosity in response such
disasters, and the Commission has been made aware in
previous emergency appeals, such as the Haiti appeal, of
online scams designed to steal charitable donations. These
can take the form of fictitious appeal websites, email
appeals that falsely use the name of genuine charities, or
appeals from fictitious charities.
The Commission is urging the public to continue giving but
to be vigilant, and has the following advice for those who
wish to make a donation:
 Be careful when responding to emails or clicking links within
them to ensure that they are genuine. If you have any concerns
about the legitimacy of a request for donations that appears to
come from a charity, don’t hesitate to contact that charity
directly.
 If you’re in any doubt about a charity collector, ask for their
identification and the charity’s name and registration number.
If you’re not happy about giving then and there, you can check
to see if the charity is on the public register of charities on the
Commission’s website: www.charitycommission.gov.uk.
 If you’re concerned that you may have been targeted by a
fundraising scam, you should report this to the police. You
should also contact the Charity Commission on (0845) 300
0218 or via the website: www.charitycommission.gov.uk.
 If you want to donate online to a particular charity, visit the
charity’s website.
 Think about how you’re going to give. If you are a UK taxpayer
and donate directly to a charity - whether online, over the
telephone, by post or by handing in a cheque at the charity's
office or shop - it can claim Gift Aid to maximise your donation.
An appeal for the Pakistan floods is being run by the Disasters Emergency
Committee (DEC). The money raised will support the efforts of the DEC’s
members, which are 13 of the major UK aid agencies and all UK registered
charities. Information is on the DEC website - www.dec.org.uk. Numerous
other registered charities are involved in the relief efforts and are
currently fundraising.
There are laws around collecting money for charity in public which are
there to protect donors and make sure that the money raised goes to a
genuine charitable cause. If you want to fundraise for those who have
been affected by the Pakistan floods, you should:
7
 Have the necessary permission from your local authority or the
Metropolitan Police if you live in a London borough.
 Only collect using a sealed tin or container.
 Always make sure you state the name and registration number
of the charity you are collecting for.
 Always make sure there’s more than one person to count the
collection proceeds and sign off the total amount.
 Bank any cash as soon as possible, preferably straight into the
charity account. Get a receipt from the Bank / Building Society.
 Report back to your community so they’re reassured that the
money has reached the good cause. You may wish to put
notices in shops / post offices, or let your local paper know
how much you raised and thank people for their support.
B
RIDGE OF STORIES. Bridge of Stories aims to bring
together young people from different cultural and
religious backgrounds to take part
in a variety of activities designed
to let them share their stories and
express their ideas. Using
storytelling, drama, dance and
music we aim to help participants
get to know a new group of
friends, as well as talk about their
own lives and learn more about
others.
We want to create a space for young people to feel able to
talk about all the ideas and issues which come up for them.
Some of these ideas may be related to culture and religion,
but many of them may be simply about shared things such
as education, family or their hopes for the future. We’d like
to provide a space for all these things to be open for
discussion, as well as a great way to meet other young
people from Plymouth and hopefully have some fun!
Participants should be over 16 and under 35.
There will be two taster sessions, including food and music:
Tuesday, 14th September 2010
and
Wednesday, 22nd of September 2010-08-24
between 5.30 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Plymouth Centre for
Faiths & Cultural Diversity (PFCD) at:
3a Watts road,
St Jude’s,
Plymouth, PL4 8SE.
All sessions are free. Please contact Hannah for further
details:
Tel: (01752) 254438
or
Email: hannah@pcfcd.co.uk
NOTE: There is an A4 Flyer attached to this Newsletter,
giving all the above information. Please print a copy off
and place it on your Notice Boards to give maximum
publicity. Thanks. Ed.
B UILDING THE BIG SOCIETY. You may have heard
about the Government’s plans for which is, as David
Cameron himself says, "a culture change where people
don’t always turn to officials, local authorities or central
government for answers to the problems they face but they
are empowered to make a change themselves."
Our Conservative - Liberal Democrat Government has come
together with a driving ambition: to put more power and
opportunity into people’s hands.
We want to give citizens, communities and local
government the power and information they need to come
together, solve the problems they face and build the Britain
they want. We want society – the families, networks,
neighbourhoods and communities that form the fabric of
so much of our everyday lives – to be bigger and stronger
than ever before. Only when people and communities are
given more power and take more responsibility can we
achieve fairness and opportunity for all.
Building this Big Society isn’t just the responsibility of just
one or two departments. It is the responsibility of every
department of Government, and the responsibility of every
citizen too. Government on its own cannot fix every
problem. We are all in this together. We need to draw on
the skills and expertise of people across the country as we
respond to the social, political and economic challenges
Britain faces.
This document outlines the already agreed policies that we
believe will help make that possible. It is the first strand of
a comprehensive Programme for Government to be
published in the coming days, which will deliver the reform,
renewal, fairness and change Britain needs.
1. Give communities more powers
We will radically reform the planning system to give neighbourhoods far
more ability to determine the shape of the places in which their
inhabitants live.
We will introduce new powers to help communities save local facilities
and services threatened with closure, and give communities the right to
bid to take over local state-run services.
We will train a new generation of community organisers and support the
creation of neighbourhood groups across the UK, especially in the most
deprived areas.
2. Encourage people to take an active role in their communities
We will take a range of measures to encourage volunteering and
involvement in social action, including launching a national ‘Big Society
Day’ and making regular community involvement a key element of civil
service staff appraisals.
We will take a range of measures to encourage charitable giving and
philanthropy.
We will introduce a National Citizen Service. The initial flagship project will
provide a programme for 16 year olds to give them a chance to develop
the skills needed to be active and responsible citizens, mix with people
from different backgrounds, and start getting involved in their
communities.
3. Transfer power from central to local government
We will promote the radical devolution of power and greater financial
autonomy to local government, including a full review of local government
finance.
We will give councils a general power of competence.
We will abolish Regional Spatial Strategies and return decision-making
powers on housing and planning to local councils.
8
4. Support co-ops, mutuals, charities and social enterprises
We will support the creation and expansion of mutuals, co-operatives,
charities and social enterprises, and support these groups to have much
C OMMUNITY & YOUTH STUDIES PLACEMENT AND
UCP MARJON VOLUNTEERING FAIR. Would you
please make a note in your diaries that the this Fair will
greater involvement in the running of public services. th
We will give public sector workers a new right to form employee-owned take place at the UCP Marjon on Tuesday, 12 October at
co-operatives and bid to take over the services they deliver. This will 10.30 a.m.? Further details of the event will be sent out at
empower millions of public sector workers to become their own boss and the beginning of September 2010. For further information
help them to deliver better services.
We will use funds from dormant bank accounts to establish a Big Society on UCP MARJON please visit: http://www.ucpmarjon.ac.uk/
Bank, which will provide new finance for neighbourhood groups, charities,
social enterprises and other nongovernmental bodies.

5. Publish government data

E NGLAND FIXTURES 2010-11. England v. Hungary is
a Friendly. The remainder are
European Championship – Qualifying
We will create a new ‘right to data’ so that government-held datasets can
be requested and used by the public, and then published on a regular Group G.
basis.
We will oblige the police to publish detailed local crime data statistics
every month, so the public can get proper information about crime in
their neighbourhoods and hold the police to account for their 2010
rd
performance. Friday, 3 September England v Bulgaria
th
Tuesday, 7 September Switzerland v England
th
For more on this subject, please visit: Tuesday, 12 October England v Montenegro
http://www.buildingthebigsociety.co.uk/ 2011
th
Saturday, 26 March Wales v England
th
Saturday, 4 June England v Switzerland
nd
Friday, 2 September England v Wales
th
Friday, 7 October Montenegro v England

C HURCH REUNION. The following letter was published

in the Your Say column of The Herald on Friday, 27th
August 2010:
For further information please visit:
http://www.thefa.com/England/Fixtures

A REUNION is being held in St. Peter's Church on Saturday,

rd
23 October to which all former clergy and members of All
Saints, St. Matthew's and St. Peter's churches are invited.
We’re hoping to see anyone who attended as a server,
member of the choir, a scout, sea ranger, guide or brownie,
a member of the youth club, any of the guilds or just as an
"ordinary" member of the congregation.
Perhaps you were married, have had your children
baptised or have attended a funeral in any one of these
churches and would like to attend this reunion. I can be
contacted by email at janada1@tiscali.co.uk or by post at:

St. Peter's Church,

Wyndham Square,
Plymouth PL1 5CG.

The day will begin with a Mass at 10.30 a.m., followed by a

short talk on the reordered St. Peter's Church, buffet lunch
and in the afternoon an opportunity to catch up with old
friends. The day will end at about 5 p.m. The cost will be
D EVON & CORNWALL CHARITABLE FOOD GROUP
(DCCFG). This Plymouth-based group, held a
meeting in Catherine Street Baptist Church in
th
£5, which includes the buffet lunch. Plymouth on Monday, 26 July
Please make cheques payable to St. Peter's Hospitality 2010. Copies of the minutes can
Group, St. Peter's Church. be obtained from Geoff – contact
We would like to receive any photographs, old magazines, details at the foot of the
paper cuttings, Sunday school prizes or memories that you page. There was no meeting in
would like to share for display purposes. We should be August but the September
most grateful if these items could be passed into St. Peter's meeting is scheduled to take
th
Church (mornings only) clearly marked with your own place on Tuesday, 7 , again at
name, for the attention of the organiser, Miss Janet the Catherine Street Baptist Centre. Everyone is welcome
Cobbledick. to attend these meetings and to join this Group and we will
We look forward to seeing you. soon be looking for specialised volunteers, such as
Administrators, Fundraisers, Drivers, Helpers, etc. For
JANET COBBLEDICK those who wish to know more please visit:
Plymouth http://dccfg.webs.com/

9
D ETENTION OF CHILDREN. It’s been three months
since the government first announced it would end
the practice of locking up the children of failed asylum
seekers. There are various reports available on the internet
but here are one or two that have been recommended to
us:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_8891000/8891441.stm
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/aug/05/children-immigration-
centres-deportation-scheme
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/immigration/7929526/Familie
s-with-children-facing-deportation-given-two-week-ultimatum-before-
removal.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-10889362
We’ve also heard from a reliable source that there may not
be an announcement about children in detention until
November 2010, this being after Parliament reassembles.
Submitted by Lorna M. SEWELL
E
DEN PROJECT MARATHON. Experience Eden as you
never have before – take part in one of our races on
th
Sunday, 10 October 2010. We’re
inviting everyone from serious
runners through to enthusiasts and
families to take part in a series of
races through the extraordinary scenery surrounding the
Eden Project.
Kicked off last year, the Eden Marathon is the largest race
in Cornwall, offering the full and half Marathons through
the Clay Country, and the Fun Run right through the
biomes on-site.
Runner’s World, the UK’s biggest running magazine, rated
it 89% in 2009, describing it as an “impressive debut”. One
reader wrote: “A great race, tough course and superb fun.
It was well organised and the atmosphere among the
runners was fantastic.”
Contacting us. We’ll be updating our website in the
coming months with all the practical information you need
to take part. But if you have a query in the mean time,
please contact us at marathon@edenproject.com.
F RONTLINE REFUGEE FORUM. A meeting was held
th
on Wednesday, 28 July at the Stoke Damerel Parish
Centre in Plymouth. The date of the next meeting is not
yet known. If anyone has anything they wish to raise
would they please mention it to one of our Project Support
Workers.
I
22
N DEFENCE OF YOUTH WORK. The next “In Defence
of Youth Work” meeting has been scheduled for Friday,
nd
October 2010 from 13:30 - 15:30 at UCP
Marjon. Please make a note in your diaries. Further
information will follow in due course but should you have
any queries please email: jord@marjon.ac.uk
I NVITATION TO A FESTIVAL OF FISH. This article
th
was published in The Herald on Tuesday, 9 March 2010:
PREPARATIONS are already well
under way for a one-day seafood
and music event.
Fishstock Brixham 2010, on
th
Saturday, 11 September, aims to
raise thousands of pounds for The Royal National Mission
to Deep Sea Fishermen by showcasing the South West
fishing industry, its heritage and its seafood products to the
public.
Organiser Jim PORTUS said: "Sadly we weren't able to run our main
fundraising event in 2009 because of the hazards arising from the state of
the exciting building works on the Brixham fish market and quayside.
Happily those works will be highly advanced by the end of this summer
and we now have permission."
Mr PORTUS is now inviting businesses in the seafood, marine
environment, maritime and fishing industries to get in touch to discuss
corporate sponsorship opportunities as well as other options.
The event will include live music, seafood cooking demonstrations, various
stands and other entertainment.
Email Jim Portus at: swfpo@btopenworld.com.
For further information please visit:
http://www.fishstockbrixham.co.uk/
L AST NIGHT OF THE PROMS live on the Big Screen at
the Piazza, Armada Way, Plymouth City Centre on
Saturday, 11th September 2010.
Come and join in at the Piazza
for a live screening of the Last
night of the Proms. Classical
music by starlight. We'll be
joining the orchestra from the
Albert Hall live at 7.30 p.m. for the main event. Seating and
refreshments will be available. Source:
http://www.plymouth.gov.uk/homepage/communityandliving/citycentre/
ccevents/ccseptemberevents.htm
L
IFE CENTRE CONSTRUCTION UPDATE. Much of
the structural steel work for the new Life Centre has
now been completed above the bowls area, main sports
hall and squash courts. The concrete flooring over the new
bowls area has also been installed and a large proportion of
the sports hall foundations have been cast. Concrete
casting of the building’s central spine area, which
incorporates the changing areas, below the gymnasium and
plant rooms is continuing. The base of the new dive pool
and walls are being cast, as is the area that will house the
moveable booms in the Olympic-sized swimming pool. The
scheme is progressing well and construction remains on
schedule.
10
 Choose between four morning Skill-building Workshops:
11:10 a.m. to 12:40 p.m.

 Developing strategies for challenging immigration policies

through campaigning.
Jerome PHELPS, London Detainee Support Group

 Why an anti-deportation campaign? Tips, risks and getting

started.
Michael COLLINS & Ariel SAFDIE, National Coalition of Anti-
Deportation Campaigns

 Immigration & asylum overview.

Steve SYMONDS, Immigration Law Practitioners' Association

 Using the media in your campaign.

Rita BIERMANN, Communications Consultant

Choose between four Afternoon Discussion Groups - sharing successes,

challenges and what we can do about it:
1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

To find out more about the Plymouth Life Centre please  Organising to protect workers from deportation- working with
visit: www.plymouth.gov.uk/lifecentre Unions.
Ruth GROVE-WHITE, Migrant Rights Network

M ARJON COURSES. UCP Marjon is pleased to be

able to offer the FREE Leadership & Management
Programme for Playworkers UCP Marjon for the third time
 Frontex, Deportations & Dublin II.
Shiar YOUSSEF, Stop Deportation Network

starting in September 2010.  Campaigning for LGBT asylum seekers.

This is the last opportunity to benefit from this fully-funded
training as part of this National Pilot Scheme, so they are
encouraging as many as possible to take advantage.
For further information, please contact Ruth HUBBARD /
Margret HEAD at:
University College Plymouth St. Mark & St. John.
E: mhead@marjon.ac.uk
Tel: (01752) 636863
Paul Canning, LGBT Asylum News
 Networking across communities.
To be announced
Travel expenses for those without status will be reimbursed on the day on
production of receipts. Cheapest form of travel only, booking in advance is
cheaper, National Express Coaches are best. When you RSVP please
indicate if you will require reimbursement.
AGM & Conference updates and full agenda have been

N ATIONAL COALITION OF ANTI-DEPORTATION

CAMPAIGNS (NCADC) is pleased to invite you to its
posted on: http://bit.ly/NCADC_AGM2010

Annual General Meeting & Conference to discuss anti-

deportation campaigning strategies,
the challenges faced during campaigns
O VERALL IMMIGRATION STATISTICS FOR 2009.

and the keys to a successful campaign. Removal & Departures:

This day will be an opportunity for There were 67,215 Removals and Voluntary Departures
individuals and organisations from the United Kingdom in 2009.
campaigning against deportations and
for migrant rights to share experiences, The top 16 destination countries were:
knowledge and expertise.
Afghanistan 5,370
When: Afghanistan 3,330
Saturday, 4th September 2010, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Bangladesh 1,265
AGM: 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Brazil 5,790
China (including Taiwan) 3,480
Where: Eritrea 1,390
Hinde Street Methodist Church, Ghana 1,030
19 Thayer Street, India 6,190
London W1 2QJ, Iran 1,470
Nearest Tube Station: Iraq 2,125
Bond Street or Marble Arch Jamaica 1,135
Malaysia 1,460
RSVP: Nigeria 2,975
Everyone is welcome so feel free to bring a friend! Members are also Pakistan 3,225
invited and encouraged to participate in the AGM, which begins from South Africa 1,365
3:30. p.m. USA 3,195
Please RSVP by Monday, 23rd August, 2010 to: ncadc@ncadc.org.uk. Vietnam 2,430

11
Detention: South West Figures
28,000 Individuals entered detention, solely being held Asylum Seekers in the South West supported in
under Immigration Act Powers in 2009. accommodation at the end of 2009:

1,065 Children entered detention in 2009. Local Authority No.

Bristol 180
1,105 Children left detention in 2009. Of these, 745 (67% of
Gloucester 105
the total) were asylum detainees. Plymouth 270
South Gloucestershire 50
520 Children were removed from the UK upon leaving Swindon 80
Total South West 685
detention during 2009.
Total England 19.350
585 Children were returned to their communities (53%). Source: http://rds.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs10/immiq409.pdf

The top 11 nationalities entering detention:

Afghanistan 2,400
P LYMOUTH ARGYLE FOOTBALL CLUB FIXTURES.

September 2010
Brazil 880
Saturday, 4th Brighton (H)
China (including Taiwan) 1,555
Saturday, 11th Colchester (A)
Eritrea 955
Saturday, 18th Sheffield Wednesday (H)
India 1,755
Saturday, 25th Rochdale (A)
Iran 900
Tuesday, 28th Swindon (A)
Iraq 1,140
Jamaica 995
Nigeria 1,935 October 2010
Pakistan 1,890 Saturday, 2nd Hartlepool (H)
Vietnam 880 Saturday, 9th Charlton (H)
Saturday, 16th Notts County (A)
Saturday, 23rd Huddersfield (H)
Applications for Asylum Saturday, 30th Oldham (A)
24,485 Applications received for asylum in the United
Kingdom, excluding dependants in 2009: For further information, please visit: http://www.pafc.co.uk/

Top 10 source countries:

China (including Taiwan) 1,185

India 615
Iran 1,835
Iraq 845
Nigeria 680
Pakistan 1,300
Somalia 990
Sri Lanka 1,115
Zimbabwe 5,600

3,905 Unaccompanied Asylum-seeking children made

applications for asylum in the United Kingdom in 2009.

Initial decisions 2009.

Granted asylum 4,190 17%

P LYMOUTH FARMERS’ MARKET. Go along and see
them in Lower New George Street in the West End.
The dates, all Saturdays, are:
Granted ELR, HP or DL 2,555 11%
Refused asylum, ELR, HP or DL 17,545 72% 11th September 2010
25th September 2010
Appeals. 9th October 2010
23rd October 2010
Appeals received by the IAA / AIT 15,420
Appeals determined by the IAA / AIT 14,610 A friendly reminder: Markets
Of which appeals allowed 4,150 28% are opened by the cow bell to
signal when selling may
begin. This gives us time to
set up and be ready for you
and you’ll not miss anything
before that bell rings...
promise!

More at: http://plymouthfarmersmarket.org/

12
P LYMOUTH HOPE FC. Football Festival & Fun
Day. Our Football & Family Fun Day at Brickfields was
th
held on the Saturday, 10 July 2010. The event was funded
Through the great deal of work put together, we have implementing the
Plymouth Hope Football Club aims of sport and recreational activities for
all along with the work in social inclusion, integration and community
cohesion. Many have called it one of the most diverse events they have
by the Community Cash Grant awarded to us by the Devon ever seen locally.
Community Foundation. It was solely run and organised Thank you to the DCRS and all the volunteers for their
by members of Plymouth Hope FC with support of strong support!
Plymouth Guild, START, BTCV, Devon & Cornwall Refugee
Support, and Plymouth Generations Together. Weeks of Recardo MCDOWELL
planning and coordinating between these agencies led to a Vice-chairman,
Six-a-side Football Tournament & Fun Day being held on Plymouth Hope FC
the weekend of the World Cup Final.
The aim of the tournament and fun day was to provide a
day where players and teams within Plymouth could come
together to enjoy football and to provide activities for local
families. We advertised the tournament through The

P
Herald, and the local sports newspaper, The Sunday LYMOUTH MELA 2010. Saturday, 2 October 2010
nd
Independent and the DCRS Newsletter. We also made local at the City Centre, Piazza.
agencies aware of the tournament and provided
opportunities for agencies to support the event through Project Manager - Hayley HUCKIN
the offer of volunteers.
th
The 7 June 2010 saw the
commencement of my position as
Project Manager for Plymouth Mela
2010 and I am thrilled to be involved in the management of
this very exciting project - the first ever festival of South
Asian arts and culture taking place in Plymouth City Centre.
The past two weeks have been a whirlwind of meetings
with people involved in the project to bring me up to speed
with decisions that were made before my appointment. I
am enjoying learning new things each day, in fact, since I
started here at the Barbican my learning curve has been a
The tournament catered for 16 teams, which were made up of local clubs straight line! My latest nugget of information has been the
(Saturday & Sunday Leagues) and teams from members of the community
(faith groups and local employers). The diversity of the teams were
discovery that the word 'Mela' comes from Sanskrit and
reflected in the players who came from a wide and varying backgrounds literally translates into 'to meet' - I will be using this
(locals, refugees and asylum seekers and international students). In total information in the first shot marketing which I have been
there were over 150 players on the day, the tournament itself ran very working on this week.
smoothly with many competitive teams and teas who were there to enjoy I’m looking forward to the weeks ahead which are full of visits to Mela
the day. We were supported by the local Plymouth League who provided a Festivals around the country to find out how other cities make their
registered referee and to other members of the community who have festivals work. There is much work to do in programming the event and
links with the Devon & Cornwall Constabulary. The final was between soon we will be commissioning a student from the College of Art to design
Stonehouse Glass FC and All Nations FC. The final was played in good spirit the Plymouth Mela brand and logo - how exciting!
and was eventually won by All Nations FC. If you’re a young person interested in taking part in Plymouth Mela please
The Fun Day activities for the event were supported by a local marquee come along to the Barbican Theatre.
business Really Good Marquees who erected and supplied a discounted
marquee, there was a Bouncy Castle and mini sporting activities for the
children and families. We provided free food for the players and local
people attending the event. This was provided by START and their
volunteers (members of the community), the food was superb and
enjoyed by all. The children and families who were taking part in the
activities were kept entertained and although we did not get the numbers
we expected it was approximated that over 50 children and families
attended the day. The funding we received was used to its fullest with
some extra support from other agencies.
Our assessment of the day was done using feedback forms for the players
and informal discussions with people who attended the event. Everyone
S EAFARERS UK. The Band of Her Majesty's Royal
Marines Plymouth perform
the annual charity concert in aid
felt that the day went well with only a few issues cropping up (e.g. more
refreshments) and clearer roles for volunteers. All agreed that they would of the leading maritime charity,
attend another event and we are hoping to hold the event again next Seafarers UK.
year. Trophies and medals were given to the winners; all players received
certificates for taking part, as did the volunteers. One thing we would do
Date: Tuesday, 22nd September 2010
differently is to advertise the Fun Day more locally through the press and
Time: 7.30 p.m.
also offer transport for some members who live outside of the city centre.
Prices: £17, £15*
As this was our first event we are very pleased with how things went and
we would like to improve on it if given the opportunity to hold a similar
event. We believe it brought together local residents and teams who may Click on this link to Book Tickets.
not normally engage, by using the medium of sport and a local fun day.

13
G RIMETHORPE COLLIERY BAND. The Grimethorpe
Colliery Band was formed in
1917 as a leisure activity for the
workmen at the colliery and the
award winning band return to the
Pavilions this autumn.
Date: Saturday, 25th September 2010
Time: 7.30 p.m.
Prices: £16.50, £14.50*
Click on this link to Book Tickets
R HOD GILBERT & THE CAT WHO LOOKED LIKE
NICHOLAS LYNDHURST. Last year, he punched a
shop-assistant over the duvet tog-
rating system and went berserk
over a mince pie. Stung by
accusations that he over-reacts,
this year Rhod sets out on an
emotional rollercoaster of a
journey to discover the truth. Is he,
as he believes, a visionary in a sea
of closed minds, or has he, as everyone else believes,
anger-management problems?
Date: Wednesday, 13th October 2010
Time: 8 p.m.
Price: £20*
Click on this link to Book Tickets
T HE SATURDAYS, have announced a massive 17-date-
tour across the UK from February 2011, including a
return to Plymouth Pavilions after their sell out show last
year! Since their debut in 2007, the girls have sold nearly
two million records and have racked up a very impressive
seven Top 10 singles! Their sparkling new album
'Headlines!' went straight into the UK album chart at
number 3 on release, following the smash hit single
'Missing You'.
Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday 3 September.
Date: Thursday, 24th February 2011
Time: Doors at 7 p.m.
Price: £24*
Click on this link for More Info
P LYMOUTH SUMMER FESTIVAL: As a city Plymouth
is unique in the number and range of events which it
hosts throughout the summer
months from May until September.
To capture the spirit, and help co-
ordination of the events for visitors,
the Plymouth Summer Festival was
created a number of years ago.
Click on the coloured links below
for further information on the
internet.
SEPTEMBER 2010
th
Saturday, 11
Last Night of the Proms live on the Big Screen, Plymouth City Centre.
OCTOBER 2010
th th
Saturday, 9 and Sunday, 10 October 2010
SPORTSBOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS at Plymouth Sound. This is a part of
Plymouth Summer Festival 2010.
As a city Plymouth is unique in the number and range of events which it
hosts throughout the summer months from May until September. To
capture the spirit, and help co-ordination of the events for visitors, the
Plymouth Summer Festival was created a number of years ago. See the
complete list at:
www.visitplymouth.co.uk/site/whats-on/plymouth-summer-festival-2010
P LYMSTOCK FESTIVAL. The following article was
published in the Evening Herald on Tuesday, 23
February 2010:
rd
A PLYMSTOCK committee is appealing for volunteers to
help out in this year's Plymstock Festival, which will take
th
place on Saturday, 4 September.
Committee members have said if not enough people volunteer, the
annual festival will not go ahead.
They added that the festival had been 'a great success' over the past two
years.
A spokesman said: "If anyone has a few hours to spare during the coming
months and would like to influence decisions in order that the festival can
continue, then attend a festival information open meeting on Monday, 8th
March, at 7 p.m. at Plymstock Library.
"This is also the annual general meeting of the Plymstock Forum, which
will provide a brief update on other local issues."
The Plymstock Festival takes place every year and includes
a range of events and entertainment for residents.
For more details call Brian on (01752) 405132 or Elaine on
404052.
P
ROMOTING & PREVENTING COMMUNITY
COHESION: PREVENTING VIOLENT EXTREMISM.
It’s everyone’s business!
Following the success of training
days held in 2009 and earlier this
year, further opportunities are
now available in a new round of half-day sessions for front
line staff.
14
Aims of the Day
To provide opportunities to raise awareness and deepen understanding
of:
R EFUGEE CHILDREN SHOULD HAVE A GENUINE
CHANCE TO SEEK ASYLUM. Published by Thomas
HAMMARBERG, European Commissioner for Human Rights
th
 The latest Government thinking on the ‘Prevent Strategy’ on Tuesday, 24 August 2010.
 Violent extremism and the far right
 Myths and misunderstanding about Islam The real asylum policies in Europe today largely ignore
 The process of radicalisation children among refugees. They are often not listened to
 Our roles and responsibilities
and rather treated as if they
There are twelve half-day sessions planned (see dates below) and they will were possessions belonging to
run from 9 a.m. - 12.30 p.m. and will be interactive with opportunities for their parents. It is often
questions and discussion. forgotten that they could have
their own reasons for seeking
The training is free and tea / coffee will be provided. protection. Some of them do.
When children arrive in a
Venue family group, the parents are regularly interviewed about
Plymouth Centre for Faiths & Cultural Diversity,
the grounds for their asylum application, while often the
3a Watts Road,
St. Judes, minors are not given the opportunity to spell out their
Plymouth, PL4 8SE reasons.
When children arrive unaccompanied, the migration
Available Dates authorities tend to focus only on how to bring them back to
Friday, 17th September, their parents, ignoring that they have in many cases
Monday, 4th October,
escaped from their country with the fullest support of their
Friday, 15th October,
Tuesday, 19th October, family.
Friday, 12th November, In cases when authorities do intend to interview children
Friday, 19th November, more seriously there appears to be a lack of capacity to do
Wednesday, 1st December,
this in a meaningful manner. Overcoming language and
Thursday, 13th January,
Monday 24th January and cultural barriers - and the effects of trauma - require a
Wednesday, 9th February particular skill. The appointment of guardians defending
the interests of individual children, as now proposed by the
(Due to demand only limited places are available for June & July).
EU Commission, is however one step in the right direction.
The responses by governments to the needs of refugee
Booking a Place
To book a place, please contact Gemma FOSTER by telephoning (01752) children have profound implications for their future. The
254438 or by emailing: gemma@pcfcd.co.uk principle of the best interest of the child must guide the
asylum process. This means that each child should be seen
as an individual, and special consideration must be given to
his or her particular circumstances.

Guidelines for the asylum process for children

Governments need to establish guidelines aimed at making the process as
fair and comfortable as possible. Key points are:

* Not only the parents but also children should be interviewed -

it is key that their experiences be heard independently. When
appropriate, a separated interview should be organised.

* The child's possible grounds for asylum should be addressed in

the interview.

 Any officials, interpreters or others carrying out interviews

R
with asylum-seekers should receive special training for
ECYCLED FASHION SHOW. We’re having a recognising and interviewing particularly vulnerable asylum-
fortnight of events in September to launch our seekers. Interviews with children require special attitudes and
transition town status. One of the skills.
main events will be a Recycled Fashion
* Separated and unaccompanied minors should be appointed
Show, in association with CLIC Sargent competent guardians as expeditiously as possible.
(http://www.clicsargent.org.uk/Home), which
will be providing the clothes. * Great importance should be attached to children's grounds for
rd asylum in the judicial process.
The Show will be on Thursday, 23
September at 7.30 a.m.at Saltash Community Shool.
Tickets will be available from Piglets, A&N Health, The UN High Commissioner for Refugees has issued a
Bookshelf, and the CLIC Sargent shop. manual for how authorities can determine the best
For further information please contact Maureen at: interests of the child. It should serve as a common
maureenjk@talktalk.net reference for all the officers who work with children
seeking asylum.
15
Same rights as other children
Migrant children have the same rights as all other children, including the
right to live in decent conditions and to receive quality education.

International norms on the rights of the child are in fact

T
th
quite demanding - perhaps more demanding than some HE SOUND OF MUSIC. Tuesday. 24 August to
th
governments may have thought when ratifying them - but Saturday, 18 September.
this is no excuse for delaying their implementation. Direct to Plymouth from the London
Palladium, this lavish and irresistible
Source for this message: musical promises some of the most
Thomas HAMMARBERG memorable songs ever performed
European Commissioner for Human Rights including My Favourite Things, Do-
Re-Mi, Climb Ev'ry Mountain and
For further information, please visit: Sixteen Going on Seventeen.
http://tinyurl.com/37w3p2u Based on a true story, uplifting and evocative, The Sound of
Music follows the 1940s story of the Von Trapp family as

R EFUGEE WEEK. Different pasts, shared future. they attempt to flee Austria across the mountains to safety.
th th
Monday, 20 – Sunday, 26 June 2011. Refugee Week
is a unique opportunity to Buy tickets!
discover and celebrate the

L
th
contributions refugees bring to END ME A TENOR – THE MUSICAL. Friday, 24
th
the UK. September to Wednesday, 6
During Refugee Week loads of October. In an unpredictable tale of
events take place all across the mistaken identities this new musical
UK, all of which explore refugee comedy promises unruly hilarity and
experiences. Whatever you’re into - whether its arts, a toe-tappingly addictive score that
music, food or just meeting people in your local area - will have you humming for days to
Refugee Week will have an event for you. Click on this link come.
to Find our more or visit: http://www.refugeeweek.org.uk/ Based on the award winning West
Please mark these dates in your diaries now! End and Broadway hit comedy by Ken Ludwig, the plot
interweaves a witty balance of uncertainty and intrigue
with a covetous wife, shrimp gone bad and the boys in
blue.
Starring Matthew Kelly, Lend me a Tenor The Musical will
be in Plymouth for just under two weeks before

R EWARD FOR SOCIAL CARE SCHEME. This article commencing its career in the West End.
th
was published in The Herald on Saturday, 14 August
Buy tickets!
2010:

A SOCIAL care scheme developed by the University of

Plymouth has achieved national recognition.
The Students & Refugees
Together (START) project
has been recognised for
service delivery and best
practice by the Social Care Institute for Excellence.
START's mission is to work with people to ensure refugees
make the transition from people in need to positive
contributors to communities.
Founder Professor Avril BELLINGER said: "Recognition by
the SCIE is very important because it validates the unique
approach we have taken to involving students in the help
and support of asylum seekers and refugees in and around
Plymouth."
For further information on SCIE, please visit:
http://www.scie.org.uk/
U NITY PLYMOUTH is an organisation that’s being
supported by Fata-He and hopes to become the
blueprint for Black & Minority Ethnic (B&ME) groups
striving to be recognised at a local level just like Unity
Cornwall. Through support, advice and guidance from Fata-
He this has been made possible. Through Fata-He Unity
Plymouth is now constituted, has honorary officers and is
open to membership from B&ME people who live in the
city of Plymouth.
Unity Plymouth has the aim of such purposes of benefitting
the B&ME community living within the city of Plymouth.
Through Fata-He the group aims to:
 Unlock funds for B&ME people in Plymouth.
 To advocate effectively at a city level to ensure that B&ME
people within the area are consulted and recognised.
 increase the effectiveness of information for B&ME people in
the local area.

For more information on START, please visit:  Provide a city wide channel of information and
http://www.studentsandrefugeestogether.com/ representation for the benefit of B&ME people in order that

16
 DIARY DATES
statutory authorities and other agencies identify the funding
and policy needs of local B&ME people.
Compiled by Geoffrey N. Read
Meeting Dates for Unity Plymouth at the Council House:
All the dates are shown using the Gregorian (Western) calendar. The
th calendar is accurate, but some dates may vary regionally because they
Saturday, 25 September 2010 are determined by the lunar calendar. Jewish festivals usually begin at
Saturday, 30th October 2010 sundown on the previous day.
Saturday, 27th November 2010
Saturday, 18th December 2010
If you have access to the internet, just click on the faith links for further
information.
Representatives/ Councillors are invited from various organisations. If you
have an issue and would like it to be addressed then please tell us! Please
feel free to attend. Bring your family and friends. All meetings are free to
all members of the Communities. Recreational facilities for children are
provided. Cultural food is provided free by volunteers.

Venue: Council House - next to the Plymouth Civic Centre.

All Meetings are scheduled to take place from 1 – 5 p.m.
If you need further information please visit: www.unityplymouth.co.uk
or telephone:
Ikenna: 07868834898 nd
Thursday, 2 September
Chaz: 07950957909
Farewell to Sylvia HAMLEY
Submitted by Chaz SINGH on behalf of Unity Plymouth
Janmashtami - Krishna Jayanti (Hindu)

W HAT'S ON IN PLYMOUTH LIBRARIES? The Janamashtami festival marks the birth of Krishna, the most highly
venerated God in the Hindu pantheon.
Regular events in libraries
include rhymetimes, storytimes and
rd
Chatterbooks reading groups for Friday, 3 September
children and book groups for adults.
England v Bulgaria European Championship

September
th
Saturday, 4 September
Book Sale
Plymstock Library
Plymstock Festival
Saturday, 4th September 2010: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Books, CDs and DVDs at bargain prices.
th
Sunday, 5 September
Ford Park Cemetery Friendship Group
North Prospect Library Paryushana (Jain)
Monday, 13th September 2010: The most important Jain festival, it consists of eight (Swetambara) or ten
Join our monthly Friendship Group for a talk on the history of Ford Park (Digambara) days of intensive fasting and repentance. A time of
Cemetery. reflection.

Tania CROSSE
th
Southway Library Tuesday, 7 September
Tuesday, 14th September 2010: 7.30 p.m.
Hear Tania talk about her latest book 'Hope at Holly Cottage'. Meeting of the Devon & Cornwall Charitable Food Group
Set in Plymouth and on Dartmoor, it tells the story of 1950s schoolgirl
Anna MILLINGTON and the cruel family secret that resulted from the Switzerland v England European Championship
worst night of the Plymouth Blitz back in 1941.
All are welcome.
Book Sale th
Wednesday, 8 September
Central Library
Saturday, 18th September 2010: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Christian)
Books, CDs and DVDs at bargain prices.
Roman Catholics celebrate the birth of the Virgin Mary.

October Feast of the Birth of Mary (Christian)

Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Anglican Churches celebrate the birth of
Mary, mother of Jesus.
Older People's Day
Plymstock Library Nativity of the Theotokos (Christian)
Friday, 1st October 2010: Orthodox Christians celebrate the birth of the Virgin Mary.
Makeovers, beer tasting, web help sessions and more.

To find out more about Plymouth Libraries, please visit:

http://www.plymouth.gov.uk/libraries

17
 th th
Thursday, 9 September Friday, 24 September
Rosh Hashanah (1st day) (Jewish) Last day for Submission of Articles for the October Newsletter.
Jewish New Year.
A two-day festival during which work is not permitted. World’s Biggest Coffee Morning (Macmillan Cancer)

th th th
Friday, 10 September Friday, 24 - Wednesday, 6 October

Eid-Ul-Fitr (Muslim) Theatre Royal: Lend Me A Tenor - The Musical

The end of Ramadan when Muslims celebrate the end of fasting and thank
Allah for His help with their month-long act of self-control.
th
Saturday, 25 September
th
Saturday, 11 September Grimethorpe Colliery Band Performing

Fishstock Brixham 2010 Plymouth Argyle Football Club Fixture: Rochdale (A)

Last Night of the Proms on the Big Sreen at the Plymouth Piaza Plymouth Farmers’ Market

Plymouth Argyle Football Club: Colchester (H) Unity Plymouth Meeting at the Council House

Plymouth Farmers’ Market

th
Tuesday, 28 September
Ethiopian New Year (Rastafari)
The start of the New Year in Ethiopia is recognised because Rastafarians
Plymouth Argyle Football Club Fixture: Swindon (A)
believe Ethiopia to be their spiritual homeland, and a place to which they
want to return.
th
Fast of Gedalliah (Jewish) Wednesday, 29 September
Fast in memory of the assassination of Gedalliah Ben Achikam, the
Governor of Israel during the days of Nebuchadnetzar, King of Babylonia. Michaelmas /St. Michael's Day (Christian)
A feast day in honour of the archangel Michael.
Ganesh Chaturthi (Hindu) Michael is one of only two angels mentioned by name in the Bible (the
Hindus celebrate the birthday of Lord Ganesh, the elephant-headed God. other being Gabriel.)

Hoshanah Rabbah (Jewish)

th The seventh day of Sukkot.
Friday, 17 September

Promoting & Preventing Community Cohesion: Preventing Violent th

Thursday, 30 September
Extremism
DCRS Volunteers’ Meeting
th
Saturday, 18 September
Shemini Atzeret (Jewish)
Yom Kippur (Jewish) Shemini Atzeret can be translated as "the assembly of the eighth (day)."
Day of Atonement - the most solemn day of the Jewish year. In Israel the festival is combined with Simchat Torah.

nd
Wednesday, 22 September

Band of HM Royal Marines Performing

rd
Thursday, 23 September
Recyled Fashion Show st
7.30 a.m. at Saltash Community School. Friday, 1 October

Sukkot (Jewish) Simchat Torah (Jewish)

Sukkot or The Feast of Tabernacles, commemorates the years that the
Jews spent in the desert on their way to the Promised Land, and
celebrates the way in which God took special care of them under
impossible conditions.
Sukkot lasts for seven days, and work is not permitted on the first two
days.
Autumn Equinox (Pagan)
This day is celebrated when day and night are of equal duration.
Simchat Torah means "Rejoicing in the Torah."
This holiday marks the completion of the yearly cycle of weekly Torah
readings.
nd
Saturday, 2 October
Plymouth Argyle Football Club Fixture: Hartlepool (A)
Plymouth MELA 2010 at the City Centre, Piazza.

18
 th nd
Monday, 4 October Friday, 22 October

Promoting & Preventing Community Cohesion: Preventing Violent In Defence of Youth Work” Meeting at UCP Marjon.
Extremism
rd
Saturday, 23 October
th
Friday, 8 October
Plymouth Argyle Football Club Fixture: Huddersfield (H)
Navaratri (start) (Hindu)
Navaratri (nine nights) symbolises the triumph of good over evil and marks Plymouth Farmers’ Market
the start of autumn.
Church Reunion of All Saints, St. Matthews and St. Peter’s

th
Saturday, 9 October th
Saturday, 30 October
Plymouth Argyle Football Club Fixture: Charlton (H)
Plymouth Argyle Football Club Fixture: Oldham (A)
Plymouth Farmers’ Market
Unity Plymouth Meeting at the Council House
Sportsboat Championships

Birthday of Guru Ram Das (Nanakshahi calendar) (Sikh) st

Sunday, 31 October
Guru Ram Das (1534-1581) was the fourth of the Sikh Gurus.
Hallowe'en (All Hallows' Eve) (Christian)
th
The night before All Saints' Day (All Hallows' Day).
Sunday, 10 October Its origins date back over 2,000 years to the ancient Celtic festival of
Samhain.
The Eden Project Marathon It was celebrated as a Christian festival by the 8th Century.

Sportsboat Championships Samhain (Hallowe'en) (Pagan)

Samhain (pronounced 'sow'inn') marks the Feast of the Dead.
Many Pagans also celebrate it as the old Celtic New Year (although some
th
Tuesday, 12 October mark this at Imbolc).

England v Montenegro Football European Championship qualifier All Saints' Day (Catholic Church in England and Wales) (Christian)
The Catholic Church in England and Wales moves this festival to the
nearest Sunday if it falls on a Saturday or Monday.
th
Wednesday, 13 October
Rhod Gilbert & the Cat Who Looked Like Nicholas Lyndhurst at Plymouth
Pavilions

St Edward's Day (Christian) FOR FURTHER DATES

Edward the Confessor was King of England 1042 - 1066.
He built Westminster Abbey where there is a shrine to him - and where LATER IN THE YEAR
the saint is also celebrated on 5th January each year, the anniversary of his
death. AND FOR MORE INFORMATION,
th
PLEASE VISIT
Saturday, 16 October
OUR WEBSITE CALENDAR AT:
Plymouth Argyle Football Club Fixture: Notts County (A)

http://dcrsc-archives.webs.com/Calendar.htm
th
Sunday, 17 October
Dussera (Hindu)
Celebrates Lord Rama's victory over the evil demon Ravana.

th
Tuesday, 19 October THIS SPACE
Promoting & Preventing Community Cohesion: Preventing Violent COULD HAVE BEEN USED
Extremism
TO PLACE
th
Wednesday, 20 October
YOUR NOTICE!
Birth of the Bab (Bahai)
Celebrates the birth of the precursor of the founder of the Baha'i faith.
Why not contact the Editor?

19
Devon and Cornwall Refugee Support
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Providing Practical Support To Refugees

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