Andy Phillips

Plymouth City Council closed the café building at Tothill Community Centre in February after identifying critical fire-safety issues. Café owner Lucy Harvey has since operated from a trailer, saying her takings have halved and that the six-month delay has put her business at risk. A local protest is planned, while the council says specialist fire and condition surveys have now been completed, disputes claims that it breached legal duties, and is discussing interim support and future options with Harvey.

The Little Cafe at Tothill Community Centre in Plymouth faces permanent closure after the building was shut in February over alleged fire-safety risks. Owner Lucy Harvey says the council failed to provide formal closure documentation, safety reports or a clear timetable for repairs, leaving her reliant on a temporary trailer that is unsuitable for winter trading. Plymouth City Council did not respond to requests for comment, but councillors Byran Driver and Sue Dann said a meeting with officers had secured the community centre’s future, although reopening the café will take time. Residents have organized a protest, highlighting the café’s wider role in providing community events, charity fundraising and support services.

Seventeen-year-old Plymouth boxer Callum Dan won the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation Youth Super Middleweight title by stopping Thailand’s Poramin Saengpak in the third round at Bangkok’s World Siam Stadium. The victory extended Dan’s record to eight straight wins and followed his earlier Asian Boxing Federation Silver Middleweight Championship. His father and corner man, Shaun Dan, praised his patience, movement and punching power, while Dan said he was ready to face any opponent.

Seventeen-year-old Plymouth boxer Callum Dan will challenge Poramin Saengpak for the OPBF Youth Super Middleweight title in Bangkok, stepping up two weight divisions for his eighth professional fight. His father and coach Shaun Dan describes the move as a calculated risk and says Callum is in his best shape after an injury-free training camp. Dan, who previously won the ABF Silver Middleweight Championship, is seeking strong results before turning 18 and becoming eligible for a British licence, with the fight streamed globally on TrillerTV.

Seventeen-year-old Plymouth boxer Callum Dan is building an unbeaten professional record in Asia after becoming the UK’s youngest professional boxer through an Asian Boxing Federation licence. He recently defeated India’s Suresh Pasham on points before a 3,000-strong crowd at Mumbai’s Nexus Seawoods mall, where fans and billboards made him feel like a local superstar. After six fights in Thailand and an ABF Silver Middleweight title win, Dan is training intensively in Plymouth with support from his father and coach Shaun, Marlee Dann, sponsors and local boxing contacts. His immediate goal is another youth title, while his long-term ambition is to secure a British licence at 18 and pursue a British title.

Plymouth-trained boxer Tiago Muxanga won the IBO All-Africa Super Welterweight title in only his fourth professional fight, defeating Nigeria’s Tunde Segun Adeyemi on points after scoring a sixth-round knockdown. Trainer Marlee Dann praised Muxanga’s performance and highlighted the unusual difficulty of his early schedule, which has included two consecutive 10-round bouts against experienced opponents. The victory is expected to move Muxanga into the IBO’s top 15 and puts him on course toward a potential world-title challenge.

Plymouth Argyle players took part in a 70-minute boxing-based conditioning session at Legends ABC in Plymstock, led by former professional boxer Darren Townley. Organized by returning strength and conditioning coach John Lucas, the session included bag drills, body sparring and an intensive circuit designed to develop strength, upper-body fitness and rotational power. Townley said the players worked hard, enjoyed the session and quickly adapted to the boxing exercises.

Constantin Ursu will defend his British welterweight title against Ben Vaughan at London’s O2 Arena on Saturday, August 29, on the Queensberry Promotions undercard featuring Moses Itauma versus Filip Hrgovic. The event will stream on DAZN pay-per-view and also includes Sam Noakes against Denys Berinchyk. Ursu’s trainer Marlee Dann says a three-week postponement has allowed Ursu to recover fully from a bicep injury that limited him in his recent fight with Owen Cooper. Vaughan, who has 12 wins and majority-decision losses to Ekow Essuman and Bobby Dalton, is considered a credible and dangerous opponent.

Theatre Royal Plymouth is staging a new production of FAME the Musical from July 28 to August 15, 2026, marking 31 years since the show first came to the venue. Directed and co-choreographed by Tom Jackson Greaves, the production stars West End performer Shanay Holmes and revisits the story of young performers at a free New York arts school. The creative team aims to restore some of the darker themes of Alan Parker’s 1980 film while exploring the challenges facing aspiring performers today, including reduced arts education and funding in state schools. The production was previewed at a launch event featuring cast performances and a question-and-answer session.

A 4x4 Mitsubishi L200 donated by Plymouth volunteers to Ukraine survived nearly eight months on the frontline, far longer than other vehicles used by the brigade. It reportedly helped evacuate more than 200–300 seriously wounded soldiers, transport troops, jam Russian drones and support prisoner exchanges that returned about 300 Ukrainian servicemen. The truck was eventually destroyed by a Russian drone, but no one was killed in it. Andy Evangelou and Maksym Litvinov plan to donate another vehicle during their next aid trip to Ukraine, along with medical supplies, mobility equipment, generators and other essentials.

Operation Mincemeat: The Musical receives an enthusiastic review following its run at Theatre Royal Plymouth. The production transforms the true story of the Allied wartime deception that misled Hitler over the invasion of Sicily into a comic, inventive musical while preserving the mission’s human cost. Its five-person cast, led by Holly Sumpton, Sean Carey and Christian Andrews, plays multiple roles with strong vocals, dance and comic timing. The touring production retains the show’s West End and Broadway success, combining slapstick and quasi-rap with poignant reflections on sacrifice and self-doubt.

The Ballad of Johnny and June retells Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash’s relationship from the perspective of their son, John Carter Cash, examining addiction, failed relationships and the struggles that continued after the couple came together. The production is praised for its live-band performance and strong lead turns from Christopher Ryan Grant, Christina Bianco and Ryan O’Donnell, with Grant especially effective in portraying Cash’s transformation and delivering demanding songs. Although the story can feel rushed because of the amount of ground covered, the musical’s powerful songs and darker, less airbrushed portrayal make it a compelling production.

Plymouth Argyle’s decision to release almost all of its women’s players and not renew their contracts, following the departure of successful head coach Marie Hourihan, is criticized as a damaging mistake. Although the club reportedly faces a financial deficit, the women’s team cost about £200,000 and attracted substantial crowds, including 6,500 for a free Devon derby. The treatment and reportedly impersonal communication could alienate supporters and undermine women’s football in Plymouth.

MP Luke Pollard is promoting a Plymouth Metro rail service between Ivybridge and Bere Alston, with half-hourly trains, contactless fares and better use of existing stations. He says an initial service using existing stations could begin within two years, while new stations at Plympton and Laira could follow in the early 2030s, subject to funding. A future extension to Tavistock is intended to reduce road congestion, support city-centre growth and improve access for residents without cars. Upgraded paths, accessibility works, rolling stock, cross-party backing and further railway investment are among the main requirements.

Constantin Ursu is expected to defend his British welterweight title for the first time on Queensberry Promotions’ August 8 card headlined by Moses Itauma versus Filip Hrgovic, likely in Manchester. His opponent has not been confirmed, although Cyrus Pattinson and Ben Vaughan are among the potential challengers, and Ursu’s British and Commonwealth titles are expected to be at stake. Trainer Marlee Dann says several fighters are reluctant to face the unbeaten Plymouth champion. Ursu’s team aims to secure three successful British title defences and win the Lonsdale Belt outright, while a future Devon or Cornwall event could potentially feature Ursu alongside fellow South West champion Brad Pauls.

Plymouth City Council and its leisure company, Plymouth Active Leisure, are consulting on replacing the Life Centre's only roped climbing wall with a five-floor soft play area. They say the wall is losing money and that replacing and maintaining it would cost more than £500,000, while a soft play facility could attract more families. Conservative group leader Chris Wood opposes the plan, arguing that the wall supports community sport, wellbeing, schools, youth development and the local economy, and warning that its closure would leave residents without practical access to another roped climbing facility.

Plymouth-based Mozambican super-welterweight Tiago Muxanga will face Nigeria’s Tunde Segun Adeyemi on July 12 for the IBO All-Africa title, with his Silver Commonwealth title also at stake. Trainer Marlee Dann believes Muxanga’s strong amateur background, including Olympic experience in Paris, outweighs Adeyemi’s greater professional experience. A victory could place Muxanga in the IBO’s world top 15 and move him toward a world-title opportunity. Promoter Misfits Pro is reportedly interested, although Muxanga’s progression depends partly on securing a British Boxing Board of Control licence after obtaining residential and working visas.

Andy Phillips argues that people should distinguish criticism of governments from hatred of entire national, ethnic or religious groups. He condemns Vladimir Putin’s actions in Ukraine and Hamas’s October 7 attacks, while maintaining that opposition to Israel’s Gaza campaign is not inherently antisemitic and that support for Palestinians does not mean support for Hamas. Reflecting on rival rallies in London, he says some participants have been influenced by exaggerated or false claims about asylum seekers, immigration and crime. He urges readers to verify claims rather than trust social-media algorithms and presents local newspapers as a more balanced community forum.

A new stage production of Agatha Christie's Death on the Nile at Theatre Royal Plymouth is praised as a fun, entertaining revival that keeps audiences guessing. The review highlights Ken Ludwig's adaptation, Lucy Bailey's direction, Mark Hadfield's convincing Poirot, a skilled cast including Glynis Barber, and an inventive two-level riverboat set evoking 1930s glamour. Humour, drama and a satisfying resolution reinforce the production's conclusion that Christie's work still has considerable theatrical life.

Recent local elections saw Reform UK make major gains in Plymouth and elsewhere, while Labour suffered substantial losses and the Conservatives continued to decline. The column argues that the results reflect voter frustration with Labour's performance and the collapse of the traditional Conservative alternative, rather than a straightforward rightward shift. It warns that Reform UK could potentially win a future general election but questions its councillors' reliability and criticizes its anti-immigration rhetoric and Nigel Farage's Brexit record.】【。

Wendy's is bringing its Frosty Funhouse American school bus to New George Street in Plymouth from 11am to 5pm, offering free Frosty tasters, games, beauty services, merchandise and food vouchers. Visitors can also enter activities for the chance to win gold-ticket prizes, including a year of free Wendy's food. The promotion supports the brand's Plymouth presence at Drake's Circus, where it opened in September.

Private-equity-backed debt may be a significant but overlooked reason why busy chain restaurants and retailers are cutting staff, reducing costs and closing branches. The closure of Franco Manca in Plymouth, alongside examples including Chiquito and Toys R Us, illustrates how businesses can struggle despite continued customer footfall. The column argues that public debate has focused too heavily on inflation, geopolitical pressures and Rachel Reeves's National Insurance changes, while voters are being given an incomplete picture that may influence local election results and harm democratic decision-making.

Plymouth centenarians Ivor Foster, a former RAF Lancaster bomber gunner, and Nicky Nicholson will attend the first Plymouth screening of Our Story with Sir David Attenborough. The 50-minute, 360-degree film about the history of people and the planet has been adapted by Real Ideas and Open Planet Studios for the Market Hall Immersive Dome, marking its first showing outside London. The public opening is scheduled for May 8, following community and school previews, and centenarians will be offered free access through the new Our Story 100 Club.

A world-first Centre for Environmental Hepatology has been established at Plymouth Science Park to investigate whether microplastics and nanoplastics contribute to rising rates of liver disease. Led by Professor Shilpa Chokshi, the centre is analysing contemporary and historical liver samples, including specimens dating to before mass plastic production, and monitoring plastic levels in patients receiving heated ready meals at Derriford Hospital. Researchers say plastics have been detected in human tissues but that causal evidence remains limited. The centre is examining whether plastic exposure amplifies disease processes, particularly among vulnerable people, while calling for safer and more transparent plastics. The research will also feature in a BBC documentary.

Seventeen-year-old Plymouth boxer Callum Dan extended his unbeaten professional record to 7–0 after defeating India’s top-10-ranked Suresh Pasham by unanimous decision over six rounds in Navi Mumbai. The victory was Dan’s first points win after six stoppages and followed his recent stoppage of Thai veteran Campee Phayom in Bangkok. Promoted by Marine Pro Boxing in association with the International Boxing Association, the event drew strong local support, with Dan’s profile gaining substantial attention in Mumbai and fans queuing to meet him afterward. His father and trainer, Shaun Dan, credited Dan’s hard work and the support of his boxing team and sponsors.