RYDA Newsletter            08/2026

Factors that have influenced medicine in the 20th century and beyond.

The 20th century saw further progress in the understanding of the causes of genetic disease, a greater focus on the prevention of illness in the first place, and the development of treatments.

Lifestyle factors.

Understanding that our lifestyle has an impact on our health is not new. Doctors in medieval England advised rest, exercise and a good diet to remain healthy. However, since c.1900 there has been a greater understanding of how our lifestyle choices affect our health. Research has shown how specific aspects of our lifestyle cause health problems and illnesses.

The following aspects of our lifestyle can lead to some forms of cancer, heart disease and mental health problems:

• poor diet
• lack of exercise
• smoking
• drinking alcohol
• stress

Government

Throughout the 20th century, the role of the government in medicine changed. By c.1900, the British government no longer had a laissez-faire approach to health. Throughout the 20th century, the government increased its involvement.

It is now widely accepted that the government’s role is to fund medical research and treatment, pass 

legislation to help prevent disease and illness, and educate people about dangers to their health. This

can be seen in the government’s response to the increase in deaths from lung cancer over the past

50 years. Scotland was the first of the four UK nations to ban smoking in public places, through

legislation passed in 2006. England, Northern Ireland and Wales followed in 2007. Across the UK, the administrations have supported advertising campaigns to educate the British people about the dangers of smoking.

Illustration from How Stuff Works

• Down’s syndrome - the extra chromosome that causes this condition was discovered in 1958
• cystic fibrosis - the gene that causes this condition was discovered in 1989
• sickle cell anaemia - the genetic understanding of this disorder developed from the 1940s onwards.

Developments in technology

Rapid developments in technology led to huge advances in the diagnosis and treatment of disease and illness after c.1900. Medicines such as magic bullets and antibiotics can now be mass produced to destroy disease and infection inside the human body.

Machines became more commonly used in hospitals. For example, X-ray machines, CT scans and heart rate monitors enable quick and accurate diagnosis and monitoring of illness.

Improvements in technology - magic bullets (a chemical treatment that kills specific bacteria inside the body without harming the body.)

Developments in science and technology in the 20th century led to advances in medical science and technology. These in turn caused huge improvements in the treatment of disease and illness.

40 mph speed limit on B3186 (Between Newton Ferrers & Collaton

A new lower speed limit came into force on 12th July on the B3186. The speed limit has been reduced from 60 mph to 40 mph from Butts Park to the new Collaton development.
An extension to the 40 mph speed limit has also been proposed which would take the 40 mph limit further east to just past the Puslinch junction. This will be advertised by DCC in due course and the Parish Council will circulate the consultation so the community can share their views on the extension.
As the order has been made by DCC, the 40 mph speed limit is fully enforceable.

Have you renewed your Resident Discount Parking?

Booking for the MenB vaccine is now open.

If you're aged 17 or 18 or starting university or eligible residential further education this autumn, you may be eligible for the MenB vaccine.

Two doses are essential for protection.

 Cold water shock - what is it and how does it happen and how can you fight the panic that sets in?

• Slips and falls near water - around 55% of people who drown, slip or trip near water.
• Phone, Float, Throw - would you know how to help if someone was in trouble in the water? 
• Float to live  - lifesaving advice which can help you regain control until you can get help or help yourself.
• Alcohol and water don't mix - entering water while under the influence can lead to drowning.
• Respect the water - which emergency service do I need? 

To find out more, click the link below for helpful videos on each safety area.

Watch the videos here.

Lifejackets and kill cords save lives! River Yealm Harbour Authority strongly encourage their usewhile afloat.

Image from Power DMARK

They may pretend to be from:

•   Your bank
•   Your credit card company
•   The police
•   HMRC
•   Report Fraud
•   A delivery company
•   A utility provider
•   Technical support services

They often claim there is an urgent problem and may try to persuade you to:

•   Share personal information
•   Reveal passwords or security codes
•   Make a payment
•   Transfer money

How Can You Protect Yourself?

•   Do not trust a caller simply because the number looks genuine.
•   Be cautious of unexpected calls asking for money, personal or sensitive information.
•   Never share passwords, PINs, two-step verification codes, personal information or financial details over the phone.
•   If in doubt, hang up and ideally using another phone, contact the organisation directly using a trusted phone number, verified via the organisation's official website, or obtained from genuine correspondence you may have from them in your possession.

Remember

The phone number displayed on your screen may not be the caller's real number.

• A scammer will do all they can to try and keep you on the line.
• They will want you to panic and act quickly.  
• REMAIN CALM. 
• If something doesn't feel right, immediately hang up, and then seek advice from trusted family members, friends and neighbours. 

What to do if you are a victim of Fraud or Cybercrime

Report it immediately: Visit - UK's Home for Reporting Cyber Crime & Fraud - Report Fraud  or call 0300 123 2040

If you have shared financial details, or lost money also contact your bank's fraud team by calling 159

Planning

No significant planning Applications this month, but we thought that you would like to consider the short-term implications of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) for Planning Policy and Applications in RYDA area.

We are now probably all aware of the Government decision that Newton and Noss; Yealmpton; Brixton; Wembury and Holbeton, plus eight other local Parishes in the west of the South Hams are to become part of the “Greater Plymouth Council”  Unitary Authority, potential Judicial Review notwithstanding.

From April 2028, the new council covering the expanded Plymouth area will assume responsibility for all local government services and functions in our area including Planning. 

The implications for the application of Planning Policy in the area are likely to be significant.  Although existing Local Plans such as the Joint Local Plan and the Newton and Noss Neighbourhood Plan will remain in force at least until reorganisation, unless reviewed and replaced earlier, replacement local Plans are already being actively considered and developed.   The new unitary authority will need to prepare a single local plan covering the wider authority area, which will require developing new policies harmonising or subsuming differing policies inherited from former districts.  In the interim there will be a period where multiple legacy plans run across the various parts of the new authority, potentially creating complexity for applicants and decision-makers.

Government guidance is clear that reorganisation should not be used as a reason to delay plan-making. Authorities are expected to continue progressing their plans during transition.  However, in practice, resources may be diverted towards organisational change, potentially slowing policy preparation and review.  This could cause delays to plan-making and policy updates during the transition; pressure on resources and staff turnover; inconsistencies between legacy local plans and uncertainty around governance and planning committee arrangements.

It is expected that new Planning Applications will continue to be processed by the current Authority, until a period of shadow working, probably from May 27 until the new authority is elected in May 28, when the new Greater Plymouth unitary council becomes the local planning authority.   During the transitional period of uncertainty there may be changes to committee structures; staff reorganisations and loss of institutional knowledge; temporary delays in processing applications and different approaches inherited from the former councils.  As the new Local Plans become available in draft form RYDA will continue to review and update members on the implications for local Development Planning.

Once we get through these difficulties then we are told that we will reach the sunny upland benefit of a unified Planning service; a comprehensive strategic infrastructure plan; consistent development management and better alignment of housing, transport, regeneration and economic growth priorities.

In summary: LGR is unlikely to invalidate existing planning policies or stop planning applications, but it can create a transitional period of uncertainty while the new Greater Plymouth Council consolidates services and prepares new planning frameworks. Longer term, the intention is a more streamlined and strategic planning system with a single planning authority covering a larger area.

Controversial planning applications

The majority of planning applications are decided by planning officers at SHDC who have delegated authority. The Parish Council can currently request (through a Ward Councillor) that a planning application be ‘called in’ to the Development Management Committee if there is significant public concern or the Parish Council disagrees with the planning officer’s recommendation. However, the government is planning changes whereby this will be much more difficult.  

If you have a comment to make on a planning application, please ensure that you submit these to the SHDC planning portal and copy in the RYDA & the Parish Council. 

Please also make reference to policies in our Neighbourhood Plan where possible. Links to all current local planning applications and the Neighbourhood Plan can be found on the Parish Council website.

Whats On?

4th August First Tuesday Lunch club WIC hall new members welcome.. 12.00 prompt please £6pp 2 courses plus coffee. Allergies can be catered for. Please contact Jeanne (872442); Jane (872627) or Tracie (872612).

8^th August Regatta Fireworks

12^th August NO Exercise class

18th August WI Presidents supper (Members only) 6pm Quizzes, 70’s dress optional

25^th August NO WI Craft group

Wembury Marine centre Snorkel Safaris

1, 8, 15, 20, 22 & 29th August

https://www.wemburymarinecentre.org/whats/snorkel-safaris

fully qualified BSAC Snorkel Instructors will cover basic snorkelling techniques, followed by a guided snorkel around Wembury Bay's famous rocky reefs, searching for and identifying underwater marine life as we go! We always follow our Seashore Code ethos of enjoying and respecting marine life through observation without disturbing.

Our snorkel safaris are suitable for children and adults, including beginners who would like to learn how to snorkel, or more advanced snorkellers who would enjoy the company of a group. Full kit can be provided and is included in the cost, but we do require a £20 cash deposit per person on the day, which will be returned provided no kit is lost or damaged. If you plan to bring your own gear, then we recommend a 5mm full length wetsuit and separate snorkel and mask (not a full face snorkel).

Children must be 8 years or over to take part and all participants must be competent swimmers. Parents/guardians of children snorkelling must stay on the shore to meet them when they exit the water. If you would like to join your child in the water and experience our stunning underwater world, then you will also need to purchase a ticket.

Please note, changing time and an introductory talk in the Marine Centre is included in the 2.5 hour event time - we are usually in the water for around 1 hour.

August 27,28,& 30 Rockpool Safari. Wembury Marine Centre, Wembury, Devon  To book: Phone number 01752862538 Email info@wemburymarinecentre.orgPrice £5.50 per person (+ Eventbrite fee) Children must be accompanied by a paying adult

Save the Date

1st September First Tuesday Lunch club WIC hall new members welcome.. 12.00 prompt please £6pp 2 courses plus coffee. Allergies can be catered for. Please contact Jeanne (872442); Jane (872627) or Tracie (872612).

8th September Ladies Line Dance WI Hall 2pm-3.30pm. New term starting all ladies welcome.

Tea/coffee break in middle. £2 Fun exercise to music, friendly group, video reminder of dances learnt. 

15th September WI Monthly Meeting 7pm for 7.30 Our speaker will be Jude Coran talking about the magic behind magic. All ladies welcome. 1st 3 visits to any WI event free, while you decide if you would like to join us

17th September Yealm Art Society talk by Ray Balkwill WIC hall

16th September WI project with Life on the Edge at Down Thomas. ~ Bug house making £2 Bookings only. 2-4pm

19th September Yealm Art Society workshop. Painting Interiors with Michael Hill @ Yealm Community Centre 10.00-12.00 noon

29th September Yealm Garden Society "Ornamental Gingers" 7.00 for 7.30pm WIC hall

16th October Jazz night at Holy Cross Church. Tickets available mid August