EXCLUSIVE: Hopes the Beryl Cook figures might stay longer - and a new sculpture for The Hoe
Friday February 27, 2026
Plans are being drawn up to keep the popular “Beryl trail” in Plymouth as it has proved to be so popular. Officially, the fibreglass figures are only in place until June, to coincide with the end of the Beryl Cook:Pride and Joy exhibition at The Box.
But The Beagle has learned that the response has so surprised city bigwigs (who have one eye on the bid for Plymouth to be a City of Culture) that talks are now underway to give the figures an extended life.
The Box had its busiest ever week in half term last week - with more than 26,000 people passing through the doors - confirming the appeal of the Beryl Cook retrospective.
And meanwhile, a new 'Beryl Trail' sculpture could be coming to The Hoe.
“Hips and Chips” is planned for a bench on the waterfront at the end of March, close to the Coffee Shack, in front of the ‘Wedding Cake’, with council planners set to make a decision in the next few weeks.
A note to Plymouth Council says even more figures might be commissioned.
Why not make them permanent?
The Beagle says: “These sculptures are bringing joy to all who see them. They should become a permanent fixture in the city, as a tribute to Beryl Cook. What better way to add weight to the bid for City of Culture.”
Flags at the Guildhall
Whilst many will be wondering whether the restoration work at The Guildhall will EVER get finished, Plymouth Council is busy making plans to fly flags outside the building. It is formally seeking permission to fly flags from three flagpoles on Royal Parade.
A note accompanying the bureaucracy reminds us: “Flags approved by the Council for display on Council-owned flagpoles, which are not covered by the standard conditions, include but are not limited to: HMD Flag, Gdynia Flag, Trans Flag, Progress Pride Flag. In addition to the flags included in the current planning application, any other flag representing a specific group, day, celebration, or event, where a particular date and/or time is relevant, may be erected on flagpoles owned by Plymouth City Council without the need for separate advertising consent.”
So there.
Devonport Open Days return
Devonport Open Days will take place again this summer, offering a rare opportunity to step inside one of the UK’s most strategically important sites and see first hand how the Ocean City is helping defend the nation.
The 2026 Open Days will be held on Thursday 23 July – for those working across the co-located Dockyard and Naval Base and their families – and Friday 24 July for members of the public, shining a spotlight on the people, skills and sovereign capability that keep the Royal Navy operational and the country secure.
Tickets are available now at www.devonportopendays.com
Tidespring enjoys Northern Lights
Two weeks ago she was returning to Plymouth after 290 days away on operations. Now RFA Tidespring is sharing photo images of the Northern Lights as she heads north.
“The temperatures have plummeted and there was sideways snow with 40 knot winds yesterday which made for challenging working conditions. The daily reward for dealing with these conditions has been some spectacular northern lights,” the ship crew shared on social media.
Film premieres and talk
Picture the scene: 40 years into the future where the health service becomes almost completely inaccessible to the working class, with wait times to see a GP rising to 10 years - until a health tech company offers a breakthrough.
Level 10: Wild Wild West is a new film is about working class people, obsession and what can happen when powerful technology ends up in the wrong hands.
It premieres on Sunday afternoon at Plymouth Arts Centre, alongside ‘The Breakwater’, a poetic new short film focusing on a young woman's journey through loss and grief. It features the St. Agnes RNLI and shanty group Barrett's Privateers, and it was filmed in St.Agnes.
:: Plymouth Arts Centre, Sunday March 1, 2.30pm
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