Awards

Two of Devon’s top volunteer groups have received the Royal seal of approval this week as they were honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

The Tavistock and District Outdoor Education Forum (TDOEF) and The Dawlish Gardens Trust were amongst 117 groups in the UK to receive the prestigious accolade, which is the highest award given to volunteer groups and has a status equivalent to the MBE.

They were selected from 270 groups nominated by members of the public who have seen the difference that volunteers have made to the lives of others or witnessed the...

A graphic design student says she’s “delighted” to have won a national award. Gemma Luxton, who studies in Nottingham Trent University’s School of Art & Design, won the New Designers Hallmark Award for her greetings card range. The 22-year-old was given £1,000 prize money and a work placement at the global greetings card company which sponsored the award. Gemma, originally from Devon, said: “I’m delighted to have been given this great opportunity to gain experience in the field of design that I am extremely passionate about.” Gemma says the concept behind her greetings card range was...

Describing it as “a great all-round experience” the RAMM Cafe has received a Gold Award in the Taste of the West Hospitality and Retail Awards 2013. The judges went on the say that the food was great local food, the prices fair, the surroundings clean and comfortable and the staff smiley.

Rosie Denham, Exeter’s Lead Councillor for Economy and Culture, commented: “Here is further proof that Exeter is synonymous with excellence: award-winning food in our award-winning museum.

"That perfect combination of international standards with a local focus is what makes Exeter such a...

A Passivhaus project in which Exeter-based Aspect Windows installed the windows and doors has won a national award.

Totnes Passivhaus B&B, in Dartington, near Totnes, was announced the winner in the private housing category of the UK Passivhaus Awards 2013 at a ceremony in London on 4 July. The national awards celebrate the design and performance of Passivhaus in the UK.

Aspect Windows worked with the designer and builder and supplied and installed the property’s triple-glazed Internorm windows and doors to achieve the Passivhaus standard. The Totnes Passivhaus, the...