Homes & Gardens

The Most Common December Pests and How to Stop Them?

When temperatures drop and winter sets in, many pests begin searching for warm places to hide. Unfortunately, that often means moving into homes, garages and workplaces. December might feel too cold for insects and rodents to be active, but it’s one of the busiest times of the year for pest control callouts. Understanding which pests are most common at this time of year, and knowing how to deal with them, can help protect your home and stop infestations before they become serious. This guide explains the top December pests, why they appear, and the steps you can take to prevent them....

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Home owners in Exeter urged to turn to renewables to avoid rocketing oil prices

Following the coldest March for 49 years, home owners in rural areas surrounding Exeter are being urged to think about installing renewable heating systems as a way of beating rocketing oil prices and ensuring future fuel security. People living in homes reliant on oil, LPG, solid fuel or electric storage systems in EX postcode areas are being targeted as part of a pilot scheme to encourage those whose homes are not connected to the gas supply to move to renewable heating systems, such as air source heat pumps as a way of cutting both fuel bills and carbon emissions. Rising international...

Discover the joy of interior design with TV's Naomi Cleaver

With more people deciding to improve rather than move as a result of the stagnant property market and the costs involved, interior designer, writer and television presenter Naomi Cleaver has added two brand new courses to her popular interior design masterclasses to help people make the most of their homes.

Entitled ‘Clever Kitchens & Beautiful Bathrooms’ and ‘Cracking Colour & Fabulous Fabrics’, the new half-day courses will be held at Combe House Hotel in Gittisham, East Devon, on Saturday 11 May and Saturday 6 July respectively and will complement Naomi’s existing ‘Be...

Important safety notice - potential fire hazard

Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service are bringing to local residents' attention the fact that certain older Bosch dishwashers are being recalled as they may be a potential fire hazard.

These are ones manufactured between 1999 and early 2005 for models purchased and used in the United Kingdom only. The affected dishwashers are in the batch number range from FD 7901 to FD 8504. Dishwashers which are outside the above batch number range are not affected.

One of the concerns is that people are not checking older dishwashers assuming the recall only applies to the...

RHS calls on garden lovers to take part in unique climate change study

Scientists from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and the University of Reading are asking anyone interested in gardens and gardening, whether allotment holders or those who enjoy visiting gardens, to take part in a unique survey designed to improve understanding of how climate change may affect gardens and green spaces in the future.

The information gathered will enable the RHS to gain valuable insights into gardeners’ awareness and expectations of climate change, in the light of the recent bitterly cold winters, record rainfall levels, floods, and severe droughts.

The...

Successful launch of Redrow's new Exeter Development

Following the official opening, which took place last weekend, award-winning house builder Redrow is delighted to declare its new Exeter development, The Harrington’s, now open.

Attendees to the event decorated Easter cupcakes in the kitchen of one of the showhomes with Bridget of The Cupcake Lady and were served refreshments by local business owner Matthew Whittaker with his BikeCaffe Quad.

The Harrington’s is located in a beautiful part of the country on Harrington Lane, Exeter. The homes have been designed for the dynamics of family life and in phase one are priced...

Celebrate National Gardening Week at RHS Garden Rosemoor

During National Gardening Week (15-21 April), RHS Garden Rosemoor in Great Torrington, will host a packed schedule of events to share a passion for plants and get gardeners growing. From family-friendly planting, to inspiring the first steps towards a new career, there are activities for gardeners of all ages and abilities to enjoy.

Launched by the RHS in 2012, National Gardening Week brings together thousands of people across the country to help keep Britain beautiful by sharing and celebrating everything about gardens and gardening.

Throughout the week, RHS Garden...

Exeter Together hailed a success as more than 600 energy switches made

Over 300 households in Exeter switched energy suppliers as part of the recent Exeter Together initiative, making a collective saving of £35,325 across the city.

A total of 327 households took advantage of the scheme, making 621 switches (some taking advantage of better tariffs for both gas and electricity), with an average saving of £108.

The Exeter Together website and call centre registered 2,188 households considering the Exeter Together scheme. Not everyone, however, was able to make a big enough saving, with many 'smart savers' already enjoying good energy deals....

Redrow launch new development in Pinhoe

Award-winning house builder Redrow is delighted to announce the official launch of its new development in Exeter, The Harrington’s. To celebrate, Redrow is inviting local residents to come along to find out more at an Easter-themed event, which will support local businesses.

The launch event will be taking place on Saturday and Sunday, 30 and 31 March between 11am and 4pm in the marketing suite and three brand new show homes at the development, which is located off Harrington Lane, Pinhoe, in the stunning Devonshire countryside.

Well-known local business owner Matthew...

Exeter tops the list of the happiest places to live in the South West

A recent survey from Rightmove.co.uk has revealed Exeter to be the Number One place to live in the South West in its Happy At Home Index, and in fourth happiest place to live across the whole of the UK.

Rightmove’s index uses 12 distinct factors to measure how the British public feels about where they live, covering their home (investment, well-being, pride and costs) their community (safety, amenities, recreation and neighbourliness) and their property (décor, space, contentment and value). Responses for each of the 12 measures are averaged to provide both a category score and an...

Social housing tenants needed for discussion group on energy use

Social housing tenants in Exeter are wanted to take part in discussion groups to talk about energy use in the home.

The University of Bath is carrying out the project in partnership with Exeter City Council to see how energy is used in homes across Exeter.

Discussion groups are being held in the city centre from Tuesday 2 April until Friday 5 April. Those taking part will receive £10 towards travel expenses, and will also be entered into a prize draw to win £50 in supermarket vouchers. The discussion group should last about two hours and refreshments will be provided....

Homes & Gardens

The Most Common December Pests and How to Stop Them?

Home owners in Exeter urged to turn to renewables to avoid rocketing oil prices

Discover the joy of interior design with TV's Naomi Cleaver

Important safety notice - potential fire hazard

RHS calls on garden lovers to take part in unique climate change study

Successful launch of Redrow's new Exeter Development

Celebrate National Gardening Week at RHS Garden Rosemoor

Exeter Together hailed a success as more than 600 energy switches made

Redrow launch new development in Pinhoe

Exeter tops the list of the happiest places to live in the South West

Social housing tenants needed for discussion group on energy use

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