Local News

Hedgehog turns up at the polls in Exeter

Election staff had to deal with a particularly prickly ‘voter’ in Exeter yesterday.

A hedgehog turned up unexpectedly at a polling station in the city whilst voting for the General Election was taking place.

The hedgehog appeared at the polling station at the Sea Cadets premises in Haven Banks.

Poll Clerk Maggie Keenan said the visitor caused quite a stir amongst voters, climbing the steps and walking past a teller.

“He casually strolled in and members of the public were very intrigued with him and took lots of pictures,” said Maggie.

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Plastic-free favours at The Volunteer

Christmas party season is well underway at The Volunteer Inn in Ottery St Mary, but this year diners aren’t getting their traditional Christmas crackers.

Instead, landlord and landlady Mike and Jacqui Down have come up with an environmentally friendly alternative; a paper Christmas bag containing a joke, a paper hat, plus some homemade chocolate ‘bark’, all prettily wrapped in tissue paper and personalised.

Mike said: “We feel that Christmas crackers are really wasteful - the majority of the toys are made from plastic and are thrown away almost immediately.

New Vice-Chancellor appointed for University of Exeter

The University of Exeter is pleased to announce that Professor Lisa Roberts will be taking up the post of Vice-Chancellor in September 2020 following the retirement of Professor Sir Steve Smith.

Christmas returns to Castle Drogo after 7 years

Castle Drogo will be open for Christmas for the first time since a major conservation project began seven years ago to make the building watertight.

Although the building work now has the end in sight, there is still much work to be done to restore the castle’s grounds and interiors back into the Drewe’s family home, which is likely to continue into 2020. However, the building is now watertight, meaning that Christmas can return to the castle once again.

RGB launches last Community Fund for 2019

Through its Well Built Community Fund, RGB Building Supplies has already donated £5,000 for groups, charities and schools to spend at its branches this year. It has one last giveaway for 2019 and is calling for nominations for the chance to win £1,000 to purchase building materials or tools.

RGB's Community Fund aims to help groups complete much-needed projects that they would not otherwise be able to.

Wildlife-friendly show garden recognised with RSPB award at popular Tarka Ridge

David Wilson Homes is celebrating a special award for its efforts to embrace wildlife at Tarka Ridge in Yelland.

The five star housebuilder has been busy creating a haven for the natural world in the garden of a show home at the popular development. And now the RSPB has recognised the efforts with a Wildlife Show Garden Bronze award.

"We've worked very hard at Tarka Ridge to ensure those who buy our homes have a wonderful place in which to put down roots - but we also consider the wildlife residing here," said sales director, Nick Reid.

Mistakes to avoid when sending money with an app

When you want to send money with a mobile app, you can use any app that you choose. There are several apps that you might use, and these companies function in different ways. You also need to be aware of the mistakes that you could make when sending money with a mobile app. Each tip listed below will help you save money, protect your personal information, and avoid long waits for your deposits.

Choose The Mobile App That Suits The Situation

All the hints and tips you need to make this Christmas a cracker!

If you are looking for hints, tips and advice this festive season, our new sister site the Lifestyle Daily has everything you need in one place.

Whether you are looking to save money, avoid a hangover or find the perfect present for that difficult-to-buy-for partner, our Christmas page is the place to look.

https://www.lifestyledaily.co.uk/section/christmas

One of our more unusual articles is about why children are more interested in cardboard boxes than their presents!

Council backs construction of park and change site at Exeter Science Park

Councillors have given the go ahead for a "park and change" site to be built on the outskirts of Exeter.

Devon County Council’s Cabinet approved the construction of the £2.2 million scheme to the east of Exeter Science Park on Wednesday (11 December).

The site aims to relieve traffic congestion on the A30 Honiton Road and Moor Lane roundabout, enabling drivers to park on the edge of the city and then switch to sustainable forms of transport - bus, bicycle or car share – for their journey into the city.

FORCE funds exciting new research project

FORCE Cancer Charity is funding an exciting new research project at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.

Its trustees have agreed a grant of up to £25,000 for an 18-month study into monitoring blood for signs of ovarian and bowel cancer during pregnancy.

The number of women over 40 having babies is increasing and although cancers in pregnancy are extremely rare, the risk of ovarian and bowel cancers increases with age.

Ultrasound scanning is a well-established part of early pregnancy care and has led to a rise in the number of ovarian masses identified.

Stagecoach South West helps passengers make the most of the festive season

Stagecoach South West has introduced a new Group niterider travel ticket, in time for Christmas. This enables passengers to make the most of the Christmas season with discounted group travel.

The group niterider ticket offers groups of up to 5 adults unlimited travel for just £10 after 7pm on any Stagecoach bus (including Night-Buses).