Local News

An Exeter-based homelessness charity has been shortlisted for a high-profile national award, for its essential work to support rough sleepers in the city.

St Petrock’s is one of 17 finalists that fought off competition from almost 4,000 hopeful applicants, to reach the public vote stage in a bid to be crowned National Lottery Project of the Year 2023.

Homelessness has been increasing in Exeter in recent times, with the number of rough sleepers doubling between 2021 and 2022 and continuing to rise.

Twice every weekday, the team walks up to five miles to provide...

The chairman of disability charity SeeAbility was at the wheel of a 55-year-old Morris Minor in Exeter and Honiton on 6 September to bid farewell to old friends.

Gordon Ilett is making a 1,000 mile tour of SeeAbility locations across southern England to mark the end of his term as chairman of the charity, which supports people with learning disabilities and autism, who may also have sight loss.

Gordon said: “I want to visit as many of the people we support as possible to thank them and the staff teams for making SeeAbility such a great charity.”

“In 15 years as a...

Since 2018, two wildlife refuges have protected water birds on the Exe Estuary. Exmouth Local Nature Reserve’s wildlife refuge operates from 15 September to 31 December every year, while Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve wildlife refuge operates year round.

As Exmouth’s wildlife refuge is due to start again this month, people are asked to avoid entering both refuges at this crucial time of year when thousands of birds start their annual migration to feast on the rich food provided by the Exe. Both wildlife refuges are marked by yellow buoys.

The British Trust for...

Exeter Northcott Theatre has announced the appointment of Martin Berry as its new Creative Director and Joint Chief Executive, from 20 November 2023.

Martin’s appointment to Exeter Northcott coincides with the theatre adopting a new senior leadership structure, in which three people will take the shared role of Joint Chief Executive.

With Exeter Northcott now managing two venues, including the Exeter city-centre Barnfield Theatre, Martin joins at a pivotal time for the organisation as it drives forward its aim to provide more creative opportunities for a greater range of...