Local News

Refuse workers honoured for rescuing deer

Two refuse and recycling workers who went to the aid of a deer that had become trapped behind a bottle bank have been recognised by a leading animal rights charity.

Jason Blackmore and Neil Baker, who work for Exeter City Council, have been awarded PETA’s prestigious Hero to Animal Award in honour.

The big-hearted duo didn’t hesitate to act after they were alerted to the animal’s misfortune while emptying household rubbish bins in the St Thomas part of the city.

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Musicians and medics record stay-at-home charity single

A group of local musicians and medics have joined together to produce a charity video.

The eighteen talented performers have recorded a version of Help! by The Beatles.

And they all played their part from the safety of their own homes.

The video is raising money for FORCE Cancer Charity, which has continued to support local people throughout the Coronavirus pandemic.

Stronger Together campaign launched to back local businesses

People are being encouraged to support local businesses during the coronavirus outbreak.

A new campaign – Stronger Together – has been launched encouraging people, including businesses to buy local and support local businesses. To get the campaign running, people are being encouraged to create and share a short ten-second video clip about a local business they love.

Smile! It’s National Smile Month

Dental practices may be operating differently at the moment, as non-essential routine check-ups are postponed due to coronoavirus (COVID-19).

So parents of younger children are being asked to pay particular attention to their child’s teeth, to ensure that they continue to have good oral health hygiene.

Tour of Britain postponed until September 2021

The organisers of the Tour of Britain have announced that this year’s race has been postponed.

Devon County Council had been due to host Stage Two of this year’s race in September with a route that was planned to start in Sherford and finish in Exeter.

However, the ongoing impact of the coronavirus pandemic has prompted Sweetspot Group, which runs the Tour, to confirm that the event will now be re-scheduled to September 2021.

Do something amazing: Give blood

NHS Blood and Transplant is appealing to blood donors to make appointments to donate blood.

The next session taking place in Exeter is on Sunday 31 May at Exeter Corn Exchange, between 9.55am andf 2.25pm. Currently this session is 59% full.

Blood donation saves lives. Patients at local hospitals rely on people giving blood.

New study will show impact of coronavirus on Britain’s crucial food supply chains

The impact of coronavirus on Britain’s crucial food supply chains will be tracked as part of a new study which will show how the current crisis has affected the journey from farm to plate.

Experts will investigate the disruption caused by the pandemic for producers, manufacturers, distributers and retailers. Their work will help those in the food supply chain as they restructure rapidly, as well as inform government policymaking.

Business re-launch during COVID-19 is poles apart

As a direct result of Coronavirus an Exeter-based business owner has had to adapt the core activity of her newly launched company, Exe Nordic Walking.

A former teacher, Sue Holden established her fledgling company at the beginning of this year, teaching small groups the technique of Nordic Walking. From March she has been unable to organise walking groups following Covid-19 lockdown, so has switched to booking 1:1 training sessions for clients in order to recognise Government’s social distancing measures and ensuring sanitising of the Nordic poles.

Hoglet baby boom in Exeter predicted following lockdown ‘summer of love’

Lockdown and less traffic on the roads across Exeter may have stopped the clock on the decline of British hedgehog populations. Hedgehog numbers in the UK have plummeted by half over the past 20 years, however the spiky mammals are enjoying something of a resurgence and now experts are predicting a ‘hoglet boom’ next month.

Nello goes virtual for 2020

FORCE Cancer Charity’s flagship fundraising event is going virtual for 2020.

Ongoing restrictions around the Coronavirus pandemic and mass gatherings mean that FORCE’s annual Nello cycle ride cannot go ahead as planned this summer.

Instead, cyclists will be offered the chance to take part in three different challenges that they can do independently.

There will be a new addition to the Nello’s traditional 55 and 100 mile options – the 25-mile Furloughed Flyer.

Use the right NHS service for your needs this bank holiday weekend

Doctors in Devon are reassuring local people that the NHS is still there for them if they are unwell and need help, but reminding them that opening hours for some services may be different due to the bank holiday weekend.

GP practices will be closed on Monday 25 May for the bank holiday, but other services are available for people with urgent health needs over the holiday period.

The advice for people this weekend is: