How to choose the right destination for your next holiday

Authored by Ellie Green
Posted: Tue, 12/23/2025 - 12:48pm

Planning a holiday should feel exciting, yet many people find themselves overwhelmed by choice. With countless destinations, deals and travel styles to consider, picking the right place can quickly become stressful.

The truth is that choosing your next getaway isn’t only about finding the best price; it’s about matching your destination to your lifestyle, interests and expectations. When you approach the decision with clarity, the whole process becomes far more enjoyable and reassuring.

Think about what you really want from your break

Before diving into destinations,...

Library

Exeter Pupils Invited to Enter Dream Library Design Competition

Authored by MediaA
Posted: Tue, 12/23/2025 - 12:12pm

Portakabin launches school library initiative as children’s reading enjoyment hits its lowest level in two decades

Aligning with the government’s pledge to provide a library in every primary school, Portakabin will deliver a fully equipped library building to one school, shaped by the winning design.

The competition invites primary school pupils and teachers to imagine and design their dream school library, supporting a UK-wide effort to address the shortage of library spaces in primary schools.

The initiative follows Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ recent pledge to...

IT Donation

Devon Contract Waste supports Donate IT with ReTech to Empower Young People in Education

Devon Contract Waste (DCW) is excited to launch ReTech, a reuse service taking customers unwanted Laptop’s, Tablets and Smart phones, donating them to people experiencing hardship across Devon.

The service is delivered in partnership with Blackmore who securely remove and prepare all suitable devices for reuse. This initiative will help tackle digital isolation, supporting young people in need, adults who have no way to apply for jobs or undertake everyday digital tasks, homeless people without a phone to contact their friends and family and other groups who are limited in how they...

Dexter the racehorse delivers Christmas joy to Bramble Ward after successful ELF Raceday

Authored by Lucy
Posted: Sun, 12/21/2025 - 10:09pm

Dexter, Exeter Racecourse’s much-loved mascot, swapped the parade ring for a special festive mission last week as he delivered bags of Christmas presents to children on Bramble Ward at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.

The gifts were donated by generous racegoers who attended Exeter Racecourse’s recent ELF Raceday, held in support of the Exeter Leukaemia Fund (ELF). Dozens of presents were collected at the racecourse’s gifting drop-off point and will now be shared with children and young patients in the lead-up to Christmas.

General manager Jack Parkinson said: “We...

Help Betty find the purr-fect forever home

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Sun, 12/21/2025 - 8:50pm

Beautiful Betty has been searching for a new home through Blue Cross for over 200 days. This Christmas, the charity is appealing to the public to help find this friendly cat a new purr-fect home.

Betty was admitted to Blue Cross Devon in May and has been patiently waiting for a loving home ever since. The five-year-old Tortoiseshell cat is described as a sweet girl that would love to live in a quiet home. She is sociable around people and loves brushing herself against legs for fuss and attention.

Annaliese Langworthy, Centre Manager of Blue Cross in Devon, said: Betty...

Big-hearted Exeter Students Host Festive Feast for Community

Big-hearted students in Exeter brought Christmas cheer to dozens of local families after hosting a festive community dinner filled with music, laughter and generosity.

Students at St James School in Exeter, part of the Ted Wragg Trust, welcomed families from across the city for their annual Christmas community celebration, spreading festive spirit through song, food and warm hospitality.

Performing Arts students set the tone for the evening by singing seasonal favourites such as ‘Last Christmas’ and ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’ as guests arrived . And as the 85 guests...

Crafting comfort for pets in need

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Thu, 12/18/2025 - 8:34pm

The RSPCA is inviting animal lovers across Devon to pick up their knitting needles and crochet hooks to help pets in need this winter, as part of its Big Give Back to Animals appeal.

The charity is appealing for handmade blankets that can offer comfort, warmth and security to animals - at a time when the ongoing cost-of-living crisis is leaving many families struggling to keep their pets warm. Blankets will be distributed through the RSPCA’s Pet Food Bank Partnership, which works with food banks and community groups nationwide to provide essential items - including food, toys and...

Free NHS flu vaccination clinics available across Devon

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Wed, 12/17/2025 - 10:57pm

It’s not too late to have your free NHS flu vaccination to protect yourself and your loved ones this winter.

Due to the current increase in the rates of flu and other respiratory infections, extra drop-in clinics are running for those eligible to get their free NHS flu vaccine and/or their seasonal COVID-19 booster vaccination.

Pregnant women, and those aged 75-79 and people who turned 80 after 1 September 2024, are also encouraged to take up the offer of Respiratory syncytial virus vaccination, which helps protect against respiratory syncytial virus, commonly referred...

Jockey graduates in neuroscience at Exeter after switching careers following injury

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Wed, 12/17/2025 - 10:30pm

A jockey who switched careers to focus on neuroscience research following injury was among those celebrating at the University of Exeter’s winter graduation.

Tommy Eyston, 25, completed a Master’s in Neuroscience at Exeter and received a distinction while also riding as an amateur jockey.

Having also ridden as an amateur before her studies, Tommy decided to go professional as a conditional jockey after completing an undergraduate degree in chemistry at the University of Bristol in 2022. As a jump jockey she competed at many prestigious events, including the Cheltenham...

Westbank’s warm welcome for the community this winter

Authored by Sharon Goble
Posted: Wed, 12/17/2025 - 12:30pm

Westbank Community Health and Care has opened the doors of its warm, welcoming winter space for the communities of Exminster and Starcross, and is trialling a new shuttle service two days a week to help local people get there.

Warmwell at Westbank is within the charity’s recently revamped Community Hub and is open Monday - Friday from 10am for anyone seeking a welcoming, heated space during the daytime where they can share a cuppa and conversation during the colder months, including over the festive season. Warmwell will be closed on Christmas Day, but open on Boxing Day and New...

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