Warning to drivers as police launch summer drink drive campaign

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Wed, 06/01/2016 - 7:27am

Devon and Cornwall Police today launched their summer drink drive campaign.

Drivers are being reminded that the consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can be devastating.

Throughout the month-long operation, drivers can expect to be tested if they are involved in a collision or if stopped for an offence. Routine stop checks will also result in drivers being tested.

Throughout 2015 there were a total of 1,988 arrests for drink or drug driving in Devon and Cornwall. This was an increase of 5% on the same period in 2014.

Inspector...

Digital marketing firm reaffirms commitment to region’s tourism industry

A local digital marketing agency is reaffirming its commitment to the region’s tourism industry by supporting two of the biggest events of the year; the Devon and Cornwall tourism awards. MiHi Digital, which was founded in Exeter, will again be sponsoring the Tourist Information Service of the Year category for both awards.

The awards take place every year and recognise the work of hundreds of businesses operating in the region’s tourist industry. From cafés to caravan sites, holiday parks to hotels, they attract hundreds of entries from across Devon and Cornwall.

Mark...

Exeter School pupils clown around

Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted: Tue, 05/31/2016 - 10:18pm

Year 10 pupils at Exeter School took part in an improvisation workshop delivered by professional actress and Webber Douglas graduate, Lucy Curtin, last week.

The workshop proved an ideal preparation for a day of workshops organised by the Northcott theatre taking place on Friday 24 June.

Head of Drama Jamie Brough said the pupils have looked at elements of 'clowning' as well as improvisation games and techniques this term.

"All of this work has not only helped them prepare for an exciting collaborative project with the Northcott theatre, ISCA and Dawlish schools at...

Spotlight on expansion

Authored by Sue Cade
Posted: Tue, 05/31/2016 - 9:05pm

Leading South West lighting specialist, Amos Lighting is to expand its retail offering after signing up for additional premises at Dart Business Park in Topsham.

The independent family-run business, which has been working out of a dedicated showroom sited in Exeter’s Marsh Barton since 2005, took possession of the building this month with the aim of opening to the public in early summer.

Amos Lighting Managing Director and Lead Designer, David Amos said: “This is a really exciting and important move for us. The second location will enable us to have a dedicated retail...

Corps of Drums seeks new members

Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service’s Ceremonial Unit is banging the drum for new members. The Corps of Drums is looking for male and female experienced drummers or buglers particularly ex armed forces or ex cadet bands. Or those that show the potential to learn through dedicated practice can be taught and will be able to join the team in displays, ceremonies, and parades, including the Firefighters Memorial parade in London and Armistice Day parades in Ypres, Belgium. The Corps have recently returned from the Bremen International Tattoo. The Corps meet every Tuesday for...

Family secrets of Powderham Castle revealed

University of Exeter experts are helping the Earl and Countess of Devon uncover fascinating new insights into the long history of their family by examining centuries-old documents at Powderham Castle.

Researchers from the History department are using the latest digital technology to recreate the Courtenay medieval family tree, revealing the fascinating lifestories of their ancestors and their role in shaping national and local history.

Powderham Castle, the location for Radio 1’s Big Weekend, is the ancient seat of the Courtenay family. Their history is recorded back to the...

Salvi says Chiefs will emerge stronger after final loss

Julian Salvi admitted the only thing missing from an “amazing” first year with the Exeter Chiefs was failing to pick up the Aviva Premiership title at Twickenham.

Brought to Devon last summer from Leicester Tigers, the Australian open-side has been a near ever-present for Rob Baxter’s side during a stellar campaign, which finished up at the home of English rugby in Saturday’s showpiece event.

Sadly, though, the Chiefs – playing in their first-ever Premiership final – could not cap what has been a year to remember for them as they went down narrowly to defending champions...

Exeter’s Welcome Team expands

Exeter's Business Improvement District has expanded its Welcome Team with the appointment of Paul Merrell. He joins Darren and Myra in assisting visitors, monitoring the city environment and working with the businesses across the BID area.

With nearly 17 years’ experience as an energy efficiency surveyor, Paul has picked up a range of skills to bring to the team including management and sales. An excellent communicator, he wanted a people-focused role after being self-employed for a number of years.

Since starting in December 2015, the team have welcomed over 6,000 visitors...

East Devon beach huts prove popular

Following consultation in spring 2015, which resulted in changes to the management of council owned beach huts, East Devon District Council is delighted to report that public demand for beach huts for the 2016 season is as strong as ever, to the point that there is now limited availability.

Initially, 24% of beach hut/beach hut sites/chalet tenants relinquished their rentals as a result of the agreed changes, which included:

  • An increase in the rental charges for beach huts, beach hut sites and chalets for 2016/2017 and 2017/2018
  • An extra fee covering
  • ...

Selection panel for Open Art Exhibition announced

Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted: Tue, 05/31/2016 - 12:24pm

With two weeks remaining for artists to apply to be part of this year’s Exeter Contemporary Open, the selection panel has been announced.

Exeter Contemporary Open is one of the highlights of the South West’s arts calendar. Now in its eleventh year, it provides an important national platform for contemporary visual art with an emphasis on supporting new and emerging talent alongside more established artists.

Past selection panels have included artists and curators such as David Shrigley, Ceri Hand, Alex Hartley, Hannah Firth, Day & Gluckman and Kevin Hunt.

The...

Pages