Scottish mountain man’s legacy supports Exeter-led expedition to combat elephant decline in Kenya

Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted: Fri, 04/22/2016 - 10:21pm

A ground-breaking expedition that aims to save African elephants while encouraging the creation of sustainable local business in rural Kenya has won a funding award run by a Scottish wild land charity.

The Bee Elephant Enterprise project (BEE) aims to build beehive fences around farmland in the Tsavo National Park in deter elephants – which are afraid of bees – from destroying crops.

Small farmers, often desperately poor, can lose their livelihood overnight from a single elephant raid. Elephants in turn are often killed in retaliation.

By deterring the animals, the...

Park Life Heavitree wins Prince of Wales Award

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Fri, 04/22/2016 - 10:16pm

The Devon County Show's Prince of Wales Award has its first urban winner, in the shape of Park Life, Heavitree, in the heart of Exeter. The award, which carries a first prize of £1,000, is given each year for community projects which build local sustainability, which is what Park Life is all about.

It was set up five years ago by three local families with the aim of using Heavitree Pleasure Grounds to bring local people together to have fun, get to know and help each other and lead more fulfilling lives, all in the beautiful setting of Exeter's largest green space. As well as...

Chiefs agree kit deal

Exeter Chiefs and Samurai Sportswear are predicting a bright future ahead after today agreeing a new long-term contract.

The five-year deal will see the Norfolk-based sportswear manufacturer continue to supply the Aviva Premiership club with its innovative range of playing kit and off-field leisurewear, as well as providing an extensive range of kit and clothing for the club’s support base.

The partnership, which was first signed in 2010 before the Chiefs were promoted into English rugby’s top flight, is the joint longest of its type in the Premiership, with both parties...

Food festival attracts crowds despite the rain

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Fri, 04/22/2016 - 3:01pm

Hundreds of hardy souls braved the elements to attend the opening day of the South West Festival of Exeter Food and Drink.

Now in its 13th year and once again at Exeter Castle and Northernhay Gardens until Sunday, the Festival attracts more than 100 artisan food and drink producers from the region selling delicious south west meat, cheeses, bread, cider, wine, beer, oils, cakes and much more.

The award-winning Festival has been championed by Michael Caines MBE since its launch in 2003 and he is as enthusiastic as ever about the event.

Michael said: "It’s always a...

A Double Bill of Comedy by TicTac Theatre

Event Date: 
11/05/2016 - 7:30pm to 12/05/2016 - 8:45pm
Venue: 
Cygnet Theatre

The Bride To Be by Peter Quilter

Angela is marrying for the third time to the dismay of her brother Toby, amidst a barrage of bad omens and a dress resembling a parachute.

You Were After Poetry by Steven Bloomer A fast paced and witty relationship comedy showing one couple’s break-up and its after effects.

Major conservation project to preserve Cathedral’s medieval statues

THE iconic image screen on the front of Exeter Cathedral is to undergo an extensive renovation – made possible thanks to the support of The Prince of Wales who made a donation through The Prince of Wales’ Charitable Foundation.

The three rows of statues on the West Front were added to the already constructed Cathedral between 1340 and 1470, and depict angels, kings and prophets and disciples of Jesus.

Dozens of figures also peer out from the battlements above and the whole screen is decorated with plants and animals. Originally, the statues were coloured in bright paint,...

After school clubs can help disadvantaged pupils

Authored by Sue Cade
Posted: Fri, 04/22/2016 - 8:14am

The founder of a rugby-based after school club says the findings of a new report highlight the positive impact clubs can have on pupils, particularly from less wealthy backgrounds.

Tracey Alison, who set up Minis Academy after the success of Rugby World Cup 2015 in the city, says the Nuffield Foundation-funded report underlines the importance in the provision of affordable after-school clubs in the Exeter area.

She said: “In particular, the outcomes here show that after-school clubs can inspire children from disadvantaged backgrounds towards higher achievement, which is an...

Tony Hogg welcomes further reduction in recorded crime

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Fri, 04/22/2016 - 6:49am

Recorded crime across Devon and Cornwall has reduced by 11% during Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Hogg’s term of office Comparing total recorded crime for the 12 month period to the end of December 2015 to the 12 month period to the end of December 2012. This represents nearly 10,000 fewer crimes per year in 2015 compared to 2012. As a result, the risk of being a victim of crime has reduced substantially. This good performance has been driven by consistent reductions in acquisitive crime. For example burglary and theft offences have reduced by nearly a quarter (22%) during the...

New members wanted for Exeter Cancer User Group

Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted: Thu, 04/21/2016 - 10:02pm

Anyone with experience of the RD&E’s cancer services is being invited to help boost public and patient membership of a joint group set up by the Trust.

The Trust has set up the Exeter Cancer User Group as part of its commitment to continuously improve its cancer services.

One of its key aims is to hear the views and experiences of both past and present cancer patients and their families/carers and in particular identify ways they feel the Trust can develop and strengthen its cancer services.

The level of commitment needed for anyone wanting to join is very light...

FoodCycle project launches in Exeter

Exeter is the newest location to launch a FoodCycle community meal made entirely from surplus food.

FoodCycle, a nationwide charity with 29 projects, uses surplus food from supermarkets to cook healthy, three-course meals for people who are in need of a warm meal and a chance to meet other people in their community.

FoodCycle Exeter opened its door in March 2016, and has been cooking up a storm every Tuesday evening at 6pm at the Wonford Community Centre, in Wonford, Exeter.

Anna Lo Jacomo, one of the volunteers running the project, says “FoodCycle is a friendly...

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