An unhappy New Year as ‘Divorce Day’ looms

While Christmas and New Year are meant to be happy times, the fact is that every year the beginning of January sees a spike in divorce proceedings as couples bite the bullet and resolve to split. This phenomenon has become so well established that in legal circles it is referred to as ‘Divorce Day’, with Monday 4 January expected to see this year’s peak.

Andrew Barton, partner in Stephens Scown LLP’s family law team, has experienced this many times. He said: “Sadly, while Christmas is meant to bring people together, often it just serves to drive them apart. The tensions of being...

Do you know Warren and Evelyn?

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Wed, 12/23/2015 - 8:43am

Update: Police have reported a happy ending to the unclaimed Christmas presents case as the rightful owners have been located.

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Police are appealing to the public following Christmas presents being handed in at Newton Abbot Station that are so far unclaimed.

The gifts have tags stating “To Warren from Dad” and “To Evelyn from Dad” and were initially left outside a house on Sandringham Road, Newton Abbot before being handed into the police.

A police spokesperson said: “This is an odd case and we are hoping that the public can help us identify...

A Christmas thank you to Devon companies

Companies in Devon who provide work opportunities for young people from across Europe, have been celebrated at a special ‘Christmas thank you’ event in Torbay.

Representatives from more than 60 firms met at The Palace Hotel, in Torquay, for the gathering, receiving certificates to mark their achievements.

They are among the 450 Devon companies that work with the Torbay-based Training Partnership, which puts high quality work placement trainees together with businesses in sectors ranging from IT and engineering to hospitality and legal services. Bay Advocates, Coast and...

Journey through a season of Scandinavian cinema

After a highly successful debut festival in 2014, Exeter Phoenix presents another season of Scandinavian and Nordic cinema. Featuring films from Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland, journey with other curious souls through snow-filled wonderlands and observe the characters who embody and mirror the contours of distinct landscapes. After last year’s festival launch event in Haldon forest sold out in less than two days, Scandifilm 2016 kicks off by returning to the forest depths for a dark and atmospheric pop-up screening of Swedishhorror Let The Right One In. A welcoming feast of hotdogs...

Exeter Science Park welcomes disruptive technology firm

A venture technology firm which supports disruptive, fast-growth technology start-ups has experienced accelerated growth itself since relocating to Exeter Science Park Centre.

The 25 year old co-founder of Koncept, Jonathan Melhuish-Sprague, says that since moving into the Exeter Science Park Centre this summer, the support and collaboration opportunities available, have helped to increase his portfolio by more than 50%.

In return for an equity share in a start-up business, Koncept invests significant time and resources, helping to create a minimum viable product (MVP) that...

Mild weather set to stay through Christmas

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Wed, 12/23/2015 - 6:25am

With just a few days to go until the festive holidays begin, what weather can we expect this Christmas?

After the mild, unsettled start to December the Met Office say it looks likely that this theme will continue through until the end of the year with some spells of windy, wet weather but also drier, brighter periods with some showers. Although temperatures will remain above average, there will be some cooler days and nights with wintry showers possible over hills and mountains in the north of the UK and some overnight frosts.

Going into Christmas Eve, a low pressure system...

Fresh evidence of beavers discovered at four sites on East Devon river

Despite recent news headlines that a local beaver population had ‘disappeared’ from their East Devon home, a local wildlife charity is now claiming that it has evidence that they are very much alive.

In November the BBC reported the concerns of some local people that they had not had sightings of beavers on the River Otter for some weeks.

This ‘disappearance’ was then reported by national newspapers. However, Devon Wildlife Trust has now come forward with evidence which shows that the beavers are still there, although they may have relocated their homes, known as lodges,...

Police reassure public about 'unfounded' terrorist attack rumours

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Tue, 12/22/2015 - 3:03pm

Devon & Cornwall Police have released a statement following rumours of planned terrorist attacks in the region.

The statement reads: “The current threat across the UK from international terrorism remains ‘severe’, meaning an attack is highly likely.

“The increased level of activity is matched by UK police, security and intelligence services who are working tirelessly and at pace to confront the terrorist threat and keep the public safe.

“Police are aware of stories circulating on social media about apparent attacks at specific sites and times.

“We would...

Blog: A cuddle and a catch-up

“As soon as I enter Exeter Cathedral I make a beeline for Liz for a cuddle and a catch up!”

It’s not me being talked about but Liz, one of our amazing bereavement supporter volunteers. I was at Hospiscare’s Light Up A Life Service in the cathedral and met a lady who comes along every year.

She comes for two reasons, to remember her mum and catch up with Liz. When her mum died she found that our care continues with a dedicated support volunteer.

It was the first time I had attended this service and it was exactly as everyone had described to me; a lovely evening of...

PR Consultancy appoints new Business Development Director

Local PR consultancy Glen King PR established in 2005, celebrated its tenth anniversary with expansion of the team and a move to a larger city-centre office in the summer of this year. London-born David Greensmith, with over 40 years’ experience in engineering and construction has now joined the company as Business Development Director.

The company has a diverse portfolio of clients across the region, including locally-based wealth managers, Brewin Dolphin; award-winning chartered accountants, Haines Watts and WESC Foundation School and College. With a vast knowledge and experience...

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