What can you spot on your roundabout?

Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted: Wed, 12/30/2015 - 11:17am

During the festive journeys to family and friends, why not contribute to The Mammal Society’s new National Mammal Atlas?

It is not unusual to see a rabbit nibbling at the well-tended grass on a roundabout, or deer grazing peacefully alongside the motorway, and mammal spotting provides free distraction to bored children (or adults!).

Providing the first review of where mammals are found for more than 20 years, the National Mammal Atlas is a crucial step towards conserving many species.

The freely available Mammal Tracker App (downloaded from your app store or from...

Scientists call for reduction in plastic lab waste

Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted: Wed, 12/30/2015 - 10:42am

Three researchers at the University of Exeter are calling for action to cut down on the five and a half million tonnes of plastic being generated globally in the course of scientific research.

In a Correspondence article entitled ‘Labs should cut plastic waste too’ published in the journal Nature this week, they estimate that bio scientific research is responsible for 1.8 per cent of total global plastic production, waste which weighs the equivalent of 67 cruise ships a year.

Drs Mauricio Urbina, Andrew Watts and Erin Reardon estimated that the 280 scientists in their own...

University of Exeter's Cornwall Campus pioneer awarded MBE

Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted: Wed, 12/30/2015 - 10:30am

A key figure in establishing and building the University of Exeter’s Cornwall Campuses has been awarded an MBE for services to the community.

Jean Taylor worked for the University for 21 years before she retired from her role as Head of Strategic Economic Development in Cornwall last summer. She was integral to cultivating and nurturing relationships with businesses in the county - a key aspect of securing the European funding needed to kick-start the Penryn Campus. She also helped support colleagues who developed the Truro Campus, where the University of Exeter Medical School has...

Looking into the life of Riley

Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted: Wed, 12/30/2015 - 10:01am

RAMM is investigating the lives of people who donated objects to the museum’s World Cultures collection, including Arnold Riley who donated a re-modelled Melanesian skull in 1935.

He was a colourful character who lived in Dawlish between 1924 and 1947 and RAMM is keen to contact any of Mr Riley's living relatives, particularly those who may live locally and may have information and photographs that would shed more light on his life.

Arnold Riley taught elocution and dramatic arts at University College of the South West of England, Exeter. He was involved in local politics...

New Year's message from Hospiscare CEO

Authored by Hospiscare
Posted: Wed, 12/30/2015 - 9:07am

This year we have supported an amazing 2,254 patients as well as their families and friends.

What really counts though is how we look after our patients, their families and friends, not a number. Every patient, family member and friend is an individual, so I’ll let Tony, an Exeter patient’s husband, tell you of his Hospiscare experience.

“I take great comfort in knowing that my last days together with my beloved wife Dawn were so special and precious because of Hospiscare. I am passionate that this amazing charity can be there for others, because without the hospice and the...

Storm Frank batters Devon

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Wed, 12/30/2015 - 8:20am

Storm Frank has been making itself felt in Devon today with heavy rain and winds reaching speeds of more than 50mph battering the county.

Forecasters say that the downfalls will last throughout the day with the strong gusts abating by 3pm

The weather has caused widespread disruption across the region:

The old A30 Rockbeare Straight is impassable due to floods and there is flooding on Station Road in Broadclyst. Police advise motorists to seek alternative routes.

The A376 Exmouth Road has been closed at Exton by the Fire Service.

Flooding has affected...

Superfast broadband roll-out reaches over 3.5m homes and businesses

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Wed, 12/30/2015 - 7:52am

More than 3.5 million homes and businesses have now been reached by the Government’s nationwide rollout of superfast broadband, figures published yesterday (Sunday 27 December 2015) reveal.

In the South West, almost 300,000 homes and businesses have been helped by the Government's rollout of superfast broadband and more than 3,600 South West businesses have had their broadband speed boosted via the connection voucher scheme.

Thanks to the work already completed by the Government’s broadband delivery arm (BDUK) and the commercial sector, almost nine out of ten UK homes and...

Government proposes a major driving test shake-up

Driving tests are a nerve-wracking experience. No matter many times you have practiced your three-point turns and parallel parking manoeuvres, driving under test conditions with a stony-faced examiner in the passenger seat is apt to have leave even the most confident of learner drivers quaking with nerves. Is it any wonder that so many people fail?

Royalty free photo

Driving Test Pass Rate Statistics

Government statistics show that only 21% of people pass their driving test first time. Everyone else has to come back for a second, third or multiple go in order to...

Access restrictions at Exmouth Community Hospital

Access to and from Exmouth Community Hospital will be restricted for several days from Monday 11 January due to essential work to replace a main gas pipe.

During this period, patients and visitors are being asked to allow extra time for parking or make alternative travel arrangements.

The work is scheduled to be completed by Wednesday 20 January.

Tina Slade, hospital business manager for the Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “This is essential work and we apologise for any delays or disruption it may cause.”

The restrictions include:

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Wizard of Oz ….. the Panto!

Event Date: 
27/01/2016 - 7:30pm to 31/01/2016 - 7:30pm
Venue: 
Barnfield Theatre, Exeter

For their 29th annual pantomime, the Exeter Police & Hospital Players are delighted to perform ” Wizard of Oz ….. the Panto!”, based on L. Frank Baum’s original story but with our unusual twists & new characters. Join us for an evening/afternoon of fun, song, dance & laughter when Dorothy & her Aunt Em are transported by a tornado from Exeter to the Merry Old Land of Oz! In their quest to return home, they must travel on the Yellow Brick Road, where they meet the fabled Lion, Scarecrow & Tin Man, who then help Dorothy battle the Wicked Witch & other new faces. Will...

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