Devon ranks highly for recognising heritage value

Devon ranks highly within the UK for recognising the immense value and potential for learning from its many unique heritage sites, according to a new report.

Britain’s heritage is much-loved but its value and potential is being underused in some places, says the independent RSA think-tank in association with the Heritage Lottery Fund, in a new heritage index published last week, (23 September 2015).

Devon is among all 379 local authority areas in England, Scotland and Wales that have been ranked for their heritage assets – built, archaeological, cultural and natural – the...

Ponies seized from dangerous land rehomed

Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted: Wed, 09/30/2015 - 12:07pm

Trading standards officers have seized 21 ponies and foals from land near Exeter deemed too dangerous for them, to uphold an order of Exeter Crown Court.

In April 2015, following his conviction at Exeter magistrates Court for Animal Welfare and Horse Passport offences, 74 year old Leslie Weatherill of The Hams, Ide, received a 12 weeks custodial sentence suspended for 18 months.

The court had heard how Mr Weatherill kept his ponies on an area of scrub and woodland at Timridge Brake, Doddiscombsleigh, which, according to a national expert on horses, was inadequate for their...

Ride 'n' Drive Event at Exe Valley Leisure Centre

Event Date: 
11/10/2015 - 10:00am to 2:00pm
Venue: 
Exe Valley Leisure Centre Tiverton

As you may know we are supported by Westerly Barnstaple BMW, and regularly have their stunning vehicles on display outside the leisure centre.

On Sunday 11th October you have the chance to drive one of a range of BMW vehicles at the Ride ‘n’ Drive Event being held here at the centre.

If you’d like to find out what’s available and book a slot, please email mpalk@middevon.gov.uk or call reception on 01884 234900.

What’s more – anyone who does book a drive is automatically entered into a free draw to win a month’s Zest Membership for Mid Devon Leisure.

See you...

Table Top Sale at Exe Valley Leisure Centre

Event Date: 
31/10/2015 - 9:00am to 1:00pm
Venue: 
Exe Valley Leisure Centre Tiverton

We're giving you the chance to come along and recycle your unwanted belongings by having a space at our table top sales this October. Tables cost £5, but coming along to browse costs nothing, and you may pick up some bargains! Held indoors so the weather can't spoil it! We hope to see you there, looking around the sale, around the leisure centre and maybe stopping for some refreshments at Elsie May's poolside cafe!

Please book your table by emailing mpalk@middevon.gov.uk

Table Top Sale at Exe Valley Leisure Centre

Event Date: 
03/10/2015 - 9:00am to 1:00pm
Venue: 
Exe Valley Leisure Centre Tiverton

We're giving you the chance to come along and recycle your unwanted belongings by having a space at our table top sales this October. Tables cost £5, but coming along to browse costs nothing, and you may pick up some bargains! Held indoors so the weather can't spoil it! We hope to see you there, looking around the sale, around the leisure centre and maybe stopping for some refreshments at Elsie May's poolside cafe!

Please book your table by emailing mpalk@middevon.gov.uk

Thousands of elderly risk death from electrical fires

Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted: Wed, 09/30/2015 - 11:52am

Older people in the UK are disproportionately at risk from electrical hazards, according to research by leading charity, Electrical Safety First.

The Charity has found that a person over 60 is ten times more likely to die in a fire than somebody aged 17 to 24. And more than half of the accidental fire-related deaths last year in Great Britain were people aged 65 and olderii.

“Half of all accidental electrical fires are caused by misuse, so they are preventable,” said Phil Buckle, Director-General of Electrical Safety First. “

Elsie Van der Steen, 85, was left with...

Pictures wanted for International Cloud Atlas

Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted: Wed, 09/30/2015 - 11:38am

The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) invites the submission of images for the next edition of the International Cloud Atlas (ICA).

The Cloud Atlas was developed as a standardised reference document for operational observation systems. It is an important training tool for meteorologists, as well as for those working in aviation and at sea. The new edition hopes to take advantage of modern digital cameras and use the power of the internet to make the document more flexible and complete.

This is where you come in. The WMO is looking for well composed, in focus and...

Excellent start to new recycling trials

Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted: Wed, 09/30/2015 - 11:19am

Residents in new Feniton who are taking part in East Devon District Council’s recycling scheme collected almost 80% more recyclables in the first week of the trials for the area.

Since September 16, householders in around 900 homes have, for the first time, been able to recycle cardboard and mixed plastics along with their usual extensive number of other recyclables including glass, metals, paper, plastic bottles, textiles and food waste. All the recycling is being collected weekly at the kerbside by East Devon District Council contractors.

The first collection of the new...

Exeter property market attracting London buyers

Authored by Exe Reporter
Posted: Wed, 09/30/2015 - 10:47am

Most of you will be aware of the significant increase in house prices in London , which has definitely had its fair share of advertisement and media coverage. However, what most people aren’t as aware of is that since the fourth quarter of 2013, the number of home sales recorded in Prime Central London (PCL) has been rapidly falling. There are a number of arguments when it comes to the reason for this – including the idea that more homeowners are hanging on to their properties in the hope of the value increasing more, whilst more potential buyers are also looking elsewhere in a bid for a...

Charity shop partners with local businesses

The success of the specialist Furniture & Electrical store opened in Exeter by Devon Air Ambulance Trust (DAAT) is attributable in no small part to local businesses who are providing quality stock for onward sale to the general public and helping to spread the word.

Furniture Direct, student accommodation providers Victoria Hall at Printworks and Bishops Move have all supported the charity by donating items of furniture, end of line stock and other general donations, while Bensons Beds, Furniture Village, Harveys and Oak Furniture Land are all passing DAAT leaflets to their...

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