Thrills and traditions sparkle at Exeter Racecourse this season

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Wed, 09/03/2025 - 10:24pm

As the crisp autumn air sweeps across Haldon Hill, a palpable buzz is building at Exeter Racecourse. Forget the sleepy post-summer slump; Devon's premier jumps track is gearing up for a season that promises to be nothing short of exhilarating, mixing centuries of racing tradition with a fresh, vibrant energy.

"It's a fantastic day out, whether you’re a seasoned racing fan or just looking for something truly special to do in Devon," says general manager Jack Parkinson.

The jumps season bursts into life with an unmissable Season Opener on Thursday, October 9. This highly...

Agatha Christie’s holiday home joins Exeter UNESCO City of Literature Partnership Network

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Wed, 09/03/2025 - 10:19pm

Greenway, Agatha Christie’s holiday home now cared for by the National Trust, has joined forces with Exeter UNESCO City of Literature as a member of their Partnership Network.

Greenway stands as a beacon of literary heritage in Devon, and its inclusion in the Partnership Network will enrich the region's literary landscape.

Supporting the National Trust’s commitment to preserve, enhance and expand our cultural heritage, the Partnership Network is a collaboration of diverse literary and cultural organisations committed to promoting inclusivity and creativity, while also...

Hepher appointed to academy development pathway role

Ali Hepher has been appointed to an academy performance coach role within Exeter Chiefs’ development pathway.

With 16 years of experience at Chiefs, Hepher brings valuable knowledge of both the club and the sport to the role, which will be crucial to developing future Chiefs players and guiding pathway coaches.

Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter said: “Personally, I’m really pleased to have Ali on board in this new role which encompasses him working on the coaching and skills development of our young players from aged 16 onwards.

“Ali will also have input on...

A group of general practice professionals attending a

Simpkins Edwards supports GPs with practice-focused event

Authored by Sue Cade
Posted: Wed, 09/03/2025 - 6:18am

South West accountancy firm Simpkins Edwards is providing valuable support to GPs aiming to run their practices better, with the return of a popular one-day event.

Aptly titled ‘The Business of General Practice’, the free event at Sandy Park on Tuesday September 16 covers topics that are critical to General Practice. These include ways to navigate rising staff costs and company structures strategically to strengthen a practice's financial strategy and long-term sustainability; an overview of the NHS Pension Scheme; and data-driven benchmarking insights.

In a highly topical...

Westcotts strengthens tax expertise with appointment of new Director

Westcotts, a leading South West firm of Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, has appointed Jon Sparkes as Tax Director, strengthening the firm’s tax expertise and reinforcing its commitment to helping SMEs and organisations across the region achieve growth and resilience.

Jon, a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants (FCA) and Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA), will be based in the firm’s Exeter office and brings more than 30 years’ experience advising owner-managed businesses, larger corporates and not-for-profit organisations.

He specialises in corporate...

Public Consultation Opens on Proposed Merger Between Exeter College and Petroc

Exeter College and Petroc have today launched a public consultation on a proposed merger that would see two Devon colleges come together to form a new College Group.

If approved, the new organisation, the Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group (ENDC), would serve more than 16,000 learners across Devon, employ nearly 2,000 staff and have a combined turnover exceeding £100 million.

The proposal is a voluntary merger, with neither college in any form of intervention. By combining their resources and expertise, the Colleges aim to create a stronger, more resilient group with...

Turf cutting

‘Turf it Forward’ deadline approaches – last chance to nominate

Authored by Sue Cade
Posted: Mon, 09/01/2025 - 3:01pm

Time is running out for community organisations, schools, sports clubs and charities to apply for a turf-tastic prize from HCT Turf , with a deadline for nominations of Thursday 12th September.

One deserving nominee will receive up to 150 square metres of high-quality turf, grown locally and professionally installed, a donation worth hundreds of pounds.

‘Turf it Forward’ aims to support groups that make a difference in their local communities. And the timing couldn’t be better, as turf has had a tough time of it over the last few months with this being the hottest summer...

Can You Take an Electric Scooter on a Train in the UK?

Authored by Simon Wells
Posted: Sun, 08/31/2025 - 10:38pm

Electric scooters have rapidly become a popular choice for commuters across the United Kingdom, offering an efficient and eco-friendly way to navigate busy streets. However, many riders face uncertainty when it comes to combining their scooters with train travel. The question of whether these devices are permitted onboard UK trains is not always clear, as rules differ between operators. For regular commuters and occasional travelers alike, understanding current policies, safety concerns, available alternatives is essential to making informed decisions about traveling with an electric...

Learn to Play is back: Music makers in Devon invited to join UK’s free national music making event

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Sun, 08/31/2025 - 9:40pm

UK charity ‘Music for All’ have announced that their highly anticipated annual flagship event Learn to Play is returning this Autumn, and are opening the opportunity for anyone interested in music-making a chance to take part in the biggest free music making weekend of the year!

The event will be held by Crediton Youth Orchestra in Crediton on the 9-12 October and is open to everyone; regardless of age, experience and background and provides opportunities for participants to experience a free taster music making lesson

Running for over a decade, Learn to Play aims to...

Dementia UK shares the signs and symptoms of dementia to look out for ahead of free clinics in Devon

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Sat, 08/30/2025 - 7:46pm

Nationwide and Dementia UK’s free face-to-face clinics are returning to Nationwide’s Newton Abbot, Plymouth, Barnstaple and Exmouth, branches this September, offering specialist support in a safe, comfortable and private space for people to discuss any aspect of dementia.

Hosted by Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurses, the clinics are open to anyone impacted by dementia, offering life-changing support to families and individuals in the area. The clinics will take place throughout September, and appointments can be booked via Dementia UK’s website here .

The clinics will offer...

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