Local people must say ‘Yes to Homes’ to repair the South West housing market according to a report by the National Housing Federation (NHF). The report by the NHF, an industry body which represents the providers of affordable housing in the UK, claims that a shortage of affordable homes resulting in rising house prices means that the South West housing market is now at ‘breaking point’. The NHF now ask that people lobby their local councillors to say ‘Yes to Homes’ as the South West’s new build rate is failing to keep up with demand in the region with less than two thirds (62%) of the new...
Young Farmers from across Devon and the rest of the country, have been working together to raise money and collect forage for farmers affected by the recent floods in the Somerset levels.
Culm Valley YFC raised over £200 from members' donations at their recent Tight and Bright disco, which is being sent to the affected Somerset farmers. Meanwhile, Honiton YFC raised £4,500 at the performance of their production Gogglebox and through an Auction of Promises, with half the money raised being donated to Somerset farmers and the other half to Diabetes UK.
Devon’s wild beauty is one of the county’s greatest assets. Its environment provides us not just with amazing landscapes and wildlife but with food, fuel, pollination, flood control and great recreational and business opportunities. It is therefore important that we know how our environment is faring.
These are some of the major conclusions of a newly released ‘stock-check’ on the county’s priority species and the habitats in which they live.
The report called The State of Devon’s Nature, is being launched this Friday (7 March 2014) at a special one-day conference in...
Artist Mick Abbott is returning to A la Ronde after his hugely popular 2013 series of paintings based around the ceramics collection at the house. This year he will be taking the visitor on a very different journey to discover the boat building heritage of the local area.
Mick’s new exhibition, entitled ‘Degeneration and Regeneration’, is a poignant record of the area’s wooden boat building traditions in drawings, paintings and photographs.
Property Assistant, Lesley Strong says: "We are really looking forward to Mick’s exhibition as it explores the wider landscape and...
South West music charity Wren Music marks the culmination of its 30th anniversary programme with a Grand Concert at Exeter Cathedral featuring 250 musicians and singers.
Wren is blending the voices and instruments of its five choirs and four orchestras from north, south, east and west Devon for the concert, along with Wren’s county-wide youth groups, Roots Acoustic and Roots A Capella.
The 90-minute concert is entitled A World Where Every Voice is Heard, reflecting Wren’s work in reaching people in communities who might not otherwise have the opportunity to get involved in...
Exeter-based Blue Chip Holidays, the South West’s largest provider of four and five star self catering holiday homes, is pleased to announce the appointment of Allan Lambert as new Managing Director. Lambert, who has been appointed to spearhead the business’ nationwide growth strategy, joins from leading domestic tour operator Bourne Leisure. He takes over from Alan Taylor on 28 March. Taylor remains on the Board of Directors.
Commenting on Lambert’s appointment Liam Gavin, Chairman of Blue Chip Holidays, said: “Our goal is to take Blue Chip Holidays from being a regional leader to...
Police are appealing for witnesses to an alleged firearms incident which took place on Wednesday 5 March near Spreyton, Crediton. Shortly before 8am a black car, Vauxhall Corsa or similar model, with three men inside, was allegedly driving around a property near the village when one man got out and started walking around. The man got back into the car and it drove off in the direction of Spreyton. One of the men in the car is alleged to have had a gun. Firearms officers, along with local officers, attended the scene but the vehicle and its occupants were not located. Detective Sergeant...
Come and make your own carving such as a bowl, spoon or knife using hand tools with experienced green wood carver Nic Wotton. Soup available cooked over an open fire if pre ordered. Children welcome under adult supervision. £10
From 700 nominations, John Crawley, a volunteer at St Petrock’s, Exeter’s charity for people who are homeless, has been announced as one of five finalists for the Britain’s Best Volunteers Award.
John first arrived at St Petrock’s eight years ago for assistance while sleeping in an unoccupied building. Keen to move forward, he offered to volunteer in St Petrock’s kitchen and now regular stands in for the kitchen manager in her absence.
John’s commitment to helping others is not limited to his mornings at St Petrock’s; in the afternoon he volunteers at Hospiscare and had...
With the evenings beginning to draw out and, hopefully, some warmer weather on its way, it’s time to dust off those walking boots and stride out onto the footpaths and bridleways that cross our fantastic countryside in North Devon.
We are so lucky to have the open expanses of Exmoor on our doorstop but it can sometimes feel a bit daunting heading out after the winter, or hard to find new walking routes that are guaranteed to inspire. To help you regain some confidence, and maybe open up some new possibilities, we’re running a brand new event...
