Hedge-laying is good for wildlife, and can be fun and good exercise for humans too.
That’s the message from EDDC’s Countryside Team as they invite people to fill the limited spaces on a hedge-laying day on 1st November 2013.
Much of the work carried out by Countryside staff and volunteers is practical and hands-on at the nature reserves across the district. Sites are managed with people and wildlife as the priorities and the team are keen to keep traditional practices alive as far as possible.
Nature Conservation Officer Steve Edmonds said: “A laid hedge has several...
The Great Gorillas Project reaches its climax on 6 November, when a troop of large gorilla sculptures will be sold for charity.
The project, celebrating Paignton Zoo’s 90th birthday, is raising funds for gorilla conservation and for Children’s Hospice South West. Life-sized model gorillas, sponsored by businesses and community groups, painted in original designs by specially-commissioned artists and displayed in public, created a unique art trail around Exeter and the English Riviera during the summer. Now, 27 of the artworks are going up for sale at a prestigious charity auction...
An exclusive audience with Lord Julian Fellowes, creator of popular drama series Downton Abbey and sponsored by Brewin Dolphin Exeter office held at Gidleigh Park raised £23,000 for Families for Children Adoption Agency.
67 guests enjoyed a champagne reception followed by a lively and entertaining Q&A session with the revered actor at this intimate fundraiser organised by Westcountry businessman John Casson.
Executive Chef of Gidleigh Park and Patron of the charity Michael Caines, prepared a mouth-watering gourmet dinner complemented by fine wines generously donated by...
St Leonard's Primary School are the first to book their place in this year’s Aviva Premiership Rugby Schools Programme Grand Final after they took the honours in the opening festival of the year held at Sandy Park.
The Exeter-based school were one of 18 that have been visited by the Exeter Chiefs Community department since the start of the season to take part in the five-week programme, which will introduce over 36,000 young people to the sport through tag rugby.
Now into its fourth year, the programme is aimed at pupils aged 8-9 with each Premiership Rugby club working at...
When hairdresser Vanessa Wright decided to launch her own unique vintage-inspired salon she turned to NatWest for help. A seasoned hairdresser with 25 years’ experience in the local area, Vanessa knew Exeter could benefit from a new and quirky salon. Working with Daryll Hall, Business Specialist at her local NatWest branch, she developed a business plan and secured a £15k start up loan from which Hot Rods and Harlots was born. Vanessa’s instinct has proven to be right and since opening on Sidwell Street last month the salon has seen unprecedented demand for its services to the point that...
For a long time now Devon has produced a number of stars, including Rosie Huntington-Whitely and Joss Stone. Another success has been added to the list with the news that band WME have secured a much sought after publishing deal with Sony BMG Chrysalis.
WME, which stands for We Make Everything, are a unique musical collaboration that produces all of their material from scratch. The band focuses on creating demo references for major artist placements. We Make Everything consists of Exeter’s own Stephen Chase and Luton-based Guy Furious and Tom Smith. As well as their amazing...
A plethora of future jump racing stars are set to line up at Exeter Racecourse today (Tuesday 22 October) when the course stages its annual Best Mate Novice Chase Day.
That particular race is named after the legendary racehorse Best Mate who began his glittering career over fences at Exeter in 2000. He went on to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup three times and amass over £1 million in prize money.
Last year’s meeting brought a host of stars to the track including Grade One winning Melodic Rendezvous, Rocky Creek and Harry Topper and next week’s seven race card looks set to...
Sonia Davidson-Grant has been appointed as a designate non-executive director to serve on the board of Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.
Sonia is an independent consultant and programme manager with significant public sector experience in the United Kingdom and overseas. She is skilled in leading major change programmes, strategic planning and providing specialist advice on governance and sustainability issues.
“I am delighted to accept the role,” said Sonia. “As a resident of Ilfracombe, I know how important local health services are to our communities.
South West-based building contractor, C G Fry & Son has handed over Bevan House to Sovereign Housing Association in Whipton, Exeter. The project combining nine new apartments was built to PassivHaus Principles with a construction value of £1.1m. Funding of £690,140 was made available through Recycled Capital Grant Funding and £124,360 provided by Exeter City Council.
The six, one-bedroom and three, two-bedroom flats based in Whipton was the first of its type for both C G Fry and Sovereign Housing and reached air integrity below the objective of .75 with some test results...
Staff from Marks & Spencer in Exeter gave Hospiscare patients an important gift recently after choosing the charity as its Store Charity of the Year.
15 hand-held, battery operated fans were delivered to patients at the Exeter hospice, to not only help them keep cool, but also to help with symptom control.
Hospiscare Ward Manager Petra Osborne said: “The fans are particularly helpful for patients who suffer from breathlessness, panic or anxiety as they can be used in conjunction with strategies taught to patients to control their symptoms.”