Sell out summer says Devon Hotels Association

Devon Hotels & Restaurants Association has reported a substantial rise in bookings this summer, with many members seeing record numbers of visitors throughout the holidays and sell out July and August months.

James Sharp, chair of Devon Hotels said: “We have seen an increase in overseas visitors but one of the main growth areas has been holidaymakers choosing to ‘staycation’ in Devon due to the fantastic weather we have been experiencing. This has been the third hottest summer on record which has helped businesses after a series of bad summers. One member has seen an 8.6% rise...

Tips to tackle the back to school blues

Children who are starting secondary school for the first time this September are being encouraged to get to know their school nurse so they know where to go for help and advice when they need it.

As many parents eagerly anticipate the start of new school year, for some parents and young people this brings anxiety and worry. This is especially the case where children are starting school for the first time and where pupils are leaving the familiar surrounding of their primary school to what can be a large and intimidating environment of a new secondary school.

The School...

Newtown Food Festival

Authored by NEWTOWN
Posted: Fri, 09/06/2013 - 7:25am

The first ever Newtown Community Food Festival takes place at Belmont Park on Sunday 8 September.

The multicultural event, from 12pm-4pm will include local stallholders selling a wide range of produce, including Indian, Asian, African, Mexican and Jamaican food, plus much more.

The day will also include family wildlife gardening and planting activities with Devon Wildlife Trust, live music, and a a cafe.

The event, free to enter, is organised by Newtown Community Association, and has been funded by Exeter City Council.

Take a nature walk in Higher Cemetery with Nigel Pinhorn

Authored by NEWTOWN
Posted: Fri, 09/06/2013 - 7:19am

A nature walk, organised by Friends of Higher Cemetery, will take place on Saturday 7 September.

Wildlife expert Nigel Pinhorn will lead a 90 minute trail around the cemetery looking at bugs, birds and plants.

Children are particularly welcome to attend but must be accompanied by an adult.

Prices: Friends £2; visitors £4, children £1

Meet outside the chapel at 2pm

Competition for places is key, says Chiefs winger Matt Jess

Winger Matt Jess believes the competition for places that exists within the Exeter Chiefs squad will drive standards up to a whole new level this season.

The Chiefs kick-off their Aviva Premiership campaign this weekend when they make the trip to face Northampton Saints at Franklin's Gardens (3pm).

It's certainly a daunting first-day fixture for the Devon club, but Jess says the recruitment made by head coach Rob Baxter during the close season has given real belief within the Exeter camp that they can once again be a force to be reckoned with in English rugby's top flight...

Nick Baker shares his fascination with bones at RAMM

On Saturday 14 September, naturalist and broadcaster Nick Baker will share his fascination with one of the most important collections of bones in the body – skulls.

With a selection of skulls from his and the collection at Exeter’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) Nick will take an informative, intimate, sometimes surreal and irreverent look into the world of skulls and a skull collector. He will explore the origins, purpose and mechanics of these bones and how they develop, and delve into the realm of symbolism and imagery.

Nick has been a bone collector all his life,...

East Devon Council to test market on Heathpark site, Honiton

Expressions of interest are to be sought for the Council-owned Heathpark site in Honiton following the Cabinet decision on 4 September to test the market.

Council Leader Paul Diviani said: “We are committed to exploring all options for a possible new office site as well as maximising the values from our landholdings. One option has always been the sale of our Heathpark site alongside that of Knowle and Manstone Depot in Sidmouth and to use the money raised for a new, more efficient and modern headquarters. It is important to understand the value of this site and what interest there...

City Vets Open Day

Event Date: 
07/09/2013 - 1:30pm to 4:30pm
Venue: 
City Vets, Rosary House, 27 Fore Street, Heavitree, Exeter, Devon, EX1 2QJ

City Vets are really proud of their new premises at Rosary House in Heavitree. They are holding an Open Day this Saturday 1.30-4.30pm.

Staff will being giving guided tours so that you can see the excellent facilities for yourself & there will be a special offer on microchips; just £5, half of which they will donate to local animal charities. There will be a Fun Dog Show, music from 'The Voice's' Adam Isaac, stalls, competitions, pet handling, teddy bear surgery, a bouncy castle, face painting & much much more. There will be plenty to do for all ages, everyone...

The Westcountry Equine Fair

Event Date: 
07/12/2013 - 9:00am to 08/12/2013 - 5:00pm
Venue: 
Westpoint Arena, Exeter

Join us at this award-winning event and experience the dedicated equestrian event at the heart of the Westcountry.

With its indoor arena and dedicated shopping village, the event is the perfect place to indulge in all things equestrian. Safe from the wintery weather you will be able to enjoy the fascinating arena demonstrations, over 150 equestrian retailers, spread throughout the main hall and annex, and the thousands of products and gifts to see, touch and buy.

For further details on this years show and to keep up-to-date with what will be taking place, visit the...

Christmas Shopping Fayre

Event Date: 
29/11/2013 - 9:30am to 01/12/2013 - 5:30pm
Venue: 
Westpoint Arena, Exeter

Why not take the pressure out of Christmas this year by doing all your festive shopping in one go at the annual “Christmas Shopping Fayre” at Exeter’s Westpoint Arena . With over 300 stands with 1000's of outstanding seasonal offers you will receive a greater choice of exciting gift ideas than in a high street full of shops.

For three fun-packed days Westpoint hosts an amazing range of retailers, manufacturers, craftspeople, wholesalers and importers from far and wide who transform the vast 4,500sq m hall into an Aladdin’s cave of wonderful gift ideas and essential Christmas items...

Pages