Park Bench Etiquette – would you stay or go?

Research reveals Brits in the South West give strangers the cold shoulder on park benches. Conversation-shy Brits in South West England would rather pack up and go if they are joined on a park bench by a stranger, research has revealed.

The fascinating study into our habits has revealed an unsociable streak when it comes to sharing a public space when having lunch or reading a book.

The nation is home to millions of park benches but sitting down unleashes territorial feelings with over a third of Brits in the South West (38%) admitting they would leave within five minutes...

How finding your voice is good for business…

The computer age has created a generation of employees who lack the most basic communication skills, according to an expert in the field.

The increasing practise of sending emails to colleagues in the same room is an example of how people are shying away from speaking to one another. This barrier to speaking confidently is likely to hold back employees and put a lid on success when it comes to face-to-face meetings and presentations at management level, having a knock-on effect for the entire business.

“I’ve heard from recruitment agencies that because prospective employees...

Children shine at School Games despite icy conditions

Authored by Active Devon
Posted: Tue, 04/02/2013 - 11:34am

Over a thousand young people from across Devon braved freezing conditions to shine at this week’s Devon Winter School Games, part of the national Sainsbury’s School Games, held at the University of Exeter at St Luke’s Science and Sports College.

Nine different sports were on offer, with the only casualty of the poor weather conditions being the cycling competition, cancelled due to a flooded course. The children bravely battled through the flurries of snow to compete in football, hockey and rugby. Those competing at netball were luckier, taking advantage of the new covered courts...

Zip-lines for tigers!

Authored by Paigntonzoo
Posted: Tue, 04/02/2013 - 10:09am

Paignton Zoo in Devon has built a zip-line for its tigers.

Keepers at the park – a registered charity – have devised the thrill ride with help from woodland adventure company Treesurfers.

In fact, it is the big cats’ lunch that will ride the zip-line – all the tigers have to do is catch it.

Senior Head Keeper of Mammals Matthew Webb explained: “We have used things such as hanging bags in the past to encourage them to get a bit more physical. Now we have the zip line, down which we can send meat for the tigers to chase and jump at.

“We have also erected a...

Tribute to victim of King Harry Ferry incident

The following is a tribute to Mrs Ann Pewter from her family when a car in which she was a passenger went into the water from the slipway: Following the tragic death of Mrs Ann Pewter at the King Harry Ferry on Wednesday 20 March 2013, the family are still coming to terms with her loss. Ann and her husband had retired to this beautiful part of the country and had lived in Tavistock for a number of years. Ann was a keen photographer. She was passionately interested in wildlife, animal welfare, gardens and the great outdoors generally. She had holidayed in Cornwall frequently and loved...

"The BBC’s best days lie ahead" - Tony Hall sets out "next chapter" for the BBC

Today, in his first day in the job, Tony Hall, the new Director-General of the BBC, set out the "next chapter" for the BBC, telling staff that he believed "with imagination and hard work, the BBC's best days lie ahead of us.”

In an email to all staff, he outlined a number of questions he believes the BBC needs to address over the coming months. He told staff that he wants to listen to their views, which - along with those of audiences and partners - will be key in shaping the BBC's ambitions. He will review these themes with the BBC Trust and then set out his thinking in the autumn...

Wildfires hit Scottish Highlands and Islands

Fire crews have been battling forest fires stretching several miles along the outskirts of Fort William amid fears that local residents may have to be evacuated from their homes.

Eight fire engines were at the scene, a few miles north of Fort William, overnight and into Tuesday.

Crews have struggled to get control of the spate of wildfires that have been burning sporadically over the weekend.

The cause of the fire remains unknown but it coincides with the end of the season when moorkeepers are allowed to burn heather to keep it healthy and prevent it growing out of...

Ideas in Exeter to change the world

An exciting event is happening on 12 April 2013. The second TEDxExeter conference featuring well-known speakers, performance artists and film will explore the theme "Living the Questions".

TEDx is a programme of local, self-organised events made possible by local organisers who want to engage their communities. TEDxExeter is an independently organised event, licensed by TED. There have been more than 6,400 TEDx events globally since the programme was launched in 2009.

The day conference will feature 18 local, nationally and internationally renowned speakers including...

Rochdale break Grecian hearts with match winner in extra-time

Report: Exeter City 1 Rochdale 2

Rochdale recorded their first victory at St James Park in 13 years as they turned a 1-0 deficit on its head late on to win 2-1.

The game had been on a knife-edge throughout with both teams providing plenty of opportunities to produce, much to the gratification of Jamie Cureton who responded by putting Exeter ahead on the stroke of half-time.

The Dale, though, never gave up the ghost, continuing to press to the last and were duly rewarded with late goals from Ian Henderson and Bobby Grant to come away with an invaluable three points...

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