children

Your essential guide to What’s On in and around Exeter this weekend (27-29 November 2015).

THEATRE

Plunge Friday & Saturday, Bike Shed Theatre, Exeter "That's why they call it Café Nero, you know. Because you sit and fiddle with your iPad while the world outside burns." For over 500 years the smell of coffee has seeped into our streets, our lives, our society. Hub for gossip, romance, political tub thumping, dodgy deals, completing a new pitch, book clubs, a moment alone, escaping being alone - if walls could talk. And in one coffee shop in a town just over the horizon...

England captain Wayne Rooney is spearheading a campaign celebrating the courage of South West children with cancer, as new figures released today (26 November) offer increased hope of surviving the disease. According to Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens, the rate of children dying from cancer has dropped by almost a quarter (24 per cent) in the UK in the last decade. The news comes as the charity launches its annual Star Awards, in partnership with TK Maxx, across the South West. Around 130 children in the region are diagnosed with cancer each year. Relatives and friends of young cancer...

Devon’s Crealy Great Adventure Park mark the countdown to Christmas with a special visit from Santa, Rudolph and his helpers this December for festive fun.

Guests are invited to join Santa in his grotto for Santa’s Interactive Story Time and hear magical tales of his festive adventures. Younger guests will also receive a free gift from Santa to take home at the end of their visit.

Santa’s Storytime with Rudolph and his helpers will take place at on 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th December and 19th - 23rd December from 10.30am, so there’s plenty of opportunity to enjoy a spectacular...

Children from four East Devon primary schools today (Friday 20 November) had the chance to experience first-hand how their local district council is run.

The 40 pupils, aged 10 to 11 years, who visited East Devon District Council’s offices at Knowle in Sidmouth, were taking part in national Takeover Challenge Day, which aims to get children and young people involved with how public service decisions are made. It also provides organisations, such as local authorities, with a fresh perspective on the services they run.

The four primary schools taking part were:

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Evidence has been growing for a number of years pointing to the health and social benefits to be derived from contact with the natural world for all ages. However, results from a new YouGov poll, commissioned by The Wildlife Trusts, highlight the discrepancy between what parents think is best for children and what they actually experience.

The new poll shows that:

• 91% of parents of children aged 18 and under think that having access to nature and wildlife is important for children, yet
• 78% of parents are concerned that children don’t spend enough time
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Shelter analysis of government statistics reveals that over 2,100 children will wake up homeless this Christmas day in the South West. And worryingly, with councils feeling the pressure of our affordable housing shortage, the number of families across Britain living in B&Bs – accommodation which is often cramped and unsafe for children – has more than trebled over the last five years. Shelter is calling on the public for urgent support this Christmas, as its advisers struggle to cope with demand for help from the growing number of families battling to keep a roof over their heads. To...

Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service are asking everyone dressing up in spooky gear this Hallowe'en to be aware of the issue surrounding fire safety of fancy dress costumes. Many adults and children are injured in accidents where lighted candles or fireworks have ignited flammable costumes and hair.

You should ensure children are well supervised at all times, especially if they are around fireworks, sparklers or open flames such as pumpkins with candles.

Top tips for Hallowe'en dressing:

• Keep away from naked flames – avoid using a naked flame or
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