Christmas is coming and, to get in the mood, I headed to Killerton House’s Christmas wonderland.
Picking the Christmas tree has been a tradition in my family since I can remember. Unlike the advent calendar (which is often started late), it is the definitive mark of our Christmas beginning.
So to roll this into a festive house, lit garden and carol singers was the perfect first note to start our Christmas.
Each year, the house is beautifully decorated to a theme. Last year, it was an enchanting Narnia and this year, it was Brother’s Grimm story. It was enchanting to...
Police are urging revellers in the South West to be on their best behaviour as figures show one in three violent crimes on the region’s railway last Christmas were alcohol-related.
Our officers arrest more people for violent and public order offences at this time of year than for any other type of incident, with 73 such crimes being recorded in the South West.
Of those offences, nearly a third were alcohol-related, and officers are now carrying out extra patrols and encouraging passengers to keep a clear head in a bid to reduce the national rise in violence seen on the rail...
Exmouth Quay’s annual concert of traditional Christmas carols held on Sunday 11 December was a huge success with well over a hundred people joining in the fun.
The Exmouth Town Band, Exmouth Shanty Men, and the Woodbury Community choir provided the music for the event which was hosted by Martin Nicholls and raised funds for Christian Aid.
Property developer Eagle One, who built most of the quayside homes and are just completing the last 14 apartments at The Point, is the main sponsor of the event. Other traders at the Quay provide help with the fund-raising and the event...
Devon’s favourite multi-award-winning holiday park, Cofton Country Holidays near Dawlish, is readying itself for the arrival of four very special guests on Thursday 22nd December when Father Christmas, his happy helper Elvina, and two of his most radiant reindeer come to Cofton for the afternoon.
Bringing the spirit of Christmas to Cofton whilst raising money for Children’s Hospice South West, the free to enter event will see Santa sweep in to Cofton on a sleigh drawn by Comet and Cupid at midday, ready for photos with children between 12pm and 1pm.
Stagecoach South West has confirmed details of its Christmas bus services, with services operating throughout the holiday period excluding Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Buses across the network will finish early on both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve with the majority of services ending around 8.30pm on both days. Fans travelling to Sandy Park for the Christmas Eve Chiefs match are advised that the last C bus will leave Sandy Park at 8.30pm.
Stagecoach will be running special services on Boxing Day on the following routes:
Maybe Christmas in today’s world really highlights our personal and social choices and priorities, especially when it comes to human well-being and fulfilment. Our 24/7 excessively commercial world screams at us without respite through constant images and messages, and especially at this time of the year: You will find happiness in the (oil-derived) plastic glitter and glitz! Only buy more, eat more and drink more, and your festive holiday will satisfy your every need! No matter the cost, you will be what you consume and through it achieve personal satisfaction. Ask no questions, seek no...
Your essential guide to what’s on in and around Exeter this weekend (9-11 December 2016).
THEATRE
Cinderella Friday, Saturday & Sunday, Barnfield Theatre, Exeter A classic rags to riches story about a beautiful young girl who is cruelly treated by her jealous Ugly Step-sisters. If she’s to meet her Prince Charming and find true love before the clock strikes midnight, she’ll need all the magic her Fairy Godmother can muster up, along with the help from her best friend Buttons. Will Cinderella get her fairy-tale ending? Tickets £10.50 (£8.50). http://www.barnfieldtheatre...
Gandy Street, in the heart of the city, is Exeter’s most picturesque shopping area. Host to a wonderful array of independent shops, its perfect for your Christmas shopping. Tucked away from the crowds, it offers an intimate shopping experience. With its bars, restaurants and cafes, beauty and hairdressing salons you’ll be able to shop, relax and enjoy the friendly atmosphere. So, here’s why Gandy Street is the place to head to this Christmas. 1. Jewellery. Stunning jewellery to suit all pockets - and lots of shops to choose from. Because they’re independent you’ll get a friendly welcome,...
Devon Wildlife Trust will be celebrating Christmas with its popular annual family event at the charity’s Cricklepit Mill, in the heart of Exeter. The converted medieval mill and garden will be open from 11am to 4pm on Sunday 11 December for the event. Stars of the show at this year’s Christmas at Cricklepit are likely to be the reindeer from a North Devon farm. Visitors will be able to pet and feed the reindeer before they see Father Christmas in his traditional green costume. Children will also have the chance to create natural Christmas decorations out of willow and make bird feeders to...
Tesco colleagues across the South West are preparing to get festive to raise funds for the National Charity Partnership. Over the weekend of 9th December – 11th December, the nationwide ‘Rudolph Race’ fundraiser will see colleagues across Tesco raise money to help improve the health of the nation. The ‘Rudolph Race’ theme will bring some festive fun to Tesco stores, with colleagues running, walking and cycling the equivalent length of the UK – all to help Santa and his trusted reindeer get to the finish line on time. Colleagues at Tesco Exeter Vale will be dressing up with a front of store...