Devon

Devon-based music charity Wren Music has welcomed a national survey which shows that more young people than ever before are learning to play an instrument, but says more can be done to keep them involved in music into adulthood.

Projects like Wren’s ‘Rough Music’ orchestras, ‘Voices in Common’ choirs and Roots Music School - its community orchestras and choirs across Devon - are aiming to do just that.

Wren’s orchestras and choirs are for anyone to join irrespective of ability, with the aim of encouraging a life-long involvement in music.

Most of the groups meet...

Friends of the Earth has called for an immediate halt to Government plans to capture wild beavers on the River Otter in Devon, warning that any such moves may be unlawful. In a letter sent to Environment Secretary Liz Truss, the environmental charity outlined its concerns regarding the legality of capturing the beavers, explaining that since Britain formed part of the natural range of beavers - and since there were already free living populations in Scotland - they should be covered by EU laws governing protected species. In 2013 it was reported that there was a small population of...

This year Powderham Food Festival presents the “Theatre of Fire and Smoke” - everyone will be cooking over traditional fire - fire pits, BBQs, wood fired ovens . . . . searin’ and smokin’.

Helen Hayes, PR manager of Helpful Holidays, the key sponsor, is looking forward to the festival “We can't wait to celebrate a third year sponsoring this event. Fabulous West Country food is very much a part of our guests' self-catering holiday experience and we are happy to be involved again.”

So bring out your inner caveman or woman! Feast your eyes on the theatre of Fire 'n Smoke and...

The search for Britain’s coolest place to work sees Princesshay in Exeter rival major cities across the nation for the top spot, with businesses in the area among the most satisfied in the UK.

In a search for the most exciting, up-and-coming business districts, nationwide property management company Capital Properties has announced a shortlist of the UK’s Coolest Places to Work.

Exeter’s premier business location made the cut thanks to its eclectic mix of heritage architecture and sleek office and retail spaces.

Princesshay now vies for the title of Coolest Place to...

Surge in trade mark filing signals boom in Devon business growth

A surge in trade mark filings indicates that Devon companies are continuing to perform well following the challenges of the last few years, according to a leading intellectual property lawyer.

Stephens Scown LLP has filed 55 per cent of all trade marks filed by professionals in Devon and Cornwall this year. To date the firm’s intellectual property and IT team has filed 90 UK/EU trade mark applications on behalf of its clients, covering everything from motorsports equipment to food and drink products.

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This week Devon and Cornwall Police launch a new campaign targeted at students and young people to help change attitudes to sexual offences. The #NOBLURREDLINES campaign will target men and women aged between 16-37 to educate and inform them that sex without consent is rape. The campaign is targeted at potential victims and perpetrators, with the message that there are no blurred lines when it comes to rape and to dispel the misconceived notion that most rapes involve a stranger. In reported rape cases 75% of the victims had already met their attacker and during Freshers week a student’s...

Councils in Exeter have vowed to work more closely together in an effort to tackle weeds in the city.

It was agreed at a meeting on Monday (22 September) between representatives of Devon County Council and Exeter City Council that a more joined-up approach was needed to address the issue.

Devon County Council (DCC) is responsible for the upkeep of highways in the city, including the treatment of weeds. For a number of years, Exeter City Council has been commissioned to carry out the spraying of weeds on behalf of DCC.

Unfortunately this year, because the work was...

Australian Pat Phibbs has today agreed a short-term deal to stay with the Exeter Chiefs.

With Dave Lewis currently sidelined with an elbow injury and fellow scrum-half Haydn Thomas having taken a bang to the head in last Friday's win at Gloucester, Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter is keen to ensure he has sufficient cover in the half-back role.

Phibbs - who is in his second spell with the Devon club - initially joined a few weeks ago on trial, but his efforts in both training and for the Braves in the Aviva Premiership A League have clearly impressed Baxter to reward the 32-...

Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Hogg has helped to win almost £120,000 for three charities that support victims of sexual abuse. Devon Rape Crisis, Cornwall Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (CRASAC) and the Womens Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre – Cornwall (WRSAC) have all been given significant funding for new projects via the Government’s competed fund.

Devon Rape Crisis, which offers specialist support to women across Devon and Torbay who have been victims of rape, childhood sexual abuse or harassment, has be awarded £17,500 to develop a project which will benefit disabled women who...