Devon

Dr Simon Singh visits Exeter School

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Thu, 11/13/2014 - 1:59pm

Popular science communicator Dr Simon Singh, MBE visited Exeter School on Monday 10 November to give a talk for 700 school children from across Exeter and beyond.

They were fascinated to hear how physics is involved in everything from the Big Bang to The Simpsons. Dr Singh told them how developments in physics have allowed us to understand our universe, as well as develop new technologies which we all rely on, such as smartphones.

They discovered how studying the subject could lead to careers as diverse as creating Hollywood film animations or solving solutions to global...

One week left to complete Exeter BID survey

Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted: Thu, 11/13/2014 - 11:47am

City centre businesses are being asked to take part in a survey to help establish businesses priorities for Exeter over the next five years.

The survey asks business managers and owners to share their opinions and ideas on a variety of topics including marketing, events and festivals, security, cleanliness, transport and accessibility.

Derek Phillips, chairman of the Exeter BID company, said: “While the BID company and ambassadors are continuing to meet with people in person, it is imperative that businesses within the BID area share their views with us via the survey.”...

Storms continue to batter Devon

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Thu, 11/13/2014 - 11:34am

The Met Office has issued a more severe amber weather warning as storms continue to batter Devon.

Southerly gales are affecting the region as a small low pressure centre moves north generating an area of severe gales within its circulation. Gusts of 50-60 mph are possible inland and as much as 75 mph along exposed coasts.

The public should be prepared for disruption to transport and possible damage to trees and buildings. There is also a risk of surface flooding.

A yellow warning of rain remains in place until Friday.

A chief forecaster said: “A small but...

Couples wanted for new BBC weight loss series

Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted: Thu, 11/13/2014 - 10:54am

TV company Renegade Pictures are casting couples for a brand new BBC1 weight loss series.

The team are due in Devon over the next week to meet potential couples for the show.

Casting Assistant Producer Paul Braund, who is originally from Exeter states: “We would love to let Exeter and Devon locals know about this casting opportunity.

"Taking part in the series will be an exciting and fun way to lose weight and as part of the show, couples will be given expert advice on how to get rid of those excess pounds and improve their lifestyles.”

The BBC show is...

House prices continue to rise in the South West

Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted: Thu, 11/13/2014 - 10:53am

House prices continued to rise in the South West, but at a slower pace, according to the latest RICS Residential Market Survey.

In line with slowing momentum, surveyors are now anticipating a much flatter price outlook in the run up to Christmas, but over the course of the next 12 months they remain quite positive.

The level of sales activity was more or less unchanged on the previous month, but surveyors are still expecting transactions to hold up in the near term.

As the market stabilises in the region 17% more chartered surveyors saw a fall in new buyer enquiries...

Workboat efficiency system funding awarded to Exeter-based consultancy

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Thu, 11/13/2014 - 8:42am

Exeter based consultancy, Safeguard Nautica Ltd as a part of a consortium have been awarded grant funding from InnovateUK to develop a workboat efficiency system specifically optimised for the Small Commercial Vessel sector.

The benefits of embracing efficient and sustainable marine operations are becoming increasingly important as the industry strives for cost savings and emission reductions. In a sector characterised by diverse fleets operated by small and medium sized companies it is less viable for operators to assign resources to analyse and optimise efficiency of the fleet...

Trustee recruitment drive for city charity

Exeter Citizens Advice Bureau is seeking new trustees.

The charity helps people resolve their problems by providing information and advice, and by influencing policy makers. They are committed to valuing diversity and promoting equality, and need skilled individuals to join their trustee board and help provide leadership.

Steve Barriball, Chief Executive of Exeter Citizens Advice Bureau said: “People from all backgrounds are welcomed. Experience of using, working in or volunteering with the CAB is not essential. We are looking for people with a wide variety of skills and a...

New Heritage Trust for Devon and Someset

The West County’s rich past gained a new champion this week when the South West Heritage Trust took over management of heritage services previously run by Devon and Somerset County Councils.

The two councils have created the Trust as a way of ensuring a strong and sustainable future for the services.

The councils will be the Trust’s main funders, but the new organisation, as an independent charity, will also be able to seek funding from other places.

The Trust’s responsibilities now include the popular Museum of Somerset in Taunton, Somerset’s Historic Environment...

Unemployment in Devon lowest on record

Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted: Wed, 11/12/2014 - 11:27pm

The number of Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) claimants in Devon has fallen to a record low again in October, in line with the national trend. Total claimants now stand at 4,118, or 0.9% of the working age population, representing a further fall of 105 claimants from September.

At a district level, overall JSA claimant numbers fell across the County with the exception of East Devon, which experienced a very small increase between September and October. The JSA claimant count rate in South Hams stands at just 0.6% of the working age population. The rate in Torridge stands at 1.5%, but...

Devon celebrates long serving foster carers

Foster carers from across Devon were celebrated for their exceptional service to Fostering Devon.

The annual Carer Celebration Awards took place at County Hall in Exeter where over 60 carers received a certificate of appreciation. Around 120 people (including many foster children) gathered to recognise the achievements of carers who have given between 5 and 30+ years of their lives to fostering.

The longest-serving carers were Jenny and Charles Thorpe from Teignmouth, Linda and Graham Denning and Sandra and Robin Cooke, all dedicating more than 30 years to fostering. These...

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