The threat of wild fires may seem like a long way off after a typically wet Bank Holiday weekend but a leading wildlife charity is now joining forces with an emergency fire service to warn of the rising risks that fire is posing to some of the region’s most treasured landscapes. Despite rain over the Bank Holiday the South West still finds itself in the middle of a prolonged dry spell which has left parts of the countryside vulnerable to wild fires.
With the long range weather forecast predicting little prospect of rain Devon Wildlife Trust has become concerned enough about the...
The spring flowers in Moretonhampstead gardens Sutton Mead and Mardon must have loved the driest winter for decades.
The colours of the apple blossom, wisteria, rhododendrons and azaleas have never looked better. Both of these four acre gardens will be open in aid of The National Garden Scheme on Friday, Saturday and Sunday 19, 20, 21 May - 2pm-6pm.
There will be a sale of plants raised in the gardens and delicious homemade teas. Parking is available at both gardens and for anyone wishing to combine their visit with a walk on the moor, dogs on leads are welcome.
Gilbert Stephens has announced the retirement of Peter Bennet from the Firm’s service on Thursday 20th April after and long and successful career in the legal profession.
Peter was born, raised and educated in Exeter. In 1976 he became a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives and subsequently in 1993 he was a founder member of The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.
He has worked locally for all his professional career having joined Gilbert Stephens in 2002 as Senior Private Client Legal Executive from which he now retires from 15 years’ service.
Honiton firefighters are organising a recruitment campaign for prospective on-call firefighters on Saturday 20 May from 9am-1pm.
A crew will be available in the High Street with another positioned at Tesco’s to talk to anyone interested in becoming a firefighter within the community.
No previous experience of firefighting is necessary for this role – the ideal prospective firefighter starts with a commitment to the community, a positive attitude and a good level of fitness.
This is an opportunity for men and women who live and/or work within five minutes response...
Members of the business community in Honiton have pitched in to help Honiton Gymnastics Club develop its facilities since moving into its own premises nine months ago.
When the club moved out of Honiton Gymnastics Centre and into the old Rainbow store on Ottery Moor Lane last August there was a huge amount of work to do. As a result, many big-hearted businesses in Honiton and further afield have come to the rescue, providing the club with discounted and free materials, helping with supplies for events, and offering free labour for essential work.
Chagstock Festival organisers have announced a slew of fabulous new acts to the bill for 2017, completing the line-ups for the Main and Marquee Stages.
New additions to the main stage include enduring R&B legends Dr Feelgood, Bristolian 8-piece Swing & Hiphop funkers Cut Capers, Cornwall based free-spirited multi instrumentalists Echo Town, modern Ska outfit Buster Shuffle, Gypsy swing outfit Immigrant Swing and Westcountry gypsy-punk act Biere De Luxe.
Over on the marquee stage Irish rockers Raglans, virtuoso guitarist John Fairhurst and Devon’s own country pop...
Police are appealing for witnesses following an unprovoked attack on a man in Topsham yesterday morning [Tuesday 2 May 2017].
The incident took place around 6.45am on Holman Way, as the victim was heading towards the direction of the Lighter Inn, Topsham.
The victim, a man in 20s, approached the bike shop where an unknown man was waiting on the corner and asked for the time. As the victim looked down at his watch, an unknown corrosive liquid was sprayed in his face causing burning to his eyes.
A member of the public called an ambulance and he was taken to the Royal...
The City Gate, once known as the Crown and Sceptre, is literally laced into the fabric of the ancient city of Exeter and has been welcoming guests since it first opened in 1778.
Transformed, following an extensive refurbishment by renowned pub, hotel and bar group Young’s, The City Gate offers everything from a pint of real ale to after-work cocktails, a leisurely weekend brunch to a three-course dinner and, with 14 boutique bedrooms, it’s the perfect getaway. Pub & Dining Room A modern British menu is served in the elegantly designed dining room, bar-side lounge and garden-...
An Exeter infants school is providing a good quality of education and enjoying swift improvements under a new management team, according to independent education inspectors. Whipton Barton Infants and Nursery was judged to be a good school when inspectors last visited in 2013. Now - four years later - a new inspection by the school standards agency Ofsted concludes that Whipton Barton is continuing to provide a good education but also undergoing swift improvement. It comes as the school announces it will be doubling its successful nursery and extending the age range and opening hours. The...
Construction is about to begin on a brand new Community Hub for Topsham, one of the area’s most important buildings of recent years - and the organisation behind it is seeking volunteers to help champion its work and plan how it will develop.
The new hub, being built on the site of the former ‘pre-fab’ Topsham library, aims to be the pride of the local community.
It will be the base for many of the services provided by the Estuary League of Friends, a long-standing and much-loved charity serving the town and communities stretching from Countess Wear to Exmouth.
