Devon

Holmes 'excited' about Chiefs move

Authored by Mark Stevens
Posted: Tue, 07/05/2016 - 12:03pm

Exeter Chiefs newcomer Greg Holmes says he is “excited” by the challenge that lies ahead as he prepares to join up with the Aviva Premiership club in the coming weeks.

The 33-year-old prop is one of three new faces set to arrive at Sandy Park this summer, having been recruited by head coach Rob Baxter from Australian Super Rugby side, Queensland Reds, ahead of the new 2016/17 season.

Holmes is set to end his 11-year association with the Reds once the current Super Rugby season finishes and will come straight into the Chiefs plans as they look to attack the new Premiership...

Capital Air Ambulance poised for European expansion

Authored by Jason Clark
Posted: Tue, 07/05/2016 - 11:58am

Exeter-based Capital Air Ambulance (Capital), the aeromedical brand of Rigby Group’s aviation division and the UK’s No 1 provider of fixed wing air ambulance services, has unveiled an ambitious strategy for expansion across the European market.

Capital has in recent months taken advantage of marketplace changes to establish itself as Britain’s largest Air Ambulance operator and is operating from a second UK base in the Midlands, with an enlarged fleet and crew offering an expanded range of services including long haul medical repatriation flights across Europe, the Middle East and...

New outdoor festival launches with most iconic trail

A new outdoor festival with one of Britain’s toughest trails is promised to be one of the highlights of the South west festival.

The running event is to take place in the heart of Heddon Valley in North Devon this September 23-25.

There will be a mixture of trail running challenges, with three distances to choose from which are a full off road marathon length race, a half marathon event, and a 10km challenge.

Ceri Rees, chief trail architect and race director said: “It is, without a doubt, one of the most scenic and toughest coast and country trail running marathons...

South West urged to face freezer fears

Research released as part of Food Safety Week 4-10 July has shown 64 percent of people in the South West have unnecessarily thrown food away in the past month.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) are urging the public in the South West to face their “freezer fear” to tackle the issue of food waste.

FSA’s research showed that 33 percent of people interviewed said it is dangerous to freeze cooked meat, and 41 percent believe food becomes unsafe to eat while in the freezer.

The most common reason that was found for throwing away food was that if it is past it’s ‘use by’...

Local festival with a big heart

Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted: Tue, 07/05/2016 - 10:06am

The Axe Vale Festival raised the standard once again for 2016.

Much loved by locals and visitors, the entertainment this year took the festival into another league with a mix of forestry skills courtesy of Adams Axmen, courage, teamwork and entertainment from the Rockwood Dogs Display team and the awe inspiring Adrenaline Tour motorcycle and quad bike stunt show which had everyone gasping as Jason Smyth repeatedly took to the air executing incredible leaps.

When the crowd weren’t enthralled by the events in the main arena their attention was drawn to the many trade stands...

Call for improvements in the way Army Reserve Forces are trained and supported

Improvements to the way that Army Reserve Forces are trained and supported are needed if recruitment and retention targets are to be met, according to a new study.

Progress has been made in implementing the Army’s Future Reserves 2020 reform programme, but more must be done if reservists are to be used effectively to fulfil the nation’s defence objectives, according to the preliminary results of a new study.

Experts will present their interim results from a survey of reservists to MPs on the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Reserve Forces and Cadets on Tuesday, 5 July....

Pinhoe library to receive free WI-FI

An Exeter library is one of the selected locations to be a part of BT and Barclay’s innovative community based programme.

In March 2015 BT and Barclay’s joined together to promote a scheme in which 100 libraries around the UK will receive free WI-FI.

BT found 80 percent of people in the south west rely on the internet for local community involvement, and Exeter’s Pinhoe Library is to receive free WI-FI to boost this.

36 percent of people in the south west said they use free WI-FI to access local information, and empowers them to gain new experiences when finding out...

Over 240 crews to compete in Exeter Rowing regatta

Exeter Quay will once again be host to the City of Exeter Rowing Regatta on Saturday 9 July for a full day of sprint racing at the historic quayside.

The Regatta at Exeter Quay is a great day out for the family. Parents and youngsters can be inspired by the action and families can also relax in the cafes and bars. The first race is at 10:00am and racing continues through-out the day ending at 6pm with the mens’ open eight.

Paul Wilson Exeter Regatta Chairman said: "Exeter Regatta has steadily grown in popularity and the number of competitors and events continues to rise. At...

Better journeys on the way for SW rail passengers

Plans to give rail passengers along the South Western network more trains, more space and faster journeys were today (4 July) announced by Rail Minister Claire Perry. The Department for Transport has published documents setting out how bidders for the new South Western franchise will be required to provide plans for:

  • At least 95 additional services on weekdays from December 2018.
  • A doubling of services along the London Waterloo to Reading and Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside routes from two to four trains an hour.
  • Earlier first trains and later
  • ...

Paulos Circus Tour 2016

Event Date: 
14/07/2016 - 5:00pm to 24/07/2016 - 12:00am
Venue: 
Darts Farm, Topsham, Exeter

Paulos Circus 2016 Tour is coming to Topsham.

The circus will be showing at Darts Farm, Topsham 14 July to 24 July.

Show times during the week are 5.00pm and 7.15pm Thursday and Friday, Saturday 2.00pm and 4.30pm, Sunday 1.30pm and 3.30pm.

You can reserve your seats by messaging their Facebook page ThePaulosCircus or can buy tickets on the door.

Box office will be open on site from Tuesday 12 July 10am daily.

Tickets are £7 per person.

For more information visit their website www.the-circus.co.uk or www.paulos.co.uk

Pages