east devon

New look for South Devon tourism

Visit South Devon has today unveiled a new look brand and refreshed website for tourism in South Devon, embracing tourism businesses and destinations across East Devon, Mid Devon, Teignbridge and South Hams. Created following its merger with Heart of Devon, the new brand, developed by Exeter brand agency, ‘Believe in’, is designed to create an evocative link between the shores and countryside of South Devon and happy holidays. Providing a one-stop shop for tourists looking for everything from tea shops in Tiverton to bodyboarding in Bantham, the expanded Visit South Devon brings together...

"Yes, Chef!"

Authored by Sue Cade
Posted: Thu, 12/15/2016 - 7:14am

Coffee shop and play kingdom Tickety-Boo in Ottery St Mary has been so successful that a second chef has joined the team.

Trystan Bridgman, 37, has an extensive background in catering, having worked at Deer Park Hotel and Twisted Oak.

Local lad Trystan, who has been cheffing since he left The Kings School, will be working with Head Chef Dave Goldsworthy to bring more new dishes to the coffee shop menu. He said:

“I have known Dave for many years, and previously worked with him at an Italian restaurant.

“When the opportunity came up at Tickety-Boo, I jumped at...

Experience East Devon’s winter bird spectacle this Christmas

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Sat, 12/10/2016 - 11:06pm

East Devon nature reserves and countryside sites provide vital homes for migrating birds during the winter season and there’s no better time than the festive season to visit one of these areas and take a look.

The Exe Estuary Local Nature Reserve (LNR) is internationally important for its winter population of wildfowl and waders. The reserve, which is managed by the East Devon District Council Countryside Team, attracts over 20,000 birds to its waters in the winter.

Early in the season flocks of dark bellied brent geese, wigeon and pintail ducks can be seen feeding on the...

Reduced parking fees in EDDC car parks

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Fri, 12/02/2016 - 3:15pm

Anyone planning to shop for Christmas in East Devon’s lovely towns this year or explore the district’s beautiful countryside can take advantage of the district council’s winter parking special offer and park in any EDDC car park for just £2 a day after 10am.

The cut-down tariff was introduced on November 1 and runs until March 31 2017. It’s great value for shoppers who can take their time as the ticket will cover them for the rest of the day, up until midnight.

The temporary tariff will also support local shops, cafes and restaurants during the traditionally quieter months...

Rusty Pig announces total raised at Tar Barrels

Authored by Sue Cade
Posted: Tue, 11/29/2016 - 9:52am

Rusty Pig’s mobile feasting wagons scored a major success at this year’s Tar Barrels in Ottery.

The two wagons, based in Mill Street during the revels, raised a total of £2015 for the Ottery St Mary Carnival Committee.

Rusty Pig owner, Robin Rea said: “We knew this would be a busy year as Tar Barrels fell on a Saturday – the town was heaving.

“Having two wagons instead of the single one we had last year meant we could serve many more revellers than before.”

Dexter burgers and pulled Jamaican pork drew hungry crowds all night. Meanwhile, the Rusty Pig...

Young writers surpass expectations in Tickety-Boo competition

Authored by Sue Cade
Posted: Tue, 11/15/2016 - 11:08am

Ottery St Mary Primary School pupils proved they were talented wordsmiths in a writing competition organised by local coffee shop, Tickety-Boo.

The seasonally-themed competition attracted an impressive 63 entries from schoolchildren of all ages, from Foundation right up to Year 6.

Tickety-Boo’s head chef, Dave Goldthorpe, visited the school to give out certificates and prizes to the children who took part.

He said: “We asked for stories based around Bonfire Night, Tar Barrels or Halloween. It was a very difficult competition to judge – we weren’t expecting quite so...

Fun day brings families together at Seaton Wetlands

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Fri, 11/11/2016 - 4:18pm

Action packed event with countryside activities proves a big hit with local children and parents

Five Sidmouth families recently spent an action packed afternoon at East Devon’s wonderful Seaton Wetlands nature reserve, enjoying a range of fun outdoor activities organised by the council’s Countryside and Community Development services.

The children and families paddled in the stream, looking for fish and freshwater animals, cooked homemade bread on a pit fire, toasted marshmallows and explored the amazing Wetlands. Everyone was in great spirits and the families had...

East Devon bathing waters receive an even cleaner bill of health

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Thu, 11/10/2016 - 11:14am

Defra announces 2016 bathing water quality results – East Devon has 7 Excellent beaches and 1 Good beach

The bathing waters at East Devon’s eight beaches have all passed the stringent testing standards set by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

The announcement of the 2016 bathing water quality results, which was made by Defra earlier today, revealed that seven of the district’s beaches received an Excellent classification – which is the highest and cleanest class (an improvement from 2015 when only four beaches were classed as Excellent), while...

Cranbrook shortlisted for LGC Awards 2017

Local Government Chronicle (LGC) has announced that East Devon’s new town of Cranbrook has been shortlisted in the ‘Housing Initiative’ category of their prestigious 2017 LGC Awards .

Cranbrook is in the running for another industry accolade, having been selected by a panel of judges who considered entries from all over the UK for the LGC Awards 2017. In order to be shortlisted, the submission had to clearly demonstrate how East Devon District Council alongside partners Exeter City Council, Devon County Council, Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) plus the development consortium...

Risky play activity sessions helps children to explore boundaries

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Mon, 10/31/2016 - 10:12pm

East Devon’s Countryside Education Ranger helps children centres and families to benefit from fun but challenging outdoor play sessions

Countryside Education Ranger Penny Evans has been busy holding a number of outdoor risky play sessions throughout October for groups of preschool children and parents from the Axe Valley Children's Centres. Risky play is about providing opportunities for children to encounter or create uncertainty, unpredictability and potential hazards as part of their play. However, it doesn’t mean putting children in danger or serious harm.

The play...

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