Exeter

A marine biologist from the University of Exeter has taken part in a David Attenborough series which is giving viewers unprecedented interactive access to the Great Barrier Reef via an innovative new website.

Dr Steve Simpson, Senior Lecturer in Marine Biology & Global Change at the University of Exeter, worked with David Attenborough and Atlantic Productions at Lizard Island on the first episode of the BBC series Great Barrier Reef with David Attenborough. Screened on 30th December, the first episode featured Dr Simpson’s work on the rich and complex acoustic world of coral...

The Mandolin Orchestra of Devon has been running for several years and has performed at many events to critical acclaim, including the London Mandolin Festival and the Banjo, Mandolin and Guitar Foundation rally.

In the early twentieth century the mandolin had something of a golden age. Across the country there were ensembles springing up in every major town, some were a mixture of banjo, guitar and mandolin, others were mandolin orchestras. Some played to a professional level, but many were amateur groups who met socially and played at local events. A large corpus of music was...

Exeter Chiefs 19 Gloucester 10

Thomas Waldrom finished top of the try pile for 2015 and the Exeter No.8 is hoping to replicate the feat this time round as his double helped the Chiefs to victory over Gloucester.

The free-scoring forward, who scored 16 touchdowns last season, took his tally to eight for this term with a first half brace that enabled Rob Baxter’s side to keep up their pursuit of Saracens at the top of the Aviva Premiership table.

Winger Olly Woodburn added a third score, while fly-half Gareth Steenson wrapped up the job with two conversions of his own...

NHS doctors are urging people across Devon to get vaccinated against flu at their local pharmacy, under a new scheme introduced this winter.

After the mildest winter on record, experts are warning that the flu season has now started with increasing numbers of flu like illnesses presenting to GPs, With colder weather expected across the South West from next week the advice is to get the flu jab to protect yourself.

The pharmacy scheme aims to increase uptake of the vaccine, especially among people who are under the age of 65 but have a medical condition that makes them more...

A University of Exeter scientist has been honoured by the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) for his ground-breaking research into the internal structure of giant planets within our own Solar System.

Dr Dali Kong has been awarded the Winton Capital Prize for Geophysics for his world-leading research on the structure of Jupiter and Saturn.

His research has played a pivotal role in developing the understanding of the gravitational field and interior structure of the giant planets, which will form an important scientific role in NASA’s Juno and Cassini missions over the next two...

It’s a common approach from Rob Baxter not to get carried away over his side’s fortunes. Whether it’s a win or whether it’s a loss, the Exeter Chiefs head coach is well versed in telling things as it is.

In the aftermath of his side’s 8-3 loss at Northampton Saints on New Year’s Day, there were no excuses from Baxter when he addressed the assembled media at Franklin’s Gardens. His honest approach that his side may have “stolen a point” was a frank assessment following what was a disappointing first outing in 2016.

However, as he readies his troops for their latest battle...

TONY Beard, the Wag from Widecombe, recently received a gift from the Dartmoor Folk Festival Association (DFFA), which organises the annual three-day Dartmoor Folk Festival each August.

Tony has been the compere for the Music Hall held on the last night of the festival for the past 35 years.

In recognition of this, the festival association commissioned South Zeal artist Kari McGowan to paint a watercolour to convey thanks and appreciation of everything he has done.

Jason Rice, DFFA chairman, along with Mark Bazeley, artistic director and local musician and...

Police are appealing for help to find missing Scott McCafferty, who has gone missing in the Taunton area but has links to Exeter.

Concern is growing for Scott, aged 33, who was reported missing on 4 January. He was last seen leaving Tesco in Castle Street at about 3.05pm two days earlier (2 January). He was walking in the direction of French Weir in the town.

He has not been seen since.

Scott is white, about 5ft 8ins tall, of slim build with mousy/brown short hair and a full red/brown beard. On his left arm he has a tattoo of a Phoenix.

When he went missing...