Exeter

Courageous Sonny skydives at 71 - despite terminal illness

Authored by Hospiscare
Posted: Wed, 11/12/2014 - 6:00pm

A fearless Exeter granddad is still skydiving - despite having a terminal illness.

Sonny Hepburn, 71, was given 6-12 months to live last September 2013 after being diagnosed with cancer but continues to skydive after recovering from his chemotherapy sessions.

Skydiver Peter Brookes said: “I have the privilege to call Sonny a good friend and so do my two boys Michael and William. They are only three and four but already see how being positive can change our own lives and the lives of others around us. What an amazing role model Sonny is for the next generation.

“We...

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...

Charity trustees recognised

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Wed, 11/12/2014 - 1:21pm

This week we pay tribute to the leaders of the 355 voluntary organisations in Exeter that all rely on the dedication, energy and commitment of around 2,000 trustees in order to support their beneficiaries.

Hundreds of events will be taking place this week as charities use Trustees’ Week as a time to thank the one million trustees across England and Wales for their time and dedication.

Trustees are the people ultimately in charge of a charity. They make decisions that help charities achieve their aims and change their beneficiaries’ lives.

Dom Morris said: “Voluntary...

Heavy rain and strong winds set to continue

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

The weather may be relatively calm at the moment, but the Met Office have issued another yellow weather warning for rain tomorrow (Thursday) which is set to continue through Friday, into Saturday.

Forecasters say a developing frontal system is expected to bring another period of persistent rain, which will be heavy at times, to parts of the southern England later on Thursday and into Friday. The rain is likely to be accompanied by strong and gusty winds.

There is a risk of localised flooding, exacerbated by fallen leaves blocking drainage courses.

The Exeter-based...

TV Dragon Theo Paphitis has heart of gold

Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted: Wed, 11/12/2014 - 11:25am

Retail entrepreneur Theo Paphitis has invited designer Soula Zavacopoulos, from Chawleigh, to sell her ‘Wisdom of Kids’ books in 98 Ryman stores to raise funds for BBC Children in Need.

Ryman nor Soula Zavacopoulos will make a penny from the venture – because all of the profits will go directly to the charity.

A special price of £4.99 (£2 off the normal retail price) has been set for this fundraising campaign and at least £4 from the sale of each book will benefit BBC Children In Need, helping disadvantaged children across the UK.

The book is now on sale in the...

Westgate Science Club Festival - Open Evening

Event Date: 
28/11/2014 - 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Venue: 
Westgate Church Building (opposite The Picture House), Bartholomew Street West, Exeter EX4 3AJ

Westgate Science Club Festival open evening - Friday 28th November 2014. For children of all ages.

Westgate Science Club - 'Making Science Cool', Welcome to our annual Science Festival. Doors open 6.30 pm to see displays and interactive equipment. 7.15 pm for general presentations by the leaders and the children themselves. A touch of' Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. In the Westgate Church Building (opposite the Picture House). Families, friends, visitors all welcome. Entry free. During the event there will be a 'Godspot', a short presentation...

Your chance to quiz councillors

People in Exeter are being given the chance to quiz councillors on any “burning” issues for the city.

Exeter residents are invited to put forward questions to members of the joint County and City Councils' Exeter Board, at their next meeting on 25 November at 6pm in the Civic Centre in Paris Street.

The Board allocates 15 minutes for their ‘open forum’, with 3 minutes per speaker, with a maximum of three to four speakers to allow time for discussion.

Previously, residents have prompted debate about issues including street lighting, homelessness and waste collection...

Theatre toasts sponsorship deal

Exeter Northcott Theatre celebrated its recent sponsorship agreement with Browne Jacobson with a canapé and drinks reception.

Exeter Northcott Theatre’s Chair of the Board of Trustees Lady Studholme welcomed representatives from Browne Jacobson, theatre trustees and key members of the management and theatre production teams to a private drinks reception held in The View before guests enjoyed a performance of Craig Gilbert’s adaptation of Jerome K Jerome's classic tale Three Men in a Boat.

The year-long sponsorship deal with the national law firm will make a valuable...

Police keen to identify charity donor

Police are hoping to speak to a generous donor after a large amount of cash was left in a bag outside an Exeter charity shop.

The donation was discovered outside the Hospiscare charity shop in Cowick Street on the morning of Monday 11 November and police are now trying to establish if the donation was made legitimately.

A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall police said: “There is nothing to suggest that it is not legitimate but we want to make sure that the person who left the money intended to do so.

“The money, which was in used £20 notes and was in excess of £2,000...

Double bill- Squiffy Cabaret & New Model Theatre

Event Date: 
22/11/2014 - 2:00pm
Venue: 
Bike Shed Theatre, Exeter

As part of [ art : weapon ], the MolinoGroup will be supporting two local theatre companies in developing work inspired by the themes of the residency. Creating work which explores the relationship between art and conflict, Squiffy Cabaret and New Model Theatre will produce brand new pieces as a double-bill – presented to audiences for the first time.

Squiffy Cabaret is an Exeter based theatre company founded by Anya Williams and Magda Cassidy that creates new and contemporary music-based theatre. Squiffy Cabaret won the 2014/15 Bike Shed Theatre Graduate Company Residency, and...

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