Exeter

Mud forces visitors away from County Show

Authored by Huw Oxburgh
Posted: Fri, 05/23/2014 - 1:56pm

Organisers of the Devon county show are turning way new visitors from the car parks due to concerns over the muddy conditions. A spokesman for the show said a combination of heavy use yesterday and the overnight rain had left the fields ‘decimated’ making too difficult to park vehicles in them in a safe and timely way. Organisers believe that they will be able to successfully remove the vehicles currently parked but people making their way to the show should find alternative transport such as the local bus service. The difficulties persist despite the shows’ stewards spreading hundreds of...

Art is where the home is at Exeter development

Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted: Fri, 05/23/2014 - 12:24pm

This bank holiday weekend, works by top artists, including rock legend Ronnie Wood, move into an Exeter development with the help of a local art gallery.

Castle Galleries, Exeter, on Cathedral Yard has joined forces with Linden Homes to create a pop up exhibition at the City Glade development off Topsham Road.

Until Monday 26 May, the showroom will showcase an array of artists from the likes of Paul Kenton, who creates beautiful and striking cityscapes, to Caroline Shotton, who’s famed for her fun and colourful bovine art, which includes pieces such as ‘Spider-moo’. This is...

Devon beaches risk failing new water tests

Authored by Huw Oxburgh
Posted: Fri, 05/23/2014 - 11:41am

Devon’s beaches are among those on track to fail the new tougher bathing water quality standards tests, the Environment Agency has said today. The new water quality standards, which are almost twice as stringent as the current standards, will come into force in England next year in an effort to tackle pollution on the seafront. However recent tests by the Environment Agency found that, while around 90% of English Beaches are expected to meet the tougher standards, 40 English beaches (including seven in Devon) are currently at risk of failure. Failure would mean the local authority would be...

Promotions at SW renewable energy firm

Authored by Gill Vosper
Posted: Fri, 05/23/2014 - 10:42am

A leading South West renewable energy installer has strengthened its management team with the appointment of two members of staff to its board.

Exeter-based Fair Energy has promoted former business manager Shirley Hill and finance manager Matthew Laing to board directors.

Matthew, a qualified accountant, joined Fair Energy in 2011 and brings to the role three years’ experience in the renewable energy industry and a further three years’ previous experience in the construction industry. Matthew, who has spent time shadowing various positions learning how each department works...

New Couch to 5k beginners running group

This summer a new running group for beginners is starting at Killerton Estate near Exeter.

People of all ages and fitness levels are encouraged to join in, get outside, get fit and explore the beautiful countryside on their doorstep.

Sandi Holland, Killerton Sports Development Officer said: “Our new ‘Couch to 5k’ running group starts on Sunday 15 June at 9.30am and is led by a qualified run leader.

"It is particularly suited for people who currently do no running at all. The group will start with mostly walking and the odd short run, and then slowly build over ten...

Free Eyesight tests at County Show

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Thu, 05/22/2014 - 3:28pm

Visitors to the Devon County Show this week (22 to 24 May 2014) will be offered free sight screenings by Vision Express, as four stores from across the county join forces to drive home the importance of eye health. Representatives from Sidmouth, Teignmouth, Axminster and Exeter Vision Express stores will be on hand at stand 161 Avenue B to help event attendees undergo a short test, with special promotions available on the exclusive Joules and Barbour ranges.

These local Vision Express stores are manning a pitch at the Devon County Show as part of a national drive by the retailer...

Police puppies visit County Show

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Thu, 05/22/2014 - 3:00pm

Trainee police puppies are among the attractions Devon and Cornwall Police will be bringing to Devon County Show this year to showcase the many ways in which the public can get involved in making their neighbourhood safer. The theme of this year’s display is ‘Building Safer Communities Together’ and will offer advice on everything from joining the Special Constabulary and police cadets to getting involved in Neighbourhood Watch and the new Community Focus Panel. The Force is sharing its marquee with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPPC) who will be encouraging the public...

PCC talks local policing at County Show

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Thu, 05/22/2014 - 2:48pm

Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Hogg took advantage of his visit to Devon County Show today to reinforce his plea for the public to pay a more active role in local policing. Speaking on the opening day of the Devon County Show, Mr Hogg has highlighted volunteering opportunities and set out plans for the Force to significantly increase the number of Specials. Recruitment for this opens again in the autumn. “I am very keen to take the opportunity to promote the vital work undertaken by Specials and volunteers in general.” said Mr Hogg. “There are major and obvious benefits of this for our...

Thunderstorms throughout Devon on Thursday

Authored by Huw Oxburgh
Posted: Thu, 05/22/2014 - 2:01pm

Visitors to Devon County Show were being urged to don their wellies as thunderstorms are expected throughout Devon today (Thursday).

Forecasters predict that areas of heavy and locally thundery rain will move north and west across the southern half of England along with Wales during the early hours.

A brief period of drier weather reaching the extreme southeast around midnight Thursday will follow northwestwards, probably reaching much of Wales and southwest England later in the morning.

But scattered locally heavy showers, with the risk of some slow-moving thundery...

Exeter Family Friendly appoints Chief Actuary

Healthcare and protection insurer Exeter Family Friendly has appointed David Cobley as its Chief Actuary in a newly created role.

The Exeter based mutual, one of the leading providers of income protection and private medical insurance, has created the executive position to head up its pricing and actuarial function.

Commenting on the appointment, CEO Andy Chapman said:

“I’m delighted to welcome David to Exeter Family. His ability and considerable experience will make him a huge asset to our team going forward.”

Cobley is a Fellow of the Institute and Faculty...

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