The County Council raised the European flag at County Hall today (9 May) to mark International Europe Day 2013.
Exactly 63 years ago, the French Foreign Minister, Robert Schuman, took the first steps in a speech that held out a hand of friendship to Germany, towards the creation of the European Economic Community, which developed to become the European Union.
Mr Schuman spoke of their two countries cooperating with each other to pool their economic resources, and to no longer be enemies.
What began with his speech 63 years ago, has formed the union today of 27...
Need some inspiration for the weekend? Look no further than our round up of the best events happening in and around Exeter over the next few days:
THEATRE
Jethro Friday, 8pm, Exmouth Pavilion The world’s funniest Cornishman brings his unique brand of irrepressible and irresistible West Country wit, which is definitely for adults only, to the Exmouth Pavilion for a fun-filled night of comedy entertainment. Over 18s only. Tickets £20. Box office 01395 222477 to book now www.ledtickets.co.uk
Al Murray: The Only Way is Epic Saturday, 7.30pm, Northcott Theatre, Exeter...
In her speech yesterday in Parliament, the Queen announced a number of changes to the Immigration Bill, aiming to "ensure that this country attracts people who will contribute, and deter those who will not." These changes could have implications for South West businesses and landlords, not just immigrants themselves.
One of the announced proposed changes to the Immigration Bill is that landlords will have to check the immigration status of prospective tenants before granting them a tenancy agreement – and if they don’t they will potentially have to pay a hefty fine.
The Forestry Commission in the South West has taken the lead in promoting green energy and best practice by installing a wood pellet boiler to heat its new offices in Kennford.
Exeter-based renewables company Fair Energy has installed a new biomass heating system to provide heat for the woodland organisation’s new regional office. The organisation’s regional branch recently relocated to a refurbished site in Haldon Forest Park, and is now saving an estimated 6 tonnes in carbon emissions each year by replacing electric storage heaters.
HRH The Duchess of Cornwall is to attend the first day of the Devon County Show on Thursday 16 May at Westpoint, Exeter.
It will be the Duchess of Cornwall’s third visit to the county’s largest annual event where she will be the guest of The Hon George Lopes, this year’s Show President.
Show Secretary Ollie Allen said: “We are honoured and delighted that Her Royal Highness will be with us this year and will do everything to ensure she enjoys her day.”
The Duchess of Cornwall’s first visit was in 2005, shortly after her marriage to HRH The Prince of Wales and a...
Up to 20 new apprenticeships are now being offered by South West Water as its successful programme is expanded.
The majority of the chosen trainees will be working within the company's waste water and drinking water teams and responsible for operating and maintaining assets such as pumping stations and large treatment works. A further three apprentices will work in the technical services team and will learn how to install, repair and maintain South West Water's electrical and process control systems.
South West Water's Customer Relations Director Monica Read said: "We are...
Exeter-based photographer, Tim Pestridge LBIPP, has received acclaim for his work in commercial photography after achieving the Joint Licentiate of the Year Award at the British Institute of Professional Photography (BIPP) Qualification Awards. These awards are to recognise the best photographers who qualified with the BIPP within the past year.
Tim graduated from The University of Plymouth in 1995, having studied a BA Combined Honours Degree covering Graphic Design, Illustration and Photography. Over the next 10 years, Tim experienced a breadth of different creative roles such as...
Without support from local business, the future of a service run by local charity, St Petrock’s, is at risk. Started in 2010, St Petrock’s' Private Rented Service was set up to help address the limited accommodation options in Exeter available for single people who are homeless but do not have a statutory right to housing. While initially funded by Crisis – the national charity for single homeless people - for the first two years, this funding stream has ended and while all efforts are being made to attract funding, St Petrock’s is looking for a local Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)...
When 25-year-old Charlotte Slee from North Devon brought three Jacob sheep 10 years ago, little did she think it would be the start of a prize-winning flock. Now she runs the Halsbury Flock with her brother Christopher, aged 22, on their parents' farm at Buckland Brewer near Bideford. At this year’s Devon County Show - May 16-18 - they hope to recreate the triumph of last year when they went away with a coveted Special Prize (for the most points gained by a livestock exhibitor aged under 35) and an armful of rosettes. Charlotte, who works full time on the farm, said: “Last year we had...
The number of people worshipping in Devon's Anglican churches has risen over the past year by more than one per cent, the latest attendance figures have shown.
There has been an upward trend in the recorded average weekly attendance since 2008, with the latest figure reaching 27,100 in 2011.
The number of children attending church or church related projects has also risen signficantly, to 3,800 in 2011 (the latest available figures).
The number of people going to a church service at Christmas is also up significantly, in common with other dioceses across the Church...
