winter

Utilities company supports Devon charity to keep people warm at home

100 ‘warm bags’ to keep winter chills at bay are being distributed to people in and around Exminster as a result of a partnership between Wales & West Utilities and Devon charity Westbank Community Health and Care (Westbank).

The bags are being distributed to people in the local community through Westbank’s recently-launched Warmwell at Home initiative. Each bag contains hand warmers, a thermometer, a pair of thermal socks, a travel mug, a hat and gloves, a hot water bottle and a large blanket.

Wales & West Utilities, the gas emergency and pipeline service,...

5 laides sitting in church pews

Heavitree residents offered a warm space this winter

A community library in Exeter is opening its doors to residents as a warm hub after being awarded a grant to tackle fuel poverty.

The £2,000 grant for Heavitree PCC has come from National Grid Electricity Distribution’s £5 million Community Matters Fund which is supporting hundreds of groups across the South West, Midlands and South Wales.

Heavitree Friendly Library meets twice per month at St Michael's church in Heavitree, offering a free library service for the community as well as a social space for people to meet. Each session includes a story time for parents and...

Get the know-how to avoid the misery of burst pipes

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Fri, 01/12/2024 - 9:36pm

As the Met Office predicts cold, arctic air will soon hit the UK, WaterSafe is advising households on how to prevent, and deal with, burst or frozen water pipes.

Research by WaterSafe, the national register of approved plumbers, shows 15 per cent of UK residents have had a burst pipe in winter, when freezing temperatures can cause pipes to split.

Additionally, the Association of British Insurers reports the average cost of a weather-related home insurance claim for burst pipes is a costly £9,300.

Julie Spinks, Director at WaterSafe, says prevention is key: “The...

Running in Winter Woodland

Top Tips for Keeping Active this Winter

Authored by Tom_Berry
Posted: Fri, 12/15/2023 - 8:40am

It’s very common for exercise routines to be aborted as we drift into winter. The darker evenings, lower temperatures and wetter weather make sitting in a warm living room far more appealing. However, there’s an old fitness adage: summer bodies are built in the winter. How can we avoid panicked binge-fitness only a few weeks before our summer holiday in Spain? Here are some tips to help keep you active through the colder months.

More than just a bikini photo

Regular exercise will help you look lithe and toned in your bikini or board shorts, and that’s a perfectly good...

Warning to take extra care as wintry showers and ice forecast

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Wed, 11/29/2023 - 11:53pm

The current cold spell could lead to a risk of wintry showers and ice on higher ground tomorrow (Thursday 30 November) and Devon County Council is urging people to take extra care on Devon’s roads.

The Met Office has issued a Yellow Weather Warning for snow and ice which is in force for most of Devon from 3am tomorrow morning until 4pm in the afternoon.

There is a chance of sleet and snow, with the Met Office forecasting the possibility of up to 10cm of snow on Dartmoor, Exmoor and the Blackdown Hills, whereas other areas may get from 1cm-3cm.

With road surface...

Snark at Piazza Terracina, Exeter

Winter Dining on Snark

Authored by SNARK
Posted: Mon, 10/30/2023 - 11:02am

Snark is now fully open at her berth at Piazza Terracina. The first three weeks have been a great success with over 100 happy diners enjoying our Moorish set dinners and brunches.

For the next two weeks they head to Italy with a four course warming autumnal menu of classic Italian dishes; preserved meats and vegetables, rich pastas, hearty stews and luscious deserts. Mellow Italian wines and English ale sold over the bar.

They also have a number of special winter festival meals planned over the next two months as well as some pop-up special dinners on Wednesday evenings...

Let's look out for each other on Devon's roads

With the clocks going back this Sunday (29 October), Devon County Council is reminding all road users to help play their part in keeping each other safe. Everyone using Devon’s roads is being urged to take extra care this autumn and winter. Motorists are asked to look out for more vulnerable road users as daylight hours are reduced and to give them plenty of time and space. Cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and horse riders are all encouraged to “be bright, be seen”, by wearing reflective and fluorescent clothing to ensure they can be seen clearly. Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon...

RGB Exeter urges property owners to winterproof their homes now to avoid costly damage

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Thu, 10/12/2023 - 11:38pm

As winter approaches, the Exeter branch of RGB Building Supplies is providing advice to property owners on how to get ready for the colder months. With unpredictable weather conditions, it's crucial to ensure a home is winter-ready both inside and out. Neglecting to do so can result in costly damage and higher energy bills due to draughts.

Paul West, branch manager at RGB in Exeter, explains why it’s important to prepare now before the weather worsens:

“Winter can take a toll on various parts of a home, including the roof, gutters, windows, doors, and insulation. Without...

Local people urged to get winter vaccinations to protect the NHS

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Fri, 10/06/2023 - 6:56am

Thousands of people across Devon can now book their flu and covid-19 vaccines online, as the NHS booking system opens ahead of what could be a challenging winter for the health service.

As part of the NHS’s commitment to make it ever more convenient for people to book in for their winter vaccines, all eligible adults can book their vaccination appointment through www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/keep-warm-keep-well , by downloading the NHS App or by calling 119.

New figures show more than 127,000 people in Devon have already received their flu jabs since the start of...

Energy voucher scheme for Devon households this winter

As the winter months loom on the horizon, many people in Devon are concerned about how they will meet their energy bills as the cost of living crisis continues to bite.

Citizens Advice is launching a new campaign to encourage take-up of the Energy Relief Scheme, which can provide up to £100 towards meeting energy bills for those struggling to pay their supplier.

Citizens Advice Exeter Chief Executive, Sue Julyan, said: “Last year, local Citizens Advice offices across Devon helped thousands of people with emergency funds through the fuel voucher scheme, and this year, the...

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