With just a few days to go until the festive holidays begin, what weather can we expect this Christmas?
After the mild, unsettled start to December the Met Office say it looks likely that this theme will continue through until the end of the year with some spells of windy, wet weather but also drier, brighter periods with some showers. Although temperatures will remain above average, there will be some cooler days and nights with wintry showers possible over hills and mountains in the north of the UK and some overnight frosts.
Going into Christmas Eve, a low pressure system...
Despite recent news headlines that a local beaver population had ‘disappeared’ from their East Devon home, a local wildlife charity is now claiming that it has evidence that they are very much alive.
In November the BBC reported the concerns of some local people that they had not had sightings of beavers on the River Otter for some weeks.
This ‘disappearance’ was then reported by national newspapers. However, Devon Wildlife Trust has now come forward with evidence which shows that the beavers are still there, although they may have relocated their homes, known as lodges,...
Devon & Cornwall Police have released a statement following rumours of planned terrorist attacks in the region.
The statement reads: “The current threat across the UK from international terrorism remains ‘severe’, meaning an attack is highly likely.
“The increased level of activity is matched by UK police, security and intelligence services who are working tirelessly and at pace to confront the terrorist threat and keep the public safe.
“Police are aware of stories circulating on social media about apparent attacks at specific sites and times.
“As soon as I enter Exeter Cathedral I make a beeline for Liz for a cuddle and a catch up!”
It’s not me being talked about but Liz, one of our amazing bereavement supporter volunteers. I was at Hospiscare’s Light Up A Life Service in the cathedral and met a lady who comes along every year.
She comes for two reasons, to remember her mum and catch up with Liz. When her mum died she found that our care continues with a dedicated support volunteer.
It was the first time I had attended this service and it was exactly as everyone had described to me; a lovely evening of...
House prices in the South West will see an increase of 5% over the course of next year according to the RICS housing forecast for 2016. This is lower than the national average increase of 6% but the same as London and Northern Island. The North East is likely to see the most modest price rise with a predicted increase for 2016 at 3%. Transactions nationally will edge up to between 1.25 and 1.3 million (from 1.22 million in 2015). In the South West transactions are expected to rise to 101k in 2016 from 97k in 2015. Although housing has climbed the policy agenda with supply issues dominating...
Devon and Cornwall Police is asking everyone this festive season, and throughout the coming year, to think carefully before calling 999 or 101 and to only do so in an emergency or to report a non-urgent crime.
The Force’s two contact centres in Plymouth and Exeter receive more than a million calls a year. Although many people use the service responsibly there are still a significant number who, whether through ignorance or impatience, waste police time and also increase call waiting times for genuine callers.
On Christmas day last year officers were incredulous to receive a...
Exeter Chamber of Commerce raised just under £1000 for 6 local charities at this year’s Christmas charity auction lunch, which was held at the Mercure Southgate Hotel. The auctioneer for the charitable event was Marc Ryan, presenter at Heart FM.
Items for auction included a Kindle Paperwhite, a Boeing 737-800 flight experience voucher, a vest worn by four-time Olympian, Jo Pavey, and the opportunity for two people to meet the Black Rhinos at Paignton Zoo.
Sara Bond, chairman of Exeter Chamber Commerce said: “The annual Christmas networking lunch was a great success. It’s...
Churches in Devon are calling upon their local communities to help bring light into the lives of some of the UK’s most vulnerable children this Christmas by supporting Christingle events in aid of The Children’s Society.
A number of services are being held throughout December and beyond, and everyone is welcome to join the festivities. Money raised will go towards helping the children the charity works with, including victims of sexual exploitation.
Families and communities are welcome to come and celebrate together at the festive fundraising events, which revolve around...
A leading South West law firm has announced that it is to be one of the sponsors of an inspiring event due to take place in Exeter in April next year.
TEDxExeter, which will take place on 16 April at the Exeter Northcott Theatre, is set to bring some of the world’s best thinkers to the city, with a theme of “Dreams to Reality”. The day will consist of a series of inspirational talks and performances on a wide range of topics. After the event videos of the talks will be online for anyone to watch.
This year’s event will build on the highly successful TEDxExeter in 2015....
Rail services to and from the South West of England could be disrupted for more than 10 per cent of each year by 2040 and almost a third by 2100, a new study suggests.
The cost of maintaining tracks and sea defences could also soar as predicted sea level rises, coupled with coastal storms and floods, pose major challenges for rail operators and governments.
The research, published in the Journal of Transport Geography, focusses on the impact of sea level rises on the Dawlish to Teignmouth stretch of the main London to Penzance route, which was closed for two months in early...
