Exeter

Charity comedy night a roaring success

Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted: Thu, 12/18/2014 - 11:09am

Exeter-based charity Dream-A-Way are celebrating the success of the first fundraising event organised by their Sidmouth supporters.

It was a comedy night staged at the Marine Pub in Sidmouth .

Organiser Mike Rock said: “The night was a great success with over 70 attending comedians travelling down from Bath.

"Many thanks to all the staff and owners for hosting our first ever Dream-A-Way Sidmouth event and a particular thank you to the loft, Sarah and Phil for providing raffle prizes which helped us to raise £163!”

Dream-A-Way Chairman Jeff Merrett said: “I...

I am backing the Exeter BID!

Authored by Exeter BID
Posted: Thu, 12/18/2014 - 11:05am

As the Exeter Business Improvement District (BID) reaches the next stage in its campaign, those involved in the BID are beginning to explore options with other businesses within the city centre with a view to design, plan, manage and deliver a Business Plan that reflects their business priorities to take the city centre forward for the next five years.

Here is one of the faces of Exeter BID who are supporting the scheme…

David Mezzetti, director at the Real Food Store, Paris Street, Exeter.

1. How do you feel about the Exeter BID?

An essential tool for...

Cash boost for Devon schools

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Thu, 12/18/2014 - 10:22am

Schools in some of the least fairly funded areas across the South West will soon benefit from a £68 million cash boost in the biggest step towards fairer schools funding in a decade, Schools Minister David Laws has announced.

A vital part of the Government’s plan for education is ensuring schools are properly funded, so that all pupils regardless of background can reach their full potential.

In July, the Government published estimates of how an extra £390 million would be allocated to increase the budgets of the least fairly funded areas across the country, while ensuring...

Can you help track down stolen painting?

Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted: Thu, 12/18/2014 - 10:19am

Police are investigating a theft of an original Caroline Shotton painting from Castle Gallery in Exeter's Cathedral Yard on Saturday 13 December.

This was an original painting valued at £1,250 and was glazed in a white frame, approximately 40cm X 40cm in size, although it may have been removed from the frame or reframed.

If anyone recognises this picture, has bought it recently or seen it advertised for sale in any way, please contact the police on 101 quoting crime reference CR/130108/14, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Uni a 'world leader' in research

Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted: Thu, 12/18/2014 - 10:04am

82% of Exeter’s research has been rated as world-leading or internationally excellent in the Research Excellence Framework (REF2014).

This is the first national evaluation of research quality in the UK since 2008 and looked at the economic and societal impact of research for the very first time. Exeter has made a huge rise since 2008 (from 56% to 82% world-leading/internationally excellent research) and now ranks first in the South West (BBC region), equal 19th nationally and 18th in the Russell Group on this measure. Exeter performed extremely well in humanities and social...

Local groups urged to apply for funding

Authored by LauraHew
Posted: Wed, 12/17/2014 - 11:42pm

Devon Community Foundation is encouraging local groups and organisations who have great ideas to make their communities an even better place to live, to apply for funding to turn their ideas into reality.

The charity is supporting groups to apply to a funding programme Active Communities launched by the People’s Health Trust for the South West. The funding programme is aimed at local people and groups wanting to create fairer places to grow, live, work and age.

Using money raised by HealthContact through The Health Lottery, People’s Health Trust is looking to invest in...

Green light for new pool

A new swimming pool and leisure centre for Exeter took a step closer last night (Tuesday 16 December) with the approval of £19.4 million to cover the cost of the project.

The funds were signed off at a meeting of Exeter City Council and along with the appointment of a design company due to be announced soon, represents real momentum as the project drives forward alongside the Bus Station redevelopment by Crown Estates and TIAA Henderson Real Estate.

Council Leader Pete Edwards said that getting the financial commitment was a landmark in the delivery of the project....

WiFi SPARK provides a hotline to Santa

Children at the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital for Wales in Cardiff have been given a wonderful Christmas surprise - a personal chat with Santa over WiFi.

The youngsters, who are facing Christmas in hospital, were given the VIP treatment using tablet computers and the hospital’s free WiFi which is run by WiFi SPARK.

Along with the hospital’s IT team, Oliver Malkin and Tracy Scriven from WiFi SPARK, which is based in Exeter, dressed up as elves to get the special *Cisco Santa mission underway.

Sarah Lloyd, Deputy Directorate Head of Operations and Delivery at Noah’s...

Devon Waste Plan adopted and online

The adopted Devon Waste Plan is now available online.

Devon County Council approved the adoption of the Plan at last week’s Full Council meeting, and it now forms part of the development plan for Devon to 2031.

Its adoption follows the examination hearings into the Devon Waste Plan and the receipt of the Inspector’s Report earlier this year.

The new Devon Waste Plan now provides the policy framework for waste management proposals, and the waste implications of other development, in the county over the next 16 years. It sets out measures to ensure that the proportion...

RWC2015 volunteer try outs conclude in Twickenham

The final leg of the Rugby World Cup 2015 volunteer selection events, the Try Outs, concluded in Twickenham yesterday following six months on the road.

The search for the 6,000 volunteers who will make up The Pack launched in February 2014 and England Rugby 2015 was delighted to receive over 20,000 applications. Over 10,000 applicants have since been part of the Try Outs with events held in every Rugby World Cup 2015 Host City. The search for The Pack has spanned 1,320 miles, across 13 venues and included over 3,333 hours of interviews. Prospective volunteers have ranged from age...

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