University of Exeter scientist Dr Fiona Mathews has discovered one of Britain’s rarest mammals living in East Devon. Members of the public were treated to a surprise close encounter with the Grey long-eared bat, believed to be one of only 1,000 individuals in the country, at an event organised by East Devon District Council’s Countryside Service at the Axe Estuary Wetlands.
The bat evening was part of a regular Wet and Wild Weekend – a celebration of the wildlife of the Axe Estuary Wetlands attracting nearly 500 people. Dr Mathews and fellow bat-enthusiast Adrian Bayley...
Exeter's Real Food Store and Cafe is celebrating on hearing the news that they have reached the final stages in this year's Food and Farming Awards in the Best Local Food Retailer category. This unusual project was started by a group of enthusiastic food lovers who upheld values of sustainability, locality and seasonality. This team also had a wealth of experience in bringing about enterprises that positively impact on both members within the immediate community and non-members alike. The nomination said, “Excellent customer service with knowledgeable staff, and high quality food which...
The Guildhall Shopping Centre is hosting the first markets in Exeter to truly celebrate the innovation and creativity of local designers and entrepreneurs – a concept which mirrors the findings of the Portas Review of the High Street published by Mary Portas late last year. Exeter Innovations Market launched in the shopping centre on Friday 27th April, where it will now be held every month for 3 days on the last weekend of the month. The market will focus on quality, choice and innovation and will be a showcase for creative people to bring new and exciting products, designs and food to the...
Exeter's new designer charity boutique on Paris Street, Sprout, which raises funds for homeless charity Emmaus, will be officially launched on Wednesday 6th October by Terry Waite, the charity's President and former special envoy to the Archbishop of Canterbury who was taken captive in Lebanon in 1987 whilst negotiating the release of Western hostages. The shop was decorated by a team of former homeless people, who rolled up their sleeves for the charity that helped them to get their lives back on track.
Emmaus Exeter will use funds raised by Sprout Boutique to help combat the...
Why would you give up a well paid job and take on a full-on Farm Shop in a recession? Well it has become a family affair - and an obsession to create something special on a local basis - for Mandy Pitts, Shaun Ryder and daughter Ellena, with a little help from a staff of 20 local people. Ryders Bakery took the leap to move its HQ from Dawlish to their farm in Kenn, a purpose-built bakery, trebling its size and opening the door for expansion with access to a quicker road network for better distribution. Mandy, after 30 years in the Recruitment industry, was keen to take on a new challenge...
One of Britain's key marine clothing and footwear brands, Chatham Marine has announced the appointment of two key new members of staff and a considerable promotion. Joining Chatham is new sales director, Ian O’Connor, product and marketing assistant, Kathryn Lythgoe and Alex Peirce, former product and marketing assistant, has been promoted to regional sales manager.
The appointments follow a number of significant launches at Chatham this summer, including an exciting collaboration with leisure brand Raging Bull and the highly successful launch of Chatham’s innovative sail cloth...
Will the ways we produce and distribute our food in Devon continue into the future? This is a major question to be addressed at mid-Devon conference next month.
Food is a critical issue for Devon’s economy and environment. Farming, fishing and food production are essential components of our culture. In addition, there is traditional Devon fare, food festivals, meat, fruit and vegetable competitions and hundreds of restaurants or eating places.
Yet at the same time, food poverty is a growing reality for some local people. The growth in Food Banks in the...
Exeter Racecourse is looking forward to welcoming West Country Olympians, Paralympians and Games Makers who will be at its first meeting of the new season on Thursday 11 October - the specially titled South West Athletes Celebration Day. Attending will be three-day eventing legend Mary King who represented her country for the sixth consecutive time at London 2012. With her horse Imperial Cavalier she helped Team GB secure team Silver. King said: “It’s a great honour to have a race named after me and it’s definitely a first. The racecourse is such an iconic part of the Devonshire...
Parents at an Exeter school have been sent a letter which says an investigation into the former headteacher's pay has found that professional standards were compromised and the college's reputation was brought into disrepute. It follows the revelation that executive headteacher of West Exe Steve Maddern was earning £152,211 – almost £10,000 more than the Prime Minister. The full letter is below.
19th September 2012
Dear Parent/Carer
As you are aware, West Exe Technology College has been the subject of a Devon County Council audit investigation for some months. We...
A Memorial Service to celebrate the life and work of Eddie Farwell, Co-Founder and retiring CEO of Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW), will take place at Exeter Cathedral on Tuesday 17 June 2025.
Eddie died on 27 March following a diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease and a private funeral was held shortly after his death. CHSW has organised a Memorial Service for Eddie, enabling the wider community to celebrate Eddie’s life, share their memories and find comfort together.
Phil Morris, incoming CEO at CHSW said: “It is fitting that during Children’s Hospice Week, we are...
