Exeter

Pupils from schools across Exeter marked World Book Day with a wide range of activities designed to inspire a love of reading and writing.

West Exe welcomed bestselling young adult (YA) author Madeline Dyer, a Lambda Literary Award finalist, for a day of creativity and inspiration. Pupils took part in writing workshops, an assembly, and a book signing. Madeline’s stories, exploring themes such as identity and loneliness, gave pupils a unique insight into storytelling and the creative process.

At Whipton Barton Federation, pupils and staff dressed up as their favourite...

One of the country’s leading historians and frequent contributor to TV history shows is to give a lecture in Topsham this month.

James Clark, a Professor of History at the University of Exeter, has acted as historical consultant and contributor on many TV shows.

These include The White Queen , Thomas Cromwell: A Very Modern Tudor and The Fall of Anne Boleyn .

He’s just completed work on an upcoming National Geographic documentary on the Tudors with Dan Snow.

On top of that he has written widely and his latest book - Monasterium: Monasteries and the...

Pupils from Exwick Heights Primary School were buzzing after a visit from celebrated author and illustrator Alex Milway on Monday, March 2, which kicked off a weeklong celebration of reading.

Alex worked with children from years 1 to 6, sharing his journey in creating the Hotel Flamingo and Big Sky Mountain series, leading a live draw-a-long, and hosting a whole-school Q&A.

Pupils had the chance to ask questions about his work and have their books signed, with some copies now added to the school library.

The week also features a range of creative reading...

As schools across the country prepare to celebrate reading on World Book Day, Thursday 5th March, Evolve Psychology in Exeter says it should also be a prompt to focus on why some children find reading more of a frustration than a pleasure.

Dyslexia may explain reading and writing challenges for more than 1 million school pupils in the UK* who are estimated to have this Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD). As far fewer are diagnosed, most won’t understand the reason for their struggles.

Dyslexia

Dyslexia impacts someone’s ability to read, write, spell and process...

EXETER hearing experts are reminding people not to take their hearing for granted – no matter how old you are.

To mark World Hearing Day (March 3), the team at Specsavers Exeter invited customers to find out about the different ways to protect their hearing, depending on their lifestyle.

An eye-catching balloon arch was installed outside the locally owned and run High Street store, with customers able to learn about ear protection for swimming, workplace noise, and music or live events.

The store’s team wore special ‘Check Your Hearing’ t-shirts to spark...

The Persimmon Charitable Foundation is running its open application programme for a second year, with an increased funding pot of £300,000 available for registered charities that support employability among young people.

The first funding round opens on Monday, 2nd March – with three £50,000 donations available for UK-based projects focused on children and young people aged 14-25, particularly those living in areas of economic and social deprivation.

The open application programme launched in 2025 to give more charities the opportunity to access Foundation funding....

Greendale Farm Shop has launched a High Court challenge following a planning dispute that could lead to the removal of an NHS drive-through vaccination centre and a building used for one of Devon’s most popular Christmas attractions, Santa’s Grotto.

The decision follows a recent Planning Inspectorate ruling upholding enforcement action by East Devon District Council requiring the removal of two buildings at the Greendale Farm Shop site and the return of the land to agricultural use. The buildings are used for community healthcare provision and family events including Santa’s...

The trustees of Topsham Museum are demanding action from Exeter City Council after 18 months of closure.

The council is the landlord of the museum, on Topsham’s Strand. In September 2024 the councilbegan work to replace rotten timbers, windows and roof.

But within weeks the council stopped work, claiming it had no funds to continue.

The volunteer-run Museum was therefore closed throughout 2025 and now faces the same crisis this year.

Since the closure the council has attended only occasional meetings with the Museum.

Trustees have recently...

Patients in Exeter will benefit from improved access to local healthcare as St Leonard’s Practice opens five new clinical rooms to expand neighbourhood health services.

The new purpose-built clinical rooms at St Leonard’s Practice will enable more services to be delivered closer to where people live, including audiology, physiotherapy and ear care. This investment will increase capacity and help more patients access timely care in their community.

St Leonard’s Practice already hosts an on-site pharmacy and provides care for thousands of patients in Exeter. The expansion...

This September (Saturday 12) Devon Air Ambulance is launching a new fundraising challenge to bring communities together, explore Devon's beautiful landscapes and help raise vital funds to keep its service responding.

The Devon Air Ambulance Cycle Challenge is the perfect day out for anyone who loves being outdoors on two wheels. Whether a confident cyclist who likes a challenge or someone who prefers a sociable weekend ride with friends, there's a level for everyone.

Chief Executive Greg Allen, himself a keen cyclist, said: "We are very excited to be launching our first...