Organisers of the Devon county show are turning way new visitors from the car parks due to concerns over the muddy conditions. A spokesman for the show said a combination of heavy use yesterday and the overnight rain had left the fields ‘decimated’ making too difficult to park vehicles in them in a safe and timely way. Organisers believe that they will be able to successfully remove the vehicles currently parked but people making their way to the show should find alternative transport such as the local bus service. The difficulties persist despite the shows’ stewards spreading hundreds of...
Devon’s beaches are among those on track to fail the new tougher bathing water quality standards tests, the Environment Agency has said today. The new water quality standards, which are almost twice as stringent as the current standards, will come into force in England next year in an effort to tackle pollution on the seafront. However recent tests by the Environment Agency found that, while around 90% of English Beaches are expected to meet the tougher standards, 40 English beaches (including seven in Devon) are currently at risk of failure. Failure would mean the local authority would be...
Trainee police puppies are among the attractions Devon and Cornwall Police will be bringing to Devon County Show this year to showcase the many ways in which the public can get involved in making their neighbourhood safer. The theme of this year’s display is ‘Building Safer Communities Together’ and will offer advice on everything from joining the Special Constabulary and police cadets to getting involved in Neighbourhood Watch and the new Community Focus Panel. The Force is sharing its marquee with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPPC) who will be encouraging the public...
Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Hogg took advantage of his visit to Devon County Show today to reinforce his plea for the public to pay a more active role in local policing. Speaking on the opening day of the Devon County Show, Mr Hogg has highlighted volunteering opportunities and set out plans for the Force to significantly increase the number of Specials. Recruitment for this opens again in the autumn. “I am very keen to take the opportunity to promote the vital work undertaken by Specials and volunteers in general.” said Mr Hogg. “There are major and obvious benefits of this for our...
Inspired by the work of artist Marc Chagall and loving the fluid feel of his abstract paintings, Devon wedding photographer Rosie Anderson wanted to create something similar in a series of photographs.
She said: “As a wedding photographer I have an interest in capturing the unspoken connection between two people. It was instantly apparent to me that something about being underwater changed things and made that connection really intense, which was weird because there is absolutely nothing romantic about an underwater shoot!
A major historical project, designed to preserve the history of army children from the First World War, is attempting to trace an Exeter family from an archived photo (above).
Currently all that is known about the photo is it was taken and developed by Alan Mills of Paris Street in Exeter but there are no obvious clues to help identify the two girls and their parents.
The father’s uniform also doesn’t bear any distinguishing markings making it difficult to date the photo as the evolving elements of military uniforms (such as badges and accoutrements), are essential guides...
A Devon farmer has been sentenced to 100 hours of unpaid work having pleaded guilty to 18 animal welfare offences including failing to dispose properly of dead stock, and failing to keep adequate livestock records.
Mr Darren Facey, 43, of West Down pleaded guilty at Barnstaple Magistrates Court to all offences brought by Devon and Somerset Trading Standards following visits to his farm in June 2013.
Officers found carcase remains of 17 sheep, 28 cattle and 8 chickens in various stage of decomposition, indicating the length of time they had been left.
This year's Respect promises to be as exciting as ever with a fantastic line-up of acts and activities taking place in Belmont Park from 12noon to 7pm on Saturday 31 May and from 11am to 6 pm on Sunday 1 June 2014.
Belmont Park will be covered in beautiful decorations produced by a range of schools, community and youth groups. There will be activities and performances representing every part of Exeter’s culture, which is becoming more diverse year-on-year, with something to see or do for participants of all ages and backgrounds. This year Exeter Respect been sponsored by many...
Exeter Library has opened its doors to the public for the time today, following its multi million pound refurbishment by Devon County Council
Major new features such as the LED-lit glass sculpture in the entrance foyer, the stack of books, showcasing a range of books with local connections; as well as the innovative Fab Lab and Business and Information Hub; have been seen for the first time as visitors explored each of the three new floors.
Visitors to the new Devon centre Quiet reading areas, Wi-Fi and public computing facilities, improved children and young people’s areas...
An angler fishing off the North Devon coast has caught a monster shark thought to weigh more than 450lb. Grahame Pullen, a 62-year-old sport fishing journalist caught Porbeagle sharka estimated measure in at 8ft and 450lb near an unspecified resort on the North Devon coast with friend and colleague Wayne Comben. Grahame will not specify the location due to concerns for affecting tourism in the area but has said the beach is a popular tourist destination. Despite his extensive experience of fishing Porbeagles and similar sized fish, the size of the shark saw Grahame’s 17ft boat, the ‘Hi Sea...
