Devon

Animal eye view of the world revealed

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Fri, 08/07/2015 - 8:45am

New camera technology that reveals the world through the eyes of animals has been developed by University of Exeter researchers. The details are published in the journal Methods in Ecology and Evolution.

The software, which converts digital photos to animal vision, can be used to analyse colours and patterns and is particularly useful for the study of animal and plant signalling, camouflage and animal predation, but could also prove useful for anyone wanting to measure colours accurately and objectively.

The software has already been used by the Sensory Ecology group in a...

Historic garden secures £357k funding boost

A historically important garden gem owned by Teignbridge District Council has been given a double funding boost.

Homeyards Botanical Gardens, in Shaldon, has received £317,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and £40,000 from Viridor Credits Environmental Company through the Landfill Communities Fund.

The funding will be vital in continuing the invaluable work around conservation and improvements to Homeyards, ensuring the gardens remain the focus point of life in the village well into the future.

Work will allow for:

  • The restoration of the garden
  • ...

Traffic lights catch fire in Exeter

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Fri, 08/07/2015 - 7:06am

Firefighters were called to a fire in set of traffic lights in Exeter yesterday evening.

A call was received just before 6.30 reporting a traffic light on fire at the junction of Blackboy and Polsloe Road.

One appliance from Danes Castle was sent.

On arrival crews confirmed there were flames issuing from the top of the traffic light. A short extension ladder and a dry powder extinguisher were used to deal with the fire.

Western Power also attended to make the light safe.

Witnesses' convention begins in Exeter

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Fri, 08/07/2015 - 6:34am

An estimated 4,000 Jehovah’s Witnesses and members of the public from all over Devon and Cornwall have been seen streaming into the Westpoint Centre today for the first day of the three day convention boldly entitled: “Imitate Jesus!”

The audience ranges from the very young to the very old – all can be involved and take away something from this exciting and fast paced programme.

The material discussed offers practical and timely advice for people in all stages of their life.

The sound of happy chatter fills the auditorium as those in attendance eagerly await the...

Celebrate Afternoon Tea Week in Devon

Afternoon Tea Week runs from Monday 10th until Sunday 16th August and Visit Devon has discovered the perfect places for a Devon Afternoon Tea experience

Exeter

Cream Tea in the City Enjoy a delicious Cream Tea at the Magdalen Chapter Hotel where you can escape the city for a relaxing cream team in the contemporary lounge. The modern hotel also offers Cream Tea from £7.50 and full Afternoon Tea from £15.00 and they even offer a Children’s Afternoon Tea option with ham or cheese Sandwiches, a slice of cake, macaroons and a milkshake for just £5 per child. Telephone: 01392...

Royal recognition for top volunteers

Two of Devon’s top volunteer groups have received the Royal seal of approval last week as they were honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Volunteers for Acorn and Squirrels Riding for the Disabled in Exeter and St Luke’s Hospice in Plymouth were among 187 groups in the UK to receive the prestigious award, the highest honour given to volunteer groups, equivalent in status to the MBE.

The two were nominated by members of the public who have seen the difference that volunteers have made to the lives of others or witnessed the benefits of a group’s work in...

Essential work to start on Bridge Road

Essential work is to be carried out to the canal bridges on Bridge Road in Exeter next month (August).

On Monday 10 August and Tuesday 11 August, inspections and maintenance work will be undertaken on the swing bridge. Contraflow arrangements will be in place, with all traffic using the bascule bridge.

From Wednesday 12 August to Monday 17 August, the contraflow will run on the swing bridge, as the timber joint between the bascule bridge and the road will be replaced and upgraded with a reinforced concrete and stainless steel structure.

During this phase of work,...

Dog on Tour: Maggie and Oscar embark on last leg of epic charity ride

Maggie Scorer, who in March set off on a 5000- mile ‘Dog on Tour’ cycling challenge around the UK coast with her faithful companion, eight-year-old golden retriever Oscar, is now on the last leg of her journey.

Maggie has spent nearly 150 days and approximately 4500 miles cycling to raise £25,000 for Sands, the stillbirth and neonatal charity and blood cancer charity Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research.

They began their journey in Suffolk and travelled northwards along the east coast, anti-clockwise, and hit a mile stone by reaching Lands Ends last week.

The pair...

Exeter features in new Staycation Guide

Authored by Ardz
Posted: Thu, 08/06/2015 - 2:30pm

With many Brits looking for cheaper and easier holiday options, staycations are now more popular than ever.

To help with this trend, Jurys Inn Hotels have launched a new Staycation Guide for the UK & Ireland.

From Exeter to Aberdeen and everywhere in between, the guide lists over two hundred attractions across Britain and Ireland, offering a wealth of ideas to suit any taste and occasion. Whether it’s historical landmarks or scenic landscapes, day-trips or longer outings, there is plenty on offer. Ideal for planning summer holiday outings!

With an easy-to-use...

Pedal power with a difference in Exmouth

Keep fit . . . and charge your mobile phone at the same time.

Pedal power has come to Exmouth as static outdoor dynamo bikes – which can generate enough power to charge up mobile phones - have been opened by Exmouth's Mayor Madeleine Chapman.

Exmouth Town Council, East Devon District Council and a local resident have worked together to bring the unique £30,000 exercise bicycles, complete with a shelter, to the town. Not only will the bikes help keep people fit, they will generate electricity, too, with small lights showing how much power your hard pedalling has produced....

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