Local News

A very tall sunflower

Towering sunflower takes top spot in Otter Garden Centres' competition

A green-fingered youngster from Ottery St Mary has been named the outright winner of Otter Garden Centres ’ sunflower growing competition.

5 year-old Lucy Randall’s sunflower grew to an incredible 4.48 metres – that’s taller than a double decker bus!

Asked how she managed to grow to the monster plant, Lucy said that after planting the sunflower seeds in pots using compost from...

Branscombe blacksmith forges ahead with fifth national champion win

Simon Hall, tenant blacksmith at the National Trust’s Branscombe Forge in Devon has been crowned as the National live forging champion for the fifth year in a row.

His traditionally made Trivet (a metal stand that is placed on a dining table to support a hot dish) also won him the title of Reserve Champion in the British Blacksmithing Championships.

The National Blacksmiths...

Energy voucher scheme for Devon households this winter

As the winter months loom on the horizon, many people in Devon are concerned about how they will meet their energy bills as the cost of living crisis continues to bite.

Citizens Advice is launching a new campaign to encourage take-up of the Energy Relief Scheme, which can provide up to £100 towards meeting energy bills for those struggling to pay their supplier.

Citizens...

Greyhound, who has spent whole life in rehoming centres, looking for forever home

Dash the greyhound is looking for a forever home at Dogs Trust Ilfracombe – having spent most of his life in rehoming centres.

Nine-year-old Dash arrived at Dogs Trust in February 2018, having previously been cared for by a different organisation in Ireland.

Despite being with Dogs Trust for over five years, Dash has been unable to find his forever home.

A gentle,...

Mental Health Hub for trade workers launched at local Exeter show as industry suicide rates soar

Shining the spotlight on supporting the mental health of tradespeople, a local Exeter trade show is launching its dedicated Mental Health Hub with the aim of fostering conversation, offering support and potentially saving lives.

In the UK, men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women1 and in construction – a male dominated industry – men are three times more likely to...

Demonstration breakfast morning at RGB Building Supplies in Plymouth

The Plymouth branch of RGB Building Supplies is inviting the community and local tradespeople to a free demonstration morning on Wednesday 27th September.

Between 8am and midday, visitors will be able to speak to representatives and see fibreglass roofing demonstrations from flat roofing specialist Cure It. There will be offers throughout the morning, and visitors will be able to enjoy...

Powderham Food Festival 2023

The highly-anticipated Powderham Food Festival is making a comeback on the 7th and 8th of October, and this year it's set to be bigger and better than ever before.

With less than a month to go, the excitement surrounding the festival has reached unprecedented levels, with record-breaking ticket sales in the first 6 weeks of release indicating that food enthusiasts both near and far...

Urgent call to secure Devon's village halls

In an era marked by evolving community dynamics and changing societal needs, village and community halls across Devon have developed into central hubs for an ever-growing variety of activities. In addition to the traditional group meetings, toddler groups and pantomimes, these spaces now foster the growth of small enterprises, facilitate community engagement, and house community businesses,...

Simon Jupp MP meets with new CEO of The Royal Marines Charity in 10 Downing Street

Simon Jupp, MP for East Devon, met with Ben Curry MBE at 10 Downing Street on the 12th of September to congratulate him on his recent appointment as Chief Executive Officer of RMA - The Royal Marines Charity.

During a special reception celebrating the work of veterans hosted by Johnny Mercer MP, Minister of State for Veterans’ Affairs, Simon Jupp MP also praised the charity for their...

Impact of flash floods being examined

More than 140 properties are thought to have been flooded across Devon during Sunday’s flash floods.

The initial estimate has been gathered by the Environment Agency, Devon County Council’s Flood Risk Management team and local city and district council officers as part of the flood recovery operation.

Officers have been on the ground visiting the worst affected areas to...

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