Local News

Second term for ‘excellent’ Exeter Lord Mayor

By Guy Henderson, local democracy reporter.

Exeter’s longest-serving councillor will serve a second term as the city’s Lord Mayor.

Cllr Kevin Mitchell (Lib Dem, Duryard and St James) was first elected to the city council in 2003, and is officially its ‘senior citizen’.

He said he was extremely proud to be nominated for a second year.

He was nominated by Cllr Laura Wright (Lab, St Thomas), who said: “He has been an excellent ambassador for the city, and has done his job with huge enthusiasm and enjoyment.”

She said his work with local community...

Choir honoured to receive Lord Mayor’s Commendation Award

Exeter Philharmonic Choir is among only a handful of organisations in the city to have received a special Commendation Award from the Lord Mayor.

Two representatives of the Choir, Vicki Henderson and Geoff Poad, attended a reception at the Guildhall on Friday 10th May to receive the Award from the Lord Mayor of Exeter, Councillor Kevin Mitchell, for the Choir’s services to vocal music and cultural life in the City of Exeter.

The Lord Mayor awards his own Commendations once a year to people or organisations who have gone above and beyond for the City. Presenting the award,...

Devon Hotel roundabout improvements complete

The upgrade of the Devon Hotel roundabout has been completed as part of the ongoing infrastructure improvements in south west Exeter.

Capacity has been increased on the western arm of the roundabout, with an additional lane entering the roundabout.

The central island has also been realigned, and traffic signals and a signal-controlled pedestrian crossing have been installed.

The improvements are part of the ongoing £55 million infrastructure enhancements, funded by the Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund, to support the development of 2,500 new homes and...

Power the Mind at Powderham Castle - £1 entry in support of Mental Health Awareness Week

Authored by CJC_Media
Posted: Tue, 05/14/2024 - 10:45pm

Powderham Castle is offering a huge discount on Sunday 19th May with £1 Admission tickets in support of Mental Health Awareness Week [13th - 19th May].

Research suggests that doing movement in a ‘green’ outdoor environment has greater positive effects on our well being compared to doing activity indoors. Powderham Castle offers the opportunity to explore the stunning outdoors and connect with nature. Take time to wander through the castle grounds and enjoy some unusual daily experiences such as goat walks and pony grooming*.

One of the most important...

Travel advice ahead of Devon County Show

Drivers planning to use the M5 near Exeter are advised to plan their journeys ahead of this week’s three-day Devon County Show at the Westpoint Arena.

The show, to be held on Thursday, 16 May, Friday, 17 May and Saturday, 18 May averages an attendance of up to 100,000 people over the three days at the Clyst St Mary venue near Exeter, with increased traffic anticipated on the M5 north and south of junctions 29 and 30, the A30 east and west of Exeter and the A38 south of Exeter.

Congestion has previously occurred during the morning influx to the show, particularly the M5...

Thousands take part in Exeter Pride celebrations

Around 2,000 people took part in Exeter Pride’s march through the city centre at the weekend.

Exeter Pride, a celebration of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-plus (LGBTQ+) communities, was also marked with a host of events throughout the city centre in bright sunshine.

Exeter Lord Mayor Cllr Kevin Mitchell and Council Leader Cllr Phil Bialyk were among the thousands of people who supported the event on Saturday.

The march included giant rainbow flags, Street Heat samba band, Morris dancers, roller derby and representatives from community groups and...

Exeter dementia campaigner’s book features in national collection

Dementia campaigner and author Gina Awad has been selected as one of just twenty UK authors to appear in a new, specialist literary collection.

Gina, the leading light behind Exeter Dementia Action Alliance, published her first book called United in 2022 with the popular and much loved cartoonist, the late Tony Husband.

It not only tackled the serious issue of dementia and its impact on families in a humorous and approachable way but also helped people to navigate their way through what is often a journey fraught with complications.

United has now been included...

Best days out in Devon for people living with dementia

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Sun, 05/12/2024 - 4:07pm

With its beautiful countryside, coastlines and rich heritage, Devon offers a variety of days out for people living with dementia and their carers. From scenic countryside walks to engaging cultural experiences, here are some of the best dementia-friendly days out in Devon.

  1. Seaside Strolls at Sidmouth and Exmouth

A sure fire-way to fire up all the senses is with sand, sea and fresh air. Both Exmouth and Sidmouth boast stunning views of the Jurassic Coast and there’s plenty of room along the esplanades for a seafront stroll.

For the more adventurous...

Pupils graduate from pioneering programme designed to break down barriers to law careers

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Thu, 05/09/2024 - 11:40pm

Pupils from schools around the South West are celebrating after graduating from a pioneering programme designed to break down barriers to careers in law.

Pathways to Law aims to help young people develop aspirations and confidence so they can enter the competitive legal professions. It gives them the necessary knowledge and skills, including incredible work experience opportunities.

Pathways to Law is free and offered at 11 UK universities, including the University of Exeter and is jointly funded and managed by The Sutton Trust. Participants get support in accessing...

Clyst St Mary post box gets Devon County Show makeover

Carole Price of Clyst St Mary has given her local post box a Devon County show makeover.

Carole, who is a crafting enthusiast, just loves to decorate the village post box and has provided it with several different hats over the years.

This is the first time Carole has turned her skills to the Devon County Show. The eye-catching display includes a number of items, hand-knitted by crafty Carole, designed to capture the flavour of a traditional West County agricultural show with a chicken taking centre stage, as well as a pig, a cow and a sheep.

Carole explains...

South West’s strategic investment opportunities to be showcased at leading national event

Authored by Program
Posted: Thu, 05/09/2024 - 2:06pm

The Great South West , the Pan-Regional Partnership representing Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly, Devon, Dorset and Somerset, will be leading a delegation of senior business and political leaders to make the case for the region at The UK’s Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF). UKREiiF is the largest investment and development event in the UK, set to take place between 21-23 May 2024 in Leeds.

An exciting programme of events, panel sessions and meetings at the Great South West Pavilion will provide insights into the region’s critical role in delivering the UK’s...

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