Local News

Calling all Exeter Chiefs Rugby fans

Up-and-coming Chiefs’ tighthead prop Jimmy Roots (brother of England’s Ethan), will be appearing at Brightside Exeter on Wednesday 26th March to talk all things rugby, followed by a meet and greet.

Fans will have the chance to ask questions, probe Jimmy to find out what really goes on behind the scenes at the Premiership Rugby Club, get tips and hints for any budding young stars and have rugby balls and shirts signed.

This is a free to book event, tables are available from 6pm. Brightside’s full Noon To Night menu will be available including, in Jimmy’s honour, a...

News Desk

News Desk

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Saving a species: ‘Living library’ of Britain’s rarest native tree takes root at Killerton

The National Trust is creating a ‘living library’ of trees in east Devon in efforts to help save Britain’s rarest and most threatened native species, the black poplar.

Building on existing efforts up and down the country and with thanks to support from HSBC UK, the conservation charity is forming a living gene bank of black poplar at Killerton, near Exeter, to help save the declining species.

Once as common as oak and beech, drainage of land and demand for faster and straighter growing non-native timber trees has contributed to the gradual decline of the species, leaving...

Calmer Lives- Jennifer Levey

Charity song released to celebrate Neurodiversity and raise funds for Calmer Lives

Authored by CEDA Exeter
Posted: Mon, 03/17/2025 - 2:50pm

A heartfelt new song is being released to mark Neurodiversity Celebration Week, aiming to raise awareness of Calmer Lives and CEDA while generating much-needed funds to support neurodivergent individuals and their families.

Jennifer Levey, a Therapeutic Mentor for Calmer Lives and independent counsellor, originally wrote Natural High over a decade ago as a personal expression of gratitude and self-acceptance. Now, she has reworked the song to celebrate neurodiversity and highlight the vital work of Calmer Lives and CEDA. The track was recorded with renowned producer George...

IHG Hotels & Resorts opens first branded net zero carbon hotel in partnership with Zeal Hotels 

IHG Hotels & Resorts , one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has opened voco Zeal Exeter Science Park – IHG’s first branded net zero* carbon hotel, in partnership with Zeal Hotels and Valor Hospitality. It has been designed to operate entirely on renewable and solar energy.

As with all voco branded hotels, the 142-room voco Zeal Exeter Science Park has been designed to help guests truly unwind and feel at ease with the use of neutral tones and contemporary features throughout the guest rooms and public spaces. Guests staying at the hotel will have access to a mini gym,...

Revealed for one day only: The Secret Gardens of Topsham!

One of the west country’s best loved events is back this June - the Secret Gardens of Topsham.

Organised by Topsham Museum and held on Sunday June 8 the event - normally staged on alternate years - attracted no fewer than 1,400 visitors in 2023 and this year aims for even more.

For 2025 the event, which is held with the support of Wilkinson Grant estate agency, will consist of 15 gardens throughout the town. They each truly deserve the title of ‘hidden gem’. Most are completely private except for this event with some boasting views over the Exe Estuary.

“The...

Calling all budding photographers

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Fri, 03/14/2025 - 12:15am

DEVON County Show is encouraging all Devon based amateur photographers to sift through their albums, or head out with their camera to take a winning photo which could secure a place in the first ever Devon County Show Calendar.

Twelve pictures will be selected from the entries, each of which will take pride of place in a month-by-month calendar to be produced with the winning images in time for 2026.

The brief for the images is ‘My Devon’ – a deliberately open mandate that will allow entrants to unleash their creativity without restraint. The only criteria are that your...

Make a Will for free and support Devon Air Ambulance

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Thu, 03/13/2025 - 11:14am

During Free Wills Month, Devon Air Ambulance (DAA) are encouraging supporters to consider leaving a charitable gift in their Will to help protect the charity’s income and lifesaving service for the people of Devon in the years to come.

One in three of DAA’s lifesaving missions are funded by Gifts in Wills that have been left to them by generous supporters, an outstanding number that equated to 819 calls for their specialist help being funded in this way in 2024.

Donations of this nature help hundreds of charities to continue their work in local communities and every gift...

The Moorland Fuels team in front of a fuel tanker

Moorland Fuels to Raise Vital Funds for Age UK Devon as Part of its New Brand Launch

Okehampton-based Moorland Fuels, which has provided domestic, agriculture and commercial fuel services to customers in Devon and Cornwall for more than 20 years, has unveiled a bold new brand identity, reinforcing its roots in the local community and its employee-owned status.

Embodied in the company’s new strapline ‘What Matters to You, Matters to us’, the rebrand sees the introduction of a new look for its website and fleet of tankers, and a fresh new corporate manifesto outlining the business’s commitment to playing its part in the community, and to serving the region with...

Shetland Ponies to Steal the Show at Exeter Racecourse’s Family Raceday

Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted: Wed, 03/12/2025 - 12:13am

Exeter Racecourse is set to host a day of action-packed family fun on Sunday 23 March as the pint-sized powerhouses of the equine world - Shetland ponies - take centre stage.

These spirited little racers, born and bred in the rugged landscapes of the Shetland and Orkney Isles, are a true testament to their ancient heritage. Shetland ponies are one of the oldest and purest breeds in the world, dating back over 2000 years and they will steal the show as they storm up Haldon Hill in front of a packed grandstand.

Twelve of these small-but-mighty ponies will thunder down the...

Local care home hosts Oscars awards ceremony

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Tue, 03/11/2025 - 6:06pm

Cumberland Grange Care Home in Exeter were bang on trend recently when residents and their guests celebrated their very own Oscars Awards Ceremony.

There were ten awards for Residents and ten awards for Staff to be won, with lots of nominees. With categories ranging from the person with the kindest heart, to the person who drinks the most coffee.

The afternoon kicked off with a musical saxophone performance with plenty of dancing, before canapes and bubbles were served as everyone got seated ready for the Awards Ceremony to start.

The results of the winners left...

Stagecoach South West inspires future generations during National Careers Week

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Sun, 03/09/2025 - 7:02pm

In celebration of National Careers Week (3rd – 8th March 2025), Stagecoach South West visited Sidbury Primary School in East Devon to engage students in discussions and spark their imaginations about different job roles within the bus industry.

National Careers Week, is a dedicated week aimed at providing quality careers guidance and resources to students across the UK. The goal is to support young people in developing awareness and excitement about their future pathways.

During the visit, Stagecoach representatives introduced students to various roles within the company...

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