Local News

New trustee brings decades of experience in social care leadership to Westbank Community Health and Care

The Devon-wide health and wellbeing charity, Westbank Community Health and Care, is delighted to welcome Ian Hobbs, a former social worker and social care professional, to its Board of Trustees.

After 42 years working in a range of roles within Devon County Council, Ian is bringing his considerable skills and leadership experience to the third sector. As a Trustee, he is looking forward to helping the team at Westbank to deliver its ambitious programme of interrelated services and to make the changes that will be needed to adapt to the future.

Supporting unpaid carers...

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L-R - David Hawker from Dodd Group, Andy Butt from JK Floorheating, local families who attend servic

Exeter community church pioneers innovative low-carbon heating system

An Exeter church is embracing technology to tackle one of the biggest challenges for historic and community buildings - how to keep people warm while reducing carbon emissions.

St Boniface Church in Whipton is the first church in the UK to install a pioneering underfloor heating system that uses an innovative ‘groove-cutting’ method developed in the Netherlands.

The church is part of the Church of England’s national Demonstrator Churches programme, which is funding 114 churches to trial and showcase low-carbon solutions on the journey to achieving net zero by 2030.

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Scone Off at Deer Park near Honiton

Scrumptious scones and amazing auction set to raise funds to support local people this Christmas

Authored by Sue Cade
Posted: Wed, 11/05/2025 - 7:35pm

East Devon families in need will not be left without a festive meal or presents this Christmas, with the much-loved annual ‘Scone Off’ poised to surpass last year’s fundraising total.

Taking place at Deer Park in Weston near Honiton on Sunday, November 16, this popular event raises funds for Operation Rudolph , which provides vital support for families and individuals throughout the Christmas season.

This support might mean ingredients for a festive meal delivered to their home, or the chance to share Christmas dinner with others at Mackarness Hall, helping to ease...

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Your chance to help shape Exeter’s cultural landscape

Exeter City Council is developing a new Culture Strategy to shape the future development and delivery of Exeter’s cultural and creative landscape over the next five years.

The Council, working closely with local cultural organisations and attractions, further and higher education institutions, creative artists, and community groups, is encouraging people to take part in a new survey and share their views on the future of culture in Exeter.

Significant investment and regeneration is happening in Exeter, but this also comes at a time of unprecedented pressure on public and...

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Dan Western and Jacqui Taylor with Ottery Primary School pupils

Primary School students enjoy new gardening adventures thanks to Otter Garden Centres

Authored by Sue Cade
Posted: Tue, 11/04/2025 - 7:13am

Students at Ottery Primary School are set to enjoy more hands-on gardening activities thanks to the donation of a beautiful new potting shed from Otter Garden Centres .

The idea grew from discussions held during Otter’s 60 Good Deeds campaign, celebrating the company’s 60th anniversary in 2024. Otter first helped the school by replacing the wood on raised beds, providing a new pond liner, and installing a roof for the forest school firepit area, making outdoor learning possible all year round.

Working with Assistant Headteacher Dan Western, Otter Managing Director Jacqui...

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Step into Christmashay

Princesshay is inviting residents and visitors to Exeter to Step into Christmashay this November and December to experience the joy of the festive season.

Opening on Friday 14th November, this year’s expanded Christmas Market will feature over 25 traders on a rotating programme over five weeks. Visitors can explore stalls offering jewellery, crafts, candles, bakes and art throughout Bedford Street, the main mall and Princesshay Square, which will also be home to the Mistletoe bar and outdoor festive seating area.

Returning to Eastgate is the much-loved Great British...

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Former Exeter City player returns to St James Park decades after hanging up his boots

Former Exeter City footballer, Bob Rackley, made an emotional return to St James Park for the first time in more than six decades, supported by the team at Claremont Manor Care Home, Dawlish - part of the Maria Mallaband Care Group.

Bob played for Exeter City between 1958 and 1960, and this visit to watch Exeter City take on Huddersfield Town marked his first live football match in many years.

Born in Teignmouth in 1940, Bob began his football career with Teignmouth and Newton Abbot Spurs before signing professionally for Exeter City in 1958 - giving up an engineering...

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RSPCA urges public to ‘Help Quieten the Noise’ this fireworks season

Authored by Daisy Hall
Posted: Mon, 11/03/2025 - 6:45pm

The RSPCA has made an urgent plea to the public to be a ‘Kind Spark’ this fireworks season - by considering the impact of firework displays on animals and engaging in conversations with neighbours about any planned celebrations.

The call comes in the wake of two heartbreaking incidents last year, where a horse named Foxy was severely injured and a dog named Luna tragically died after fleeing her home in fear.

Recent RSPCA polling reveals that an estimated 6.16 million* households (22%) in England and Wales plan to set off fireworks this season, prompting the charity to...

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Rainy Weekend Plans? Here’s How Exeter Keeps Entertainment Going Indoors

Authored by Simon Wells
Posted: Mon, 11/03/2025 - 4:37pm

When the skies over Exeter turn grey and the rain refuses to let up, there’s no need to cancel weekend plans. The city is full of indoor venues and activities that keep things interesting no matter the weather. From historic landmarks to modern entertainment spots, Exeter proves that a little rain doesn’t have to ruin the mood. Here’s how to make the most of a rainy weekend while staying warm, dry, and entertained.

Indoor Climbing and Active Fun at Quay Climbing Centre

If energy needs burning off, especially after being stuck indoors all morning, the Quay Climbing Centre...

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66-year-old finishes 200th marathon in 200 days

A retired banker is now thought to be the first man over 60 to cover the entire coastline of mainland Britain on foot, after completing his 200th marathon in 200 days.

Steve James, who celebrated his 66th birthday on the final leg of this journey, has spent the last seven months, completing the 5,240 miles along the British coast, finally ending this challenge in Topsham, where he began on 16 April.

Steve, who lives and trained on Dartmoor, said: “It’s been months of pushing my body to its limits. I’m proud, I’m exhausted, and I can’t quite believe I’ve done it. Being...

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Homebuilder donates £1,000 to help children and young people facing bereavement in Devon

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Fri, 10/31/2025 - 1:43pm

A Devon charity that supports children and young people suffering a bereavement has received a £1,000 donation from a local homebuilder.

Balloons, based in Exeter, was given the money by Bellway, which is building homes in the county in Crediton and Tiverton.

The charity offers a range of help to children and young people when someone significant in their lives has died or is about to die. This includes one-to-one support, group work, activity days, advice, information and resources.

Bellway’s donation will fund one-to-one grief support sessions, paying for...

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