Local News

‘Mr Devon History’ to reveal the secrets of the county’s wartime diaries

The celebrated expert Todd Gray, Devon’s highest profile historian, is to discuss one of the most fascinating but least well known activities of World War Two in a special lecture this month.

In the late 1930s and throughout the War, a social research organisation called Mass Observation recruited local diarists to capture the everyday lives, thoughts and feelings of ordinary people.

Thousands of these diaries are housed in the Mass Observation archive, but those for Devon have not been publicised - until now.

Todd Gray’s illustrated lecture in Topsham’s...

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Exeter’s St Bridget Nurseries passes to a new family after 100 years

St Bridget Nurseries on Sidmouth Road has been acquired by British Garden Centres, which is owned and run by the Stubbs family. The site will be renamed Exeter Garden Centre.

British Garden Centres is the UK's largest family-owned garden centre group, with 80 sites across the country. The aquatics offering will remain, run by Maidenhead Aquatics, opening in July. The plant centre will continue as a core part of the business, with plans to expand the product range, including the addition of furniture. The restaurant will also stay and is expected to grow over time. British Garden...

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Citizens Advice Exeter celebrates 80 years of supporting local people

Citizens Advice Exeter marked its 80th anniversary with a reception celebrating eight decades of providing free, confidential and independent advice to city residents.

The event, held at Exeter City Football Club, brought together past and present volunteers, staff, trustees, civic leaders and community partners to recognise the independent local charity’s long-standing contribution to the city since it was founded in 1946.

The Lord Mayor of Exeter, Councillor Anne Jobson, paid tribute to Citizens Advice Exeter’s enduring role in the community and commitment to...

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Exeter to host Gather 2026 as industry leaders tackle change and opportunity

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Sun, 05/24/2026 - 5:16pm

Gather 2026 returns on Wednesday 10th June 2026 at The Forum, University of Exeter, bringing together the Southwest’s most exciting producers, founders, hospitality leaders and industry change-makers for a high-energy day of insight, inspiration and connection.

Now in its second year, the Southwest Food and Drink Summit arrives at a pivotal moment for the industry, as businesses across the region continue to navigate economic uncertainty, global pressures and shifting consumer expectations, while also responding to new opportunities for innovation, collaboration and growth....

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Watermeadow Grange hosted inspiring public sessions with endurance adventurer Louis Alexander

Watermeadow Grange opened its doors to the local Topsham community for two packed public sessions showcasing the power of mindset and elite mental resilience.

The event, titled ‘An Audience with Louis Alexander, ’ featured the 26-year-old endurance adventurer and three-time world record holder sharing the extraordinary stories behind his global feats.

The talk comes right ahead of his newly announced world-first attempt this July to kayak seven of the deadliest ocean crossings on Earth. This perilous 300-mile journey marks the final chapter of his ‘Trilogy of the Seven...

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T announced for Lewis Capaldi's huge Devon shows

Singer-songwriter Tyler Ballgame is the latest act heading to Devon’s biggest music event this summer – as he opens the shows for Lewis Capaldi ’s double headlining weekend.

The American musician will set the ball rolling for global superstar Lewis Capaldi’s shows at TK Maxx presents Live At Powderham on Saturday June 27 and Sunday June 28 , ahead of previously announced special guest, Ivor Novello and BRIT Award winner Jacob Alon.

The weekend also features huge headline performances from Teddy Swims on Thursday June 25 and Alanis Morissette on Friday June 26.

...

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Devon hotel recognised among the UK’s finest places to stay

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Sun, 05/24/2026 - 6:14am

Lympstone Manor, the Michelin-starred country house hotel in Devon from celebrated Chef Owner Michael Caines MBE, has been named in The Telegraph’s inaugural ‘250 Best Hotels in the UK’ guide – a prestigious new collection celebrating the very best hotels across Britain.

Selected by Telegraph Travel’s expert hotel editors and independently reviewed by a network of 60 experienced reviewers, the brand-new guide recognises exceptional hotels based on location, character, service, facilities, food and drink, and value for money. Chosen from more than 2,000 hotel reviews nationwide,...

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Ancient Rome Continues to Dictate the Plans of Exeter’s Grecians

Authored by Simon Wells
Posted: Fri, 05/22/2026 - 3:23pm

Exeter is famed for its remarkably well-preserved collection of Ancient Roman architecture. The city continues to be surrounded by these historic works, and while they give Exeter a distinct feel and make it a huge attraction for visitors, it’s not uncommon for modernisation plans to run aground because of these sites.

Most recently, the Devon Archaeological Society had to step in to warn that a plan to change a car park into a block of 300 flats would jeopardise important Roman sites. With the city needing to preserve its ancient heritage, it’s only right that societies continue...

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A family on a power boat leaving harbour

All aboard the Freedom Boat Club

Authored by Marc Astley
Posted: Thu, 05/21/2026 - 9:39am

A Devon-based boat club says more people across Devon are turning away from traditional ownership in favour of flexible memberships that offer access to the sea without the expense and upkeep of owning a vessel.

Freedom Boat Club, which operates from Beacon Quay in Torquay Harbour, has reported growing interest as rising maintenance costs, storage fees and insurance bills make private boat ownership increasingly expensive for many households.

Instead, members pay a monthly fee to access a fleet of boats that are cleaned, fuelled, insured and maintained by the company....

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Custard Town to open in Exeter offering inclusive play for under 6s

Custard Town is a safe, inclusive, and interactive play space for children aged six and under, opening this June at Guildhall Shopping Exeter. Designed to spark imagination and sensory exploration, Custard Town offers a welcoming environment where children and grown-ups alike are encouraged to jump in and play.

Located in the heart of the city centre on Level One of Guildhall Shopping Exeter, the space brings a new, family-focused experience to Exeter’s retail and community offering, creating a place where play, connection and accessibility come together.

The space is...

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Call for more volunteer road wardens in Devon as scheme marks 10th anniversary

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Thu, 05/21/2026 - 6:14am

It’s 10 years since Devon County Council rolled out its community road warden scheme across the county, and to mark the milestone, councillors have issued a rallying cry for new recruits to come forward.

Volunteer Road Wardens are supported by the County Council to organise and carry out minor work in their local community such as weed clearance, grass cutting, sign cleaning, and small drainage work. They can also request training to carry out small pothole repairs using a simple-to-use pothole repair material paid for by Devon County Council.

Around 140 towns and...

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