Local News

After the shave - Mark Simpson, Dom Pastow and Sonia Brown, Clare, Henry Simpson, Luke Simpson, Rob Simpson and Martin Aggett

Clare inspires fundraising head shave challenge

Family, friends and colleagues of an Exeter woman with a rare form of cancer have raised more than £5,000 for charity by having their heads shaved.

Mum-of-three Clare Simpson was on holiday in Egypt with her mum and daughter when she found a lump.

The 41-year-old was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in September and in now on eight months of chemotherapy before surgery.

“It was a massive shock,” admits Clare, who works as an assistant practitioner on Belvedere Ward at Franklyn Hospital in St Thomas. “But I try to be positive.”

She set up a...

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Sovereign network group marks the completion of the first homes

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Mon, 01/13/2025 - 9:31pm

Sovereign Network Group (SNG) has completed the first homes built to its pioneering Homes and Place Standard at Moonhill Rise in Exeter. These groundbreaking properties exemplify SNG’s vision for sustainable, future-proof living and set a new benchmark for residential development in the UK.

The Homes and Place Standard is a market-leading framework developed to assess quality and ensure every project prioritises sustainability, health, wellbeing and community creation. SNG designed Moonhill Rise to inform what “good” looks like across all its projects, both existing homes and new...

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Pressure continues for busy NHS in Devon

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Mon, 01/13/2025 - 7:16pm

People in Devon are being asked to help the county’s busy NHS by continuing to choose the right service for their needs and getting vaccinated against winter viruses.

A rise in cold weather illnesses, including flu, vomiting and diarrhoea bugs mean all of the county’s NHS services, including the main hospitals - in Plymouth, Exeter, Torbay and Barnstaple – are likely to remain under severe pressure all week.

The region’s ambulance service has also been experiencing significant and sustained demand across its 999 services.

Local people can do their bit by:...

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Devon FA secures Devonshire Homes sponsorship for u16 girls’ team

Devon Schools Football Association (Devon FA) has announced an exciting new sponsorship deal with independent Westcountry housebuilder, Devonshire Homes.

The award-winning housebuilder has provided funds to the Devon FA to purchase new jackets and jumpers for the u16 girls’ team.

Tiverton based Devonshire Homes is an award-winning housebuilder committed to building high-quality new homes throughout the Westcountry. The company has been creating new communities across the South West since 1992 and actively supports charities and fundraising events across the region....

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Heritage project awarded funding to expand volunteering programme in Exeter

A collaborative network joining together heritage organisations across the city of Exeter has been awarded funding to establish a dedicated volunteering and knowledge-sharing programme.

The Exeter Heritage Partnership (EHP) will transform its Exeter Heritage Champions project into a standalone entity thanks to a grant of £103,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The funding will enable the project to expand its operation and offer increased participation and skills-building opportunities to communities.

It will specifically support city organisations...

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Rootstock: Empowering the SW farming community to thrive amidst change

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Wed, 01/08/2025 - 9:51pm

Rootstock, the South West's leading agricultural conference focused on future resilience and sustainable farming practices, is set to return on 6th February 2025 to Westpoint Arena, Exeter . Following two sold-out events, the one-day conference will feature an exciting line-up of researchers and farmers who are experts in their fields, including Minette Batters , the former Chief Executive of the NFU, Dr Jennifer Rowntree, Associate Professor in Ecological Genetics at the University off Plymouth, Chris Berry who farms over 450 acres in Devon and Nikki Yoxall, Technical Director at Pasture...

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fit20 Exeter expands with new studio opening in Torquay

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Wed, 01/08/2025 - 8:38am

Award-winning Exeter-based fit20 was opened at Phillip House six years ago by entrepreneur Duncan Attwood. Based on just one 20-minute workout per week, fit20 is scientifically proven to significantly improve muscle strength and overall health. It has been so successful Mr. Attwood has expanded by setting up a second studio in Torquay as part of his growing franchise.

Duncan Attwood says: "I am so excited to be opening my second fit20 franchise in Torquay and growing the business.” He explains: “My journey into fitness started when I was a child. I was overweight and had numerous...

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Harry’s Restaurant Among Top 100 Restaurants in the UK

Harry’s Restaurant , a cherished culinary institution on Longbrook Street, has been named one of the top 100 restaurants in the UK by OpenTable . This prestigious recognition places Harry’s among the country’s finest dining destinations and solidifies its position as a standout in Devon’s vibrant food scene.

Joining the ranks of the only other Devon-based winners, Emilia in Ashburton and The Elephant in Torquay, Harry’s Restaurant continues to shine as a local favourite with a national spotlight.

“To be named one of the top 100 restaurants in the UK is an incredible...

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Cumberland Grange makes resident's 106th birthday wish come true

Resident, Joan at Cumberland Grange had a Birthday wish of going back to visit one of her most favourite places, Ilfracombe. So staff at the home made her wish a reality,

Joan has lived at Cumberland Grange since the summer of 2024 and is beloved by staff and residents alike. Staff at the home were delighted to be a part of making her Birthday wish come true, as they knew how much it meant to her, and they all wanted to make sure that her 106th Birthday was an incredibly special day to mark such an amazing age.

Staff asked Joan what she wanted to do for her Birthday, as...

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Local Health Champion Urges Devon Residents to Engage with NHS in Devon

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Mon, 01/06/2025 - 10:41pm

A local community champion is supporting the NHS in Devon to transform health and social care by independently chairing a series of special public events.

Healthwatch in Devon, Plymouth and Torbay is the local independent champion for people using health and social care services.

They listen to people’s views and experiences of local services like GPs, Hospitals, Dentists and Care Homes. They then encourage those in charge to use what they have heard in decisions that affect local people.

In November last year the NHS in Devon launched local engagement around...

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NHS recommends simple steps to avoid winter bugs as flu cases rise in Devon hospitals

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Mon, 01/06/2025 - 6:00am

The NHS in Devon is reminding everyone of the simple steps they can take to protect their health as they gear up for end of year festivities.

Get vaccinated

Winter illnesses, including flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), are circulating widely, with emergency department attendances on the rise. We strongly encourage everyone eligible, especially the elderly, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing health conditions, to come forward for their vaccinations for these infections. Vaccination will help reduce your risk of getting seriously ill this...

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