Nearly 800 supporters and guests packed into Exeter Cathedral on June 20th to enjoy an evening of music and readings to remember the Battle of Waterloo and honour the courage and service of British soldiers over the last 200 years.

Joining the Deputy Lord Lieutenant and Deputy Lord Mayor were Chelsea Pensioners, members of the Coldstream Guards and local favourites Caroline Quentin and Angela Rippon. The concert was held to raise funds for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, the National Charity of the British Army.

Highlights of the evening, which featured the Exeter Symphony...

An Exeter opticians is collecting old and unused glasses in aid of Vision Aid Overseas (VAO).

Specsavers, located at 4, 247-249 High Street, is asking locals to search high and low for old pairs of specs as staff aim to collect a record number of glasses for the UK-based charity. Store staff have already collected an amazing 5,373 and hope to get to 6,000 by the end of August.

Specsavers Exeter store director Lillian-Evangelia Agelis says: ‘We have always had a donation bin taking pride of place in store for collections and we aim to carry on as it is such a good cause....

Over 50 members of the local business community enjoyed wine and a two-course lunch at Exeter Golf & Country Club hosted by the Business Network (SW).

A pre-event seminar was hosted by Ian Dunstan and Jim Taylor of Cobalt Communications titled ‘The Internet of Things’.

An after lunch presentation was given by Jon Beake MioD, the SaBRE and Employer Engagement Director of Wessex Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association on ‘How to gain a Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Award’.

A special ‘Venus Experience’ was hosted by the Devon Venus Awards 2015 for local women in business yesterday (Thurs 25th June).

The Venus Experience allowed award nominees and women interested in entering the awards to take part in a question and answer session about the nomination and application process.

The event, which took place at The Imperial Pub on New North Road in Exeter, was open to everyone who has already entered or is thinking of entering the awards, which recognise women in business who demonstrate exceptional talent. There was also the chance to network with...

Flora and fauna are in abundance at A la Ronde near Exmouth. Countless different species of grasses, flowers, shrubs, insects and trees have been identified on a recent nature walk hosted by local expert Nigel Pinhorn.

One of the group, Ginnie Cox, listed many of the varieties recognised, including the thick kneed beetle with their vivid metallic green colour, the quirkily named Corky-fruited water dropwort, the aptly named frog hopper which can jump great distances and the beautiful cut-leaved cranesbill.

A la Ronde Gardener David Collings said: “Our wonderful hay meadow...

If you are over 65 and still like to keep active, know that age is just a number and you take pride in putting younger people to shame with your fitness routines, then don your training shoes and enter the national search to find the UK’s most active person aged 65 and over, starting with a regional winner from the South West.

Launched by well-known celebrity fitness guru Mr Motivator, who at 62 still keeps fit and healthy with regular workouts that used to keep the UK energised every morning in the 90’s, the Older Actives competition, sponsored by Ateronon, is searching for nine*...

Stagecoach South West has announced its commitment to the UK Armed Forces by signing a corporate covenant to support the country’s military community.

The company, which operates bus services across Devon and into Cornwall and Somerset is marking the event and in recognition of National Armed Forces Day on Saturday 27 June, by offering free travel to military personnel on this special day.

Uniformed military personnel and veterans wearing their medals are invited to travel, free of charge on services across the South West Network on Friday 26, Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June...

Gilbert Stephens LLP, has expanded its conveyancing team following the recruitment of Alison Parker, a qualified conveyancer with 25 years industry experience. Our multi-role practice with five offices in Devon, welcomes Alison to its Exeter office in Southernhay.

Originally from the Midlands, Alison started her career as a trainee at Clarke Wilmot in Bristol, following the completion of her law degree. Since then she has worked at a number of firms in the South West, covering commercial and residential property law.

As part of the conveyancing team at Gilbert Stephens,...

Marsh Kia in Exeter is thrilled to announce that it is to sponsor Exeter City FC.

The dealership, which is part of the Marsh Garages Motoring Group, is fully embracing the new partnership, gifting the club with a brand new Kia Sportage!

The sponsorship comes at an exciting time for Exeter City FC, as their charity, Football in the Community, goes from strength to strength. Started by Exeter City FC and charged with inspiring young people through physical activity, education, health and social inclusion throughout Devon and parts of Somerset, Marsh Kia were keen to be...