christmas

A lady making a Christmas wreath in a cosy home environment

Navigating Christmas with Dementia

Following new research last week from Alzheimer’s Society which found 65% of dementia family carers felt ‘robbed’ of a care-free and joyful Christmas, The Filo Project , a local not-for-profit dementia day care provider is sharing expert advice to help Devon families navigate the festive period and support their loved ones with dementia to feel involved in home festivities.

The busy changes to many families’ routines and home environment at Christmas-time can be challenging for relatives or friends who have dementia. Decorations suddenly appearing, noisy family gatherings and...

Give a gift to charity or donate instead of sending Christmas cards

It’s traditional to send seasonal greetings at this time of year but a Devonwide health and wellbeing charity is encouraging people to make a donation instead of giving Christmas cards.

Westbank Community Health and Care has launched its ‘Donate in Lieu of Christmas Cards’ campaign, asking people to make a charitable gift rather than spending money on buying and posting cards this festive season.

Katie Elliott, Westbank’s Head of Fundraising and Marketing explains why, “Every donation we receive, however large or small, makes a real difference to our ability to provide...

Exeter church distributes Christmas hampers to people struggling in the cost-of-living crisis

Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted: Wed, 12/06/2023 - 11:51pm

An Exeter church which is distributing over 700 Christmas food hampers, says it has been overwhelmed at the requests for help across the community.

Rediscover Church in Northernhay Street, Exeter, has run the hamper project every year for the last 8 years to help people who are struggling and in need, but this they’ve been inundated with requests for help, as people struggle to make ends meet, as the cost of a weekly food shop continues to increase.

The effects of the cost-of-living crisis seem to be having a significant impact on people’s lives, with some of the hamper...

Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust launches Christmas membership drive

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Tue, 12/05/2023 - 11:54pm

In a push to redefine festive giving, the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust is encouraging the public to move beyond traditional gifts and embrace a present that not only brings joy to loved ones but actively contributes to the preservation of a cherished heritage pony— the Dartmoor Heritage Pony.

Membership gifts directly play a role in safeguarding Dartmoor's iconic Heritage ponies, offering individuals a chance to contribute to preserving our much loved traditional breeds, protect Dartmoor’s landscapes, and champion biodiversity through innovative conservation grazing projects....

Christmas at the Castle is BACK, with the special gift of a sign-language grotto

Powderham Castle, a historic gem nestled in the heart of South Devon, is set to transport visitors to a winter wonderland with the return of its highly-anticipated Christmas at the Castle event, which this year sees the introduction of a BSL Christmas grotto.

As part of this magical celebration, Powderham Castle invites visitors to experience the historic grounds in a whole new light.

Starting from December 1st until December 31st, visitors can purchase tickets for both the castle and grounds. Tickets are priced at £14.95 per adult and £6.95 per child.

This...

InExeter Invites You to Celebrate 'Indie ExeMas' this Christmas Season

As Christmas approaches, the city of Exeter is brimming with festive cheer, and InExeter, the Business Improvement District for Exeter, is excited to extend an invitation to all residents and visitors to experience an 'Indie ExeMas' this year.

This Christmas, we encourage everyone to step out into the heart of Exeter and explore the array of offerings from our independent businesses. 'Indie ExeMas' is not just a shopping spree; it's an opportunity to support local entrepreneurs, discover unique, handcrafted, and locally sourced gifts, and immerse yourself in the spirit of the...

Homeless man with dog

"They came along and lifted me up". St Petrock’s Christmas Appeal 2023 launches

Four people who are rebuilding their lives after being homeless feature in a moving Exeter homelessness charity’s Christmas fundraising campaign.

The two-minute film focuses on the question of how it feels to be homeless, especially at Christmas. “They came along and lifted me up” is one of the many moving statements made in the video, that was launched across social and traditional media on Thursday morning (23 November).

The numbers of people sleeping rough in Exeter remain critically high

Alfie, who lived on the streets for eight years after growing up in the...

Dunelm calls on Exeter customers to help deliver joy to those who are less fortunate this Christmas  

After delivering hundreds of gifts donated by kind customers last Christmas, Dunelm, the Home of Homes, is once again launching its community-focused festive campaign, Delivering Joy, in Exeter.

Now in its fourth year, the campaign aims to help people across the UK that may not otherwise receive a gift to open on Christmas Day.

The campaign is simple – customers can collect a tag from their nearest Dunelm store with a gift request from a local good cause, including schools, care homes, refuges, and charities. Customers are asked to return the tag, attached to a gift...

Stagecoach brings festive cheer to Exeter bus station

Stagecoach will be hosting a FREE Festive Family Fun afternoon at Exeter Bus Station on Thursday 7th December from 3pm to 5pm.

Visitors to the city centre can begin their countdown to Christmas with a family fun afternoon featuring the Big Noise Choir and Radio Exe who will be spreading festive cheer with live entertainment, Christmas carols, and competitions.

Families will also be able to meet Father Christmas and have a photo with the big man in front of the giant Christmas Tree.

Stagecoach South West Managing Director Peter Knight said: “Following the success...

Exeter's longest-running Christmas show to celebrate its 100th performance

Humbug!, an immersive Christmas experience created by Devon-based theatre company Wandering Tiger, will commemorate its 100th performance on Friday 8th December.

Since its debut in 2017, Humbug! has transported over 4000 people back in time to Victorian England, immersing them in a festive world of magic and wonder.

The site-specific show takes place throughout St Nicholas Priory, Exeter's oldest building, and brings the story of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol to life with a mixture of performance, video projection, and live music.

"We are delighted to be...

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