Devon

Medical School research ranks in UK top 10

Research at the University of Exeter Medical School has ranked in the UK top ten, for demonstrating world-leading impact on health and wellbeing across the globe.

From internationally-renowned research on diabetes to developing effective new therapies for people with depression, the Medical School’s work has been heralded as having an impact in the South West and worldwide.

In the Research Excellence Framework (REF), the only comprehensive UK-wide review of research quality since 2008, Exeter’s Clinical Medicine research was ranked 3rd in the country, based on research...

Chamber raises £1,000 for charities

Exeter Chamber of Commerce helped nine local charities raise over £1,000 at their Christmas Charity Auction Lunch last week, held at the Mercure Exeter Southgate Hotel.

The auctioneer for the special lunch was Mel Everett, weekend presenter for Devon/Cornwall Heart radio.

Items for auction included a ‘behind the scenes’ tour of the RAMM, in aid of the museum’s development trust, for six people to see some of the reserve collections; and an annual membership for four people at Devon’s Crealy Great Adventure Park to raise money for WESC Foundation. Also up for auction,...

Directors fined after dumper truck death

A 20-year-old man died on his first day at work for a new company when the four-tonne dumper he was driving toppled over a bank and crushed him.

Daniel Whiston, from Dulverton, was allowed to drive the dumper, which had a number of serious defects, before it overturned down the embankment at Sweetings Farm, near Tiverton, on 27 October 2009.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigated the incident, and prosecuted Mr Whiston’s employers, company directors William Friend and Robert Plume, at Exeter Crown Court today (22 Dec).

The court heard that Plume and...

Man dies following Exeter crash

Police are renewing their appeal for witnesses to come forward after a fatal collision in Exeter on Saturday 13 December.

Just before 6pm the emergency services were called to a two vehicle collision at the junction of Rydon Lane and Pynes Hill.

The collision involved a white Ford Ka and a silver coloured Audi A3.

The occupants of the Ford Ka, a 67 year-old male driver and a 68 year-old female passenger, suffered life threatening injuries and were taken to hospital.

The driver of the Ka, who is local to the area, sadly died in hospital as a result of his...

New year, new beginning for Pavilions

Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted: Mon, 12/22/2014 - 12:26pm

As 2014 nears to a close, it marks a fresh start in the exciting project to create a brand new landmark building in Teignmouth.

Demolition of the former Carlton Theatre is complete and the site is ready for construction of the new building which will house arts, business and enterprise.

The new building will be known as Pavilions Teignmouth.

Pavilions Teignmouth was selected from a long list of proposals by its new board of trustees who have been appointed to guide the vision for the centre and shape its future on behalf of everyone who will use it.

Margaret...

Exeter police donate festive treats to Age UK

Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted: Mon, 12/22/2014 - 11:49am

Officers and staff in Exeter have been getting in the festive spirit by donating boxes full of Christmas goodies to elderly people this Christmas.

PC Chris Pusey started a Christmas collection at Heavitree Road police station in November.

Donations of food, drink and Christmas gifts came flooding in from officers and staff from the station and the police control room.

On Monday 15 December PC Pusey delivered 15 large boxes full of goodies to Kath at Age UK in Cowick Street (pictured).

Age UK will create hampers with the items, including bottles of champagne...

Eleven new centres to lead genomics project

Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted: Mon, 12/22/2014 - 11:47am

Eleven new centres across England have been chosen to deliver the 100,000 Genomes Project.

The three-year project, launched by the Prime Minister earlier this year, aims to improve diagnosis and treatment for patients with cancer and rare diseases.

The initiative involves collecting and decoding 100,000 human genomes – complete sets of people’s genes – that will enable scientists and doctors to understand more about specific conditions.

The project has the potential to improve our ability to predict and prevent disease. It may also lead to new and more precise...

Exeter archaeologist contributes to Roman Britain from the Air

Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted: Mon, 12/22/2014 - 11:04am

A new TV programme telling the story of what life was like for Romans and Britons 2000 years ago involves a unique journey across Britain by helicopter with commentary from a University of Exeter archaeologist. ‘Roman Britain from the Air’ is on ITV at 8pm on 23 December. The programme is presented by Christine Bleakley and historian Dr Michael Scott, with assistance from University of Exeter archaeologist Professor Stephen Rippon, who advised on the making of ‘Roman Britain from the Air’. The Romans have left a legacy that’s lasted 1600 years. From Hadrian’s Wall to the 6000 seat...

New legislation for houses of multiple occupation

Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted: Mon, 12/22/2014 - 10:41am

Landlords of houses of multiple occupation (HMOs) in Exeter are being reminded of new licensing requirements that are set to be introduced in February.

Exeter City Council is offering a series of discounts for landlords affected by the new legislation, to those who register their properties before 15 January, undertake a training course or are part of a recognised landlords' association.

Last month (November) Exeter City Council approved an extension of its licensing for HMOs following a lengthy period of public consultation.

The Council is broadening its licensing...

South West Schools built cheaper and faster under flagship scheme

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Mon, 12/22/2014 - 10:39am

The Government’s flagship school building initiative has cut the cost of school construction projects by more than a third and is delivering them faster than ever before – figures out today show.

A vital part of the Government’s long term plan for education is raising the standard of schools so that thousands of pupils and teachers benefit from high-quality, fit for purpose facilities. These improved facilities will help children learn, so they can reach their full potential and go on and succeed in life.

Thanks to the £2.4 billion investment in the Priority School Building...

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