Devon’s Major Geoff Bird (MBE), who has spent more than 50 years campaigning, championing, and raising money on behalf of those with learning disabilities, marks his 104th birthday on Friday (March 26).
He joined the Navy in 1940, transferred to the Army as a private before rising through the ranks in the Royal Hampshire Regiment, serving in both Italy and Greece.
He began raising money in the late 1960s alongside his late wife Molly following the birth of their severely disabled son Christopher.
Recognising the dearth of facilities for disabled children at the...
In March 2020, as airlines around the world began to shut down, like so many people, work and travel plans for two young Exeter ladies were put on hold.
As news of the pandemic spread across the globe, back-packer Georgia Wilkinson wrestled with the dilemma of holing-up in Mexico City whilst sister, Emily Turner, and husband Iain postponed plans to spend a second spell working their UK jobs from the beautiful alpine town of Chamonix.
A last-minute Trans-Atlantic flight and a Heathrow pick-up by Mr and Mrs Turner, saw the two former Maynards School girls unexpectedly...
Home fragrance start-up Glam Wax aims to secure a larger share of the UK market and expand overseas after moving to its first business premises.
Founded by Christie Stapleton in May 2019, Glam Wax has signed a five-year lease on a 3000 sq. ft warehouse in Exeter having previously operated from her parents’ seaside beach shop in Dawlish Warren and the family dining room table.
Glam Wax produces vegan and eco friendly range of products including handmade wax melts, reed diffusers, bath bombs, bubble bath and candles and demand has rocketed this past year as business has...
People in Devon who are eligible for a coronavirus vaccine are being urged to book an appointment before the end of March while there are thousands of spaces available.
Everyone aged 50 and above, people with underlying health conditions or health and care workers are among those now eligible for a vaccination.
They are being encouraged to book an appointment for a first dose before the supply constraints begin in April.
Making an appointment is simple:
Use the National Booking Service via the website or by calling 119
After three generations farming at Fordmore, near Cullompton, Devon, an award-winning farm shop has now moved into the twenty first century by introducing an online shop.
The farm, purchased during the perils of WW2, was originally called Plymtree but now trading as Fordmore Farm Shop has faced the present challenges of the pandemic by embracing on-line meat sales to support the business.
The farm specialises in organic dairy and poultry products and boasts a herd of Longhorn cattle, bread for the table.
With the extended lockdown continuing since Christmas the...
The NHS in Devon is supporting people with learning disabilities to take up the potentially life-saving coronavirus vaccination.
GP surgeries are contacting people about booking the vaccine.
Recent engagement work, including focus groups with members of our community with learning disabilities, led by NHS Devon Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) suggests that the reasons for vaccine hesitancy locally mirror concerns identified nationally.
Those with learning disabilities who took part in the focus groups felt:
On the request of East Devon District Council, for the first time this year, the RNLI will provide lifeguard cover on Exmouth beach over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend (Friday 2 April to Monday 5 April).
The lifesaving charity has been working with partners behind the scenes through the challenges of lockdown, to recruit, train and prepare their lifeguards for what is expected to be another busy summer on UK beaches. The RNLI will deliver its usual lifeguard service across the UK and Channel Islands this year in the standard phased approach.
Peter Gorton, an award-winning chef who made his name developing some of the best-known restaurants in the West Country, has become a director of Food Drink Devon.
Peter who has owned and run famous establishments such as West Devon’s Horn of Plenty and Dartmouth’s Carved Angel, says he accepted the invitation to join the board because he believes it will be vital for the West Country catering industry to pull together in a post-Covid era, and because he believes the produce of Devon is second to none.
“My heart is in Devon and I wanted to support members of this...
Exmouth RNLI volunteer crew members launched their inshore lifeboat this evening following a report of a jetski taking water off Exmouth seafront.
At 5.47pm today Sunday 21 March 2021 Exmouth RNLI inshore lifeboat D-805 George Bearman II was launched having been tasked by H.M. Coastguard to a report of a jetski sinking off Pole Sands, Exmouth.
The lifeboat was commanded by Helm, Henry Mock and volunteer lifeboat crew Guy Munnings and David Preece.
The lifesavers located the vessel at 6.03pm and it was quickly taken under tow, together with the single occupant,...
On Wednesday 17th March, Devon Labour welcomed Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Education, Kate Green MP to a listening event about the quality of education in Devon. Chaired by Lisa Robillard Webb, Chair of Devon County Labour Party Forum, the panel also included local Labour Councillor Su Aves and National Education Union Regional Secretary Hannah Packham.
Over 40 attendees from across Devon, including educators and parents were present. Questions from participants covered a wide variety of topics such as provision for pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN), forced...
