The Persimmon Charitable Foundation has launched a new open application programme for charities and community groups that are focused on social mobility.
A total of £200,000 is available, with applications now open for two £50,000 donations, which will be awarded in May.
A second round of funding will open in June, with an additional two £50,000 donations awarded in September.
The latest winner from the region was the South West Social Mobility Commission, established two years ago in response to the alarming findings of a 2022 report that revealed the region as...
As excitement builds for Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, Canada’s Alex Tessier is relishing the chance to return to Exeter, where she has spent the past season playing for the Chiefs.
The dynamic fly-half is set to take centre stage at Sandy Park when Canada faces Scotland on September 6th, in what promises to be one of the most thrilling match-ups of the tournament’s pool stage.
Tessier said: “Sandy Park is an amazing stadium, and I can't wait for our game against Scotland. The atmosphere down in Exeter is incredible, and I know the fans will come out in full force to...
Up-and-coming Chiefs’ tighthead prop Jimmy Roots (brother of England’s Ethan), will be appearing at Brightside Exeter on Wednesday 26th March to talk all things rugby, followed by a meet and greet.
Fans will have the chance to ask questions, probe Jimmy to find out what really goes on behind the scenes at the Premiership Rugby Club, get tips and hints for any budding young stars and have rugby balls and shirts signed.
This is a free to book event, tables are available from 6pm. Brightside’s full Noon To Night menu will be available including, in Jimmy’s honour, a...
The National Trust is creating a ‘living library’ of trees in east Devon in efforts to help save Britain’s rarest and most threatened native species, the black poplar.
Building on existing efforts up and down the country and with thanks to support from HSBC UK, the conservation charity is forming a living gene bank of black poplar at Killerton, near Exeter, to help save the declining species.
Once as common as oak and beech, drainage of land and demand for faster and straighter growing non-native timber trees has contributed to the gradual decline of the species, leaving...
A heartfelt new song is being released to mark Neurodiversity Celebration Week, aiming to raise awareness of Calmer Lives and CEDA while generating much-needed funds to support neurodivergent individuals and their families.
Jennifer Levey, a Therapeutic Mentor for Calmer Lives and independent counsellor, originally wrote Natural High over a decade ago as a personal expression of gratitude and self-acceptance. Now, she has reworked the song to celebrate neurodiversity and highlight the vital work of Calmer Lives and CEDA. The track was recorded with renowned producer George...
IHG Hotels & Resorts , one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has opened voco Zeal Exeter Science Park – IHG’s first branded net zero* carbon hotel, in partnership with Zeal Hotels and Valor Hospitality. It has been designed to operate entirely on renewable and solar energy.
As with all voco branded hotels, the 142-room voco Zeal Exeter Science Park has been designed to help guests truly unwind and feel at ease with the use of neutral tones and contemporary features throughout the guest rooms and public spaces. Guests staying at the hotel will have access to a mini gym,...
The University of Exeter’s degree apprenticeship programmes have won in the Diversity and Inclusion category at this year’s Apprenticeships and Training Awards. The award recognises Exeter’s distinctive approach to degree apprenticeships, with a focus on social mobility, widening access to Higher Education and ensuring success for all – particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. Exeter’s efforts to integrate sustainability practices into the delivery of degree apprenticeship programmes also saw it Highly Commended in the Sustainability in Training and Apprenticeships category....
One of the west country’s best loved events is back this June - the Secret Gardens of Topsham.
Organised by Topsham Museum and held on Sunday June 8 the event - normally staged on alternate years - attracted no fewer than 1,400 visitors in 2023 and this year aims for even more.
For 2025 the event, which is held with the support of Wilkinson Grant estate agency, will consist of 15 gardens throughout the town. They each truly deserve the title of ‘hidden gem’. Most are completely private except for this event with some boasting views over the Exe Estuary.
During Free Wills Month, Devon Air Ambulance (DAA) are encouraging supporters to consider leaving a charitable gift in their Will to help protect the charity’s income and lifesaving service for the people of Devon in the years to come.
One in three of DAA’s lifesaving missions are funded by Gifts in Wills that have been left to them by generous supporters, an outstanding number that equated to 819 calls for their specialist help being funded in this way in 2024.
Donations of this nature help hundreds of charities to continue their work in local communities and every gift...
Cumberland Grange Care Home in Exeter were bang on trend recently when residents and their guests celebrated their very own Oscars Awards Ceremony.
There were ten awards for Residents and ten awards for Staff to be won, with lots of nominees. With categories ranging from the person with the kindest heart, to the person who drinks the most coffee.
The afternoon kicked off with a musical saxophone performance with plenty of dancing, before canapes and bubbles were served as everyone got seated ready for the Awards Ceremony to start.
