gifts

Don’t make Christmas presents a gift for thieves, warns insurance expert

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Tue, 12/20/2022 - 9:56pm

Homeowners in the South West are being urged to think twice about where they store their Christmas gifts this year.

“People should not be hiding presents in garages and sheds, even if it is only temporary or overnight,” said William McCarter, of rural insurance broker Lycetts.

“It has never been a good idea to store valuable items in outbuildings, but with the cost-of-living crisis and inflated prices, burglars are more determined to exploit any opportunity they can.”

McCarter stressed the importance of carefully checking household insurance policies and of not...

Advice on how to ensure toys are safe this Christmas

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Fri, 12/09/2022 - 11:34pm

To help ensure that the toys you are buying this Christmas are safe Trading Standards has released two short videos.

The videos, about toy safety and buying electrical goods , feature Holly Traynor from the Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service and she gives her top tips and advice on what to look for and what to avoid.

Trading Standards advises that if you are buying new products, you should ensure they display a CE mark, proof that the product has passed EU safety regulations, or the UKCA mark, which is the UK equivalent.

All toys, including ‘free...

How are people in the South West celebrating Father’s Day 2021?

Authored by karl_young
Posted: Fri, 06/04/2021 - 8:27am

Father’s Day is on the horizon and, for those in the UK, it just so happens to fall on the 20th of June –the day before all lockdown restrictions are set to ease on the 21st.

So, how is this affecting plans for Father’s Day for those living in the South West? A survey carried out by gifting retailer Find Me a Gift set out to find out just that, speaking to people across the UK about how they’re spending Father’s Day in the times of COVID.

How do people in the South West feel about Father’s Day?

The survey found that almost a quarter (24%) of people in the South West are...

Christmas Santa Christmas Cards & Gifts

Cards for Good Causes reopens shop in Exeter

The Cards for Good Causes Shop in Exeter has raised over £250,000 for charities in the past three years . Popping in to Cathedral Close to buy Christmas cards for friends and family has become a local tradition for so many people. It’s been one of the biggest charity card shops in the UK. This year though has been a challenge with the shop being unable to open.

As lockdown hopefully ends, Cards for Good Causes is to open the doors to a new shop on 3rd December in 6 Paris Street. Strict social distancing and all Covid-19 precautions will be in place to keep everyone safe. There...

Ten fragrant gardening gifts for Mothers

Authored by Marc Astley
Posted: Sat, 03/14/2020 - 8:35pm

So many plants offer fantastic scents – the sweet headiness of lily-of-the-valley in spring, the strong perfume of roses, mock orange and lilies through summer.

From shrubs whose scent is carried in the wind and can be enjoyed out on the patio, to houseplants that fill a room with fragrance, along with scented balms, oils and candles aimed at gardeners, your mum can inhale the joy of her garden with a fragrant Mother’s Day gift.

Here are some of the most perfumed offerings to buy now… Fragrant gifts for Mother's Day

Devon County Show’s 12 days of Christmas

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Thu, 11/16/2017 - 8:07am

The Devon County Show has rewritten the ‘12 days of Christmas’ to create a unique seasonal gift card.

According to Show organisers, ‘On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me, a day at the Devon County Show!’

Show favourites including heavy horse, leaping lambs, tractors a’pullling, buzzing bees and mooing heifers all feature in the festive ditty.

Show Secretary Ollie Allen said: “We’ve had great fun putting our own words to the verse and hope everyone enjoys our Show-inspired idea.”

Ollie added: “This is a great present for young, old and...

What does Christmas look like in 2050? New graphic gives us a glimpse into the future

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Tue, 11/29/2016 - 6:05am

Last year we spent an average of £596 on Christmas presents, consumed around 10 million turkeys and munched our way through 10,000 mince pies! We are obsessed with the festive period, but how has Christmas changed over the years?

Photobox has created an interactive journey that shares festive facts from the past, present and future - giving us Christmas-loving Brits some interesting insights into our favourite day! What’s been the top selling toy throughout the years or the average cost of a Christmas dinner? Find out here…

Festive facts include:

  • 880 million
  • ...

Don't let thieves steal your Christmas

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Tue, 12/01/2015 - 4:36pm

Devon and Cornwall police are reminding people during the busy run up to Christmas to keep their possessions safe from opportunist thieves. Officers will be working closely with partners in the community to roll out a number initiatives over the coming weeks.

People are advised to protect their Christmas purchases by storing them out of sight, so burglars aren’t tempted to steal them.

Detective Sergeant Chris Tapley from Devon and Cornwall Police said: “Burglary is a serious and invasive offence which has a devastating impact on victims. You can make a big difference...

Doors open - come and see!

Authored by Liz Straw
Posted: Tue, 12/01/2015 - 11:40am

Yes – we’re ready to open our doors!

Exeter’s newest community centre, The Beacon, is holding its first public event this Saturday 5 December – a Christmas fair.

Come along between 1pm and 3pm and see all the months of hard work that the Beacon Vollies (you’d call them volunteers) have put in. They have sorted, cleaned, painted and even put up a new ceiling at The Beacon, which was formerly the Knight Club in Beacon Lane.

They have created a warm, light welcoming space to hold community events, private functions, meetings and already a number of local organsiatons...

A local taste of Christmas in Exeter

The Christmas season starts with the delicious sights, smells and tastes of Exeter Street Food’s Christmas Markets.

The first market is being held at the Guildhall Shopping Centre every day from 1st December – 23rd December, with late night shopping every Thursday in December until 9pm. The ever-popular Christmas Night Markets will be held at Exeter Quay on Thursday 3rd December under the transit shed and on Wednesday 23rd December at Piazza Terracina. There will be live music from local musicians and jazz band The Locked horns. If you haven’t already joined the Street Food...

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