Devon

Dream-A-Way Christmas Party at Bicton

As 2012 draws to a close, Exeter-Based Charity Dream-A-Way entertained more than 70 special guests and their carers at Bicton Park Botanical Gardens, where owner Valerie Lister and her team dished up another fantastic Christmas lunch and all were delighted with their gifts from the Real Santa.

There was a mammoth draw, fun bingo and even a mini-auction which all added to the fun time had by all!

The trip was jointly funded by the Express and Echo We Care fund and Dream-A-Way.

Chairman Jeff Merrett said “It was a fantastic lunch in a fantastic setting. All of our...

Chiefs triumph over Scarlets at home

Having written one new chapter into the history books of Exeter Rugby Club a week ago, the Chiefs penned another equally exciting tale of triumph as they saw off the Scarlets for a second successive game - Chiefs 30 - Scarlets 20.

Rob Baxter’s side followed up their maiden Heineken Cup scalp in West Wales by producing an equally impressive repeat performance in the latest re-run at Sandy Park. Tries from Ian Whitten,

Simon Alcott and skipper James Scaysbrook were the key highlights for the Devonians, whilst on-song marksman Gareth Steenson added to his seasonal tally with...

Savings levels rise for the second successive quarter

New research released from NS&I’s Quarterly Savings Survey shows that savings levels have risen for the second successive quarter. Britons are now saving 7.33% of their income each month, £90 in real terms, a rise from 7.17% in the previous quarter. Albeit positive news, savings levels are rising from a low level previously. In Spring 2012, Britons were saving 7.08% of their income each month, their lowest amount for more than a year previously, and 28% of Britons now believe they won’t be able to sustain the same level of saving over the next three months.

The findings show...

New hair salon opens on Paris Street

A new hair salon has opened on Exeter's Paris Street. Established by Ellie Greensmith and Katie Holloway, Elk promises to provide a "relaxed oasis and calming atmosphere; a place where our time-conscious clients can tick more off their list than a hair cut."

Elk's contemporary approach offers patrons more than just hair and beauty - their aim is to make all ages and both men and women feel equally welcome at Elk. Take a coffee or lunch break and use their Wi-Fi, all while enjoying an Elk hair and beauty treatment.

Ellie started her career by training at the Vidal Sassoon...

Flooding update from the Environment Agency

The Hemyock, Cullompton, Stoke Canon, Broadclyst and Clyst St Mary areas remain under flood alert as further rain is forecast. Scattered and blustery showers are expected on Saturday through to Monday with some heavy bursts throughout this period. Winds forecast for this weekend remain strong with gusts up to Force 8.

East facing coastal locations, including Beesands, Torcross, Slapton, Torbay and Dawlish also remain under flood alert for the high tides on Friday evening and Saturday morning. The time and date of forecast high water at Beesands is Tide 1: 18:30 on 14th December...

Festive charity evening at Hembury Court

Robert and Mandy Persey, owners of East Devon’s award-winning Hembury Court, raised an outstanding £1,660 for Macmillan Cancer Support at their charity festive evening on Wednesday night (12th December).

Those who came along for the evening enjoyed a wonderful selection of goodies from local producers such as Fine Country Lifestyle, Georgie Porgie’s Puddings and Roly’s Fudge. There was a delightful range of gifts on offer, including truly creative items from Kindred Rose. In addition, guests could enter a ‘Premier’ raffle to win luxury prizes which included a half day West Country...

Appeal for witnesses after woman assaulted at the Quay

Devon and Cornwall Police are appealing for witnesses following an incident along The Quay in Exeter on the evening of Friday 7th December 2012.

At about 7.50pm a woman in her thirties was running along the canal path between The Port Royal pub and Trews Weir Bridge when she was approached by a man from behind and pushed against a wall. She screamed and the man ran off.

The suspect is described as Indian or Asian in appearance, aged approximately 28 to 30 years old and of a slight build. He has thick wavy dark hair which is short and distinctly has bushy eyebrows. He was...

Devon chef jointly wins MasterChef: The Professionals

A Devon chef has been named joint winner in the final of this year's MasterChef: The Professionals . Anton Piotrowski, 30, who runs the Treby Arms in Sparkwell near Plymouth, and Keri Moss, 41, from London, became the first joint winners in the history of the competition. "It's absolutely amazing; to share the title with someone that's so talented and so amazing is unreal," said Piotrowski.

Piotrowski's winning menu included squid ink and malt vinegar crumble and cocoa-marinated venison.

The Professionals spin-off, which pits working chefs against one another, is now in its...

Slight train delays but services now running

Update: The trains going are getting back to normal after earlier heavy rains. Trains are now running between Newton Abbot and Exeter St Davids, but slight delays may still be possible.

National Rail are reporting that poor weather conditions are causing disruption in the Dawlish area.

Because of this, there are no trains between Newton Abbot and Exeter St Davids. This will continue until further notice.

Ticket Acceptance:

  • First Great Western and CrossCountry passengers may use each others services on all reasonable routes until further
  • ...

Big improvement in Devon primary schools’ SATs results

Devon’s primary schools have achieved a significant improvement in this year’s Key Stage 2 SATs tests for 11-year-olds.

The county’s combined figure for English and maths was up six per cent on last year and Devon schools continue to out-perform results nationally and regionally.

The percentage of pupils achieving the benchmark Level 4 or above in English and maths in Devon was 82 per cent in 2012 – up six points on last year’s county results.

And the Devon figure was three points ahead of the national figure for the two subjects combined at 79 per cent and ahead of...

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