Devon

Chiefs side to face London Irish

They say home is where the heart is and for Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter, he’s well aware that if his side are to be genuine contenders for a play-off spot in this season’s Aviva Premiership, then finding the winning formula at Sandy Park will be key.

Last term only two sides - Leicester Tigers and Gloucester - emerged victorious from the Devon venue as the Chiefs posted their best-ever top flight finish.

Sadly, such form was not enough to ensure Baxter’s men of a top four placing, points difference denying them on the final day, but it did show the Chiefs were more...

Students awarded Library of Congress Fellowship

Two University of Exeter postgraduates have won the opportunity to enhance their research at the largest library in the world, the Library of Congress in Washington DC, USA.

Rhian Keyse and Mathilde Pavis, both studying at Exeter, are amongst 27 postgraduate students and early career researchers to be offered the opportunity the Arts and Humanities Research Council International Placement Scheme (IPS) which provides funded research fellowships for doctoral students at world-leading international research institutions.

During the fellowship, the students will have the...

Royal visit celebrates Headway's move

Brain injury survivors from across Devon and Torbay were delighted this week to meet Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex at a special event with local brain injury charity Headway Devon.

During the visit, The Countess of Wessex toured the XCentre – which is the headquarters of Headway Devon as well as the charity’s Exeter-based day centre for people with brain injuries – speaking to people affected by brain injuries and supporters of the charity.

Earlier this year and following a two-year fundraising appeal Headway Devon successfully purchased the XCentre, a...

Nicola graduates with green-fingers

Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted: Fri, 10/23/2015 - 11:10am

After hours of studying and hands-on training, Nicola Oakey, 25 has graduated from the pioneering Homebase Garden Academy, and secured a job working as a trainee horticulture writer at the RHS.

Over the last year Nicola, has spent the last year learning from leading horticulture experts, including academy mentor and award winning garden designer Adam Frost. During the programme she studied everything from planting to lawn care and landscaping, while also working full-time at her local Homebase store in Frome within the garden centre, helping customers create gardens they love....

Exeter to become Centre of Excellence for deaf rugby

(For British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation of this article please click here .

England Deaf RFU and Exeter Deaf Academy showcased a variety of Deaf Rugby talent at a special event on Thursday 22nd October, marking the first step towards Exeter becoming a South West centre of excellence for the sport.

The launch event, at Exeter Deaf Academy on Topsham Road in Exeter, brought England Men and Women's players, local coaches and players from the Deaf Academy, together to encourage more Deaf people to experience the game of rugby. As well as demonstrating the skills of the...

M5 reopens after crash near Taunton

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Fri, 10/23/2015 - 10:42am

The M5 was closed for several hours today (23 October) southbound between J25, A358 (Taunton) and J26, A38 (Wellington) due to an accident involving two lorries.

The log from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue is as follows:

Two fire appliances and a rescue tender from Taunton, together with the heavy rescue vehicle and support vehicle from Middlemoor, were mobilised following a call from the Highways Agency requesting our attendance to a 2 vehicle RTC, person trapped, involving 2 lorries.

On arrival crews confirmed this RTC involved 2 HGV lorries, where one had...

Michaelmas Fair comes to Powderham

Powderham Castle, the family seat of the Earl and Countess of Devon, is the setting for this year’s Michaelmas Fair, which is hosted by ABF The Soldiers’ Charity. The Soldiers’ Charity is the National Charity of the British Army.

The Fair will be a chance to undertake some early Christmas shopping whilst enjoying the grandiose surroundings of the Castle. The Music Room is just one of the many rooms that will be housing stalls selling jewellery, accessories, china, cards, clothing, soft furnishings, books, Christmas puddings, handbags, and a wide range of gifts.

All proceeds...

Half-term at The Donkey Sanctuary

Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted: Thu, 10/22/2015 - 10:21pm

Colder days may be just around the corner but there’s plenty of fun and adventure to keep the whole family entertained at The Donkey Sanctuary this autumn.

Open from 9am to dusk every day, an array of family-friendly activities will be on offer.

While the weather’s still good grab the kids and enjoy the outdoors, wander around the heart of the Sanctuary, explore the Maze, or take a walk through the beautiful woods and amazing scenery.

Chris Phillips of The Donkey Sanctuary says “Half term will be packed full of adventure with signs of autumn nature packs and a...

Spooktacular fun at Devon's Crealy

Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted: Thu, 10/22/2015 - 10:19pm

Devon’s Crealy Great Adventure Park will kick start its Halloween celebrations this half term, with a brand new spooktacular entertainment programme. New to Devon’s Crealy, Patch the Pumpkin will join Buddy Bear and friends for live daily performances on the Piazza Stage. Devon’s Crealy is also pleased to offer each child visiting the park during October Half Term one of its very own home-grown pumpkins absolutely free.

Guests of all ages can enjoy daily meet and greets with Patch the Pumpkin or join the Crealy animal keepers at the Halloween Bug Show and take part in a creepy...

Details revealed for Exeter Christmas lights switch on

Princesshay will reveal its brand new Christmas lights display at the Christmas lights switch on event on Thursday 19th November 2015 from 4pm – 8pm.

Princesshay will host Exeter city centre’s Christmas lights switch on for the fifth consecutive year.

Michael Caines MBE and Tony Rowe OBE who have recently been awarded the freedom of city will switch on the city centre’s Christmas lights at 6.30pm, together with the city’s rising stars Sound of the Sirens who will also be performing in the lead up to the big switch on event.

Shoppers can expect a different festive...

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