Devon

Honiton to welcome pioneering boatbuilders working on the UK’s first electric workboat

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Tue, 03/21/2023 - 3:38pm

A pioneering boatbuilding firm is relocating to East Devon to manufacture components for the UK’s first fully electric workboat and charging station, in a move which will secure 30 local jobs.

Coastal Workboats Limited (CWL) will be building their new HQ and advanced manufacturing site at Honiton’s Heathpark Industrial Estate. The move, which supports East Devon District Council’s ambitions to address the climate emergency by promoting clean growth, was guided by EDDC's Economic Development team.

Councillor Paul Hayward, EDDC’s Portfolio Holder for Economy and Assets,...

Reserved Matters approval paves way for new home type in Devon

Sovereign has secured reserved matters planning approval for 69 affordable homes at Taverners Field on the edge of Exeter, Devon. It paves the way for the housing association to build the first homes using its range of new house types.

Detailed planning consent was received at the end of last year, and with work now able to start, contractors are expected to be on site shortly.

These mixed-tenure homes will be the first built to Sovereign’s new house specification. By exceeding national spaces standards, incorporating increased storage, and promoting lots of natural...

"Mexican wave of colour” expected after cold snaps delay blooms, as National Trust launches its annual blossom campaign

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Mon, 03/20/2023 - 8:45am

The National Trust is today (Monday 20 March) launching its annual blossom campaign, which aims to bring the beauty of blossom to more people and to celebrate the start of spring.

However, due to repeated cold snaps particular in recent weeks and the driest February in thirty years, Britons may need to wait a little longer than usual to be able to enjoy nature’s most beautiful displays, as cold temperatures, wind and snow lead to difficult conditions for flowering trees and hedgerows across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Fortunately, the British public should not...

Easy Does It - local charity fundraises without spending any money

A local charity is calling on everyone in the local area to help its fundraising - without giving a penny.

That’s because the Exeter, Mid and East Devon branch has signed up to a new online service called easyfundraising.

As its name suggests, it’s a simple way of raising money when you shop online.

Easyfundraising has partnered with around 7,000 major shopping brands and if you shop at any of those brands online, you can secure a percentage donation to the local Samaritans - and it’s the shop that pays, not you.

Every time you shop online that brand...

Nominate your wildlife heroes for the 2023 Wild About Devon Awards

Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted: Sat, 03/18/2023 - 10:21pm

Communities are being called on to nominate their ‘wildlife heroes’ for an award this autumn which will celebrate the work of groups and individuals across Devon who gone above and beyond to tackle the ecological emergency.

Wild About Devon is a Devon Local Nature Partnership initiative focusing on supporting local communities to restore and improve habitats for nature across our diverse landscapes. Support is given through advice, signposting, networking platforms, and via the grant scheme.

There are so many communities, schools, groups, and individuals around Devon...

Blundell’s secures Devonshire Homes sponsorship for Rosslyn Park 7s rugby festival

Blundell’s School has announced an exciting new rugby sponsorship deal with independent Westcountry housebuilder, Devonshire Homes. The deal includes shirt sponsorship, playing kit and off-field teamwear for the school’s senior boys rugby 7s squad. The clothing has been designed and supplied by Devon based specialist, VX3.

Tiverton based Devonshire Homes is an award-winning house builder committed to building high quality new homes throughout the Westcountry. The company has been creating new communities across the South West since 1992 and actively supports charities and...

Devon’s new surgical hub wins national recognition

A hospital site in Devon that is helping to reduce planned care waiting lists has received national recognition for meeting top clinical and operational standards.

The South West Ambulatory Orthopaedic Centre (SWAOC) at the Nightingale Hospital in Exeter is one of eight to be awarded accreditation as part of a pilot scheme.

The Nightingale Hospital originally opened as a COVID-19 hospital to support the country’s response to the first wave of the pandemic.

After being decommissioned as a COVID hospital, the site was transformed into a state-of-the-art facility...

The average cost of Guinness in Devon for St Patrick's Day 2023

The average cost of a pint of Guinness has been revealed in Devon ahead of St Patrick's Day this year.

The drink is synonymous with Ireland so understandably many people may want to celebrate the occasion with a pint or two. As arguably Ireland’s most popular beverage, what would St. Patrick’s day be without a cold pint of Guinness?

However, the cost of a pint can vary quite a bit between counties, and the average cost in Devon is on the higher end of the spectrum in the UK.

The company Love Discount Vouchers has researched what the average cost is across the UK,...

Skybus celebrates more than 30 years of flying from Exeter Airport as new season takes off

Skybus is celebrating more than 30 years of flying from Exeter Airport to the Isles of Scilly as the 2023 season takes off.

The Cornwall-based airline has been flying from Exeter Airport to Scilly since May 1991 and the first flight of 2023 took off from Exeter this week.

Skybus, owned and operated by the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, will be operating up to three flights a day, six days a week through to mid-October. With a flight time of just an hour it means one of the most stunning parts of the UK is within easy reach.

The popular islands, 28 miles off...

NHS’ top doctor warns emergency care will have to be prioritised during biggest strike disruption to date

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Mon, 03/13/2023 - 8:33am

Emergency, urgent and critical care will be prioritised by the NHS this week as strike action by junior doctors across England will see major disruption of services, with thousands of patients facing postponements to routine care.

Industrial action by junior doctors part of the BMA and the HCSA began today (Monday 13 March) at all trusts in England for 72 hours – the longest continuous period of strike action in recent months.

During this time, the NHS will prioritise resources to protect emergency and critical care, maternity care and where possible prioritise patients...

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