Exeter

We need a national food strategy urgently says Devon NFU Chairman

With food production under extreme pressure from climate turmoil, unsustainable returns, high costs, disease challenges, and confusion over European common agricultural policy reform, the chairman of Devon NFU has called on the government to urgently consider implementing a long-term national food security strategy.

Bampton sheep farmer, Colin Rowland, says: “Farmers make up less than...

South West announces first renewable energy manifesto

Regen SW has today written to all MPs in the South West, inviting them to pledge to develop a world-leading renewable energy industry - employing 34,000 people by the end of the decade. The pledge is at the heart of the South West Renewable Energy Manifesto, which sets out eight key commitments to put sustainable energy at the heart of our economic future.

The Manifesto is supported by...

The Duchess of Cornwall to visit Devon County Show

HRH The Duchess of Cornwall is to attend the first day of the Devon County Show on Thursday 16 May at Westpoint, Exeter.

It will be the Duchess of Cornwall’s third visit to the county’s largest annual event where she will be the guest of The Hon George Lopes, this year’s Show President.

Show Secretary Ollie Allen said: “We are honoured and delighted that Her Royal Highness will...

Young farmers bring their Jacob sheep to the Devon County Show

When 25-year-old Charlotte Slee from North Devon brought three Jacob sheep 10 years ago, little did she think it would be the start of a prize-winning flock.

Now she runs the Halsbury Flock with her brother Christopher, aged 22, on their parents' farm at Buckland Brewer near Bideford.

At this year’s Devon County Show - May 16-18 - they hope to recreate the triumph of last year...

Blog from PCC Tony Hogg: "I am impressed generally by the effectiveness and commitment of officers and staff"

Wherever I go, people ask me whether I am enjoying being the Police and Crime Commissioner. I always tell them that enjoying is probably the wrong word. Relishing? Yes! Challenged? Definitely! Enjoying? I suspect that will only come when the impact of decisions I make is really felt, and Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly is even safer than it already is.

I’m lucky to be PCC for...

Devon County Show starts to take shape

Preparation has started on the build for this year's Devon County Show on 16-18 May.

A team of eight contractors are making the showground home for the next month as they build marquees equivalent in size to approximately four football pitches.

Show Secretary Ollie Allen said the early days of the build were a testing time for the team.

“This is a really big task!” she...

Heritage Enterprise to stimulate local economies by unlocking unused historic buildings

Today, as the first comprehensive analysis of how the UK’s historic buildings are used by businesses is published, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has launched Heritage Enterprise, a pioneering new funding programme designed to stimulate local economic growth by unlocking the commercial potential of unused historic buildings and sites.

With a commitment of at least £25 million per...

Plymouth's Royal Artillery to collaborate with Exeter's classical musicians

Live church bells across Exeter and the sound of artillery fire from Plymouth Citadel will be used in a performance of 1812 Overture at Exeter Cathedral on Thursday 25 April.

The score of Tchaikovsky's piece which celebrates Russia's defence against Napoleon, calls for Russian cannon shots. To make the performance by Exeter’s EMG Symphony Orchestra more local and up-to-date, Plymouth’s...

Do you want to make a difference to flood risk in the South West?

Over five million people are at risk from the devastating effects of flooding in the UK, with thousands of properties at risk in the South West. And the Environment Agency is looking for enthusiastic people to advise on the management of flood risk throughout the South West and make a real difference to people’s lives and to the environment we live in.

The Agency is looking for people...

OFT launches market study into providers of quick, discounted house sales

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is today (18 April) launching a study into the 'quick house sale' market and is calling for people who have used, or considered using, these businesses to contact the OFT about their experiences.

Quick house sale providers offer to buy a house or find a third party buyer very quickly, usually at a discount from the full market value. While providers may...

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