News and community stories from across East Devon and Exeter – including photos, milestone celebrations, what’s on, crime, sports.
Send your community news to newsdesk@eastdevonnews.co.uk
Sidmouth
New lifesaving equipment has been donated and installed outside Sidmouth police station, in Temple Street.
A defibrillator for public use can be found by the side door of the police station, close to the visitor parking spaces.
The lifesaving equipment was made possible by Jay’s Aim Charity and Bupa.
Pictured here, L to R, is PCSO Sarah Reece, PC Tom Driver with Alice Reid from Bupa and her son River aged five, and PC Ross Buckler.
Photo: with permission.
The defibrillator is in addition to available equipment at Sidmouth sailing club, Tesco, in the High Street, Sidmouth Rugby Club and All Saints Church.
Alice Reid, Sidmouth Bupa Dental Care practice manager, said: “We had 20 Bupa practices taking part who had to row and cycle 40 miles in one day to raise funds. We involved the community here in Sidmouth who all kindly donated, sponsored and helped get us the mileage. We carried out cake sales, raffles, donations, all sorts.”
She added: To our wonderful Sidmouth community, thank you for your generosity and support. You’ve all helped make a real difference, and we’re incredibly grateful to be making a difference together.”
PC Tom Driver said: “Having a defibrillator in such a central location in Sidmouth can make all the difference in saving lives when every second counts.
“We are proud to be part of a community that values the importance of this life-saving technology and are excited to see this installed.”
PC Ross Buckler with the new lifesaving equipment at Sidmouth.
Photo: with permission.
Exmouth
Celebrations were held in held in Exmouth for Durban Kennedy to mark his 104th birthday this month.
Durban Kennedy, from Exmouth, celebrated his 104th birthday.
Photo: with permission.
Durban, who lives at the Firs Care Home, was born in London in 1921, moved to Exmouth around 40 years ago with his mother after his father died.
A keen mechanic who grew up in Tondu, in South Wales, Durban served in Egypt during World War Two, returning to the UK to forge a career around his hobby.
He worked for a council, keeping their vehicle fleet on the road.
After the death of their mother, Durban moved nearer to his brother, Colin, also a keen mechanic, where he continued his passion for fixing bikes.
Sharing his secret for a long life, Durban said: “A good sense of humour and a little bit of what you fancy.”
The care home staff said they were ‘proud’ to celebrate the milestone birthday.
Manager Nikki said: “Durban is an absolute treasure. His stories, sense of humour, and kindness make him such a cherished member of our community. Reaching 104 is an incredible achievement, and we are so proud to celebrate this special day with him.”
Birthday celebrations for Durban’s special day.
Photo: with permission.
Sidmouth and Exeter
Students from Sidmouth College, Exwick Heights Primary School, Isca Academy and the Whipton Barton Federation, all in Exeter, raised funds for Comic Relief through a host of ways.
Red Nose Day celebrations at Whipton Barton Federation, Exeter.
Photo: with permission.
Sidmouth College raised £700 by wearing what they wanted in exchange for a donation, a bake sale, and staff versus student dodgeball competition.
The students, all part of the Ted Wragg Trust, took part in activities including paying to wear something red at Isca Academy, dress in party clothes at Exwick Heights, set up a fun photo booth at Whipton Barton.
Whipton Barton Federation.
Photo: with permission.
Isca Academy Red Nose Day celebrations.
Photo: with permission.
Isca Academy pupils on Red Nose Day.
Photo: with permission.
Whipton Barton Federation.
Photo: with permission.
Isca Academy pupils on Red Nose Day.
Photo: with permission.
Honiton
Honiton Gymnastics Club celebrated an ‘outstanding performance’ at the South West Regional Preliminary Competitions in Yate, near Bristol, securing places in both the National Development Plan Finals in Stoke-on-Trent and the Inter-Regional Finals in Southampton.
Honiton Gymnastics Club celebrated an ‘outstanding performance’ at the South West Regional Preliminary Competitions.
Photo: with permission.
Gold medals were presented to four partnerships – Jasper Pendrick and Thomas Walker, plus Faith Huxley ans Orlando Migliari, also Lizzie Sanders, Kira Wotton and Olivia Wotton. And Sophie Sanders, Daisy Clayton and Matilda Clayton. They will all compete at the national finals in May.
Eleanor Butler and Sofia Hawkins-Varzea took gold in the Out of Age G1 W2 category.
Other Honiton partnerships heading for the Inter-Regional Finals in Southampton at the end of April are Chloe Saunders and Emmy Reeks, Toby Evans-Martin and Coen Cooke, Benjamin Treen and James Berry, Tilly Murdoch and Holly Wheeler.
Winners Eleanor Butler and Sofia Hawkins-Varzea.
Photo: with permission.
Preparation Squad medalists.
Photo: with permission.
Also Rosie Summers, Daisy Reuben and Tamsyn Terrett, plus Jessica Treen & plus Oscar Felice, Elijah Hooks and Enzo Migliari, Emma Kiely, Hallie Marshall and Errin Cutler.
In total, Honiton gymnasts returned with an ‘impressive haul’ of 23 medals: five golds, 11 silvers, and seven bronze.
James Reddy, board member and coach, said: “These outstanding results are a demonstration of the transformative impact Honiton Gymnastics Club has on young athletes.
“We help our gymnasts to achieve their potential, enabling them to excel against competitors from larger towns and cities throughout the South West.
“The national finals represent a significant opportunity for our gymnasts to shine and for Honiton Gymnastics Club to solidify its reputation as a breeding ground for exceptional talent.”
In 2024, the club produced national champions, international gold medals at the FISAC international in Italy, and the its first-ever England Squad selection for Sophie Sanders, Daisy Clayton, and Matilda Clayton, who won gold for England at the Caledonian Cup in Glasgow.
Medalists Jasper and Tom.
Photo: with permission.
Pictured here are Lizzie, Kira and Olivia.
Photo: with permission.
Exmouth and Exeter
Elderly supermarket shoppers in Exmouth and Exeter had purses stolen in what police are calling distraction thefts.
Police have released images of two people they believe can help with the investigation into the thefts, which took place at Sainsbury’s Alphington, Sainsbury’s Pinhoe and Tesco Exmouth.
Police want to speak to these people as part of an investigation into distraction thefts at supermarkets in Exmouth and Exeter.
Images: D&C Police.
A man and a woman were reported to have struck up a conversation with elderly shoppers, pinching purses from trolleys and handbags, distracted while chatting.
Police said they believe the culprits were travelling in in a silver BMW 3 or M3 Series.
A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesperson said: “It was reported that on 22 January a male and a female approached elderly shoppers in Sainsbury’s Alphington, Sainsbury’s Pinhoe and Tesco Exmouth.
“While one of the two engaged the victims in conversation, the other stole their purse from the trolley or handbag.
“It is thought they may have been travelling in a silver BMW 3 or M3 Series.”
They added: “Officers investigating the thefts believe the two people pictured may be able to assist with enquiries.”
If you can help police identify the people pictured, call the force switchboard on 101, or report it online.
East Devon
Afternoon tea among the bluebells while giving nature a boost will take place at Holyford Woods Local Nature Reserve, Colyton, East Devon, on Saturday, April 26.
The free event is being organised by East Devon District Council countryside team in a bid to raise funds for the ongoing management of its nature reserves.
The event, from 1pm until 4pm, includes afternoon tea, woodland and guided walks, plus crafts and campfire cooking.
Holyford Woods, near Colyton.
Photo: EDDC.
Entry is free, and booking is not required. Donations are welcome, to aid work at the local nature reserves.
A spokesperson for the event said: Visitors will be able to explore the woodland and join guided walks with the countryside rangers, who will share information about the woods, its management and the wonderful wildlife which call the nature reserve home.
“During the afternoon there will also be family crafts, campfire cooking, and a falconry display with a chance to learn more about birds of prey, many of which can be found at Holyford Woods.”
They added: “Afternoon tea and homemade cakes will be available, with all proceeds going towards the ongoing management of East Devon nature reserves.”
See here for more details
- Fresh scones and jam will be available for a suggested donation of £3.50 on Sunday, March 30, 11am-3pm, at Seaton Wetlands, in the Discovery Hut. See here for more information.
For more details, please visit the Countryside team website: Event Detail
Exmouth
Exmouth all-weather lifeboat has returned to the town after time away for maintenance work at the RNLI centre.
The town’s volunteers recently collected the vessel, returning the relief lifeboat to the centre.
An RNLI spokesperson said: “The R&J Welburn will head off to the all-weather lifeboat centre in Poole again in the summer to have the names of many people’s loved ones added to the decals on the bow and roof as part of the RNLI’s Launch a Memory campaign.”
The town’s all-weather lifeboat.
Photo: Exmouth RNLI.
Exeter
Pupils at West Exe School, in Exeter, are taking part in a national art project, Art Bytes, encouraging creativity.
The inter-school art competition, for Year 5 and Year 9 students, includes a virtual gallery.
Pupils taking part in the Art Bytes project.
Photo: with permission.
Pupils taking part in the national art project.
Photo: with permission.
East Devon
East Devon recently hosted two new community choirs, with singers heading to churches in Exmouth and Sidmouth.
The Good Afternoon Choir, at Holy Trinity Church, in Exmouth, attracted 60 singers, while the Sidmouth event, at All Saints Church, had 50 people attending.
All are welcome. The first rehearsal is free.
Exmouth
Exmouth Open Door Centre has increased its help in the community after a £14,000 grant from the district council.
The charity used council funds to open its community café for longer, and boost its craft and parent services.
Lisa Pike, Open Door Exmouth, CEO, said: “In total, over 2024, individual visits to the Saturday café, parent hub, and craft room reached an impressive 2,053.
“We are deeply grateful for the funding received from East Devon District Council, which has enabled us to extend our services throughout 2024.
“One of the additional successes of this initiative has been the introduction of Saturday morning group breakfasts in partnership with local community groups, fostering greater community connections as we move into 2025 when we celebrate our 30th anniversary.”
The cafe at the Open Door Centre, in Exmouth. Photo: with permission.
East Devon
A living library of trees is being created in East Devon in a bid to help save one of Britain’s rarest and most at-risk species.
The National Trust is aiming to form a living gene bank of black poplar at Killerton, near Broadclyst, in East Devon.
The charity hopes the work will ‘help save the declining species’.
Exeter
The major refurbishment of the 190-year-old Iron Bridge in Exeter is continuing and remains on target to be completed by the summer.
Work started earlier in the year to prevent water damage to the Grade II listed bridge, with the removal of the old top surface and the addition of a waterproofed concrete slab and improved drainage.
Axminster
Youngsters at Millwey Rise Football Club, in Axminster, are celebrating new kit donated by Octopus Energy, which is sponsoring grassroots clubs.
The youngsters celebrating their new kit.
Photo: with permission.
East Devon and Exeter
Funding of around £10.3million has been agreed by the county council to improve bus networks across Devon, including routes from Honiton to Exeter.
The plan, to be completed by March 2026, includes increasing the service 9/44A Sidmouth – Honiton – Exeter Sunday frequency to four journeys.
East Devon
Drainage improvements in Colburg Road Sidmouth, and improvement works in Venn Ottery, near Newton Poppleford, have been included in fresh funding plans amid flood risk areas in East Devon.
Devon County Council recently rubber-stamped funding for the delivery of drainage improvements in Coburg Road, Sidmouth, to reduce surface runoff being directed into the town centre, reducing the flood risk to at least 17 properties and businesses in the town, plus flood improvement works in Venn Ottery which will help protect at least eight properties.
Projects in Colaton Raleigh and safeguarding 40 properties in Longbrook Street, in Exeter, will also be completed under the county council’s annual Flood Risk Management Action Plan.
East Devon and Exeter
The spotlight has fallen on improving cycling and walking routes in East Devon and Exeter with a series of ‘ambitious’ and ‘transformational’ plans.
Devon County Council has backed improvements over the next decade to 20 years, including prioritising the Clyst Valley.
Routes from Killerton to Topsham, and from the Exeter boundary out towards Whimple and including Clyst Honiton, West Clyst, Clyst St Mary and on to the Exe Estuary Trail, have been identified within the plan.
Multi-use trails connecting Devon coast and countryside could include 10 routes ranging from the Otter Trail, the Sidbury to Sidford and Beer to Aximister routes in East Devon to Ashburton to Buckfastleigh in Teignbridge, the Boniface Trail in Mid Devon and Exeter, the Tarka Trail and the Roborough to Dousland Route in West Devon.
Branscombe
Volunteers are needed in Branscombe to help the National Trust with its monthly and weekly heritage walks.
The guided walks, part of a national project, start in May and run throughout the summer.
No prior experience is necessary as full training will be given, covering local history, group engagement techniques, and health and safety.
If enough volunteers come forward, the walk could become a weekly event over the summer holidays.
A NT spokesperson said: “The National Trust is launching a free, regular guided walk through the historic village of Branscombe and is inviting enthusiastic volunteers to help bring local stories to life.
“As part of the Walk With Us initiative, the National Trust aims to create a nationwide network of guided walks. These walks not only encourage people to connect with their local landscapes but also help combat loneliness and improve well-being.”
They added: “Branscombe’s new monthly heritage walk, starting in May, will take participants on a fascinating journey through time, exploring the village’s rich history, including tales of ghosts, ancient sarcophagi, and smuggling.
“The route will also highlight the stunning natural features that make Branscombe one of the most picturesque villages in Devon.”
To volunteer, call 01297 680507 or email branscombe@nationaltrust.org.uk.
East Devon
Richard Foord, MP for Honiton & Sidmouth has called on the Government to rethink its funding to boost market towns and communities.
Earlier in March Mr Foord championed before Parliament the East Devon towns of Axminster, Cullompton, Honiton, Ottery St Mary, Seaton and Sidmouth, saying they would each benefit from £20million under new plans that resulted in the South West being almost entirely excluded from the new £1.5billion plan to restore pride in Britain’s neighbourhoods, designed to ‘tackle deprivation and turbocharge growth.’
East and Mid-Devon did not receive any funding under the new Plan for Neighbourhoods handout.
Honiton – what’s on
Music lovers are in for a ‘’double treat’ when The Honiton Town Band jointly performs with the Wyndham Singers in aid of Hospiscare, on Saturday, April 5, St Paul’s Church, Honiton, at 7.30pm.
Tickets are £12, available from David Ball, on 07962 401408, or by emailing: info@wyndhamsingers.org.uk
Exeter
There is still time to enter the Big Night Out charity sleep-out in aid of homelessness charity, St Petrocks, based in Exeter.
Leave your bed and sleep outside, in sheds, garages, cars, or at a workplace, on Friday, April 25, while raising awareness and funds for the charity, while giving a glimpse into rough sleeping.
Photo: with permission.
Peter Stephenson, St Petrock’s CEO, said: “When St Petrock’s started, the founders hoped we’d be able to shut up shop after a few years once homelessness had been dealt with.
“Tragically, however, we are needed more than ever as rough sleeping in the city is at a record high, with nearly 40 people on the streets some nights.
“This comes at a time when charities are really feeling the squeeze, so the public’s support is needed more than ever.”
See here for information on how to take part.
Exmouth
Exmouth Town Council celebrated scooping a national award in recognition of its work to tackle climate change at a local level.
Town council climate officer, Zoey Cooper, was presented with the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) Climate Response of the Year 2024 award at the House of Lords.
Pictured here with the award are Councillor Tim Dumper and climate officer Zoey Cooper.
Photo: with permission.
Exmouth was one of five shortlisted councils, nationally.
Exmouth
A fundraising appeal for £60,000 has been launched by deaf students in Exmouth in a bid to upgrade the academy’s outdoor area.
Students at the Deaf Academy hope to raise enough money to fund a facelift for the ‘outdated, uninspiring, and unsuitable’ area, with the aim of transforming it into a vibrant, inclusive sensory’ play space.
The current play area.
Photo: the Deaf Academy.
An artist’s impression of the play area plans.
Image: Splash Projects.
See here to donate.
East Devon
Rubbish and waste collection in East Devon is set to fall back under control of the district council when the current contract with Suez ends in June 2026.
The district council recently announced the change, to ‘ensure long-term cost-effectiveness and adaptability’.
Instead, East Devon District Council (EDDC) will form a Local Authority Trading Company (LATCo) to manage recycling and waste services.
An EDDC spokesperson said: “As we approach July 2026, all staff will be invited to transfer to the new company.
“All operations and vehicles will transfer to the new company, which will be fully owned by EDDC.
“It is crucial that this transition is smooth for our residents and day-to-day services will continue as usual.”
Exeter and Devon
A record number of supporters stepped up to take part in the annual Men’s Walk in aid of Hospiscare.
More than 1,600 walkers this month took part in the event, raising more than £125,000 for the charity which supports scores of families in Exeter, East and Mid Devon.
Photo: Sofy Robertson.
Photo: Sofy Robertson.
Photo: Sofy Robertson.
The charity walk set off from the Double Locks, Exeter, and from other locations across Devon.
Photo: Katrina Photos.
Photo: Sofy Robertson.
Housing developer sparks ‘concern and disappointment’ amid push to build new homes in East Devon
