Community news from across East Devon and Exeter – including crime news and police appeals, photos, plus what’s on from Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton, Seaton, Axminster, Beer, Poltimore, Cranbrook, Colaton Raleigh.
Exmouth
A pair of neighbours in Exmouth have been jailed after they got ‘sucked into the drugs culture’, a court has heard.
Friends Tom Sellick and Ayden Barrier, of Nursery Mews, Withycombe Raleigh, spent months dealing in cocaine to fund their habit after they became addicted to the class A drug.
A judge sitting at Exeter Crown Court earlier this month told the pair their dealing was a ‘lucrative operation’.
When police raided their homes in October 2023, they found more than £6,000 in cash and drug gear.
The court heard how Sellick, aged 32, was dealing to a higher level than 29-year-old Barrier.
The judge said Sellick was also found with knuckle dusters in his car and his wardrobe, to ‘protect his stash’.
Sellick and Barrier admitted possessing cocaine with intent to supply the class A drug and were jailed for 30 months and 27 months respectively.
Lawyer Stephen Nunn, defending the friends, said both were fathers who were ‘sucked into the drugs culture’ causing horrendous consequences for their families.
Mr Nunn said cocaine is not inexpensive, and both got into debt to their dealers who used them to increase their network.
Cranbrook
The fire service received ‘multiple calls’ from the public reporting a car blaze on the B3174 road at Cranbrook.
Crews from Middlemoor fire station were called shortly before 8am on October 24, where they wore breathing apparatus and used a hose reel and thermal imaging camera to tackle the blaze.
The blaze, which left the car heat and smoke damaged, was believed to be accidental, said the fire service.
Seaton
Seaton Scouts with offices from the East Devon rural police team.
Photo: D&C Police.
Youngsters attending Seaton Scouts took part in a discussion with East Devon police in a bid to highlight the dangers young people face online and in the community.
County lines, grooming, online safety and romance fraud were some of the topics discussed by the group.
A spokesperson for the rural East Devon neighbourhood police team, said: “The scouts asked some fantastic questions and took part in a great discussion.
“It’s brilliant to see such awareness and engagement from our young people.”
East Devon
Walking over hot coals has raised more than £20,000 for Hospiscare after a successful fire walk, held at Bicton College, in East Devon.
David Reed, MP for Exmouth and Exeter East, who braved the challenge, walking barefoot across the scorching coals, said: “I did feel slightly nervous before walking over the coals, but the staff have been absolutely brilliant; they taught us exactly what to do and we were able to go out, conquer it, and feel really good after it.”
David Reed, MP for Exmouth and Exeter East, braved the charity challenge.
Photo: with permission Hospiscare.
He added: “Having spoken to so many people across our part of Devon, and seeing the impact that Hospiscare has had on their families’ lives, as well as going to see Hospiscare and the staff in Exeter inspired me to get behind this charity.”
The charity said 80 ‘brave supporters’ walked on hot coals to raise vital funds for Hospiscare, the local hospice charity for Exeter, central and East Devon.
Axminster
Power tools, a ride-on mower and trailer were stolen in an overnight burglary at a cemetery in Axminster, prompting a police appeal for information.
Officers said the Chard Road cemetery was targeted overnight on Tuesday, October 21, into the early hours of the following morning, October 22, where the culprits accessed a building.
A force spokesperson said: “Offenders gained entry to a building via Chard Road and stole a large number of power tools, ride-on-mowers and a trailer.”
Anyone with information, or who may have seen someone acting suspiciously in the area at the time of the break-in, is urged to report it via the force website, or call 101, quoting crime reference 50250273552.
Exmouth
Recognise this bike? Exmouth police want to hear from you.
Photo: D&C Police.
Exmouth police are keen to trace the owner of the bicycle photographed after it was spotted in an area of the town.
The bike is at Exmouth police station and officers hope to reunite it with its owner.
Call 101, quote 50250276670 and ask for PC De Ste Croix at Exmouth crime management hub.
East Devon – what’s on
A gala night of music and community is promised on Friday, November 22, when the Bellacappella choir performs at Winslade Park, Clyst St Mary, in aid of charity.
The Bellacappella songbook, including Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Only You, Don’t Leave Me This Way and Black Parade , all sung in harmony, is in aid of Music for All.
Doors open at 7pm, ready for the show starting at 7.30pm. Tickets are £10, available on the night, or online here.
East Devon – what’s on
A food village will feature at Agrifest South West, when it comes to Westpoint, near Exeter, on Wednesday, November 5.
Past winners at Agrifest.
Photo: with permission.
The free event, open to all, is a one-day celebration of prime livestock, showcasing ‘agricultural excellence’ locally.
The food village will feature 12 artisan producers from Devon, each offering locally crafted treats to sample and purchase.
A spokeswoman for the event said: “Agrifest is a free public event, open to all. Whether you’re keen to explore the sheep and cattle lines, watch top-tier livestock being prepped for the competition rings, or witness the crowning of champions as they receive their decorative sashes, there’s something for everyone.”
Gates open at 8am. Parking and entry is free.
Colaton Raleigh
Summer gardens in Colaton Raleigh raised more than £7,500 for Hospiscare when they opened for the weekend.
Gill and Rob Clay from the East Devon village were joined by 16 other gardeners to welcome visitors in June, raising funds for the charity.
Gardeners in Colaton Raleigh were inspired to join forces and take part in the annual Hospiscare open gardens thanks to Gil, a former volunteer for the charity, drummed up support.
She said:” Being involved with open gardens was a rewarding experience.
“Having imagined it would be a small village affair, we were surprised and delighted it became quite a large event, growing from seven gardens initially to seventeen.”
The gardens open for visitors included small country cottages in the centre of the village and larger plots with panoramic views of the countryside.
In addition to the gardens, the village hall hosted a raffle, plant stall, cream teas, and a sale of floral art, created by a group, boosting funds.
Gill said: “We were blessed with fine weather, and the event was well-attended and much enjoyed by visitors and all those who participated.”
She added: “I’ve seen first-hand what a fantastic job Hospiscare does. It’s essential to raise funds and keep the hospice going.”
More than £55,000 was raised in total for Hospiscare thanks to scores of gardeners across Devon opening their gates to the public.
The charity is already gearing up for the 2026 event, inviting gardeners and allotment holders to sign-up to take part.
See here for more information, or email fundraising@hospiscare.co.uk.
Beer
Beer Quarry caves were filled with music when a male choir performed a song they composed about the underground location and its former workers.
The MenSing members sang Transporting the Stone during a recent afternoon underground performance of folk songs, highlighting the lives of the men who worked in the caves.
The afternoon event, a walking tour of the caves, included songs linked to the life of miners and the caves.
The singers were accompanied by chisels sounding on stone to ‘round out the sensory experience’.
Musician and singer Paul Wilson, who led the choir, said: “We were completely bowled over by the sound the voices made in the caves when we first visited, and we’re inspired to bring a wider repertoire this time – songs about the East Devon coast as well as mining and peace songs.”
Steve Rodgers, caves manager, said the new song was ‘brilliant’, describing the performance to be ‘like a complete caves tour in music’, with an ‘underground twist’.
East Devon
Photo: with permission
Multiple gold awards were presented to Poltimore, in East Devon, after the village scooped five accolades in the 2025 South West in Bloom competition.
Bloom judges in July visited Poltimore, on the outskirts of Exeter, and at this month’s award ceremony announced it was the winner of the best south west village.
The village won five golds in the 2025 South West in Bloom awards.
Photo: with permission.
Gold awards were also presented to the village for its overall entry, farm shop, café, and two neighbourhood areas.
A spokesperson for the village in-bloom group thanked everyone who helped secure the ‘fantastic result’, after a ‘year-long effort, which included fundraising, litter clean-ups, planting of shrubs and bulbs and establishment of wildlife habitats’.
The awards’ ceremony took place in Torquay.
Photo: with permission.
The volunteers are already looking ahead to next year’s competition, planting bulbs, in the hope of winning the champion of champions award.
Cranbrook
The choir celebrating Cranbrook Education Campus’s milestone birthday.
Photo: with permission.
Pupils at Cranbrook Education Campus created a time capsule to celebrate the school’s milestone 10-year birthday.
A host of community activities were held during October for staff, pupils, families and Cranbrook residents, including musical performances, speeches, photo exhibitions, plus a birthday party.
Pictured here is Cranbrook Education Campus head, Stephen Farmer and staff.
Photo: with permission.
Every pupil wrote a letter to be buried in a time capsule on the school grounds, ready for the next generation of students to open.
Stephen Farmer, Cranbrook Education Campus head, said: “This term we celebrated 10 years of Cranbrook Education Campus, a school, a community and a family that I am so proud to be part of. From our humble beginnings with just 52 pupils to now over 1,000.”
The students took part in a host of birthday celebrations to mark 10 years of the school opening.
Photo: with permission.
Exmouth – what’s on
Exmouth Stroke Survivors Club is inviting donations of prizes and other ways of helping to make its 2025 Christmas fayre a success.
The club provides a host of ongoing support and services after a stroke, including speech therapy, physio support, help providing vital equipment, and a place to meet twice a week, offering a sense of community and belonging.
The club is holding its annual Christmas fayre on Saturday, December 13, from 11am to 3pm, at All Saints Church, in Church Road, Exmouth.
A spokesman for the club said: “We understand that times are tough, but any contribution, big or small, can make a significant impact.
“We are seeking your support in raising ideas, donating prizes for our Christmas draw, or even booking a table at our Christmas fayre.
“Your generosity will directly benefit stroke survivors in Exmouth and East Devon, helping them to rebuild their lives and find hope after a challenging experience.”
If you can help, call into All Saints Church, on Mondays or Wednesdays 10am-3pm, and speak to club chairman Steve, or call him on 01395 744362.
Exeter
Hundreds turned out to spread an anti-racism message in Exeter. Photo: with permission.
Scores of people turned out in Exeter to show their support for the city’s multicultural community with singing, dancing and positive messages.
The Exeter is for Everyone event on October 25 was attended by hundreds, determined to spread a message of anti-racism.
A spokesperson for the event said: “Adults and children took part in making welcome cards for asylum seekers and getting henna tattoos with positive messages.
“Throughout the day there were fantastic speeches from a wide range of organisations and individuals.”
They added: “We are so grateful to everyone who worked so hard and contributed to making it such an amazing day. A truly joyful and uplifting show of strength from the people of Exeter.”
Adults and children took part in making welcome cards for asylum seekers and getting henna tattoos with positive messages.
Photo: with permission.
Budleigh Salterton
Residents at the Firs, in Budleigh, joined in Diwali celebrations when the festival was brought to life thanks to staff.
Photo: with permission.
The Hindu festival of light, Diwali, was celebrated by residents at the Firs care home, in Budleigh Salterton, thanks to staff Sheeya and Liji bringing the festival to life.
Dressed in saris, sharing stories and traditions surrounding the festival, the residents were ‘captivated’ as they learned more about the meaning and customs of Diwali, plus sampling authentic Indian sweet treats and spiced tea.
A spokeswoman for the home said: “It was such a special afternoon – full of colour, laughter, and learning.
“Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and it was wonderful to see our staff and their families sharing their culture so beautifully with our residents.”
