FIREFIGHTERS from across Devon have been battling to contain a wildfire on Dartmoor for the past 18 hours. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue control took multiple calls reporting a large fire in the Cut Hill area of north-west Dartmoor yesterday (Sunday, May 4) at around 2.30pm. Three appliances were initially mobilised from Okehampton, Hatherleigh and North Tawton, along with a water bowser from Exeter’s Danes Castle station and a wildfire support officer. Okehampton also took the decision to deploy their All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) and 4x4 unit. “While on route to the incident, the Hatherleigh crew confirmed large amounts of smoke issuing from the moor and a second ATV from Tavistock was mobilised,” said a spokesman from DSFRS. “Once the Hatherleigh appliance arrived at the rendezvous point crews proceeded towards fire using an ATV to gain better observations on the scene and confirmed a fire front measuring approximately one mile and requested a further two ATVs which were sent from Bovey Tracey and Middlemoor, along with a drone from our USAR station.” Due to the remote location fire crews has difficulty in accessing the scene and by 5.30pm the fire front was measuring nearly two miles. “Additional crews were mobilised through the early evening and liaised with Dartmoor rangers at the scene to observe the fire and ascertain current size of fire front,” continued the spokesman. “An incident command unit (ICU) was sent from Totnes with a crew from Buckfastleigh to support them along with a 4x4 from Princetown, a welfare unit from Ivybridge and two relief appliances from Chagford and Princetown. A helicopter from the National Police Air Service also attended to provide aerial support.” In the early hours of this morning (Monday, May 5) additional relief crews from Moretonhampstead and Yelverton were sent to the fire with crews carrying out a watching brief from two strategic locations. Two more relief fire appliances from Tavistock and Crediton arrived at the scene at 8am this morning and an incident command unit also in attendance to relieve the ICU from Totnes. “Crews have confirmed the fire is still burning and in the predicted direction,” added the spokesman. “The 4x4 from Princetown has been remobilised to assist with access on the moor and following a multi-agency meeting early this morning two ATVs from Tavistock and Bovey Tracey have also been remobilised to access and extinguish the fire.” By 1.30pm this afternoon all fire fronts were extinguished and a drone overflew the area to check for any hotspots and at just after 5pm, more than 24 hours since the alarm was raised the fire, the fire was out. Approximately 12,500 acres of moorland were destroyed by fire. Firefighters were assisted by Dartmoor rangers and Commoners using firefighting equipment. Crews used five Argo Cat vehicles, fogging units, leaf blowers and a drone for environmental protection. Comments Tel: 01548 853101[email protected]Follow us Further Links Owned or licensed to Tindle Newspapers Ltd | Independent Family-Owned Newspapers | Copyright & Trade Mark Notice & 2013 - 2025 The latest news as it happens in Dartmoor covering Okehampton important updates and local opinions from across Okehampton Cycling and more local Dartmoor Sports News property sales & property of the week including Okehampton house prices and opinions on Dartmoor's property market including Okehampton Local area spotlights & features across Dartmoor Dartmoor national park is 368 miles of beautiful English countryside find out what green issues are affecting Dartmoor here at The Moorlander Get local news & council updates for across Dartmoor including Okehampton Showcasing and celebrating the incredible independent businesses of Dartmoor Ashburton & Surrounding areas from the local community & our reporters Get your local Dartmoor traffic & travel reports Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter Support our mission and join our community now you can subscribe for as little as €0.50 per week which will also give you access to all of our premium content and archived articles Thank you for supporting Ireland's best local journalism prepares for her 12-hour gym challenge at Unit 8 in Ivybridge A 59-year-old woman from near Totnes is preparing to take on a gruelling 12-hour gym challenge in support of Luna’s Fund a Plymouth-based charity that helps families affected by baby loss will lead a full day of fitness at Unit 8 gym in Ivybridge on Saturday 17 May.  she is inviting people of all ages to come along and join in The day will include a mix of workouts such as circuits as well as exercises targeting the legs and arms.  Marie will complete one minute of sit-ups followed by one minute of mountain climbers people can guess how many sit-ups and mountain climbers I’ll do throughout the day or punch a PT and soak a Traffic Warden I’ve been raising money for Luna’s Fund for a number of years now I became aware of the charity when I was doing a wing walk at Dunkeswell airfield I saw all these people wearing purple t-shirts cheering on some skydivers I was curious and asked what the charity was all about and was immediately struck by the compassion and how friendly and supportive they all were local charity and they are really appreciative of every penny.” Marie’s journey is nothing short of inspirational.  In 1996 she broke her neck and one false move would have seen her paralysed from the neck down.  Then in 2004 she collapsed her lower spine while lifting weights in the gym She said: “I ended up struggling to walk even with two crutches and was classed as disabled There were risks but I had no choice but to go ahead with the operation Fast forward to 2019 and I was getting back to normal but I was overweight and not happy with the way I looked I signed up for a transformation group and did Dry January in 2020 Everything was going well and then COVID appeared I continued with the programme online and lost a total of four stone.” As well as her time in the gym and working as a Traffic Warden Marie now takes part in ultra-marathons.  She has so far completed 10 events ranging from marathons in Devon to London and as far away as the Sahara Desert Luna's Fund is a baby loss and pregnancy after loss charity founded as a lasting memory to Luna Valentina Conroy who was born sleeping in November 2017.  The charity offers a range of practical and emotional support to bereaved parents and expectant parents across Devon and Cornwall said: “The awesome team at Luna’s Fund are running the event with Marie and we are providing the premises.” " + $(".testo_articolo").html().replace(//g please subscribe and support local journalism Subscribing will allow you 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counting has started for the South Hams division of the County Council elections. Here are all the candidates hoping to win seats today: Tel: 01548 853101[email protected]Follow us Long-serving coach departs Sandy Park in wake of catastrophic 79-17 loss to Gloucester EXETER Chiefs have axed long-serving coach Rob Hunter in the wake of their catastrophic 79-17 loss to Gloucester - the worst defeat in the club’s Premiership Rugby history and a brutal low in an already faltering season. Hunter’s 13-year stint at Sandy Park ended with the club announcing his departure by “mutual consent” on Friday. However, behind the polite phrasing lies a clear message: standards have slipped, and heads are rolling. The loss to Gloucester wasn’t just a defeat - it was a humiliation. Eleven tries conceded, a defence in shambles, and a team that looked unrecognisable from the title-winning juggernaut of just a few seasons ago. The fallout was swift. Hunter and fellow coach Ali Hepher were both suspended while the club launched a full internal review. Hunter is now the first casualty. In a statement released by the club, it read: “On behalf of everyone at Exeter Rugby Club, I would like to express our gratitude to Rob for his dedication and the impact he has had during his time with us. We wish him every success in his future endeavours.” Director of Rugby Rob Baxter added: “Rob has been an integral part of our coaching team across multiple seasons. I want to personally thank him for his hard work, loyalty, and the positive influence he has had on the squad. “Although it is never easy to part ways with someone who has contributed so much, we look forward with confidence and enthusiasm as we continue to build on the strong foundations Rob has helped to establish.” Hunter is the second coach to depart this season, Omar Mouniemne left in similar circumstances back in October. As for the future for Hepher at Sandy Park, that remains unknown at this stage. In another blow for the Devonians, the club have confirmed that Greg Fisilau (shoulder), Joe Hawkins (ankle), Ben Hammersley (knee) and Max Norey (shoulder) will all miss the remainder of the season. The Chiefs are next in action this Sunday when they play host to Northampton Saints, who at the weekend booked their place in the final of the Investec Champions Cup with victory over Leinster at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin Tel: 01548 853101[email protected]Follow us Reform UK and the Liberal Democrats have made significant gains across Dartmoor in the 2025 local elections winning more seats than any other party as the results from all eight divisions in the area were declared The council is made up of 60 councillors across 58 electoral divisions towns and villages are waiting for the results from West Devon The following divisions are being contested: This live feed will be updated throughout the day as results are announced 1.15pm: South Brent & Yealmpton results:  Dan Thomas (Liberal Democrats) – 2,397 votes (Elected) Richard Hosking (Conservative Party) – 941 votes  Becky Warnes (Green Party) – 288 votes  Jack Stevens (Labour Party) – 115 votes  Michael Fife Cook (Reform UK) – 1,300 (Elected) Philip Richard Sanders (Local Conservatives) – 1,002 Mark Christian Renders (Independent) – 668 12.52pm: Hatherleigh & Chagford results in: Sue Davies (Reform UK) – 1,350 votes (Elected) Lois Esther Samuel (Conservative Party) – 1,263 votes Lynn Christine Daniel (Green Party) – 962 votes Thomas Ben Colliety (Labour Party) – 199 votes Christian Adam Martin (Liberal Democrats) – 571 votes Debo Sellis (Local Conservatives) – 1,316 votes (Elected) Holly Greenberry-Pullen (Liberal Democrats) – 1,169 votes Gemma Christine Loving (Labour Party) – 351 votes Sara Louise Wood (Green Party) – 312 votes Sally Angela Morgan (Liberal Democrats) – 1,281 votes (Elected) Martin Smith (Conservative Party) – 1,161 votes Kerri Anne Cuthbert (Reform UK) – 1,070 votes Lisa Collette Robillard Webb (Labour Party) – 449 votes 12.41pm: Okehampton Rural results in:  James George Grainger (Reform UK) – 1,380 votes (Elected) Neil Jory (Conservative and Unionist Party) – 972 votes George Herbert Dexter (Liberal Democrats) – 971 votes Tracy Belinda Kirnig (Green Party) – 417 votes 12.40pm: Ashburton & Buckfastleigh results in: Stuart Rogers (Conservative Party) – 1,021 votes (Elected) Matthew Stewart Sykes (Reform UK) – 906 votes Jack Major (Liberal Democrats) – 899 votes Pauline Angela Wynter (Green Party) – 608 votes Tristan Mark Snowsill (Labour Party) – 324 votes and the successful candidate is Victor James Abbott from the Liberal Democrats Here's the full breakdown of the votes in order: Victor James Abbott (Liberal Democrats) – 1,210 votes (Elected) Lance Peter Austen (Conservative Party) – 579 votes Alan Charles Spencer (Independent) – 197 votes Andrew Robert Pratt (Green Party) – 113 votes Susan Louise Clarke (Labour Party) – 90 votes Tony Rea (Independent Trade Union and Socialist Candidate) – 89 votes A significant Conservative majority has been roundly overturned but the rise of the Liberal Democrats hasn’t been stratospheric enough to earn them outright control. Although the Lib Dems are now the largest party in Devon County Council with 27 of the 60 seats, they are likely to need the assistance of non-Lib Dem councillors to secure control. Reform UK, the second largest party with 18 seats having started the election with none, will no doubt provide a loud voice of opposition, which could be amplified by the seven Conservative members if those two parties form some kind of alliance. It was also a successful day for the Greens, who finished with six councillors – four more than they began the campaign with. But while the shift is clear, it hasn’t produced a unanimous result. Looking closely at the numbers, there were 12 seats where the margin of victory was only double digits – so less than 100 votes. How exactly power gets distributed could be vital in terms of which services are prioritised. What this means for the effective dissolution of the county council also remains unclear. This is likely to be the last administration of Devon County Council because the government wants to reorganise how local government works. Much of the political debate in recent months has involved the Conservative-led county council trying to create a raft of proposals for how Devon should be reshaped. The mostly Lib Dem-led districts have favoured turning Devon’s 11 councils into three unitary ones, but the county council offered a much wider range of possibilities. With the Lib Dems now the largest party at County Hall, they may well try to get the council to coalesce around the ideas being championed by the Lib Dem districts. That could be the most significant outcome of this election. Tel: 01548 853101[email protected]Follow us The Lib Dems are celebrating in Devon after winning the most seats in the Devon County Council elections – but no party has overall control. Sixty seats in 58 council divisions were up for election in Devon – with two divisions, Exmouth and Broadclyst, having two elected councillors each. The Liberal Democrats (Lib Dems) won the majority of seats, 27, but they did not reach the threshold of more than 50 per cent – more than 31 – required to give the party overall control of the council. Reform UK also had a good night, winning 18 seats. It was, though, a disastrous day for the Conservative Party, which previously had overall control, but ended election day with seven councillors. The Green Party won six seats with two going to independent candidates. The Labour Party won no seats. There are an interesting few weeks ahead now as each grouping holds talks in a bid to agree a coalition. Tel: 01548 853101[email protected]Follow us Devon County Show has announced the addition of an irresistible feature to its 2025 lineup—its first-ever Alpaca Café this unique café experience will offer visitors a chance to socialise alongside four charming alpacas the ring will transform into a cafe complete with patio tables and chairs accommodating up to 24 lucky guests per session The stars of the show – Lakemoor Alpacas Ron Guests will be invited to feed them nuts and carrots while basking in their gentle company—and the experience can be captured on camera with alpaca selfies galore is thrilled to bring this novel concept to life: "We love coming to the Devon County Show each year with our alpacas This is a perfect chance to see how it goes Working with animals is always a challenge but these alpacas love people—and Hagrid will do just about anything for a carrot!" and only a handful of spots available per session Devon County Show expects the café to be a sell-out success Times: 11am & 3pm (Pre-booking required) Get ready for a one-of-a-kind experience that promises to be as endearing as it is unforgettable The event is free of charge but Devon County Show will be collecting donations for their charity of the year To find out more about Devon County Show and to book discounted tickets in advance, visit www.devoncountyshow.co.uk Tel: 01548 853101[email protected]Follow us The Liberal Democrats are celebrating their resounding success at the Devon County Council elections after winning 18 seats from the Conservatives and bringing their total number of seats to 27.  Since being in power from 2009, the Conservatives have cut budgets, mismanaged services and neglected local infrastructure. In Devon, many roads are in a shocking state of disrepair, with the highway maintenance budget currently standing at an eye-watering £200 million.  In addition, children’s services have been rated inadequate or requiring improvement by Ofsted for over a decade, leaving many children in Devon waiting months or even years for vital support.  After winning 27 seats, the Devon Liberal Democrats have said their councillors “will work hard from day one to deliver on the change Devon needs.  Commenting on their electoral success, Caroline Voaden MP said:  “For sixteen years, the Conservative administration has been asleep at the wheel, with local services falling to the wayside. This week, voters have sent a clear message that this simply is not good enough and it's time for change.  “We are humbled that so many people have decided to put their faith in the Liberal Democrats. It's clear voters wanted new leadership at Devon, and that is what we will bring. We are ready to lead the council with tolerant, efficient and positive politics and I look forward to working with our new team at County Hall. Our councillors will work hard from day one to push for the change that Devon needs.” The Liberal Democrats won the largest number of seats, taking 27, but fell short of the 31-seat threshold (more than 50 per cent) required for overall control of the council. Reform UK won 18 seats. The Conservative Party, which previously held overall control, ended election day with seven councillors. The Green Party secured six seats, with two going to independent candidates. The Labour Party failed to win any seats. Tel: 01548 853101[email protected]Follow us PINTS of the finest Hawkstone Cider & Lager will be available at the Devon County Show as Kaleb Cooper of Clarkson’s Farm is set to bring his very own bar to this year’s show Best known for appearing on the farming documentary show Kaleb will be visiting the Devon County Show on Friday in addition to helping Jeremy Tat Diddly Squat has written several books and embarked on a tour of live shows will be bringing his beautifully converted horse box bar well-crafted pint of the finest Hawkstone Cider & Lager As a passionate farmer and advocate for British agriculture Kaleb champions local produce—including top-quality cider and lager Visitors can find his bar in the agricultural and machinery area throughout the show’s three-day run Kaleb’s bar is just one of many places for visitors to unwind with a drink The Welly Bar in the new Family Fun Zone offers seating for up to 80 and even a dog-friendly drinking station so four-legged friends can refresh alongside their owners the Countrylife & Woodland Area debuts its own bar Advance tickets are available now at discounted prices from the show’s website. Tel: 01548 853101[email protected]Follow us Sixty seats across 58 council divisions were up for election in Devon. Two divisions, Exmouth and Broadclyst, elected two councillors each. At Totnes Leisure Centre, as the Devon County Council election results began to take shape, it quickly became clear it was a strong showing for the Liberal Democrats across the South Hams. Early declarations saw the party gain ground in several key wards. Julian Brazil was among the first confirmed winners, taking the Kingsbridge seat for the Lib Dems. Shortly afterwards, Loise Wainwright secured Salcombe, also for the party, with 1,534 votes. The Kingsbridge ward results showed Brazil polling 2,040 votes, with Goncalo De Sousa of Reform UK in second with 1,018. The Conservative Party’s Helena Penfold received 695 votes, Anna Presswell of the Green Party polled 254, and Labour’s Wayne Grills received 176 votes. Turnout in the ward was 38.76 per cent, with 4,187 ballot papers issued. Elsewhere, Jacqi Hodson took the Totnes and Dartington seat for the Green Party with 2,350 votes, the first non-Lib Dem win of the day. The Liberal Democrats continued their momentum, with Dan Thomas winning South Brent and Yealmpton with 2,397 votes, and Victor Abbott securing Ivybridge with 1,210 votes. By mid afternoon, Simon Rake had added another Liberal Democrat victory, winning Dartmouth and Marldon with 1,234 votes. A buoyant mood took hold among Liberal Democrat supporters gathered at the count, with members posing for a group photo following their string of victories. The sense of confidence continued to build as party representatives awaited the remaining declarations due later in the afternoon. Tony Carson, the Conservative Party candidate for Bickleigh and Wembury, secured his seat with 1,289 votes. However, there was little in it between Mr Carson and Reform UK candidate Peter Gold, who received 1,258 votes out of the 3,682 ballots issued. Despite not taking the seat for the Lib Dems, candidate Laurel Lawford secured an impressive 798 votes, placing her 469 votes ahead of Labour’s Denis Parsons, who received 329. Those elected must now sign their acceptance of office before they can act as county councillors, but this typically happens quickly so they can begin their roles as soon as possible. The first meeting of the new Devon County Council is scheduled for Thursday, 22 May, when appointments to committees, chair positions and cabinet roles will be confirmed. Devon County Council will now update its website with the contact details of the new councillors, along with information on how to reach them. A little further around the Ley’s edge, I stopped to watch the grebes. There were two pairs now, their splendid crests standing out against the pale water. As if by some silent signal, both would suddenly dip down and dive out of sight. Emerging closer inshore, I could admire their strikingly elegant plumage through binoculars, reflected and shimmered by ripples and interference patterns on the water’s surface. Scrambling up a steep wooded path, the hyacinth scent of bluebells grew stronger and stronger, mingling with the earthy fragrance of rain-soaked soil. Suddenly, amidst the intense blues and greens, a snow white bluebell stood out in glorious contrast; one of nature’s surprises! Approaching Ireland Bay, another solitary white inhabitant caught my eye and this time the sun was on my side. A great white egret with yellow dagger-bill let out a harsh cry, spreading its wings and soaring away, its black-toed feet clearly visible, tucked up against its streamlined body. Close behind, a grey heron rose up and followed. The rest of my walk was filled with little wonders; a glade resounding with the thrice-repeated phrases of a song thrush, golden backlit sedge flowers, and an amorous moorhen chasing another around a willow tree half-submerged in water, soup-thick with duckweed. Finally, as I reached my car, the distinctive call of a cirl bunting; a conservation success story for our beautiful South Hams. Tel: 01548 853101[email protected]Follow us LINDA Palombo has been commended as Volunteer/Coach of the Year 2024 in the national awards of the Walking Football Association (WFA). Linda is a walking football pioneer who has played for over a decade. She played regular football for Crystal Palace Women in her younger years. She now coaches, plays and manages - and is a qualified walking football referee, contributing a wealth of knowledge across many aspects of the game. Linda is Chairperson of South Hams Men's Club and Head Coach of the Modbury Women's Vixens Club. She was jointly nominated by both clubs for outstanding contribution to walking football in the local community. The clubs both train in Ivybridge and Modbury. South Hams were founded after another club folded and the players wanted to keep going. Linda stepped up as Chairperson, playing a key role in establishing the new club. When local women wanted to establish a women's club Linda advised and became Head Coach, running weekly training sessions. Linda has forged a great relationship between the two clubs. The men's team welcome the women's team players to weekly training sessions, and some of the men provide coaching support to the women's team too. Laura Bell, assistant coach to The Modbury Vixens said: “Linda is a warm positive person, encouraging to all her players. She is committed to developing all players regardless of footballing ability or experience - we are all so very lucky to have her on the team. We are thrilled that the WFA have recognised her contribution to the game”. Pictured is Linda (centre) with members of the Modbury Vixens and South Hams walking football clubs. Tel: 01548 853101[email protected]Follow us Pilgrims are undone at the death as Leeds United are confirmed winners of the Championship PLYMOUTH Argyle head coach Miron Muslic refused to be drawn on his future as his side ended their Sky Bet Championship season with a 2-1 loss at home to champions Leeds United at Home Park. In what has been a testing campaign for the Pilgrims, they were unable to avoid the drop back into League One, an outcome which has left a bitter pill for many of the Green Army to swallow. Muslic - who only arrived in January following the departure of Wayne Rooney - has overseen a marked improvement in both performances and results since his arrival, but it was all in vain as Argyle joined Cardiff City and Luton Town in being relegated. “We are relegated now for seven, eight days. Believe me, I’m empty,” said Muslic, whose side took the lead against Leeds only for the Yorkshire giants to hit back and secure the win with an injury-time winner from Manor Solomon. “I don’t have the power right now to think about the potential future because that takes a lot of focus, a lot of concentration, a lot of energy. I don’t have this energy right now. I need to go back to my family to see them, to recharge, to breathe and then again we have enough time to think about the future.” Although the season ultimately ended in disappointment, Muslic was quick to reflect on his time so far in Devon.“I’m very grateful to have the opportunity to work in a fantastic club, a fantastic organisation,” he said. “So when I look back over the last four months I’m proud, but also very disappointed because in the end we could not make it. “I have nothing but true love and respect for the Green Army, I feel very fortunate to represent Plymouth Argyle as the head coach. Their effort over the last four months was just mind-blowing for me.” Tel: 01548 853101[email protected]Follow us At the recent Ivybridge Town Council Annual Town Meeting Colin Smith was recognised for his outstanding dedication and unwavering commitment to the Ivybridge community through voluntary service. Colin won the David Britton Citizen of the Year Award 2024 which are presented retrospectively. This award celebrates both young people and adults who have significantly impacted Ivybridge through their selfless service. Colin explained how he felt: “Truly I was overwhelmed, very honoured and humbled at the same time. “I’ve just hit 10 years working as a volunteers at the Watermark and I do it for the love of doing it and for the love of helping people.” Colin told us a bit about his past: “Years ago I was a projectionist at the cinemas. “Ten years ago I saw Jonathan at the Watermark and wanted to know how they showed films and to cut a long story short he asked me if I wanted to become a volunteer.” A representative from the council said: “From his long shifts at The Watermark to his enthusiastic involvement in beloved events like the Christmas Festival, Colin’s generosity, warmth, and tireless efforts have touched the lives of many. “His selfless contributions continue to make a meaningful difference, strengthening the spirit and togetherness of our town. “Colin truly embodies the heart of Ivybridge, and this well-deserved award is a small token of our immense gratitude. The Nick Cummins Community Group of the Year Award was not awarded this year as there were no nominations. Each award recipient was presented with an engraved shield, a framed certificate and a £50 gift or donation to a charity of their choice. Colin donated his prize to Ivybridge & District Community Transport Association. Tel: 01548 853101[email protected]Follow us These words were on one of the home-made placards seen as the TV cameras scanned the crowds in St Peter’s Square for the funeral of Pope Francis: “Thank you Francis!”. Among standout comments during the TV coverage were that the Pope was ‘a huge global figure’, and ‘touched minds and hearts’. Among his own statements quoted was that ‘diversity is of God’; and ‘we should build bridges, not walls’. The tributes both from the Catholic faithful and from others the world over have been fulsome in their praise of this extraordinary man. Born in Argentina to an Italian migrant family, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was a simple and humble man, devoting his pastoral care to the poor and marginalised as a Jesuit priest and then as bishop in Buenos Aires. When, much to his surprise, he was elected Pope in 2013, he asked the crowds in St Peter’s Square to pray for him. Even more surprising was his choice of ‘Francis’ as his papal name. St Francis of Assisi was known for his humility and self-imposed poverty - he gave away his riches to work among the poor - and for his love and care for nature and the environment. Inspired by his example, Pope Francis lived in a hostel in the Vatican instead of the papal apartments and used public transport rather than the papal limousine. He went out of his way to spend time with the poor, the marginalised, minorities and migrants. Confronted by a reporter on how would deal with a gay person, his answer was: “Who am I to judge?”, indicating his own humility and his belief in inclusiveness: all people are children of God. He was a man of action who would not take no for an answer when responding to urgent need. When he expressed the wish to visit migrants in Lampedusa among the thousands arriving there, often in a desperate state, Vatican officials responded “it will take weeks to organise”. Pope Francis took matters into his own hands: a few days later the same officials discovered that someone called Jorge Bergoglio had booked a flight to Lampedusa! Right to the end he demonstrated true Christian charity: despite his frailty after very recent illness, on Maundy Thursday he visited the inmates of a Roman prison. He imparted his Easter blessing in St Peter’s Square less than 24 hours before his death. Only then did he respond to the call of his maker… having done his pastoral duty to the end. Perhaps his greatest achievement was to provide moral leadership - not just to Catholics, but to the world. He was not afraid to speak out about the injustice of poverty and oppression, against war and violence. Certain world leaders were unhappy about his criticism, particularly those who profess to be Christian but whose political decisions are the very antithesis of the true Christian principles by which Francis lived. He published two very significant encyclical letters to guide his Church: ‘Fratelli tutti’ encouraged solidarity and fraternity among all people, and rejection of war. ‘Laudato si’ focused on our need to “take care of our common home".  Pope Francis criticised consumerism and irresponsible economic development, lamenting damage to the environment and global warming: a huge contribution to the fight against climate change. Even in death Pope Francis continues to provide a message of hope and to have an impact: world leaders gathered for his funeral held impromptu meetings… which we hope might lead to a peaceful end to conflict. His legacy will, no doubt, influence the choice of his successor. I for one hope for more attention to young people, the future of the Church. Whoever is the next pope, many will hope that he will continue Francis’s good work in making the Church more inclusive, closer to the people, and offering a voice of moral authority for a world in turmoil. Tel: 01548 853101[email protected]Follow us yet support the mad industrialisation of Devon and Cornwall by Labour who intend to cover our beautiful counties in numerous wind farms giant storage units and miles and miles of pylons almost all of it manufactured in China in some of its 2,000 coal-fired furnaces and all of which will then have to be shipped thousands of miles back here so that we can continue paying the highest price for electricity in the world to pretend that we are zero carbon China and India will be supplying the bulk of millions of tons of cement that will be required to anchor these structures into the ground a process which also produces huge amounts of carbon How any responsible leadership can pretend this is 'green' is unbelievable and that solar farms do not degrade the soil (they do Perhaps Lib Dems and Labour could also explain why they support the need for thousands of houses in our counties when there's no mention of  new sewage treatment works to cope with the influx of people and no mention of how the demand on water will be met Recently I had a serious accident which resulted in an operation and short stay in hospital Fortunately I am only temporarily disabled but I am currently using a walking frame to get around Dartmouth and have discovered how incredibly difficult this is Apart from the usual hazards of sign boards outside almost every shop and the car and van drivers who persist in parking with two wheels on the pavement the road surfaces and pavements themselves are frankly dangerous or uneven; road surfaces are often a patchwork where different contractors have effected repairs but failed to make the surfaces flush Frankly our town is full of trip hazards and seems to me to be extremely dangerous in places district and county councillors would be willing to look at this problem I couldn't agree more with Jill Barber's letter in The Gazette of the 17th April regarding the new SHDC car parking charges On Saturday 12th April I drove into the car park at the top of Fore Street The reason became clear when I saw the new parking charges SHDC have slashed the 50p for half an hour charge and put up the price for one hour to £1.50 This car park used to be absolutely packed with cars every day of the week with motorists happy to pay 50p for half an hour and grateful for three hours for £1 These charges enabled shoppers to pop to the local shops visitors leisurely to browse them and locals working in the town to park economically SHDC have disadvantaged the businesses in our town centres and discouraged the use of the car parks The much-vaunted discount for local residents not only penalises people who don't have a smartphone but is useless in giving an extra half-hour to shoppers who only wanted half an hour in the first place I spent today in your town and I thought so much about it was absolutely lovely I'll definitely be back to south Devon but I won't be back to Totnes town because of the awful high street We walked up it twice (my adult friend and I The independent businesses and market were lovely but the traffic made it into a really unpleasant ordeal constantly having to squeeze onto crowded pavements because someone wanted to drive their car or van up the road and even more so because it seems so unnecessary safety and just a please environment should be more important than a few hundred metres of through road I tried really hard but genuinely cannot work out what the argument in favour of keeping the road open to all traffic What another great week for Labour and the Change they promised Britain we saw £200m invested to recruit 3,000 neighbourhood police and PCSOs in the next year which will put 13,000 bobbies back on the beat £38 million was provided to roll out 319 new zero emission buses across England we had the announcement that a new world class Universal theme park is coming to Bedford Thus boosting our economy by an estimated £50 billion and creating 28,000 jobs Labour backed the British car industry in the face of global economic headwinds This was on top of the £2.3bn to boost car manufacturing recently it was confirmed that 1,503 GPs have been recruited since October 1 we saw Labour publicly back the South Yorkshire Mayor's plan to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport we had the announcement that more than 100,000 extra patients have been treated on time 80,000 more people have had cancer diagnosed or ruled out within 28 days and that NHS waiting lists have fallen for six months in a row not only did our Labour Government host the second meeting of the Steel Council with a commitment to British steelmaking including energy cost relief for businesses expected to be worth over £300m in 2025 but we also saw the government pass emergency legislation to give the Business Secretary the power and control necessary to do everything possible to protect the steel industry and steel jobs Promises made by Labour and yet again Promises Kept I refer to the letter 17th February from Geoffrey Brooking in particular the 1000 flood defence projects announced by the government to protect 66,500 properties Regrettably this does not include the flood/breach defence of the A379 Slapton Line The efforts of the previous MP in Totnes constituency to move this forward at pace has stagnated following the general election last July the attached report outlines a £30m investment to protect Blackpool beach in the north It is estimated that over 4000 residents in the South Hams between Dartmouth and Kingsbridge will be significantly affected if the A379 Slapton Line is breached and lost Anyone travelling this route will know why protection is vital to the economy and well-being of everyone living and visiting the area There is a petition in place for government funding to protect this site Please follow this link for those of you who have not yet signed. https://chng.it/2PXYZfJFNV Tel: 01548 853101[email protected]Follow us Tel: 01548 853101[email protected]Follow us Totnes Town Council is inviting residents and business owners to come along to the Annual Town Meeting on Thursday May 15 at 6pm in The Guildhall and find out what’s been going on behind the scenes at the Town Council – from community grants to Christmas markets Cllr Emily Price explains: “This meeting is all about you – the people who live “We’ll be talking about what we’ve been working on there’s a lot happening and we want you to be in the know we’ll be revealing the winners of the 2025 Totnes Town Council Community Awards “It’s always a lovely moment to celebrate the people making a real difference in town.” Just send your questions in by Monday May 12 so they have got time to give you a proper answer on the day You can email them at: [email protected] or call: 01803 862147. The Town Meeting takes place at the historic Guildhall at Rampart’s Walk Totnes (just behind St Mary’s Church). If you can’t make it in person you can always catch up with what they are doing on the Facebook and Instagram pages or via their website: www.totnestowncouncil.gov.uk Cllr Price added: “We’re really looking forward to seeing lots of friendly faces on May 15 “Come along, get involved, and let’s talk Totnes!” All Council meetings are held in the Guildhall which is a listed building with limited access for those with accessibility problems. The Council is committed to ensuring that everyone is able to attend and take part in these meetings and will relocate from the upper Council Chamber to the main Guildhall if you would struggle with the steps and stairs. Tel: 01548 853101[email protected]Follow us KINGSBRIDGE RFC U16s made it to the Fisherman’s Cup final for the first time in 11 years and they claimed the silverware against a fierce, local rival. Brixham was the venue for this South Hams clash between Kingsbridge and Ivybridge youngsters, both sides travelling with huge, vocal support. Ivybridge scored the first try of the game and led at half-time but after the break, with some encouragement from the coaches, Kingsbridge ran back onto the pitch with great vigour. Kings dug deep in a hard-fought affair to win 43-31, Ivybridge on the flipside receiving a red and a yellow card when under the cosh. Tries were scored by a number of the squad including player of the match Callum Ryrie, Joe Wake (2), Jack McIntosh, Will McIntosh and Rhys Gulley (2), with two conversions apiece for Lewis Groves and Will McIntosh. At the final whistle a rapturous team and coaches burst onto the pitch to congratulate the jubilant team. The squad was presented with the Fisherman’s Cup on the Brixham RFC terrace by the Chairman of Brixham Rugby Club and past players, before receiving winner’s medals. Brixham Rugby Club then hosted both the winning side, Kingsbridge RFC, and the losing side, Ivybridge RFC, to a sit-down dinner which was well received by both sides. The squad then returned by coach to Kingsbridge to be met by family and friends and past players at the Kingsbridge RFC headquarters High House where toasts were given and drinks were shared from the Fisherman’s Cup and celebrations carried on long into the evening. It was a great contest and both teams should be immensely proud for the part they played in a day to remember. Tel: 01548 853101[email protected]Follow us The astrologer looks to the stars for your horoscope for the week beginning Saturday, 3 May If a task you’ve taken on doesn’t go as well as you were hoping it would, don’t hesitate to request another chance at it. If you’re new to this type of work, keep in mind the saying: if at first you don’t succeed, try again. Stay positive and give it another go. You’re ready to leave a disappointing situation behind. Instead of feeling sorry for yourself, you are looking for the next opportunity to improve your life. You expected a partner to be sceptical about our plans especially when these aren’t something they are normally interested in. A team effort brings out the best in you. Activities shared with others will be fun and stimulating. New people you are meeting now will bring excitement into your world. Just remember to keep in touch with old friends, too. The flow of your days will gradually improve as you strive for an important goal. Your ability to keep everything organised and calm will foster teamwork among everyone involved. The outcomes will surpass all expectations. You’ve always had a flair for the dramatic. Why not welcome a little extra give-and-take with your friends and loved ones? When they notice how open you are to compromise and not just focused on yourself, they will start treating you with a new respect. A younger relative will look to you for support in getting through a tricky situation. You may not be able to solve all their problems but you will be more than willing to lend an ear and offer comfort. There’s a genuine desire to help those nearby. Stay alert and keep your eyes open when dealing with legal and financial matters. If you miss something early on, there could be hidden issues that will lead to complications in the future. You have been unsure about ideas being discussed in the household. You’re getting on so well with a work or romantic partner that it’s almost as if you can read each other’s thoughts. This closeness will help you predict their responses and enable you to make suggestions that meet their needs and expectations. Get involved in a group project. Not only will you enjoy the challenges this brings, you will be making new friends along the way. Most people you meet will be friendly and supportive. This makes it a good week for accomplishing tasks as a team. It’s hard to overstate the magnitude of discussions going on in the workplace. You wonder how mistakes happened and how it went on so long before they have been revealed. Now that everything is out in the open you will stand up for those who need support. A household matter will not be easy to settle. You might think you've made your final decision regarding future plans, but others don’t agree. One of your housemates will want to revisit the conversation, hoping to persuade you to reconsider. A friend or neighbour will ask you to do them a small favour. This will open the door to even more requests and before you know it they will seem to expect you to be at their beck and call. Remember, you aren’t obligated to say yes every time they ask for help. Tel: 01548 853101[email protected]Follow us Nearly 1,300 public chargepoints have been added to the South West network since April 2024 with now more than 5,500 public chargers across the region The Government is investing more than £2.3 billion to back British carmakers power growth and protect jobs as part of the Plan for Change Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood said: “We want to make sure that drivers in the South West are always close to an electric vehicle charging device That’s’ why it’s great to see the number of public charging devices in the region growing by 30% since April last year.” The Department for Transport claims drivers can save up to £1,100 a year compared to petrol by charging at home the average range of a new EV is 290 miles - approximately London to Newcastle new Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles will no longer be sold in the UK forcing the move to electric vehicles in an attempt to reduce greenhouse gas emissions EV’s emit just 1/3 of greenhouse gases compared to petrol cars The total greenhouse gas emissions from an EV are known as its “lifecycle emissions” These combine the emissions from manufacturing the vehicle - which tend to be higher than manufacturing internal-combustion vehicles Powering the vehicle through its life and decommissioning the batteries at the end of their life The Government is investing £200m to help rollout rapid chargepoints all over the country on top of £381m through the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund to roll out tens of thousands of on-street chargers overnight charging for those without a driveway You can find national information about chargepoints from websites such as Zap-Map or National Grid. Tel: 01548 853101[email protected]Follow us South Brent Amateur Dramatic Society are delighted to present a comedy for the second production of their Centenary year. Running from May 15 to 17 in South Brent Village Hall, “A Bunch of Amateurs” has been written by masters of comedy Ian Hislop and Nick Newman. The play features a washed-up Hollywood action hero mistakenly taking a big role with a small am-dram society in a Stratford that definitely isn’t upon Avon, with plenty of comic consequences. Keen to boost his flagging career, fading Hollywood star Jefferson Steel arrives in England to play King Lear in Stratford — only to find that this is not the birthplace of the Bard, but a sleepy Suffolk village. Instead of Sir Kenneth Branagh and Dame Judi Dench, the cast are a bunch of amateurs trying to save their theatre from developers. Jefferson’s monstrous ego, vanity and insecurity are tested to the limit by the enthusiastic am-dram thespians. As acting worlds collide and Jefferson’s career implodes, he discovers some truths about himself — along with his inner Lear! Directed by SBADS' Chairman Robin Willoughby, the cast includes Tim McGill as Jefferson Steel and SBADS' regulars Alan Prince, Nat Cook and Kim Kidney. The play is at 7.30pm from Thursday May 15 to Saturday May 17 at 7.30pm with a matinee on Saturday at 2.30pm. Doors open 30 minutes before the show, with refreshments available from the bar. Tickets are on sale at the Village Shop in South Brent or through the SBADS website. SBADS members range from 8 to 80+, come from a wide range of backgrounds, do all sorts of day jobs and not all are from South Brent itself. They usually stage two or three productions a year in South Brent Village Hall on the edge of Dartmoor. Full information is available at www.sbads.show/amateurs Tel: 01548 853101[email protected]Follow us Majority of Devon and Cornwall Police officers struggling financially with nearly a quarter eyeing the exit MORE than three-quarters of police officers in Devon and Cornwall say they are worse off financially than five years ago — with nearly one in five unable to afford basic essentials — according to a damning new report released. The 2024 Police Federation Pay and Morale Report reveals a deepening crisis within the force, as soaring living costs and stagnant wages fuel growing dissatisfaction, so much so that nearly a quarter of officers are now considering leaving the job entirely. Despite a 4.75 per cent pay rise this year, real-terms police pay has plummeted by 20 per cent since 2010, leaving many questioning how much longer they can afford to serve. Worryingly, the survey — which is based on 1024 responses received from Devon and Cornwall Police officers — revealed 23 per cent of officers said they intend to resign from the police service either ‘within the next two years’ or ‘as soon as [they] can’. Rob Greening, secretary of Devon and Cornwall Police Federation, said: “The pay and morale survey for Devon and Cornwall Police makes stark reading and unfortunately, when compared to previous years, the situation does not seem to be improving. “Our members work in extremely stressful and dangerous situations, to afford the public the safety and protection they expect and deserve. Governments, over the years, do not seem to have provided the Police service with the same level of commitment and have allowed Police officer pay to reduce in real terms by over 20 per cent. “Our members are aware public finances over the past 15 years have been pushed and that they should bear some responsibility for cuts that have to be made. However, 15 years of cutbacks and low funding by governments have brought us to the position we now find ourselves in.” He added: “We cannot afford to lose the experience within the front line of policing. The protection of the public depends on officers knowing their job and being able to pick up on the small clues, which may indicate a member of the public is in danger. “Workloads for officers are unmanageable and this is when mistakes are made and tell-tale signs are missed. “Officer numbers have risen since 2010 by about 4,000 yet the UK population has increased by 5.5-million. Investigations have become far more complex as technology advances and the case files officers produce, to ensure offenders are charged to court, have become unnecessarily complicated and timely to complete. “There has been a perfect storm brewing for the last 15 years and it has now hit land. Officers are not willing to put up with the continued increasing expectations and heavy workloads, lack of perceived respect from the government, constant pay awards that are below the rate of inflation and they are voting with their feet. Our members join the police to serve the public and keep them safe, but currently feel that they are not able to do this to the best of their ability. “If the government wants a police service they can be proud of then we need to retain the experienced officers, to enable them to impart their wisdom to those with less experience. “To do this there are many changes that need to be made, however a quick win for the Government is to sit up and listen to the officers. What the police take home is criminal. Officers have copped enough. Things need to change.” In response to the report, Devon and Cornwall Police Chief Constable James Vaughan, said: “The pay and morale survey from the Police Federation of England and Wales is always important to us and I want officers to be assured that we will be taking time to scrutinise the report and to discuss the issues in detail with Federation representatives in Devon & Cornwall. “Policing remains a very challenging and difficult job, and despite increased demand and limited resources, our dedicated officers continue to fight crime and protect the public every day to make Devon and Cornwall safe. “Since my appointment in December 2024, I have met over 2000 officers and staff in stations across the force area, to understand their roles and listen to their views, challenges and ideas. I will continue to spend time with staff and officers, to understand where support is needed to protect our workforce and improve morale. “I’m also nearly at the end of a series of roadshows that have allowed me to meet with all Sergeants and Inspectors, to understand the challenges they are facing, as well as to set out Force priorities and expectations – with a particular emphasis on improving our standards, behaviour and culture. “It is clear from the survey officers across the country, not just in Devon and Cornwall, see workloads as an issue. The number of officers we have on the frontline is an important factor in this and a key priority for me has been to return officers to the frontline through a review of our senior ranks – starting with the chief officer team. “We now have record numbers of officers after a very successful Uplift programme and these are supported by professional and capable enabling departments and a strong cadre of volunteers. “Officer numbers will continue to be boosted through the government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, an investment into neighbourhood policing which will support the increase of neighbourhood officers in years to come and alleviating the pressure on our frontline. “I want every member of the organisation to feel confident that their wellbeing is taken seriously and that they are being properly supported. I am committed to ensuring officers know that we are listening and feel valued and supported. "While some factors in the survey such as pay are outside of our control, we will continue to make advice and support on topics, including financial assistance, available to everyone in Devon and Cornwall Police, including signposting to those who can help. “Devon and Cornwall Police is made up of amazing officers and staff and we are committed to continuing to make improvements for all those who work so hard to keep our counties safe.” Tel: 01548 853101[email protected]Follow us Amid controversy, Belfast rap group Kneecap will now perform in Plymouth after their Eden Project show was cancelled. The Belfast-based rap group Kneecap will no longer be be performing at the Eden Project amid controversy over a resurfaced clip in which a band member saying ‘the only good Tory is a dead Tory’. The group known for songs such as ‘H.O.O.D’ and ‘Get Your Brits Out’ will now be playing at Plymouth Pavilions on Friday, July 4. A reason for the shows cancellation has not been given officially but it comes after a clip from 2023 resurfaced with one of the members saying during a performance, "The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP." The trio apologised to the families of murdered MPs Sir David Amess and Jo Cox and rejected "any suggestion that we would seek to incite violence against any MP or individual. Ever". The footage had been "exploited and weaponised," they said. Katie Amess, daughter of Sir David, dismissed their apology, accusing them of "deflection and excuses and gaslighting". The band are known for using their platform to support the Palestinian people and for calling out the British Government. View this post on Instagram A post shared by KNEECAP (@kneecap32) Eden Sessions announced on their website: “Eden Sessions Limited announced today (29 April 2025) that the Kneecap show at Eden Project scheduled for 4 July 2025 has been cancelled. “Ticket purchasers will be contacted directly and will be fully refunded. The refund process will commence from Wednesday 30 April 2025. Refunds will be processed against the original payment cards used. Purchasers should allow six working days for funds to be received into their accounts.” Tickets for the Plymouth Pavilions performance will go on sale on Friday, July 4. In response to the Plymouth gig announcement on Instagram, users flooded the comments section with statements such as: “Thank you from a Palestinian! You amplify our voice and the voice of all the downtrodden. Much love and respect!” and “You're on the right side of history.” Tel: 01548 853101[email protected]Follow us The hit BBC One show Sort Your Life Out is back and looking for families or shared households in Devon to participate in the next series focuses on helping families declutter and reorganise their homes Solomon and a team of makeover experts assist participants in evaluating their possessions encouraging them to let go of items they no longer need and transform their living spaces into more functional and harmonious environments The series combines elements of home makeover humour and personal storytelling to highlight the emotional and practical aspects of decluttering Would you like your home totally transformed by Stacey and her expert team Imagine if the entire contents of your house were laid out before you so you could decide what to keep and what to lose supersize spring clean and ingenious carpentry solutions this process will bring joy back into your home Stacey and her team of organising fanatics - made up of Dilly Carter Rob Bent and Iwan Carrington - can help you let go of the things you don’t need Plus they’ll create space-saving storage and put systems in place to save you time and money in the future A spokesperson said: “Whether you have a new baby on the way find it hard to let go of sentimental items or just want to create calm in the chaos the Sort Your Life Out team would love to hear from you.” For more information email [email protected] or apply online, visit: www.optomen.com/sort-your-life-out or the BBC Take Part website. Tel: 01548 853101[email protected]Follow us Spectators of Ivybridge Town’s football matches can look forward to cheering on their team in more comfort South Hams Council planning committee was unanimous in its support for the club’s plan to build a covered standing area for 100 people behind one of the goals at their ground at Erme Valley There is already a small under-cover seating area on the halfway line but the new construction will offer some respite from the weather for fans who would rather stand The covered area will be 15 metres long and two metres high The club now plays in the Western League Premier Division and FA regulations mean that at that level there must be covered standing for 100 people South Brent) said he had 50 years of experience watching Ivybridge play rugby just up the road and rain could make it a ‘miserable occasion’ “I’m very happy to offer some support to my football colleagues,” he said Blackawton and Stoke Fleming) added: “I would like to give my congratulations to Ivybridge Town for making it to the fifth step of the football pyramid and I hope we have many similar applications to look at in the future as they progress.” The club was established in 1925 and joined the Plymouth & District League in 1926.They later became members of the Plymouth & District Combination which was formed by the league's merger with the Plymouth Combination League In 1992 Ivybridge were founder members of the Devon County League, joining from the Plymouth & District Combination. They finished bottom of the league in 1994–95 and again in 1997–98. However, a gradual improvement in performances saw them end the 2002–03 season as league runners-up. Tel: 01548 853101[email protected]Follow us Internationally exhibited painter Steve Joy is returning to his roots this month, preparing for his first solo exhibition in the region for decades at Velarde Gallery in Kingsbridge. Joy, who was born in Plymouth and trained at Exeter College of Art and Chelsea, has spent the last 25 years working internationally. Despite a long list of solo shows, including the Sioux City Arts Museum in Iowa, the Bemis Centre for Contemporary Arts in Omaha, Nebraska, and the Japan Foundation in Tokyo, he considers this new exhibition to be a significant moment. “It’s the first one in a long time,” he said. “And in a gallery that really understands contemporary art. The ambitions here are high – it’s very exciting.” Working in a rich tradition of abstraction, Joy's paintings are anything but simple. They draw on his own travels, his time in the Air Force, and an early fascination with the likes of Cézanne, Picasso and Matisse. But the turning point came after seeing an exhibition by Barnett Newman. “These giant paintings, with a single stripe down the middle, just bowled me over,” he recalled. Rather than focusing solely on colour or form, Joy aims to give his abstract work content – something with narrative, memory or even moral tension. “I wanted my work to be about something people could relate to – particularly my own quite working-class family.” This personal commitment to content has led Joy into unexpected territory. “It’s not easy,” he said. “Especially in the age of the internet, when everyone is showing everything straight away. I’m still trying to find that spot where you can contribute something physically, spiritually.” The title Forbidden Colours stems from Joy’s long-standing fascination with Japanese author Yukio Mishima, whose writing and life story deeply influenced the exhibition. Mishima, who committed ritual suicide after completing his final novel cycle, was obsessed with beauty, decay and the conflict between tradition and modernity. “In kimono-making, certain colours were reserved for emperors or dynasties; they were literally forbidden,” Joy explained. “That sense of something beautiful, but restricted or lost, really struck a chord.” The result is a body of work that asks the viewer to engage, not just observe. “I hope people will feel a connection to history, culture, literature – not just painting,” he said. “And if they only get a sense of beauty or refinement, I don’t mind that either. People will get what they can from it.” Joy praised the efforts of the gallery to champion contemporary work. Looking ahead, Joy has group shows planned in Iowa and Nebraska, and hopes to begin a new series of abstract paintings inspired by the odd, almost eerie pre-Renaissance portraits found in Devon’s stately homes. “They’re so weird,” he laughed. “Again, that influence of the past coming into the present. It’s something I keep coming back to.” The exhibition runs from Saturday, May 3 to Saturday, June 28, 2025. Tel: 01548 853101[email protected]Follow us Head coach Rob Hunter and his predecessor Ali Hepher have both been stood down after just four games THE hammer blow of a 79-17 humiliation at Kingsholm on Sunday triggered a seismic shift at Sandy Park, but already the fightback has begun. In the wake of Exeter Chiefs’ heaviest-ever Premiership defeat, CEO and chairman Tony Rowe has acted decisively, turning to the man who helped build the club's golden era: Rob Baxter. The long-serving Director of Rugby is stepping back into a front-line coaching role, charged with restoring pride, purpose and performance to a side that has clearly lost its way. Rowe, who stormed into the changing room after Sunday’s collapse against Gloucester, made no attempt to sugar-coat the situation. “There has been a clear disconnect between the playing squad and the coaching staff, and it is something we simply cannot allow to continue,” said Rowe. “Exeter Rugby Club is built on togetherness, hard work and shared standards, and right now, those foundations need reinforcing. “Rob is the right person to bring everyone back onto the same page to ensure that every player and coach is working towards the same goals. His understanding of what it takes to build a winning culture, foster unity, and develop players to their full potential is unrivalled in the club’s history..” Recently-appointed head coach Rob Hunter and his predecessor Ali Hepher have both been stood down after just four games into the new era. With Baxter now returning to the coalface, the message is clear: Exeter is circling the wagons, rediscovering its soul, and preparing for a resurgence. As part of the club’s long-term strategy, a comprehensive review of the current coaching team is also underway. This process will ensure that Exeter Chiefs are equipped with the right people, skills and energy to meet the demands of the 2025/26 season and beyond. “This is about more than just responding to results,” Rowe added. “It’s about re-establishing who we are and where we’re going. We’ve faced challenges before and each time we’ve come back stronger. With Rob playing a more active coaching role again, we are confident this is the first step in writing the next successful chapter of the Exeter Chiefs story. “I would also like to extend a heartfelt thanks to supporters for their unwavering loyalty and passion throughout the season. The bond between the team and the fans has always been a cornerstone of the club’s success, and that unity will be more important than ever as the Chiefs look to build momentum heading into the future.” Tel: 01548 853101[email protected]Follow us Spectators of Ivybridge Town’s football matches can look forward to cheering on their team in more comfort South Hams Council planning committee was unanimous in its support for the club’s plan to build a covered standing area for 100 people behind one of the goals at their ground at Erme Valley The covered area will be 15 metres long and two metres high.  and rain could make it a ‘miserable occasion’ “I’m very happy to offer some support to my football colleagues,” he said Blackawton and Stoke Fleming) added: “I would like to give my congratulations to Ivybridge Town for making it to the fifth step of the football pyramid and I hope we have many similar applications to look at in the future as they progress.” Ivybridge Town Council explains the reasons behind the tax increase, detailing funding allocation for new projects and essential repairs. With town and parish council tax rising 30.6 per cent on the 7.46 per cent share of the total council bill which Ivybridge Town Council receives, they have brought together information from various sources such as budgets and meeting minutes to provide an explanation of how the additional funds will be used. As in past years, they are seeing more pressure on certain budget lines, in the main, utility supply costs, food costs for The Watermark, and the implications of the employers National Insurance contribution announcement. This building is now 16 years old and subsequently many elements installed at the time of construction are now failing. In the parks and open spaces, they have seen a significant amount of tree work carried out following a recent detailed tree inspection, with more aboricultural work to come. The Council has suggested the idea of taking grounds maintenance and grass cutting in-house, and the feasibility of this is to be considered in coming years. While the council has demonstrated prudent budgeting in past years, they must now enhance their long-term financial strategy, future-proofing finances and concentrating on building up reserves. This is absolutely vital to ensure that they have funds available for unexpected or major cost items. Examples of upcoming large cost/major expenditure: One of the four boilers is not operating, and requires replacement, at a cost of around £6,500. They have a recommendation that the BMS (Buildings Management System) should be replaced as it is out of date, at a cost of around £50,000. The flooring in the coffee shop and toilets requires replacing. The toilet facilities have recently required multiple repairs and need refreshing. The solar panels on the roof are not operating correctly, and require invertor replacement, at a cost of around £2,500. The Town Hall houses the Ivybridge Town Council offices. It is a public building and is regularly used by councillors, community groups and businesses. The windows require repairing and replacement and the entrance door mechanism needs to be replaced. Current indications are that the required repair works will cost in the region of £8,500. As with The Watermark, the fire inspection has identified defects and omissions in fire safety. There is no roof void fire detection or compartmentalisation to reduce fire spread, particularly in the area above the boiler flue. Woods, Parks, Open Spaces and Woodlands Cemetery: The additional aboricultural work required by the tree inspection, will see a cost of around £32,000 in the next financial year, and this will deplete reserves allocated for this purpose, and so contingencies need to be budgeted for future years. The cost for this plan is approximately £2500 (+costs for any works or projects identified within the plan). The Government’s announcement regarding employers National Insurance contributions has significantly impacted our budgets for next financial year. Not only has the percentage contribution increased from 13.8 per cent to 15 per cent, the threshold at which employers are to pay contributions on salaries has lowered markedly, from £9,100 down to £5,000. Tel: 01548 853101[email protected]Follow us The ad-free version is ready for purchase on iOS mobile app today we couldn't find that page";var n=e.querySelector("h2");return n&&n.remove(),{staticContent:e,title:t}},d=function(e){var t=document.createElement("button");return t.innerText=e,t.classList.add("error-page-button"),t},f=function(e){var t=document.createElement("div");t.id="recirculation-404",t.classList.add("brand-hint-bg");var n="\n \n \n Tick here if you would like us to send you the author’s response A new special school in Ivybridge with spaces for 120 children will welcome its first pupils in the autumn Castlebridge School will have smaller class sizes and offer specialist support The school is for youngsters with high functioning Autistic Spectrum Conditions (ASC) who are unable to attend mainstream schools because of physical medical or sensory needs or difficulties with communication Devon County Council says the school is designed for pupils who have had a "challenging experience in mainstream school" It said they may have avoided school or learning to help themselves feel safe - in some cases having an impact on their progress in education and self-esteem The new school will have smaller class sizes and a tailored curriculum to help pupils with their learning and develop skills in communication They will also be supported in achieving academic accreditation which is nationally recognised The Tavistock base will remain as a satellite site when the main site opens The council says it will support children and young people in Tavistock and the west of the county Devon County Council’s cabinet member for children's SEND improvement services said: “I am pleased that the funding agreement for a new special school in Devon has been signed It marks a significant milestone on our journey to meet the growing demand for support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in Devon “Castlebridge will provide children and young people with an Autism Spectrum Condition with a fantastic opportunity to access their learning and develop the confidence skills and knowledge necessary to progress through school and into adulthood felling empowered to be a valued part of their local community “This investment will help more children and young people in Devon who have special educational needs and disabilities achieve their full potential.” SEN director at The Special Partnership Trust said: "We are delighted to be working innovatively with Devon to develop and deliver additional specialist school places Our vision is that every single young person has access to the best education they need delivered in the best possible environment and flourish no matter what circumstances they face “We are immensely proud to be part of something that has the potential to transform the lives of children and young people This partnership reflects our commitment to ensuring that every child and young person receives the tailored support they need to reach their full potential “Through this initiative we can continue to make a positive difference PlymouthLive is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join us we'll send the latest breaking news and biggest stories of the day straight to your phone All you need to do is click this link and select 'Join Community' No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the PlymouthLive team We also treat our community members to special offers To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'Exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice Click here to join our WhatsApp community Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right A DEVONSHIRE tennis centre’s efforts to open up the sport were bestowed with the inaugural Lexus Game Changer Award at the prestigious LTA Tennis Awards South Devon Tennis Centre claimed the accolade which represents a new award introduced by title sponsors Lexus to reward innovation in the delivery of tennis It is the second year Lexus have supported the award with Emma Lane Brand Communications on hand to present the award at the tenth anniversary of the awards which were held at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton The team in Ivybridge have embodied that innovation transforming their venue into an inclusive centre for the whole community to enjoy as they welcome people into their community through initiatives like the Sport In Mind project Having improved the design and layout of social spaces at the facility the club attracts a broad and diverse range of players with a vibrant and welcoming feel “It’s so rewarding to open up tennis to so many different people and to be able to get this award is just amazing,” said Elise Spicer the centre’s Health and Wellbeing Coordinator and people who would never think about coming to play tennis We notice people who come in who are quite low and they come in and socialise and meet people involved in the community “I struggled with my mental health and that was the reason I got into sport I know how difficult it is to take that first step.” highlight and celebrate the incredible achievements and contributions of people in tennis across Britain First launched in 2015 with the help of former LTA president Cathie Sabin OBE they recognise the vital work of volunteers and players dedicating their precious time and energy to the continual development and growth of the sport the awards have illustrated the depth of service and talent within the tennis community and serve as an inspiration to others to get involved in the game selected from more than 2,000 nominations across 25 different categories have all been acknowledged for their outstanding contribution to tennis in 2024 The centre also help postnatal fitness through ‘Mini & Me’ classes to provide for women who may not otherwise be able to exercise because of a lack of childcare in addition to Walking Tennis sessions which help them to deliver meaningful social impact LTA President Sandi Procter said: “The ceremony is a celebration of the people that make our sport so special “I have always been passionate about grassroots and the LTA awards are our way of highlighting the extraordinary contribution of individuals and venues across Britain I am always impressed by the selfless sacrifice of all the volunteers “We want to keep attracting new players and fans to the sport.” To find out more information about the LTA Tennis Awards, presented by Lexus or for information on how to play, coach, volunteer or officiate in tennis, head to: The Official Home of Tennis For Britain | LTA. Tel: 01548 853101[email protected]Follow us TWO first half goals for Wellington saw Ivybridge Town end their first season in the Jewson Western League with a 2-0 away defeat on Easter Monday, reports Graham Hambly. Wellington took the lead in the 30th minute when Mark Cornish scored with a volley after Tom Stone helped on a corner from Sam Towler. The home side added their second five minutes later with a shot from Jake Quick. This final result leaves Ivybridge in 12th position in the Premier Division with 14 wins and 15 defeats from their 38 league matches. Meanwhile, spectators attending Ivybridge’s matches at their Erme Valley ground can look forward to cheering on their team in more comfort next season. South Hams District Council planning committee was unanimous in its support for the club’s plan to build a covered standing area for 100 people behind one of the goals. There is already a small under-cover seating area on the halfway line, but the new construction will offer some respite from the weather for fans who would rather stand. FA regulations state that clubs in the Western League Premier Division must provide covered standing accommodation for 100 people. The new covered area will be 15 metres long and two metres high. Councillor Guy Pannell (Lib Dem, South Brent) said he had 50 years of experience watching Ivybridge play rugby just up the road, and rain could make it a ‘miserable occasion’, adding: “I’m very happy to offer some support to my football colleagues.” There was also support from Councillor Simon Rake (Lib Dem, Blackawton and Stoke Fleming) who said: “I would like to give my congratulations to Ivybridge Town for making it to the fifth step of the football pyramid, and I hope we have many similar applications to look at in the future as they progress.” Tel: 01548 853101[email protected]Follow us Three new police enquiry offices (PEOs) have opened in Ivybridge enhancing public access to police walk-in services across Devon and Cornwall Residents can now visit these stations to report crimes The PEOs also provide a place of safety for those at risk strengthening the connection between communities and law enforcement Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Alison Hernandez initially pledged in 2020 to reopen multiple PEOs over five years with Exeter City’s office set to launch later this year bringing the total to 26 operational PEOs across Devon and Cornwall and Looe opened between October 2023 and February 2024 PCC Alison Hernandez said: “These front desks are an invaluable asset to our communities I encourage residents to use them to report crimes They also serve as a vital safe space for anyone feeling at risk.” She praised police enquiry officers for their dedication “This initiative has proven its worth with minimal investment Making the police more accessible has been one of my proudest achievements as it reinforces public confidence and strengthens community ties.” Devon & Cornwall Police Chief Constable James Vaughan QPM said: “Improving public access to the police enhances engagement with our communities allowing us to respond more effectively to their concerns.” added: “Our Police Enquiry Officers play a crucial role in supporting control room colleagues by handling non-emergency contact while offering another direct contact point for the community.” For more information on police station opening times visit the Devon & Cornwall Police website WELLINGTON ended their season on a winning note in the Premier Division of the Jewson Western League with a 2-0 home victory over mid-table Ivybridge Town at the Playing Field on Easter Monday. The result took the Tangerines’ points tally past the 50 mark - their highest total in the division since the 2008-9 season. It also moved them up to 13th in the table, although they will drop a place if Brislington beat Brixham in their final game this coming Saturday. Wellington named an unchanged starting 11 for the third successive game as Ivybridge paid their first visit to the Playing Field after winning promotion last season. The sides drew 1-1 when they met in Devon last month and there was little to chose between them in the opening half an hour. But Wellington then struck twice in five minutes to take control and, after that, never looked like losing the lead. They went ahead when a corner from skipper Sam Towler was flicked on by Tom Stone and Man of the Match Mark Cornish volleyed home at the far post. Five minutes later it was 2-0 as Jake Quick marked the end of a wonderful playing career with a typical finish. In his last game before retiring, the striker latched on to a through ball from Josh Lukins and had plenty to do as he went wide of the keeper but then cut back inside to drive home. It stayed 2-0 until the break and Wellington had a third ‘goal’ disallowed nine minutes into the second half as Phil Mendonca’s effort was ruled out for offside. Wellington: Jack McAndrews, Mark Cornish, Jacob Shore, Tom Stone, Nathan Byrne, Josh Lukins, Glen Wright, Sam Towler, Miles Quick, Phil Mendonca, Jake Quick. Substitutes: Sam Sheldrake, James De Selincourt, Charlie Wood (used); Harry Scott (not used). Tel: 01823 662439[email protected]Follow us Further Links WELLINGTON will be looking to bounce back after their 4-0 loss at Buckland when they play their last match of the season at home to Ivybridge Town in the Premier Division of the Jewson Western League this afternoon (Mon, 3p.m.). The teams fought out a 1-1 draw when they played each other at Ivybridge a month ago. Wellington are lying 15th in the table while Ivybridge are in 11th spot. Tel: 01823 662439[email protected]Follow us Salcombe will be celebrating the 80th anniversary of VE Day ahead of time on Monday May 5 with a Community Garden Party at Cliff House, Lower Gardens. Victory in Europe Day celebrates the formal acceptance of unconditional surrender by Germany. It’s a moment of celebration with the best dressed competition for all, fancy dress including your best hat and 1940s uniform. There will also be children’s activities. The event gets underway at 1.30pm with arrival and set up: bring your own picnic blanket and chairs. At 2.15pm the Town Crier makes the VE Day Proclamation and the event is rounded off with the Flotilla at 5.15pm. Tel: 01548 853101[email protected]Follow us Last week I had the great pleasure of officially opening three more police stations to the public Chief Constable James Vaughan and I visited Ivybridge Police Station where we met the police enquiry officers who help members of the public at the front desk We were joined by MP for South West Devon Rebecca Smith and members of the community including the Salvation Army The Devon & Cornwall Police Cadets were also in attendance I’m always so impressed when I meet these young volunteers who give up their spare time to help their community and support our police force There is always an abundance of professionalism and enthusiasm that will stand them in great stead if they choose to pursue a career in policing Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez and Devon & Cornwall Police Chief Constable James Vaughan opening Ivybridge Police Enquiry Office I attended Liskeard and Tavistock Police Stations with ACC Nikki Leaper to open their police enquiry offices We were again joined by members of the community and the local policing teams as well as MP for South East Cornwall Anna Gelderd at Liskeard and the High Sheriff of Devon Commodore Jake Moores and Vice Lord-Lieutenant Rear Admiral Chris Snow at Tavistock It was great to hear from everyone about how important these new facilities are to people living in or near these towns Thank you to everyone who braved the weather to make these openings a success; all three events had a real air of celebration I am extremely proud to be able to bring such an asset back into towns and cities in Devon and Cornwall one that will make a difference people’s lives and the safety and resilience of our communities You can find your nearest police enquiry office here The brilliant officers who man the desk not only help with in-person enquiries such as taking crime reports giving advice and signposting to victim services but they also deal with contact from the public via 101 I was also delighted to hear last week that my office will once again receive funding from the Home Office to deliver hotspot policing in the next financial year In 2024-25 we were allocated £1m to deliver this initiative which has proven hugely successful in tackling violence and antisocial behaviour in problem areas across the peninsula more than 22,000 hours of hotspot patrols have been delivered by police and street marshals This has resulted in attendance at 1,376 ASB incidents 204 arrests and 1,680 pieces of intelligence submitted These patrols have been a great benefit to the areas we’ve targeted Not only have they had a great impact on deterring crime but also raised public confidence and community engagement More than 80,000 members of the public have been engaged with through hotspot policing and 35,000 premises have been visited providing residents and businesses with greater access to support So it’s great news that the government has recognised the importance of continuing this momentum While we await the specifics of the funding allocation my office is in the process of identifying areas to focus on for the coming financial year and I look forward to being able to announce these in due course The funding is a welcome addition to the Neighbourhood Policing Grant that was recently doubled to £200m nationally We have been awarded £4.7m which can be used to recruit police officers and police community support officers (PCSOs) as well as police staff to backfill positions to free up officers working in desk-based roles I am proposing to use this money to recruit 55 more PCSOs who will add extra resource to our amazing neighbourhood policing teams who are highly valued by those living and working in our villages towns and cities and who work hard to tackle issues affecting them as well as more high-visibility patrols thanks to hotspot policing and Exeter city centre police station set to open later this year bringing the total number open to the public to 27 I am proud to say this will be the year of visible pro-active and accessible neighbourhood policing in Devon and Cornwall calls to 01392 numbers can cost up to 10p per minute and there is usually also a call set-up fee calls to these numbers cost between 10p and 40p per minute Most landline operators offer inclusive call packages which allow calls free at certain times of the day and most mobile companies include free any-time minutes in the monthly contract payment or a bundle of minutes for a reduced cost in the form of a top-up credit DEVON’S leading agricultural show is set to amplify its support for the performing arts this year with the launch of a brand-new community stage Created in partnership with BBC Radio Devon the ‘Engage Stage’ at this year’s Devon County Show will feature a vibrant lineup of local talent Audiences can look forward to performances from Pelican Projects’ Jukebox Choir Located at the heart of a refreshed showground area - opposite the Crafts & Flowers Pavilion and adjacent to the Country Life and Woodland Area - the Engage Stage will provide covered seating and locally sourced food from various catering outlets including the Wife & I Sausage Co and PanCrepes creating a lively hub for visitors to enjoy The new stage is designed with accessibility in mind featuring handrails and a ramp to ensure access for all shared her excitement about the new addition: ‘Music has always been a core feature of the show with the bandstand - curated by Lewis Gibb in partnership with Devon Music Education Hub - hosting vocal performances from school choirs across the county we receive overwhelming interest from local artists looking for a space to showcase their talent but the bandstand is packed with back-to-back performances ‘That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce a new stage in 2025 offering even more opportunities for Devon’s talent to shine ‘With up to 95,000 visitors over three days the Devon County Show is the perfect platform to give these talented individuals the recognition they deserve.’ The Devon County Show takes place from May 15 to May 17 Tickets are available from the show’s website. Tel: 01548 853101[email protected]Follow us I’ve been knocking on doors and talking to hundreds of people. To me it’s an important part of being a local councillor. I need to know what issues matter to you most. It’ll be no surprise to hear potholes and the general state of our roads is the most common complaint. The county has been throwing more money at the issue, but the roads just seem to be getting worse. The road maintenance contract is up for renewal. Now is the time to bring it back in house. The cross-party scrutiny committee overwhelmingly recommended this course of action. However, the cabinet, led by senior officers, decided to press on with what we had before. For a system that was obviously failing, to just continue seems the wrong thing to do. For whatever reasons the contract has not delivered. As we found with the waste collection at South Hams, if you outsource one of your core services you lose control of it. You end up arguing about the rights and wrongs of the contract rather than just getting the job done. We also seem to have lost sight of a pro-active approach. Prevention is better than cure, the saying goes. As the County Council has steadily removed or down-graded routine parish maintenance, so too has the state of our roads declined. I’m sure the two are related. Many parishes have taken matters into their own hands. They are employing contractors to carry out the services county used to fulfil. I applaud this positive approach. It could be argued these services should be covered by council tax and it’s a fair point. The trouble is successive governments have stripped local authorities of money. Of course, things can always be done more efficiently but the financial challenges have been immense. Tel: 01548 853101[email protected]Follow us Ivybridge residents have voiced their anger after vandals targeted several cars in a rugby club car park Locals have posted pictures on social media of a number of cars which had their rear windows smashed in shortly after midnight of Sunday January 12 On one Facebook community post locals have suggested a community meeting "to discuss how we stop our village getting more out of control with crime" They added: "OMG what is going on with our village This is unacceptable on every single level I'd love to know our crime rates since all these housing developments started When I moved to Ivy it was one of the safest 'towns' to live in In response a resident stated: "It really puts me off parking at the train station car park overnight (I know this was at the rugby club) I never have because of the possible vandalism to cars We shouldn't be worried about leaving ours cars in a car park in Ivybridge Another added: "Firstly anyone with kids that are out at night need to speak with them on a seriously level about the mindless vandalism and make sure it’s not your child." demanding swift action and retribution against the culprits After the neighbourhood police posted images of the cars and an appeal for information one resident replied asking for more feedback on the progress of the investigation saying the incident had "really upset the community" "The damage is believed to have taken place shortly after midnight on Sunday 12 January there are no viable lines of enquiry however if further evidence comes to light the incident can be re-visited." Anybody with information should contact police on 101 or via our website quoting 50250008666 The male and female toilets at Glanville Mill Public toilets in Ivybridge are now open following a much-needed refurbishment will benefit from the installation of the ‘RoomMate’ an audio device to help blind and visually impaired users This project is part of the South Hams District Council's work to help deliver a Community Economic Plan (CEP) for Ivybridge including improving facilities across the town CEPs will also be expanded to other towns in the District to cover Dartmouth Totnes and Salcombe over the next two to three years With climate change a top priority for SHDC and local communities the project will also look at the ways local businesses can reduce their carbon emissions and make better use of the natural environment Ward Members and Ivybridge Town Council has been set up in Ivybridge to lead on the first of these projects Commercial Strategy and Governance said: “For our towns to thrive it is vital that we continue to attract people to live and work in our wonderful communities “This is very much a locally led project and the aspirations and agreed actions should be reflective of the opinions of each community Please do take part in sharing your views when developing a Community Economic Plan for your town this project will also provide opportunities and infrastructure to improve the environmental quality of towns.” Ivybridge residents, business owners and community partners can now have their say on the next chapter of their town by taking part in an online survey or by attending a focus group session taking place over the next three months. Find out more at https://myivybridge.commonplace.is Tel: 01548 853101[email protected]Follow us An Ivybridge woman has been awarded an MBE for her outstanding services to animal welfare in the King’s New Year’s Honours founder and CEO of the Animal Interfaith Alliance has spent much of her life advocating for better treatment of animals.  she said: "I’m deeply honoured and humbled to have received an MBE for services to animal welfare The fact that animal welfare is being recognised is amazing as it’s something which I feel has often been overlooked.” Barbara’s passion for animal welfare led her to volunteer with the RSPCA where she eventually served as treasurer and trustee for the RSPCA Torquay and South East Devon branch.  She later took on national roles with the charity becoming a trustee and treasurer from 2008 to 2021 Barbara also founded the Animal Interfaith Alliance (AIA) in 2014 the AIA has worked to bring together religious communities to advocate for animal protection the organisation supports faith-based animal advocacy and provides educational materials for students from early years to A-levels “We’ve just celebrated our tenth anniversary and it’s been incredible to see our network grow,” Barbara said.  “We are now involved in global initiatives and have become a UN Environment Programme accredited organisation I also recently joined the UNEP Interfaith Women Council We work with faith-based communities because over 80% of the world’s population is of faith and their views can lead to global transformation Barbara is also the author of The Compassionate Animal: An Interfaith Guide to the Extended Circle of Compassion a book which advocates for extending compassion to animals as part of the moral responsibility of faith-based communities praised Barbara’s work: “This is such a wonderful achievement and thoroughly well-deserved Barbara has dedicated many years to animal welfare at a local and her work as RSPCA treasurer was instrumental in helping us reform the organisation We congratulate Barbara on all that she has achieved for animals and the amazing work she continues to do to improve the lives of every kind.” Other New Year’s Honours for Devon Residents: Ivybridge Young Farmers Club held their Dairy Stock Judging final recentlty and here are the results: A representative of the club said: “A big thank you to Paul Andrews for once again training us the members have learnt so much and we are so grateful for all your help and guidance “A big thank you to The Andrew’s for hosting us this evening with a delicious hog roast and cake!” To find out more about the club which is for 12 to 28 year olds email: [email protected] Tel: 01548 853101[email protected]Follow us A special new school for autistic children is to open in Devon in September. Run by the Special Partnership Trust, which already runs several special schools in Cornwall and Devon, the Castlebridge School will have two sites - the main one in Ivybridge and a smaller hub site in Tavistock. The school will provide specialist provision for 120 pupils aged between seven and 16-years-old (Year 3 to Year 11) with high functioning Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) and who are unable to access mainstream schools due to physical or sensory needs or difficulties. Autism is a lifelong developmental disability which impacts on a person’s ability to communicate and interact with the world. It can lead to anxiety, communication issues and social isolation. In many cases these issues will have impacted on their educational progress and self-esteem, and for some pupils also resulted in behaviour that is challenging to others. The new school will offer smaller class sizes and a tailored curriculum to provide specialist support. The aim is for pupils to develop transferable skills that will help them achieve nationally recognised academic accreditation. The first cohort of learners will be educated at satellite hub in Tavistock in September 2025, which is currently having a significant refurbishment planned. The main site in Ivybridge is projected to open during the 2026/27 academic year and will be built by the Department for Education. Councillor Lois Samuel, Devon County Council’s cabinet member for children’s SEND improvement services, said Castlebridge will provide autistic children with a “fantastic opportunity” to access their learning and develop the necessary confidence and skills. “This investment will help more children and young people in Devon who have special educational needs and disabilities achieve their full potential,” he said. Kathleen Hill (92) was born on the May 30 1932 in her grandfather’s house on Plymouth Road in Totnes. “I went to school in the Grove School and I went to the church school. “It was on the church school that the Germans dropped their bombs in Priory Avenue. “Had the siren gone off before they dropped the bombs we would have been running down Priory Avenue to go to the houses that had shelters in but they dropped the bombs before the siren went off so we were hiding underneath the desks. “I passed the scholarship and went to Totnes County School and afterwards it was called Totnes High School. “I think that is now combined with Totnes Grammar School and they call it KEVICC now I think. “I've still got them my clothing coupon book and my identity card. “You always had to remember your identity number, mine was WGJB 2183, and if you were challenged you had to report the number of your identity card. In 1943 We had loads of Americans come to Totnes. “They were in tents in the Borough Park and we lived in Parklands which was right next to the park and my mother used to say all those poor lads aged 17 and 18 away from their mothers. “She said President Roosevelt said to them join up join the army go to England and fight the Germans. “They didn't know where they were going and she used to welcome them into our house and said to the one of them ‘would you like a cup of tea?’ and he said ‘I don't know what that is as we only drink coffee’... “One of the Americans came in and he said do you know where Plymouth is? “So we said ‘yes of course we do’ and they said ‘well Glenn Miller is playing in the old Odeon Cinema in Plymouth.’ “ He managed to get tickets and Kathleen travelled to Plymouth in a Jeep saw Glen Miller despite her mother worrying about the danger of bombing. Kathleen talked about her family: “My father Fred Baker was a first-class signalman in the train box in Totnes and he came from Somerset from a farming family. “All the boys and girls used to work on the farm and he said, ‘no, I don't want to work on the farm, I want to work on the railway’ so aged 14 he rode his bike to Taunton Station and was taken on as a junior porter. “He was called up for the First World War and went to France and Germany. Kathleen said: “I’ve got lots of memorabilia which I will give to the Gloucester Regiment. “I've got his two medals from the 1914-18 war the Battle of the Somme. He went over with the second lot and he had a silver cigarette case in his top pocket given to him by his grandad. “It had a dent in it and he received a bullet through his shoulder and the case had saved his life.” To become a signalman he had to go down to Stavarton, near Totnes and he lodged with a family there. My mother Nellie Baker was working in the booking office at Totnes Station and that's how they met.” Tel: 01548 853101[email protected]Follow us Ivybridge Young Farmers Club members bagged and delivered 346 bags of dung for Dung Run this year From Plymouth to Newton Ferrers and Ivybridge to Rattery A spokesperson said: "We would like to thank our great members for getting stuck in (literally) and helping this fundraiser be a great success "A big thank you to Luke for hosting us for bagging Matt and Molly as well as Zoe and Chloe for the bags All of the fundraising activities go towards the total money split between three very worthy charities Devon Air Ambulance Yellow Wellies and Ivybridge Young Farmers The spokesperson continued: "Every year Ivybridge Young Farmers Club chooses charities to support and raise money for and through the year we hold a variety of events." Becoming a member of your local Young Farmers’ Club in Devon is the first step to a great social life new skills and qualifications are just some of the reasons to become a member of a Young Farmers’ Club If you are aged between 10 and 28 and are interested in finding out more about a local club to join, you can email [email protected] and they can advise further.  They will tell you about clubs in your area and which one would most suit your age and interests. If you like what you see, you can become a member of a YFC club and be part of the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs in England and Wales. The Devon Federation of Young Farmers Clubs upholds and applies the principles of equality and diversity and the organisation is fair and open to all sections of the community in all its actions. There are clubs locally in Ivybridge, Dartmouth, Kingsbridge and Totnes. Tel: 01548 853101[email protected]Follow us