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Kingsbridge is a market town and tourist hub in the South Hams at the northern end of the Kingsbnridge Estuary which is a ria that extends to the sea six miles south of the town
It is the third largest settlement in the South Hams after Ivybridge and Totnes
KINGSBRIDGE RFC will feel bitterly disappointed to have failed in their defence of the Papa John’s trophy, which they won last year, writes Martin Newman.
Falling to a 31-26 defeat to Old Bristolians, Kings should have won this game. With a dominant pack and seventy-five percent of the possession and territory, they just couldn’t turn this into points.
They were held up three times over the line and squandered try-scoring opportunities. To Bristolian’s credit, their defence was magnificent against the Kings onslaught, and they were clinical in their finishing in the first half, racing through to score three tries.
Kings gifted Bristolians a try in the first two minutes of the game as they fumbled the kick-off and were made to pay as Bristolians gathered and scored a converted try. Kings started to respond with some powerful drives but were penalised, allowing Bristolians to gain territory from where they spread the ball wide and clinically finished with their second try of the match.
Shaken Kings started to gain momentum in the game and a fine penalty deep into the corner saw Kings catch and drive powerfully, with Jake Vincent touching down. Newman adding the extras.
Back came Bristolians as they attacked but were held back by some great defensive work from Kings, but they eventually ran out of defenders and Bristolians were in for their third try. Kings really started to pile on the pressure, Harris going close after a looping run, and the whole pack pick and driving, taking them close to the home side’s line, time and time again.
With the last play of the half, Ferguson was held up which could have seen Kings narrow the gap and go into halftime rewarded for all the hard work. Half-time score 19-7.
Kings started the second half dominantly with Henry Rich, Tom and Jack Winzer carrying strongly. They should have scored as Bristolians had a penalty reversed under the posts, but try as they might, Kings couldn’t break down the Bristolians’ defence.
To make matters worse, Bristolians gathered from a spilled pass to race away to score and move into a 24-7 lead.
Finally, Kings found a way through and narrowed the gap as Harris galloped in to score with Newman adding the extra.
Bristolians were now really struggling to keep a rampant Kings out and it was totally against the run of play when they intercepted in their own twenty-two and raced through to score what they must have thought was the winning try.
To Kings’ credit, they never let their heads go down and were back on the scoresheet when Ferguson crashed over to narrow the lead.
Galvanised Kings came back almost immediately after a wonderful run by Coombes took them close, and Joe Banfield was on hand to score. Sam Jones landing a great conversion. But it was all too late as Bristolians ran the clock down to secure a very hard-fought victory 31-26.
Kings had the chances to win the game comfortably and will rue those missed opportunities. Great credit to the Kings pack who dominated and consistently put the team in the right areas to score, but alas, it was not to be. Congratulations go to Old Bristolians for their success.
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The town of Salcombe is a holidaymaker’s honeypot
with pretty terraces facing onto the glittering water
This is a busy stretch of the estuary with passenger ferries fetching sandy-footed families from the beach
and fishing boats landing flavourful brown crab
The best bet for your seafood fix is the delightfully unpretentious Crab Shed, a short mosey out to the edge of town. It’s a small spot with a little terrace looking over the water and its popularity means booking is essential, even out of season. With news that Mitch Tonks will open a branch of his sustainably-minded Rockfish this summer
there’s welcome competition on the way
If it’s a peppery beef pasty you’re after, the best usually come from The Bake House on Fore Street. Eat it on the quayside by the RNLI lifeboat station, away from the threat of swooping seagulls and in view of the boat life bustling by. An ice cream cone from Salcombe Dairy on Island Street is just the thing for dessert
In recent years, the laid-back East Portlemouth side of the estuary has had more to show for itself, not least thanks to the Village Farm Café at the brow of the hill
Since opening in early 2024 on Susie Wren and Robert Wells' 220-acre farm
it’s become a proper community hub serving visitors and locals seven days a week
Here you’ll find a short but excellent menu showcasing rare-breed meat and organically grown vegetables from the farm and local suppliers – perhaps a pork and fennel ragu or simple but satisfying Salcombe Smokies with horseradish crème fraîche
There’s a mini shop for provisions and their freshly baked sourdough is a daily sell out
Back down at a spectacular site on the water’s edge, they’ve also taken over what used to be the Venus Café, now renamed The Old Stable – harking back to a time when the doctor in Salcombe kept a horse here to do their rounds
There’s a short menu of freshly prepared beach-friendly bites and you can’t go wrong with a sausage roll and a pint of refreshing homemade lemonade to take down onto the sand
Heading up the estuary will take you to calmer
This is the way to the secluded village of South Pool and boaters should beware of getting stuck up here at low tide
motorists navigating the impossibly narrow track from East Portlemouth should avoid attempting the journey at high tide
The reward is The Millbrook Inn
surely one of the prettiest settings in Britain for a pub
There’s pastel cottages with thatched roofs
a little stone bridge and a beautiful church dating back to the early 1300s
For nearly a decade chef Jean-Philippe Bidart made the Millbrook a noteworthy place to eat
and now under the ownership of Caitlin Owens and family it’s back on fine form
It’s smarter than it’s ever been and with the talented Tom Westerland in the kitchen
But the quality of produce and the sympathetic renovation justify splashing out a little
If cooling off after a day on the beach, an icy pint of Ocean Cider from Salcombe Brewery and a paddle in the babbling stream round the back is just the ticket
there might be lobster landed in Salcombe or flavourful Manx Loaghtan hogget chops from the family's Fowlescombe Farm
At the top of the estuary is the bustling market town of Kingsbridge. A ferry runs to and from Salcombe at high tide and the first place to stop at is Harbour House: a tranquil gallery and yoga studio with an excellent vegetarian cafe upstairs
A coffee or light lunch in the sheltered walled garden is the most beautiful seat in town
Head on up the steep hill of Fore Street under the cheery flutter of bunting to gather provisions. For fish, there’s none better than Catch of the Day
a 70-year-old fishmongers now run by the vastly knowledgeable Emma and Darren Carter (Emma was the first woman in the UK to skipper a fishing trawler)
The sustainable catch from Plymouth’s day boats is fairly priced and as fresh as it gets
Ahead of the next instalment of our Claridge's Supper Series
we caught up with Elly Wentworth from The Angel
Samantha Miller and Jane Baxter's eccentrically located restaurant
brings people together in a shared table format
Here's a light summer recipe to bring to your dining table
Our Best Local Restaurant list celebrates the places that are the beating heart of communities around Britain
Using reader nominations as a driving force
we inspected a great number of restaurants in the South West to decide which ones deserved a place in the 100 Best Local Restaurants 2023
Restaurant Index
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The counting has started for the South Hams division of the County Council elections.
Here are all the candidates hoping to win seats today:
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SALCOMBE RFC went into this quarter-final of the Papa John’s Shield with reasonable expectations, tinged with a tad of concern.
North Tawton finished second in the sister league and clearly were not going to be a pushover by any means. This concern was justified when the North Devon side put up 12 points before the Crabs had registered on the scoreboard.
All of the early pressure came from Salcombe but they just couldn't get across the line and paid the price at the other end.
The Crabs then re-asserted their dominance, moving play to the Tawton line and showing all his class, veteran Jonathon Squire playing at 10 got the ball from a ruck, shimmied, scooted through the gap and cantered the last few metres to the line. Adam Squire converted and as the half-time whistle blew, Salcombe were only 7-12 down.
Squire was the difference-maker once again, initiating a move which saw the ball through a number of hands before Hooker Matt Harvey went over in the corner for 12-all.
This was followed up by probably the best try of the afternoon when, again, following soft Salcombe hands, Charlie Rawlinson received the ball 40 metres out. He used his speed to round the opposition and then batter his way over for an unconverted try to put Salcombe in the lead for the first time, at 7-12.
Two further unconverted tries followed for Salcombe, both going to young Salcombe players Adam Squire and Tom Langley who had shown up well throughout the game.
Captain for the day James Lake put the icing on the cake with another converted try, giving Salcombe an impressive 34-12 victory.
Coming up next, on Saturday, Salcombe welcome Ashley Down Old Boys to Twomeads, for a 3pm kick-off in the shield semi-final. All support for the Crabs is appreciated!
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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KINGSBRIDGE & Malborough (KM) United u10 girls recently had their final game of the season
making them the first KM girls’ team to complete a full campaign
KM concluded their final game in the top division with a brilliant 5-3 win over Saltash United
They started the game with a relentless nature
Airlie and Aggie were driving forward but it was Hope who opened the scoring for KM
It didn’t take long for Hope to get her second and Elena fired a long-range shot into the bottom corner for the third
with Lori going outfield after some strong stops and Jossie stepping up to go in goal
Jemima and Tessa put away another two goals for KM
the KM defence was put under pressure by a Saltash attack but this was dealt with swiftly by Lucy and Annabelle and on the counter-attack
Evelyn was just inches away from adding another to the scoresheet
it was a strong team performance from KM finishing the season off in spectacular fashion
when they move up to 9-aside and so are looking for some more teammates
a UEFA C qualified coach- Gracie herself has played in academies and more recently
This is an exciting opportunity for young girls (aged 8-10) to get involved
with training every week and matches on Saturdays
Newcomers get two free taster sessions on Monday evenings
Younger girls are welcome along too but for training only
For any more information, please contact the KM secretary at [email protected].
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Kingsbridge Cookworthy Museum has undergone something of a transformation and has reopened for the season
Chair of the museum Philip Cole explained the rationale:
"We're very keen to increase the footfall into the museum
but we believe that what we've got here is worth coming to see
It's not just the collections that are historic as Philip recounted:
"It was built as a grammar school for the poor boys of the parish
"Crispin was a wool merchant and was based in Exeter
up to what is now Scholars Walk at the top of town
and then from there over to where Kingsbridge Community College is
"The museum and the school building languished for many years until English china clays were looking for somewhere to have exhibitions for Cookworthy porcelain
"They eventually decided to close it and have an exhibition museum space nearer to where they're based in Cornwall.'
There was a formidable lady called Evelyn Northcott as Philip explained:
"She bludgeoned and badgered Lord Aberconway
"We're very lucky to own the freehold of this building
Fast forward to 1999 and the museum as we now know it was created as Philip told us:
"We've started this project here in the entrance hall."
“We're showcasing our collection of 30,000 photographs which everyone can access via the kiosk in the upstairs room and we also wanted to introduce the history of Kingsbridge hence the maps in the map lobby
"There's the history of the building itself here
"We have a wonderful pub sign from the King's Arms Hotel
which we've used as the basis for the colour scheme in the museum
"We've got a lovely dark terracotta
plus a steward's desk and we want people to know that we're open as a shop
and honey as well as other stuff all from local suppliers
"For people who may not have money to enter the museum
"We certainly encourage people who want to come and just maybe bring some lunch and sit in the garden.”
"It's a community space and we would like people to feel they can come in and use it if they want to buy something on the way out
the museum they has also added a brand new kiosk allowing visitors to access all of their comprehensive collection of photographs throughout the history of the town which can be printed and purchased
The Museum’s Six Weeks To Go exhibition is now open and is just one in a masterfully curated collection of Kingsbridge history
For more information visit: https://kingsbridgemuseum.org.uk/
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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.
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Rowan Sutton, 30, from West Charleton Court, Kingsbridge, has been charged with the murder of a 22-year-old woman in Kingsbridge.
He is due to appear before Plymouth Magistrates’ Court today (Monday, April 28), and remains in custody until then.
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A 30-year-old man has been charged will killing a young woman in Kingsbridge
Police were called to A379 Embankment Road
at New Bridge around 4:45 AM on Wednesday 23 April - where a 22-year-old was pronounced dead despite efforts from paramedics
Her next of kin have been informed and the family is being supported.
a 50-year-old man was interviewed on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and has been released under investigation
will appear before Plymouth magistrates today [28 April]
Detective Superintendent Rachael Bentley said: “Our investigation remains ongoing
and I’d like to thank the community for their patience and support while investigation work has been carried out.”
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.
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THE stage was set as Totnes proudly hosted the Devon Colts Finals 2025, sponsored by Ashburton Motorworks.
Hundreds of spectators turned out in support in the glorious sunshine, with Kingsbridge taking on Totnes in pursuit of the Bowl, whilst Paignton & Torquay were to battle it out for the Shield.
Totnes’ perseverance throughout a season full of setbacks is testament to their character and a convincing win in the semifinal against Teign Exe meant blushes were spared, keeping them at the top of the table alongside Kingsbridge.
Both teams looked well drilled as they came flying out of the blocks at Borough Park, with gargantuan tackles and driving runs, getting the crowd whipped into a frenzy.
Kingsbridge were close to scoring two tries in quick succession right in front of the home supporters but were kept out by some last-ditch tackles from the Totnes defence.
Totnes Rams secured some possession and with their battering runs from forwards, Isak Williams, Henry Life and Alex Hayman, drove their way up the pitch to be awarded a penalty in front of the posts, which Josh Bond duly slotted for three points.
A second penalty from Josh followed before Kingsbridge caught Totnes off-guard, running a penalty from near their own posts right to the other end for a well-deserved try.
However, Totnes responded swiftly with their power game and after some quick ball from scrum-half Ayden Cutland, fly-half Tom Hart drove over the line after some well-worked forward plays to put Totnes in front at half-time.
Kingsbridge were never going to roll over, and they scored again soon after the break.
Totnes’ captain and centre, Toby Albano, became a man on a mission, blitzing through the Kingsbridge defence, only to have a disallowed try. This only seemed to fuel Toby's determination, as he went on to score two more tries before the game ended.
Henry Larder was unfortunate not to score, despite repeatedly slicing through the Kingsbridge defence. Kings responded with some spectacular attacks, scoring one more try, but having more opportunities spurned by heroic tackling from Max Larder, Josh Bond and Jake Sarahs.
In the end, the pure physicality of the Totnes ball carriers and a colossal defensive effort proved too much for Kingsbridge.
The final few minutes felt like an eternity as The Rams held firm control of the ball, every second stretching the nerves of the supporters until the relief of the final whistle signaled a monumental win for the Rams, with a result of 28 to 24 in Totnes’ favour.
An outpouring of emotion was immediate, with tears, cheers, and rejoicing erupting from the sidelines after a tense, hard-fought match.
Heartfelt thanks to Kingsbridge Colts for an exciting contest, which could have swung either way.
The post-match celebrations were electric and deeply moving, made all the more poignant by the fact this was the final game for The Rams, as they now step into the next chapters of their lives, but this victory will undoubtedly remain a cherished memory of their time together on the pitch!
Meanwhile, Torquay beat Paignton 26-12 in another tense battle, for the Plate.
Any lads, aged 16 and 18, who are interested in playing rugby at a club, with a strong emphasis on friendship and having fun, please contact Totnes Rugby Club for more info. They train on Thursday evenings with matches on Saturday afternoons.
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Devon goes to the polls on Thursday 1 May to elect members of Devon County Council
even though the council in its current form may cease to exist soon
The council is the only complete authority holding elections
although by-elections are taking place on the same date in Exeter
Devon is on the brink of the biggest local government reorganisation for decades
and will almost certainly be disbanded in its current form in the next couple of years
The government wants to streamline local authorities
which means ending the current structure in which seven district councils – and Exeter City Council – sit under the county council
In its place will come a smaller number of larger ‘unitary’ councils such as those currently in place in Plymouth and Torbay
Conservative-led Devon County Council had asked to postpone the elections while it dealt with the shake-up
This Friday is the last day for voters to register
while postal vote applications must be in by 5pm on Monday 14 April
Proxy vote applications must be made by 5pm on Wednesday 23 April
Here is a full list of the candidates in the South Hams that are standing for election to Devon County Council next month
To find out more about the candidates visit: https://whocanivotefor.co.uk/elections/local.devon.2025-05-01/devon-local-election/
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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
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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.”
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Students at Kingsbridge Community College (KCC), have delighted audiences with their electrifying production of the classic musical Chicago, showcasing their talent, dedication, and creativity.
The production was met with rave reviews, demonstrating the high standard of performing arts education at the school.
The students brought the roaring 1920s to life with a captivating display of choreography, live music, and powerful performances.
The production featured standout performances from students as Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, with the school’s drama and music departments working together to create a professional-quality show.
The drama curriculum at KCC is dynamic, research-informed, and responsive to societal and cultural shifts, blending both process and product in its approach.
It encourages exploration and creativity through techniques like improvisation and role play while ensuring students understand the connection between creative processes and theatrical outcomes.
With a strong emphasis on cultural, historical, and social relevance, lessons tackle significant themes such as diversity, protest, and moral dilemmas, using content from Shakespeare to modern issues.
Tina Graham, Principal at Kingsbridge Community College, said:
"It was an incredible experience to watch our students rise to the challenge of such a complex production.
“Their hard work, passion, and commitment really shone through in every aspect of the performance. Putting on Chicago was a fantastic way to showcase our students’ talents and the power of collaboration across our creative disciplines."
Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:
"Arts education is vital in developing well-rounded, creative individuals who can think critically and collaborate effectively.
“The outstanding production of Chicago at Kingsbridge Community College is a testament to the immense talent and dedication of our students and staff.
“This performance not only highlights the importance of the arts in nurturing creativity, but also the role it plays in building confidence, resilience, and teamwork.
“It’s inspiring to see how our students bring these lessons to life on stage, and we are incredibly proud of their achievements."
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a significant day for fans to celebrate the sci-fi franchise
Originating from the pun "May the Fourth be with you", it began in 1977 and has since been embraced by Disney and by Lucasfilm
the production company founded by Star Wars creator George Lucas
While the day is celebrated by fans of all stripes
some Star Wars enthusiasts once took their fandom a step further – by identifying as Jedi Knights on the national census
the movement took off as both a cultural in-joke and a tongue-in-cheek nod to the spiritual weight fans saw in the Jedi philosophy
What started as a grassroots internet campaign soon turned into a surprisingly widespread response across the UK
A forceful 390,100 people in England and Wales wrote in "Jedi" as their religion in the 2001 census
but this more than halved to 176,600 in the 2011 survey
The most recent census for 2021 showed less than 1,600 people said they were Jedi Knights across the two nations – wiping out the Jedi Order
Due to the dramatic decline and the cohort not meeting the minimum threshold
the Office for National Statistics did not publish figures for Jedi Knights in the latest survey
The group is instead lumped into the "No Religion: no religion" subcategory alongside people who claimed "Heavy Metal" was their religion
At a local level, 2011 Census data showed 297 people in South Hams wrote in Jedi as their religion
Imitating the most optimistic national scenario – where 1,599 people identified as a Jedi – it would mean the estimated number of Jedi Knights in the area fell to just three people in 2021
While the trend of identifying as a Jedi began in the 2001 Census as a joke for many
there are others who believe in the philosophy
even sought charitable status in the UK in 2015
the Charity Commission ruled it did not meet the criteria under UK charity law
The commission said in its report that Jediism lacked the "necessary spiritual or non-secular element"
Despite the census figures turning to the Dark Side
the Star Wars franchise is still expanding
The second season of Andor on Disney+ – a critically acclaimed prequel to the movie Rogue One – has generated rave reviews since its release last month
And Marvel’s eagerly awaited Star Wars comic book series will be released on May 7
and Han and show fans what happened after the Return of the Jedi
With the franchise continuing to grow 48 years on from the first film
there is a new hope the 2031 Census will see the return of the Jedi
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Kingsbridge Primary School has been officially awarded The Smallest Things Prem Aware Award, recognising the school’s commitment to understanding and supporting the needs of children born prematurely.
Awarded by The Smallest Things, a national charity dedicated to raising awareness around premature birth, this recognition celebrates schools and early years settings that go the extra mile in supporting children who may face additional challenges as a result of being born early.
Staff have engaged in training and development to better understand how premature birth can impact learning and development, with a particular focus on areas such as processing speed, memory, visual-spatial skills, attention, and mathematics.
Research shows that children born preterm are more likely to experience learning difficulties compared to their full-term peers, making the school’s proactive approach even more important.
With an average of two to three children in every classroom born prematurely, Kingsbridge Primary School is proud to be part of a growing national movement that puts awareness and early support at the centre of education.
Parents of children born prematurely are encouraged to speak with the school about any specific support their child may benefit from as they progress through their educational journey.
Gareth Howells, headteacher at Kingsbridge Primary School, said:
“We are incredibly proud to be recognised as a Prem Aware School.
“At Kingsbridge Primary school, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do.
“This award reflects our commitment to supporting all children, particularly those who may face unseen challenges, so that they feel valued, understood, and equipped to succeed.”
Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:
“This award is a testament to the dedication of the staff at Kingsbridge Primary School and their unwavering belief in every child’s potential.
“The Prem Aware status exemplifies our Education South West’s mission to transform lives through education by creating nurturing, inclusive, and empowering environments for all children.”
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A teenage boy from Kingsbridge has been arrested on suspicion of rape following a reported serious sexual assault on a teenage girl at Kingsbridge Recreation Ground.
The incident happened within Kingsbridge Recreation Ground on the afternoon of Saturday March 22.
The victim reported being sexually assaulted by a male near to the disused café at the rear of the ground.
A teenage boy from Kingsbridge has today (March 25) been arrested on suspicion of rape.
The victim is being supported by specially trained officers.
Detectives are appealing for any witnesses who may have been in the area at the time or anyone with information to come forward.
Detective Sergeant Paul Griffiths said: "We would like to reassure the public that this is an isolated incident and enquiries have today led to the arrest of a male in connection with this report.
"We would ask anyone who was in the park area to get in touch if they heard or saw anything suspicious. We are carrying out extensive enquiries and the public will see an increased police presence in the town both for the investigation and for reassurance."
Please contact police online or by telephone on 101, quoting reference 50250073376.
Information can also be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers via 0800 555111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org
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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.
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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.”
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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.
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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.”
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He was formally charged with her murder following an incident in the early hours of Wednesday, April 23 involving a woman on the A379, Embankment Road, at New Bridge, Kingsbridge
Despite the efforts of paramedics, the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Her next of kin have been informed. A murder investigation was launched on Thursday
A man in his 50s has been interviewed under caution as a voluntary attender on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and has been released under investigation
Sutton did not enter pleas and a hearing was listed for tomorrow [April 29] at Plymouth Crown Court before a judge
A plea hearing is expected to take place on June 6 at the Crown Court
District Judge Smith remanded Sutton into custody until tomorrow's hearing
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Explore Dartmouth celebrated its first birthday on Wednesday, April 30
Laura Campbell is Director & Tourism Lead for Dartmouth Tourism & Business Hub- Explore Dartmouth and explained a bit of the history:
"There's been a visitor centre here for several years, and it's gone through various incarnations.
"In 2023, things were struggling a little, and a group of us businesswomen decided to try and see what we could do to put together a solution that we could keep the visitor centre open, keep it thriving, keep it growing, so that we can look after all of our visitors that are coming into town, but also support our business community who provide the tourism product and all the different products that make up the tourism offering that Dartmouth has.
"We evolved the visitor centre into a tourism and business hub.
"Half of the centre is now a classic visitor centre, so it has merchandise and gifts that are produced locally with local photographers, local businesses, and their products that they sort of produce, we retail here and then we've got a lot of our local partners who promote and advertise their products, their hotels, their restaurants, et cetera, with us, their experiences.
"We link up with many local organisations to showcase everything that Dartmouth has got to offer including on the River Dart.
Explore Dartmouth has also been collaborating with other similar operations in the South Hams as Laura outlines:
"We've recently teamed up with Visit Totnes for a campaign as well to promote both areas and all the amazing events that we do through the year because that brings people into the area and then we can showcase everything else and keep them here and get them staying longer, et cetera.
“So it's become a real community asset, a real hub of collaboration.
“We are also now working with Kingsbridge and Salcombe, so it's all coming together."
On the business side, it's a place where businesses can meet with a team of volunteers with professional skills who can help and support.
Explore Dartmouth is also a conduit for many of the independent businesses in town that offer professional skills so they can get people together.
If somebody needs marketing or a graphic designer or an accountant or whatever, they can find them.
Laura then explained how Explore Dartmouth differs from what went before:
"We did a fresh brand, a fresh take, we wanted to draw a line on all the history that's gone before and move forward with a collaborative vision, working with the Chamber, South Hams and Dartmouth Town Councils.
"So it's everyone pulling together for the good of the town, to showcase this amazing town.
"We've got a great team, we're always on the lookout for more professionals who want to come in and help us out.
"We're very fortunate with a really strong, capable board, a lot of knowledge, we've got a lot of connections with the industry, so we've got a lot to offer, a lot for people to get involved in.
So there are always opportunities, so that's the vision forward."
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.
Embankment Road in Kingsbridge will be closed on Wednesday, April 30, from 9.30am to 12pm to allow police to carry out advanced photography as part of an ongoing investigation.
The closure will be in place from the cemetery on Embankment Road to Bowcombe Creek Bridge.
A lane to the north of Embankment Road and Bowcombe Creek Bridge will remain open during the works, but police are advising drivers to proceed with caution due to narrow pinch points.
Motorists approaching from the west, including from Kingsbridge town centre, are advised to turn around at Warren Road, where signage will be in place. Those travelling from the east are advised to look out for signs near Noyces, and drivers of large vehicles such as HGVs are strongly advised not to attempt the diversion due to the narrow country lanes.
Residents within the closure zone will be allowed access but are asked to speak to an officer on site.
Police have also provided a basic map masterfully drawn in paint to help explain the diversion, using red to indicate closed sections and yellow for passable routes and access only.
Kingsbridge Police said: “The work will be done as quickly as it can, but please bear with us.”
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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.”
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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.
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Martyn Norsworthy of Norsworthy Photography in Kingsbridge has once again been pre-selected for publication in the One Eyeland Best of the Best Photographers Year book.
This is the fifth year in succession that he has been pre-selected for inclusion.
In a recent email from One Eyeland, Martyn has been told that only the top two per cent of their members have made the cut.
This year is a special book celebrating 50 years of Digital Photography.
In a recent email form One Eyeland Martyn was told ‘We ship the books Worldwide for free to the top 500 companies comprising: advertising agencies, creative directors, art directors, art producers and art buyers,
publications, B/W, fine art, fashion, wedding, landscape and art magazines editors.
photo gallery, art curators, photo reps and agents.
‘We also promote the book online via digital ads on social media to an audience of about 1,500,000 people’
One Eyeland describe themselves as the best photo sharing site around that features top photographers and famous photography.
Their curated gallery of images spans a multitude of photography disciplines that include commercial, advertising, fashion, automotive, product, portraits, beauty, landscape and much more.
The photo sharing site features the best highlights like picture of the day, picture of the week, photographer of the week and photographer of the month.
With over 148,400+ active members, more than 6,800+ featured photographers and 343,700+ submitted photos there is always something to discover.
Martyn’s journey into photography began at the tender age of four during a family holiday to Windsor Castle and a statue Martyn felt compelled to capture.
Growing up he was surrounded by the legacy of photography through boxes of treasured images curated by his Gran which instilled in him a profound passion for photography.
His subjects rang from celebrities and royalty to joyful couples and beloved pets.
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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.
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Rayogreatest hitsdevonnewsRoad in Kingsbridge closed as investigations into woman's death continueEmbankment Road will be shut between the cemetery and Bowcombe Creek Bridge until around midday
A road in Kingsbridge is closed this morning as police continue to investigate the death of a woman
Embankment Road will be shut between the cemetery and Bowcombe Creek Bridge until around midday
A man charged with murder appeared in court on Monday
Kingsbridge Police said: "We will have to close Embankment Road again on 30/04/2025 between 09:30 to 12:00 to allow advanced photography of the area for the ongoing investigation
"The road will be closed between the Cemetery on Embankment Road to Bowcombe Creek Bridge
"Please note that the lane to the NORTH of Embankment Road and Bowcombe Creek Bridge will remain OPEN
so please take it slow and only travel on it if you need to
"If you’re coming from the West / town direction: there will be signs up at Warren Road and we suggest you turn around there
we will have signs up around Noyces and suggest larger vehicles turn around as the lanes will be awful for HGVs
Hopefully the map I’ve drawn on paint (yes
paint) makes it clear: yellow = passable / access only
"If you live inside the closed section
"The work will be done as quickly as it can
Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.
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Kingsbridge Private Hospital in Belfast will now provide healthcare services to Vhi members following a partnership agreement to extend Vhi cover to the ultra-modern Belfast facility
Vhi is the largest health insurer in the Republic of Ireland
Vhi members can now enjoy access to the three private hospitals in the Kingsbridge Healthcare Group in Belfast
and that includes access to the Kingsbridge Diagnostics and Treatment Centre which shares a campus with Kingsbridge Private Hospital on Belfast’s Lisburn Road
This partnership will further extend the reach of Kingsbridge into the Republic of Ireland where it has already built up a strong reputation
treating more than 60,000 patients from the Republic of Ireland over the past three years and reducing waiting list times under the Irish Health Service Executive’s (HSE) National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) and Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme (formerly known as the Cross-Border Healthcare Directive)
The extended partnership will provide Vhi members with a broader range of options
faster access to surgeries and medical consultations in Belfast as well as enhanced post- surgical care for joint replacements. These services will be delivered in an efficient clinical setting
located within an hour’s drive for hundreds of thousands of Vhi members in the Republic of Ireland
surgical patients will be offered a consultation within a week and surgery within three weeks of making initial contact with Kingsbridge
Kingsbridge Healthcare Group CEO Mark Regan said: “We strive to provide the highest standard of care promptly
efficiently and with the best interests of the patient at the heart of what we do. We pride ourselves on being able to bridge medicine and hospitality to enhance our patients’ experience
a dynamic provider of care and the largest health insurer on the island
and we believe this partnership will offer their members greater choice in accessing high quality healthcare on the Island of Ireland.”
Vhi’s Director of Healthcare Partnerships said: “We are pleased to further extend our partnership with Kingsbridge Healthcare Group with the addition of Kingsbridge Private Hospital in Belfast
This collaboration will provide Vhi members living in the border region with greater access to high-quality medical services in a modern facility
We look forward to the benefits this partnership will bring to our members.” Vhi provides private health insurance to over 1.2 million members in the Republic of Ireland and reimburses €1.6 billion in medical related claims each year
Kingsbridge provides more than 25,000 surgical treatments each year with 450 consultants providing care across 50 specialities.
In-patient procedures at Kingsbridge Belfast cover all the main specialties including orthopaedics
ENT and gynaecology, diagnostics and scans are conducted on an out-patient basis
Kingsbridge Healthcare Group will engage intensively with GPs
patients and corporate organisations in the Republic through 2025 to build on its existing and long-standing relationships. It is putting in place a network of satellite clinics across the island for patient aftercare and follow up
It will offer fast access to first appointments and surgery via a new online booking platform on their webiste. Patients will be able to follow their own treatment pathway by registering on the Kingsbridge patient portal
The Lisburn Road campus boasts state of the art facilities including robotic surgery and pharmacies on site. Vhi members will be offered preferential rates for other services available at Kingsbridge like laser eye treatment
opinion and blog entries from Business Eye
Business Eye was first published in 1999 and since has grown in stature to become the leading business magazine serving the Northern Ireland marketplace
Aimed at readers in senior management positions across the spectrum of business in Northern Ireland
Business Eye has gained an enviable reputation for its quality
Contact us:info@businesseye.co.uk
South West Water is working with partners to help stop localised flooding issues in Kingsbridge.
The town has seen an increase in the number of flooding events at times of high tides and heavy rainfall over the last few months due to defects with pipework in the Quay area of the town which is not owned or managed by South West Water.
These affected pipes, known as culverts, are designed to allow river water to flow under roads and the car park at the Quay to enter the estuary and go out to sea.
During periods of high tides and heavy rainfall, which increases river flows, the estuary backs up into these pipes and stops the flows from passing through.
With nowhere to go, the water, mostly made up of seawater, then backs up and floods across parts of the town, entering and overwhelming South West Water’s sewers.
In order to help local partners with the issues, South West Water has carried out extensive investigations to pinpoint which of the town’s pipes are blocked or damaged so partners can make a long-term solution to prevent this from happening.
Councillor Julia Wingate, Chairman of Kingsbridge Town Council, said: “Kingsbridge Town Council is really grateful for the efforts that South West Water is making to help reduce the town’s risk of flooding.
“We know that progress is being made alongside Devon County Council, the Environment Agency and South Hams District Council to work up potential options to deliver flood alleviation projects for the town. We look forward to receiving their collective findings along with indications of intent to deliver early action to avoid a worsening of the situation facing the town.”
To assist the council and help reduce the impact to local residents while a long-term solution is found, South West Water has invested around £500,000 this year to put tankers into action to remove some additional flows from the area.
Lee Maclean, South West Water’s Network Asset Manager in Kingsbridge, said: “Although the recent issues with our network in Kingsbridge have been caused by pipework we don’t own or manage, we know the impact this has had on the residents of Kingsbridge, and that’s why we want to help provide a solution using our teams of experts.
“We are offering support to the council to stop this from happening and we will continue to put solutions in place to limit flooding when the local network is overwhelmed.”
Police investigating a collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian on a main road in Kingsbridge are treating it as murder
They were called around 4.45am on Wednesday to what was initially reported to be a serious collision on the A379
the pedestrian was seriously injured and despite the efforts of paramedics
A road closure was put in place while officers carried out an examination of the scene.
Detective chief inspector Ilona Rosson said: “Officers have arrested a man in his thirties from the Kingsbridge area on suspicion of murder
He remains in police custody and awaits questioning."
She continued: “Enquiries continue into the circumstances surrounding this death and it is vital that any witnesses who were in the area around the time of the incident contact us immediately
“We would also like to hear from any road users who may have captured footage via their dashcam
and anyone who believes they may have information that can assist investigating officers.”
If you witnessed the incident or have any information or dashcam footage that could help call police on 101 quoting reference number 50250099726
independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling freephone 0800 555111
Kingsbridge Climate Action has a renewables linked focus for its May 26 Bank Holiday Monday event with Kingsbridge Area Sustainability Group on Kingsbridge’s Town Square
If you want to do something to help tackle Climate Change today, you could contribute to Kingsbridge Climate Action’s tree-planting project (Google www.crowdfunder.co.uk/KingsbridgeTreesAroundTheWorld or if local tree planting is more to your taste you can double the value of your donation through Moor Trees Big Give project - the fundraising for that starts today (Google Big Give Moor Trees)
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Rayohits radiodevonnewsMan charged with murder in KingsbridgeA man has been charged with the murder of a 22-year-old in Devon
A man has been charged with the murder of a 22-year-old woman in Kingsbridge
He is due to appear before Plymouth Magistrates' Court on Monday 28th April and remains in custody until then
Police were called at around 4:45am on Wednesday 23rd April and notified of an alleged incident involving a woman on the A379
The woman was pronounced dead at the scene and next of kin have been informed
A man in his 50s has also been interviewed under caution as a voluntary attender on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and has been released under investigation
said: "We are continuing to support the victim's family through specially trained officers
"Our investigation remains ongoing and I'd like to thank the community for their patience and support while investigation work has been carried out."
First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.
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.
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It’s right up there amongst the very biggest of Northern Ireland’s corporate deals over recent years
The majority stake in Kingsbridge Private Healthcare Group acquired by London private equity firm Exponent for a reported £300 million
which will allow Kingsbridge to ramp up its investment in the private healthcare sector across the island of Ireland
is a testament to the vision of the group’s founders
Northern Ireland-based doctors Suresh Tharma and Ashok Songra
and to a management team led by Chief Executive Mark Regan.But if there is one man in the Kingsbridge camp who has lived
breathed and delivered the headline-grabbing deal
it’s Chief Financial Officer Jeremy Macartney.“It’s been a bit intense at times
it’s also been well worth it,” he says.Jeremy Macartney isn’t alone amongst CFOs and Finance Directors in preferring to keep a low profile
such was his part in the Exponent deal that his colleagues are making sure he gets the unwanted credit that he deserves.First the facts and figures
led by Belfast-born Managing Partner Richard Lenane
has taken a majority shareholding in the Kingsbridge Group
founded by Tharma and Songra in 2005 and now with four hospital sites and 11 clinics in Belfast
It employs more than 1,100 staff and uses the services of some 400 consultants
carrying out some 25,000 surgical treatments each year
Exponent is to retain not just the entire management team at Kingsbridge and has also insisted that both Suresh Tharma and Ashok Songra remain in place as executive directors for the next five years….the traditional lifespan of a private equity deal from investment to cash out.“The whole process started way back in September of 2022 with a beauty parade of consultants who could advise on the right deal for us,” Jeremy Macartney explains
we went with PwC London on the strength of the firm’s reach into the global market
we weren’t sure if the deal would come from an international hospital group
or from private equity investment.“So PwC started to stimulate interest from those sectors while I had the job of working on the business plans and preparing the all-important Information Memorandum….a formal name for a document that provides an comprehensive overview of the business to prospective investors.”By Christmas and early January
the process had moved on to the Fireside Chat stage
American-style name for a series of informal meetings with potential investors.“It might sound informal
And there weren’t many firesides involved,” smiles Jeremy Macartney
“It meant Mark Regan and I shuttling back and forth to London and meeting with a series of parties
we had to work as a team and we even got into a bit of a routine….working to a script as much as possible
We had to become a double act.”Following on from the London fireside chats
there were presentations to bankers – never easy in any circumstances – and then what Jeremy Macartney reckons was the easiest and most relaxed stage of all
the site visits to Kingsbridge by the final shortlist of potential investors.“It was easier because we’re very proud of our facilities and we’re very proud of our people
So we were confident and relaxed when it came to showing people around the group
Most of them couldn’t understand how we were achieving such a high level of operating efficiency and generating such revenue from our facilities
“We are ahead across a range of operational
quality and financial metrics – all evidence that we’re punching above our weight in the international arena.”Cutting a potentially long story short
Exponent came out as the preferred bidders
“We moved into what’s known as the vendor diligence phase
That’s also a time consuming process.”“All in all,” he says
“it’s been a gruelling process but made easier by the huge support and effort by the senior management team and my own finance team
I remember sitting here (the boardroom at Kingbridge Group’s Danesfort headquarters) looking up a no less than 32 faces on the screen
I was wondering how much it was costing us…..”Jeremy Macartney
He graduated as an engineer from Edinburgh University before changing tack and re-training as a chartered accountant with the then Coopers & Lybrand
part of the modern day PwC.“There’s a retaining wall somewhere in Scotland that had a little bit of my input as a graduate engineer but I soon realised that it wasn’t for me.” He went on to work in industry with Belfast City Airport
at textiles firm Moygashel and with food processors O’Kane Poultry before arriving at 3FiveTwo and subsequently Kingsbridge Group.Strictly speaking
this is not Kingsbridge’s first private equity deal
Foresight Group and US fund 57 Stars invested in what was then 3FiveTwo Group
but on a considerably smaller scale.As for Exponent
they’re a leading private equity player concentrating on companies with a turnover over between £150 million and £500 million with 40 or so live investments and £2.9 billion in funds raised.Aside from Richard Lenane
Dublin-born David McGovern is a key player in the Kingsbridge deal
Exponent’s other investments include travel booking site Trainline
vegetarian and vegan product manufacturers Quorn and handbag brand Radley London
A typical equity finance eclectic mix.“We’ve had lots of engagement with Exponent leading up to completion
but haven’t yet had our first board meeting
We fully expect the senior management team to continue to drive the business forward and deliver the initial projects highighted in our business plan.“There’s no doubt that Exponent will push us to keep up the kind of pace that we’ve been setting over recent years
We’ve invested around £34 million over past three to four years.”Key developments have included the opening of Kingsbridge’s impressive new Diagnostic & Treatment Centre in the new King’s Hall Health & Wellbeing Park
The next major development on the agenda is potentially in Sligo
where the Group plans a new and much larger hospital on the existing side in the town.Best known as a private healthcare provider
Kingsbridge also ranks as the largest provider of medical services to the NHS and continues to treat an increasing number of patients from every county in the Republic of Ireland through the National Treatment Purchase Fund
set up by the Irish Government to help reduce hospital waiting lists.“At one stage
85% of our patients were coming from the public sector
Diversity of payer groups and investment in our facilities have been key factors for the Group in the last five years
Our payer groups add balance and stability to the Group’s income streams
it’s when things aren’t going well that you earn your colours
That goes for the founders and the entire management team here,” says Jeremy Macartney.“We’ve put our heart and soul into this deal
we’ve all put our hearts and souls into the growth of this business.”
Police are seeking witnesses after a mini passenger train was deliberately derailed on Kingsbridge Quay.
The incident happened between 3.30pm and 4.30pm on April 8.
A group of youths placed rocks and stones on the track to derail the small train, an attraction run by Kingsbridge & District Light Railway Co.
The train was carrying passengers, both adults and children, at the time. Fortunately no-one was injured.
The four youths then rode their bikes at speed around the train causing distress to the volunteer driver and those on board.
Police are seeking witnesses and appealing for anyone who captured the incident on dashcam or phone footage to contact them.
Please contact police online or by telephone on 101, quoting crime reference 50250089344.
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After provisionally the warmest May Day on record in the UK
higher than average temperatures will subside over the weekend
Environment Agency
Updated: 01:01 (UTC+1) on Tue 6 May 2025
High pressure brings further fine and settled weather this week
Patchy cloud will clear this evening leaving some late sunshine to end to the day
though a few showers may graze the south coast
Feeling chilly beneath clear skies with a patchy frost possible in rural spots
Another dry and settled day with plenty of sunny spells
Cloud spilling from the east by the evening
Widely dry and settled with high pressure dominating this week
Dry across the vast majority of the UK with clear or sunny spells but also some patchy cloud
Cloud will likely thicken across the far north and northwest during the weekend with some outbreaks of rain for a time
There is also a small risk of some heavy showers in the far south or southwest
high pressure will be dominant across the UK
This will bring predominantly fine and dry weather for the majority of places
Temperatures are likely to be slightly above normal for the time of year
although there is a chance of some cold nights
Fairly typical weather for the time of year is most likely through this period
fine and dry weather is more likely to dominate although this will be interspersed with occasional spells of rain and showers
with a risk of heavy rain and thunderstorms in places
temperatures will most likely be near to or slightly above average