Exeter City monkey around in team bonding exercise at Go Ape

August 27, 2013, 2:23 am

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Team spirit is important in any organisation and at a football club, it is perhaps more important than most. Therefore, the players of Exeter City visited Go Ape in Haldon Forest last week in a team bonding exercise organised by captain Danny Coles, who wanted he and his team-mates to partake in an exercise that was fun, interactive and inclusive. "It's important in any workplace to get along well with colleagues and we're no different at Exeter City," Coles said. "We have had a few new arrivals in the summer and I wanted to get everyone together to spend a bit of time together in a different environment, away from the training ground. "It was a fantastic day and Go Ape were excellent, accommodating hosts. I think a few of the lads conquered some fears by travelling down those zipwires, and everyone enjoyed socialising in a different context than normal. It was a great way to spend a spare afternoon." Go Ape operate 29 courses around the country and the players spent their time swinging between trees, flying down zipwires, leaping off 'Tarzan Swings' and taking in the stunning Devonian scenery from the treetops.

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BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR A GREAT SUCCESS AT NEWTON ABBOT RACECOURSE

August 28, 2013, 3:20 am

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Lucky racegoers were treated to a special behind-the-scenes tour of Newton Abbot Racecourse on Thursday 22nd August as part of the racecourse's on-going commitment to introduce more people to the world of horseracing.

Held on the second meeting of the racecourse's back-to-back evening fixtures, the tour offered an insight into the sport not normally seen by racegoers. With a detailed talk about the weighing room including the different weight specifications for jockeys, the group also enjoyed an up-close look at the traditional birch fences and the new one-fit padded hurdles which are being trialled at the course this year.

The afternoon also featured a talk from one of the racecourse's bookmakers on reading the racecard and, as an added bonus, the group were invited to choose the best turned out horse and present the prize to the winning connections.

Joe Bell, who joined the tour with his father Michael Bell and family friend Alan Calicott, was glad to be a part of the tour: "We normally go racing about four or five times a year, predominately at courses in the West Country. We especially love Newton Abbot; it's a lovely course and as it's a summer course, you can enjoy the sunshine as well. The tour was a great way to learn more about the sport and we all thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon."

Also on the tour was Alec Monroe and Sarah Ellis, who found out about the tour through the racecourse's email database. Alec spoke about his day: "This was our third visit to Newton Abbot and we usually bring our daughter along. It's a great day out for the family, especially for the children being able to see the horses up-close in the Parade Ring.

"The behind-the-scenes experience is a great idea, especially for younger people who might not know much about the sport. The tour was excellent. Hearing about the new hurdles that are currently being trialled at the racecourse was great and it's fantastic that Newton Abbot are at the forefront when it comes to horse and jockey safety."

The racecourse is now gearing up for their second set of back-to-back fixtures of the season. The Summer Festival weekend will return on Saturday 31 August and Sunday 1 September. Popular with families and racing enthusiasts alike, the weekend will feature the listed Class 1 Lord Mildmay Memorial Handicap Chase on Saturday, followed by the Class 2 totequadpot Four Places In Four Races Handicap Hurdle on Sunday afternoon.

The Family Enclosure will be open for the last time this season for both Saturday and Sunday's fixtures. As with all fixtures this season, children aged 16 and under and students with a valid student ID or NUS card can enjoy free entry to the course.

The double fixture weekend kicks off at 2:10pm on Saturday 31st August, with racing returning on Sunday 1st September at 2:10pm. Gates will open two hours before the start of the first race for both fixtures.

Tickets for can be bought at Newton Abbot Racecourse's ticket shop at www.newtonabbotracing.com and will be available to purchase at the gate on the day. Please note online bookings will close at 5pm the day before the fixture.

More information can be found online or by calling 01626 353 235.

Man charged after smashing window so he could sleep on sofa

August 29, 2013, 4:17 am

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A MAN smashed the window of his ex-partner's front door so he could sleep on her sofa, a court heard. Brandon McClay was arrested while he tried to nap after gaining entry to the flat of his former girlfriend, Melissa Potter, following a heavy drinking session. McClay, 20, of New Inn Court, Cullompton, appeared at Exeter Magistrates Court on Wednesday and spoke only to confirm his name and address. He was charged with criminal damage to the property at Greenway in Exeter valued at less than £5,000. He had entered a guilty plea at an earlier hearing. Prosecutors told the court that his former partner, who lives at the flat with the couple's young son, saw him making his way towards the property at about 5.30am on Friday, July 26. The court heard: "She was of the view that he had been drinking and she did not want him in the flat." He is believed to have gone away and returned a short while later and may have used a tool of some sort to break the glass panel. The prosecution added: "By this point she was hiding in her son's bedroom. He seems intent in going to sleep on the settee, so she calls the police who arrive and arrest him." Jeremy Harris, defending, said that McClay had vacated the property the previous day following an argument after Miss Potter decided she would like him to move out. "He does take full responsibility for the offence and takes the matter very seriously and apologises for the stress it has caused to his ex-partner and his son. He is very much of the view that the relationship is over. He has moved on and his only real interest remains for their son, where agreements are in place. He sees his son on a regular basis and things are working well," said Mr Harris. McClay is now living with his mother in Cullompton and since moving has lost his job in Exeter. The court heard that he is seeking alternative employment but due to his experience in outdoor leisure as a seasonal career it has made this prospect more difficult. The chairman of the bench said: "To take it upon yourself to put fear into the young lady and your child is not behaviour one would expect – you have let yourself down really. You had the opportunity to show yourself some credit when you were on probation and have not done so. We are now told that you are remorseful but you don't come across like that." "This is not only criminal damage but this is a domestic violence situation and is really unacceptable. We are going to make you work with the Probation Service by putting you on a community order for 12 months. You will get education training and supervision for 12 months. You must work closely with them and we hope it will help you to understand the action you have taken." He was also given a restraining order, which denies him of any contact with Miss Potter, until the August 27, 2015. He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £60, which will be deducted from his benefits.

Dog ripped my Yorkie's throat out in city park

August 29, 2013, 4:23 am

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AN Exeter pensioner has been left heartbroken after her beloved pet dog was savaged to death in a city park.

Diana Walton was taking her daily walk with Folly, her nine-year-old Yorkshire terrier, in Belmont Pleasure Ground, when a "Staffie-type dog" came out of nowhere and grabbed it by the neck.

Ms Walton required medical assistance at the scene from an ambulance crews after watching helplessly while her dog was mauled to death.

An urgent meeting has now been called by police and city council officials which will discuss whether dogs should be allowed off leads in the park.

Ms Walton said: "It was horrendous. This dog came like a bolt out of the blue – Folly didn't even know it was there as she was playing with another dog she knows. The dog grabbed Folly and just shook her and ripped her throat out. She was covered in blood."

City police officers were quickly on the scene after a friend who was with Ms Walton called for help on her mobile phone.

There were children playing in the park at the time and they also witnessed the attack.

Ms Walton said: "We were just walking as we always walk and this enormous great Staffie-type dog shook and shook Folly until she was dead.

"This dog should never have been off the lead. I think it should be put down as it could just as easily have been a child it went for."

The pensioner said a man with the dog tried to pull it off without success. When he did eventually get it on the lead he walked away without saying a word. Ms Walton, who has had Folly since she was a pup, said: "She never went far from me as she was obsessed with keeping me in her sight.

"I had just bought Folly a nice new bed. She was a happy little dog and was never still. I didn't need an alarm clock with her.

"I don't think I can live without her, she was all I had."

Richard Westlake, county councillor for Newtown and Polsloe, said: "I was walking through the park the other day and saw a little dog chasing around after a ball, perfectly happily and no trouble, so are we saying that all dogs should be kept on the lead because of problems caused by just one or two?

"That would seem to be a shame.

"Perhaps the answer is that certain dogs should only be in the park if they are wearing a muzzle."

Environment bosses at the city council have said they are keen to hear the views of dog owners before considering tighter controls over pets in Belmont Pleasure Ground.

Robert Norley, assistant director of environment in Exeter, told the Echo: "The current dog control order covering Belmont Park allows an authorised officer, such as an environmental protection officer, to require a dog owner to leash their dog if it is causing a problem.

"So if there was a particular issue with a certain dog owner, then the council can be called to deal with that owner and resolve any problem with their dog.

"We would want to hear the views of park users about any long-standing problem with dogs before considering any tighter controls on the way dog-owners and their pets use the park."

Sentencing date set for bridge leap threat man who left hundreds of Bristol fans stranded after Exeter game

August 29, 2013, 4:41 am

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A date has been set for the sentence of a mental patient who brought chaos to the region's rail system when he threatened to jump off a bridge onto a busy main line. Jeremy Stewart caused 12 trains to be cancelled and left hundreds of Bristol Rovers fans stranded in Exeter on the first day of the season after the service they were booked on was unable to reach them. He sat on a bridge at Hamelin Way, Torquay, for more than an hour and caused six trains to be cancelled and another six diverted or disrupted. His actions cost Network Rail an estimated £37,000 in delays because he caused the closure of the line between Exeter and Paignton. This had a knock on effect because it stopped Cross-Country trains which due to go beyond Exeter and were packed with tourists returning home on Saturday August 3. The disruption to the rail network extended as far as Leeds. Stewart, aged 39, from the Willows, Torquay, has admitted trespassing on the railway and disrupting trains and is likely to be sentenced when he returns to Exeter Crown Court on September 5. He appeared before Judge Francis Gilbert, QC, by video link from Exeter Prison, where he has been remanded in custody since the railway bridge siege on August 3. Stewart has also admitted wasting police time during an earlier incident on a railway bridge near Torbay on July 27 but denies an assault causing actual bodily harm. Mr David Bowen, prosecuting, said the defendant could be sentenced for the offences which he has admitted when he returns to court and a date set for any further trial at the same time. Mr Adrian Chaplin, defending, said all the incidents involved attempts at self harm on or near railway lines and his client had a significant history of mental health problems. Judge Gilbert remanded Stewart in custody on all the charges he faces.

Exeter pensioner admits sex abuse spanning four decades

August 29, 2013, 5:16 am

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An Exeter pensioner has been warned he faces a substantial jail term after he admitted the sexual abuse spanning four decades. Christopher Perry, aged 69, will be sentenced next week at Exeter Crown Court after he pleaded guilty to sexual assaults on three different victims. Perry, of Willey's Avenue, Exeter, admitted a total of 12 charges of indecent assault, gross indecency, and other sexual offences. They relate to assaults on three girls aged between four and 16 on dates which range between the earliest in 1973 and the latest in 2000. Judge Francis Gilbert, QC, remanded him in custody and adjourned the case for a week to allow prosecutor Mr Andrew MacFarlane to prepare a short summary of the case. Mr Nicolas Gerasimidis, defending, said Perry does not ask for a probation pre sentence report and understands the consequences of his pleas. Judge Gilbert told Perry:"These are extremely serious charges and you must expect a lengthy and significant custodial sentence."

Mauling of terrier in Exeter park could mean a ban on dogs without leads

August 29, 2013, 6:04 am

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A meeting was held this morning to discuss what action was needed in light of a dog killed in a city park last week. As previously reported, Exeter pensioner Diane Walton has been left heartbroken after her beloved pet dog was savaged to death in a city park. She was taking her daily walk with Folly, her nine-year-old Yorkshire terrier, in Belmont Pleasure Ground, when a "Staffie-type dog" came out of nowhere and grabbed it by the neck. Ms Walton required medical assistance at the scene from an ambulance crews after watching helplessly while her dog was mauled to death. Now, a week on from the incident, councillors, council officers, police and a representative of the Newtown Community Association met at the scene to look at what can be done to stop anything like that happening again. No definitive decisions were taken but it was agreed to look at the possibility of introducing a by-law insisting all dogs be kept on leads while using the park. The public will be canvased for their views.

Chairing the meeting was Cllr Richard Westlake, who was also present during the attack. He said: "It was about this time last Thursday when I heard shouting in the park. A dog had something in his mouth. I was not sure what it was. There was a lot of noise and screaming. It had another small dog. "The owner was trying desperately to get it off. It went on for about 15 minutes in full view of everyone. There were children and babies present and everyone was just stunned." Cllr Westlake said that other dog owners had approached him to voice their concerns about large, dangerous dogs running off the lead. "They wanted something done about it," he said. "So we have to make a response. This meeting has been called to see what can be done and what needs to be done." The meeting heard there was a group that use the park with five large dogs that present a regular problem this time of year. PSCO Kate Rees said: "This is the heart of Newtown and is a family park. There is a dog walking community but first and foremost this is a family park. "I would not be against a by-law to keep dogs on leads. I cannot enforce it any other way." Former councillor and local resident Saxon Spence, said: "I would very strongly support that idea. Without one for all dogs using the park, it would be very difficult to enforce. If people are going to have dogs in the city they should accept they have responsibilities." Concern was raised over whether there was enough resource to enforce the by-law and the representative of the Newtown Community Association, said they should be cautious about imposing a blanket order. The idea of looking at making the ban on dogs without leads a seasonal thing should it be introduced, to possibly run from May to September, proved popular and will be looked into. Cllr Richard Branston, said: "What happened may be an isolated incident and may not happen again. But the best way without being so draconian as to ban dogs is no dogs without a lead." Following the meeting PSCO Rees, said: "It is a difficult one to move forward. The only way to make a difference is to have dogs on leads. There is no guarantee that will come into play. But it is important we know what to tell dog owners and what message to send out. In light of what happened to me one of the of the best policies to put in place. "We will have to wait and see what can be done. This has been really impactful on the community. But the lady has had massive support, which has been really good for her." The lady has also now decided to get a new puppy, although she has not yet built up the courage to walk it in the park. Annette Lawson, who walks her dog in the park every day, said: "They should not treat all dogs the same. I was here last week and what happened was horrendous. It was awful and probably the worst things I have seen in my life. "The park has been visibly a lot quieter with dogs walkers since it happened. It was a terrible thing to happen to the poor lady but why should my dog be punished. We come here every day and they love to run around. The answer should surely be to get all dangerous dogs wearing a muzzle in public."

Do you recognise these men? Police appeal to identify men in connection with incident at Exeter station

August 29, 2013, 6:42 am

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Do you know these men? Officers from British Transport Police (BTP) are appealing for the public's help to identify three men they want to speak to in connection with an incident which took place at Exeter St David's railway station. Officers have released CCTV images of the men who they believe will have information which can assist the investigation into the incident which took place at about 4am on Monday, 29 July 2013. Investigating officer, PC Darran Blackwell, said: "Members of rail staff at Exeter St David's station encountered three men at the ticket barriers who had no tickets but wanted to travel on a train to Newton Abbot. "Rail staff told the men they needed to buy tickets if they wished to travel but they refused and then became verbally abusive towards the members of staff. "Enquiries have been ongoing to find those responsible and I am now releasing this image in the hope that someone will be able to identify those pictured so that we can speak to them about this incident. "I would ask anyone with any information to contact BTP straight away." Anyone who can assist is asked to call British Transport Police on Freefone 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016. You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. In all calls, please quote incident reference B8/WWA of 29/08/2013.

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Kirstie Allsopp wears her hearts on her gorilla

August 29, 2013, 7:04 am

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TV favourite Kirstie Allsopp has decorated a unique piece of three-dimensional charity art - a life-size gorilla.

 

The presenter, interior designer, crafts and property expert has come up with a design as part of Paignton Zoo's Great Gorillas Project.

 

The project is celebrating the 90th birthday of the region's largest and best-known zoo, Paignton Zoo Environmental Park, and is raising money for charity. Life-size model gorillas have been sponsored by businesses, painted in original designs by specially-commissioned artists and displayed in public, creating a unique free art trail around Exeter and the English Riviera.

 

Paignton Zoo Director of Marketing & Development Pippa Craddock said: "We are very pleased to have such a significant name on board. The project is an amazing mix of art, education, conservation and public engagement. Kirstie has an inspiring, bold and original style which is reflected in this beautiful step and repeat heart design."

 

It fell to Enigma Signmakers and Print Studio, based in Paignton, to turn the design into reality. Director Martin Smith: "Enigma became involved in the project after a discussion with Paignton Zoo. There was one big challenge – to print Kirstie's flat, two-dimensional design on vinyl and apply it to a gorilla, where there are no flat surfaces whatsoever!"

 

Enigma used a material from the US called Arlon DPF 6000 XRP Cast Film. Martin: "It's designed for vehicle graphics but due to its properties is suitable for unusual shapes – like gorillas!

 

"We first produced a digital print on the Arlon vinyl. This stuff is extremely conformable, and by the careful application of heat an expert can make it fit any surface. It was a painstaking process to complete the coverage. But it was worth it."

 

Hearts, which is on show indoors at Cockington Court during the trail, is sponsored by RH Partners, the full service marketing agency based in Exeter. 

Exeter City set for cash boost if Scott Golbourne leaves Barnsley

August 29, 2013, 8:57 am

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Exeter City could be in line for a cash windfall with former defender Scott Golbourne closing in on a switch to League One Wolverhampton Wanderers. The 25-year-old former Bristol City and Reading youngster left St James' Park in the January transfer window of 2012 for a fee believed to be in the region of £85,000. However, the Grecians insisted on a sell-on clause and are now set to reap the benefit if his move to Molineux goes through. It is believed the Black Country club have agreed a fee with Barnsley for Golbourne, who underwent a medical at Wolves yesterday and the deal is expected to be concluded today. Although no fee has been given for Golbourne, it is believed Barnsley have agreed something between £350m000 and £500,000 for the player, who made over 100 appearances during his two-and-a-half years at St James' Park. Golbourne signed on a free transfer for Exeter after his release by Reading in July 2009 and quickly established himself as the club's first-choice left-back. His rampaging runs down the left wing soon had scouts coming to St James' Park, but it was financial circumstances that forced City to sell him to Barnsley as they battled to avoid relegation from League One. Manager Paul Tisdale will now be hoping that any money the club received from his sale with be ploughed into his playing budget with the City boss hoping to make one addition before the transfer window closes on Tuesday. With no recognised right-back in his first-team squad, that may be the position where Tisdale looks to strengthen.

VIDEO: Horse dies in 'deliberate' barn blaze

August 30, 2013, 1:30 am

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A barn blaze at Rydon Farm near Newton Abbot in which a horse was killed and 500 tonnes of hay destroyed is thought to have been started deliberately. The large metal-framed barn at Ogwell caught fire during the night. One horse was killed and up to 500 tonnes of hay destroyed. The fire service said they had received numerous calls for the barn on fire.

Video by Andy Styles Paul Gammin has owned Rydon Farm for seven years and has been left devastated by the blaze. "I've had the farm for seven years and run it with my wife Susan and son Matthew," he said. "We'd just finished harvesting and we were really pleased with ourselves. Now, last night, around 400-500 tonnes of hay were destroyed and it will set us back around £200,000. "We heard noise outside around 10.30pm and when we went to look the barn was already well alight. "We're all in shock and it's a big financial worry for us." One horse was killed and three ponies had to be led to safety. A police spokesman said the cause of the fire is unknown and they are investigating. Due to the number of calls four fire appliances were mobilised, two from Newton Abbot, one from Ashburton and one from Torquay along with a water carrier from Torquay. On arrival crews found a large stable block of timber and steel construction which was being used as part stable and part hay storage well alight. An incident command unit and another pumping appliance were mobilised from Totnes. Crews are using two sets of breathing apparatus and a main jet to extinguish the fire. A positive pressure fan is being used to ventilate and assist with controlled burning of the hay. Crews are also undertaking salvage. By 1am steady progress was being made and a number of horses have been led to safety. An hour later two relief crews were at the incident, with steady progress being made allowing the hay to burn under control. A 4am update said crews were still making steady progress with one main jet to cool the main structure and standing barn as well as four positive pressure ventilation fans. At 6am it was confirmed that approximately 300 tonnes of hay and straw had already been destroyed by fire. Another update at 8.30am said crews were still making steady progress with one hose reel jet damping down surrounding vegetation while the hay continued to burn under control with the assistance of three positive pressure ventilation fans. At midday the fire service confirmed that the barn, measuring 30 metres by 50 metres and made of steel and timber, had 50 per cent of its roof destroyed, along with 50 per cent of the hay inside. Twenty per cent of the stables section was destroyed by fire. The statement ended: "The cause of fire is believed to be deliberate ignition."

AUDIO: Tisdale pleased with strength in depth he has in midfield

August 30, 2013, 2:12 am

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Paul Tisdale admitted he was pleased with the strength in depth he has in the central midfield area ahead of Saturday's game against York City. The Exeter City manager welcomes back Liam Sercombe for the game and has the likes of Matt Grimes, Tommy Doherty, Scot Bennett and Matt Oakley pushing for a starting place. Tisdale added that Alan Gow, who can also play in a central attacking midfield role, had become the victim of circumstances in the fact that he hadn't played as many games as people would have expected this season. However, he also added that the Scottish forward still had a lot to give the team. Listen to Paul Tisdale's full post match interview here:

Unexpected Festival: Line-up announced by Exeter City Council

August 30, 2013, 4:13 am

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FESTIVAL EXCITEMENT springs into Exeter this week with Exeter City Council announcing the official UNEXPECTED 2013 Festival line-up that will transform the cityscape this September 15-22. The City Council's ground-breaking new Festival takes art and performance out of traditional venues into thrilling, unexpected indoor and outdoor locations, nurtures exciting local talent, and enhances the city as the cultural hub for the South West. The Unexpected 2013 programme features music, performance, dance, circus, digital work, visual arts, sport, heritage buildings, city centre spaces - with powerful combinations of all these. For starters, the free opening Family Funday (Sunday 15 Sept) has canoeing, rowing, biking and athletics during a day devoted to family fun on the Quayside, with have-a-go sessions for anyone wanting to try and imitate all those medal winners. Music, a salsa workshop and fireworks should make this a memorable afternoon, but there are plenty of surprises to look out for throughout the week. The Last Supper (Fri 20/Sat 21 Sept (ticketed), set in the ancient Exeter Guildhall, has been heavily praised by leading theatre critics for its subtle, atmospheric appeal, inviting a small audience to be regaled by tales of the famous and infamous during dinner with the performers. Pyramids Leisure Centre is the Unexpected venue transformed by sound and light for Wet Sounds by New Toy (21 Sept, ticketed) – an underwater listening experience that requires its audience to jump in to experience a surreal soundscape. A range of venues in the city centre will have their stories told through Theo Simpson's special exhibition, Lesser Known Architecture (16-23 Sept). The piece has been partly informed by four local museums and galleries, including the award-winning Royal Albert Memorial Museum and the audience are invited to pick up a guide and follow the trail . Throughout the Unexpected Festival week, Art interventions will pop up where you least expect – a cinema under the stars and unscented flowers are just a couple of the 'Surprise' plans for more than 250 points around Exeter. Blind Ditch ask their audiences to experience life in This City's Centre, Part 3 Here Now (17 – 21 Sept) from an entirely new angle – from the privacy of other people's homes. Devised with local residents this brand new performance event, part 3 of a digital triptych, will use live video screening and digital interaction to explore public and private space in Central Exeter. The Tour of Britain passes through the High Street on Friday 20 September although the cyclists might not be able to keep up with local buses, which will be portrayed in an illuminating new light via wry asides, games and commentary by The Public Transport Appreciation Society, popping up on buses and at train stations throughout the week and who are determined to enlighten the public's journey. From Monday 16 Sept Princesshay Square is the place to head to for spectacular entertainment at lunchtime, be it promising young musicians or street theatre companies ready to show off their masterful skills or the theatrical playfulness of Tangled Feet (Fri 20 Sept), who will be making everyone laugh with 'Inflation' a show featuring music, drama and comedy on a bouncy castle. The festival builds to climax with Circus Sunday (22 Sept) four sites across the city of free family entertainment running from 12 noon – 4pm and promoting the best in contemporary circus and street theatre. Whatever their age, the temptation for adults and children alike might be to take to the boards themselves, and Bristol's School of circus, Circomedia, and aerialists Above and Beyond are in town to provide just such an opportunity with an incredible set of 45-minute workshops for all ages followed by a professional aerial display. Princesshay Square showcases the best in upcoming circus and acrobatics with companies such as Joli Vyann and Mattress Circus, opening with a stunning performance by Bicycle Ballet. Fools Paradise the Exeter-based, well known street theatre agency run the Paradise Stage in Exeter Guildhall with some of the popular street theatre acts on their books, expect laughter and mayhem. Devon Carousel in Rougemont Gardens and RAMM offer a range of circus-themed arts activities and a Museum of Circus for families and younger children to try out art and movement. The festival finale by Extraordinary Bodies, on the Cathedral Green, will transport you to the skies with exquisite poise from its flying dancers and singers (Sun 22 Sept) - their world premiere piece 'Weighting', has been especially commissioned by Unexpected with support from a prestigious Arts Council England grant. Extraordinary Bodies is the UK's first fully integrated circus company and the performers come from the internationally-acclaimed Cirque Bijou and Diverse City and are backed by the harmonious sound of Exeter's finest community choirs. Whatever takes your fancy, Unexpected 2013 will end the summer in an electrifying, exciting way. Cllr Rosie Denham, Exeter City Council, said, 'Arts Council England data reveals that for every £1 invested in arts & culture up to £6 is generated for the local economy.' 'Unexpected 2013 will build on the city's Olympic and cultural legacy, raising the profile of Exeter as the South West gateway for the arts and as a desirable destination for visitors of all types.' The Festival is produced by Exeter City supported by Arts Council England Grants for the Arts, Devon County Council and a range of city-based sponsors, without whose support, the Festival would not have been possible. These sponsors are: Cornerstone, Exeter Canal & Quay Trust, Exeter College, Guildhall Shopping Centre, Mercure Southernhay, Princesshay Exeter, Stagecoach South West and University of Exeter Arts & Culture.

VIDEO: Baldwin planning Bebeto celebration if he scores against York

August 30, 2013, 4:37 am

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Defender Pat Baldwin says he will celebrate with a Bebeto-style baby rock celebration if he scores in Exeter City's match again York City this weekend. Baldwin missed last weekend's 2-0 defeat away at Morecambe because of the birth of his first child Finnley, but is back in contention for a starting place this Saturday. The popular defender says he is not assuming he'll go straight back into the side but is fit for selection. View Pat Baldwin's interview here where he talks about the birth, City's home form and the form of youngster Matt Grimes with Stuart James. View Bebeto baby rock celebration from the USA 94 World Cup.

New guide predicts many Devon pubs will continue to struggle

August 30, 2013, 5:02 am

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A prestigious new guide has highlighted the problems facing the pub industry. The Good Pub Guide 2014 is seen as the industry's best independent judge of pubs. And one pub outside the city, the Tom Cobley at Spreyton, is judged to be one of the best in the country, winning the prestious Beer Pub of the Year accolade. The editors of the Good Pub Guide 2014, published today, forecast that between 2,500 and 4,000 of the 49,500 public houses in the UK will be forced to shut and even says it is 'high time that they closed their doors' to make way for more energetic and dynamic new licensees. Camra reveals that 26 pubs are closing a week – 1,300 a year – but the Good Pub Guide editors, Alisdair Aird and Fiona Stapley, expect the figure to escalate over the next 12 months due to the increase in disposals by pub companies and predictions from insolvency experts. Camra described the findings from a guide that claims to support the industry as bizarre. Although the scale of closures will mean bad news for staff and regulars, the joint editors said in the introduction to this year's guide that the pubs forced to close will be "bad pubs at the bottom of the pecking order", which are "happy with indifferent food, drink, service and surroundings". Stapley said: "The worst quality a pub can have is a landlord that doesn't care much about the customers. "Licensees like that give the pub trade a bad name. Pubs closing keeps the trade healthy and robust. They have got to diversify if they want to succeed – they just can't open for lunch and open again in the evenings any more." However, the guide also predicts that more than 1,000 new pubs will open next year, often in former premises that have been shuttered for years. The once thriving pub industry has been brought to its knees due to cheap beer and lager on sale in supermarkets, leading to mass closures. As a measure to relieve some pressure, it was announced in the March budget that the price of a pint would be cut by a penny, in a surprise reversal of the chancellor's commitments to annually increase beer duty by two percentage points above inflation until 2015. A spokesman said: "How bizarre that a book called the Good Pub Guide should welcome the closure of as many as 4,000 pubs. "Pubs need to be saved – not thrown on the scrapheap. I would say there is a degree of cruelty in the editors' call for pubs to be closed as people will lose their jobs and, in the case of publicans who live on the premises, their home as well. "Unlike the Good Pub Guide, Camra's Good Beer Guide does not charge for entries and pubs are selected on their merit alone. "These pubs "at the bottom of the pecking order" may suit the needs of their regulars and be the focus and hub of their communities and should not be left to the vagaries of the market."

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Health Hazard: WI's knitted village banned from children's hospital

August 30, 2013, 5:55 am

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Members of a Women's Institute who knitted a miniature village for sick children were told it could not be given to them because the wool was a health and safety risk. The ladies of the WI spent a year creating the 6ft by 4ft soft intricate landscape - which boasts miniature people, houses, animals, a farm and a church. It was then offered to children's hospitals, hospices and nurseries to bring comfort to poorly youngsters. But each time the ladies tried to donate it their gift was rejected over fears the wool could not be sterilised and was therefore a hazard. They were also told the large knitted town would need a safety certificate. Around 30 members of Sidford WI in rural Devon had teamed up to knit the intricate creation, They took extra care to ensure there were no loose pieces that kids could choke on and stuck to stuffing and materials deemed safe for children's toys. The group initially offered the village to Children's Hospice South West who told them they were unable to accept it because they could not sterilise it. They then approached various nurseries and hospitals in the local area who snubbed their gift because it didn't come with the correct safety certification. Jean Bridgeman, a 69-year-old grandmother-of-eight who organised the mammoth project in her weekly craft sessions, said it took a whole year to knit. Jean said: "We we're all a bit fed up with knitting scarves so decided to do something a bit different. "Everyone got involved in the knitting and we all really enjoyed doing it. We really felt it would bring a smile to some young children's faces. "But when we tried several nurseries and organisations we were told that the village couldn't be used because the wool couldn't be sterilised. "Apparently, it didn't have the correct health and safety certificate. It was such a shame as we had always planned to give it to a local children's hospice or hospital." Beryl Kingman, 72, another of the creators, added: "We didn't think of this 'health and safety' when we started it. "We started with the intention of giving it away to four or five-year-olds to play with. "But because of health and safety issues it cannot be sterilised or disinfected, so you would have a problem with a children's hospice or waiting rooms." Despite a string of knockbacks, the ladies decided to display the village at a local horticultural show where it caught the eye of a charity volunteer. He told them of a South African orphanage he said would be absolutely delighted to have it for the youngsters. The giant toy has now been boxed up in sections ready to be dispatched in the coming weeks. Marion Baker, president of the Sidford WI, said: "It has everything you would expect to see in your typical village. "It's very intricate - there are roses around the cottages and even the cows have udders. "It will be lovely if the village can indeed be sent over to the orphanage in South Africa as the children there will get so much enjoyment out of it."

Exeter bar manager used stolen money to go to Euro Disney

August 30, 2013, 7:24 am

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A bar manager who cooked the books to pay for a Euro Disney holiday has escaped jail after repaying the money he stole. Iain Jones, aged 36, used a company debit card and cheque book to swindle almost £5,500 from the two up-market Exeter pubs which he ran. He used some of the money to pay for a family holiday and the rest to pay off debts and bills, Exeter Crown Court was told. When he was caught he repaid £1,000 in cash straight away, only for the owner of the two pubs to find he had taken it straight out of the till. Jones, of Sandford Walk, Exeter, admitted six frauds and was given a suspended jail sentence of six months and ordered to do 240 hours unpaid community work by Judge Phillip Wassall. Mr Lee Bremridge, prosecuting, said Jones was the general manager of the Fat Pig pub in Exeter and its sister outlet the Rusty Bike in 2010 and 2011 until owner Hamish Lothian discovered money was missing from the accounts. He called in accountants who identified rogue payments including one for £276 to pay for a Euro Disney holiday and two more used to pay Jones' personal debts. The total loss was originally thought to be £14,500 but after further study this figure was revised to just under £5,500. Mr Bremridge said:"The defendant acknowledges that is the amount he owes and he has now repaid it in full. When confronted in February 2011 he said he would repay the money but his cheques bounced. "He then paid £1,000 in cash but it was found this had in fact been taken from one of the pubs and he had failed to bank it that day." Mr David Evans, defending, said Jones had acted out of character while under great financial stress but had always been determined to refund the money and has now done so. He said he now runs his own business with two employees and therefore appreciates the importance of being able to have complete trust in staff. Judge Wassall told Jones:"The only thing which stops me passing an immediate custodial sentence is that you have shown remorse and repaid the money and always been frank about what you did. "You lost your employment as a result of this but have turned yourself around and are moving forward again and there is no evidence of further dishonesty during the time it has taken for this case to come to court."

VIDEO: O'Flynn looking to build on good home performances

August 31, 2013, 12:30 am

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John O'Flynn says he hopes Exeter City can come out all guns firing on Saturday as they look to record their third home win at St James's Park this season. O'Flynn scored both goals in the last home victory against AFC Wimbledon and the Irish-born striker says the club must look to build on their recent successes at St James's Park. Watch John O'Flynn's pre-match interview here:

Matchday live: Exeter City v York City

August 31, 2013, 12:45 am

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Follow live minute-by-minute coverage of Exeter City's match at home to York City in the Sky Bet League Two. Exeter are looking for their third straight home win, while York are looking to halt a poor run of form which has seen them go without a win since the opening day of the season. To view the live updates click on the link below. Updates to start from 2pm, with team news expected around 2.30pm.

 

REPORT: Exeter City 2 York City 1

August 31, 2013, 9:51 am

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Alan Gow came off the bench and netted a brace as Exeter City came from behind to beat York City 2-1 at St James' Park. After a scrappy start, York went in front with a goal on the counter-attack on 17 minutes. Ashley Chambers broke clear down the right and after Artur Krysiak had saved from Lewis Montrose, Ryan Jarvis tapped in the rebound. Exeter then lost John O'Flynn to injury on 21 minutes, but within 30 seconds of replacing him, Gow had Exeter level as he beat the offside trap and finished superbly with his left foot. York looked threatening on the break and should have gone in front when Michael Coulson found himself in plenty of space, but he shot tamely wide of the near post. Gow put Exeter in front on 73 minutes when he received the ball 25 yards out and lashed a stunning shot into the corner of the net that gave Michael Ingham no chance. York almost levelled but Michael Coulson poked straight at Krysiak from six yards, but that was as close as they came as Exeter held on to win. Exeter City (4-4-2): Krysiak; Moore-Taylor (Bennett h-t), Baldwin, Coles, Woodman; Wheeler (Sercombe 63), Oakley, Grimes, Davies; Parkin, O'Flynn (Gow 21). Substitutes (not used): Pym (gk), Doherty, Reid, Gosling. Goals: Gow 22 York City (4-4-2): Ingham; Oyebanjo, Taft, Smith, Davies; Coulson (Fyfied 89), Clay, Platt, Chambers (Brobbel 75); Montrose (Chamberlain 82), Jarvis. Substitutes (not used): Ketting (gk), Parslow, Allan, Dickinson. Booking: Montrose Goal: Jarvis 17 Referee: P Tierney (Lancashire). Attendance: 3,449.