Crews were called to a blaze in an Exeter home yesterday afternoon.
Two appliances from Danes Castle fire station were mobilised to a fire involving an electric fryer on Bonhay Road at 13:25.
The fire was out upon the arrival of the Fire Service.
Crews inspected the scene and made sure it was safe before leaving.
↧
Crews called to fire in home on Bonhay Road, Exeter
↧
Crews called to fire involving tumble dryer in Exeter
Fire crews were called to Exeter yesterday morning after a fire involving a tumble dryer.
One appliance from Danes Castle was mobilised to reports of an Automatic Fire Alarm sounding on Carpenter Close, Exeter at 09:01.
Upon their arrival crews discovered that there had been a small fire involving a tumble dryer.
The fire was out before the crews arrived.
The fire crew removed the tumble dryer to open air and ventilated the property using a Positive Pressure Ventilation fan.
↧
↧
Four members of gang which flooded Devon with £4million of cocaine jailed for 20 years
A GANG dealing cocaine could have brought drugs worth almost £4 million onto Devon's streets, a court heard.
Another four plotters have been jailed for a total of just under 20 years.
Prosecutors claim that two couriers made 39 journeys to bring cocaine from Liverpool to Plymouth in seven months.
Multiplying the size of a consignment of drugs seized, they estimate that as much as 77 kilograms worth £3.86 million could have been trafficked for sale in Devon and Cornwall.
Craig Brian, aged 39, was jailed for five years and four months; Daniel Read, aged 30, was jailed for four years, eight months; Ian Smith, aged 46, was jailed for five years and seven months, and 41-year-old Steven Tearle was jailed for four years.
Four other members of the gang have already been locked up for a total of 35 years after police launched Operation Vermont II.
Judge Paul Darlow told the latest to be sentenced that nobody knew how much cocaine the gang had brought to Plymouth – between the drugs worth £189,000 seized by police to cocaine with a street value of £3.9 million.
But he added: "You conspired to supply cocaine from Liverpool to Plymouth for onward transmission to street dealers, with the consequent destruction of person, job and community that selling Class A drugs brings."
Brian, of Milehouse Road, Milehouse; Daniel Read, of Bede Gardens, Manadon; Smith, of King Street, Stonehouse; and Tearle, of Lovering Road, St Austell, had all earlier admitted conspiracy to supply Class A drugs between June 2012 and January 2013.
Smith also pleaded guilty to possession of Valium, production of cannabis and possession of CS spray at his former home in Ford Park Road, Mutley.
Jason Beal, for Smith, said he was a warehouseman, who received and stored drugs before passing them on to others.
He added that he was working off a debt and was "a long way from living an extravagant lifestyle".
Mr Beal handed the court a letter referring to the illness of Smith's partner, who is receiving chemotherapy.
He said: "He has been providing practical and emotional support to his partner."
Nick Lewin, for Read, said he was a good friend of the Conners brothers in the gang and was recruited to act as a courier on two occasions. Mr Lewin added that Read was paid £200.
He said the phone contact with the other plotters was limited – mostly calls to his close friend Luke Conners.
Mr Lewin, who handed letters and references, said Read played a lesser role in the plot.
David Evans, for Brian, said he admitted he was involved in the October 25 drug deal at his home.
But he added: "He insists he has nothing to do with the wider conspiracy, which ran from June into 2012. He had turned to cocaine and the use of his home was his means of obtaining cocaine."
Mr Evans said Brian, the former manager of an electrical retail outlet in the city, fled the country to escape debts and was in Thailand for nine months.
He added that he had since won a place at Exeter University but had voluntarily asked to be remanded in custody before sentence.
Nigel Champion, for Tearle, said he was only involved on a single day in the plot as a courier.
He added: "He visited Craig Brian's home to pick up some tobacco and he was enticed to deliver cocaine to St Austell."
Mr Champion said Tearle was in debt, which "put pressure" on him to take the drugs.
He added he had lost his job as a railway track worker.
Scott Conners, aged 32, of Durnford Street, Stonehouse; his brother Luke Conners aged 26, of Hamcourt Close, Southway; Wayne Fenton, aged 46, of Raglan Court, Devonport, and 26-year-old Lee Connolly, of York Street, Garston, Liverpool, have already been jailed for between six years and 14 years.
The final plotter, Liverpudlian drugs courier Lee Ford, is yet to be sentenced.
↧
Green Party membership soars in South West
A minority political party said it is becoming a force to be reckoned with in the Westcountry as more people joined up.
The Green Party says their membership is growing rapidly in the South West with a 25% increase in the first five months of this year and a 13% increase in May alone.
Greens say membership is likely to continue to soar in the wake of the election of Molly Scott Cato to the European Parliament, the first Green MEP for the South West.
South West Green Party Regional Coordinator, Norma Sherratt, said:
"It is very evident from the membership figures, but also from talking to people, that there is renewed enthusiasm for the Green message in the South West.
"With LibDem support across the region in meltdown and Labour failing to put across a distinctive message, voters are turning to the Green Party where they are finding positive and progressive policies on social, economic and environmental justice."
The Green Party made history in May by electing the first ever Green Party MEP for the South West region.
Molly Scott Cato, who will officially take up her position in the European Parliament in July, said their policies had struck a chord.
"Our 'people before profit' policies really resonate with voters who are seeking out a Party which truly represents their values.
"Many now find those values best represented by the Green Party.
"We have fantastic resources in our skilful people, our beautiful natural environments, our rich soils, and our fabulous potential for renewable energy.
"I think many people now see the Green Party as the Party most able to capitalise on these fantastic resources to improve the quality of life for all and bring real prosperity in the South West."
The Green Party gained 11.2% of the vote in the European Election in the South West, taking the 6th seat out of six.
The share of their vote rose from 9.3% in 2009. The party also fared well in local elections, including two gains in Bristol and one in Stroud, as well as holding other seats.
↧
Devon's Monster Raving Loony Party in funding crisis
The Monster Raving Loony Party, which was founded in Devon, is fighting for survival as it struggles for funding .
The Loony political party which became a stalwart of elections after being founded near in Ashburton 30 years ago is in the midst of a funding crisis after losing its main financial backer.
The Official Monster Raving Loony Party has been a feature of the British political landscape since it was born at the Golden Lion pub in Ashburton in 1982.
But the party, once led by Screaming Lord Sutch and now under the iron hand of Ashburton man Alan Howling Laud Hope, is facing a fight for its future .
Until recently bookmaker William Hill covered many of the costs associated with the party.
But Laud Hope told website Buzzfeed they have pulled funding.
He said: "William Hill have been with us for 20-odd years but the board has changed and they've got some other ideas , so Eastleigh was the last by-election they sponsored us at."
He added: "We'd like a sponsor, we really would. We've got a couple in mind but no one's stepped forward and said they'll take it on."
Standing a candidate for an election costs £500.
Laud Hope said: "We are part of the British constitution, it wouldn't be the same without us."
The Monster Raving Loony party finished just 840 votes behind the Liberal Democrats at the recent Newark by-election.
Lord Sutch contested 41 parliamentary seats in all.
The Official Monster Raving Loony Party was formed in 1982 on June 16 by Lord Sutch and Alan Hope at the Golden Lion in Ashburton.
Lord Sutch was the first to stand for the OMRLP 26th Feb 1983 at a By-election in 'Bermondsey' polling 97 votes.
His best ever vote was in Rotherham on May 5, 1994 when he polled 1,114 votes, his worst ever was in Kensington on July 14 1988 polling 61 votes.
Lord Sutch stood in Finchley against Margaret Thatcher.
The party's policies include forcing all fast food outlets to mark their wares 'may contain traces of real food'.
They would also hold a referendum on membership of the EU with the three options of 'in', 'out' and 'shake it all about'.
They also want to attach bungee cords to all vehicles to save fuel on return journeys.
↧
↧
Honiton school takes children to London to mix with pupils from different backgrounds
A Honiton primary school has organised a trip to London so the children can meet people who are not white.
Payhembury Primary has been criticised by Ofsted for not being multicultural enough.
The school has organised a two-day visit to a school in Isleworth, London, where 75 per cent of the children are from ethic minority backgrounds.
Payhembury headteacher Penny Hammett told parents in a letter: "This (trip) will enable our children to gain a better understanding of multicultural Britain, which was identified in our last Ofsted as being an area for development.
"This visit will help us to experience in real life a school where there is a wide mix of children with different ethnic backgrounds and almost 50 per cent of the children do not have English as their first language."
Pupils from the school have written to their new pen-pals in London, some of whom will take part in a return visit to the school.
One mother told the Daily Mail : "I'm astounded by this idea. Just because the children go to a small school in the country does not mean they aren't aware of people with different coloured skin to them.
"It's very patronising – and for the school they are visiting too."
Another parent said: "We don't live in an ethnically diverse area, so it's good for the kids to meet children from other kinds of background."
Rev Cate Edmonds, chairman of the governors at Payhembury, said: "We are fairly mono-cultural as an area in Devon and we don't want children growing up thinking the whole world is full of trees and cows. This gives them an experience of urban living.
"Devon is very quaint but our children don't get to see the big wide world."
↧
Man cautioned for having sex in Exeter charity shop for the second time
A 47 year old man has been cautioned by police for having sex in a charity shop – the second time he has done it.
Jason Daden was charged in April after he 'committed an act outraging public decency by behaving in an indecent manner, namely having sexual intercourse'.
Exeter magistrates court heard that the police offered Daden, of Exeter, Devon, a caution for the offence which he has now accepted – the second time he has been cautioned for the same kind of offence.
The court heard that the woman he allegedly had sex with, had also been cautioned for her part in the incident in the city shop.
↧
VIDEO: Truckers United convoy takes disabled child to Devon's Crealy
MOTORISTS were treated to a spectacle - and disabled youngsters to a special treat - when a huge convoy of lorries made their way to Devon's Crealy.
Dozens of heavy goods vehicles took the children for a ride they'll never forget and a great day out in an event organised by the United Truckers charity.
The convoy was cheered on by crowds gathered at bridges over the M5 motorway and responded by sounding their horns.
The video below was shot at junction 28, at Cullompton, today at 11am and captured just the tail end of the convoy.
↧
Lightning strike causes huge blaze at Devon house as storm hit Exeter
These pictures show a Devon home that was badly damaged after a lighting strike started a fire.
The property on North Road in South Molton, Devon, was hit by the bolt at 4.30am on Friday night and several fire crews and support teams were sent to the scene.
The Devon and Somerset Fire Service said the first floor and roof were severely damaged by the blaze and the ground floor sustained water damage.
A brigade spokesman said: "The cause of the fire was due to the lightning strike. The roof and first floor of the property was severely damaged.
"The ground floor sustained severe water damage. Fire crews used a total of 10 breathing apparatus sets, one foam jet, three hose reel jets and ladders to extinguish the fire."
Lightning hit Exeter at around 5am this morning as thunderstorms swept through the city.
Photographer Waren Radmore of Silverton caught a photo of a cloud to ground lightning strike that hit a power line next to the river Culm at Hele, near Bradninch, Devon.
Liam Wibberley also caught a picture of lighting in Countess Wear Exeter, see the images above.
The storms headed north, with a lightning strike having set light to a house in north Devon and rain flooding property in Somerset.
Power was also knocked out in several parts of Devon.
↧
↧
Impermanence dance troupe to perform at Exeter Northcott Theatre
If you're missing your dose of unusual entertainment now that television talent show Britain's Got Talent, you'll be glad to hear that Exeter Northcott Theatre has come to the rescue.
Booked to perform on its stage is Impermanence, a group of young, ambitious and talented dancers who are doing dance a bit differently.
Imagine a dance company that tours like a band. Impermanence have different sets for different places and pop up at festivals, theatres, pubs, outdoor locations, street corners, on film and everywhere in-between.
Each time they perform, every piece is unique. It will have never been performed before and will never be seen again.
The live event full of beauty, poetry, physical mastery and humour will come to Exeter on Thursday, June 19. Last year they captured the imagination and hearts of local audiences with their acclaimed show WO/MAN at the Northcott, but this performance offers something very different.
This year they have completely revolutionised the way they work and tour to break away from the traditional dance set-up.
The movement draws on a combination of exceptional technique and brave theatricality, mixed with visceral live music from multi-instrumentalists and a recorded soundtrack of eclectic music from Wagner to Dolly Parton via the Pixies.
Co-director and dancer Josh Ben-Tovim said: "This year is all about exploring the notion of performance in different spaces further to challenge us creatively.
"The feeling of isolation you can get as an audience member while watching a contemporary dance piece is something we work really hard to try and avoid. We make work to move people."
Tickets for the show, starting at 7.30pm, cost £13.50. Call 01392 493493 or visit www.exeternorthcott.co.uk
↧
Food crisis worsens in Exeter as handouts climb to nearly 4,000 at city foodbank
Emergency food handouts have grown in Exeter as the South West has seen a 77% rise last year, new figures show.
The number of people receiving free meals from food banks in the Exeter soared from 2,873 to 3,981, the study by the Trussell Trust Christian charity found.
More than 20 million emergency parcels containing provisions to last for three days were dished out across the country in the year to March, feeding 300,000 children – a 54% increase on the previous 12 months.
A total of 3,226 adults and 755 children claimed the parcels in 2013/14.
In Devon, Trussell Trust food banks alone helped 12,635 adults and 4,845 children who were unable to feed themselves.
The shocking rise in need for provisions is documented in Below the Breadline, a report published by Oxfam, Church Action on Poverty and the Trussell Trust, which runs 400 food banks.
Chris Mould, chairman of the trust, said the figures are "just the tip of the iceberg" of the UK food poverty problem, which he calls "a national disgrace".
"The troubling reality is that there are also thousands more people struggling with food poverty," he added.
"They have no access to food aid or are too ashamed to seek help while a large number of people are only just coping by eating less and buying cheap food."
The number of food banks in the South West has risen from a single facility in 2005 to 39 as the report was being compiled.
It warns that there has been an increase in people turning to food banks in affluent areas and attributes the problem to a "perfect storm" of changes to the social security system, benefit sanctions, low and stagnant wages, insecure and zero-hours contracts as well as rising food and energy prices.
Food prices have increased by 44% in the past eight years, during which the poorest 20% have seen their disposable income fall by £936 a year, the study calculates.The 2012-13 and 2013-14 comparison for the Exeter food bank figures from the Trussell Trust:
2,390 adults and 483 children - total of 2,873 for 2012/13
3,226 adults and 755 children - total of 3,981 for 2013/14
↧
Exeter Samaritans show off their creativity
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Exeter branch of the Samaritans, the charity is getting in touch with its artistic side by organising an arts and crafts exhibition.
On view will be the talent which has been unearthed among local Samaritans. Pieces will include paintings to photography, woodwork to ceramics, and textiles to calligraphy. Prisoners at HMP Exeter, who are part of the wider Samaritan role, have contributed paintings and poetry.
The exhibition, on view from Thursday, June 12, until Saturday, June 14, at St Stephen's Church in High Street, Exeter, is aimed at reflecting who the Samaritans are and what they do.
It includes two commemorative wall hangings exploring feelings made by 64 members of the branch.
For the exhibition, the Samaritans have collaborated with Exeter prison whose prisoners have produced special artwork reflecting the two organisations longstanding association through the Samaritan's Listeners scheme.
Samaritan and professional artist Louise King said: "This exhibition is our way of saying how much being there for the people who need us means to us as a whole.
"When the Exeter branch of the Samaritans first opened, we had one telephone and one room. Now we have more phones and last year we answered 16,495 calls.
"Talking on the telephone is very much at the heart of what we do, but these days people are also contacting us through email, texting and coming in to talk to us face to face. We wanted to celebrate together as a branch and also to take our celebration out into the community around us."
With the idea of an exhibition in mind, at the beginning of this year all branch members were given a square of paper and using visual or written media, they were asked to explore feelings.
Louise said: "We were delighted with the response from the branch and the wonderful, moving, pieces that were produced.
"All the work you see in the two hangings is our collective response to the feelings we come across as Samaritans and in ourselves. The result is an amazing, emotive piece of work.
"The public will be given the opportunity to participate in different ways. We are asking people to help us create a mood map of the day on an emotional continuum board. In addition, they can add a stitch or help out with knitting some collective Samaritan pieces to be displayed at the end of the exhibition."
The exhibition is open on the Thursday and Friday from 10am to 4pm, and Saturday from 10am to 3pm. Entry is free with a small charge for tea, coffee and homemade cake.
↧
Residents given chance to choose Sidmouth's new outdoor gym
East Devon District Council (EDDC) and Sidmouth Town Council have been busy working together to provide residents of Sidmouth with the free-to-use outdoor gym that they want. And now they would like people of all ages who live in the parish of Sidmouth (which includes Sidbury, Sidford and Salcombe Regis) to decide how it should look by voting for the design they like best.
The voting event will be held during the Sidmouth Armed Forces Day Fete on Saturday, 28 June between 2pm to 4pm. The fete is being held on The Ham at the eastern end of Sidmouth esplanade.
You will be able to see all three proposed designs and vote on which one you want to see installed. The design that gets the most votes will be delivered, so go along and have your say!
The outdoor gym facility has been proposed and chosen by the local community. Earlier in the year, EDDC and Sidmouth Town Council asked community groups, residents and other organisations to put forward their ideas as to how £150,000 of the sports funding accumulated from recent Sidmouth housing developments (Section 106 money) should be spent.
These ideas were then taken out to residents and they got to vote on which ones they wanted to happen in Sidmouth. One of the winning ideas was to spend £15,000 on free-to-use outdoor gym facilities.
A working group from Sidmouth Town Council then decided the £15,000 of gym equipment will be best placed clustered together in the Stowford area, on green space almost opposite the Stowford Community Centre.
Councillor Iain Chubb, EDDC's Cabinet Member for Environment, said: "We are committed to making sure that local people have their say about where money from developments in their parish gets spent, and are one of the few local authorities that do so. This is a fantastic opportunity for the people of Sidmouth to really make a difference by deciding which outdoor gym they get, after they voted for an outdoor gym to happen."
↧
↧
Italy stars Andrea Pirlo and Ignazio Abate talk up England ahead of World Cup
Mario Balotelli has already said England have no chance of making an impact at the World Cup - but two Italy team-mates seem to have other ideas.
Former Manchester City striker Balotelli was quick to write off Roy Hodgson's chances ahead of the highly-anticipated Group D opener between the sides in Manaus this Saturday.
But Italian playmaker Andrea Pirlo and Ignazio Abate were more diplomatic after their final warm-up match.
England could be a 'revelation', according to AC Milan defender Abate and Pirlo believes Hodgson's investment in youth makes the match a different proposition to their last encounter.
"A lot has changed since we played them in the quarter-finals of Euro 2012, they've had some exciting new players come through in the last couple of years," said Pirlo.
"Ross Barkley has made a big impression on me and people have told me good things about Adam Lallana.
"They've also got experience in player like Steven Gerrard, he's an important pillar of their team and a great player."
Despite qualifying well, Italy's recent form has hardly inspired confidence that Cesare Prandelli's class of 2014 can follow the lead of the victorious teams of 1934, 1938, 1982 and 2006.
The recent 1-1 stalemate with Luxembourg was their seventh match without a win - a run that includes six draws and a defeat to world champions Spain. In addition, captain Riccardo Montolivo will be absent from Brazil after breaking his leg against the Republic of Ireland.
However, they returned to winning ways with a 5-3 victory over Brazilian club Fluminense in their final warm-up game on Sunday.
Prandelli rested his stars, with the likes of Balotelli, Pirlo and Daniele De Rossi only introduced mid-way through the second half.
But he should like what he saw in front men Ciro Immobile, who netted a hat-trick, and Lorenzo Insigne.
Immobile, who topped the Serie A chart with 22 goals for Torino and has just signed with Borussia Dortmund, was a constant physical presence inside the area.
And Napoli striker Insigne showed his speed on the wing and precision on free kicks and corners, underlining why he earned a controversial selection ahead of Giuseppe Rossi.
"I don't know about selections, Prandelli will decide," said Immobile.
"The goals always count, even in training, I'm a striker, I can only score and see what happens with the team."
Prandelli was just happy to come through the match without injury concerns - wincing when Balotelli was felled by a heavy challenge and spent several seconds hobbling - and ending the winless run.
"We worked well and our condition is good," he said. "The intense work is done now, we just need to develop a few things this week before we play England. I'm satisfied and looking forward to training now."
↧
Exeter paedophile jailed after defying order by looking at images of child abuse on his girlfriend's computer
A paedophile has been jailed for defying an order banning him from surfing the internet for pornography and downloading sickening images of child abuse.
Stephen Caventer was subject of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) after being caught with similar images in 2010.
The order should have stopped him repeating his crime but he used his own laptop and his girlfriend's computer to seek out images of children as young as two, Exeter Crown Court was told.
Detectives recovered 371 images and five movies but suspected others may have been removed by so-called cleaning software.
Caventer, aged 54, of Smythen Street, Exeter, admitted making and possessing indecent images of children and two counts of breaching his SOPO.
He was jailed for two years and six months by Judge Graham Cottle, who told him the offence was aggravated by Caventer's persistence and his failure to abide by the terms of the SOPO.
Mr William Hunter, prosecuting, said Caventer had a previous conviction dating back to 2010 when he was found with 133 indecent images while living in Lincoln.
He was made subject of a SOPO which imposed strict controls on his use of the internet and should have enabled police to monitor its use.
Officers received intelligence in 2012 that he had been accessing sites again and his computer was seized when police raided the house in Longbrook Street, Exeter, where he was living with girlfriend Heather Farley.
She also came under suspicion but the charges against her were dropped when Caventer admitted his guilt at the start of his trial.
Mr Hunter said a total of 371 images and five movies showing children of both sexes and all ages were recovered by police.
Mr Adrian Moorhouse, defending, said Caventer should be given credit for admitting his guilt. He said there was no evidence that he had tried to use cleaning software.
↧
Breaking: Actor and comedian Rik Mayall dies
British comedian and actor Rik Mayall has died at the age of 56, his manager says.
Mayall was an English comedian, writer and actor who starred alongside Adrian Edmondson in The Young Ones and Bottom.
The comedian gave a rousing speech to Exeter graduates in 2008 as he accepted an honorary degree from the university, an honour he said must be a "mistake".
Mr Mayall, who has moved to the Westcountry, was awarded the honorary doctorate during a graduation ceremony for students.
Mr Mayall is most famous for his anarchic 1980s television series, The Young Ones, in which he and long-term comedy partner Adrian Edmondson played students of the fictional Scumbag College. Mr Edmondson received an honorary degree from the university last year.
Accepting the honour to much cheering and laughter, Mr Mayall said: "This is such an honour, such a joy, such a treat, such a mistake."
He told the audience he was "not a clever person" and after passing his 11 plus in 1967 "everything went downhill".
He said he failed seven O-levels, and his maths O-level three times, before going on to get two Fs and a U at A-level. He then managed to get in to Manchester University to do drama on the strength of an interview but said: "They'll take anything up there."
He added: "I didn't actually fail my drama degree – I just failed to turn up. It wasn't because I was too stupid, I was just too drunk."
The actor had a home in Kingsbridge, near Plymouth
More to follow.
↧
Honorary Exeter University graduate Rik Mayall dies aged 56
British comedian and actor Rik Mayall has died at the age of 56, his manager says.
Mayall was an English comedian, writer and actor who starred alongside Adrian Edmondson in The Young Ones and Bottom.
The comedian gave a rousing speech to Exeter graduates in 2008 as he accepted an honorary degree from the university, an honour he said must be a "mistake".
Mr Mayall, who moved to the Westcountry, was awarded the honorary doctorate during a graduation ceremony for students.
He was most famous for his anarchic 1980s television series, The Young Ones, in which he and long-term comedy partner Adrian Edmondson played students of the fictional Scumbag College. Mr Edmondson received an honorary degree from the university last year.
Accepting the honour to much cheering and laughter, Mr Mayall said: "This is such an honour, such a joy, such a treat, such a mistake."
He told the audience he was "not a clever person" and after passing his 11 plus in 1967 "everything went downhill".
He said he failed seven O-levels, and his maths O-level three times, before going on to get two Fs and a U at A-level. He then managed to get in to Manchester University to do drama on the strength of an interview but said: "They'll take anything up there."
He added: "I didn't actually fail my drama degree – I just failed to turn up. It wasn't because I was too stupid, I was just too drunk."
The actor had a home in East Allington near Kingsbridge, where he was left in a coma following a quad bike accident in 1998.
"I find that I can see life so much more accurately now, much more than anyone else in the whole world.
"The accident happened at Easter and, I was technically dead for five days.
"That's two more days over Easter than Jesus, which makes me 5-3 up on him, 2000 years on."
Among those paying tribute to Mayall was David Walliams, who said: "I am heartbroken that my comedy idol growing up, Rik Mayall, has died. He made me want to be a comedian."
Impressionist Rory Bremner said: "Oh no. Awful news about Rik Mayall – a fireball of creative comic energy and inspiration. Such brilliant raw talent."
Blackadder producer John Lloyd said Mayall was "just extraordinary".
Speaking to BBC News, he said: "It's really a dreadful piece of news.
"I remember going to the very first night of the Comedy Store and thinking 'Where does this come from?'.
"It was the most extraordinary thing, him and Ade Edmondson doing the Dangerous Brothers, they were called, and you just felt you were in the presence of something, a whole revolutionary thing."
↧
↧
Budding hack required for cat newsletter
Exeter Axhayes Cats Protection adoption centre is looking for someone who can help to produce their quarterly newsletter. The Friends of Axhayes group are a group of fund raisers who meet regularly to help organise events and raise much needed funds for the adoption centre.
They are looking for someone with desk top publishing skills and a flair for creative writing to help write, edit and publish their quarterly newsletter. The newsletter keeps people up to date with forthcoming events, news etc. and is usually no more than two pages in size and the person needed would just need to colate information, write articles, edit and send a proof to the centre for sign off and printing. This is an idea role for someone wanting a volunteering role but who can only spare a few hours a month and would like to work from home.
For more information or to to arrange an informal chat give Lou a call on 01395 232 377 or email ExeterAxhayes@cats.org.uk
Axhayes adoption centre has various voluntary roles available, from cat carers to fund raisers, socialisers to gardeners. From a few hours now and again to regular hours each week. If you would like to know more about volunteering with Cats Protection give the centre a call or email them on the details above.
They are looking for someone with desk top publishing skills and a flair for creative writing to help write, edit and publish their quarterly newsletter. The newsletter keeps people up to date with forthcoming events, news etc. and is usually no more than two pages in size and the person needed would just need to colate information, write articles, edit and send a proof to the centre for sign off and printing. This is an idea role for someone wanting a volunteering role but who can only spare a few hours a month and would like to work from home.
For more information or to to arrange an informal chat give Lou a call on 01395 232 377 or email ExeterAxhayes@cats.org.uk
Axhayes adoption centre has various voluntary roles available, from cat carers to fund raisers, socialisers to gardeners. From a few hours now and again to regular hours each week. If you would like to know more about volunteering with Cats Protection give the centre a call or email them on the details above.
↧
Can you help? Police appeal for help in tracing 14-year-old Devon girl
A 14-year-old Devon girl has been missing for nearly a week, police say.
An appeal for the public to help locate Jamie Cordy, who was reported missing on Tuesday June 3 at around 7.45pm, was issued by Devon and Cornwall police on Monday.
Jamie was last seen in Torquay town centre earlier that afternoon, when she said she was going to visit a friend, but did not return home in the evening as expected.
A police statement said: "She is described as white, 5ft 3ins, of medium build with medium length brown hair, and was last seen wearing black trousers or leggings, a white vest top, a black hooded top and black shoes.
Response officer PC Terry Maidens, who is assisting with the search for Jamie, said: "It's not the first time Jamie has gone missing but her family are very concerned about her as she has not disappeared for this length of time before.
"Although she is 14, she looks older. We are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen her in the last week."
Jamie has some links to the Bristol area, which are also being checked by police.
Anyone who has seen Jamie, or knows of her whereabouts, is asked to call police on 101 quoting reference 714 of June 3, or alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
A police spokesman said: "Crimestoppers calls are free, you do not have to give your name and address and you may be eligible for a cash reward.
"No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court."
↧
Road closed in Beer after coach catches fire
A road has been closed in East Devon this afternoon following a coach fire.
A blaze has broken out on the A3052 near Hollyhead Road between Beer and Seaton.
The road is closed at the junction with B3172 and A3052.
No one was trapped in the vehicle and police are asking drivers to avoid the area.
↧