The first National Real Vanilla Day is being held here in Devon to celebrate the world's favourite flavour.

The unique two-day event, being held at Bickleigh Castle on Friday, October 17, and Saturday, October 18, will be officially opened by 'Vanilla Queen' Patricia Rain, from California.

It will feature an array of cookery demonstrations including Rick Stein's head chef, Stephane Delourme; Indian TV chef and author Manju Malhi; kilted chef David Buchanan, and South West amateur chef of the year Steve Ashworth.

There will also be cookery classes for children led by Exeter-based Fun Kitchen, as well as a 'keep it real' bake-off competition, talks, tastings, book signings and more.

The vanilla celebration is being organised by LittlePod, an East-Devon based business which was founded by Janet Sawyer. The key to its success has been showing people there is an alternative to the cheap, artificial vanilla essence found in supermarkets.

Janet explains: "Vanilla essence is a cheap artificial substitute that's synthesised in chemical reactions. Real vanilla contains over 250 well-being compounds and can be used to enhance all dishes, both sweet and savoury.

"I think it's fantastic that the baker in the kitchen using real vanilla can directly impact on the farmers in the field in Madagascar.

"And what better way to celebrate the use of real vanilla than with two days filled with good company and great food in a beautiful setting?"

Flying in from California especially for the event is sustainability expert Patricia Rain, dubbed the 'Vanilla Queen'.

The author, educator, culinary historian, and owner of The Vanilla Company, is dedicated to the promotion of pure, natural vanilla, and the support of vanilla farmers worldwide.

The Vanilla Cookbook established her as an authority on the exotic rainforest product, and she has continued to do research on the diverse uses of vanilla including as a flavour in both sweet and savoury foods; as a medicine; as a fragrance; and in aromatherapy.

Patricia said: "People ask me all the time how, and why, I became the Vanilla Queen. There's a simple answer and there's a longer story. The simple answer is I've always loved vanilla and, as I have an inquiring mind, I wanted to learn everything possible about vanilla.

"What began as curiosity eventually led to devoting a large portion of my time to the promotion of this incredible tropical treasure and the people who grow it. And for that, I became known as the Vanilla Queen."

Patricia is using her status to promote vanilla and try to secure its future.

She alarmingly predicts: "We are on a precipice where we could lose pure vanilla within a generation."

Helping support her campaign is LittlePod, not just by organising a National Real Vanilla Day, but by selling high-quality vanilla products.

The company's signature product is a squeezy aluminium tube of natural vanilla paste which was launched in 2010, and has been hailed as an "evolution in the kitchen" by chefs and food lovers.

LittlePod owner Janet is releasing her first book this month and it will contain an eclectic mix of 50 recipes, both sweet and savoury, containing vanilla, including contributions from Yotam Ottolenghi, Rob Andrews of the Riverfield Kitchen, and executive chef of Patisserie Valerie, Leonel Gouveia.

It also explains vanilla's history and health benefits.

To join in the real vanilla campaign, Janet says there're three easy steps people need to take.

The first is to use real vanilla in our kitchens at home. Once you taste the difference, you'll never go back to artificial vanilla again.

The second step is to buy cosmetics, ice-cream, desserts, cakes and so on that contain pure, natural vanilla.

And the last step is to educate others on the difference between artificial vanilla and real vanilla.

Janet said: "The future of real vanilla remains dependent on our use of it in the West. If people continue to use artificial vanilla then farmers will increasingly turn to cultivating more lucrative crops such as palm oil to make a living."

Day tickets for National Real Vanilla Day at Bickleigh Castle in Bickleigh, Tiverton, cost £25, under-12s free, including tastings, classes, talks and demonstrations. To reserve tickets call 01395 232022 or visit www.nationalvanilladay.com

For more information about LittlePod visit www.littlepod.co.uk

This autumn half term, The Bike Shed Theatre will be celebrating a very special birthday party with Tortoise & Hare – and everyone is invited.

The show will include a three-course meal crafted from fine local produce as story-telling and cooking combine. Just one catch, you're the cook.

The show, which will be at the theatre from October 28 to November 1, is suitable for ages five and up, so get a head start with your little ones by trying one of Tortoise's favourite recipes at home – a seasonal and delicious pumpkin and sage soup.

Ingredients (serves 5)

600g pumpkin/squash/butternut - peeled, deseeded (retain seed to dry and roast) and cubed

30ml olive oil

150g onion - chopped

150g carrot - peeled and chopped

150g celery - sliced

10g sage - tough stalks removed, roughly torn

50g butter (optional)

A little seasoning

1 litre of boiling water/good vegetable or chicken stock

Method

1. Set a large saucepan over a medium-high heat and add the oil.

2. Once the oil is hot add the onion, carrot, celery and a generous pinch of salt.

3. After about 3-4 minutes when the vegetables begin to soften add the pumpkin and sage and cook gently until all the veg is soft and starting to caramelise a little.

4. Add the water/stock and bring to the boil. Simmer for 7-10 minutes.

5. Check that the pumpkin is soft enough to be squashed with the back of a wooden spoon with little effort. If so, remove from the heat and leave to rest for 10 minutes.

6. Using a stick blender, blend thoroughly until smooth (it'll take longer than you think!)

7. Add the butter and blend through. Check seasoning and stir in some salt and pepper as needed.

8. For an added kick of flavour, soften a little butter in a pan and add some finely chopped sage and salt. Chill in the fridge, and use to garnish when serving.

Don't miss next week's Echo2 when we will be offering the chance to win a pair of tickets to this interactive culinary performance.

Bar Venezia

61 Waterside, The Quay, Exeter

01392 423688

www.barvenezia.co.uk

From the moment you walk into Venezia you cannot fail but to be impressed by the individual Mediterranean ambience and the historical, unique location of being beside the beautiful river Exe.

During the day customers can sit beside the river and take time out to enjoy a delicious cappuccino and freshly made gateau.

In the evening, Bar Venezia becomes transformed into an intimate experience, enhanced by regular dance classes and club nights for Salsa, Bachata, Merengue and Kizomba.

The extensive menu offers the very best in Italian, Spanish, French, Portuguese and Greek cuisine, including a tremendous selection of succulent fish, vegetarian, meat and pasta dishes, or the classic pizza.

Testimony to the Venezia great food came when it was chosen as South West Italian Restaurant of the Year 2013.

What?

Starters include Wonton King Prawns, £7, and falafel pitta, £6. The main menu is divided into pizzas, pasta and meatballs, meat dishes, fish dishes and burgers. There is also a specials board.

Choices from across the menu range from Devonshire meatballs with minced Westcountry pork, apple and garlic, £8.50 for four balls or £9.50 for six balls; to calzone siciliano, a folded pizza with fresh tomatoes and olives, £8 for an 8 inch or £9.50 for a 12 inch.

Desserts include vanilla and cherry roulad, £4, and carrot and walnut cake, £3.50.

When?

Venezia is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 11pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 12am.

Extras?

Every Sunday night is Salsa Sunday Club where you can expect to hear some great salsa, bachata, merengue and reggaton music. You can start with a class and then spend the night dancing and meeting lots of salsa fans and teachers.

After last year's successful come back The Boomtown Rats are heading to Exeter to finish their autumn tour.

The band's last gig in the city was back in the Eighties, but fans got to see them recreating their magic when they headlined last year's Chagstock festival.

The new date at Exeter University's Great Hall on Sunday, November 9, was a late addition to the tour, and drummer Simon Crowe couldn't be happier because it means he won't have far to travel back to his cottage home between Totnes and Ashburton. The support act will be Wille & The Bandits.

The Echo is offering two readers the chance to win a pair of tickets to the gig. To enter simply answer the following question: What is the name of the Rats Devon-based drummer?

Send your answer on a postcard along with your name, address and telephone number to: Boomtown Rats Competition, c/o Anita Merritt, Express & Echo, Heron Road, Sowton, Exeter, EX2 7NF, or email it to amerritt@expressandecho.co.uk

The closing date is Monday, October 20. Usual terms and conditions apply.

Tickets for the show cost £25. Call 01392 723528 or visit www.seetickets.com

Nerina Pallot

Ivor Novello and Brit nominated singer songwriter Nerina Pallot, above, is coming to Exeter Phoenix on her current tour.

Nerina, known for writing soulful, lyrical songs woven with passionate sentiments, will be performing at the venue on Tuesday, October 14, at 8pm. Tickets cost £19. Call 01392 667080 or visit www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

India Electric Co

Fresh from touring with the likes of Midge Ure, Hazel O'Connor and Show of Hands, acoustic duo India Electric Co will play a charity gig at Exeter Golf and Country Club.

The show on Thursday, October 16, is in aid of Hospiscare and support on the night will come from local singer-songwriter Sarah Yeo. Tickets cost £14. Call 01392 874139.

Julian Cope

Rock musician, author, antiquary, musicologist, poet, cultural commentator and all round larger-than-life character Julian Cope is giving a rare solo gig in the city.

He will be appearing at Exeter Phoenix on Thursday, October 16, at 8pm. Tickets cost £22.50. Call 01392 667080 or visit www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

Let's Rock Exeter

Let's Rock Exeter, the ultimate Eighties festival is a new event coming to Powderham Castle next summer.

It will take place in the grounds of the castle on Saturday, July 4, and confirmed acts include Thompson Twins, Tom Bailey, Billy Ocean, Bananarama, ABC, Howard Jones, Midge Ure, Go West, Five Star, Nick Heyward, Nik Kershaw, and Brother Beyond. Tickets are on sale now. Visit www.letsrockexeter.com

Multi-award-winning stand-up, television and movie man Omid Djalili is back on the road and heading to Exeter with his new show.

It's a busy time for the popular comedian who has just published his autobiography. It focuses mainly on his life growing up in a large flat in Kensington, the son of Iranian parents, who ran "a sort of guest house" for fellow Iranians seeking medical care in the UK.

Djalili spent much of his time sleeping on the sofa to make way for paying guests and, left to his own devices, developed a keen sense of imagination.

He retook his A-levels four times and eventually managed to blag his way into the University of Ulster in Coleraine. While thereThen he decided to go for broke and, during reading week, flew to the US to get himself a place at Princeton.

"I'd seen films like The Graduate, and this whole thing of Ivy League universities was very much in my head, so I thought I could blag my way in," says the 48-year-old father-of-three.

Impressively, after stealing a door pass, he managed to attend a lecture and have an interview with the vice chancellor.

"I was trying to get a scholarship, and said I was a remarkable footballer. He took one look at me and said I wasn't really his 1986 cohort."

You might call this the delusion of youth – or having extraordinary self-belief.

"I've always felt that I wasn't stupid, but I don't know where this hopeful attitude came from," says the 48-year-old father of three.

"But I was lucky enough that something went right along the way."

Something has definitely gone right, but it seems Djalili has got where he is today – one of the country's best-loved stand-ups, who's had roles in films including The Mummy, Sex And The City 2 and Gladiator – against all odds.

He nearly drowned in a cesspit during a visit to relatives in Tehran as a child – an incident which he describes in hindsight in the book as hilarious, but which could have been a disaster – and was shot at by drunk Protestants while at university in Northern Ireland.

Having earned himself a 2:1 in humanities, he auditioned unsuccessfully for 16 drama schools, and drove limousines for the likes of Arab royalty around London for a decade to make ends meet. He eventually managed to land himself work as a jobbing actor – and fell in love. His tenacity came into its own when he spent years courting his now-wife, Annabel, even moving to Czechoslovakia at one point to "demonstrate detachment, dynamism and a pioneering spirit".

He thinks the persistence comes from being hurt as a child.

"From being rejected. Because I was in this crazy house with so many people and very much left alone," he says.

"The [house] guests were always more important and I just found my own way."

Djalili's parents always thought they'd return to Iran one day. But in 1979, the Islamic Revolution saw the country become a republic and people of his family's Baha'i faith were rounded up and killed. He hasn't returned since he was six and says it would be dangerous to go now.

While Djalili never experienced any racism growing up in Seventies London, apart from the odd 'dodgy old man' who called him "exotic", when the Islamic Revolution hit headlines, he assumed a "survival alter ego

"I was a very nervy adolescent – I had a moustache and started going to parties and saw girls from different schools who didn't know me. So I became this kid Chico and pretended I was Italian. For about a year and a half, I was being someone else."

In his book, Djalili reveals he "craved the limelight" from a young age, spurred on, in part, by his mother's visit to a psychic, who predicted: "Your third child is going to do something spectacular. He will be known throughout the whole world."

Then at university, he had "a moment on a beach when I was shouting at this god in the sky".

"I said, 'What do you want from me?' And it seemed very clear from the answer that was in my mind – but it could have been a hallucination through staying up all night. It said there was a path to follow in showbiz. It wasn't clear that it was acting, but I knew it was somewhere in the world of show business. Which I was damaged enough to fit in," he says, laughing.

Although now best known for his stand-up, he only came to it aged 30.

"It was something I actually succumbed to in the end. It kind of chose me after years of people saying, eEvery time I went up on stage there were gales of laughter – sometimes inadvertently."

His new tour, which started last month, will see him play 98-dates and is called Iranalamadingdong. It focuses less on his background and more on getting older.

He's also making his debut as a film director with a drama about gang warfare among Asians in the Midlands, which is "epic and very British", he says. "I've always wanted to make serious films. Comedy's important, it's very good to laugh. But when I look back at all my favourite films, they're all drama."

Omid Djalili's Iranalamadingdong plays at Exeter's Corn Exchange on October 13, 8.30pm. More details on 01392 665938 or visit www.exeter.gov.uk/cornexchange

Hopeful by Omid Djalili is published in hardback by Headline is priced £20.

The family of a five-year-old girl from Exeter, who "captured the hearts of the city" during her battle with a rare brain cancer, said they are "encouraged" by the early results of a research project being done in her memory. The Billie Bainbridge Research Strategy is a major three-year research programme under the leadership of Professor Richard Grundy at the Children's Brain Tumour Research Centre at the University of Nottingham. It is focusing on the causes and potential treatment of diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas, the rare tumour which caused Billie's tragic death in June 2012. Billie's grandad Pete Bainbridge said the family visited the project last week to listen to the progress made during the first year. He said: "We are very encouraged by the progress the research team have made, but of course there is a long way to go before any new treatments are developed. "It is really good to know that the fantastic efforts of so many people to raise money for the Billie Butterfly campaign are resulting in real progress towards beating this appalling disease." Following her devastating diagnosis in 2011, family and friends set up the Billie Butterfly Fund to fund extra treatment abroad after being told by medical staff in the UK there was nothing more that could be done here. In just a few months, £396,000 was raised – almost double the original target – and only a quarter was eventually spent on Billie's treatment. But the family have always maintained any money left over would go towards research into childhood brain tumours and transferred £267,000 to the research project. Billie lost her brave battle with brain cancer at the age of five in 2012. Mr Bainbridge added: "We went up there last week and were given a presentation by Dr Farhana Haque, the research fellow appointed to the project, had discussions with the research team headed by Professor Richard Grundy and toured the labs to see how the research is being carried out. "This gave us a much better understanding of the research and we were much encouraged by the progress being made. "The key progress so far has been the development of antibodies to enable the detection of the mutated histone proteins found in Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Gliomas (Billie's type of brain tumour). They have now succeeded in getting the antibodies to stick specifically to the mutated histones. "The next stage is to use the antibodies to work out the cellular processes that go wrong when the histones are mutated. They also plan to assess whether the antibodies have any potential as a new treatment." Billie's father Sam Bainbridge, who lives in St Leonard's with wife Terri and their other child Joe, said: "This project looks specifically at DIPG because that was Billie's tumour, but it is all a matter of building blocks. "What they find out will benefit all forms of it. It is about building a way to find the answers. "It is about getting closer to finding a cure and discovering treatments which can help. "At the moment there isn't any treatment for what Billie had. There is radiotherapy, which will only buy time. That is all it will do." The full annual report from Professor Richard Grundy can be viewed on our website.

Culinary superstars The Hairy Bikers, John Torode and MasterChef winner Ping Combes will soon be mixing it up with food lovers and families at Westpoint, Exeter.

The Big Food Show comes to Exeter following M&K Events success of The Big Cake Show, earlier this year.

Having enticed cooking legends to star in a 'London style' three-day event the company have now packed the pie with many other hits.

This month, from October 24 to 26, much-loved regional chefs Peter Gorton, River Cottage's Steve Lamb and Big Baker Glen Cosby, will share their Westcountry charm and expertise. The show anticipates 15,000 visitors over the three days and will be supporting Macmillan charity with donations of £2 from every full-priced adult ticket purchased online.

Show director Mel Edwards said: "Pre-show ticket sales have started well as the all-inclusive ticket gives foodies access to exciting new recipe demonstrations from celebrity chefs each day.

"Separate classroom workshops are available for special interests. Children are well catered for and will be cooking up a storm while learning new skills in the Fun Kitchen, sponsored by Waitrose.

"Entertainment and style are key ingredients, but it was important visitors obtained added value from the show, which has a strong educational element."

Workshops will be led by double award-winning food teacher and found of Fun Kitchen Joe Mann, who said: "Bring your children along for fantastic foodie fun in the kitchen as we invite young chefs to cook up scrumptious treats and make mouth-watering new foods with the Fun Kitchen cookery school company.

"We will be running children's fun filled cookery workshops every hour on the hour in our dedicated Kids Kitchen Zone sponsored by Waitrose.

"Children can learn new skills by getting their hands dirty and getting stuck in making something they can take home for the family to share," Joe added.

"Whether a child is crazy about baking, potty about pies and pastry, or simply bonkers about bread, I want to give them the skills, knowledge and confidence to enjoy making their own great tasting fresh food by having fun in our kitchens at the Big Food Show."

Other features at the show include Fascinating Fun Food, where visitors will be able to experiment with sausage making, have a freezing food frenzy with CO2, eat edible grubs and bugs, try live cow milking, and much, much more.

Otter Valley Dairy is sponsoring an Ice Cream Competition for the show. Primary School children are invited to create their very own flavour to be made and presented on the Sunday. Entry forms can be downloaded from the website or obtained from participating schools.

Budding or experienced cooks can learn new techniques. Game butchery from Good Game, understand more about cooking shell fish with Richard Hunt, all sorts of cake and baking classes or soak up the atmosphere with a glass of wine from Yannick Loue of Le Vignoble.

Darts Farm, Riverford, Sugar & Crumbs with specialised gluten/dairy free, and organic exhibitors are attending. Local favourites La Cantina, Fancy-That Caribbean Food, and Eat The Smoke will keep vegetarian and meat-loving visitors happy with hot fresh and wholesome food all day. Many exhibitors are promising first time and show-only offers.

The show is a first for Devon. Co-director Kim Edwards said: "We are both from Exeter and were disappointed to have to travel long distances to enjoy shows similar in size or format to The Big Food Show. We felt regional producers and food lovers often missed out due to the high costs associated with travelling and exhibiting at celebrity shows in London.

"We've taken some of the glitz from the city, stirred in our regional flavour and created a truly unique blend of entertainment, education and fun for all baking and food lovers.

"Devon is a quickly growing vastly cultured area. Combining popular celebrities with niche producers from the region for visitors to enjoy is just part of why we do this. Small and large businesses can compete on an equal footing."

The Fledgling Business Competition offers the winner a free stand at the show and will be voted for by followers on The Big Food Show Facebook page. Businesses under three years old are eligible. Applicants should go to The Big Food Show website for entry details.

The Big Food Show is all about accessibility and is running various offers and discounts to suit everyone so tickets are selling fast. If it follows The Big Cake Show it will sell out quickly.

The Big Food Show runs from October 24 to 26 at Westpoint, Exeter. Tickets can be purchased online at www.thebigfoodshow.com and start from £8 for a child, £12 for students/senior citizens and £34 for a family of four. To donate £2 of the ticket price to the Macmillan charity enter 'Macmillan' in the Coupon Code online. For further information email: info@thebigfoodshow.com or call: 01392 826200. 

A plan by four men to rob a suspected drug dealer in Exeter escalated into a kidnapping in which he was beaten up, bundled into a car, and left in a wood, bound with tape and sitting by a fallen tree, a court was told. The attack on Steven Miller was carried out in broad daylight in July last year, and was seen by passers-by and workmen. They told police the number plate of the silver Vauxhall Corsa, which was then found by farmer Alan Crozier, who became suspicious and reported it on his land. 

The plan was hatched by four men from London. William Pugh, 22, Jerome James, 26, Claudio Diko, 20, and Cedric Lushima, 19, all of Lebus Street, London, admitted kidnap along with George Watts, 22, of Ladysmith Lane, Exeter. James, Diko and Lushima were each jailed for four years while Pugh was given three years after the judge accepted he was not involved in any direct violence. Watts received a suspended sentence of 12 months suspended for two years, and a community order and curfew from 11.30pm to 6am for three months, 180 hours' unpaid work, and a victim surcharge of £100. Taunton Crown Court was told Mr Miller was known to Watts, who had moved to London as a student at London Metropolitan University where he became friends with Pugh and the other two defendants. They arranged with Watts to travel by train to Exeter on July 22 last year, and planned to return to London by coach later that day. They kidnapped Mr Miller from his girlfriend's car from outside the One Stop Shop in Woodwater Lane, Exeter. One of them shook his hand, but did not let go and dragged him from the car. The 24 year-old, a convicted drug dealer, was coshed over the head and beaten with a heavy steel weightlifting bar and a truncheon, and carried "bumps-a-daisy" fashion by his arms and legs to Watts' car. He was bundled in and driven five and a half miles to woods at Huxham Brake, near Stoke Canon. He suffered a blow to his head, which needed stitches, and "numerous other bruises and marks to his body", said Gareth Evans, prosecuting. The gang demanded his stash of drugs or £5,000. They drove off and were stopped by police, who had been alerted by witnesses. Officers went into the woods and found Mr Miller bound with tape and sitting on a tree. A metal bar and small baton were found nearby. At some stage during his time in the woods, two defendants, believed to be Diko and Watts, got water from Stoke Canon post office for him. James tried to run off when officers arrived, but was stopped by a police dog. Diko and Lushima were detained about a mile away. Stephen Dent, for Pugh, said he played a lesser role in what was intended to be a snatch of the drugs. "There was never any intention to kidnap. He was intended to be bundled into the car and bundled out again half a mile down the road. It evolved in a way he never wanted," he added. He had became involved in the "underworld of substance abuse" following family problems. Sam Parham, for James, said he started using drugs when he found out his daughter "might not be his", and he worked as a chef's assistant.. He played a "pivotal role" in moving Mr Miller from from one car to the other. Kevin Malloy, for Diko, said there was no direct evidence he had a weapon and none of them expected that what developed would happen. Any violence was mitigated by his level of care. Alan Morgan for Lushima said he. was struggling with life and had turned to drugs. His role had been unfairly elevated, he said, and kidnapping had developed from what was planned. Sentencing Pugh, James, Diko, and Lushima, who pleaded guilty nearly a year ago, Judge Geoffrey Mercer QC said it was a serious incident and he was giving full credit for their early pleas. Witnesses of the kidnapping were "stunned" by what they saw. Mr Miller was kept in the woods for some two hours and was terrified. He accepted that what happened to a large extent was not planned but developed "organically". They were all intelligent young men who had wasted their lives through drugs. Joss Ticehurst, for Evans, who pleaded guilty shortly before giving evidence at his trial earlier this year, said he deeply regrets his involvement and wished to make amends.The judge said he appeared to have been "reluctantly" involved in the kidnapping and was shocked. He added "I have no doubt you knew something was planned and you agreed to pick them up from Exeter St Davids station. I have no doubt you were taken by surprise when Mr Miller was bundled into the car and that you played no further part and wanted nothing to do with what was happening, but you continued to drive. What you did was out of character."

Exeter College has been warned that its reputation is at stake if its students fail to clean up their act. Since the start of the new academic term, residents have been complaining about litter problems in Northernhay and Rougemont gardens, and Bury Meadow park. A meeting was held between the city council, residents and the college to try to find a solution. Afterwards Keith Owen, the city's lead councillor for environment, said: "We had a useful discussion about the unacceptable behaviour of a number of young people using the city centre parks. "It remains to be seen if the situation will improve as a result of the meeting. "It was made clear to the college management that the reputation of the college was at risk if it did not." Cllr Owen added that the college had explained its limited ability to do anything about this, although its staff had occasionally walked around the parks to keep an eye on student behaviour there. Cllr Owen said: "It was agreed that there would be better communication in future between the college and the city council, with council parks' staff being assisted by receiving feedback from the college staff on what they found in the parks. "It was agreed that there would be a follow-up meeting in April to decide on plans for the months ahead when parks would get busier again. Steve Strang, head of estates at Exeter College, said: "We agreed that communications were critical between all parties to tackle these issues, and we are going to meet each term as a group to monitor progress. "The college has currently stepped up patrols by our security team to reinforce good behaviour in our students. "In the long term, the college is investing in a new maths and science centre at existing National House building on Queen Street, which incorporates a large social space, which is hoped will take some of the pressure of the parks by providing an alternative location for some students during break times." Christine Fraser, chairman of St David's Neighbourhood Partnership, said that she hoped the college would sign up to the Exeter Green Partnership which is being proposed for the city. The existence of such a partnership would engage all sectors, make access to grant funding easier, and provide insurance cover for people who wanted to take on things to improve the city's green spaces. Ms Fraser said: "Businesses, Women's Institutes, residents' associations, brownie groups, schools - anybody who is interested in where they live and would like to see these spaces flourish will be invited to take part. "The aim is to improve Exeter's entry in the Britain in Bloom by 2016 to a gold rating."