Around Exeter area by area, the news down your street edited by Anne Byrne. Contribute by emailing Anne on abyrne@expressandecho.co.uk or give us a call on 01392 442233 Beacon Heath False 999 calls NEIGHBOURHOOD beat officers are appealing for help from the public to catch whoever is making false 999 calls in the area. PCSO Ed Mitchell told Community News: "Over the last few months, but with increasing frequency in the last couple of weeks, there have been numerous false 999 calls made from the payphone opposite the shops on Beacon Lane. "Those persons responsible frequently call 999 and laughing is heard by operators in the background. They then leave the handset off the hook so that operators are unable to phone back to verify if there is a concern for welfare or a genuine problem. "The local policing team would ask all residents and businesses in the area to be aware of these incidents and to pass on any information about suspicious activity to the police non-emergency number 101." City centre Swift tower COULD the long-awaited swift tower on the Paris Street roundabout be about to appear? At a cost of £40,000, the tower is being paid for under the terms of a planning agreement with the nearby Jurys Inn for public art. The hotel opened in the summer of 2009. It was hoped that the tower would be unveiled this summer but there was a delay and a new date of 'early autumn' was given. Now that we are into winter, Community News made further enquiries and there has been a further delay. A spokesman for the city council has now said: "We are currently waiting to hear from the supplier and expect a response before Christmas: we will then be able to firm up on the delivery time and the likely installation date." The intention is to turn the roundabout into a wildlife haven with homes for minibeasts and nesting birds. Pothole or not? WHEN is a pothole not a pothole? Or, put another way, how does Devon County Council define a pothole? That is the question being posed by county councillor Percy Prowse after spotting a pothole in Market Street by the Hospiscare shop which he says is a danger to cyclists and motor cyclists. Cllr Prowse said: "This pothole is four to five inches deep and yet the county council has said that it is not a pothole as it doesn't have any sharp edges, it has rounded edges. "Anyone else standing looking at this road would say it is a pothole. It is right down to the bedrock. "It's ridiculous." According to the county council's website the authority will only carry out a repair on a pothole which is more than 40mm deep and greater than 300mm in any horizontal direction. If the pothole meets these criteria it is classed as a safety defect and a temporary or permanent repair will be done. The type of repair depends on the category of the road. A spokeswoman for the county council said: "A pothole in Market Street has been identified as a safety defect and in accordance with county policy it has been signed and guarded until permanent repairs can be undertaken. "The pothole is situated close to the junction of Fore Street where there are two lanes exiting and therefore does not impede traffic flow too much. "Due to the nature of the road, these works are arranged to be carried out overnight in conjunction with surface defects which exist at the top of Paris Street, which is of equal traffic sensitivity. "Cllr Prowse should be aware of these arrangements having been on site with a neighbourhood highways officer." Ship's bell FOR the first time a meeting of the full city council has been called to order by the ringing of the bell of HMS Exeter. The bell (pictured below left) is currently in the Guildhall, on loan from White Ensign Club. It was rung four times on Tuesday, December 16 at the council meeting. City-wide Disabled bays COUNCILLORS are continuing to work to get rid of disabled parking bays which are no longer needed. A few weeks ago Cllr Rob Hannaford urged residents to contact their local councillors if they knew of such bays in their area. Pennsylvania councillor Peter Holland was one who was contacted. Cllr Holland said: "Unfortunately some of these parking bays are not covered by a traffic order and are thereby not enforceable if abused by an inconsiderate motorist. "The highways department of Devon County Council has a backlog of such parking bays still to be covered by a traffic order. "Equally it is disappointing and frustrating to discover that where there is no longer a need for a parking bay, say when a disabled resident has moved home or passed away, they have not been taken out of service. Our city has few enough parking spaces for its residents and their visitors. Duryard councillor Percy Prowse and myself have been working with the county council to address the apathy which appears to surround the current situation. "It is hoped there will be a swift resolution to address the situation." A Devon County Council spokesman said: "Disabled parking bays are provided in areas where it is shown that there is a need which meets the council's policy. "We would welcome receiving information on any bays which are not being used or are being misused. "If an advisory bay is being misused, but is required by a blue badge holder, we can carry out the legal process to upgrade it to a mandatory bay. "We provide a three-week notice period before removing advisory bays to ensure it isn't required by another blue badge holder in the area and isn't removed unnecessarily. "Removing a mandatory bay has to go through the full legal Traffic Regulation Order process to ensure that we have completed our legal requirements before we make any changes on-street." Allow speaking IN a bid to encourage more residents to attend meetings of Exeter City Council, Pennsylvania councillor Peter Holland is asking that they be allowed to speak at the meetings. To that end he is putting forward a motion at the next full council meeting. Cllr Holland said: "Although I have only been a city councillor for a short period of time it has been a surprise and disappointment to me that so few Exeter residents attend our full council meetings in the iconic Guildhall. "At the last meeting on October 15 only three members of the public attended. "Having taken a straw pole among the constituents of Stoke Hill and Pennsylvania a small but significant number of residents have suggested to me that the reason is that no one may speak other than the elected members." Cllr Holland added: "In the interests of transparency and engagement I hope that our council will support the motion. "I have taken the liberty of benchmarking it against other similar sized councils and can confirm that other authorities have adopted such an approach. "I am passionate about local government and for our city council to have the credibility of the good people of Exeter they need to see their elected members 'at work' and how they make fair and appropriate decisions on behalf of the residents who put them in a position of responsibility. "We live in a vibrant and diverse city and it is with that in mind that I wish to promote this motion maintaining and improving the strong community which already exists." The motion reads: "This motion seeks to explore the viability of allowing members of the public to ask questions of this council at its commencement of full council meetings. This may or may not include questions written in advance. In addition to consider that the same facility to be afforded at executive meetings which may only be restricted to agenda items." Handbell thanks THE Heavitree Team Handbell Ringers would like to thank everyone who supported their recent fundraising in Sainsbury's Pinhoe and in John Lewis. In Sainsbury's £100 was raised for Hospiscare and in John Lewis £365.96 was raised for the Salvation Army's toy appeal. Clyst Honiton Festive events EVERYONE is looking forward to Christmas events planned by the village church. There will be Carols in the Pub when friends and relatives get together to sing carols, eat festive food and take part in a festive draw. This event started four years ago and has become an annual favourite in the village. This year Rev Steve Dyson will be keeping order at the event which will take place on Saturday, December 20, at 7.30pm. The following day, Sunday, December 21, the carol service in church takes place at 6.30pm. Sheila Watson, churchwarden, said: "Everyone is welcome to come along and join us for carols and readings in our small, candlelit church. "There will be mince pies and mulled wine afterwards to enjoy while wishing friends old and new a Happy Christmas. "On Christmas Eve the Christmas season really begins with a midnight Christmas communion service which begins at 11.30pm in the church." Countess Wear Still spinning! MICK Groves, formerly of The Spinners the folk group who reached international fame in the 60s to 80s is returning to Countess Wear Village Hall by popular demand. Those attending the event on Saturday, December 20 will be able to sing along with all of the Spinners Christmas favourites such as Silent Night, Twelve Days of Christmas, Hava Nagila, Mrs Hooligan's Christmas Cake, and new songs from his current CD 'Still Spinning', a stocking filler for Spinners fans which will be on sale on the night. The concert begins at 7.30pm and there is a licensed bar. Tickets are £10, including a finger buffet and are available from Poppy's Flowers Topsham Road. Enquiries 01392 682550. Cowick New surface THE petition asking the county council to re-surface Dorset Avenue has been presented to the leader of the council, Cllr John Hart by local councillor Roy Hill. Chimney pots THREE terracotta pots could soon be added to the Grade I listed Bowhill House in Dunsford Road in a bid to make it warmer. The building dates from about 1500 and was owned by two families – the Hollands in the 15th century, passing (by marriage) to the Carew family in the early 16th century. After the 1930s the house fell into disrepair and was bought in 1976 by the Department of the Environment. It then underwent a lengthy restoration by English Heritage and is now used as offices. The purpose of the pots on the chimneys would be to ensure the efficient working of wood burning stoves which are proposed for the property. Heavitree Tree festival THE parish church in Church Street is to be open between 10.30am and 3pm on Saturday, December 20 so that people can see the church being got ready for Christmas. There will be a display of Christmas trees. Mincinglake Road petition A PETITION from residents requesting that Woolsery Avenue and Kennerley Avenue be re-surfaced has been handed into the county council by local councillor Emma Morse. Cllr Morse said: "The condition is poor but it is very low on the list of priorities, being that it is not considered a safety defect and it is a low use road. "The petitioners are asking that the roads be put on a list for works, or if they are already on it that they are bumped up in some way. "As some one who drives these roads three or four times a month I have to agree that the roads are in a terrible state and I completely agree that something should be done. "I hope that the county council is able to find some money in the near future to do the works." Newcourt Safer roads AT the end of November, a four-year-old child crossing Omaha Drive on the Rydons development, Newcourt, was hit by a car. She was taken to hospital for a check-up before returning home. The driver of the car was not speeding. However, after at least three years of residents expressing their concern about speeding traffic, lack of a crossing on Omaha Drive, and lack of sensible parking provision in Newcourt, this accident has goaded residents to action. Since the accident Omaha Drive residents have gathered hundreds of signatures from neighbours backing a petition appealing for Persimmon and the county council to complete the process of road and pavement adoption immediately. John Arkell, chairman of Newcourt Community Association, said: "This would mean the road will be able to have clear, police-enforceable speed and parking restrictions. "Persimmon stopped construction in the Rydons almost two years ago, and the county council assures the association that adoption of Omaha Drive section of the access road will soon be complete. "However, the community is still waiting. In addition, the petition calls for a pedestrian crossing to be installed, to allow children to cross safely from their homes on the other side of Omaha Drive to the Rydons Play Park." At the beginning of December, following the collection of the first batch of signatures for the petition, 20 residents along with local councillor Andrew Leadbetter, met to discuss further ways to ensure that no more children were hurt. Mr Arkell said: "A majority of the residents present expressed their support for a campaign of visible protest." The residents want further speed restriction and traffic calming signs. Cllr Leadbetter said: "I've listened to the concerns of the community association and am happy to work with them in lobbying for these road safety measures. "In particular I will look into the possibility of providing a pedestrian crossing." Newcourt residents are to meet again on January 15, along with the community association's committee to plan the next steps of their campaign to do what is necessary to ensure the safety of children and adults along River Plate Road and Omaha Drive. Newtown Speedy action LAST week we reported that local councillor Richard Westlake was to seek an urgent review of the paving slabs in Sidwell Street after receiving several complaints from shoppers. Now Cllr Westlake has told Community News that the county council has found some money within its city centre account and is to 'do a considerable amount of work on the slabs in Sidwell Street'. Cllr Westlake said: "This is great news. "I walked down Sidwell Street the other day and there are some very bad slabs indeed, on both sides of the road. A spokesman for the county council said: "Work to re-lay slabs and replace them where necessary in Sidwell Street, will be carried out in the next financial year (2015/16). "A date for the programme is yet to be confirmed." Pinhoe Carol service THERE will be a candlelit carol service in the parish church on Monday, December 22 at 6.30pm. It will be followed by mulled wine and mince pies. Pinhoe/Beacon Heath Come and talk! RESIDENTS in the Pinhoe, Beacon Heath, Whipton Barton and Heavitree areas will have a chance to meet their local police officers and police community support officers at Sainsbury's, Hill Barton Road on Saturday, December 20 from 10.30am to 2.30pm. Residents will be able to talk to officers about any community issues in their areas. Officers will also be giving crime prevention advice plus there will be free stickers, colouring in sets, pens and pencils for children. Polsloe Grass verges ACTION is being considered with regard to those who are parking on grass verges in Wykes Road. Local councillor Richard Westlake told Community News: "I have had a number of phone calls from residents about this. "It relates to Wykes Road and the roads off it. "Larger vehicles are being parked on the verges and in this weather it means that the grass is being ripped to pieces. "Understandably a lot of residents are getting very upset about this. "I have contacted the county council and it is looking at the possibility of taking action against the people responsible. "I would appeal to drivers not to park on the grass verges." Residents only CLLR Westlake has contacted the county council for the latest news on the proposed residents' parking. Cllr Westlake said: "I really want to know where we are with this as so many residents have been asking about it." RD&E Hospital First novel GRAEME Smith, a maintenance assistant from the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust Estates department who is well known around Heavitree hospital for his successful charity book stall, has just published his very first novel, The Awakening of Abraham Brown. Over the past five years Graeme (pictured left) has raised more than £10,000 for charity by wheeling out his charity trolley, stacked mainly with books and some bric-a-brac, into the main entrance foyer of Heavitree hospital. Patients and staff donate items to the stall each week, which supports two main charities, the Devon Air Ambulance and Children's Hospice South West. Other charities that have benefited from the stall's proceeds in the past are the NSPCC, BBC Children in Need and several smaller children's charities. Now Graeme's love of books has seen him write one of his very own. His new book, published by Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd, is set during the Second World War. It follows three American servicemen who are captured by a group of Nazi soldiers while separated from their platoon in southern France. Graeme said: "I cannot thank the staff enough at Heavitree Hospital for their support and generous donations to the stall over the years. "I am always amazed at the amount of books that are donated and bought each week and I am delighted to have had my novel published as well." St Loye's Parking danger A BROADFIELDS residents is appealing to drivers not to park on junctions. The resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "I work at the RD&E hospital and ride a moped to and from work. "When travelling home in the dark, I find it increasingly frustrating that all along Broadfields Road and down the various side roads, people are parking their vehicles, especially high vehicles such as vans, right on junctions thus restricting views to cars pulling out of those junctions making it very dangerous. "This is especially true for me on my moped. "I have suffered many a near miss as cars simply cannot see me and frequently pull out on me – even though I have my headlights on – and I am afraid that one day I will get knocked off my bike all because people will not park within the law! "I am sure if a road traffic officer were to take a look around Broadfields in the evenings he would more than earn his wages from tickets that he could issue to all the illegal parkers with no thought for other road users. "I know that it is actually illegal to park less than 10 metres from a junction." Local councillor Andrew Leadbetter told Community News: "I will arrange to meet this resident to discuss her concerns and will also bring the problem to the attention of the local PCSOs." Topsham Memory matters SEAWARD House in Topsham will be taking over the running of the Memory Matters activity club in the town from December 1. The activity club has been running for a year under the auspice of Memory Matters South West, specialists in dementia activities in the area. The clubs provide meaningful activity and occupation for people living with dementia in the community while giving carers a full day of respite. The clubs have been developed over a number of years and Sallie, proprietor of the Mede which provides holidays to people living with dementia and their carers, has been hosting a Memory Matters Club on Mondays at Seaward house, the neighbouring property to the Mede. From the beginning of December the ownership will transfer over to Sallie Rutledge, who will be managing the club with lead facilitator and occupational therapist Becky Grimwood. Laura Walker, director, along with Kate Smith, of Memory Matters South West said: "Kate and I are delighted to see Seaward House going from strength to strength. "It made sense for us to step out as we have complete confidence in Sallie's ability to take Seaward House through to the next chapter, providing excellent activity and occupation in the community for people living with dementia." University Soda can tree CHRISTMAS at the University of Exeter this year has seen the creation of a festive tree made entirely from recycled aluminium cans found on campus. As part of NUS Green Impact Excellence scheme, the University Green Belters project team collected and washed more than 1,200 cans found the Streatham campus, and attached these to a metal 'tree' frame, made by a member of staff in the property services team. The huge Christmas tree can be seen in the university's Forum building and will be on display throughout the festive season. The Christmas tree project is also taking place at the University of Exeter's Penryn Campus and aims to raise awareness of the importance of recycling. Cycle safety HAVING witnessed a substantial increase in the number of staff and students cycling to the university's campuses in 2014, up 52 per cent compared with 2013, the university's sustainability team has taken a proactive approach, working in collaboration with local partners, to highlight the importance of cycle safety and security. Alongside free cycle safety check-ups and free cycle security marking, staff and students were able to access discounted cycle lights, locks and high visibility clothing, free cycle training through collaboration with Devon County Council and tailored cycle route planning advice from Sustrans. The team also engaged directly with more than 100 cyclists as part of a cycle safety Stop and Advise scheme with support from Devon and Cornwall police and student community wardens. Whipton Barton Lunch club? AFTER some 20 years, the luncheon club run by Whipton Community Association looks set to close because of lack of numbers and funding. Peter Gentry, chairman of the association, said: "We have another two lunches before the end of the year. "We will look at it again in the new year but it is not looking hopeful. "When it started about 20 years ago we had 40-plus coming but they could walk or get a lift. "Now many are in wheelchairs which means they can't come by ordinary car. "Freedom Wheels provides transport and it is absolutely brilliant, but there is a cost. "Four of our members are in their 90s and come when they can but we do need to be able to cover our costs." If you could help with funding or want to find out more about the club please call Mr Gentry on 01392 468109. The association is also still looking for secretarial help. For more details about this, please also contact Mr Gentry.

RECENTLY I have been busy right across my patch. I cover 550 square miles and it takes well over an hour to drive from one side to the other. First up was a chance to support Small Business Saturday – a non-political project to highlight small business success and encourage local shopping. The Federation of Small Business and plenty of local traders in Okehampton threw themselves into it. I visited a number of great local retailers – most were cautiously reporting improved trading conditions although the cost of business rates continues to be a challenge. My sense is that if we can just keep the economy going in the right direction then businesses will continue to fight back. More than 90 per cent of businesses in Central Devon employ fewer than 10 people and they are vital for local jobs and prosperity. In fact, without them, we would never be able to afford our vital public services. After Okehampton I was off to my home town Ashburton to visit the Ashburton Makers Christmas Fair. An event where local craftsmen and women display and sell their wares. Everything from pottery to cards to woodcarving. I am very grateful to Jackie and Cliff Ellis for making me feel so welcome and for all their hard work in making these events happen. In Crediton I was delighted to have the opportunity to visit the Christmas tree exhibition at St Boniface Church. I was particularly impressed with the Landscore School entry that commemorated the First World War with a wonderful display of white and red poppies. The Knit Wits also provided an outstanding display with knitted animals including elephants and a vividly bright cockatoo. In Chagford, after dropping in to buy some wine for Christmas from Jonathan at Best Cellars (highly recommended – why buy from the large supermarkets when you can get great, very well priced wine, plus loads of sound advice from local wine merchants). I held a question and answer session in Jubilee Hall in Chagford. There was a very good turnout and a wide variety of issues was raised including the EU, our defence policy, rural broadband, local rail and road infrastructure and issues surrounding the potential rebuilding of Chagford School – I remain very supportive of the school's governors and their hard work in addressing the various issues around this project. I also held surgeries in Silverton and Bradninch. For more on my work in Central Devon visit www.melstridemp.com As a family we decorated our Christmas tree last week. Our young daughters rallied round and it was a wonderful family occasion with carols interspersed with Slade, Mud, a bit of 80s glam rock – a glass of wine or two, an early mince pie, some less than tuneful singing, some rather awkward dancing on my part (well dads are never dancers) and a short discussion on the meaning of Christmas. The Christmas tree tradition really came in force to our shores during Victoria's reign. It was Prince Albert who turbo-charged its advance – ensuring that the tree was the centrepiece of royal Christmas celebrations and providing complimentary conifers to local schools and the army barracks in Windsor. The Germanic part of Europe's claim to the tree can be traced back far further to St Boniface (Germany's patron saint) who during his seventh century life of hyperactive Christian mission famously cut down an oak which was being worshiped by pagans in Hesse and replaced it with an evergreen. The shape of the tree – being roughly triangular – is said to be suggestive of the trinity. The rather precise and big moment for the explosive rise of the Christmas tree was 1848 when the royal Christmas scene, complete with tree at centre was captured in an engraving that was reproduced in the London Illustrative News. At that precise moment the future of the humble Crimble tree was secured as it stretched its needled fingers throughout the country and the empire beyond.So from Germany to us to the rest of the world. Or perhaps that should be from Devon to the world. For St Boniface was, after all, thought to have been born in Devon – in Crediton in the heart of our parliamentary constituency.

Alan Carter, @ 52, of Queen Street, Exmouth, has been jailed for 28 days for twice breaching a restraining order by attending an address in Exmouth he was banned from. Magistrates said this was because the offences were committed during a suspended sentence order made in respect of proceedings against the same defendant. He must also pay an £80 victim surcharge. David Tape, @ 36, of Smythen Street, Exeter, admitted stealing two folding lock knives, worth £179.98, from the Kit Shop in Fore Street, Exeter, on September 2. He was given a 12-month conditional discharge and must pay £100 compensation. Abby Elliot, @ 25, of Morchard Road, Crediton, admitted driving without due care and attention on the A377 in Newton St Cyres on May 5. She was banned from driving for three months and must pay £205 in a fine, costs and compensation. Lionel Haines, @ 87, of Offwell, Honiton, pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention. He must pay a fine, costs and victim surcharge totalling £245 and was disqualified from driving until he passes a test of competence. Tracey Quinn, @ 45, of no fixed abode, admitted stealing around £1,000 in cash from a victim in Tiverton on November 8. She was given a two-year conditional discharge and must pay a £15 victim surcharge. Martin Blair,@ 31, of Corn Mill Crescent, Exeter, has admitted driving while disqualified and without the proper insurance. He must pay fines, costs and a victim surcharge totalling £505 and six points were added to his licence. Jamie Drew, @ 34, of Cottey Crescent, Exeter, pleaded guilty to possession of a sharply bladed instrument a in a public place on October 23. He was given a nine-month conditional discharge and must pay a £15 victim surcharge. Peter Lloyd, @ 29, of Hoker Road, Exeter, pleaded guilty to drink-driving. He was stopped on Sidmouth Road in Exeter on October 23. He was banned from driving for 22 months and must pay a fine, costs and a victim surcharge totalling £470. Peter Atherton,@ 29, of High Street, Crediton, pleaded guilty to drink-driving. He was banned for 12 months and must pay a fine, costs and a victim surcharge totalling £415. Tanya Western, @ 22, of Chestnut Avenue, Exeter, has admitted using threatening or abusive words or behaviour during an incident in Exeter on October 25. She was given a nine month conditional discharge and must pay costs and a victim surcharge totalling £55. Steven Compton, @ 25, of Jerrard Close, Honiton, has admitted drink-driving. He was banned for four years and must attend alcohol probation sessions. He must also complete 60 hours unpaid work and pay £145 in costs and a victim surcharge. Scott Whatley, @ 24, of Cathedral Yard, Exeter, pleaded guilty to using threatening or abusive words or behaviour during an incident in Exeter on November 12. He was given a £100 fine and £20 victim surcharge. Jamie Talbot, @ 40, of Buller Road, Exeter, admitted two counts of assault by beating, against one male and one female victim, on October 25. He also pleaded guilty to being in breach of a restraining order by committing one of the offences. He was given a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for two years. He must also pay compensation and costs totalling £185. John Harding, @ 41, of no fixed abode, admitted using threatening or abusive words or behaviour during an incident in Exeter on October 24. He was fined £100 and must pay a £20 victim surcharge. Fathi Chakmakchi, @ 54, of Culm Grove, Exeter, was found guilty in his absence of failing to give information to Devon and Cornwall Police relating to the identification of a driver who was alleged to have been guilty of an offence. He was banned from driving for six months and must pay £745 in a fine, costs and victim surcharge. Curtis Soutar, @ 28, of School Lane, Exmouth, has admitted three counts of using threatening or abusive words or behaviour causing alarm or distress during an incident in Exmouth on November 12. He was given a 12-month conditional discharge and must pay a £15 victim surcharge. Tarot Fawcett, @ 26, of Spindlewood Close, Honiton, was found guilty of assault by beating in Honiton on April 28. He was given a 12-month conditional discharge and must pay compensation, costs and a victim surcharge totalling £145. Gary Baxter,@ 49, of Wrefords Close, Exeter, has pleaded guilty to breaking the 70mph speed limit on the A380 at Ideford on December 6 2013. He must pay £305 in a fine, costs and victim surcharge totalling £305. Leigh Aldridge, @ 40, of Lower Cotteylands, Tiverton, was found guilty of two counts of fraud. Between February 14, 2010, and November 21, 2013, she failed to tell DWP that she was living with her partner to make a gain, namely income support, for herself. The second charge was that between February 22, 2010, and October 27, 201,3 she failed to tell Mid Devon District Council about her living arrangements to claim housing benefit and council tax benefit for herself. She was given a six month jail sentence, suspended for two years. Magistrates said this was because the loss to the public purse was more than £13,000. Selami Altunok,@ 47, of High Street, Honiton, admitted driving without the proper licence or insurance in Exeter in August. He was banned from driving for six months due to repeat offending and must pay £205 in a fine, costs and victim surcharge. Daniel Clovell, @ 19, of Hillyfield Road, Exeter, admitted assaulting a female victim by beating and causing criminal damage to a wooden door on October 15. He must pay a fine and compensation totalling £160.

EXETER charity Hospiscare is celebrating after receiving an early Christmas present – the £3,540 left outside one of its city shops last month. Local police this week officially handed over the cash found outside the Hospiscare Cowick Street shop as the identity of the donor remains a mystery. No one came forward to claim the cash, and police are satisfied it was a genuine donation. Hospiscare has now banked the used £20 notes left in two carrier bags outside the shop window on November 10. Glynis Atherton, Hospiscare chief executive, said she was delighted with the cash windfall and praised the donor – whoever he or she is. She said: "I would like to say a huge thank you to our mystery donor. We are overwhelmed by your generosity and kindness. We respect your wish to remain anonymous but want you to know that your gift will help us to provide much needed special care to local people and their families." Mandy Harding, shop manager, said she was relieved the wait was over and that the money can now be used by the charity. "Everywhere I go people stop and ask me if we've got the cash," she said. "It's created a huge amount of interest and it has improved takings in the shop." She added: "We are so grateful to the mystery donor for this amazing gift." The cash will pay for someone to stay at the hospice for six days, receiving expert help from nurses and doctors. Alternatively it would allow 24 people to attend Hospiscare's popular day therapy centres, in Exeter, Seaton and Tiverton. This year it will cost Hospiscare £5m to offer its services, with £1.2m contributed by the NHS and the remaining funded through legacies, grants, Hospiscare's 19 shops and retail services as well as significant community fundraising. Hospiscare provides personalised, comprehensive care for people with terminal or life-limiting conditions that supports their physical, emotional, social, practical and spiritual needs, and also supports their families.

Rob Baxter admits that gaining revenge for Exeter Chiefs' heaviest home league defeat back in April is a factor ahead of Friday's trip to Sale. The Sharks scored eight tries in the 55-12 success – Baxter describes the result as 'a stuffing' – at Sandy Park for their biggest loss since their promotion to the top flight in 2010. The Chiefs make the trip to the AJ Bell Stadium in fine fettle – they have won their last eight matches in all competitions – leaving them in a strong position from which to administer some retribution. "Obviously the last time we played them is still quite fresh in our minds – it was a stuffing to be honest," Baxter told Echo Sport. "We were well beaten at Sandy Park and I think that is going to stick in our minds. "We have obviously mentioned it to the players. It was one of those rare occasions that – without taking anything away from Sale, who played well on the day – we were definitely below par. "We did not perform in a way that was acceptable and I think that, for me in particular, it was a bit of a humbling experience to have to sit there and watch it all. "We have talked about it since and it is not something that we should be prepared to accept or that happens often given our qualities. "I am hoping that will give us extra motivation, but the fact is that both us and Sale are going pretty well at the moment. "We have also spoken about the positives in playing good rugby. We should probably focus more on that than the past, but it is undoubtedly something that we do want to put right." The situation echoes that of November last year when the Chiefs were preparing for another trip to Salford looking to avenge a different defeat. In February last year, bottom side Sale overturned a 13-5 half-time deficit to win 21-16. In the build-up to the rematch – which the Chiefs edged 18-16 – Baxter spoke of that result playing on the mind of his team, and he will be hoping for a similar reaction this time round. Despite back-to-back European losses against Saracens, Sale have won their last three Premiership games. And Baxter acknowledges Sale are likely to provide a stern test for his high-flying team. "They are on a good run of results in the Premiership, as are ourselves, and that obviously makes it a fantastic challenge," he continued. "We are obviously pleased at how the Premiership season is going for us to date and we want to keep that going. "It is like anything though – winning runs are put together through the hard work you do week on week, but what we did in a Premiership game seven weeks ago counts for very little. "What matters is the preparation we put in this week and our mind-set – that is what we have to focus on." Baxter has almost a fully-fit squad at his disposal, with Jack Yeandle returning to training following a back injury which ruled him out for five weeks. It appears unlikely that utility back Byron McGuigan will have recovered from a broken bone in his foot. But there is brighter news that Tom Johnson is back in full training, and the 32-year-old should feature in the Exeter Braves' A League game against Wasps on Monday.

While I was gutted I had to sit out Saturday's victory over Carlisle with a groin strain, at least I had the consolation of watching the boys pick up another well-deserved three points and climb into the play-off places. I think it's fair to say, we weren't at our best in the opening 45 minutes. However, we stepped it up a gear after the interval and once Scot Bennett had put us ahead, with a sublime finish just before the hour mark, Carlisle never really threatened to get back into the game. Matt Grimes made it 2-0, with his first-ever goal from open play, just before the final whistle and I'd say the final scoreline provided a fairly accurate reflection of the afternoon's proceedings. Keith Curle's side put up a pretty good fight in the first half, but you always sensed we had a few more gears and in the second 45 minutes we moved through them with the minimum of fuss. It was just the second time this season we've managed not to concede a goal and while James Hamon will have busier Saturday afternoons, our young keeper will have been delighted to have recorded his first clean sheet. We've taken 10 points out of 12 since James was called into the first team and he's looking more assured with every game – like Christy Pym, he looks like he could have a real future. It was great to see Troy Archibald-Henville back in the Carlisle starting line-up, after a prolonged spell on the sidelines with injury, and I'm glad the St James's Park faithful gave him the reception he deserved. That said, Troy may have been a little lucky to stay on the pitch when, midway through the second half, he attempted to haul down David Wheeler, as he closed in on goal, with the type of tackle more often associated with the oval ball game. On the subject of past players, it's great to see George Friend, a former team-mate of mine and Troy's, enjoying such a fantastic season in the Championship. While there are a handful of ex-Grecians currently plying their trade in the second tier of English football – think, for instance, Scott Golborne at Wolves, Dean Moxey at Bolton, and Jake Taylor and Jamie Mackie at Reading – none of them are enjoying quite the success George is right now. Bournemouth's superior goalscoring record is all that's keeping George's Middlesbrough side off the top of the table and, from what I gather, they're looking a decent bet for promotion at the end of the season. For sure, George is good enough to play in the top flight and it would be great to see him get another crack at it, having started just one game in Wolves' 2009/10 Premier League campaign. I was only too happy to be asked to assist at the pensioners' Christmas party last Wednesday. Half-a-dozen or so squad members spent the afternoon in the company of some of our older supporters and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm a veteran of a few of these Christmas parties now and it's always fun to catch up with those who've been supporting City for longer than I've been alive. I don't suppose they enjoyed the tea and coffee I made for them as much as I enjoyed listening to their anecdotes of years gone by, but at least I managed not to poison anyone! The average age of those in attendance for our appearance in Princesshay the next day was considerably younger but, aside from the miserable weather, that too was great fun. I was slightly concerned that, such is the unkempt state of his beard, David Noble might have been mistaken for Santa but I am happy to report Nobes wasn't required to regale any youngsters with tales of his latest adventures in Lapland! Sadly, I wasn't among the players who visited youngsters in the Bramble Ward at the RD&E, but I understand those who did relished the opportunity to dress up in Santa costumes and a fantastic time was had by all. Stevenage Borough are next up on Saturday, as we bid to stretch our unbeaten run to 10 games. Touch wood, my groin is fine now and I should be back in contention for a place in the starting line up. That said, such was the performance of those who played against Carlisle, I wouldn't be at all surprised if I had to content myself with a place on the bench. Graham Westley's side have lost three of their last four games, and won just one in seven, so we will travel to the Broadhall Way very hopeful of getting a result. It goes without saying, a win would be fantastic, but I think it's more important that we avoid defeat and maintain our momentum going into the hectic Christmas and new year programme. As you might imagine, the mood in the camp is fantastic just now and the games can't come quickly enough. With that in mind, I was delighted to see Yeovil Town win their FA Cup second round replay and secure a third round tie at home to Manchester United, as a victory for Accrington would have seen them line-up against Louis van Gaal's side over the first weekend in January and left us without a game. Anyway, first things first, let's hope we can get something out of Saturday's trip to Hertfordshire; that would ensure we go in to Christmas full of festive spirit and set us up perfectly for the Boxing Day game at home to Cheltenham and Saturday week's match at AFC Wimbledon.

EXETER City manager Paul Tisdale will be forced into at least one change to the starting line-up for Saturday's game with Stevenage Borough as David Noble's loan deal with the club has run out. The popular 32-year-old midfielder has started the last five games for City as they have picked up three wins and two draws to propel themselves into the play-off places. However, Noble was signed on an emergency loan deal from Oldham Athletic in the first week of September which has now expired. That means that, despite having already agreed to sign for City on a permanent basis in January, he will be ruled out for the final three games of 2014. Tisdale admitted losing Noble was a blow, but they had players to bring into the side, with Liam Sercombe recovering from a groin strain that ruled him out of the 2-0 win over Carlisle United on Saturday and Ryan Harley regaining his match sharpness. "We certainly can carry a loss or two because we are building a nicely balanced, deep squad," said the City manager. "We have got other players who can play in his position. We have got Ryan Harley, who has now trained for a few weeks, played a couple of cameo roles and he is getting closer to being match fit. "Liam Sercombe should be back from injury this week as well, so I have got bodies and good, experienced midfield players. "So it is possible to absorb that loss but I would rather not, because David has been doing very well. "He has become a pivotal player in the middle of the pitch." Noble joined City before their 1-1 draw at home to Oxford United on September 13. Since then the Grecians have lost just one league game in 15. If they manage to avoid a loss at Broadhall Way on Saturday they will stretch their current unbeaten run to 10 league games, something they haven't managed to achieve since early 2008 when they were in the Conference. Oddly enough their biggest victory in that stretch of games was a 4-0 triumph over Stevenage. However, Graham Westley was not in charge of Stevenage at that time. The successful boss, who led the club from the Conference to League One, has since returned to the Boro for his third spell in charge. Tisdale thinks, despite their slow start, Westley will get them challenging soon. "I'm sure, with his experience and knowledge of the club, they will get them moving again and he will put together a promotion-type team," said Tisdale. "He has been there a number of times in the past six or seven years and it is always a very difficult place to go and play. I do look at the game and think, 'we need to be particularly focussed,' because we won't be given anything. We will have to work for our game." Added to Harley and Sercombe pushing for places in the starting line-up, City also have Jamie Reid and Jordan Moore-Taylor returning from injury. They are unlikely to start Saturday's game, but could be involved from the bench. Reid's return increases the competition for places up front, with Alex Nicholls, Clinton Morrison, David Wheeler, Scot Bennett, Tom Nichols, Graham Cummins and Jimmy Keohane also pushing for two or three starting roles up front. However, Tisdale admitted it was a good problem to have, but with the flexible tactics he employs every forward player is in with a realistic chance of starting. "It is not as if I'm stuck on a very conventional, two-up-top, old-fashioned, target-man-and-goalscorer formation," said Tisdale. "We play a more fluid style and the players have got to be fluid in their ability. At the moment, we have got five or six players competing for places and because it is a very fluid situation as well we can play different tactics game-by-game, half-by-half. So we have suddenly got good options. "I can select a team on merit, who is playing and training well. That is a really good thing for a manager, being able to select those that have been performing well in training. "I have also got players I can select game-by-game based on the type of game we need to play and the opposition. "It is a good place to be, it does bring its own selection and management issues, but it is a good problem to have."

Is there a more level-headed and modest teenage footballer in England today than Exeter City's Matt Grimes? I have to admit to not knowing the personality traits of every single footballer between the ages of 13 and 19 in the country, so it is hard to judge. However, they would be hard pushed to beat Grimes. Heading into Saturday's game with Carlisle United, speculation around his future at St James's Park was being discussed by the majority of supporters. Forget questions about sweeping changes to City's attacking line-up, or if the Grecians were going to continue their good run and make it nine games unbeaten. No, where is Grimes off to in January? That is what people wanted to know. Garry Monk, Swansea City's boss, had admitted that day, that they had already watched Grimes play and he was aware that a number of other clubs were tracking City's talented teenager. Added to that, the Daily Mail had reported two days earlier that Grimes was off to the Liberty Stadium for £1.75m, going to earn £10,000 a week and go into the Swans' first team before the end of the current season. You could have forgiven the young teenager if his focus hadn't been on Carlisle at home and he had put in a below-par performance. But that is not how Grimes does things. He was assured, confident and capped off a good display by firing the ball home from 25 yards to give City a 2-0 lead and score his first goal from open play. "He (Grimes) was delighted about that," said Exeter City manager Paul Tisdale, after the match. "He has been thinking about that (scoring from open play) and feeling that and he was determined to make sure he scores from open play." Grimes wasn't letting his thoughts wander to a Premier League appearance, more money or future trips to Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge. Instead he was concerned with his goalscoring record from open play. It is incredible to think, that with such speculation going on, he is so concentrated on an aspect of his game he thinks need improving. Nobody was questioning his goalscoring record, but he was. Will this kind of focus help the youngster when he moves on to pastures new? Without doubt. You often here people in football talking about taking things one game at a time and it is a good philosophy to have. Scottish essayist, satirist and historian Thomas Carlyle once wrote: "Our main business is not to see what lies dimly at a distance, but to do what lies clearly at hand." You can spend too much time and energy worrying and thinking about the future or about situations, good or bad, that might never happen. That is not to say that Grimes won't move to Swansea. In fact, it looks more than likely based on the quotes from Monk and the interest they have shown. However, if he doesn't move to South Wales in the next transfer window, Grimes will more than likely be playing against the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and other top Premier League teams before too long. Will he take all this in his stride? Well, on the evidence so far, you would have to say yes.

A guitar was all it took, to shift the focus from a place of utter despair, to somewhere a lot brighter.

Former Royal Marine Jamie Sanderson from Exmouth spent 18 years as a sniper with deployments to Northern Ireland, Kosovo, and Afghanistan twice.

It was his experiences on his final tour to Afghanistan in 2006 that were the turning point for him and led to his post traumatic stress disorder setting in.

He said about 80 per cent of those who he served with at the time have also left the corps.

He was finally discharged two years ago, after becoming ill five years before.

For about 18 months, via word of mouth and its Facebook page, Rock to Recovery has saved 14 lives and helped countless others.

When American rock band Linkin Park heard about Jamie, they invited him along to two dates at London's O2 Arena to assist with their own campaign supporting veterans.

And superstar singer Bryan Adams has backed the initiative.

"The most significant point in my career was our Afghanistan tour in 2006," said Jamie. "We went in to take over from the Parachute Regiment in Sangin and it was horrendous. It was very kinetic, full on fighting, being attacked every day.

"It was probably the most dangerous place to be at the time and continued to be so for years to come.

"We had to patrol every day to keep the Taliban at bay and our time coincided with them switching tactic and implementing their improvised explosive device campaign, which we lost one of our guys to.

"We were in a place that was under siege from mortars and rockets, often surrounded from all sides. Sometimes we were under fire from a barrage of 40 mortars from the air.

"It was the most full on thing I'd ever come up against and the most drawn out, intense fighting – it was a nasty experience.

"It took its toll on all of us, you could see it in people's faces – it was nerve wracking, we lived in constant fear, we lost sleep, you're permanently in an angry state.

"Snipers, as the observers, had to keep even more alert than the others, expected to come up with answers about where the Taliban would attack from next. We became massively battle fatigued."

Jamie said, with hindsight, he started to feel the effects out there. But it was six months after returning home that major signs the conflict had taken its toll on him really materialised.

It was during his senior command course at the Commando Training Centre Jamie lost his memory.

"I had become more and more confused and then one morning, woke up and didn't even know why I was there," he recalled.

"I had to admit I needed help, but this is what a lot of people miss out, trying to keep on as normal. It was a time when PTSD was arriving as Royal Marines started returning from Afghanistan, and it was as if everyone was wondering 'how do we manage this?'"

Jamie's health deteriorated and he describes his symptoms as typical of PTSD – heightened anxiety, sleeplessness, constant fear of what he went through in the war zone happening again, chronic fatigue, confusion and memory loss and eventually a deep depression making him reclusive and withdrawn.

Jamie describes the approach to his recovery over the next five years in the corps as confused and disjointed and astonishingly inadequate. Initially taken off the course and seeing a psychiatric professional, he remained at CTC while confusion ensued over what job he could and should do.

Despite being so ill, some months later he managed to complete the course and was promoted to sergeant.

But as the months and years progressed and without proper support, Jamie only became more ill, at one point packing his bags and telling Karen he was going off for a while on his own. She managed to stop him.

During this time Jamie was also told he would have to take the place of his friend who had died back out in Afghanistan.

"I never used to understand how people ended up homeless or suicidal," he said. "But I do now, you become so insular, and time-wise, you don't look back or forwards, just live in the moment, it's a surreal experience.

"Depression was something new to me, it's something heavy, it can take you to the bottom really quickly to the point where you're inside this bubble and you don't care what happens.

Then Jamie made an attempt on his life.

"I describe it as meeting the devil, who was leading me into this blackness and saying 'everything will be easy if you come with me'," he said. "But then something very powerful and bright was suddenly there, and is what I now describe as meeting God, who fought off this blackness.

"Depression is an injury, not a mental disorder, that's what I think is important for people to realise."

Families, he said, play an important role in recognising a change has occurred in a loved one. Because of his willingness to talk about what was happening to him, others would seek him out and ask him for his help and advice. Jamie was posted to 30 Commando and then for the last year of his service to Hasler Company.

He was based at home in Exmouth for the majority of it after he was told "go home and let your wife deal with it". It was only when, nine months later, Karen rang up, stuck at work without a car to get home informing them that her husband was suicidal again, that someone visited. And their GP in Exmouth told them they didn't know what to do with them so to go and find a charity.

He was discharged in November of 2012, when he told them the psychiatric support, which involved appointments every fortnight during which he was asked to recall some of his most difficult memories, was making him feel worse, not better.

Impulsively, he'd ordered a guitar from Afghanistan, having never been musical before. It arrived when he got home.

He started learning how to play it when he became really ill, taught by a friend.

"I'd never had a hobby before, and suddenly I did, and I loved it," he said. "I was later told by a psychiatrist that stress comes from the same part of the brain as creativity. Someone said to me, that's your rock to recovery."

Jamie and good friend former Special Boat Service member, Jason Fox, came up with a process for recovery with the acronym, STAR: Stop, Talk, Act and Refocus.

In the summer of last year, the Facebook page was set up and the now team of six, receives about three of four messages a week from people seeking advice. The group signposts to charities such as Save Our Soldiers, which received 30 referrals in a year and said they saved the lives of at least 14.

Jamie goes down to Hasler each week where Rock to Recovery hosts a guitar group with the injured Marines.

"What we're doing is using music to raise awareness of our campaign," he said.

There is also a fundraising side to the initiative, although a bank account is yet to be formerly set up, funds raised will go towards hosting events and for a "change management" programme, helping with care and career coaching.

The group has launched a Christmas campaign called Think Veteran, highlighting that for many people Christmas can be a difficult time.

"The campaign is about outreach," Jamie said. "If you know a veteran or someone serving, to reach out to them this Christmas, a text, or invite them for a drink – it might just make the difference.

Full council has backed plans to pursue East Devon District Council's office relocation to two council-owned sites in Honiton and Exmouth. Detailed plans will now be drawn up by council officers before any recommendations are presented to cabinet and full council in 2015. The council will now also enter into further negotiations with preferred bidders for the sale of Knowle before selecting a developer. Again, a decision to sell Knowle will be brought to a future cabinet meeting. Council leader Councillor Paul Diviani said: "Relocation remains a priority and a means to face the future and deliver the best for our residents. "Now that we have the support of full council we can work towards removing ourselves from a costly, uncertain and increasingly unpractical future at Knowle. "The reasons behind our office relocation are well-established. Remaining at Knowle keeps us tied to old and inefficient buildings and fails to make the best use of this valuable council-owned asset. We simply don't have the money to repair or refurbish Knowle. "Relocation is our only option. Refurbishment would cost the taxpayer £15.9 million – and quite simply we don't have that kind of money. Money used from the sale of Knowle, together with some prudential borrowing, will pay for the relocation." New build at Honiton and refurbishment of Exmouth Town Hall will be funded by capital receipts and prudential borrowing, the council has said. Over a 20-year period the authority expects the spend to at least pay for itself, with savings accruing after then. Councillor Diviani added: "A majority of councillors agree a combined Honiton and Exmouth office base offers a sensible approach involving new or modernised offices in two locations. A smaller headquarters and an accessible presence around the district has been the council's aim throughout this process. "This and future governments will continue to expect local government to enter into new ways of working including cross-border partnerships and shared space. "An accessible, modern headquarters designed around the way we work will help us to succeed. In a world of potentially merging or reducing scale of local government an HQ or multi-hub function offers a responsive option." Full council agreed that no final decision will be taken on relocation until there has been a thorough examination of the figures underpinning the project by the council's audit and governance committee, overview and scrutiny committee, internal audit and external auditors. An amendment to cabinet minutes to put the office relocation on hold until some time after the local and national elections in May 2015 was lost in a recorded vote 39 to 7. If Honiton and Exmouth Town Hall become the new council offices, it is likely the council will relocate in 2017.

It's nearly Christmas and time for the traditional Scrooge council story. This year, the prize goes to Devon County Council, which is charging Exmouth Round Table £45 to hang its Christmas tree lights cable 20ft above the pavement in the Magnolia Centre.

In previous years there has been no fee for this vital piece of paper. But yes, you've guessed it, in these times of austerity, the council has to cover the cost of administration. So the Tablers will just have to shake their tins for that little bit longer this year to raise the extra money. The fact that the cash could have gone to a good cause has failed to impress the stony-hearted bureaucrats at County Hall, where no doubt there is a strict limit on the lumps of coal being thrown onto the fire.

Oh, by the way, this is the same council that was planning to spend £30,000 on a bus shelter in The Strand in Exmouth. No wait, it's based on a design from Venice and the price has gone up to £60,000... sorry, I meant £90,000, we forgot to put seats in... oh dear, it's now at £110,000. Thankfully the plan has now been withdrawn before the cost rises even higher, and is under review.

Apparently the design had a series of flat roofs. Then someone remembered Exmouth is by the coast and the shelter would have ended up as the perfect perch for hordes of seagulls as they wait for the next bag of discarded chips to pounce on.

The first set of designs for an 'iconic' shelter went on display in 2010. Now the latest scheme is back on the drawing board as bus travellers face another winter standing in the cold and wet. Merry Christmas one and all!

Devon County Council's Library Service has been upheld as an example of good practice in a national report on how England's libraries could work best in the future.

Commissioned by the Department for Culture Media & Sport, the independent report highlights how the county council has been exploring ways in which innovation can maximise the potential of its libraries to support happy, vibrant communities.

Over the past four years, the council has successfully expanded the role of Devon's libraries into 'community hubs' providing a greater range of activities; extending libraries' functions with meeting spaces and cafés and encouraging co-location with other services as a means of increasing footfall and sustainability.

Their introduction of new services to tackle digital exclusion and employability skills is also commended in the report, as well as the wide range of health and wellbeing initiatives established thanks to funding secured from Public Health.

Local authorities across the country have to make significant savings and find new ways of providing their library service and the report emphasises that community involvement can present creative ways to manage resources and help support the professional library workforce.

Councils are called upon to consult and involve communities more in the management of their library service so they have more influence on the services delivered so they better reflect the needs of their local area, and the community has a greater sense of ownership and engagement.

Communities already play an important role in Devon County Council's library service, and last week it was announced that 12 communities across Devon have been chosen to take part in a pioneering new partnership project to test how they can support their local libraries and expand the services they provide.

Devon County Council will work with the dedicated community groups to help shape the service and try out new ways of involving local people so they can have more say on how their library is run.

Councillor Roger Croad, Devon County Council's Cabinet Member with responsibility for Devon's library service, said:

"We know that our libraries are highly valued by our residents, and despite significant reductions in budget, we have continued to grow our successful service.

"We have worked hard developing new and leading edge services in response to our local communities' needs whilst continuing to get best value from our spending and by providing our services in more efficient and cost-effective ways, and being featured in this report recognises that.

"There is still much to achieve, and we will continue to work with our residents and partnership organisations, to think ambitiously and creatively to improve our libraries existing services and widen the offer our libraries make as important resources at the very heart of our communities."

The report also finds that new models of delivery, such as community cooperatives, mutual and social enterprises, have shown encouraging signs of helping improve the quality of the library service. This is welcome news for Devon County Council as they are considering a new operating model for their entire library service, which could include creating a mutual society or trust that would run libraries on the council's behalf in order to maximise the service's potential in the future.

Such a move could save Devon County Council at least £400,000 per year in business rates, and mean greater flexibility and freedom for the service to secure additional funding and income which the Council can not access.

The council is keen to hear what people think about plans for an alternative operating model for the whole service in the future. Comments can be sent via the council's Tough Choices website or by post to Devon Libraries, Great Moor House, Bittern Road, Sowton, Exeter EX2 7NL until the end of January.

Reacting to the publication of the Independent Library Report for England, Ciara Eastell, head of Devon County Council's Library Service and president of the Society of Chief Librarians, said: "The public clearly value libraries as centres of the community - more people go to libraries every year than go to cinemas and premiership football matches combined. Libraries play a vital role in society and SCL will redouble its efforts on innovation in 2015."

They are used to travelling the world to take on the global giants of robotic sport. But this festive period, Plymouth University's robot footballers will be bidding to wow audiences with their musical skills after being invited to take part in a unique televisual event. The Plymouth Humanoids will take their place in a specially convened robot orchestra and perform at the 2014 Christmas Lectures organised by the Royal Institution. Produced by Windfall Films and to be broadcast on BBC4 on December 29, 30 and 31, the lecture series – titled Sparks Will Fly: How to Hack your Home – will explore how three great British inventions (the light bulb, the telephone and the motor) have been transformed in the 21st century. The robot orchestra will feature in the third of the talks on New Year's Eve, centred around Michael Faraday's first motor of 1822 and how its creation has led to a series of discoveries with the potential to change the world. Six of the Plymouth Humanoids will line up at two keyboards and play Beethoven's Für Elise, before joining robot and human musicians from across the country to play the Doctor Who theme tune. Stephen Roberts, one of the robotic engineers behind the Plymouth Humanoids, said: "This may be a big departure from what the robots normally do, but when we were invited to take part in such a high profile event we knew we had to be involved. Our lecture aims to demonstrate the use of mathematics in engineering and we use maths to tell the robots where to move their arms to reach each note they need to play at the correct time. We have spent the last month working on this, and hope their teamwork and coordination will be in evidence throughout their performance." The 2014 Christmas Lectures will be delivered by Danielle George, Professor of Radio Frequency Engineering from the University of Manchester. Filmed in front of a live audience in the iconic theatre at the Royal Institution of Great Britain, the original science events for children were started by Michael Faraday in 1825 and have long been seen as a favourite British Christmas tradition. Since 1825, Lectures have been given by many distinguished scientists including Nobel Prize winners William and Lawrence Bragg, Sir David Attenborough, Carl Sagan, Lord George Porter and Dame Nancy Rothwell. Gail Cardew, Director of Science and Education at the Royal Institution said: "Our aim with 'Sparks will fly: how to hack your home' is to bring to life the incredible ingenuity, innovation and creativity of engineering. I am delighted that Danielle is presenting this year's lectures and I am sure that the passion and energy she has for her profession will inspire a whole new generation of engineers."

An appeal to help Devon residents who cannot afford to heat their homes has been boosted thanks to a former MP and the Bishop of Exeter. Devon Community Foundation's Surviving Winter Appeal sees people who feel they can manage to forego all, or part, of their winter fuel payment donating it to help save lives this winter - and, as the weather gets colder, an appeal has gone out for more people to donate. All local people are being encouraged to donate whatever they can afford just in time for Christmas to prevent older people in need having to choose between eating and heating. The scheme has been backed by former MP Ann Widdecombe and the Bishop of Exeter, the Right Reverend Robert Atwell. Mrs Widdecombe, who lives on Dartmoor, said: "I think that supporting the Surviving Winter Appeal is vital, in Devon alone 600 vulnerable and older people are at risk of death this winter due to nothing more than the cold. "Donating your winter fuel payment could help to save a life and support local people in real need and I hope anyone who feels they can will follow suit." Generous local people have already contributed nearly £7,000 to the scheme this year and Devon Community Foundation is again working with Citizens Advice Bureaux across the county to get the money exactly where it is needed most. The Bishop of Exeter also appealed to people to give what they could to help make a difference to people's lives. He said: "In the Bleak Midwinter is the nation's favourite Christmas carol, but the cold of midwinter can kill and fuel poverty makes many older people intensely vulnerable. Donating your winter fuel payment can save someone else's life." People can donate at www.justgiving.com/DCFSurvivingWinter14/ or send a cheque made out to Devon Community Foundation with a gift aid form to: Surviving Winter, Devon Community Foundation, The Factory, Leat Street, Tiverton, EX16 5LL Funds raised will be redirected to elderly and vulnerable people in Devon to help them keep their homes warm and to alleviate the effects of fuel poverty.

Encouraging signs for jobseekers in Exeter have come in the form of two new surveys. The polls by the city's chamber of commerce and recruitment firm Manpower suggest an improving outlook for those hoping to find work or change jobs in the new year. In the chamber's latest quarterly survey, 35 per cent of members who responded said they expect to increase staff numbers in the foreseeable future – the highest figure since March. And 13 per cent of companies intend to take on five or more new recruits in the next year, while only five per cent expect to cut staff numbers. The improving picture ahead comes after employment growth eased in the last quarter, with just 26 per cent of firms reporting a rise in staff numbers – the lowest figure since June 2013. Meanwhile, Manpower reports employers in the South West entering the new year buoyed by optimism, with Exeter's jobs market among the healthiest in the region. The South West's Employment Outlook has leapt by 19 percentage points after a brief foray into negative territory last quarter, propelling it towards the top of the regional leaderboard. Derek Phillips, vice president of Exeter Chamber of Commerce, said: "The Manpower survey reflects what's been happening in the city over the last three or four quarters, as seen in our own surveys." Andrew Shellard, operations manager at Manpower UK, said: "We said last quarter that we were not too worried about the long term health of the jobs market in the South West and this quarter's return to positive territory has proved us right. "Whereas last quarter we saw seasonality having a disproportionate impact on the region's Outlook, As we enter 2015 we are seeing employers take a longer term view as permanent roles are increasing across the region, particularly full time positions. "Despite the numerous opportunities available, the candidates who are really in the driving seat when it comes to choosing roles and negotiating salaries are those who can offer in-demand skills. The region as a whole is experiencing a skills shortage, but this is particularly pertinent within the contact centre and telesales markets, as well as in manufacturing and administration. Looking at the region's biggest cities, the appetite for hiring is evident across the board. Bristol has the healthiest jobs market, closely followed by Exeter and then Plymouth. "Employers in Bristol are expressing a need for candidates in the telesales and contact centre fields as well as for people with manufacturing experience. Bristol is a candidate's market at the minute, and skilled applicants are using their strong position to drive up their salary and other benefits. "Sales roles in Exeter can be particularly lucrative, as many of the positions are senior roles and companies are prepared to pay for good and proven salespeople. We are seeing more applications from mature candidates, who are keen to use their experience to cash in on the generous packages attached to some of these senior roles." "Plymouth is a city with a need for manufacturing workers, and candidates who possess soldering, wiring and looming experience can secure well-paid jobs at some of the area's top manufacturers. The NHS is also a big recruiter in and around Plymouth and many of the roles available are administrative positions where candidates need to demonstrate both skills and experience." The Manpower Employment Outlook Survey is based on responses from 2,103 UK employers. It asks whether employers intend to hire additional workers or reduce the size of their workforce in the coming quarter. It is the most comprehensive, forward-looking employment survey of its kind and is used as a key economic statistic by both the Bank of England and the UK Government.

The Big Issue across Devon, Cornwall and Somerset has received an early Christmas present of smart new tabards for its vendors, thanks to support from the Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise. PDSE and the Big Issue have a long-standing relationship. The main mission of PDSE is to increase oral health awareness and address oral care inequalities for members of the community who are disadvantaged or at risk. The organisation arranges interaction with Big Issue vendors via its Community Engagement Team, advising them how to look after their oral health and also providing access to NHS dental care at Dental Education Facilities. These are fully-equipped dental clinics where dental students, as well as student dental nurses and hygienists/therapists, from Plymouth University treat NHS patients under the supervision of qualified dental healthcare professionals, as part of their training. The Community Engagement Team also works with dental students as they run projects with a variety of groups within the community, including the Big Issue. One such project saw students create a traffic light scheme for oral health, based on a poster carrying contact information for support for various levels of oral pain or illness. PDSE has provided 100 tabards for Big Issue vendors to wear across the South West. Each tabard bears the slogan: "Oral health is a Big Issue, look after yours." Professor Robert Witton, director of PDSE, commented: "We have a great relationship with the Big Issue and we are delighted to be able to support the organisation in this way. Good oral health is not just good for general health: it is also a huge boost to confidence and we hope that the support and care we provide to Big Issue vendors helps them." David Morgan, Team Leader at the Big Issue, added: "We really appreciate the support we have received from PDSE, not just for the tabards but also for the ongoing advice and care they provide to our sales people. Big Issue vendors have a job: they sell the Big Issue. They buy the magazine upfront for £1.25 and sell it for £2.50. Selling the Big Issue is an alternative to begging on the streets, and good oral health is a vital element of giving our vendors the confidence and self-esteem to do their job."

Illegal off-road motorcyclists risk damaging one of East Devon's most important conservation sites and ancient monuments, landowners are warning. Police are investigating sightings of scramblers using the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths and the culprits could face fines of £20,000 or have their bikes seized. In recent months there has been an increase in off-road motorcycling on the internationally important conservation site, designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Special Area of Conservation and a Special Protection Area. Dr Sam Bridgewater, nature conservation manager for landowners Clinton Devon Estates, said: "We have reported the details of the motorcyclists to the police. The Pebblebed Heaths is a sensitive and much-loved conservation site enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of walkers each year. "There are no rights of way across the heaths for motorised vehicles, and riding off-road on the site is illegal. It is damaging to the site, and upsetting for other users. "We will continue to seek to prosecute those who don't abide by the law, and request that all motorcyclists please use the legal routes that are available to them elsewhere." Exmouth police's rural neighbourhood team are currently dealing with the incident, and a second one in which motorcycles were seen being ridden over the ancient earthworks of Woodbury Castle, a protected scheduled monument. PSCO Donna Baker said: "The police take this type of offence very seriously and work closely with Clinton Devon Estates, Natural England and English Heritage to protect the land from damage by motorised vehicles. "It is an offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988 for anyone to drive a mechanically propelled vehicle across the Heaths. "In addition, the Police Reform Act 2002 gives the police the power to seize vehicles that are being driven in a way that causes, or is likely to cause, alarm, distress or annoyance to others. These powers will be used by the police to deal robustly with offenders." Steve Panks, Natural England's lead adviser for land management South and East Devon Team, added: "East Devon Pebblebed Heaths SSSI is of national importance for its heathland, grasslands, mires and fens, breeding birds, and dragonflies and damselflies. "Off-roading vehicles have the potential to damage and disturb these sensitive interests. Many of these features are also of international importance. "Unlawful vehicle activity on SSSIs is a criminal offence which can result in a fine in the magistrates' court of up to £20,000 or to an unlimited fine in the crown court. Natural England also has a range of civil sanctions available to us, introduced by the Regulatory Enforcement and Sanctions Act (2008). "In 2014 Natural England prosecuted two off-roaders for recklessly damaging blanket bog on Leek Moors SSSI in the Midlands. They were fined and ordered to pay costs totalling £1,483." Woodbury Castle is an Iron Age hill fort, and a pottery fragment found at the site has been dated to between 600 and 500 BC, although archaeological evidence suggests humans were living there much earlier. Charlotte Russell, heritage at risk projects officer for English Heritage, said: "Woodbury Castle is a scheduled monument protected because of its national importance as a pre-eminent archaeological site. It is a criminal offence to damage scheduled monuments. "In the last decade, major repairs were carried out and improved access provided. But making the site more accessible has brought additional concerns for its preservation, particularly where unauthorised mountain bikes, horse riders or vehicles have accessed the site. "English Heritage is pleased to support the efforts of the estate, local people and the police to prevent unauthorised access and antisocial behaviour that cause damage. We wish to protect the site and its rare preserved archaeological information about the origins of settlement in East Devon so that future generations can continue to enjoy it." Dr Bridgewater said that in addition to damaging wildlife, heritage and the environment, off-road motorcycling on the Heaths posed an annoyance and danger to other people such as walkers, cyclists and horse-riders. "One of the most frequent complaints I receive from visitors to the heaths relates to illegal motorcycle activity, with Woodbury Common, Colaton Raleigh Common and Mutter's Moor particular hotspots for the activity. "The public have been very good at reporting activity to us when they see it. We would like to thank them for their efforts and encourage them to keep reporting similar incidents to us. We will always follow up reports with the police and other authorities." People who see motorbikes being ridden on the heaths are being urged to note the registration number, time and location, and call Dr Bridgewater at Clinton Devon Estates on 01395 443881, or the police on 101.

Rob Baxter has rung the changes ahead of this weekend's return to Aviva Premiership action at Sale Sharks. From the starting line-up that beat La Rochelle 41-17 on Saturday, only Phil Dollman and Ian Whitten keep their place in the side for the match AJ Bell Stadium on Friday night (7.45pm). Baxter welcomes back all of his frontline stars, including skipper Dean Mumm, No.8 Thomas Waldrom and fly-half Gareth Steenson. Waldrom, who was recently crowned the Premiership Player of the Month for November, currently tops the divisional try-scoring charts with seven to his name, whilst the deadly boot of Steenson is also top of the pile with 131 points - 27 of which came in his side's last league win against Saracens. The side is as follows: Phil Dollman, Jack Nowell, Henry Slade; Ian Whitten, Matt Jess, Gareth Steenson; Will Chudley, Ben Moon, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Moray Low; Dean Mumm (capt), Damian Welch, Dave Ewers, Ben White, Thomas Waldrom. Replacements: Jack Yeandle, Carl Rimmer, Alex Brown, Mitch Lees, Kai Horstmann, Haydn Thomas, Sam Hill, Adam Hughes

Exeter firefighters were called to an accident involving a vehicle in Matford this morning. One fire appliance from Danes Castle and another from Middlemoor were both mobilised to reports of a road traffic collision at Matford, at around 10.45am. On arrival, crews confirmed one vehicle involved with all persons free and clear. Crews then made the vehicle safe before leaving the scene.

A woman who was rescued from a burning building has been remanded in custody accused of arson. Karena Matthews, aged 54, appeared at Exeter Crown Court by video link from Eastwood Park Prison accused of arson at a house in Imperial Road, Exmouth, in November. Judge Francis Gilbert, QC, adjourned her case without a plea being taken after being told the prosecution are considering charging her with the more serious offence of arson being reckless whether life is endangered. David Bowen, prosecuting, said the file will be reviewed by the Crown Prosecution Service between now and the next hearing on January 8 next year. He said: "There were fires in the porch and bedroom areas of the house and it is alleged the defendant ignited two areas of an occupied flat at a time when she and someone else were present. "There is the potential of a charge of reckless arson at the very least." Matthews, of Larch Close, was remanded in custody. Firefighters were called to the property on November 21 and rescued Matthews from a bedroom after another occupant had already fled the building.