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PICTURES: Seven of the most expensive homes for sale in and around Exeter

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Today we have a look at seven of the most expensive homes that are up for grabs on the market in around Exeter. Leisure suites, pools and Jacuzzi baths are among features in these sought-after properties in the region. All the homes are valued at over £1million… but there's no harm in having a look.Flick through the pictures above to see the homes and read the agent's description belowHouse one: Watch Hill, Budleigh, 8 bedrooms – On sale for £1,895,000 by Wilkinson Grant Watch Hill is the work of the architect William Hatchard-Smith, who designed no fewer than fifty private residences in Budleigh Salterton between the two World Wars and Watch Hill is generally thought to be his finest house. It was commissioned in 1929 by Blake Thompson, an American millionaire, and was later to become the home of William Hatchard-Smith and his wife Margaret. Between the years of 1939 and the late 1970's, some 1500 overseas servicemen from Australia, Canada, South Africa and the USA, who had nowhere to go when on leave, were invited to stay at Watch Hill. After the war, the hospitality continued and was extended, in particular, to Rhode's scholars at British Universities. The house is beautifully situated in a south facing location with extensive views over the east Devon coastline towards Berry Head. Watch Hill, constructed of hand made brick elevations under a slate tiled roof was designed along classical lines with great attention to the architectural details and interior fittings. Situated in a central plot, the property offers privacy and seclusion. Over recent years, the house and gardens have benefitted from extensive renovation by the present owners and now provides comfortable accommodation over three floors. The property retains a wealth of original features such as marble fireplaces and parquet flooring on the ground floor, whilst incorporating state of the art kitchen and bathroom facilities throughout. The arrangement and measurements of the accommodation as it has been used recently can be seen on the floor plans contained within the brochure, however the accommodation can be briefly described as follows.House two: Longpark House, Teignmouth, 6 bedrooms – On sale for £2,750,000 by Wilkinson Grant Longpark House was built for the present owners in recent years to an exacting specification and an imaginative modern contemporary design incorporating many impressive features this truly is a beautifully proportioned "one-off" home which will appeal to discerning buyers looking anywhere along the South West coast. The versatile "free flowing" accommodation extends over three floors to include superb lower ground floor pool and leisure space - All laid out to provide a high degree of natural light and taking full advantage of the fabulous Southerly aspect and quite stunning outlook. Designed to an exacting specification, the interior of Longpark House does not disappoint. Tastefully and neutrally decorated throughout, the clean elegant lines of its striking architecture beautifully frame the stunning views with glazed elevations providing a high degree of natural light to all of the principle rooms. The galleried dining area with its glass floor looking down onto the indoor pool is just one of its many unique features. The arrangement and measurements of the accommodation as it has been used recently can be seen on the floor plans contained within the brochure, however the accommodation can be briefly described as follows.House Three: Cedars House, Exeter, 7 bedrooms – On sale for £1,460,000 by Wilkinson Grant With over 6000 sq. ft. of accommodation this Grade II Listed Regency villa is a significant family home in the heart of the most desirable St Leonards. Walkable to private and state schools, the Royal Devon & Exeter hospital, the Nuffield hospital, as well as the numerous facilities in the Cathedral city of Exeter. The walks and cycle paths of the River Exe and Exeter Canal are also accessible with good access to the outskirts by car and to the major communication routes. The accommodation, whilst spacious, is perfectly liveable for a city centre house providing adaptability and flexibility to include accommodation for live-in staff or a self-contained annexe for a family member. Along the front elevation is a charming verandah facing virtually due south intertwined with Wisteria and accessed off the principle living rooms. The rear garden is a delight with a substantial level lawn with well-stocked flower and shrub borders and a circular pond providing lovely outdoor space which receives plenty of sunshine in a most peaceful setting. Plenty of parking approached via electrically-operated gates and space for a double garage if required, subject to the necessary planning consents. The Agents are informed that there may be potential for a detached dwelling within the grounds, subject to the necessary consents*. *Planning permission has been granted for a detached garage to the north-west corner of the front garden. House Four: Mount Houlditch Farm, West Hill, 6 bedrooms – On sale for £1,600,000 by Stags Mount Houlditch is a wonderful small country estate which has at its heart a stunning, architect designed, contemporary house positioned to take full advantage of the wonderful views over its own land and beyond for many miles. There is potential for further development of the property with planning permission for an indoor swimming pool and lapsed planning to convert a traditional barn. The property would be perfect for equestrian uses due to the quality land but equally suitable for those with smallholding interests.House Five: Great Halls, Exeter, 4 bedroom – On sale for £1,250,000 by Stags Great Halls is a wonderful farmhouse, beautifully presented, parts of which are thought to date back to the 16th Century. There is a grand Georgian style to the main body of the house. This impressive country residence provides a substantial and versatile layout of accommodation extending to 3,500 sq ft which incorporates period features of the original wing to the generous rooms of the main house. Great Halls boasts a grand appearance from the exterior and this style is echoed throughout the property. The main part of the house enjoys tall ceilings, decorative mouldings, a feature fireplace and an array of double glazed sash windows. The original part of the property provides period features such as revealed beams and an inglenook fireplace. The delightful grounds compliment the property perfectly, set behind perimeter walls with electronic gates, there is a fabulous enclosed courtyard and generous rear lawned gardens. In addition to the main house, Great Halls provides income potential with a 2-bedroom letting unit.House Six: Loxbrook Farm, Broadclyst, five bedroom – On sale for £1,250,000 by Stags A spacious Grade II Listed Georgian farmhouse with substantial range of barns, set in a popular area near to Exeter. 5 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en suite). Traditional barns plus further outbuildings. Paddocks, pond & stream. 16 Acres. Loxbrook Farm is a charming Grade II Listed Georgian house with many attractive period features. Approached off a lane onto a gravel drive with gates leading into a spacious rear courtyard of the main house and barns, Loxbrook Farm has been maintained and developed by the current owner and offers a beautifully presented country property.House seven: Holmedale, Exeter, five bedrooms – On sale for £1,495,000 by Wilkinson Grant Holmedale is a former detached family home in a quiet and peaceful location, which for 75 years was used by the resident family of doctors as the local GP surgery and their home. Originally built in 1879, it has the benefit of a purpose built three storey extension on the west aspect which was added in 1976. With the original property retaining a great deal of its original Victorian Gothic architectural features and having the benefit of extensive and worthwhile recent modern enhancements, it now provides well-proportioned "family-size" accommodation - which could simply be further added to, if required, by incorporating the ground floor rooms currently forming part of the consulting rooms without impacting on that business. The property also benefits from three level lawns externally. Whilst attached, the two halves have independent services, entrances and titles creating separate entities. The current owner has created a successful, profitable and growing business in the rooms, for which financial details are available to those with a serious interest. The business could be run personally by any prospective purchasers or by managers to provide the owners additional income.

PICTURES: Seven of the most expensive homes for sale in and around Exeter


Angling: Gary Thornton wins round two of Victoria Products League

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Gary Thornton claimed victory in round two of the Victoria Products League to open up an early lead at the top of the standings. Thornton's bag of 3.68kg was easily enough to win on the day on the Tiverton Canal at Manley. Andy Bulled could not build on an excellent start of 1kg in the first half-hour, finishing second with 2.85kg. Richard Higgs' catch of 2.25kg was enough for third, while Dave Pulman had 1.45kg for fourth place. The section winners were Zac Newton, Dave Walton and Roly Palmer. Victoria Products League standings: 1 Gary Thornton 20pts, 2 Mark Branson 14, 3 Zac Newton 14, 4 Eddy Evans 12, 5 Andy Bulled 12, 6 Dave Pulman 10 The next competition is on Sunday, February 1. To book a place, call 01392 662056 before midday the Saturday before the match.

Karla Drew gets Great Britain call up for multi-events indoor match

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Karla Drew has been selected to represent Great Britain at an international multi-events indoor match in Holland this weekend. The 24-year-old former Exeter Harrier from Heavitree was named in the four-strong squad after retaining her England Athletics indoor combined events title for a third successive time. Drew set a personal best points score of 4,199 to claim the gold medal and move to 10th on the UK all-time list. She is joined by Commonwealth heptathlon bronze medallist Jessica Taylor, Jo Rowland and Moe Sasegbon in the team. "It is a really good competition that I have done before and I am really looking forward to competing with the British girls again," said Drew. "Hopefully I can now break that 4,200-points barrier, having got so close in Sheffield." Drew, who is a former student at Exeter College and St Peter's School, has also confirmed that she will continue training for multi-events this summer, but her priority will remain the 100m hurdles "In my mind I will stick to the sprint hurdles as I feel I have unfinished business with the event," added Drew. "The trouble with the heptathlon for me is that my javelin is so weak that I drop too many points so never have a chance of finishing among the top girls. "Last season I deliberately took a break from multi-events training in the summer but my coach (Toni Minichiello) and I felt that my overall strength and fitness suffered because of that. "So this year I am going to keep going with my multi-events training because I think it will help my hurdles. You only have to look at the top multi-eventers in the world and they are incredibly good at some of the individual events as well. "I am hoping that it will help me to keep improving over the hurdles and improve my personal best. I would love to run low 13 seconds this summer, but we'll have to see." Drew's legal personal best of 13.3secs was set two years ago so is due a revision, and if she can stay fit and healthy there is no reason to suppose that she cannot go faster and break into the top six of the UK rankings. She was ninth fastest in 2014. "Training has been going really well this winter so I am really looking forward to the summer," said Drew. But first she has Holland and that match in Apeldoorn against the Dutch, France, Spain and the Czech Republic.

Karla Drew gets Great Britain call up for multi-events indoor match

Jake Gregorious claims victory in Devon Schools Cross-Country Championship

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Jake Gregorious pulled off one of the shocks of the day by claiming victory at the Devon Schools Cross-Country Championships on Saturday. The pupil at Ottery St Mary's King's School only took up running as it was a sport he manage to do after suffering a broken arm. Having finished 16th in the junior race last year two-and-a-half minutes behind the winner, and only sixth in the Exeter & East Devon schools intermediate trials at Haldon in December, he was not expected to be among the contenders. However, he made a move at the halfway point of the boys' intermediate race, last year's junior champion Finn McClear from Uffculme School and Exeter Harriers let him get away and could not make any impression on his lead. And Gregorious held on for a five-second win from the fast-finishing McClear in the event held at Stover School. Teignmouth's Molly Canham won the junior girls' race in style, passing the bronze and silver medallists in the final 100 metres. She will now face girls a year older than herself in the South West and English Schools Championships. King's School's Eleanor Brandon was third. Alex Moyse from Teignmouth won the minor boys' race, with Isca's Rio Turl second and Johnny Livingstone, from Colyton Grammar School and Exeter Harriers, in third. There was also success for Colyton's Elliot Morgan, who claimed his first schools cross-country title in the juniors. In the senior boys' race, Blundell's School's Jake Smith managed to come second and Exmouth's Jason Drew secured third spot. Exeter School's Maddie Roche was second in the intermediate girls' event. The team titles were dominated by the Exeter and East area, with the positions of the first six team members counting for the team score. Exeter and East took six of the eight races – all the boys and the intermediate and senior girls' titles.

Football, Devon & Exeter League: Sidbury United close in on top two

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Sidbury United are closing in on the top two in the Premier Division after Dan Churchill's 80th-minute strike saw them beat Heavitree United 1-0. The East Devon outfit are third just three points the second-placed Heavies after the win. Sidbury face East Devon neighbours Beer Albion this weekend. Leaders Tiverton Town had to settle for a 2-2 draw at fourth-placed Feniton, with their cause not helped by Adam Wakley's red card. Goals from Danny Jones and Jesse Howe saw Tiverton come from behind to take a 2-1 lead, but they then conceded a penalty and missed one minutes later. Danny Lewis and Charlie Selley were Feniton's scorers, but their real star was keeper Chris May. The derby clash between Seaton Town and Beer Albion ended 1-1 in front of a big crowd, with the Fishermen scoring first through James Melville before Seaton player-manager Mike Hancock equalised. Elmore were 4-0 winners at Budleigh Salterton, with Jon Dawe, Callum Old, Jordan Copp and Matt Atkins scoring. Newton St Cyres closed within a point of inactive Division One leaders Honiton thanks to a 3-1 victory at Exmouth Amateurs. Two goals from Sam Johnson and a Callum Stone penalty won it for Newton. Heavitree United moved off the bottom of the table with a resounding 4-0 victory at home to Witheridge. A Scot Jones hat-trick and a goal from Stacey Thorpe undid Withy. The University demolished East Budleigh 5-0 with goals from Taylor Latham (2), Ally Durno, Chris Lund and Alex Graham. The Students were also the only team to stage a match in Division Two, and that was a convincing 7-1 win against Hemyock. Josh Higgins struck four goals, Darren Ofoe two and Ronnie Bowerman one. The University also won 7-1 at home to Axminster Town in Division Three, with Pierce Bennett (2), Ben Yates, Ali Cullen, Viktor Jossefson and Tiago Dias scoring to add to an own goal. Chagford came out on top in a seven-goal thriller against Tedburn St Mary 4-3, with Josh Stanbury (2), Euan Stone and Robbie Miller on target for the Moormen. Darren Hughes (2) and Adam Summers netted for the Teds. Clyst Valley went down 5-1 against second-placed Lyme Regis.Division Four leaders Countess Wear Dynamoes went four points clear with their 2-1 win against Amory Park Rangers, but the other three games played in this section ended all square. St Martins and Lords XI drew 2-2, with the Exminster outfit battling back from 2-0 down after Lords player Julian Wills netted two crackers. Goals from Matt Anderson and Jake Brock earned Saints the point. It also finished 2-2 between Newtown and North Tawton, while neither Okehampton nor Westexe could find the net.Division Five table-toppers Fluxton beat promotion rivals Uplowman Athletic. Olly Paget, Alex Paget and Hayden Figures scored for the East Devon side, Jordan O'Leary netted for the visitors. Goal machine Kev Pitt bagged both goals for Otterton in their 2-0 win against Stoke Hill, while Starcross Generals went down 9-3 against Halwill. Division Six leaders Ottery St Mary bagged another three points as they saw off Woodbury 2-0. Connor Swingler and Jonny Beer scored. Dunkeswell Rovers beat Bradninch 4-1, with Brad Morris (2), Charlie Stephenson and Ryan Pike on target. Silverton and Newton St Cyres drew 2-2, with Adrian Selway and Jamie O'Connor scoring for the Silvers and Adam Kefford bagging a brace for the Cyres. Leaders South Zeal United beat Central 9-3 in the only Division Seven game played. Harley Cann scored four goals, with the others shared between Adam Clark (2), Ryan Dennis, Kieran Anderson and Andrew Hooper. Only one game was played in Division Eight, with St Martins' 2-1 victory at Sidmouth Town taking them top. Whipton & Pinhoe are through to the area final of the Devon Intermediate Cup. The Whips beat Sandford 4-3 with a penalty in the last minute of extra time. It was the second goal for Dexter Booth, adding to goals from Ryan Crocker and Dean Voaden The other semi-final between Tivvy Park Rangers and Kentisbeare was postponed.

Football, Devon & Exeter League: Sidbury United close in on top two

South West Road Runner Ellie Sutcliffe is third female home in First Chance 10k

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SOUTH WEST ROAD RUNNERS
South West Road Runners organised the annual First Chance 10k race in Exeter on Sunday and, while many club members helped out behind the scenes, more than 20 took part. The women's team were particularly strong, with Ellie Sutcliffe coming home third female and 26th overall in a time of 38mins 42secs. Laura Swanton was also in the top 10 women, finishing 50th overall in 41.20. Karen Cook was the first female over-55 in 45.10, with Julie Hedges the second female over-50 in 45.59 and Jo Pearce third female over-40 in 44.26. The first male home for the club was Miles Woolnough, who finished 28th in 38.46. Other SWRR finishers were: Scott Hunter 81st in a PB of 44.14, Callum Lamont 124th in 46.50, Kathryn Hough 125th in 47.07, Amanda Perry 128th in 47.12, James Robson 132nd in 47.34, Juliette Dean 151st in 48.35, Geoff Smith 152nd in 48.36, Kelly Green 165th in 49.06, Emma Jones 172nd in 49.39, Victoria Ovens 189th in 49.51, Claire Chalk 277th in 54.48, Donna Smith 278th in a PB of 54.50, Kelly Forrester 279th in a PB of 54.51, Simon Ovens 283rd in 54.43, Laura Nichols 287th in 55.19, Liana Shelford 325th in a PB of 56.39, Jenny Beesley 417th in 1:02.13 and Sarah Hector 418th in 1:02.23
AXE VALLEY RUNNERS
Axe Valley Runners members filled the top three places at the 10-mile Axmouth Challenge on Sunday. James Green won in a new course record, taking almost two minutes off the previous best with 58.09. Matt Clist was second in 58.51 and James Trewick third in 1:05.45. Also in the top 10 was Luke Reed, who was seventh in 1:07.21, and Ian Apps, who came home ninth in 1:09.11. Eleanor Wood was the first female AVR home, 25th overall in 1:16.07. Other AVR finishers were: Rupert Pady 17th in 1:14.27, Joshua Hopson 18th in 1:14.34, Tony Smith 23rd in 1:15.46, James Sibley 31st in 1:17.42, Clare Hansford 34th in 1:18.55, Kirsty Bate 39th in 1:20.08, Carol Austin 45th in 1:23.23, Steve Maclure 46th in 1:23.24, John Greenhalgh 47th in 1:23.55, Robin Britton 52nd in 1:26.19, Richard Dodge 53rd in 1:26.23, Keith Agland 54th in 1:26.35, Roger Bramley 55th in 1:26.40, Alan Morbey 56th in 1:26.46, Anna Mcloughlin 62nd in 1:27.59, Holly Edwards 66th in 1:29.02, Chris Hill 68th in 1:30.30, Mark Harding-Perrott 71st in 1:33.18, Samantha Miller 74th in 1:33.57, Andy Sayers 77th in 1:35.57, Yvette Hill and Gillian Peach joint 79th in 1:37.26, Angela Kerr 85th in 1:40.31 and Martin Kerr 93rd in 1:53.43 There was an AVR one-two in the five-mile mini challenge, with Jake Smith winning in 33.17 and fellow 15-year-old Ollie Caute second in 36.41 Other AVR's were William Watson, who was seventh in 48.57, Adam Burrough was eighth in 49.47, Henry Smith 11th in 56.27 and Jane Calvert 15th in 1:00.52. There was also a junior challenge which was won by AVR Oliver Rodger, 13, in 8.43, with Matt Thurgood, also 13, second in 9.00. Other AVR finishers were: Louis Whittane 6th in 10.07, Harvey Green 14th in 11.09, Caitlin Tooze 16th in 11.33, Poppy Tooze 17th in 11.44, Daisy Greenhalgh 31st in 19:08 and three-year-old Tom Greenhalgh ran with mum Amy and was 32nd in 23.06 HALDON TRAIL RUNNERS Lizzy Dyson followed up her win in the Oh My Obelisk race with another first place in the 10-mile Axmouth Challenge on Sunday. The Haldon Trail Runner finished 10th overall and first woman in 1:06.18. Also on Sunday, Chris Menter took part in the First Chance 10k in Exeter and finished 85th in 44.35. On Saturday, Martin McEneny ran the Exeter parkrun 5k and came home 15th overall and first in his male over-45 age group in 20.53.
EXMOUTH HARRIERS
Mike Musgrove won the male over-45 section at the First Chance 10k on Sunday – and lowered his personal best in the process. He was the first of three Exmouth Harriers to finish the race in Exeter, crossing the line sixth in 35.30. Also in the top 10 was Adam Miller, who finished ninth in 36.03. Jon Garrity was 29th in 39.00.
SOUTH WEST INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS
There were some excellent performances from Exeter-based athletes at the Cardiff Indoor Open and South West Championships. Glenn Etherington ran a new PB in the 60m hurdles. Natasha Mead has recently had her classification changed to being a T11 visually impaired athlete so is now entitled to have a guide. With Sam Crowter she ran a PB of 8.97secs for 60m in their first race together, putting her second in the UK rankings. Jordan Finch (200m) and Matt Cheeseworth (60m) also managed good times.

South West Road Runner Ellie Sutcliffe is third female home in First Chance 10k

Alex Brown praised by Exeter Chiefs boss

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Alex Brown has won praise from Exeter Chiefs boss Rob Baxter after stepping up against Connacht. The 25-year-old was handed a chance in the European Challenge Cup tie as fellow props Moray Low (ankle) and Tomas Francis (back) were injured. And the former Saracens youngster more than played his part as the Chiefs took a firm grip up front, winning a series of penalties in the scrum, as they went on to win 33-24. Head coach Baxter said Brown's challenge is now to cement his place in the matchday 23 for the return to the Aviva Premiership action against Newcastle on February 14. "Alex did very well," said Baxter. "If you want to be one of the better teams in the Premiership, you're going to have quite a lot of guys in Alex's position where they get limited time at times, but when they get the chance to step up in big games they perform very well. "If you look at some of the teams who have done well historically in the Premiership, notably Leicester, sometimes they deal with one or two injuries very well. "That's Alex's battle now, to keep performing at that level and command that spot for himself. We don't mind making changes, that's been shown in the past – when guys come in and play well they keep their places. "I was very pleased for him, very pleased with the way he performed for the team, and the pack of forwards as a whole came together really well in the scrum. You could see it was a very concerted effort from the whole pack, our maul defence improved in the second half and that took away a lot of the momentum opportunities that Connacht had." Low and Francis should be fit next month, but Brown is likely to get more chances to impress against Bayonne in the final European group game this weekend, and in the two LV= Cup pool matches that follow.

Alex Brown praised by Exeter Chiefs boss

Watchdog to investigate health chiefs' decision to swap East Devon health care providers

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THE Government's health sector regulator is investigating the decision by NHS bosses to commission the Royal Devon & Exeter Foundation Trust (RD&EFT) for its community services in East Devon instead of Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust (NDHT). Up until November the Northern, Eastern and Western Devon Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) commissioned the NDHT to provide community services, which includes community hospitals, physiotherapy and community nursing. It subsequently announced the RD&EFT as its preferred provider instead, after launching a procurement process to ensure community based delivery system designed to achieve a step change in integrated care. Today, health watchdog Monitor announced it would be investigating this decision following a complaint from the NDHT. If Monitor decides to uphold the complaint and the CCG is forced to put the service out to tender, there is a chance it could be taken over by a private company. Monitor is set to review the decision making process to ensure it was run in the best interests of patients, in accordance with the rules on procurement, choice and competition. Dr David Jenner, a GP from Cullompton and chair of the Eastern Locality of the CCG said joined up services in his area was the right decision and in the best interests of patients. "We have put patients at the centre of our decision making and we have an exciting opportunity to give patients in our area the healthcare that they want," he said. "Patients and public groups have told us that they want joined up care. "We have a rising number of people with complex health needs and by developing services in the way we have proposed we can continue to ensure patients get the right care in the right setting and improve quality, efficiency and effectiveness for local people. "We welcome Monitor's investigation and remain confident that our decision is the right one and in the best interests of our patients."

Watchdog to investigate health chiefs’ decision to swap East Devon health care providers


Chris Bentley: Network of smaller clubs are the bedrock of our game

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When I shout 'de-fence' I don't mean the wooden structure at the bottom of the garden. I mean rapier-like bone-crunching tackles that resonate off the field right up to the back row of the main stand. Aggressive defence, so often the foundation for famous victories, has become a Chiefs trademark and offensive defence together with a total team effort was again at the heart of Sunday's win in Ireland. Granted, our commitment to all-out pressure defence, with lightening line speed, saw us caught out twice and rounded by a jubilant Connacht in the first 40. We also conceded late on when the match was already won but, all things considered, Sunday was a great performance from a resurgent Chiefs who well and truly found the mojo that had been missing in recent weeks. On Sunday in Galway, a sold-out crowd and thousands more watching on Sunday prime time TV were treated to a pulsating game that had just about everything. The pace, power and intensity that earned success for the Exeter men earlier in the season returned to our ranks. A youthful Chiefs flexed their muscles and powered past a very good Irish side. I mention youth because no less than four of the England team that lifted the 2013 Under-20 World Cup were in the Chiefs' starting line-up. Sunday was not only a thrilling game but important for both teams as perhaps the most significant tie in the European Challenge Cup thus far. Such was the confidence and belief flowing through the Chiefs' ranks that early kickable penalties were spurned in favour of short-yard line-out options. Okay, our line-out was not quite functioning as it should, but the ambition was there and the line-out WILL be sorted. What was important in my view of Sunday's classic was a Chiefs team that had regained its confidence, focus and intensity. Defining our return to form was the outstanding performance of our scrum. Boasting the best set-piece statistics in the Pro12, Connacht were repeatedly forced to concede to the power of our 'fat lads'. Such was our ascendancy in the scrum that a period of sustained forward pressure won a penalty try for the dominant Chiefs pack. Luke Cowan-Dickie was deservedly named man of the match and inspirational captain Dean Munn capped an outstanding individual performance with a classic interception followed by a 60-metre sprint home for a spectacular score. Dean's second-row partner, Damian Welch, produced an equally spectacular stumble to prematurely end his own 50-yard gallop. Just like Devon Loch in the 1956 Grand National, one suspects your classic stumble will be remembered long after Dean's try has faded in the mist of history! Nice one, Welchie. Just may be we are witnessing the foundations of a South West rugby dynasty, time will tell. Yes, we've weaknesses to address and, yes, there is much still to learn, but what is certain is that we're having a five-star ride of passion and excitement together with that special experience that is elite-level sport. To those who point to our defence being rounded three times on Sunday, I refer to the legendary Anfield chief, Bill Shankly. When his precious Liverpool team were questioned about a shaky defence, the great man defiantly retorted: "If they score four and we score five, does that mean we've won?" I love his simple logic and abrasive confidence such that I dare a second Shankly uttering. Shortly after arriving at LFC, the legendary Scot shared his dream for Liverpool with his squad. Shankly's words went something like this: "We'll build a team that will be strong and indomitable. We'll turn Anfield into a fortress that opponents will fear, an unshakeable dynasty. Everyone will know that this is Anfield and we are Liverpool." Remember, dear reader, Liverpool were a modest Second Division club when Shankly voiced his dream. The rest is history. Okay, that was Merseyside a generation ago and this is Devon today, but the similarities are there to see. Honest, workmanlike team play driven by a heart, passion and commitment going off the scale. A never-say-die attitude and the confidence to say we are aiming to reach the heights. Build into the equation the deep-rooted faith and belief required to go out there and actually do it. Wow, it certainly floats my boat and I suspect 12,000-like minded Devonians will be joining me to support the cause on Saturday. Pulling on my current experiences at Sandy Park and Exmouth, I pen my weekly missive with good intent. Logically I draw on my 14 years as a professional player in England, France and New Zealand, and also a short sabbatical in Edinburgh Gunners. I've been lucky to live the dream and revel in the privileges enjoyed by the big clubs. I make no excuse for admitting that I've loved it. My journey continues and it pleases me to share personal experiences with you in my weekly columns in the South West Thunderer, aka the Express & Echo. I'm often contacted by fans, players and officials from clubs of all levels from the wider rugby family. I'd like to share an extract from a discussion opened by Jerry Rice, the hard working secretary at Honiton RFC. For the record, Jerry is of thoroughbred rugby vintage, his picture still hangs with pride in the corridors of Sandy Park as Jerry, like yours truly, was once a Chief. Referring to my past articles Jerry suggested: "There never seems to be any mention of the poor clubs that struggle to survive below the Chiefs and Exmouth's level." Pressing home his point, Jerry focused on grassroots rugby as the breeding ground for developing players to learn the game, with the best coming through on the conveyor belt that feed the ranks of senior rugby clubs. Fair point Jerry. I'm also drawn to Jerry's description of many smaller clubs "struggling to survive!" It's a subject that both interests and concerns me. Certainly the nation's network of smaller clubs are the bedrock on which our game is founded. Since the progressive demise of competitive school sport, it's fallen on the clubs to provide facilities to introduce youngsters to the game and provide the facilities to foster their development through the age groups to senior rugby. Where once small clubs regularly fielded three, four and even an 'extra fourth' XV, many today struggle to raise two competitive senior squads. Indeed, were it not for thriving mini and junior sections, many clubs would struggle to thrive. I fear the winds of change will continue to impact on our smaller clubs and the struggle to recruit senior players could get harder still. Jerry raises some important issues that I agree need discussing by the fathers of our game in a much bigger arena than the paragraphs of my weekly missive. Jerry has thrown down the gauntlet, it will be interesting to hear what others think on the issues raised. Moving on, Exmouth came back from an early Chard lead to win the day 29-9. It was a workmanlike bonus point win that looks comfortable on paper. In the event it was anything but comfortable as a battling Chard made it a tough for the Cockles. The traditional South West counties field over 400 teams in more than 35 leagues. On an average Saturday during the season over 7,000 people are playing in matches in the South West section of the English Clubs Championship. From these grassroots, senior clubs right up to England's national team draw their players. To you Jerry and all those serving the game every level you have my respect. Whatever your level, until next time, stay safe and enjoy your rugby.

Chris Bentley: Network of smaller clubs are the bedrock of our game

James Hamon: Defensive desire can help get Exeter City promoted this season

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James Hamon says Exeter City can get out of League Two this season if they show the same defensive desire they demonstrated in their 3-2 win at Mansfield Town on Saturday. The Grecians won the match thanks to goals from Tom Nichols, Scot Bennett and Alex Nicholls to move to within one point of the play-off places. However, it wasn't City's finishing that got Hamon singing the praises of his teammates at the final whistle, but their resolute and uncompromising defensive display. Matt Oakley cleared off the line on three occasions, while Scot Bennett, Arron Davies and Jordan Moore-Taylor also made goal-saving blocks to stop a rampant Mansfield side from running away with the game. Goalkeeper Hamon says if they can take that same resistance into the rest of the season, starting with Saturday's trip to Oxford United, they will be looking at League One football sooner rather than later. "The lads in front of me put their bodies on the line," said Hamon. "That is one of the most hearty performances I have seen from us. We had Jordan (Moore-Taylor) throwing himself in front of a shot and (Matt) Oakley and Davo (Arron Davies) clearing off the line and Scot (Bennett) winning tackles. "It was just unbelievable at times, but that is what we have got to do if we want to keep winning and get out this league. If we do that every week I think we will be all right. "The defensive performance against Mansfield has to set the bar for us. If we can do that every week, we are not going to go too far wrong and we are not going to lose too many more games. "Oxford is going to be a different game though. I don't think they will put the ball into the box as much as Mansfield did but, if they do, we will be ready for it and we have shown we can take it." The win against Mansfield came on the back of a run of four defeats in five games for the Grecians as their bid for promotion hit the stumbling blocks. Hamon admitted the overall performance against Mansfield might not have been up to scratch, but added that getting the win was the most important thing. "I'm sure we will play a lot better than that this season and not win, but we got the three points and that is the main thing," he said. "It was important to get off that run we were on. We couldn't keep putting in the performances we were and we couldn't keep losing like we were. Against Mansfield we got the three points and it was a bit of a smash and grab if you like, but hopefully we can go on to Saturday, put a shift in, and get another three points. "That will keep our momentum going and that is what we need to start doing. If we can manage that then I think we will definitely be up there at the end of the season."

James Hamon: Defensive desire can help get Exeter City promoted this season

Ben White signs new Exeter Chiefs contract

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Ben White has set his sights on more silverware after extending his Exeter Chiefs contract. The Aussie flanker has become the 11th member of the squad to sign a new deal this season. The 31-year-old has agreed a two-year extension to keep him at Sandy Park until 2017. And with the club safely in the European Challenge Cup quarter-finals and top of their LV= Cup pool, the former Cardiff Blues player hopes they can add to their Anglo-Welsh cup success of last season. "We all play to win trophies and we've got a good opportunity this year as we're in the quarter-final now, plus we're in the LV so it's exciting times," said White, ahead of Saturday's final European group game against Bayonne. "That's all in our hands and we know what we've got to do to win a final, now we've got to get there." White started 23 games last season but has been in and out of the side this term, with niggling injuries and Don Armand's form keeping him out. However, the openside said it was an easy decision to stay with the Chiefs. "It was a pretty easy decision. When Rob (Baxter) offered it to me, I was pretty happy to stay," he said. "Hopefully I can cement my spot. Don Armand's playing really well and Sam Simmonds is coming through so I want to cement a starting spot and play as well as I can and do the best for the team. "I think I've improved a lot as a player (since joining the Chiefs) on the field and also off the field with the conditioning staff. "My game understanding has improved a lot and knowing when the big moments are." Head coach Rob Baxter is pleased to have added to his squad for next season, with just nine senior players now waiting to see if they'll be offered a new deal. He praised the impact White has made since making the switch to Exeter in 2011, and said he is one of the hardest-working players on the pitch for his side. Baxter said: "I think Ben has been one of the success stories at Exeter Chiefs. We looked at him a year earlier than when he signed but it didn't work out for various reasons. "We thought Ben would fit in, he's an all-action back-row forward. His biggest quality is that you don't look at him and pull out his carries or pull out his collisions, it's the all-round package that you get. "The biggest compliment I can give to Ben is that very often when he plays his total of physical involvements in the game are the No. 1, as it often is, or second or third. "When you add together the number of successful clear-outs he makes as the first arrival, added to his tackles and how quickly he's back in the game and re-loading and contributing again in kick chase, that work-rate and effort to be involved in the game really is second to none. "On top of that he's a very interesting character in the squad, he's very well liked and the centre of a lot of changing room banter – both giving and taking – and it was a very easy choice for me to want to keep him around. He's been an energetic contributor to a lot of the things we've achieved over the last few years."

Ben White signs new Exeter Chiefs contract

Review: Playhouse Creatures at Cygnet Theate

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Review: Playhouse Creatures Cygnet Theatre, Exeter Running until January 24 The Cygnet Company have managed to deliver a thoroughly enjoyable and engaging piece of theatre with their version of April De Angelis' Playhouse Creatures. Director Amanda Knott has put together a slick ensemble production which was satisfyingly pleasing for the whole audience, easing us into the 17th century English Restoration period with light humour and amusement as we are introduced to the five female protagonists, who are based on historical figures and literary characters. Despite the generally adequate performances of the whole cast, there were definite stand-out performances given by Kaja Pecnik, who plays Mrs Betterton, a renowned yet ageing actress losing her grip over audiences as younger actresses enter the theatre, as well as Rosalind Williams, playing Doll Common, the frank and coarse wardrobe dresser to Mrs Betterton. Both actresses truly stole the show, giving powerfully emotive and watchable performances that steered clear of earnestness while achieving the sincerity of their character's stories. Pecnik's intense wide eyes demanded the attention and investment of the audience as we see her somewhat break down over the course of the play, while Williams' witty yet humble portrayal of Doll felt wholly honest due to her natural comfort on the stage. Knott managed to harness the potential of the Cygnet's large stage space by using numerous railings of costumes, which were moved at the start of scenes to create various shapes and signal a shift in mood and time, contributing to the fast-paced progression of the show. Of course, at the core of the play were the fascinating and sometimes jarring stories of the five female figures, which had the audience engrossed the whole way through, for this I cannot fault the Cygnet Company and highly recommend that you catch the show before the end of its run this week. By Talia Winn Performances take place at 7.30pm, with a matinee also taking place on Saturday at 2pm. Tickets cost £10, concessions and children £6 child. Call 01392 277189 or visit www.www.cygnettheatre.co.uk

Review: Playhouse Creatures at Cygnet Theate

Aaron Dawson leaves Exeter City

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Aaron Dawson has left Exeter City by mutual consent. The 22-year-old made a total of 20 first-team appearances for the Grecians over the course of four seasons, having graduated from the club's youth academy in 2010. He has played at right-back and in the centre of midfield for City, but has found limited first team opportunities this season. His last game for Exeter came in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy against Coventry City in October. Dawson was most recently on loan with Farnborough and made six appearances for the Vanarama Conference South side. He also previously spent loan spells at Tiverton Town and Havant & Waterlooville.

Aaron Dawson leaves Exeter City

Devon health bosses welcome investigation into "flawed" decision to axe trust as provider of community services in East Devon

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HEALTH bosses at the Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust (NDHT) have welcomed an investigation by the Government's health sector regulator into a decision to axe the Trust as the provider of community services in East Devon, dubbing the decision "wrong" and "flawed". Up until November the Northern, Eastern and Western Devon Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) commissioned the NDHT to provide community services in East Devon, which includes community hospitals, physiotherapy and community nursing. The CCG subsequently announced it had selected the Royal Devon & Exeter Foundation Trust (RD&EFT) to take on the service instead, after launching a procurement process to ensure a community based delivery system designed to achieve a step change in integrated care. Yesterday, health watchdog Monitor announced it would be investigating this decision following a complaint from the NDHT. But if Monitor decides to uphold the complaint and the CCG is forced to put the service out to tender, there is a chance it could be taken over by a private company. A spokesperson for the NDHT said that the Care Quality Commission described its integrated community health and social care services as "the best they had ever seen" during the chief inspector of hospitals four-day inspection of the Trust in July. The Trust has run the community services in East Devon since they were transferred from NHS Devon in April 2011. Dr Alison Diamond, chief executive, said: "We are of the opinion that the CCG's decision is the wrong one for patients and the health system, made at the wrong time and made in a potentially flawed way. "We are pleased Monitor has chosen to take forward an objective investigation of the process. "Our staff deliver high-quality services and they can all be immensely proud of their pioneering work to integrate and transform health and social care across Eastern and Northern Devon. "I would like to thank all our staff in Eastern Devon for their continued patience, professionalism and commitment to putting patients first despite the uncertainty over the future." Monitor is set to review the decision making process to ensure it was run in the best interests of patients, in accordance with the rules on procurement, choice and competition. Dr David Jenner, a GP from Cullompton and chair of the Eastern Locality of the CCG said joined up services in his area was the right decision and in the best interests of patients. "We have put patients at the centre of our decision making and we have an exciting opportunity to give patients in our area the healthcare that they want," he said. "Patients and public groups have told us that they want joined up care. "We have a rising number of people with complex health needs and by developing services in the way we have proposed we can continue to ensure patients get the right care in the right setting and improve quality, efficiency and effectiveness for local people. "We welcome Monitor's investigation and remain confident that our decision is the right one and in the best interests of our patients."

The Bee Gees help save life of Devon baboon

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The vet team at Paignton Zoo Environmental Park in Devon have saved the life of a monkey twice in one afternoon – with the help of the Bee Gees. When the four year old female Hamadryas baboon, named Aunt Bessie, collapsed and her heart stopped, head vet Ghislaine Sayers performed external cardiac massage – with the Bee Gees song "Staying Alive" playing in her head: "A baboon's heart rate is similar to that of a young human - the British Heart Foundation's TV commercial used the song because it's a good prompt for the rate of cardiac massage, even for trained professionals!" Aunt Bessie was rushed to the Zoo's in-house Vet Centre by concerned keepers after she collapsed before Christmas. Ghislaine: "The keepers were catching up a young female baboon called Houdini with an injured tail so that we could treat her. Suddenly, Aunt Bessie collapsed." Ghislaine responded, along with vet nurse Sonya Gadhia and mammal keepers Kate Jenner and Catherine Steart. "Aunt Bessie was brought to the vet centre unconscious. She was thin and dehydrated, with negligible blood glucose and low blood pressure causing a slow heart rate and weak pulse. "We immediately gave her glucose and fluids to give her energy and rehydrate her and put her on a ventilator, which effectively did the breathing for her. When her heart suddenly stopped, out came the emergency kit and the adrenalin and we started external cardiac massage. "Her heart started beating again and although it was still weak, it gave us the chance to get some more fluids in, check her glucose levels again and start her on some intravenous antibiotics. Just as we thought we were getting somewhere her heart stopped again. "At this point you start to wonder whether anything you do will make a difference, but you have to keep trying when you believe there is still a chance. After more adrenaline, cardiac massage and a dose of corticosteroids, she suddenly turned a corner. Almost an hour after arriving at the vet centre her heart was beating steadily at a normal rate and her pulse was stronger." The team continued to give her fluids to make sure she was fully hydrated. They also took the chance to take x-rays and give her a thorough clinical examination, taking blood samples and repeatedly checking blood glucose levels. Ghislaine again: "A few hours later Aunt Bessie was sitting in a warm enclosure in the Vet Centre taking food and fluids from us. She stayed in the Vet Centre over Christmas and the New Year, in the warm with plenty of extra food, lots of enrichment to play with and Houdini, the younger baboon with the injured tail, for company. Aunt Bessie put on a lot of weight over that period – probably like a lot of us!" Zoo spokesperson Phil Knowling said: "To save a life once is amazing – to save the same life twice is truly exceptional!" Aunt Bessie and Houdini forged a friendship during their recuperation. When they were introduced back into the troop, Houdini was welcomed by her dad, Ben, and her mum. Even better, Aunt Bessie, who was a low-ranking female without a family group, was accepted by them, too, improving her status in the troop. Hamadryas baboons were sacred to the ancient Egyptians and pictured on temples and tombs. They were also mummified and entombed. They can be found in the Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

The Bee Gees help save life of Devon baboon


Devon festival 'Lemonfest' announces first acts including DJ Yoda and Dub Pistols

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Devon music festival Lemonfest has announced the first acts for its 6th annual installment. The festival is one of the premiere boutique festivals in the UK and a fast-growing staple of the circuit. With a reputation for line-ups and attractions that punch well above their weight, they scooped four nominations at the recent 2014 UK festival awards. The festival, that has boosted past performances from Ben Howard, Hard-Fi, Reef, Toploader and The Skints, will return to Newton Abbot Racecourse on 30th May 2015 Leading the charge are crowd favourite, DJ Yoda who will scratch, mix and cut & paste through his new 'Breakfast of Champions' live show, and multiple award winning ska, dub, hip-hop, breakbeat, punk, drum & bass outfit, Dub Pistols. The UK's esteemed scruffy sage, Beans on Toast will deliver his inimitable folk sermons, and lyrical Dream Pop specialists, Matthew & Me will provide chilled out electro bliss. Other acts announced are Seven Cities, plus local talents, King Tuts Revenge and A$$ Munch. The festival remains completely self-sufficient and independent, sticking true to its original ethos of having no major sponsors or VIP area. BBC Introducing will once again be supporting the 'Locally Grown' stage with live broadcasts and interviews. This stage has become an important factor which has allowed the festival to maintain popularity and cultivate the best local bands. Five stages include, Main, Dance Tent, Drum'n'Bass Arena, Acoustic & BBC Introducing's Locally Grown. Despite the opportunity to expand in physical size and crowd capacity, organisers are keen to keep the event small and perfectly formed in order maintain their unique offering. Organiser Matt Freemantle, says; "We can hardly believe that this will be the 6th year of Lemonfest, but are extremely proud to be running a truly independent music festival in the heart of the West Country. We're very excited about this year, and with our strongest line-up to date we aim to deliver the best boutique festival experience in the UK. Saturday 30th May can't come soon enough!" Amongst the attractions shall be international food stalls, Space Hopper racing, 'Downtown' Area, All local Real Ale & Cider bar, Fairground rides, a Kids area and a few more surprises TBA.

Devon festival ‘Lemonfest’ announces first acts including DJ Yoda and Dub Pistols

Exeter business leaders celebrate launch of 2015 Express & Echo Business Awards

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Representatives of leading businesses across Exeter and the surrounding areas gathered today to celebrate the launch of the 2015 Express & Echo Business Awards. Sponsors, former finalists and winners were among the guests at a lunchtime networking event at Exeter Golf and Country Club's Wear Park venue. Now in their fifth year, the awards are well known for showcasing companies and individuals who demonstrate entrepreneurial drive, innovation and dedication to providing a quality product or service. Echo editor Jon-Paul Hedge said: "Since we launched the Express & Echo Business Awards in 2011, the innovation and dedication of our finalists and winners have never failed to amaze and inspire, and we're sure 2015 will not disappoint. "As everyone in business knows, confidence is crucially important. And by providing a platform to celebrate the outstanding successes of companies and individuals in the Exeter area, we hope that thanks to the support of our friends and sponsors these awards will once again shine a light on the many reasons to feel positive about doing business in Exeter." Since its launch, the event has attracted more than 490 entries, producing nearly 200 finalists and 48 winners. More than 1,000 people have celebrated the achievements of local employers and individuals at the glittering awards ceremonies, which have become a highlight of the Exeter business community's social calendar. This year sees the continuation of the partnership between the Express & Echo and Eclipse which will provide even more opportunities for outstanding local businesses to share their success stories via both print and digital media. James Warner, from Eclipse, said: "We are extremely proud to be a part of this event, in our third year of partnering with the Express & Echo. It's a great opportunity to recognise the innovation and creativity of our businesses here in Exeter, and the impact that they have on a local, national and in some cases international scale. "One of the reasons I personally wanted to be involved is I know just how important it is to attract and retain talent in the South West. To do that we have to have a vibrant and growing business community." In total, there are 14 categories to enter, including a new award for Best Apprentice Employer, sponsored by Devon County Council. Other awards which will be presented in a ceremony at Sandy Park on Friday, April 17, include: Corporate Social Responsibility; Employer of the Year; Best Creative Business; Innovation Award; Excellence in Customer Service; Family Business of the Year; Environmental Award; Entrepreneur and Young Entrepreneur of the Year; Best Tourism/Hospitality Business; Best City Centre Business, as well as the hotly contested Small Business and Business of the Year. Mike Hesketh, owner of Exeter Dental Centre, told guests how the practice has benefited from winning the Best City Centre Business Award last year. "My wife and I bought the Exeter Dental Centre in 2012 and invested a lot of money in a renovation and complete overhaul of the practice to bring it into the 21st century," he said. "Through word of mouth and social media we were getting about 50 new clients a month. "My marketing manager put us forward for the award, which we were fortunate enough to win. The award ceremony was fantastic, and all the staff shared in the celebration. "In the following two days we gained 30 new patients, so that new business was really key. "We have continued to do more PR and marketing, primarily with the Express & Echo, and now we are up to 100 new clients a month, which is pretty industry leading." For the third year in a row, the headline sponsor of the awards is Exeter-based internet service provider Eclipse. Other category sponsors include Kitsons Solicitors, Pavey Group, Exeter City Council and Exeter College. The closing date for entries is Monday, March 23. For full details of the awards categories and how to enter, visit www.exeterbusinessawards.co.uk. For information about sponsorship opportunities, contact Charlotte Tregedeon on 07802 451897 or charlotte.tregedeon@dc-media.co.uk.

Exeter business leaders celebrate launch of 2015 Express & Echo Business Awards

Shamed "pillar of Devon parish" jailed after child abuse images found on his computer

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A former pub landlord has been jailed after police found sickening images of child rape on his computer. Pensioner Gerald Bolton was a pillar of the community in the North Devon village where he lived but his apparently respectable life as a churchgoer and charity helper hid a dark secret. He was addicted to watching internet images and movies showing children as young as 18 months screaming in pain and distress as they were abused. Bolton became so dependent on the images that he took them with him on two memory sticks when he went on holiday to Cyprus. His home was raided while he was away and police found so many images on his computers they gave up counting when they reached 17,000 even though these less than a thirtieth of the total. His arrest led to him being shunned by some neighbours even though he was described a being 'part of the weft and weave of the village' by his local vicar in Ashwater, near Beaworthy. Bolton had provided a temporary home for the village pub when it burned down 15 years ago and also gave land to the local football club for their pitch and changing rooms. He was a father and grandfather who had never been in any kind of trouble until he was flagged up by an investigation into abuse images by police in Wiltshire. Bolton, aged 70, of Fairchild, Ashwater, admitted 12 offences of making or possessing indecent or prohibited images of children and four of possessing extreme pornography and two firearms charges. He was jailed for 20 months by Recorder Mr Rufus Taylor at Exeter Crown Court. He told him:"Fortunately the court has been spared having to view the images but they are described in a schedule. "There is a description of one of the items. I will got describe what is happening to the girl but she is aged about 18 months to two years and the effect on her is evident. "Her face is not shown but she is clearly heard crying and screaming for her mother and is in great distress and discomfort. That, I am afraid, is the reality of your offending. "I have considered suspending this sentence. I recognise that you require rehabilitation and it is a very difficult balance. However, having considered in particular the number of images in particular, I cannot do so." Miss Emily Pitts, prosecuting, said Bolton was traced through his internet address after using peer to peer software to receive images from another user, who was being investigated by police in Wiltshire. She said his home was raided while he was on holiday in Cyprus in autumn 2013 and 29 computer related items seized and examined. He was found with two more memory sticks when he was arrested on his return. He made no comment about the images but told police ammunition found in a safe was left over from his days as a licensed gun user and which he had never got round to surrendering. Miss Pitts said images or movies were found on 11 pieces of equipment of which only four were examined in detail. She said:"There were a very large number of images of which only 2.7 per cent were analysed and listed by officers and 13.6 per cent of movies. There were terabytes of storage on the equipment. "Police also found a number of search terms which had been used including 'mum and daughter sex'. Bookmarks had saved some child abuse sites. "The items on the memory sticks had been deleted but were recovered by police and contained images he had taken on holiday with him to Cyprus. "He was asked if he had a sexual interest in children and answered 'not as such'." She said there were 795 images and 39 movies at the most serious category A, which effectively covers child rape; 1,108 stills and 29 moves at category B, showing less serious abuse; and 15,304 stills and 22 movies at category C, which shows child nudity. Mr Christopher Andrews, defending, said Bolton has now acknowledged there was a sexual motive and is therefore suitable for a sex offenders' treatment programme, which he could only receive with a suspended sentence. He said:"He has played an active part in village life to the extent he started a pub in his own home when the local pub burned down. In one sense it has made it more difficult for him being part of the community. "His reputation and standing have been utterly destroyed and every day he has to go out and face people who know what he has done. He has received some support but there are people who have turned their back on him. "He is ashamed, embarrassed and remorseful. He got involved in this initially through curiosity and it turned into an addiction. He lost his way and lived a fantasy life through his computer." He passed the Judge references from Rev Jane Lucas and Bolton's wife Susan, who has been married to him for 26 years. The vicar's letter said he was "part of the weft and weave of the parish for the past 25 years". His wife said he was a "good and kind man who was always willing to help others regardless of the cost to himself".

Shamed

Exeter student house burglar jailed after his Fairy Liquid clean up fails to destroy the evidence

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A burglar has been jailed after his attempt to cover his traces with washing up liquid failed to wipe away his DNA from a crime scene. Michael Brown was caught red-handed inside a student house in Exeter when one of the residents came home to find him in the kitchen. He claimed to be a new tenant in the shared house but the student realised he was an intruder and fled in terror when Brown moved towards him. Forensic experts traced him from blood at the scene despite Brown using Fairy Liquid to try and wash away the evidence, Exeter Crown Court was told. Brown, aged 48, refused to attend his sentencing hearing and stayed in the cell at Exeter Prison where he had been held since he was arrested for jumping bail. He was held after returning to Britain from Jamaica where he had gone on honeymoon with his new wife after getting married shortly before Christmas. Brown, of King Arthurs Road, Exeter, is a serial offender with more than 100 previous convictions including burglaries at homes and businesses. He was jailed for 16 months by Recorder Mr Rufus Taylor, who said:"This defendant has chosen not to leave his cell in a fit of pique. I see no reason why the sentence should be delayed. "This was a burglary in which the occupier returned while he was present and the only sentencing option is custody." Miss Eleanor Purkis, prosecuting, said Exeter University student Matteo Fedeli returned from a Saturday afternoon shopping trip to find Brown in the communal kitchen of lodgings in Old Tiverton Road, Exeter. She said:"He was shocked to see the defendant, who told him he had just moved in. Mr Fedeli knew this was not true and began to get scared. It dawned on him this was an intruder and he started to back away. "He says Brown went towards him and he became really frightened and dropped his shopping bags and went out of the front door and down the path. "Brown left by the back door and when police were called officers noticed a smashed pane of glass in the kitchen, a rock on the ground and specks of blood. "Fairy Liquid had been poured over the floor and the inside of the window in an attempt to contaminate the evidence and disguise footprints but Brown was traced." Miss Purkis said rooms in the house had been broken into and searched and among Brown's previous offences was a previous raid on a student house in which he stole property worth £2,000. Mr Rupert Taylor, defending, said Brown has recently married and suggested he should be assessed from a community punishment in which long standing substance and alcohol abuse could be addressed. He said his client deserves credit for having admitted the offence from the outset.

Exeter student house burglar jailed after his Fairy Liquid clean up fails to destroy the evidence

X Factor's Lucy Spraggan Announces Exeter Tour Date

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CAST your mind back three years and the name Lucy Spraggan might just ring a bell if you happen to be a fan of The X Factor. With her quirky, original songs, Lucy gained an immediate fan base after her first. Her journey abruptly ended when she had to leave midway through the live shows due to illness. Last year she is released debut album Join the Club, and has just announced a series of live dates this spring called The Unsinkable Tour, which includes a date at Exeter University's Lemon Grove on Sunday, May 10. The name of the tour is the title of new single Unsinkable, released on March 29, and taken from the album We Are, which will be out on April 13. It promises to deliver Lucy's unique style of acoustic folk and pop, mixed with humour, talent and honesty to create her own fresh sound. Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday, January 23. Visit www.ents24.com/uk/tour-dates/lucy-spraggan

X Factor's Lucy Spraggan Announces Exeter Tour Date

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