Home Blog Page 10

South West named Britain’s least phone-addicted region in new survey

Devon Today
-
0
South West named Britain’s least phone-addicted region in new survey

The South West has been named the UK’s least phone-addicted region, with residents spending significantly less time on their smartphones than anywhere else in the country, according to new research.

Data released by TalkTalk found people in the region spend an average of two hours and 44 minutes a day on their phones, compared with a UK average of three hours and 18 minutes. London recorded the highest usage, with residents spending an average of four hours and 12 minutes a day on their devices.

The study examined what it describes as “micro-scrolling” – the habit of reaching for a phone during brief moments throughout the day.

Researchers found 45% of South West residents use their phones while watching television, slightly below the national average of 51%. However, 40% said they regularly use their phones to look something up at home, above the UK average of 35%.

Despite recording the lowest daily phone use of any UK region, the research suggests South West residents would still spend almost seven and a half years of their lives on their devices based on current habits.

The survey also found 30% of people in the region said picking up their phone at home had become “second nature”, while 87% said they do not set screen time limits.

Nationally, the research found 78% of Britons instinctively reach for their phones to fill short gaps in their day, with 62% of all phone use taking place at home. Nearly five million people admitted they could not wait for a kettle to boil without checking their handset.

The most common locations for at-home scrolling were found to be the sofa while relaxing, the sofa while watching television and in bed at night.

Steve Wallage, chief product officer at TalkTalk, said: “We all know how easy it is to find ourselves scrolling on autopilot, especially when we’re just looking to fill a spare few moments at home.

“Our data shows we are spending nearly a decade of our lives lost in these unconscious screen moments, and it is happening right in our living rooms where we’re often already streaming or gaming.

“These simple tips and digital tools like HomeSafe will help our customers log off second and third devices more easily, reclaim some offline time, and ensure their home Wi-Fi is performing at its best when and where they really need it.”

The findings are based on an online survey of 2,000 UK smartphone owners commissioned by TalkTalk and carried out by market research company OnePoll.

For more information about managing screen time, visit https://www.talktalk.co.uk/broadband/security.

Ice cream-loving Dartmoor pony crowned best in the country

Devon Today
-
0
Ice cream-loving Dartmoor pony crowned best in the country

A mischievous Dartmoor hill pony who plays the donkey in the village nativity and was once found eating ice cream on the village green has been crowned Agria’s inaugural Pony of a Lifetime winner, run in association with The Pony Club. 

Five-year-old Maui, a member of South Pool Pony Club, impressed judges with his gentle nature, larger-than-life personality and the remarkable bond he shares with his young riders. The new competition was launched as a pony-focused extension of Agria’s popular Horse of a Lifetime campaign, celebrating the horses and ponies who leave an unforgettable mark on the people who love them. 

Owned by Sophie Bristow and her daughters in South Devon, Maui was bought as a yearling directly off Dartmoor for £200 through the Dartmoor Hill Pony Charity. 

Despite his hill pony background, Sophie said there was something instantly different about him. 

“When we went to pick Maui out, he was in a pen full of ponies, and they were all wild, including him. We went into the pen, and he was the only one who didn’t startle and back away. That was the moment we knew he was different.” 

Sophie’s eldest daughter was just seven years old when the family began backing him. 

“We took everything very slowly, just hacking him out and introducing him to new experiences bit by bit,” she said. “From day one, he’s taken everything in his stride; scooters, bikes and machinery, he’s unbelievably placid.” 

Now five, Maui has become a much-loved all-round family pony. He happily hacks on the lead rein, has started enjoying mounted games through Pony Club and has formed an especially close bond with Sophie’s youngest daughter, Delilah. 

“They’re thick as thieves,” Sophie said. “They’ve grown up together, and she doesn’t want to ride anything else. They’re just starting to come off the lead rein now.” 

At Christmas each year, he stars as the donkey in the nativity at Chivelstone Church near Kingsbridge, surrounded by children and animals.  

The Horse of a Lifetime campaign was launched by Agria to celebrate the once-in-a-lifetime horses and ponies who become far more than simply riding partners. 

From elite competition horses to family ponies, the campaign shines a spotlight on the animals who shape confidence, comfort their owners and create lifelong memories. 

Alongside winner Maui, the judges were also deeply moved by the story of runner-up Loulou, a 35-year-old New Forest pony whose bond with her owner has spanned more than two decades and multiple generations. 

Loulou first came into her owner’s life as a loan pony when she was 12 years old, quickly becoming a much-loved partner for showjumping, showing, games and hacking adventures. 

When Loulou’s owner decided to sell her, the family believed their time together had come to an end until a surprise birthday present changed everything. 

Her owner said: “On my 15th birthday, I arrived at the yard to find Loulou with a big pink bow around her neck. Unbeknownst to me, my parents had bought her. What a birthday present!” 

Over the next 20 years, Loulou became a constant through every stage of life, from first jobs and first boyfriends to wedding photographs and teaching the next generation of children to ride. 

Her owner added: “Loulou has been there with me through it all. She’s mopped up many tears in her mane.” 

In 2011, the family faced the prospect of losing her when Loulou suffered a life-threatening strangulated lipoma colic, requiring emergency surgery to remove 12 feet of intestine. Given only a 50/50 chance of survival, the pony defied expectations and remarkably returned to full ridden work following her recovery. 

Now aged 35, Loulou enjoys retirement alongside her long-time companion Rubin, a 33-year-old traditional cob affectionately described as her “horse husband”. 

Still adored by the entire family, Loulou continues to give rides to her owner’s daughters, aged 10 and two, proving that the impact of a truly special pony can last a lifetime. 

Entries for Agria’s Horse of a Lifetime competition remain open, with horse owners across the country encouraged to share the stories of the horses and ponies who have made the greatest impact on their lives. A bimonthly short list will be put forward to Horse & Hound for the opportunity to ultimately be selected for an annual Horse & Hound Award – the Agria Horse of a Lifetime – announced at the annual awards ceremony at the Dallas Burston Polo Club in November. 

Fury as developer told finish what you started before building more homes

Nigel Canham
-
0
Fury as developer told finish what you started before building more homes

Bovey Tracey Town Council has called on developers to complete the first phase of new homes at the Langston Cross site before starting work on more than 100 others.

In particular they want a delayed pedestrian and cycle link to Brimley Vale to be opened and for Devonshire Homes to deliver on its commitment to provide ten allotments.

They also have concerns that the next part of the project off Monks Way will be served by just one road, meaning traffic heading to a proposed ‘employment’ area will have to pass by hundreds of homes and cross a footpath.

At a meeting of the authority’s Planning and Environment Committee on Monday June 8, members heard from a resident who has been living on the estate for the past four years.

He complained about the ‘slow adoption’ of new roads and lack of promised traffic-free shortcut to Brimley Vale.

Concerned that the latter was preventing safe access to other parts of town he said: ‘The young people of Langston Cross want to use the facilities at the cricket club.

‘To make them go round the long way, what are we waiting for, a serious accident or fatality?’

He described the lack of allotments as ‘far too little far too late’ and said of his attempts to strike up a dialogue with Devonshire Homes: ‘They just don’t respond.’

He urged members to ask Teignbridge District Council for Devonshire Homes’ fresh 107 homes application to be considered by councillors at committee, rather than have the matter decided by an officer.

Cllr Eoghan Kelly echoed many of the concerns, describing the one-road-in-one-road-out proposal for Phase Two as ‘dangerous’.

Cllr Sue Simmons was disappointed at what she described as a ‘very weak’ provision of sustainability features and lack of hedgehog highways.

Making reference to the uncompleted works she said: ‘It throws doubt on the ability of the developer to complete their work.’

After further debate, members agreed not to offer any objection to Phase Two but to resubmit previous observations about delivery of infrastructure and to request completion of Phase One before further constriction is commenced.

Devon Voices “We can work together” on town’s future

Peter Lawrence
-
0
Devon Voices “We can work together” on town’s future

The last couple of weeks have gone past in a blur. The last weekend in May was the annual twinning trip to Landisvisiau, which always proves to be a busy weekend and this year was no exception. Bidefordians including the Mayoress and I caught the Plymouth to Roscoff ferry on Friday and were hosted with families from the French town until our return trip on Monday.

A civic reception on Saturday morning at the Town Hall (where they had put out the Welcome Bideford Banner), allowed me to prove how bad my French was and present the Council with a replica of the Tarka the Otter statue that sits on Bideford Quay. A visit to the annual ComiCon “Geek Landi” was followed by an evening of food wine and karaoke, which rounded the day off. Sadly, Arsenal lost to Paris St Germain, so some friendly banter was aimed in my direction having included the phrase “Allez le Gunners” in my speech earlier.

Replica Tarka The Otter Statue

Sunday included a picnic, a trip to a local abbey and another evening of food, singing and a little bit of dancing, Breton style. Hopefully the videos of my singing and dancing won’t surface, but we had a great time. A final lunch on Monday rounded off a weekend of friendship and hospitality. We look forward to the return trip in August when we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Twinning Charter here in Bideford, which is already being celebrated at the Port Memorial in Bideford with a lovely flower display

Landisvisiau Town Hall

On Thursday we had the formal introduction for my second term as Mayor of Bideford at the Baptist Church in Mill Street, Bideford. Citizens Awards were given to Rev Alan Glover and Lucy Lowe for their contribution to the community and I presented a cheque to my charity The RainBo Music Trust for £1800. The money will be split between the 3 Bideford Primary Schools for music education. A reception at The Royal Hotel was held after and the evening was a great success.

Sadly we had to take the decision on the evening to postpone the Bideford Fair due to a weather forecast of high winds and rain. It has now been re-scheduled to Saturday 8th August and will include all the original content plus a couple of extra surprises.

During my second term as Mayor, I would like to find a way of including more input from local residents, particularly the younger generation. Their input to any long term projects such as the Re-Generation program and the Pannier Market upgrade will be invaluable, as they are the generation who will most benefit from these improvements. Both Barnstaple and Torrington Mayors have similar aspirations to include the community, so hopefully we can work together.

Appledore, Bideford & Torrington Town Bands

We did however have an enjoyable afternoon on Sunday at the Massed Band Concert at RHS Rosemoor, where Appledore, Bideford and Torrington Brass Bands came together to perform. The sold out concert included pieces from The Lion King and Star Wars, as well as Taylor Swift’s Love Story.

With a full diary ahead my wife and I will be out and about promoting the town at various events, so  if you have read any of my diaries so far then come and say hello. We are open to comments and suggestions about the town and will always feedback your thoughts to the office and full council.

Seven-year-old cycles marathon distance to help sick children

Children's Hospice South West
-
0
Seven-year-old cycles marathon distance to help sick children

7 year old Frankie from North Devon has achieved something truly remarkable, completing a marathon-length cycle to raise funds for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) and making a huge difference to families in the South West when they need it most.

On Saturday 2 May, Frankie took to the Tarka Trail, cycling from Braunton to Bideford and back again, an incredible total of 42.58 kilometres! With determination well beyond her years, Frankie completed the distance in just 3 hours and 27 minutes, raising an impressive £684 for CHSW.

Frankie said: “I am fundraising for Children’s Hospice South West to help make the most of short and precious lives.”

Her inspiring journey began during a family conversation over the Christmas holidays. Frankie’s mum, Sarah, explained how the idea first took shape: “During the Christmas holidays, we were talking to Frankie and her younger sister, Daisy, about how lucky we all were… and how others weren’t as lucky. Frankie has always been an empathetic child… and in that moment she decided she wanted to do more and have a challenge.”

Inspired to help other children, Frankie set her sights on completing a marathon but in her own way. With her dad an ultra-marathon runner, she wanted to take on a similar challenge but chose cycling instead.

Despite being shown the distance and the enormity of the task, Frankie remained unwavering in her determination. She quickly began fundraising, even creating her own sign and raising £261 at a family wedding by sharing her mission with guests.

In the lead-up to the big day, Frankie trained with her family, turning long bike rides into fun outings filled with singing and encouragement from her supportive family. Her younger sister Daisy rode along too, while her dad ran beside her, a true team effort to help Frankie succeed.

As the challenge approached, nerves understandably began to build, so much so that Frankie wasn’t told the exact date of her attempt. Instead, she thought she was just heading out for a practice ride when the real challenge began.

Midway through the return journey, after stopping in beautiful Instow, Frankie began to doubt herself: “I don’t think I can do this challenge Daddy, it’s quite hard,” she admitted.
But with gentle encouragement, her dad revealed the finish line was closer than she thought, and that her family were waiting to cheer her on at Fremington Quay. With renewed energy, Frankie pushed through the final stretch!

Sarah added: “She sped up to us with a huge smile on her face, Nanny was crying (as usual) and we are just so proud of her!”

Poppy Harrop, Area Fundraiser for Children’s Hospice South West, praised Frankie’s incredible achievement: “We are so proud of Frankie and her amazing determination. The money she has raised will make such a difference to the babies, children and young people and their families supported by CHSW, helping us continue to provide vital care and create precious memories.”

Student midwife conquers lifelong needle phobia to save lives

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
-
0
Student midwife conquers lifelong needle phobia to save lives

A student midwife who once had a life-long fear of needles is inspiring her colleagues to sign up as blood donors, after conquering her phobia to pursue her dream job. 

Lucie Shaw, a first-year midwifery student at Torbay and Devon NHS Foundation Trust, had to admit on her first day at work that she struggled with a fear of blood and needles before starting the course, but her determination to become a midwife pushed her to face her fears head on and she’s now using her experience to encourage others to do the same. 

Lucie says: “I was very squeamish and would feel faint and numb if I ever saw a needle. I didn’t think I could stomach being a midwife due to my phobia, but I knew I had to face it head on if I wanted to be one.” 

In a bold step, Lucie signed up to donate blood before starting her studies last September.  She recalls: “I booked the appointment in the morning and turned up in a taxi because I was too scared to drive in case I fainted.”  

That decision proved to be a turning point. Since starting her training, Lucie has witnessed first-hand the life-saving impact of blood transfusions and has become even more committed to midwifery and encouraging others to donate. Around a third of all blood donated in the UK is used in surgery and emergencies, including childbirth, emphasising just how important donation is to the lives of mums and babies.

She says: “I’m so glad I gave blood before I started my studies because it helped me to feel confident going into placement. On my first day I saw a woman having a blood transfusion and observed an emergency c-section, which was just incredible. It helped me to realise that blood isn’t something to be feared but is often something lifesaving. Donating blood is so vital to the NHS to ensure every patient across the hospital gets the treatment they need. 

“I also realised that my focus was much more on the woman and how she was, and less on the worry surrounding blood.”

To support National Blood Week (08-14 June), Lucie has created a campaign to encourage her colleagues to sign up to donate blood and is keen to reassure others who may feel anxious.  

“If I can do it, anyone can do it,” she says. “It takes about six minutes, and you get a biscuit and a nice drink at the end. I expected to be much more anxious, but everyone was so friendly and supportive.” 

If you want to donate blood, you can find out more and book an appointment online at www.blood.co.uk

Eyesore showdown as calls grow to tear down Westward Ho! apartment block

Devon Today
-
0
Eyesore showdown as calls grow to tear down Westward Ho! apartment block

A long-running row over a derelict apartment block has reignited after fresh safety concerns prompted renewed calls for its complete demolition.

Cllr Dermot McGeough has urged authorities to take decisive action over the structure in Westward Ho!, saying residents and visitors “deserve so much more” after years of concerns about the site.

The councillor said he attended the site at the end of May with members of the public and estates officers from Devon County Council in an effort to address anti-social behaviour and wider concerns about the condition of the building.

His comments came after Devon County Council removed old hoarding around part of the site, which he said had previously been secured in place by Torridge District Council.

Cllr McGeough said he is awaiting a multi-agency meeting and is pressing Torridge District Council to remove the structure entirely.

He added that the site could potentially be used for additional parking for the village if the building was demolished.

Correspondence shared by the councillor highlighted concerns about the condition of hoarding facing Nelson Road.

According to the email, the barrier appeared to be prevented from falling onto the footway and highway only by rope attached to one of the apartments.

The correspondence stated: “If this rope was cut or failed – then there is a significant risk that the hoarding would fall onto the footway and highway and this could cause serious injury or worse.”

The author of the email said the boarding should be urgently demolished and replaced with a new barrier, potentially using temporary fencing.

The correspondence added that Devon County Council understood Torridge District Council had responsibility for public safety issues relating to the site and sought clarification on whether urgent action would be taken.

The email also called for a multi-agency meeting involving Torridge District Council, the town council, Devon County Council, police and fire services to discuss how issues at the site could be addressed.

Documents shared by Cllr McGeough also referred to powers available to local authorities under Section 78 of the Building Act 1984 in relation to dangerous buildings.

The correspondence stated that if the relevant criteria were met, Torridge District Council could have powers to demolish the structure and recover associated costs.

Additional planning powers and provisions under Section 215 notices were also outlined as possible mechanisms for requiring improvements to sites considered untidy or detrimental to local amenity.

No decision has been announced regarding the future of the building.

Newton Abbot restaurant fears for future as trade declines

Devon Today
-
0
Newton Abbot restaurant fears for future as trade declines

An award-winning independent restaurant has warned that its future is under threat after a sharp drop in weekend trade left owners facing difficult decisions about the business’s survival.
Social Bar & Kitchen, in Newton Abbot, said it had been built over the past three years through “love, passion and a huge amount of hard work”, but warned that trading conditions had become increasingly challenging.
In a statement shared with customers, the business said weekend trade, which it described as vital to its survival, had “dropped dramatically” as many households continued to face rising living costs.
The restaurant said: “The reality is that things are incredibly tough right now.
“Weekend trade, which is vital for our survival, has dropped dramatically. We know times are difficult for many of our customers too. The cost of living continues to rise, and we completely understand that eating out has become a luxury that many people simply cannot do as often as they once could.”
Owners said they had attempted to adapt to the challenges by reducing prices, absorbing rising costs where possible, introducing new offers and continuing to focus on local produce and customer service.
However, they added that those measures had not been enough to reverse the decline in trade.
The statement continued: “The truth is that we’re now approaching a point where it may no longer make financial sense for us to continue trading.”
The restaurant stressed it was not seeking sympathy and was not blaming customers for the situation.
It said: “We’re not looking for sympathy, and we’re certainly not blaming anyone. We just wanted to be honest with the community that has supported us from the very beginning.”
The business appealed to customers to support it in the coming weeks by booking a table, recommending the restaurant to friends, sharing its social media posts or visiting in person.
The statement added: “Every booking genuinely matters right now.”
Social Bar & Kitchen said it was proud to be an award-winning independent restaurant and would be “heartbroken” to become another small business lost from the town.
Owners warned that if trading conditions do not improve, they may have no choice but to make difficult decisions about the future of the business.
The statement concluded: “Thank you to every single person who has supported us over the last three years. We truly hope we’re still here for many more.”

Family’s moving tribute to delivery driver who never came home

Devon and Cornwall Police
-
0
Family’s moving tribute to delivery driver who never came home

Tributes have been paid to a dearly-loved and well-known delivery driver who died following a three-vehicle collision on the A386 near Okehampton.

Father-of-two Chris Daniel, 74, from Bude, passed away at Derriford Hospital on 21 May.

The Ford Transit van he was driving was involved in a collision along with a BMW estate and Citroen Relay Luton van on Tuesday 19 May.

Emergency services were called to the incident between Hatherleigh and Folly Gate at around 1.50pm.

The 33-year-old male driver of the BMW, from the Okehampton area, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The driver of the Citroen van was uninjured.

Mr Daniel’s family said in a statement: “We are devastated by the loss of our Dad, Chris Daniel, who has died as the result of a traffic collision.

“Dad passed away on Thursday 21 May after fighting for his life at Derriford ICU, Plymouth.

“Our Dad started his career as a postman for Royal Mail in Holsworthy in the 1970s.

“After becoming the delivery office manager for many years, he later retired from Royal Mail but continued to work for other delivery services, delivering parcels in the local community. Dad was working on the day of the collision at the age of 74 years old.

“Over the years, he delivered along many routes within the local area of Holsworthy, Bude, Bideford, Torrington and many other areas in Cornwall and Devon. Recently delivering in Hartland, Abbotsham and Clovelly. He was well-known by many and will be remembered for his kind and friendly nature and helpful character whilst carrying out his work.

“As a family we would like to thank everyone involved in trying to save him.

“Hatherleigh Fire Service, Devon and Cornwall Police, the paramedic team and Devon Air Ambulance. We have also been told that members of the public stopped to help. We are deeply grateful to all of you.

“We would especially like to thank the staff at Derriford ICU for the outstanding kindness, care and compassion they gave to both Dad and our family, and for helping us to say goodbye to him with love and dignity.

“Chris was tragically taken from us under the saddest of circumstances, leaving behind his daughter, Carla, his son Ricky and his four young grandsons.

“He was loved so dearly, he will be deeply missed and remembered so fondly by all who knew him.”

Officers are continuing to appeal for information and dashcam footage following the incident.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has any information or dash-cam footage, is asked to contact us via our website here or by calling 101 quoting log 397 of 19/5/26.

Motorcyclist seriously injured after crash near Buckland Abbey bend

Devon and Cornwall Police
-
0
Motorcyclist seriously injured after crash near Buckland Abbey bend

Police are appealing for witnesses and footage following a serious road traffic collision near to Yelverton on the A386.

Officers were called at around 12:30pm on Friday 5 June following a report of a collision involving a car and motorcycle on the bend near to the turning to Buckland Abbey.

The rider of the motorcycle – a man in his 60s – was seriously injured in the collision.

The road was closed while an investigation was carried out at the scene.

Officers from the Roads Policing Team would like to thank the public for their patience whilst the road was closed.

Anyone with any relevant information and dash-cam footage which may assist the investigation is asked contact police via our website or by calling 101 quoting log 297 of 5 June 2026.

1...91011...111Page 10 of 111