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Salcombe Gin launches new aluminium miniature bottles

Devon Today
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Salcombe Gin launches new aluminium miniature bottles

Award-winning distiller Salcombe Gin has launched its new range of 5cl aluminium miniature bottles.  This marks a major milestone in their sustainable packaging journey, securing new listings with Virgin Wines, P&O Cruises and Great Western Railway (GWR) as a direct result of the innovation.

The new lightweight and ultra compact 100% post-consumer recycled aluminium bottles are the lowest environmental impact spirit miniatures available on the market.  They are made entirely from aluminium that has reached the end of its useful life and been remade into an infinitely recyclable format.

The post-consumer recycled aluminium used in each bottle generates up to 90% less CO₂ than traditional polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or glass, helping Salcombe Gin dramatically reduce its carbon footprint while maintaining its premium aesthetic.  At 54% lighter than glass, the move from glass to aluminium also reduces emissions throughout Salcombe Gin’s supply chain from production all the way through to delivery.

A pioneering packaging approach, it has already opened new opportunities for the Devon-based distillery that brings Salcombe Gin’s award-winning spirits to an even wider audience. The new miniatures were launched with Virgin Wines at Christmas, made available onboard P&O Cruises and are now served in Great Western Railway’s Pullman Dining Car where their lightweight and shatterproof design makes them ideal for travel retail.

Available in the aluminium miniatures is Salcombe Gin ‘Start Point’ (44% ABV) their multi- award-winning, exceptionally smooth citrus led London Dry gin and Salcombe Gin ‘Rosé Sainte Marie’ (41.4% ABV), a delicate and fresh Mediterranean Dry Rosé Gin.

Both gins are available in the 5cl aluminium miniatures and a new 5cl twin gift set. 

Angus Lugsdin, Co-Founder and Director of Salcombe Gin, comments: “Moving to 100% post-consumer recycled aluminium bottles is far more than a packaging change, it’s a strategic shift towards reducing our carbon footprint and the environmental impact of each bottle that we sell.  The fact that this change has already led to new partnerships with Virgin Wines, P&O Cruises and Great Western Railway shows that the industry is ready to embrace more sustainable solutions.”

Angus continues: “Post-consumer recycled aluminium is infinitely recyclable, lightweight and part of a circular economy, meaning every bottle has lived a previous life. By making this move, we’re proud to be reducing our environmental impact.” 

Sarah Creaser, Catering Operations Manager at Great Western Railway adds: “We’re delighted to partner with craft distillery Salcombe Gin, a fellow regional business that shares our commitment to supporting its community, and as sustainably as possible.

“Rail plays a vital role in supporting the national, and local economies, and this partnership enhances that connection while offering our customers an award-winning, locally produced drink to enjoy during their journey.”

Through its ongoing partnership with the Marine Conservation Society, Salcombe Gin continues to donate 1% of every bottle of ‘Start Point’ sold to support marine conservation efforts as part of its ‘1% for the Ocean’ initiative. 

For further information about Salcombe Gin, visit www.salcombegin.com, follow Salcombe Gin on Instagram and Facebook. 

Windblown conifer removed after crashing on church roof

Lewis Clarke
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Windblown conifer removed after crashing on church roof

A towering conifer brought down in strong winds crashed on to a church roof, prompting emergency works and a formal notice from council tree officers.

East Devon District Council has confirmed that a windblown Lawson Cypress at the Church of the Holy Family, Roman Catholic Church, Ottery Moor Lane, Honiton, was removed after it fell on to the building during a recent storm.

In an email dated Monday, February 16, Carl Harrison, tree technician at East Devon District Council, asked colleagues to issue a five-day notice for the “removal of windblow conifer” under an exception to Tree Preservation Order 64/0010/TPO .

The request followed emergency work carried out by Sean Kelly, senior partner at Tip Top Trees.

In a message sent on Tuesday, January 27, Mr Kelly said he had “undertook some emergency works at the Catholic Church.”

He said: “I removed one windblown multi-stemmed Lawson Cypress Conifer tree which had blown over and was resting on the Catholic Church roof and one dead Conifer found growing adjacent to the multi-stemmed Conifer tree as you can see from the photo attached.”

Mr Kelly added: “This tree was blown down in the recent storm on Saturday, please could you issue an exemption notice for works within a Conservation Area.”

The council email confirms that no replacement planting is required as part of the five-day notice process .

Tiverton WorkHub opens to boost town’s small business growth

Lewis Clarke
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Tiverton WorkHub opens to boost town’s small business growth

A new chapter for small firms and freelancers has begun after a dedicated workspace threw open its doors to the public, signalling fresh ambition for the town’s growing business community.

Tiverton WorkHub officially opened on Tuesday, February 17 alongside the Tiverton Pannier Market car park, bringing together entrepreneurs, remote workers and residents who supported the project from its inception. The launch event marked both a formal opening and a celebration of the collaboration behind the scheme.

The facility has been created as a space for productivity, collaboration and growth, offering independent workers and businesses a professional environment in which to work and connect.

Simon Lloyd, hub manager, said: “The hub is here to support new and established businesses, give independent workers somewhere to work with focus, and provide a focal point for networking and business events in the region.

“We want it to be a place where ideas grow, partnerships form and local businesses feel genuinely supported.”

The opening represents a long-term investment in the town’s entrepreneurial network. Alongside flexible workspace, the hub plans to host regular networking opportunities, workshops and events aimed at strengthening the local economy and encouraging sustainable growth.

The initiative is driven by SiGNAL, the organisation behind the facility. It provides online and in-person support to small businesses through a network of experts and experienced business owners, offering mentoring, knowledge sharing and practical guidance to those starting or scaling a business.

The WorkHub now serves as a physical extension of that support network, bringing together digital services and in-person collaboration.

Architect David McNicol described the building as “a bright, modern space designed to support local businesses”.

He added: “It has been a fantastic result and a pleasure to work alongside Mid Devon District Council and construction company Arque.”

The partnership between SiGNAL, Mid Devon District Council and Arque underpinned the project, with organisers saying the aim is to create a contemporary workspace suited to start-ups, sole traders and remote employees.

As the town continues to evolve, the WorkHub is intended to provide infrastructure, expertise and a professional community for small businesses across Mid Devon.

With the doors now open, organisers say the hub is positioned to become a central meeting point for enterprise and innovation in the area.

MP visits Dartmouth housing scheme backing 416 new homes

Lewis Clarke
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MP visits Dartmouth housing scheme backing 416 new homes

She swapped Westminster for a hard hat tour as Caroline Voaden visited a major housing development to see how new homes and jobs are taking shape.

The South Devon MP toured Baker Estates’ Little Cotton Farm site in Dartmouth to view progress on the scheme, which will deliver 416 homes over seven years.

During her visit, Caroline was shown around the development by Graham Hutton and Nicole Stacey from Baker Estates. The group discussed the role the project is playing in providing new housing and attracting investment into the town .

Studies linked to the development indicate it will generate more than £100 million in direct economic investment in Dartmouth and the surrounding area. The figure includes direct and indirect employment on site, the use of regional suppliers and materials, additional council tax revenue for the local authority and increased spending in the town as new residents move in.

Of the 416 homes planned, 126 will be affordable properties delivered by the end of the project.

Under a Section 106 agreement, Baker Estates will contribute £680,000 towards local sports pitches, £52,500 for early years education provision, £70,000 for highway and footway improvements and £50,000 to support the town’s Park & Ride service.

At peak periods, the company has employed up to 100 local subcontractors a day at Little Cotton Farm, including eight apprentices . Among them is George Chandler, a local resident gaining experience on the site. One apprentice working on the development is due to move into one of the new affordable homes.

Graham Hutton, deputy managing director at Baker Estates, said: “We were delighted to show Caroline around our new community. Delivering new homes is about a lot more than bricks and mortar.

“Our developments are primarily responding to local housing needs, but they can also unlock many more benefits for communities. As a housebuilder, it is important to invest time to help local authorities, planners and local people understand the economic benefits of our developments. This may seem obvious but sometimes the connection is missed.”

He added: “When we say that we ‘work’ with local communities, we truly mean it. From our earliest engagement during the planning process, through construction and on to completion, we have collaborated closely with the parish and town councils, as well as all our stakeholders, to create the best new community possible.

“Little Cotton Farm in Dartmouth has been fulfilling an array of local needs, from employment and apprenticeships to housing, infrastructure, transport improvements and a diverse range of wider community benefits.”

Little Cotton Farm forms part of a long-term plan to create a new neighbourhood designed to reflect the character of Dartmouth while preserving the natural beauty of the South Hams. The development includes a mix of open market and affordable homes aimed at enabling people with strong local connections to remain in the town.

Baker-Estates-Little-Cotton-Farm-Dartmouth-LocalMP-Visit (0)

Caroline Voaden MP said: “It was a pleasure to visit Baker Estates’ Little Cotton Farm and see the progress being made and talk to some local people who are working on the site, gaining skills and career potential. Access to affordable, quality housing is one of the biggest challenges facing communities like Dartmouth.

“Developments such as this play an important part in ensuring that local people, from young families to downsizers, have the opportunity to stay in the town they know and love – although we know that private housebuilders can never replace the social housing stock that the country has lost and this is a problem the government really needs to get to grips with. The social investments made by housebuilders like Baker Estates are a vital part of new developments like this.”

Once complete, the development will provide a combination of open market and affordable homes, contributing to Dartmouth’s housing supply and forming a new residential community.

Police and charities launch films to tackle horse road dangers

Devon and Cornwall Police
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Police and charities launch films to tackle horse road dangers

Police and two leading equine welfare charities have joined forces to produce a collection of short films to help prevent collisions and near-misses involving horses on rural roads.

Key safety messages shared by Devon & Cornwall Police’s Rural Affairs team and the British Horse Society (BHS) are featured in the new series of bite-sized horse road safety films filmed at The Mare and Foal Sanctuary’s Upcott Park Rehoming Yard near Holsworthy in North Devon.

Released on 13 February, the films feature PC Lucy Wyatt from Devon & Cornwall Police’s Rural Affairs team and Lisa Supple, Development Officer for BHS, along with horses and handlers from The Mare and Foal Sanctuary. They give clear, easy-to-follow guidance for riders and drivers alike and focus on road etiquette, clear hand signals, safe passing distance and speed, visibility in all weather and light conditions, and recording and reporting of incidents.

Lucy and Lisa

Rural Affairs Officer PC Lucy Wyatt is the lead for Equine Crime at Devon & Cornwall Police. She said: “I grew up riding horses and have experienced, first-hand, how dangerous it can be when motorists pass too fast or too close. When approaching horses and riders on the road, drivers should slow down to no more than ten miles per hour, avoid revving their engine or honking their horn and then pass slowly when safe to do so, allowing least two metres of space between the horse and vehicle.

“We are committed to reducing the number of people and animals killed or seriously injured on our roads and will continue to work with partner organisations to educate motorists about the importance of passing horses wide and slow. Everyone has a right to use the road. Let’s look out for one another and make sure everyone gets home safely.”

In a Parliamentary debate on horse and rider safety in January 2026, MPs from across the country called for stricter road safety requirements to protect equine road users; citing British Horse Society figures showing 3,118 road incidents involving horses in 2024 with 58 horses killed. MPs highlighted that equine road safety is not a “niche issue” but a growing national concern.

Jenna Goldby, Head of Welfare and Rehoming at The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, believes all riders and handlers should regularly review and refresh their knowledge of road safety. She said, “Every ride or walk on the road carries risk, and we all need to treat road safety as seriously as we do our horse’s health and keep up to date with changes and new advice.

“Keeping yourself and your horse safe are top priorities, and a small amount of knowledge and planning can make a massive difference. Be seen, be courteous and stay safe.

“As a charity we work closely with other organisations and, in partnership, we’re proud to be part of sharing these vital messages and championing equine welfare and safety on the roads for all users.”

Police with BHS and MaFS

Alan Hiscox, Director of Safety at BHS added: “It’s been great to partner with Devon and Cornwall Police and The Mare and Foal Sanctuary to produce these informative videos.

“Our key priority is the safety of the horse, rider or carriage driver, and it’s incredibly important that we continue to work collectively together to share the Dead Slow behavioural messages with all road users.

“Secondly, encouraging more equestrians to record every incident they witness, or are involved in, will be essential when it comes to driving further legislative change.

“It’s simple to do – all we ask is that you download the Horse i app and record any encounters you may experience. Let’s keep working together to champion equestrian safety.”

Anyone with dash-cam or helmet-cam footage of vehicles passing too close or too fast can submit it for police review via Operation Snap: https://roadsafety.devon-cornwall.police.uk/operations/operation-snap/

Local elections to take place in Exeter on 7 May

Exeter City Council
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Local elections to take place in Exeter on 7 May

Residents are being reminded that local government elections for Exeter City Council will take place on Thursday, 7 May.

One seat in each ward will be contested, as part of the Council’s four-year election cycle.

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm. Voters attending in person must bring an accepted form of photographic ID.

Residents must be registered in order to vote. Key deadlines have now been confirmed:

Deadline to register to vote – Monday 20 April
You must be registered to vote in order to take part. You can register online.

Deadline to apply for a postal vote or postal-proxy vote – 5pm on Tuesday 21 April
Applications must be submitted by this deadline. Residents should ensure forms are returned to the correct address: Electoral services – Postal votes

Deadline to apply to vote by proxy – 5pm on Tuesday 28 April
If you would like someone to vote on your behalf, your application must be received by this time: Electoral services – Proxy votes

Deadline to apply for free voter ID: 5pm on Tuesday 28 April
If you do not have accepted photo ID, you can apply online for a free voter ID.

Full details of key dates and how to apply can be found on the Electoral Commission website.

Further information about candidates and polling stations will be published closer to election day.

Storm battered South Devon coast faces long road to recovery

South Hams District Council
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Storm battered South Devon coast faces long road to recovery

Work continues at pace to support communities and protect a stretch of South Devon’s coastline badly affected by storms and high tides.

South Hams District Council has reopened the Torcross “tank” car park and toilets after further damage was caused this week and is taking action to protect parts of Beesands.

Following stormy weather on 2 February, sections of the A379 between Torcross and Slapton and part of South Hams District Council’s Torcross car park were washed away. Damage was also caused to properties and public toilets as well as other parts of the coastline.

South Hams District Council has been working closely with partners such as Devon County Council and the Environment Agency to respond to the emergency which has caused extensive damage to the Slapton Line, Torcross, Beesands and surrounding area.

Since the start of the storms, officers from South Hams District council have been working hard to support residents and local businesses. This includes:

  • Helping residents with waste removal, clearing storm debris, street cleansing and tarmac lifted trip hazards over seafront areas, alleyways, lanes and footpaths.
  • Deep cleaning and repairing the public toilets at Torcross Tank Car Park, which have now reopened.
  • Assessing and monitoring damage in Beesands. This work will continue after the half term to avoid unnecessary disruption.
  • Ongoing engagement with local communities.
  • Liaising with partners to ensure that we are working together to achieve the best outcome for residents and local businesses in the area. 

Unfortunately, on-going weather conditions and high tides have continued to hamper recovery efforts and the challenges continue. The recently reopened Torcross Tank Car Park and public toilets had to be closed again during half term for further repairs. Officers from South Hams District Council quickly cleaned up the debris and they’ve now reopened.

Cllr Dan Thomas, Leader of South Hams District Council, said: “Our main priority is to support our communities as quickly and efficiently as we can. This includes repairing, cleaning up and reopening as much as we can, such as the public toilets, Torcross carpark and access to the South West coastal path so people continue to visit this area and support local businesses, many of which remain open.

“There is still lots to do and we have a long journey ahead. It’s a complicated situation with lots of different organisations responsible for different parts of the recovery – from roads to flood defences and public facilities. As a council we are committed to working with all our partners and the local community to do all we can bring the funding and support that is needed into this beautiful part of the South Hams so it can flourish in years to come.”

Work is underway to continue the recovery. The Slapton Line Partnership met earlier today to enable agencies to come together, discuss progress and identify next steps. Multi-agency meetings are also being arranged with affected businesses and local communities.

Next week South Hams District Council will continue to assess damage at Beesands to help inform a plan of action. It’s also progressing further works and has ordered more rock to repair defences.  

Win a luxury city break in February Super Draw

Exeter City Council
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Win a luxury city break in February Super Draw

Players of the Exeter Community Lottery have the chance to win a luxury city break in this month’s Super Draw.

One lucky winner of the Saturday 28 February Super Draw will receive a luxury city break. Alternatively, the winner can choose to receive £1,000 in cash.

Whether it is a weekend in London’s West End, exploring Barcelona’s architecture and nightlife, discovering the art and food of Florence, or soaking up the culture in Paris, this prize is not to be missed.

It is the perfect time for community groups and good causes involved in the Exeter Community Lottery to encourage their supporters to purchase tickets.

Existing supporters can also refer a friend, with both receiving an entry into an exclusive £200 prize draw when a new player signs up using a unique referral code.

Playing the Exeter Community Lottery is an exciting way to support good causes across the city. There are currently more than 100 good causes signed up to the Exeter Community Lottery.

When people play the weekly lottery, they can choose which good cause to support. Fifty pence of every pound goes directly to that cause, with 10p going to the Exeter Central Fund. The remaining amount covers prizes and administration costs.

Players can also choose to allocate all of the proceeds to the Central Fund.

So far, good causes in Exeter have benefited from thousands of pounds raised through ticket sales. Tickets cost just £1, and players have a one in 50 chance of winning a prize.

Draws take place every Saturday, with ticket holders in with a chance of scooping the top prize of £25,000.

To buy tickets, visit the Exeter Community Lottery website: www.exetercommunitylottery.co.uk

North Devon library makes shortlist for major book industry honour

Lewis Clarke
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North Devon library makes shortlist for major book industry honour

A north Devon library has been shortlisted for one of the book industry’s most prestigious honours, placing Barnstaple firmly on the national literary map.

Barnstaple Library has been named as a finalist in the Library of the Year category at the The British Book Awards 2026, it was announced today.

The recognition forms part of a nationwide shortlist of 42 libraries and library authorities across the UK and Ireland, praised for “delivering reading initiatives” and creating “welcoming, trusted” spaces for their communities.

Barnstaple Library is one of just two finalists in south-west England, alongside Cornwall Libraries, highlighting the strength of provision in the region.

The British Book Awards 2026 Library of the Year Award, sponsored by publisher DK and run in association with the Reading Agency, celebrates libraries that serve their readers and implement initiatives which reach deep into communities, improving lives through storytelling and literature.

Across the UK and Ireland, the 42 shortlisted libraries span eight regions and countries, including nine in north England and nine in London, eight in Scotland, five in east and south-east England, three in the Midlands, three in the island of Ireland and three in Wales.

Philip Jones, editor of The Bookseller and chair of the judges for The British Book Awards, said: “It was a record year for submissions building on the return of the Library of the Year award at last year’s ceremony.

“This cohort are focused on reading, growing book borrowing, and widening their reach. Ahead of The National Year of Reading, this was vital work, vitally done.”

Karen Napier, chief executive of The Reading Agency, said: “The calibre of submissions for this year’s Library of the Year Award has been inspiring. Across the country, public libraries are making a real and positive difference, with imagination, ambition and a deep understanding of the communities they serve.

“Our finalists have demonstrated how libraries continue to deliver impactful reading initiatives while also acting as welcoming, trusted spaces where people can connect, learn, create and thrive.

“This year in particular, we’ve seen bold thinking in action: creative approaches to widening access, strong partnerships that amplify local impact, and a clear commitment to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience the power of reading.

“During the National Year of Reading, these libraries exemplify what a modern public library can be – resilient, responsive and rooted in community, with reading at the centre of everything they do.”

Paul Kelly, chief executive of DK, said: “We’re so proud to sponsor the Library of the Year Award for the second year running. Public libraries play a vital role in nurturing reading for pleasure, widening access to books and strengthening communities.

“At a time when the National Year of Reading is shining a spotlight on the power of books to change lives, it’s inspiring to see libraries across the UK leading with such creativity, commitment and impact.

“These finalists represent the very best of what modern libraries can achieve; ensuring that reading remains accessible, relevant and transformative for all.”

Regional and country winners will be announced on Thursday, March 12, with the overall winner revealed during The British Book Awards ceremony at Grosvenor House in London on Monday, May 11 2026.

The awards, also known as the “Nibbies”, have been running since 1990 and are regarded as the leading honours for the UK book trade.

Plans for new council housing projects in Exeter welcomed

Exeter City Council
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Plans for new council housing projects in Exeter welcomed

Creating quality new council housing continues to be a key priority for Exeter, the city’s Lead Councillor for Housing said. 

Cllr Marina Asvachin welcomed plans for the next phase of the Vaughan Road/Whipton Gardens scheme. 

She also welcomed major improvements to council-owned properties in St Thomas, with work about to get underway. 

With the successful completion of the first phase of 35 homes and a communal room for the over 60’s at Vaughan Road, the council is now finalising the arrangements for the next phase. 

The second phase of the scheme will deliver another 16 homes for people in housing need in Exeter. 

The final phase, once started, will deliver another 40 new homes, including eight fully wheelchair accessible one-bedroom apartments, for those in need of this specialist accommodation. 

Eventually, the three phases of the development will provide 91 new homes, with high-quality landscaping for the benefit of all residents. 

Cllr Asvachin said: “I recently met the residents moving into the first phase of this fantastic development, and it was obvious how much this means to them. 

“It is great news that the next phase is due to start shortly. These are top quality, highly energy-efficient homes which are economical to run and great to live in. 

“Creating new council housing is so important for Exeter, and I am pleased that the council is committed to delivering pioneering developments like this one.” 

The project has received funding by HM Government through the Brownfield Land Release Fund (BLRF2). 

Major improvements are also being carried out to council properties in St Thomas. 

The Laings project refers to the demolition and rebuilding of several non-traditional construction Laings Easi-form constructed houses that are still in the council’s ownership. 

The homes are located in Merrivale Road, Newman Road, Oak Road, Myrtle Road and Bowhay Lane. These homes are being demolished and rebuilt on a slightly larger footprint in a modern layout and will be fit for purpose for the foreseeable future. 

The final phase of the project is due to commence soon and will finish off the remaining seven properties in Newman Road and Merrivale Road. It will add to the 12 properties that have already been completed. 

The project has suffered delays over recent years, but last year the council approved the budget required to complete the remaining properties. 

Sidmouth-based Skinner Construction has been appointed to undertake the work following a procurement process to find a main contractor which was completed in January. 

The council has worked with Skinner Construction on a previous project and were impressed by the standard of work undertaken. 

The works are due to start in March, and completion of the seven houses is expected at the end of 2026. 

The council has updated local residents, and the contractor will update on activities and progress until the project is completed. 

Cllr Asvachin said: “This project has been a long time coming, but it is great news that seven new family homes will be added back into the overall council housing stock, which can be let to families in need for decades to come. 

“As well as creating new homes we are continuing our programme of retrofitting our existing stock so that homes cost less to run, reduce carbon emissions and are warm and comfortable for our tenants.” 

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