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Redundancy leads to new Bideford vape shop for experienced owner

Lewis Clarke
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Redundancy leads to new Bideford vape shop for experienced owner

A business owner has turned redundancy into a new beginning after opening a shop shaped by years of industry experience and a move for a better way of life.

Coastal Vapes has opened at 61 Mill Street, Bideford, offering vaping products, alternative nicotine options and trading card game collectibles.

Owner Darryl Hamlin, 42, said the idea came after he was made redundant from a role in e-liquid manufacturing, where he had worked for around ten years.

Darryl said: “Until June 2025, I’d spent around ten years working as an e-liquid manufacturing manager in Basingstoke.

“When the company went into administration and I was made redundant, I took on long-distance courier work for a while.

“Spending so many hours on the road gave me time to think about what I wanted my future to look like.

“I realised I wanted to get back into an industry I knew well and enjoyed — but to do it on my own terms.”

He moved to Bideford at the end of 2025 with his wife and their eight-year-old son in search of a change of pace.

Darryl said: “Spending more time here made us appreciate the community vibe and the beautiful surroundings.

“We wanted a better work-life balance, and Bideford offers exactly that — a slower pace, friendly people, and a lovely environment to build something meaningful.”

The shop held its grand opening on Friday, April 3.

Darryl said customer feedback so far had included support from the local community as well as other vape retailers.

The shop stocks starter kits, prefilled pod systems, advanced kits, nicotine pouches and tabs. It also offers Pokémon and other trading card game collectibles.

Darryl said: “There’s a strong collector community locally and we wanted to bring something fun and unique that adds a bit of variety.”

He added that one range he was particularly proud to stock was Wake ‘n’ Vape, an e-liquid line originally created and manufactured by him.

Darryl said: “The flavours are my own recipes, developed over years of experimentation and customer feedback.

“Although production has since been handed over to another trusted UK manufacturer, the flavours remain true to my original formulations.”

He said quality and safety were “non-negotiable”, with products stocked in line with UK regulations.

Darryl said Coastal Vapes aimed to focus on trust, quality and customer care, particularly for people trying to quit smoking.

The shop website is www.coastalvapes.co.uk.

Tiverton sweet shop thrives after move brings boost in passing trade

Lewis Clarke
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Tiverton sweet shop thrives after move brings boost in passing trade

A childhood love of sweets has come full circle for one local shop owner, who has turned fond memories into a growing business now drawing in customers old and new.

Darren Gould, who runs The Jelly Bean in Tiverton, said the shop has been built on a lifelong passion for confectionery and a connection to the very premises he once visited as a child.

The business first opened in May 2024, with Darren recalling his early enthusiasm for the venture. He said: “I have always loved my sweets and used to buy them in this very shop as a child.”

Reflecting on the early days, Darren added: “When we opened it was very exciting and I had a good regular stream of customers.”

Since launching, the shop has maintained steady trade, with a mix of quieter and busier periods. Darren said: “The business has ticked over nicely since day one, a mix of quiet days and great days.”

Among the products introduced, freeze-dried sweets proved particularly popular, although initially they were considered a premium option. Darren said: “The introduction of freeze dried sweets was very popular but were an expensive treat in the early days, they are much more affordable now.”

He believes the shop stands out locally for its focus. He said: “I think the shop stands out as being the only sweet shop in town selling only sweets.”

The business later relocated from Gold Street to Bampton Street after the previous lease ended, with hopes of increasing footfall. Darren said: “I moved from Gold Street to Bampton Street because my lease had ended and we hoped for more foot traffic.”

Since the move, customer response has been encouraging. Darren added: “The response from our customers has been positive.”

Although the new premises are smaller, he said the range has expanded significantly. Darren said: “The shop is slightly smaller but we have got a lot more in there, sweets from decades ago to brand new, over 400 different sweets at last count.”

Having lived in the town all his life, Darren said the business has also strengthened his ties to the community. He said: “I have lived here all my life so I get to see many friends old and new.”

He also supports local initiatives where possible. Darren added: “I try to support as many local causes as possible, donations for draw prizes and the like.”

Looking ahead, he hopes to continue building on the shop’s success. Darren said: “I am hoping to carry on for years to come adding new sweets as I discover them.”

Rural fury grows as fuel tax rise threatens farms and family budgets

Devon Today
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Rural fury grows as fuel tax rise threatens farms and family budgets

Concerns are mounting over the impact of rising fuel costs, with warnings that planned tax increases could leave rural households and farmers facing some of the steepest financial pressures yet.

Rebecca Smith has joined Kemi Badenoch in raising concerns that proposed changes to fuel duty will disproportionately affect rural communities, where reliance on cars remains high due to limited public transport options.

They argue that those living and working in the countryside will be more exposed to rising costs, particularly farmers who depend heavily on red diesel for day-to-day operations.

Under current plans, red diesel duty is expected to increase in stages, reaching 11.14 pence per litre by Saturday, March 1, 2027 — an increase of close to 10 per cent.

The changes come at a time when farming businesses are already dealing with higher costs for fertiliser and wider economic pressures.

Rebecca said: “Labour do not get rural communities. If they did, they would never have introduced the hated Family Farm Tax which the Conservatives have promised to overturn as soon as we are back in Government.

“Now – just when the cost of fuel and other agricultural commodity prices are on the rise – they are set on pushing up taxes on red diesel. Farmers cannot afford to pay nearly ten per cent more tax on their fuel.

“The Conservative Party is calling on the Government to scrap the planned rise in Fuel Duty and take immediate action to support households across the country by implementing our Cheap Power Plan which will take 20 per cent off of electricity bills.”

Kemi echoed the concerns, adding: “Labour do not get rural communities. If they did, they would never have introduced the hated Family Farm Tax which Conservatives have promised to overturn as soon as we are back in Government.

“Now – just when the cost of fuel and other agricultural commodity prices are on the rise – they are set on pushing up taxes on red diesel. Farmers cannot afford to pay nearly ten per cent more tax on their fuel.

“Conservatives are calling on the Government to back farming and axe the fuel tax rise now. Rural communities rely on their cars so it is time to end the war on motorists and get Britain working again.”

Victoria Atkins, shadow environment secretary, also warned of wider consequences for the food supply chain.

Victoria said: “As food prices continue to rise for us all and with record numbers of farms closing, this government must stop piling more and more taxes on food producers.

“In these volatile times, we need our farmers growing food, not worrying about Labour’s record taxes. Labour’s time in government has already damaged the rural economy but this further tax hike will mean higher food prices for us all and rural transport costs. Labour must axe the fuel tax rise now.”

The Conservative Party is calling for the planned increase in fuel duty to be scrapped, alongside wider proposals including a reduction in electricity bills and measures to address rural crime.

The debate comes amid broader concerns about confidence within the farming sector, with previous data indicating a decline in optimism about the future of agriculture.

Rural reality bites as Devon MP meets farmers facing mounting pressures

Devon Today
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Rural reality bites as Devon MP meets farmers facing mounting pressures

A visit to a working farm has brought the pressures facing rural communities into sharp focus, as politicians and farmers met to discuss rising costs, policy uncertainty and the future of sustainable agriculture.

Rebecca Smith, MP for South West Devon, visited Carswell Farm in Holbeton to meet local farmers and representatives from the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), where discussions centred on the challenges currently affecting the sector.

The meeting highlighted concerns over increasing fuel and fertiliser costs, local transport issues, and uncertainty surrounding the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI). Farmers said delays in government decision-making were affecting their ability to plan with confidence for the future.

During the visit, Rebecca also heard about the role farms such as Carswell play in education, with around 30 school visits hosted each year. These visits aim to give young people a better understanding of farming, food production and the rural environment.

Despite wet weather, Rebecca joined farmer Geoff, alongside Lucy and Jo from the NFU, to tour the farm and view its use of herbal ley. The method uses diverse grass and plant mixtures to improve soil health, support biodiversity and provide quality grazing for livestock.

Rebecca Smith MP pictured with farmers and NFU representatives during her visit to Carswell Farm
(Credit : Submitted)

Rebecca said: “Farmers are facing real pressures, from rising costs to ongoing uncertainty around schemes like the Sustainable Farming Incentive.

“It is clear from the conversations I have had that delays in decision-making are making it harder for farmers to plan for the future with confidence.

“What stands out at Carswell Farm is the commitment not just to producing high-quality food, but to doing so sustainably.

“Farms like this are at the heart of our rural communities, and they deserve clarity and support to continue that work.”

Lucy Jermyn, Devon NFU assistant county adviser, said: “We were pleased to welcome MP Rebecca Smith on farm. Political engagement from the grass roots up remains vital to ensure issues affecting family farmers are fully heard and understood.

“We would like to see her continue to champion issues in Westminster on behalf of her farming constituents so we can continue to drive for a confident, resilient, profitable sector for our farmer and grower members.

“A lot of ground was covered from agri-environment support schemes through to a discussion on our important and very special upland areas, including Dartmoor, alongside other challenges for farming families.

“A thank you to the team at Carswell Farm for hosting – they have an excellent business and offered a great insight into food production, environmental protection and the excellent work they do with schools talking about what happens from field to fork alongside managing the countryside.”

Lucy added that fuel and fertiliser costs were a key concern, driven by global market pressures and the ongoing conflict in Iran.

She said: “We outlined our position and it remains vital that government and politicians from all parties understand that farm planning is long term and the impact on markets and availability of fertiliser, as well as fuel, remains critical for us to grow food.

“The NFU remains busy speaking to government and MPs at the highest level to try and work out solutions and build resilience into the industry to help protect us from market shocks and global instability.”

Record turnout sees young footballers kick off biggest school league yet

Devon Today
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Record turnout sees young footballers kick off biggest school league yet

A grassroots football league is celebrating its biggest season yet, with record numbers of children taking to the pitch and a growing appetite for the game among young players.

Children and staff at All Saints’ Thurlestone C of E Academy, part of the Learning Academy Partnership, are marking another successful year of their school premier league, now in its fourth season.

This year has seen 78 children sign up to take part, compared with 55 in the inaugural season. Open to boys and girls in years three, four, five and six, the league features 20-minute matches held on Friday afternoons and is designed to welcome those trying football for the first time.

The competition is hosted across All Saints’ Thurlestone C of E Academy, Charleton C of E Academy and West Alvington C of E Academy. It allows pupils to represent their schools, build confidence and take pride in being part of a team.

Teams play each other twice during the season, which runs from March to July, before trophies are awarded. These include the AST Trophy for the champions, a Golden Boot for the top scorer and a Player of the Season award.

The season concludes with a closing ceremony recognising all participants, featuring music, dance and celebrations aimed at creating lasting memories for those involved.

Hannah Ruston, headteacher at All Saints’ Thurlestone C of E Academy, said: “The league is about more than football, it’s about giving children a safe and supportive environment to try new things, develop confidence, and celebrate achievement together.

“Seeing the children enjoy the matches and then come together for the closing celebration is always a highlight of the year.”

Tracey Cleverly, chief executive of Learning Academy Partnership, said: “We’re thrilled to see the league continue to grow each year.

“It’s fantastic to watch children of all abilities come together, try something new, and feel proud of being part of a team.

“This league creates lasting memories that go far beyond the pitch.”

The league continues to expand annually, offering children across the trust’s schools opportunities to take part in sport and teamwork.

School children weigh plastic waste as they tackle pollution problem

Devon Today
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School children weigh plastic waste as they tackle pollution problem

Pupils are turning crisp packets into a lesson in environmental action as a hands-on project tackles the growing problem of plastic waste.

Children at All Saints’ Thurlestone C of E Academy are leading an initiative to investigate how much soft plastic their school produces and what can be done to reduce it. Working with Devon Wildlife Trust, the pupils are focusing on items such as crisp packets and examining their environmental impact.

The project sees pupils collecting, weighing and recording plastic waste during lunchtimes, building a picture of how much is generated each week. The findings will then be shared with the wider school community to demonstrate how small changes can make a difference.

As part of the scheme, collected plastics are taken to a Tesco store in Kingsbridge for recycling. Pupils are also exploring ways to reuse the materials, including creating “plastic bricks” which could be used in structures such as shelters or greenhouses.

The initiative is designed to give pupils practical experience as citizen scientists, helping them develop teamwork and problem-solving skills while addressing a real-world environmental issue.

Hannah Ruston, headteacher at All Saints’ Thurlestone C of E Academy, said: “It’s wonderful to see our pupils taking such an active role in caring for the environment.

“They are learning how even small actions can make a real difference.

“I’m excited to see how their ideas continue to grow this year.”

Tracey Cleverly, chief executive of the Learning Academy Partnership, said: “This project shows how young people can combine curiosity with action.

“By investigating plastic waste and exploring solutions, pupils are not only learning about sustainability, they’re seeing first-hand how their choices can help shape a better world.”

South West Water giving away freebies at major Devon festival

South West Water
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South West Water giving away freebies at major Devon festival

South West Water is supporting the award-winning Toby’s Garden Festival 2026 when it takes place at Powderham Castle on Friday 1 May and Saturday 2 May.

The festival is a collaboration between gardening broadcaster Toby Buckland, known for his appearances on BBC’s Gardeners’ World and his weekly BBC Radio Devon show, and Country Gardener magazine. 

South West Water’s Customer Engagement Team will be at the event with a host of free water-saving devices, tips on reducing water use at home and in the garden, as well as providing billing support to customers.

Toby’s Garden Festival focuses on spotlighting the best nurseries from the West Country and beyond. Visitors can view curated exhibitions over the course of the weekend and can listen to a variety of talks by celebrity guests – all included in the ticket price.

Confirmed celebrity speakers include at this year’s event include Arit Anderson, Chris Hull, Jonny Hincks, Becky Searle and, of course, Toby Buckland.

The grounds of Powderham Castle will house stalls for selected craft and produce vendors, as well as exhibitors including South West Water, RSPB, Devon Wildlife Trust, and A&S Woodland.

Some new additions to the festival for 2026 include the debut of carnivorous plants, live performances from young talent like Chloe Marie Aston, and Woofstock – where visitors can enter their four-legged friends to compete for awards such as ‘Most Handsome Chap’ and ‘Waggiest Tail’.

Toby’s Garden Festival said: “We’re delighted to be collaborating with our friends at South West Water this year, celebrating and encouraging the importance of sustainable gardening. We’re working with their team to spread the word on helping gardeners grow, sow and care for their pots in a sustainable way. Save water, Save money, Save the planet…What’s not to love!!”

Dani Twelvetree, Director of Customer Communications and Engagement, said: “Toby’s Garden Festival showcases the creativity, talent and growing expertise that the South West is known for, and we’re delighted to support it at Powderham Castle. Our Customer Engagement Team will be there throughout the event to chat with visitors and provide free water saving devices and advice on how to enjoy a WaterWise garden.”

For more information about Toby’s Garden Festival, visit www.tobygardenfest.co.uk

Teignbridge among worst areas as smoking surge defies UK-wide progress

Aaron James
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Teignbridge among worst areas as smoking surge defies UK-wide progress

A sharp rise in smokers in one Devon district is cutting against the national trend, as new figures reveal a widening divide in smoking habits across Great Britain.

Despite a significant fall in smoking rates nationwide over the past decade, Teignbridge has recorded the fifth largest increase in adult smokers, according to new analysis.

The data shows that while overall smoking prevalence has dropped by 41 per cent across Great Britain, some areas are seeing notable increases rather than declines.

Teignbridge’s smoking rate rose from 9.3 per cent in 2014 to 14.3 per cent in 2024 — an increase of 53.8 per cent over ten years.

It places the district fifth in a national ranking of areas with the fastest-growing smoking populations.

The largest increase was recorded in Tamworth, where rates more than doubled from 8.5 per cent to 19.1 per cent over the same period. South Staffordshire and Uttlesford also saw sharp rises of 84.1 per cent and 77.0 per cent respectively.

The findings highlight stark regional differences in smoking trends, with some areas continuing to move towards becoming smoke-free while others are experiencing setbacks.

Across Great Britain as a whole, smoking has declined significantly. In England, adult smoking prevalence fell from 17.8 per cent in 2014 to 10.4 per cent in 2024 — around one in ten people.

Wales saw a drop from 19.4 per cent to 11.4 per cent, while Scotland’s rate fell from 20.3 per cent to 12.0 per cent over the same period.

However, regional disparities remain. Yorkshire and the Humber currently has the highest smoking rate at 12.2 per cent, while southern regions such as the South East report lower levels.

At a local level, the contrast is even more pronounced. While some areas have seen sharp increases, others have nearly eliminated smoking altogether. Epsom and Ewell, for example, fell from 14.3 per cent in 2014 to zero per cent in 2024.

The analysis also highlights the long-term health impact of smoking. Estimates suggest that over 30 years, smokers could lose nearly a decade of life depending on consumption levels.

Markus Lindblad, head of legal and external affairs at Northerner, said: “While smoking rates are falling, the human impact remains severe. In England alone, smoking caused 191,903 deaths between 2017 and 2019, highlighting the lasting toll of cigarettes on the population.

“Smoking also places a heavy financial burden on health services, with related illnesses costing an estimated £21.8 billion in England in 2024.”

He added: “The journey to quitting smoking looks different for everyone. For many smokers, an immediate and complete stop is difficult to achieve due to nicotine dependence.

“Reducing cigarette consumption step by step, setting realistic goals, and finding the right support can make a significant difference.

“Most importantly, no one has to do it alone. There is a wide range of support options available, from local stop smoking services and national helplines to online tools and apps, all designed to help people quit in a way that works for them.”

For more information, visit www.northerner.com.

NHS shake up as new digital system transforms patient care across Devon

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
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NHS shake up as new digital system transforms patient care across Devon

Patients and staff across Torbay and South Devon Hospital NHS Foundation Trust are set to benefit from a new Devon-wide electronic patient record (EPR) when the system goes live on Friday 03 April 2026. 

The Epic EPR introduces a modern and trusted digital platform that ensures staff can access patients’ health and care information quickly and securely. 

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust staff and patients have already been experiencing the benefits of the Epic EPR, which was introduced for east Devon in 2020 and for North Devon in 2022.   

When University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust switches on Epic on 23 July 2026, the new shared EPR will create one single electronic patient record system for staff in multiple hospital and community sites across Devon. For patients, this will mean no matter which hospital they attend in Devon, they don’t have to remember their medical history or repeat the same information to different members of staff, making their care journey more joined-up.  

Safely delivering the Epic system to Torbay and South Devon and University Hospitals Plymouth has been achieved through collaborative working across all organisations, benefiting from the experience gained from the Royal Devon.  

Clinical and administrative teams have jointly designed the shared system to standardise delivery of care across Devon. Digital teams have provided the underlying infrastructure and devices to enable our staff to support patient needs across all sites where this care is delivered, including patients’ homes. Important information from our legacy systems will be available within the new system to ensure that staff still have access to all the information they need.   

Professor Adrian Harris, Chief Medical Officer (Digital and Research) for the Royal Devon and Senior Responsible Owner for the One Devon EPR Programme said: “This is quite simply one of the biggest changes to health care in Devon in a generation. The introduction of a single EPR across the county will see many benefits for years to come as more comprehensive data, provided in real-time, will support the delivery of improved patient outcomes, higher quality research and advanced service planning.”   

The launch of Epic integrates hundreds of systems previously in use across the trust into one single, electronic system, giving staff a complete overview of a person’s medical record and freeing up more time to spend on patient care. 

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust’s Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Adel Jones said: “I am incredibly proud of our teams and our partners who have worked extremely hard to get this fantastic new system live. Over the coming weeks and months, I am confident we will begin to see the full benefits of Epic realised for patients and staff.” 

For patients, one of the most exciting parts of the EPR is the new MY CARE patient portal, a new app and online service that puts information about care in the hands of patients. MY CARE summarises patients’ medical information and interactions with their clinical team into one place. It also allows patients to securely and easily access some elements of their health record, including appointment data, giving them more control over their care. 

Chief Clinical Information Officer Mr Michael Green said: “The MY CARE patient portal is about much more than technology – it’s about improving the way we care for people. By giving patients timely access to their information, we can support better conversations, more personalised care and a smoother experience across our services. It’s an important step forward for patients, families, carers and staff.” 

Mark Laird, a patient at Royal Devon said: “Since MY CARE everything has changed. Each time I get a test result or letter, I can look things up which I couldn’t do before because on paper, you never got to really look at your notes. But now, obviously you can. You can see what things mean, all the little numbers, very long words, or whatever the doctors use, I normally look up and now I’m very in the know of what’s going on. 

“It was hard to manage lots of appointments and I kept losing track of them. I had to be in three or four different places for different appointments one time; Bideford, Exeter, Barnstaple, and Taunton all in one day. It’s hard to travel around, especially when you’re so ill like I am. MY CARE has been good to manage and spread out your appointments to suit your needs.” 

You can find more information about our new EPR and details of how to create a MY CARE account on our dedicated pages at www.torbayandsouthdevon.nhs.uk/services/my-care/.  

Seals and dolphins get boost as scheme protects Devon coast wildlife

South West Water
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Seals and dolphins get boost as scheme protects Devon coast wildlife

UNESCO’s North Devon Marine Wildlife Awareness Accreditation Scheme, encouraging businesses to adopt sustainable practices, is being supported by South West Water’s Better Futures Fund.

The project focuses on training business owners in North Devon in wildlife-friendly practises and helps them improve knowledge around local species, including seals, dolphins and seabirds.

The scheme is designed to reduce disturbance to marine wildlife and fragile marine habitats, while attracting eco-conscious tourism and ensuring visitors enjoy safe and memorable excursions – without causing harm.

Sessions are held at various locations across North Devon, and are designed for businesses with a connection to the marine environment, including scuba diving and outdoor adventure clubs, tour boat operators, holiday lets, community groups and yacht clubs.

The North Devon UNESCO Biosphere, a special area that’s been designated by the United Nations since 2003 for its diverse landscape and rich natural and cultural heritage, is part of a worldwide effort to protect biodiversity and fight climate change.

Over the coming two years, the Marine Awareness Accreditation Scheme, which has been running since 2016, will reach over 500 coastal businesses, with support from South West Water’s Better Futures Fund.

Marine Project Coordinator at North Devon UNESCO Biosphere, Hannah Nash, said: “Through our Marine Wildlife Safe Accreditation, we’re working to help people and businesses play an active role in protecting our coast and ocean.

By supporting businesses to operate more responsibly and sustainably, the accreditation helps organisations build trust and confidence as ‘marine‑safe’ operators within the community and among visitors.

We’re extremely grateful to South West Water and its Better Futures Fund for enabling us to continue this work over the coming year. Their support means we can keep expanding the network of people committed to safeguarding the marine environment of North Devon for future generations.”

Dani Twelvetree, South West Water’s Director of Customer Communications and Engagement, said: “Supporting UNESCO’s Marine Wildlife Awareness Accreditation Scheme is a fantastic way to support coastal businesses protect the wildlife and habitats that make North Devon so special.

It also helps strengthen the region’s ecotourism offering, giving visitors the confidence to choose experiences that respect nature. By sharing practical guidance and encouraging responsible activity, it will help people enjoy the coast while reducing disturbance to seals, dolphins and seabirds for years to come.”

South West Water’s Better Futures Fund supports people across the region who need it the most to unlock opportunities to bring positive change. For more information, including how to apply for support, visit www.southwestwater.co.uk/our-south-west/community/better-futures-fund

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