A much‑loved community nurse who has dedicated four decades to caring for people in Torbay and South Devon has been recognised nationally with a Royal stamp of approval.
Jenny Piedot, a Community Epilepsy Specialist Nurse, was just 18 when she first put on her nurse’s uniform. Now, 40 years later, she has received the prestigious Queen’s Nurse award for her services to community nursing.
During the past 40 years, Jenny has supported hundreds of local families and children, often from early childhood into adulthood.
She says: “Being a community nurse is a job that keeps me on my toes. It’s such a varied job; I get to work in patients’ homes, outpatient clinics, schools and colleges. I have worked closely with families, watching their children grow up and have continued to work with some as adults. I feel part of the fabric of my community, and I’m so proud to have played a small role in their lives.”
Jenny has spent the past 12 years working as a Community Epilepsy Specialist Nurse and prescriber in Torbay and previously worked as a community nurse for people with learning disabilities. In 1992 she set up the popular Saturday Club at a family centre in Newton Abbot offering respite care for children with complex care needs aged four to 18. It continues to run today.
She says: “The club is a cornerstone of support for local families and I’m really proud to have played my part in helping people to receive the care they need.”
The Queen’s Award is awarded to nurses who demonstrate consistently high standards of patient care, leadership, and a commitment to learning and recipients join a national community benefiting from workshops, bursaries, and professional support.
“It was a really lovely honour,” she said. “I didn’t tell anyone I had applied, it was a huge shock when I received the letter telling me I was receiving the award. It’s given me a chance to reflect upon my career, and I feel very proud of all I have achieved.
“Receiving this award on behalf of myself and my colleagues is a great recognition of all we do to serve our community. I work alongside caring and creative people, sometimes under huge pressure, but always with professionalism and kindness.”
Reflecting on her 40 years in nursing, Jenny says she has witnessed the NHS evolve and grow, but its core values remain unchanged. She says: “The NHS was still relatively young when I joined. It really feel it is one of the greatest and most valuable services to all people and I’m proud to work for the NHS – it’s incredible.”
Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust’s Chief Nurse Nicola McMinn said: “I am so incredibly proud Jenny, who has dedicated her life to caring for people in our community.
“Being a nurse is a privilege and none more so than working in our community where people welcome you into their homes to care for them and their loved ones. Jenny is a well-loved and much-valued member of our community and receiving the Queen’s Award for Community Nursing is a great recognition for all she has achieved.”
“A significant proportion of pupils do not secure basic spelling, grammar and handwriting at an age-appropriate level,” inspectors have warned after visiting Berry Pomeroy Parochial CofE Primary School, despite published results showing pupils achieving above national averages.
The Church of England primary school in Berry Pomeroy, near Totnes, has 85 pupils on roll – well below the national average of 272 – and is part of the Academies for Character and Excellence trust. Following an inspection on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, Ofsted judged safeguarding to be effective and found strengths in pupils’ personal development and wellbeing, but concluded that achievement, curriculum and teaching, and leadership and governance all “need attention” .
Inspectors found that “Pupils at this school feel safe and well cared for. Each morning, staff warmly welcome pupils. This helps to foster a secure sense of belonging. Close relationships between the school and parents and carers enable staff to get to know pupils well. As a result, pupils say they feel safe and know they can approach any adult if they have concerns. This positive culture is reflected in the school’s high rates of attendance.”
Personal development and wellbeing were judged to be a “strong standard”. The report states: “The pastoral support and personal development of pupils is a high priority at this school. Pupils are well cared for because leaders and staff know pupils well. Pupils are proud to be part of the school community. The school values help pupils learn how their own actions impact on others. There is a desire for pupils to be ‘change makers.’”
Inspectors highlighted the role of pupil leadership groups, noting that “‘sustainability champions’ lead projects that benefit the school and the village. Pupils confidently contribute to the running of the community café, serving soup they have made themselves from their own recipes.” They added that pupils are reflective and respectful, with diversity celebrated and a clear understanding of British values.
Attendance and behaviour were found to meet the expected standard. “The school is calm, orderly and pupils generally behave well. There are clear routines that pupils know and adhere to. These help pupils to feel secure and enable them to transition smoothly between activities during the school day. Disruption in lessons is rare and this calm behaviour is underpinned by positive relationships between staff and pupils”.
Early years provision was also judged to meet the expected standard. Inspectors said: “The early years curriculum is thoughtfully designed to ensure children develop knowledge and skills across all aspects of the curriculum. Staff work closely with parents and carers to support children to settle well in school. Children build positive relationships with staff”. They noted that reading is prioritised and that children engage in purposeful outdoor activities, including “guided tasks such as sawing wood” to build strength and confidence.
However, despite strong published outcomes at the end of key stage 2 and in national checks, inspectors raised concerns about the consistency of pupils’ work. “However, this success is not consistently reflected in the quality of work pupils produce in lessons. A significant proportion of pupils do not secure basic spelling, grammar and handwriting at an age-appropriate level. The school does not consistently identify where these gaps in pupils’ knowledge exist. This includes pupils with SEND and disadvantaged pupils. As a result, pupils do not progress through the curriculum as well as they should and do not secure essential skills effectively” .
The curriculum itself was described as “broad and ambitious”, with important knowledge clearly identified, but inspectors said leaders’ oversight “is not fully effective” and that “the quality of teaching across the school is inconsistent”. They pointed to weaknesses in the teaching of phonics and mathematics, particularly in mixed-age classes, and said teachers do not always use assessment effectively to address gaps in learning.
Leadership and governance were also judged to need attention. Inspectors said: “Leaders at both school and trust level do not have an accurate understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for development. This means that weaknesses in teaching are not addressed swiftly and current pupils do not achieve as well as they could”.
The report added that trustees “have an overly positive understanding of the school because leaders have not been precise in identifying necessary priorities for school improvement”, although leaders and governors were recognised as sharing “a strong moral purpose” and ensuring that disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities have the same chance of success as their peers.
Inspectors set out clear next steps, including ensuring that leaders receive effective support and challenge, that assessment is used more effectively to check what pupils know and remember, and that staff develop the expertise required for consistently effective teaching.
Councils across the south west are teaming up to ensure the entire peninsula benefits from the Government’s planned £4.4 billion investment in HMNB Devonport and Dockyard.
Plymouth, Devon, Cornwall and Torbay councils have agreed how they will work together to ensure the region grasps the opportunities – and address the challenges – that a rapid expansion of defence related employment and investment will present.
The investment in Devonport, which supports the national defence endeavour and the Continuous at Sea Deterrent, is supported by Plymouth’s designation as a Defence Growth Area and the UK National Centre for Marine Autonomy.
The investment will bring a significant increase in need for more skilled employees, as well as more housing, expanded transport infrastructure and greater focus on innovation.
Council leaders from all four authorities have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will ensure a collaborative, cross-boundary approach is taken across all these areas, as well as a joined-up approach to addressing potential barriers and challenges that the scale and pace of the change will present.
The key areas of collaboration outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding include:
Skills and workforce development
The councils will work with further education institutions and training providers across the region to ensure residents can gain the skills needed to take advantage of the employment opportunities, while recognising the specific needs and challenges in different communities.
They will work with employers and skills providers to co-design provision that reflects the needs of priority sectors such as defence, marine, construction, engineering and associated supply chains. They have also collaborated on a business case for locating a defence technical college in the region.
Transport and connectivity
Improving transport and connectivity is vital to ensuring the expanding workforce can access employment opportunities. Joint working by the councils will include developing a strategy to increase the proportion of the population able to access employment opportunities at Devonport within a one-hour commute. They will also collaborate on priorities such as the creation of a rail link between Tavistock and Plymouth.
Co-ordinating local plans and housing policy
The councils will work together to develop a joint pipeline of housing construction and infrastructure development to support the larger workforce needed to support the investment in Devonport and associated industries. This will include coordinating local plans and working together to help accelerate developments at Sherford and Treledan in Saltash.
Increasing innovation and business productivity
All four councils will work together to support and maximise the expected growth in key sectors and the benefits for the supply chain across the south west. This will include a business case for an innovation investment programme to accelerate the growth in the marine, construction and defence sectors and increase growth and innovation in the supply chain.
Joint work will also include identifying commercial and industrial land and working together to bring forward sites that support the growth of priority sectors. There will also be joined-up marketing of investment opportunities in key sectors, such as marine, construction and defence and joint working to coordinate aviation and marine test facilities for the development of autonomous systems.
Plymouth City Council Leader Tudor Evans OBE said: “The scale of the investment in Devonport and the economic and social opportunities it presents are mind blowing. It will provide a once-in-a-generation opportunity to supercharge economic growth not just in Plymouth, but across the south west peninsula.
“We have already formed the Team Plymouth partnership with the MOD, Babcock and wider partners such as Plymouth University and City College Plymouth to ensure that we work as one city we can step up to the challenge. This new agreement with our partner councils across the peninsula will ensure we take the same joined-up approach to ensuring the benefits are felt by residents and businesses across the region.
“By working together we can make sure residents across Devon and Cornwall and Torbay can access these opportunities – not just in defence but in wider supply chains including marine autonomy and construction.”
Leader of Devon County Council, Councillor Julian Brazil said: “This investment is a major opportunity for the whole of Devon. By working together across council boundaries, we can make sure communities from our towns and cities to our rural heartlands feel the benefit – through stronger supply chains, better connectivity and real, long-term economic growth. Crucially, it will help create clear training pathways for young people, with more apprenticeships and high-quality, skilled jobs so that local talent can build a future here in Devon.”
Councillor Leigh Frost, Leader of Cornwall Council, said: “The Defence Growth Deal represents a transformative opportunity for Cornwall to align with a £4.4 billion regional investment in HMNB Devonport and associated defence infrastructure over the next decade. This investment will catalyse job creation across defence, construction, engineering, marine autonomy, and associated supply chains/sectors that are critical to Cornwall’s economic future. It is a specific and clear example of how Cornwall Council will continue to work collaboratively with our near neighbours to benefit our residents.”
Cllr David Thomas, Leader of Torbay Council, said: “Torbay is proud to be part of this collective commitment to maximise the opportunities that this major defence investment will bring to our region. We know that no single authority can address the scale and pace of change alone, and by working together we can make sure our communities benefit from new skills, new jobs and stronger infrastructure. This agreement strengthens our shared resolve to plan effectively, remove barriers and support sustainable growth. We will continue to work with our partners across the peninsula to ensure Torbay plays a full part in shaping and securing long-term success for our residents and businesses.”
Minister for Devolution, Miatta Fahnbulleh said: “This is a major milestone for this region and shows what can be achieved when local leaders come together with a shared purpose in mind. This partnership will help support Team Plymouth’s mission to ensure the area thrives, building on the once-in a generation defence investment at His Majesty’s Naval Base at Devonport. It will support the transformation of Plymouth into a vibrant connected city and ensure the region feels the benefit.”
Plymouth Sound National Marine Park (PSNMP) continues its work to help more people connect with, enjoy, and protect Plymouth Sound. As part of this effort, the team has been collaborating with residents and community groups to shape improvements at key access points around the Sound.
One of these important sites is Ernesettle Creek, in the northwest of the city, some residents may be surprised to learn it is part of the Marine Park. The creek sits within the Tamar Estuaries and plays a vital role in its ecosystem. Plymouth Sound’s tides breathe life through the creek’s mudflats and salt marshes, creating a rich and biodiverse intertidal habitat, while its peaceful paths and viewpoints offer excellent opportunities for birdwatching.
Ernesettle is a key gateway linking the north of the city with the Marine Park, giving local people and visitors the chance to explore both blue and green spaces, from the salt marshes to the surrounding woodlands. Work has already begun on site, including the installation of new community benches and sensitive vegetation management to open up views across the river. These additions will make walking the creek easier, with more places to pause, rest, and take in the scenery.
Councillor Tom Briars-Delve said: “As a city, we are incredibly lucky to be surrounded by both blue and green spaces, and Plymouth City Council is committed to ensuring that Plymothians have access to nature. Working with Plymouth Sound National Marine Park on projects like these benches is key to helping our communities enjoy the outdoors. Ernesettle is a special place, and it’s important we protect it and share it for everyone to experience.”
Jessica Stevens, Plymouth Sound National Marine Park Assistant Ranger, added: “Our rangers have been working closely with the local community to help everyone enjoy and care for Ernesettle Creek. Together with 16+ students from Mill Ford School and the Friends of Ernesettle Creek and Budshead Woods, we’ve been keeping pathways tidy and accessible so people can get outside, feel well, and connect with nature.
Our monthly winter wader bird walks have introduced residents to the incredible birdlife that visits the Tamar estuary, and we’ll soon be offering an expanded programme of events, from foraging walks and local history talks to bat walks and coastal cleans.”
Further improvements coming to Ernesettle Creek include:
Resurfacing the pathway around the headland to make walking safer and easier, especially in winter months. As well as new signage with information to help visitors explore and understand the site. Finally, there are plans underway to make essential repairs to the causeway to ensure long‑term accessibility.
Stuart McLeod, Director England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Investing in heritage means investing in the people and communities it belongs to. That’s why we’re proud to support the Ernesettle Community as part of our continued partnership with Plymouth Sound National Marine Park. Thanks to National Lottery players, this initiative will empower local people to celebrate, protect and connect with marine and natural heritage on their doorstep. We’re excited to see the meaningful ways Plymothians bring Britain’s Ocean City to life.”
Squirrels are usually willing to climb higher to reach their favourite foods, new research shows.
Extensive lab studies have found that animals “devalue” rewards that cost extra time and effort – for example by choosing worse foods that are in easy reach.
But University of Exeter researchers suspected wild animals would behave differently.
They tested this by offering wild grey squirrels a preferred food (almond pieces) and a less-preferred food (pumpkin seeds), on poles of varying heights.
Even when almonds were raised higher off the ground – meaning a longer climb – squirrels’ preference for almonds only reduced slightly.
“The squirrels in our study were willing to work harder for the better food,” said lead author Yavanna Burnham, from Exeter’s Centre for Research in Animal Behaviour.
“This suggests that – in natural decision-making scenarios – it may sometimes be beneficial for animals to wait or work harder for a better outcome.
“This is what we would expect to find, and it shows the value of doing research on wild animal populations.”
The study also found that less dominant squirrels were more likely to choose easy-to-access food, potentially because they face a higher risk of losing the hard-to-reach reward if a rival appears.
Senior author Dr Lisa Leaver said: “This study helps us understand how animals decide how much time and effort to invest.
“It shows there isn’t always an ‘optimal’ decision, and – just as with humans – an animal’s social status affects the costs and benefits of particular choices.
“It’s rational for different squirrels to assess the situation and adjust the amount of time and energy they will expend accordingly, in order to get a reward.”
The study – funded by the Natural Environment Research Council – was carried out on the University of Exeter’s Streatham Campus, with food preference tests based on 11 squirrels, making more than 4,000 choices in total.
The paper, published in the journal Animal Behaviour, is entitled: “Pole position: social influences on discounting behaviour in wild grey squirrels.”
A long-promised school rebuild has become the centre of a growing political row, with fresh claims of inaction, missed opportunities and children left waiting in deteriorating classrooms.
A Freedom of Information request has revealed what critics describe as a lack of progress on plans to rebuild Tiverton High School, despite funding being secured in 2022 under the government’s School Rebuilding Programme.
The project had been expected to enter its “delivery phase” in April 2025, but nearly a year on, work has yet to begin.
According to the FOI, there were just two meetings between senior Devon County Council (DCC) officers and the Department for Education, Devon County Council has confirmed that numerous additional ‘keep in touch’ meetings were also held.
Council records show that between April 1 and December 15, 2025, there were just two meetings between Devon County Council officers and the Department for Education regarding the rebuild. The same records confirm that no formal requests have been made by the department to access the site for ground surveys or borehole drilling, suggesting construction is not imminent.
The findings have prompted criticism from campaigners.
James Wright, a local farmer and Conservative campaigner said: “For years, the Liberal Democrats campaigned promising that this school was their absolute top priority.
“They aggressively attacked the previous administration.
“Yet this FOI shows that since taking the keys to County Hall last May, they have not even bothered to write a single formal letter to the government to fight for our kids’ future.
“It is a shocking betrayal of the parents who trusted them.”
The funding for the rebuild was secured in 2022 following lobbying by the previous Conservative administration, alongside former MPs and school leaders. High profile politicians to have visited the school include leader of the Liberal Democrats Sir Ed Davey when Richard Foord was MP in 2023 and Eric Pickles with Neil Parish MP in 2013.
Cllr Andrew Leadbetter, who was cabinet member for children’s services and schools at the time, said: “Under the previous Conservative administration at Devon County Council, we worked tirelessly alongside the school to finally secure this vital funding.
“We made a firm pledge to deliver the state-of-the-art learning environment Tiverton desperately needs, and we successfully got the money allocated to make that happen.
“To see the current Liberal Democrat administration squander that momentum and leave the project to gather dust, without applying any formal pressure on the government, is incredibly disappointing.
“They are failing the children of Tiverton.”
A DCC spokesperson said “Devon County Council is fully engaged in this process, with officers in regular discussions with the Department for Education and having met with the Department on numerous occasions between April and December last year.
“The School Rebuilding Programme is a national scheme run by the DfE, and decisions sit with the Department. We are awaiting the outcome of its feasibility work and will continue to press for progress, working closely with the DfE to secure the improvements the school needs as quickly as possible.”
However, Cllr Steve Lodge, Devon County Councillor for Tiverton West, rejected claims that no action has been taken.
Cllr Lodge said: “To suggest that no action is being taken by the council or Liberal Democrat administration is nothing more than political posturing.
“I have sat on two special schools panels where the rebuild of the school has been at the forefront.
“In the latter just a few weeks ago the DfE were present enabling me to speak directly about the pre-assessment phase and push for progress.
“For Cllr Leadbetter to suggest the Conservatives worked tirelessly to get funding for a rebuild disguises the fact that their own Conservative MP made zero progress with a new build when they were the party in Government for 15 years.
“The rebuild is closer than at any time in over a decade. We are now working to get it across the line and give the young people of Tiverton a school they need and deserve.”
A once-modernist design idea has been turned on its head, with illustrator Angela Harding and window-film studio Brume using frosted glass to bring birds, foxes and seals into the home.
The new Picture Window collection reworks the 1960s idea of large panes of glass framing the outdoors by instead turning the window itself into an artwork. Angela’s linocut designs, including Avocets at Blakeney, Seal Song, Night Fox, Blackbirds & Mulberry Tree and Swallows in Flight, have been printed onto Brume’s frosted film to create decorative panels that balance privacy, light and atmosphere.
Brume, which is based in South Brent, makes each piece to measure in its workshop using eco-friendly latex inks on premium white frosted film. The collection is available in soft grey for a subtler etched-glass effect, or in white for a brighter, more graphic finish.
Bev Mills, founder of Brume, said: “When I was a child, picture windows were about the view outside. This new incarnation turns that concept around, providing an interior view that improves ambience and is the perfect solution for screening out those less beautiful parts of modern life.
“Angela’s designs capture the beauty of British wildlife and to see them rendered in light, rather than on paper, feels really magical – like having a view of your own.”
Angela and Oaty
One design, Swallows in Flight, differs from the rest of the range because it is a removable and reusable cling. Brume said it is aimed at renters or those who want a less permanent decorative option, while also helping to prevent bird collisions with large areas of glass.
The collaboration marks a new way for Angela’s work to appear in domestic settings, particularly in urban homes where windows can overlook busy streets or neighbouring buildings and where householders may want both light and seclusion.
BLACKBIRDS & MULBERRYTREE
Angela Harding said: “Working with Brume has been a sheer delight. I love seeing my work translated into these picture windows. The high quality of printing and attention to detail adds a really special quality to them.
“This is the first project we have done together and already there are plans to extend the range.”
A dedicated Rowcroft Hospice healthcare assistant is taking “going the extra mile” to a whole new level this April – running an incredible 256 miles across Wales to support the patients and families at the heart of her work.
Heidi Treleaven, 51, who works in Rowcroft’s Inpatient Unit, will begin her epic race on Tuesday 14 April, taking on six back-to-back ultramarathons over six consecutive days, covering a staggering distance from Holyhead to Barry Island.
For Heidi, this challenge is about far more than endurance. It’s a deeply personal mission inspired by the care her own family received from Rowcroft during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
“I feel very lucky that I’m able to run,” said Heidi. “So for me, it’s about using that ability to give something back.”
Heidi’s father, Mike Steer, and her brother-in-law, Timothy Chant, were both cared for by Rowcroft Hospice before they died just 16 days apart in 2023.
“It was a horrendous time,” Heidi said. “But knowing the hospice team was there for us made all the difference. They helped me and my mum to care for my dad at home in the way he wanted, and it meant everything to know they were there supporting us.”
More recently, Heidi’s father-in-law was also supported by Rowcroft’s Hospice at Home Team.
Working as a healthcare assistant at the hospice, Heidi sees every day the difference that compassionate, individualised care can make.
“At Rowcroft, we go above and beyond for every patient and family,” she said. “It’s the little things – the time we spend, the care we tailor to each individual – that really matter. We work so hard to make the difficult times the best they can possibly be.”
And while hospice staff are known for going the extra mile, Heidi is taking that quite literally.
Her six-day ultramarathon will include punishing distances of up to 50 miles a day, with mountainous terrain and self-navigation adding to the challenge.
Starting with a 37.5-mile run on day one, Heidi will then tackle distances of over 50 miles and back-to-back mountain stages before completing the final days on exhausted legs.
“If I’m going to do something, I want to make it count!” she said.
Despite balancing 12.5 hour shifts, night work and busy family life, Heidi has been training tirelessly – running solo along the South Devon coast or taking on long-distance routes from Exeter back home to Torquay.
“I’m not a super experienced runner,” she added. “I’ll just give it my best. That’s all I can do.”
Heidi admits her biggest fear is not finishing, having previously had to pull out of a long-distance challenge due to injury. But she’s determined to keep going, step by step.
“If you want to take on a challenge, I’d say ‘just go for it!’” she said. “And if you can raise money for a cause you’re passionate about, then so much the better!”
Heidi is aiming to raise £1,000 for Rowcroft Hospice, helping its teams continue to provide specialist end-of-life care and support to patients and families across South Devon.
“I am so proud to work alongside the hospice’s amazing team – such special, caring people who go that extra mile to ensure patients and families are well cared for and supported holistically,” said Heidi. “And I really want to raise some funds to help the team continue their crucial work.”
You can support Heidi’s ambitious challenge by making a donation via her JustGiving page at: www.justgiving.com/page/heidi-treleaven-3
Every pound raised helps Rowcroft be there for local people who need their expert care and support.
Or why not take on a challenge of your own? Visit Rowcroft Hospice’s website to find out more and get involved: rowcrofthospice.org.uk/challenges
As Devon CPRE ramps up its campaign against the Alverdiscott solar cluster in Torridge, the charity is dismayed that neighbouring North Devon has permitted a 108-acre solar farm in Braunton without even a planning committee debate.
Exagen Development was granted planning permission by North Devon District Council yesterday for a solar array along with a substation, cabling, CCTV and fencing on farmland south of Buttercombe Lane, Braunton (Planning Application 80182).
The decision not only to grant permission but not to debate the matter at committee has been criticised by Devon CPRE, which opposed the application and said it was littered with errors, including figures for which the applicant had no evidence or calculations.
Devon CPRE map of North Devon and Torridge Solar and Battery Cluster
Devon CPRE Director Penny Mills says, “Not only are we utterly disappointed with the decision. We are also dismayed that it didn’t even go before the planning committee for discussion. The council must be aware of how controversial these applications are. Yet they decided that losing another 100 acres of farmland didn’t warrant going before the committee, and they didn’t give the public the chance to put their views in person. Many of the objections weren’t considered relevant or sufficient to justify a refusal.”
She adds, “We are lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the country. What’s difficult to understand is why our councils aren’t standing up for the countryside here. Why don’t they want to protect it from creeping industrialisation? Where do they think our food will come from if so much farmland is sacrificed in this way? And what about visitors, who are so important for our economy? They come to Devon for its beautiful, undeveloped landscapes. Will they still come if they see glass and metal instead of green grass? Councils receive business rates for commercial schemes like this one. Is that one of the reasons why they are so keen to permit them?”
This latest solar farm approval comes as Devon CPRE ramps up its newest campaign to rally people power. Drawing inspiration from President Trump’s imperial ambitions, the campaign slogan is: “This IsOurGreen Land – Mega Solar and Mega Batteries, KEEP OFF!“
Boards have gone up in the past fortnight in the area around the Alverdiscott grid node. The charity is supporting residents who are concerned about the next phase in the formation of a North Devon and Torridge Solar and Battery Cluster (see attached map), which Devon CPRE is calling the Alverdiscott Solar Cluster for campaign purposes.
Over the past few years, six projects have been given planning permission there, totalling 433 acres, including the hitherto largest solar farm in the county, at Litchardon Cross. Two new proposals at Bulworthy Farm (279 acres of solar) and West Webbery Farm (12 acres for battery containers) would increase the land grab to a total of 725 acres in an area of only 11 square miles.
Devon CPRE Green Land campaign board at Wood Town, Torridge (photo by Sharon Goble)
Devon CPRE Chairman Steve Crowther and Torridge and Tavistock MP Sir Geoffrey Cox recently attended a meeting with residents in Alverdiscott’s community hall. The aim of the This Is Our Green Land campaign is to demonstrate to politicians locally and nationally that Devon’s lush, productive farmland and iconic landscape are not to be colonised by offshore developers chasing government subsidies.
Smart uniforms, big ambitions and a looming national test set the tone as Tiverton Sea Cadets came under the spotlight during a formal Royal Navy inspection.
The inspection took place at the Tiverton Sea Cadets base at the Tiverton Canal Basin on Wednesday, March 19. The event formed part of the unit’s biannual inspection by the area officer. The weekday and date combination has been checked against the uploaded calendar.
Commander Gary Mills, area officer for the South West Sea Cadets, said the Royal Navy review process was designed to make sure training and support across the organisation remained at the required standard.
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He said: “The Royal Navy invests in Sea Cadets, both in people and in finance.
“It’s my responsibility to ensure the training and support to the Sea Cadets is assured and I do that on behalf of the Royal Navy, so every year each unit has a unit review.
“Every two years they have a formal Royal Navy parade and so tonight it’s Tiverton’s turn to have that Royal Navy parade and it’s great to be here.”
Gary said Sea Cadets helped young people develop while providing an inclusive environment.
He said: “The cadets are representing the best in youth, in my opinion.
“In Sea Cadets they can be who they want to be, they can be themselves, they get a welcome and it’s all about inclusivity and challenging themselves to be the best they can be and to basically reach their potential because we can do that and support them as they reach adulthood and hopefully become rounded citizens.”
He also praised the adults who support units across the country.
Gary said: “The important resource behind that is the volunteers, both the uniform volunteers and the trustees who underpin every Sea Cadet unit in UK of which there’s 400.
“Each unit is a charity and that’s why they have a unit management team and they make sure the units is compliant with the charities commission, it’s safe and legal, their premises they reside in and that’s a really important part of what Sea Cadets offer.
“Without those uniformed and the non-uniform trustees, Sea Cadets would not be what it is today. It’s a wonderful organisation to be part of.”
Warrant Officer Andrew Middleton, from Tiverton Sea Cadets, said the inspection would help determine the unit’s grading for the year and what award it received.
Andrew said: “This evening is our biannual inspection by the area officer.
“This will be a formal inspection that will give us our grading for the year and that will also dictate what sort of award we get.”
He said the Tiverton unit currently had about 48 cadets, although more instructors were still needed.
Andrew said: “It’s all going well at the Tiverton Sea Cadets as you can see by the numbers of cadets here.
“So I think we’re running around our 48 cadets altogether, but we can always do with more instructors.
“They can get involved by coming up to the unit, or go online and the Sea Cadets will actually provide training.
“So if you want to get qualified in power boating, sailing, canoe, etcetera, that will be provided free of charge.”
He added that the unit’s Royal Marine Cadet detachment had already won the area drill competition and would now compete at national level.
Andrew said: “Next for us, our Royal Marine Cadet detachment, they’ve just won the area drill competition and they’re heading to the nationals competition.
“So we are up against the five other areas in the UK.”
