A special garden at Torbay Hospital, created as a place of remembrance following baby loss, has been thoughtfully enhanced thanks to the commitment, hard work and generosity of two local organisations.
Members of the Rotary Club of Torquay have spent many hours over recent months working in the Heartsease Garden, generously volunteering their time and funding new planting to help restore and care for the space. Their work included clearing overgrown brambles, power‑washing stonework and paths and replanting areas of the garden, helping to ensure it remains a welcoming space for parents, families and colleagues.
Roy Tuttle, President of the Rotary Club of Torquay, said: “Our members were very glad to be able to support this project in a practical way. The Heartsease Garden is a very special space and everyone involved wanted to treat it with real care and respect. Clearing, cleaning and replanting the garden felt like a meaningful way of giving something back to families at a very difficult time.”
Alongside this, the Torbay Hospital League of Friends has funded a new water feature, a teak bench and two large planters for the Heartsease Garden, helping to create a calmer and more peaceful environment for quiet reflection and remembrance.
Martin Tucker, Chair of the Torbay Hospital League of Friends, said: “The League of Friends is proud to have been able to fund the water feature for the Heartsease Garden. We know how important this garden is for parents and families following baby loss and our aim was simply to help enhance a space that already offers quiet comfort, reflection and peace.”
Nicola McMinn, Chief Nurse at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, added: “The Heartsease Garden is a deeply important part of how we support families after the loss of a baby. It is a place where loved ones can be remembered and honoured, not just in the immediate aftermath of loss but over time, as people return to reflect and remember in their own way.
“The generosity of the Rotary Club of Torquay, through the time, care and practical effort they have given, alongside the support of the Torbay Hospital League of Friends, has made a genuine difference to this space. On behalf of our midwifery and maternity teams, I want to thank them for their kindness and thoughtfulness.
A simple postbox is offering a powerful connection for those coping with loss, giving people a place to share messages with loved ones they can no longer see.
The “Letters to Heaven” initiative at Co-op Funeralcare Paignton has been praised by members of the community for providing a quiet and meaningful outlet for remembrance.
Installed in 2025, the postbox allows people to write letters to those they are remembering, with the aim of supporting individuals beyond the day of a funeral.
Since its introduction, the idea has been warmly received. A social media post shared by the branch in March encouraged people to write messages in memory of loved ones, prompting an outpouring of supportive and heartfelt responses.
Sammy-Jo Lathom, funeral arranger at Co-op Funeralcare Paignton, said: “Here at Co-op Funeralcare, we know that support does not end with the funeral.”
“It is important to have a sense of connection during such a crucial period, and small initiatives like this can help people to feel less alone in that process.”
She added: “We hope that our Letters to Heaven postbox will give members of the community a place to honour their loved ones and a way to still feel connected by sharing messages with them.
“Sometimes, having somewhere physical to go and express those thoughts can make a real difference – and we are seeing a big increase in this since launching the initiative.
“If anyone ever feels they would benefit from a chat or simply being around familiar faces, they are always welcome to pop in.”
Open to anyone, the postbox is designed to be an accessible and reflective space for those wishing to remember someone close to them.
An egg-stra dose of fun cracked open a day of laughter and creativity as pupils threw themselves into a series of Easter celebrations, complete with races, costumes and a special guest appearance.
Children at Drake Primary Academy, part of the Reach South Academy Trust, took part in a range of activities designed to mark the end of term and celebrate Easter.
Pupils were invited to design and bring in an egg dressed as a person who inspires them, with entries showcasing a wide mix of imaginative ideas and personal influences.
The Easter Bunny sits in a classroom after joining in with the day’s activities (Credit : Submitted)Children compete in a light-hearted Easter egg rolling race at the school (Credit : Submitted)A pupil shares a moment with the Easter Bunny during celebrations (Credit : Submitted)
The celebrations continued with an Easter egg race, where pupils entered their decorated “egg people” into a rolling competition in the playground.
A visit from the Easter Bunny added to the festivities, with children taking part in activities and interacting with the costumed character throughout the day.
The school said the events formed part of its wider efforts to create shared experiences and encourage creativity among pupils.
Jacqueline Stephens, executive headteacher at Drake Primary Academy, said: “We had such an amazing day, and it was wonderful to see the children throwing themselves into all our Easter activities.”
She added: “There was so much laughter and fun. It really made it a special end to another wonderful term here at Drake.
“Experiences like this are such a lovely way to bring our school community together and create special memories the children will talk about for a long time.”
Residents are being given the chance to pick up vital emergency skills at two free CPR and defibrillator training sessions.
The sessions are being offered in Tiverton and are sponsored by Tiverton Community Association and Jason LeJeune Training Specialists. They will be held at the New Hall, hosted by the Town Council, on Wednesday, April 29.
Training will take place in two sessions, at 6pm and 7.30pm.
People attending will learn essential CPR techniques and how to use a defibrillator in an emergency.
Tickets can be booked through Eventbrite. The booking links provided are: 1800 session and 1930 session
Tea, coffee and cake will also be available at the event, donated by The Sugar Parlour Bake Shed.
A major push towards greener public transport is gathering pace as new electric-ready bus depots are brought online, paving the way for hundreds of zero-emission vehicles across the UK.
More than 1,000 electric buses are now supported by upgraded infrastructure at 17 depots operated by Stagecoach, following a nationwide rollout delivered by independent distribution network operator Aurora Utilities.
The project includes a newly connected depot in Barnstaple, Devon, alongside sites in Aldershot, Arbroath, Ardrossan, Ash Grove, Barking, Bow, Bromley, Cheltenham, Dover, Dundee, Exeter, Gloucester, Kilmarnock, Leyton, St Andrews and Torquay.
Announced on Tuesday, April 14, the programme is designed to expand capacity for around 1,330 electric buses, representing more than 16% of Stagecoach’s UK fleet. The upgrades are also expected to cut tens of thousands of tonnes of carbon emissions each year.
Aurora Utilities is responsible for adopting and operating the new grid connections needed to power high-capacity electric vehicle charging infrastructure, enabling faster and more flexible connections.
Simon Reilly, chief executive of Aurora, said: “Stagecoach is moving at pace to decarbonise its fleet, and we are proud to be energising the infrastructure that makes that possible.
“Each new connection brings hundreds of zero-emission buses closer to reality on UK roads.
“Our team’s experience and strong relationships with network operators mean we can deliver faster, smarter grid solutions that turn net zero ambitions into operational progress.”
Tony Cockcroft, asset management and infrastructure director at Stagecoach, added: “Electrifying our nationwide depots is critical to delivering a modern, sustainable public transport network.
“Aurora’s expertise as an IDNO has allowed us to accelerate new connections, and get more electric buses on the road sooner, lowering our emissions and benefiting the communities we serve through more reliable services.”
Alongside electrifying its fleet, Stagecoach is also investing in battery storage and on-site solar power to reduce reliance on the grid and improve energy resilience.
Aurora, which was licensed by Ofgem in 2024 and backed by a $200 million investment from I Squared, works with transport operators, developers and public sector organisations to deliver grid connections supporting decarbonisation efforts nationwide.
A classroom cornerstone whose quiet care has shaped generations is now in line for national recognition, as a long-serving teaching assistant earns a place among the country’s very best.
Ellacombe CofE Academy in Torquay has announced that Tracy Parpworth-Reynolds has been shortlisted for Teaching Assistant of the Year in the Pearson National Teaching Awards 2026.
The nomination recognises Tracy’s contribution to education over nearly 20 years at the school, where she has supported multiple generations of families and built lasting relationships with pupils, parents and colleagues.
As personal, social and emotional development and Thrive lead, Tracy works closely with pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs. Her approach is based on the belief that children cannot learn unless they feel safe and regulated.
She supports pupils to understand their emotions, develop strategies for self-regulation and rebuild confidence in themselves as learners. Her role also extends to supporting colleagues through training and coaching across the school.
Colleagues described her as “the anchor of the school, the calm in any storm”. One pupil said: “She just gets it. She knows when you’re finding things difficult even if you don’t know how to explain it. Every school in the whole wide world should have a Mrs PR.”
Alison Helm, headteacher at Ellacombe CofE Academy, said: “Tracy embodies everything this award stands for. Her compassion, expertise and relentless commitment to children have transformed lives over many years. We are incredibly proud to see her recognised at a national level.”
Tracey Cleverly, chief executive of Learning Academy Partnership, said: “Tracy represents the very best of our profession. Her unwavering commitment to children has had a profound and lasting impact not only at Ellacombe but across our wider trust. The difference she makes to children’s lives, families and colleagues is extraordinary.”
Tracy said: “I am truly honoured to have been shortlisted for the National Teaching Assistant of the Year Award. I am incredibly grateful to have been put forward, and I know there are so many dedicated teaching assistants, right across the country and here at Ellacombe, who deserve this recognition just as much.
“Every day, we work together with one shared goal, to make a positive difference to the lives and education of the children we support. I feel proud to be part of such a committed and passionate team.”
Winners of the Pearson National Teaching Awards will be announced on National Thank a Teacher Day in June. The awards were founded in 1998 by Lord Puttnam and celebrate excellence in education.
In April 2006, HRH The Princess Royal stepped out in the North Devon sunshine, on a day that would forever change how local people could receive care towards the end of their lives. Princess Anne had arrived to officially cut the ribbon at North Devon Hospice’s newest and most significant expansion of care; a Bedded Unit that could offer specialist hospice care to local people around the clock for the very first time.
20 years on, the charity is this month celebrating the difference the 7-bedded facility has made, to countless North Devon families who have found it be a sanctuary when needed most.
“I simply cannot imagine the healthcare landscape in North Devon without our Bedded Unit. It has become such an integral part of our community, having helped so many people. It is unfathomable to think of a time before it existed,” said Stephen Roberts, Chief Executive of North Devon Hospice.
It’s been 20 years since the official opening of our Bedded Unit
Since the charity first started caring for local people affected by a life-limiting illness, way back in 1984, the service had always been community-based. “North Devon is such a vast rural area, that it made sense to use the limited nursing resources in those early days to visit patients in their own homes.” said Stephen. “That is still a huge part of the care we provide, but there was also an acute need for specialist end of life care around the clock, when pain and other symptoms became too complex to be treated at home. So when the Bedded Unit opened, it was a sea-change for local healthcare.”
Building such a specialist facility was not easy, and required an enormous community fundraising effort. The Light in the Dark appeal was launched to raise the necessary funds, and the royal opening in April 2006 capped more than four years of hard work behind the scenes to bring the vision to life.
Hannah Crawley, Team Leader of North Devon Hospice’s Bedded Unit, said it is a privilege to be there for patients and families during their hour of need. “We are so lucky to have this amazing facility, staffed by an even more amazing team, to make sure local people get the care and compassion they deserve.” she said. “Being here, providing care around the clock, is so important because it’s often in the small hours that our care is needed most. We have given countless patients and their families comfort through the night, holding their hand, providing reassurance or a listening ear, easing their pain and easing their worries. We are so proud to be marking 20 years of this special type of care, and we’d like to thank everyone in North Devon whose kind donations make it all possible.”
Katrina Fry is a part of North Devon Hospice’s care admin team, and was there on the day the Bedded Unit officially opened. “There was such a buzz, it felt like an exciting and important day,” she recalls. “The new team had already prepared and trained together for months, so when we finally opened, everything ran like clockwork.”
Twenty years on, some things have changed – fax machines and mountains of paperwork replaced by digital systems that help deliver better care – but one thing remains unchanged. “The reaction of patients and families coming to the Bedded Unit is exactly the same as it was back then,” Katrina says. “They’re astounded by the level of care, how the team goes the extra mile every single time. Even after 20 years, I still see that relief on people’s faces, knowing this is somewhere they feel safe and comfortable.”
She added, “Very early on I knew this was an amazing place. It has always been the people who’ve made the hospice special, and I’m still so proud of the difference we make to people’s lives when it matters most.”
Princess Anne on the day she opened the Bedded UnitPrincess Anne on the day she opened the Bedded UnitPrincess Anne on the day she opened the Bedded Unit
The Bedded Unit provides care when symptoms or pain are most severe, with a specialist team of doctors, nurses, nurse associates and healthcare assistants who can bring comfort and dignity when it matters most. Many people have their symptoms controlled, and are able to continue their journey with hospice support at home. Those who do spend their final days on the Bedded Unit are able do so in peace, with their loved ones nearby, and with all the dignity they deserve.
Stephen Roberts added, “As a local charity who relies on the kindness of our community, none of this vital care would be possible without the amazing support of North Devon. Thank you to everyone who has helped provide such vital care round-the-clock care over the last 20 years. With your continued generosity, we look forward to doing the same thing for at least another 20 years – because your life is a story, and the ending matters.”
To support the work of North Devon Hospice visit: northdevonhospice.org.uk
Going on holiday is one of life’s great pleasures, yet for pet owners it can be a bit of a headache. For those who don’t have friends and family who are happy to take care of their animals whilst they are away, many people rely on the services of dog home boarding services, kennels and catteries.
Torridge District Council wants to warn families about leaving their pets in the care of unlicensed boarding establishments. It wants to make dog and cat owners aware that unlicensed premises have not been subject to checks to ensure that the welfare needs of the animals can be met, or whether the person running the establishment is an appropriate, qualified or experienced person to do so.
All licensed home boarders, kennels/catteries are subject to strict criteria, including size and structure of the units, the cleanliness of the premises, the exercise and interaction pets get and management of the pet’s food and/or medications.
Councillor Philip Hackett, Lead Member for Public Health and Community Safety, Torridge District Council, said: “For most of us our pets are part of the family. You wouldn’t send your child to stay somewhere without researching it thoroughly and your dogs and cats deserve the same care and thought. All dog boarding must be licensed by the local authority to make sure they comply with legal standards relating to the welfare of the animals being looked after. We would strongly urge anyone looking to use a kennel service to make sure that the premises is licensed before checking in their furry friend.”
“Unlicensed premises are unlikely to be insured should anything happen to your pet during the boarding period. There are many licensed premises across the district that can cater very well for the needs of your animals – just take a moment to check that you’re using one.”
Anyone carrying out this activity without the correct licence in place should be aware they are committing an offence and may be liable to prosecution. Further information regarding how to apply for a license and the conditions needed to obtain one can be found at https://www.torridge.gov.uk/article/19972/Animal-welfare-licences.
If anyone has any concerns over any licensed or potentially unlicensed boarding facilities in Torridge, please email licensing@torridge.gov.uk.
Teignbridge households in financial distress will be able to apply for help under a new government funding scheme, after Teignbridge District Council’s Executive Committee approved its implementation on Tuesday (April 7).
The Crisis and Resilience Fund (CaRF) replaces the Household Support Fund and Discretionary Housing Payments Scheme, which ended on March 31.
The three-year CaRF provides low-income families who encounter sudden financial difficulties with emergency help along with longer term support, such as financial health checks, debt and benefit advice and help with budgeting.
Teignbridge District Council Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Economy, Estates and Major Projects, Councillor David Palethorpe said: “Approving the rollout of the Crisis and Resilience Fund in Teignbridge means we can quickly respond to households in immediate need, while also addressing the underlying causes of financial hardship and focusing on longer-term financial wellbeing. This scheme doesn’t only help people in immediate need, but also offers practical support to help them avoid future financial crises.”
Once operational arrangements are in place, information on how households can access help from the new Crisis and Resilience Fund will be set out on the Teignbridge Council website.
We have awarded a contract to Parkwood Leisure to run our leisure services, after Fusion Lifestyle, the company that currently runs leisure services in South Hams, advised that it has gone into administration.
Fusion Lifestyle held long-term contracts to operate the following leisure centres:
Dartmouth Leisure Centre
Ivybridge Leisure Centre
Quayside Leisure Centre (Kingsbridge)
Totnes Leisure Centre
For several years, we have repeatedly stepped in to support Fusion to keep these centres open but a few weeks ago, Fusion warned us that it was likely to enter administration, or possibly liquidation if agreement could not be reached over the funding of the period of administration.
As a result, whilst working with Fusion to avoid liquidation and the centres closing, we started looking for alternatives to ensure that the services could transfer as quickly as possible.
We have now awarded a short-term contract to Parkwood Leisure to operate its leisure services. A national operator, Parkwood also runs leisure centres in Torbay and North Devon.
We are working closely with Parkwood and Fusion’s administrator to ensure that the centres, their staff, swim school, fitness classes and memberships continue without any interruption and transfer seamlessly over to Parkwood.
Council Leader, Cllr Dan Thomas, said: “It is deeply disappointing that we have reached this point with Fusion, not only have they failed to honour their contract, but they have let our residents, our leisure services customers and their own staff down badly.
“Residents and leisure centre customers can be assured that we will do everything we can to enable Parkwood who have a strong local presence to get up and running as quickly as they can.”
Cllr Julian Brazil, Executive Member for Leisure, said: “Over the last couple of years, Fusion have continually failed to keep their promises, and it is our leisure centre customers that have suffered. Quite frankly I am delighted that they will no longer be running our leisure services.
“We are doing everything we can to make sure residents still have access to the facilities they rely on. Our focus now is on securing a stable, long-term solution that protects local provision and supports the wellbeing of our residents.”
A list of frequently asked questions is now available here and also on Fusion’s website.
Further updates will be provided as soon as more information is available.
