A group of environmentally minded pupils returned from a hands-on climate event with fresh ideas to make their school greener, after exploring science, sustainability and real-world solutions.
Five pupils from Cranbrook Education Campus’s Eco-Club represented the school at the Met Office’s Climate Camp, where they took part in a day of activities focused on tackling climate change.
The visit included a tour of the organisation’s facilities, meetings with staff working in climate-focused roles such as climatologists, and practical workshops designed to explore ways to promote sustainability.
The experience has since encouraged pupils to consider further environmental initiatives at the school, building on existing projects already underway.
Before Christmas, pupils planted more than 90 new trees across the campus. They have also been involved in the nearby Elbury Farm woodland project, working with the National Trust to plant trees and contribute to the development of the woodland.
As part of the Ted Wragg Trust, Cranbrook Education Campus promotes environmental responsibility and aims to help pupils understand the impact of their actions through practical experience.
Stephen Farmer, head of campus at Cranbrook Education Campus, said: “Our pupils really threw themselves into every part of the Climate Camp, from exploring the labs to the hands-on workshops.
“They came back buzzing with ideas about how to make CEC even more sustainable, and it is wonderful to see their enthusiasm translate into action on campus and beyond.”
Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust, said: “We are proud of the pupils at Cranbrook for taking an active role in environmental projects both on campus and in the local area.
“Hands-on experiences like these help young people understand the importance of caring for the world around them and the positive impact they can have within their community.”
A classroom fell silent as pupils gathered around lifelike training dummies, learning skills that could one day mean the difference between life and death.
Year eight pupils at Dartmouth Academy have taken part in hands-on workshops designed to give them the confidence and knowledge to respond in a cardiac emergency.
The sessions were delivered by Jay’s Aim, a South West charity focused on reducing sudden cardiac deaths among young people.
During the workshops, pupils were taught how to recognise the signs of cardiac arrest, call for emergency assistance and perform basic CPR. Each pupil was given the opportunity to practise the techniques in a controlled and supportive environment.
Jay’s Aim was founded in memory of James Osborne, known as Jay, a 28-year-old father who died from a sudden cardiac arrest. Following his death, his family launched the charity to help protect others through education and access to lifesaving equipment.
The organisation highlights that around 12 people under the age of 35 die each week in the UK from undiagnosed heart conditions, often without prior symptoms.
Through its work, Jay’s Aim delivers free CPR training and installs defibrillators across the South West, aiming to equip communities with the tools needed to act quickly in emergencies.
Nicola Perrott, assistant principal at Dartmouth Academy, said: “These workshops were incredibly valuable for our Year 8s. CPR is a skill that every young person should have, and the team from Jay’s Aim made the learning accessible, engaging and memorable.
“We are grateful for the work they do and proud of how well our pupils embraced the training.”
Matthew Shanks, chief executive of Education South West, said: “Equipping young people with the skills to save a life is one of the most meaningful things a school can do.
“We are incredibly proud of Dartmouth Academy for providing this opportunity and grateful to Jay’s Aim for their commitment to educating and empowering our communities.
“These pupils now have knowledge that could make an extraordinary difference in an emergency.”
A mysterious carrot thief has struck, leaving behind a trail of clues and a challenge for families to solve before the culprit escapes.
Visitors are being invited to step into the role of detective as part of a special Easter trail at Tiverton Museum of Mid Devon Life, where missing carrots have sparked an interactive hunt through the galleries.
Running from Friday, April 3 to Saturday, April 18, the trail encourages children and their families to search for clues hidden around the museum in a bid to unmask the thief.
Kate, learning officer at the museum, said: “This is a fun, relaxed activity that families can enjoy at their own pace.
“Children love playing detective while exploring our galleries, and there are plenty of other Easter activities to discover along the way.”
Alongside the trail, visitors can take part in a range of themed activities including colouring and collage stations, as well as exploring carrot recipes in the museum’s nostalgic kitchen.
The Tivvy Bumper steam engine will also feature a special Easter makeover as part of the celebrations.
Additional sessions will take place on Tuesday, April 7 and Tuesday, April 14 between 10.30am and 12.30pm, where children can drop in to create rabbit finger puppets to take home. No booking is required.
The museum will be open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm throughout the Easter holidays, including Good Friday.
A drug sniffer dog assisted police as part of a proactive operation to detect drugs in pubs in the city last week.
On Tuesday 10 March, Police drugs dog Jasper joined a team of 10 officers, police community support officers and special constables to search for drugs in Plymouth pubs.
The operation saw the team visit six pubs in the city, carrying out multiple searches.
Despite positive indications from Jasper, no substances were found, though some patrons admitted to previously using recreational drugs.
Sergeant Kris Buckley leads the team in Devonport and set up the ‘Pubs Against Drugs’ operation. He said “I’m really pleased that we didn’t detect anyone using or carrying drugs on Tuesday evening. This is a really good indicator that our communities are being responsible and we’re making progress.
“The operation gave officers a great opportunity to engage with licensees, bar staff and members of the public; promoting the proactive work we’re doing and opening up important conversations about reporting suspected drug activity to police.
“We would like to thank all licensees and pub staff for their co-operation and will continue to tackle drug dealing in our community.
“We hope this reassures the public that we take drug activity very seriously and encourage anyone with information to report it to us.”
To report suspected drug activity in your community, please use the reporting form on the Devon & Cornwall Police website or speak to your local officers.
You can also pass on information anonymously, direct to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111 or visiting their website: https://crimestoppers-uk.org
The ambition and regeneration plans for Plymouth Guildhall are to take an exciting new direction against the backdrop of a vision for 10,000 new homes in the city centre and City of Culture bid.
A review of the current programme got underway at the end of last year following the discovery of sizeable voids behind the panelling, which present a fire risk. Now the team is reimagining the ambition for the project and reframing project delivery for the much-loved listed building.
The project will be delivered in three discrete phases; review and complete the current improvement works; reset the project through addressing the complex structural and building maintenance requirements; reframe a reimagined project with delivery that responds to the new growth opportunities.
The Council will use the planned reset to redefine its vision and ambition for the Guildhall in the light of recent announcements, including proposals for 10,000 new city centre homes, and the Civic Centre regeneration..
“We have some incredible opportunities on the horizon with the City of Culture bid and the City Living Framework. This cannot just be simply a repair project but a reimagination and reinvention of the building for the future.
Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet member with responsibility for assets, said: “What started out as a project to add some ‘bells and whistles’ onto existing facilities for venue hirers morphed into a more complex scheme.
“We need to think about what’s right for the people of Plymouth now, what’s right for tomorrow’s residents – particularly new city centre residents – and what’s right for Plymouth.
“We are now on a slightly different journey but I’m excited. We need to be more ambitious. The city is crying out for a high-quality large venue space – one that meets modern demands and we need to get this right so that it lasts another 70 years.”
The Council is currently exploring options on how the building will be run when it reopens as well as the market for events and other uses for this glorious building.
It has commissioned Counter Culture – whose clients include the V&A and the National Portrait Gallery – to shape the vision and future business case for the Guildhall in the context of the prospect of thousands of new residents in the city centre, whether the venue could become the go-to happening place for emerging talent and if other uses should be explored.
They will present a series of proposals to the Council which will be explored with city residents as part of a community conversation this summer.
Chris added: “There are a lot of questions which we currently do not have the answers to. We believe there is a need for a multi-use entertainment venue, but we need to do more homework, talk to comparable venues about what works and what gets bums on seats and feet dancing on the floor.”
The project is now being divided into phases. The first will see the orderly closure of the building. The Council will work with contractors and insurers to formally end the current contract, ensuring the Guildhall is safe and secure and complex paperwork around insurance liabilities and warranties of installed equipment and features are complete. This is expected to take three months.
The next phase is expected to include building fabric repairs such as replacing roofs and cracked/damaged external render. It could also include installing refurbished lifts, asbestos removal from ventilation ducting, services separation works.
The third and final phase will deliver the vision and business plan and is anticipated to include the fire strategy works such as dealing with the voids, fire doors, compartmentation and new heating and ventilation works. It will bring the vision and ambition for the Guildhall to life.
While there is more to do, a huge amount has been achieved to transform the venue:
The Great Hall – scaffolding, floor protection, fall protection, structural steelwork to roof for new lighting gantry frames
Great Hall Kitchen – ceiling removed and ply installed over tiles, new kitchen ordered
Curved ceiling at entrance repaired and decorated as well as removing plaster board ceilings and plaster repairs to existing walls
Main entrance repair and decorated fluted timber, cleaning of marble/terrazzo walls
First floor lobby – new bar and flooring – almost double the size of the original bar which will mean a shorter wait at intervals. It is also lower, which is good for customers who use wheelchairs. Hexagonal roof lights repaired, clean marble /terrazzo walls, repair and decorate fluted timber, new toilets installed, platform lift installed to enable better access for wheelchair users, replastered walls
Ground floor main lobby – male and female toilets refurbished and new accessible toilets and baby change – a total of 13 toilets have been installed, heating, hot and cold water, above ground drainage, sanitary ware, air conditioning
Lower ground floor lobby – new gender-neutral toilets, lighting, plastering walls, refurbished passenger lifts will soon be installed
Interior general – electrical rewiring throughout, failing fire and intruder alarm systems replaced with higher specification systems and miscellaneous mechanical and electrical works
Exterior – targeted roof replacements and windows replaced
Councillor Chris Penberthy added: “An enormous amount has been ticked off the to-do list and when the building reopens guests will have a much more pleasant experience with more and modern toilets, and a much larger bar to cut the queues in intervals. The contractors TEC have been superb, and we thank them for their work on what is effectively two listed buildings.
“This is an incredible building whose time will come again. We hope residents will be encouraged and reassured by the progress so far and seek their continued patience while we bring a renewed ambition and vision to life.”
A classroom experiment ended with a bang as pupils watched in amazement when pressure built to a dramatic popping point — all part of a hands-on lesson designed to spark curiosity.
Year 6 pupils at St Andrew’s CofE Academy in Buckland Monachorum, part of the Learning Academy Partnership, marked British Science Week by taking part in an interactive experiment inspired by this year’s theme of “Curiosity”.
Using vitamin tablets, pupils explored scientific concepts including irreversible changes, dissolving and gases. Working methodically, they predicted what might happen when a tablet reacted inside a sealed tube before carrying out the test.
During the activity, pupils measured materials, made observations and recorded results. They compared the reactions created by half tablets and whole tablets to understand how changing variables can affect outcomes.
As the tablets dissolved, carbon dioxide gas built up inside the tube until pressure forced the lid to pop off, prompting excitement across the classroom.
The session aimed to demonstrate how practical learning can help pupils engage more deeply with science, encouraging them to question and explore the world around them.
British Science Week, organised by the British Science Association and funded by UK Research and Innovation, is a ten-day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths. The national initiative encourages people of all ages to take part in activities highlighting the role and impact of STEM.
Debbie Nunn, headteacher at St Andrew’s CofE Academy, said: “British Science Week is a fantastic opportunity for our pupils to explore, question and discover through hands-on learning.
“The excitement in the classroom was wonderful to see.
“Our year 6 pupils showed great curiosity and teamwork as they predicted, tested and reflected on their results.
“Activities like this help bring science to life and encourage children to think like real scientists.”
Tracey Cleverly, chief executive of Learning Academy Partnership, said: “At the Learning Academy Partnership we are passionate about inspiring a love of learning and encouraging curiosity in every child.
“It is wonderful to see pupils at St Andrew’s engaging so enthusiastically with science.
“They are developing the skills of investigation, observation and problem solving that will support them throughout their education and beyond.”
A dated family home in Peverell has been given a new lease of life thanks to a Council incentive designed to bring empty properties back into use.
The property had been empty for nearly four years following the owner’s move to a care home before she took advantage of the Council’s Repair & Rent scheme to bring the property back into use.
The initiative is designed for people without the confidence or capacity to manage a renovation themselves and allows for an interest-free loan of up to £50,000 per unit, with 20 per cent of this is offered as a non-repayable grant.
As part of the agreement, a local estate agent manages the schedule of works, employment of trades, renovation and subsequent rental of the property.
Then, following the works, the loan is repaid from the rental income generated by the property. Repair & Rent is designed to help tackle homelessness and properties renovated through this scheme are let directly to a homeless family on the Council’s waiting list.
In this case, there were a number of issues required sorting before the house was inhabitable again, including a complete re-wiring, a new roof, and fully upgraded central heating.
As a result of the scheme, the house has now undergone a full renovation with a new bathroom and kitchen as well as some new windows, doors and carpets. A family has recently been able to move into the property.
Speaking during this year’s Empty Homes Week, a national initiative designed to shine the spotlight on a crucial issue of the current housing crisis, Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Housing, Cooperative Development and Communities, said: “The revamped and improved Repair and Rent offer to landlords is a crucial piece of weaponry in our fight against the housing crisis and I’m pleased to see it used to good affect here.
“We have a clear need for additional homes, and we need them as soon as possible. Through our empty homes strategy, set out in the Plan for Homes, we are looking at every avenue available to help bring unused properties back into occupation.
“Our housing team already works throughout the year to address some of the city’s most difficult long term empty properties. I would encourage any landlords or owners of vacant homes to contact us for guidance and support on returning their properties to productive use.”
Other empty homes initiatives available include:
Empty Homes Financial Assistance: Landlords can apply for a loan of up to £50,000 per unit, which is repaid via subsequent rental income, providing that the empty home owner undertakes to project manage the renovation themselves.
Sales Service: Our Sales Service helps empty home owners by helping to advertise their property to developers and by organising open house style viewings. Any interested parties can then put forward sealed bids within one week of the viewing. This can be a very quick and efficient option and can save estate agent fees.
More information on our empty homes team is available at plymouth.gov.uk/emptyhomes
A much-loved independent bowling alley with a 31-year legacy is entering an exciting new chapter, announcing the launch of its online booking system alongside a recent transition in ownership—continuing its proud tradition of being female-owned.
Established 31 years ago, Lets Go Barnstaple, an award-winning, family-run venue has long been a staple of the local community, known for its welcoming atmosphere, personal service, and dedication to creating memorable experiences for generations of visitors.
As of 1st July, the business entered new ownership, marking a fresh era while staying true to its roots. Notably, the bowling alley has always been female-owned, a legacy that proudly continues under its new leadership.
“This is an incredibly special place with a rich history,” said Katherine Harvey, the new owner.
“Taking the reins from 1st July and continuing its legacy as a female-owned, family-run business is something I’m extremely proud of. We’re building on everything Lets Go already love while bringing in thoughtful improvements for the future.”
A key part of this evolution is the launch of a brand-new online booking system, designed to make visiting easier and more convenient than ever. Customers can now:
Book lanes in real time
Organise parties and group events
Check availability instantly
Receive immediate booking confirmations
While embracing modern technology, the business remains committed to the same values that have defined it for over three decades—community, quality, and a personal touch that keeps customers coming back.
The introduction of online booking ensures the bowling alley continues to thrive in a changing world, without losing the charm and authenticity that have made it a local favourite.
A village pub has defended its service after a customer posted a scathing one-star review, following a series of unexpected disruptions that forced staff to make last-minute changes.
The Old Inn in Widecombe in the Moor said it had been dealing with a fire which required three fire engines to attend, alongside a burst water main that left the premises without water until midday.
The incident resulted in a reduced menu, which prompted criticism from one customer who described their visit as “poor in every way”.
In the review, the customer said: “Limited menu due to gas problem, chose from the limited choice then was told they could not do what we had ordered so ended up with a cheese and pickle sandwich, this had more pickle than cheese, ordered more cheese which was tasteless but apparently lots of people order it!”
They added: “No apologies. The best weather of the year so far and the garden was closed for maintenance! The barman was surly and needs to go on a customer service course.”
Responding publicly, Shane M, representing the pub, explained the circumstances behind the disruption.
Shane said: “Thanks for your review. With regards to the gas we had a fire yesterday and had 3 fire engines out. Hence the reduced menu. We do apologise, but this was out of our control.”
He added: “But this was explained to every customer that visited us. We do have great compliments about our food and I apologise that you didn’t enjoy your mature cheddar cheese and pickle. Which the pickle is homemade.”
Shane continued: “You didn’t bring this to our attention at the time, as we’d rather rectify this in house than on here. If you’d like to call us to discuss I’d appreciate this.”
The pub also said it had managed to open for lunch despite the disruption, after initially being unsure whether it would be able to operate due to the fire and water outage.
Children in Axminster have submitted their Easter-themed colouring sheets to the local policing team ahead of a community easter egg hunt, due to take place in the town centre on Saturday 4 April.
Youngsters aged four to eleven from St Mary’s Catholic Primary School and Axminster Community Primary Academy have taken part in an easter-themed colouring competition launched by Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Hayley Widger, Neighbourhood Beat Manager PC Linda Ebdon, and Neighbourhood Beat Manager PC Ben Middleton from the Axminster neighbourhood policing team.
Entries were submitted to the team last week and the winning designs will be displayed in participating local businesses over the Easter period.
Officers are now inviting people living in and around Axminster to join them at Minster Church on Silver Street in Axminster on Saturday 4 April, where they will be holding a competition to find all of the eggs.
Children wishing to take part in the event will need to collect an activity sheet from officers and then count all of the eggs displayed in the listed locations.
When returning to the church with the correct number of eggs on their sheet, children will receive chocolate eggs kindly provided by local food charity, Nourish.
PCSO Hayley Widger said: “We’re passionate about building trust and engaging with people of all ages living in our communities.
“We launched this competition as a fun way to involve our young people in a community event that will bring people together and add some colour to the town centre.
“I’d like to thank Nourish for their generosity in providing prizes for the easter egg hunt, and I’d like to thank all of the children who sent their colourings to us – we’ve had some egg-cellent entries and I can’t wait for everyone to see them.
“We’ll be at Minster Church in Axminster from 10:00am until 2:00pm on 4 April – come along, grab an activity sheet and ask us any questions you might have about policing!”
