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Hospice appeal launched as more children face family loss

North Devon Hospice
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Hospice appeal launched as more children face family loss

More young children than ever need the support of North Devon Hospice, when someone they love is diagnosed with a life-limiting illness. No child should have to go through this alone, which is why the hospice’s Living Through Loss appeal is raising funds to meet this surge in demand locally.

Nine-year-old Max Willmer has one simple wish: more time with his Nana. After Rosemary Willmer, Max’s grandmother, was diagnosed with an incurable cancer, dark days followed and the future felt unimaginable. But then North Devon Hospice stepped in, and everything changed.

“If it wasn’t for the hospice, I don’t know if my Nana would be here,” says Max. “So I’m just really thankful that I get to spend time with her.”

Rosemary and Max wilmer

North Devon Hospice has transformed Rosemary’s outlook – both physically and emotionally – so that she’s able to make the most of every single day despite her life-limiting illness. The special family sessions at the hospice have been key to this, helping children make special memories with their loved ones, while understanding and coping with the tough times to come.

Time with our loved ones is the most precious thing in the world, and that’s what the hospice’s current ‘Living Through Loss’ appeal is fighting to protect, for families across North Devon.

The charity is asking the public to donate now, with a target of £50,000 by the end of March. This will fund more bereavement counselling, support groups, art therapies and specialist emotional support for children and their families.

The Willmers are one such family who’ve benefitted from all of this support. Rosemary’s daughter Claire describes it simply: “It’s a home-from-home for us now. It’s such a welcoming environment. The boys get to spend time with other children going through the same thing. It can feel very isolating and confusing for young ones, but the team just make everything feel normal, and we can make the most of our time together.”

Rosemary herself is a testament to the difference that support can make. “This is not a place where you come to die,” she says. “It’s somewhere that you learn how to live. I was very low after my initial diagnosis, but it’s been a couple of years now and North Devon Hospice have helped me get to such a positive place, where I look forward to every day and make the most of every moment.”

That transformation speaks to a growing and urgent need across North Devon. Hospice counsellor Jo Palmer, who specialises in supporting children and young people, says demand has never been greater. “We are caring for more patients in their 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s than ever before. Sadly, more local children and teenagers are being left to navigate life without a parent. Your support will ensure that no young person has to face that grief alone.”

The Willmers know this better than most. “Please do consider supporting this appeal,” says Claire. “It will help so many people like my mum and Max to make fantastic memories and remember how to live.”

Donate today at northdevonhospice.org.uk/livingthroughloss

Every donation funds counselling sessions, group activities and tailored support. Families like the Willmers can be wrapped up in North Devon Hospice’s care from the moment a loved one is diagnosed, and for every step of the journey that follows.

Harbour crackdown on ticket touts extended to 2029

North Devon Council
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Harbour crackdown on ticket touts extended to 2029

North Devon Council has agreed to extend the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) at Ilfracombe Harbour for another three years after strong public support.

At a meeting on Monday, 2 March, the council’s Strategy and Resources Committee voted to continue the current rules from 1 April 2026 until 31 March 2029. This follows a six-week public consultation held between 15 January and 26 February 2026.

Almost all respondents (94.4%) said they supported extending the PSPO.

The order was first introduced to address competitive ticket sales during the busy summer months, ensuring that all licensed operators have an equal opportunity to engage with customers without being affected by touting.

The extended PSPO will continue to stop people from selling or promoting boat trips in the harbour area by approaching visitors or handing out leaflets, unless they have permission through a licence or written approval from the Harbourmaster or the council. The rules themselves have not changed.

Councillor David Clayton, Leader of North Devon Council, said: “Ilfracombe Harbour is a very popular place in North Devon – it’s a working harbour and an important visitor attraction. The PSPO has helped create a fair system for businesses and a more relaxed experience for visitors.

“The strong support in the consultation shows that people feel it is making a difference. Extending it will help us keep the harbour welcoming, safe and enjoyable for everyone.”

The extended PSPO will come into effect on 1 April 2026.

South West Water pleads guilty after parasite outbreak left more than 140 people ill

Devon Today
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South West Water pleads guilty after parasite outbreak left more than 140 people ill

South West Water has pleaded guilty to supplying water unfit for human consumption following the cryptosporidium outbreak in Brixham in May 2024.

The case, brought by the Drinking Water Inspectorate, relates to an incident in which more than 140 people were confirmed to have contracted the waterborne parasite after it entered the supply network through a damaged valve.

Appearing at Exeter Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, March 4, the company admitted supplying unfit water within the Littlehempston Water Supply Zone between March 31 and June 1, 2024.

The prosecution comes amid increased scrutiny of the water industry, particularly following the broadcast of Dirty Business on Channel 4.

Caroline Voaden, MP for South Devon, which includes Brixham, said: “This time last year, the former South West Water CEO [Susan Davy] claimed customers were among the company’s top priorities. Today, they have pleaded guilty to supplying water unfit for human consumption.

“This admission of guilt has been a long time coming. I am glad that SWW have owned up to their serious failures. This awful event should never have happened.

“But the mismatch between rhetoric and action plagues our broken water industry. Whether it is protecting customers or the environment, too many water firms say one thing, then do another.

“I want to thank the Drinking Water Inspectorate for bringing the case and the many campaigners who worked tirelessly to ensure the anguish they felt during the cryptosporidium outbreak was not forgotten.”

Fury as travellers site plan lodged in Exmoor countryside

CPRE Devon
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Fury as travellers site plan lodged in Exmoor countryside

A green field in a small hamlet in the north Devon countryside is precisely the type of location that national and local planning policies say should be avoided for a travellers’ pitch, says the charity that campaigns to protect Devon’s countryside from inappropriate development.

Devon CPRE has objected to a revised planning application for two pitches with hardstanding, day rooms, a children’s play area and other associated infrastructure at Charles. The site comprises approximately 2.2 hectares of modified grassland, bounded by native hedgerows and an earth bank and falls within not only the setting of Exmoor National Park, but the Exmoor Fringe Devon Character Area and the Moorland Edge Slope Landscape Character Type.

Devon CPRE’s objection states that whilst the proposal has been reduced from four pitches to two, following the withdrawal of a previous application, the scale of built development has not reduced proportionately. The proposed day rooms have increased significantly in size from approximately 28sqm under the previous scheme, to approximately 46sqm each within the current proposal. As a result, the overall reduction in built footprint does not reflect a meaningful reduction in the intensity of development across the site, contrary to the objectives of the Planning Policy for Traveller Sites (2024), and North Devon and Torridge Local Plan (NDTLP Policy 30), which requires traveller site development to be appropriately scaled and not dominate the surrounding character.

Devon CPRE says, “Given the countryside location, the increased scale of the day rooms, the extent of hardstanding, fencing and their cumulative impact, we believe that the development would be contrary to both national and local planning policy. These require the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside to be recognised and state that development within sensitive landscapes should be sensitively designed and located to minimise the landscape, visual or environmental impact. This proposal does none of those things and should be refused.”

The site would be accessed via an existing unnamed rural lane which connects to the A399 at Brayford. The Local Highway Authority has previously raised a formal objection on the basis that the surrounding county roads are of inadequate width, horizontal alignment, condition and lack pedestrian infrastructure. This was considered contrary to Policy DM05 of the NDTLP and the relevant paragraphs of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)(2024).

The inclusion of a children’s play area confirms that the site is intended for family occupation with regular school journeys. In the absence of footways, verges or safe pedestrian routes, this raises significant highway safety concerns. The reduction in pitch numbers does not fundamentally alter the character or physical constraints of the road network, nor does it appear to overcome the professional safety concerns previously identified.

Devon County Councillor Richard Hopley (South Molton Ward) says, “I have from the outset supported the residents of Charles, regarding the application submitted to allow caravans to be permanently sited here. I believe there is also a risk regarding a sewage plant being located within metres of a freshwater borehole supplying several houses. The Devon verges and hedgerows were destroyed overnight to allow machinery onto the agricultural field, without any prior approval. From the outset this was unlawful and has caused great upset to the community. The highway at this location is also unsafe for the traffic entering and leaving the site. On behalf of my constituents, I am asking for the application in any form to be refused.”

Local residents, who wish to remain anonymous, have made these comments: “The village was disrupted by the sudden start of building work in an agricultural field on the edge of the village over a Bank Holiday weekend last year, with no planning permission. An application was then submitted for four caravans, but was withdrawn following multiple objections from the local community and other agencies.  Now, after many delays, a revised application has been submitted and everybody has to go through the whole process again.  From day one there’s been a blatant disregard of planning procedures. ”

“I think this should be a warning – coming to a field near you! If it can happen here it could happen anywhere. Everybody should follow the planning rules.”

Ribbon cut as Tesco Express launches in Bickington

Devon Today
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Ribbon cut as Tesco Express launches in Bickington

Surplus food for charities and funding for community groups are available in and around Bickington thanks to the opening of a new store.

The Tesco Express store on Bickington Road has opened its doors to locals, with a ribbon-cutting and the promise of being at the centre of community life.

It has 12 people working there, with facilities such as an in-post locker inside the store, bakery, ATM, Costa and a car park. The store is open from 7am-10pm every day of the week.

Alison Shapland, manager at the Bickington Express store, brings a wealth of experience to the role, having been with Tesco for 14 years.

She said: “My team and I are looking forward for being a part of the great community of Bickington and its surrounding areas, and we’re keen to meeting everyone and help to make their shopping experience a great one.

“I am very excited about being the new manager of this store. It’s a job I love. Every day is different and full of variety, and the customers play a big part in that for me.”

Schools and community groups are invited to apply for community funding through Tesco Stronger Starts, the retailer’s blue token voting scheme, which sees three local projects voted on by customers in store every three months, with first place awarded up to £1,500, second place up to £1,000 and third place up to £500.

Organisations can apply for a Stronger Starts grant by going online at https://tescostrongerstarts.org.uk/

The new store also participates in Tesco’s Community Food Connection scheme, which redistributes surplus food to local charities and community groups at the end of each day.

Since its launch in 2016, the Tesco Community Food Connection scheme has donated more than 145 million meals to charities across the UK. The programme is run in partnership with food redistribution charity FareShare. Each month more than one million meals’ worth of food are donated.

Police seek dashcam footage after Teignmouth road rage

Devon Today
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Police seek dashcam footage after Teignmouth road rage

Drivers have been urged to come forward after a reported road rage incident in which a man is alleged to have been verbally abusive and threatening towards another motorist.

Police are appealing for witnesses and information following the incident on Ashleigh Way in Teignmouth.

It was reported that a man driving a Vauxhall Combo panel van was verbally abusive and threatening towards the driver of another vehicle.

The incident took place between 8.50am and 9.05am on Friday, February 20.

According to police, the man has been described as white, around five feet 10 inches tall, with long straight hair and a goatee.

Officers are asking anyone with information, or anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage, to make contact by phoning 101 or by contacting police via the website quoting crime reference 50260043740.

Darts players smash £1,000 target in memory of mum lost to silent killer

Lewis Clarke
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Darts players smash £1,000 target in memory of mum lost to silent killer

A charity darts tournament held in memory of a much-loved mother has raised more than £1,000 for ovarian cancer awareness, as dozens of players took to the oche in her honour.

The competition was staged at The Queens Head pub in Tiverton to remember Diane Lovegrove, who died aged 76, and to raise money for Target Ovarian Cancer .

Around 46 people took part in this year’s event on Sunday, February 22.

Michelle Lovegrove, Diane’s daughter, said the tournament was first launched two years ago to coincide with the anniversary of her mother’s death and her own 50th birthday.

Michelle said: “We first launched this darts competition two years ago on the anniversary of my mum’s passing, and it was also my 50th birthday.

“We decided it was a good opportunity to do something positive out of a bad situation. I did not want to do anything massive for my birthday, so I thought we would do something for my mum instead.

“We had a big darts competition, it went really well and we raised about £518 the first time.”

She said the event was designed to be open to all abilities.

Michelle said: “The whole point is that it is open to everybody, whatever their level, just to have a bit of fun and raise money.

“It is not about the very best players. It is about everyone coming along, having a good time and enjoying a game of darts.”

She added that this year organisers again set a target of £518 but had already exceeded it.

Michelle said: “We had a target in mind of £518 and we have smashed that out of the water. We have raised more than £1,000.

“It has been a long day, but everybody has really enjoyed it.”

Speaking about the motivation behind the fundraiser, Michelle said raising awareness was “hugely important”.

She said: “What mine and my brother’s mum went through was a particularly brutal type of cancer that is not very well known about. It really is a silent killer.

“It does not have many side effects and can easily be confused with something innocuous, like a poorly tummy.

“Unfortunately, we did not have any time to deal with it. It all happened so suddenly and I do not want anyone else to go through that.

“The more awareness we can raise, and the more money we can get into the charity to promote awareness and research to improve diagnosis, the better.”

Her brother, Kevin Lovegrove, said their mother became unwell suddenly.

Kevin said: “Mum was feeling sick and could not keep food down. She went to the doctor and they thought it was a stomach bug at first.

“She went into hospital and was sent home again. Within a week she was back in hospital.

“They told us it was cancer. They said it was not curable, but treatable.

“She had a build-up of fluid which bloated her stomach. They drained it, but unfortunately that was not enough and she passed away very suddenly.”

He said the key message from the event was about awareness.

Kevin said: “It is about awareness of the disease. If you have those symptoms, get them checked straight away.

“It is known as a silent killer. There was no mass and no obvious signs. It was in the blood cells, so it was very hard to diagnose.”

Prize winners on the day were Rhiley Matthews, overall winner; Sarah Hutter, women’s winner; and Liam Ellis, junior winner.

Donkey sanctuary visit reshapes vet students’ views

The Donkey Sanctuary
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Donkey sanctuary visit reshapes vet students’ views

Even for students of equine medicine it can be a surprise to learn about how different donkeys and mules are from horses, as one group of visitors recently found out during a day at The Donkey Sanctuary in East Devon.

The first port of call for the students from the Bristol Equine Veterinary Society (BEVS) was the charity’s dedicated donkey hospital near Honiton. Here they met Head Nurse Emily Buckley and Lead Veterinary Surgeon Vicky Grove, and were given a tour of the facilities, including the clinical building and the main operating theatre.

The hospital treats donkeys and mules from inside and outside of the sanctuary, as well as training vets from all over the world. Its surgical facilities include a diode laser for sarcoid surgery, a DR x-ray system, and mobile and hospital-based ultrasound machines.

Emily Buckley RVN, Head Nurse at The Donkey Sanctuary, said: “It was lovely to meet the students from BEVS, they were all very interested in the differences of donkeys and what we do at the veterinary department. So much so that one of the students has asked to come and do her EMS (Extra-Mural Studies) two week placement next year with us.”

The students then visited the main sanctuary site just a few miles away at Sidmouth, where the were given the opportunity to meet and interact with the Donkey Assisted Activity (DAA) herd. At first, they spent time observing the donkeys, discussing behaviour and pair bonding. They also learned the history of the service and why donkeys are so suited to supporting people through these ground-based activities.

The group then had time to interact and get to know the donkeys. The small herd were very receptive to their attention and enjoyed receiving scratches as much as the students were enjoying giving them. There was also the opportunity to ask any questions they had regarding donkey management and donkey behaviour.

Many of the visitors had never been in and around donkeys before, with many showing surprise to hear of the bond that donkeys form, and at the connections they felt they were making.

Student Jessica Kuawa, said: “I felt a connection with donkeys Rupert and Wizard who are unsurprisingly a bonded pair. Rupert especially spent a lot of time with me holding his head in my arms whilst I was stroking him and scratching his ears.

“Wizard did the same while also being inquisitive investigating my coat. Rupert moved towards me and nuzzled into me when I stepped away choosing to be in my presence. I easily fell in love with them both!”

BEVS is a University of Bristol society, and was set up in 2013 to give students the opportunity to learn more about equine medicine. They offer a wide range of lectures, practical, trips and resources to Bristol veterinary and veterinary nurse students

Stephy Studley, DAA Equine Assistant and Centre Support, said: “We enjoyed welcoming the veterinary students into DAA, and to see them learn about our donkeys. They asked some great questions, enjoyed mutually beneficial interactions, and came away with new knowledge that they could apply in future, such as discovering the importance of pair bonds to overall health and wellbeing when providing veterinary care.”

“My initial perception of donkeys was that they were loud and difficult to handle,” added student Shuai Jin. “After coming to The Donkey Sanctuary it changed massively. They are calm, friendly and intelligent.”

Government U-turn secures future of thousands of Post Offices

Devon Today
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Government U-turn secures future of thousands of Post Offices

A grassroots campaign to save thousands of Post Office branches has claimed victory after ministers reversed plans that critics feared would trigger widespread closures.

Thousands of local Post Offices across Devon and Somerset have been granted a reprieve following a policy U-turn by the Labour government, which has now pledged to protect the national network.

The uncertainty began after a government Green Paper published last summer suggested the Post Office could abandon its long-standing “minimum branch requirement” — a move campaigners warned would lead to closures across rural and urban communities.

Farmer and campaigner James Wright helped launch a nationwide effort in response. The campaign, centred on the belief that Post Offices form part of the “social fabric” of British towns, gathered momentum as 180,000 people signed a national petition calling on the government to maintain the current network.

Campaigners argued that branches provide vital postal and retail services, as well as increasingly essential banking facilities in areas affected by traditional bank branch closures.

Confirming the policy shift, Post Office Minister Blair McDougall MP announced that 11,500 branches will now be protected under a mandatory minimum requirement. The government has committed £483 million over the next two years to modernise operations.

In response, James Wright said: “This is a victory for everyone who relies on their Post Office. For too long, our rural communities and high streets have watched their essential services disappear. By protecting these 11,500 branches, we are not just saving an important lifeline; we are saving our local economies.”

He added: “The government’s original plan to scrap the minimum branch requirement was a death sentence for the ‘last shop’ in many villages. While we welcome the modernisation and the long-overdue removal of the Horizon system, our focus now shifts to ensuring this funding reaches the frontline postmasters who have kept this country.”

Under the new rules, more than half of all branches will be required to operate on a full-time basis to ensure consistent service for customers.

The announcement follows months of uncertainty over the future of the network.

Mid Devon leisure memberships frozen for year

Mid Devon District Council
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Mid Devon leisure memberships frozen for year

Membership fees at Mid Devon’s thriving leisure centres will remain the same for another year.

While already competitively priced it will mean an all-inclusive membership to use any of Active Mid Devon’s three sites will remain at £41 a month, with no annual contract, while the popular gym and swim membership remains £35 a month.

Pay As You Go prices are set to rise by an average of 3%, while the Council’s commitment to reduced fees for care leavers, unpaid carers and concessionary rates will all remain stable.

Councillor Josh Wright, Cabinet Member for Service Delivery and Continuous Improvement, said: “Freezing membership prices for the year ahead reinforces our commitment to keeping leisure affordable and accessible for everyone in our community. At a time when many living costs keep rising, holding our prices steady ensures that local people can continue to benefit from our high-quality facilities, fitness opportunities and wellbeing support. This council recognises the importance of healthy communities and we want to continue to encourage and support access to wellbeing and fitness for everyone in Mid Devon.”

Since its launch in March 2025, Active Mid Devon has seen its membership grow to its highest ever numbers, as well as introduced incentives for families, students and carers to get active.

Despite reducing operating costs by more than half a million pounds, the centres have also seen big improvements with new poolside changing facilities and lockers at both Active Tiverton and Active Crediton, improved fitness studios and gyms, and the installation of energy efficiency measures at all three sites. Members have also benefitted from the launch of a new app, allowing access to bookings and information 24/7, as well as a new online booking system and swimming lesson tracker.

From the outset Active Mid Devon aimed to provide more than just leisure facilities, and it continues to support the community through its GP referral scheme, cardiac rehab programme, and Health Seekers initiatives.

Full details of the new Pay As You Go prices are available on the Active Mid Devon website.

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