Devon CPRE is backing residents around the rural hamlet of Hawkchurch in East Devon, who are urgently raising a battle chest to resist two large Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) at two Public Inquiries, the first of which starts on Tuesday, 10 March.
Hawkchurch lies close to both the West Dorset and Somerset county boundaries and appears to be favoured by developers of power projects because of its relative proximity to the Axminster Substation. BESS consist of large metal containers with batteries, set in rows on concrete.
The developers of two huge BESS proposals near Blackpool Corner and Raymonds Hill – Hazelhurst (300MWh, Planning reference 24/0096/MFUL) and Newlands (80MW, Ref. 24/2650/MFUL) – have appealed against East Devon District Council’s refusals of their schemes. The Hazelhurst site would be the size of a factory and cabling would be dug along the B3165.
Drone photo of the Hazelhurst BESS site
The Hawkchurch and Monkton Wyld Action Group (HMWAG) has instructed a team of experts and a barrister for both Appeals. They are particularly concerned about the high risk that any fire represents and the ensuing contamination of water supplies, as the sites are located above an important aquifer which many households and farms rely on as their sole source of drinking water.
Hawkchurch and Monkton Wyld Action Group has successfully fought two Appeals by developers against BESS proposals – Pound Road in 2023 and Pound Farm in 2025. Pound Road was funded by the generosity of one local hero, Pound Farm also with contributions from local residents.
Now Devon CPRE, the only local charity that protects the countryside from inappropriate development, is helping the Action Group to raise awareness of the dangers of Battery Energy Storage Systems and promote its Go Fund Me page to support its defence against the developers’ Appeals.
Both organisations are urging people to attend the Public Inquiry next week for the Hazelhurst scheme, which will be held in East Devon District Council’s offices at Blackdown House on Honiton’s Heathpark Industrial Estate. The Inquiry is scheduled to begin at 10am on Tuesday, 10 March, and is anticipated to sit for up to a week (excluding weekends and not on Monday, 16 March).
Cllr Moe Dodson of Hawkchurch Parish Council says, “There were three BESS fires in the UK last year, a significant number considering how few sites are operational. The Parish Council carried out a survey of residents to draw up our Neighbourhood Plan. One of the survey questions was about large-scale lithium battery schemes and 98% of respondents said they didn’t want them in the local area because of the significant risks, including the threat to the important aquifer which is the sole water source to many surrounding farms and homes.”
Karen Goaman of HMWAG says, “We are resisting these two BESS schemes with everything we’ve got; we have no alternative because of the threats they pose to the environment, residents and visitors to the area, not to mention the industrialisation of the rural landscape and the harm to wildlife and ecosystems from noise and possible fires releasing toxic emissions.”
She adds, “We urgently need contributions – large or small donations – to share the burden of funding our defence as widely as possible. It’s easy to donate on our Go Fund Me page. Thank you to everyone who has already contributed. Please show your support for our defence by attending the Inquiry whenever you can, particularly at the opening at 10am on Tuesday, 10 March.”
Rupert Gordon of HMWAG says, “We are really up against it to raise money to defend our East Devon and West Dorset countryside from attempts to install potentially dangerous and harmful Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). These city-based companies are happy to blight our countryside, and we continue to incur more costs borne by a group of likeminded individuals donating what they can. This is the planning system we have, and so we must take part fully, or face defeat by well-funded corporations. Please help us. If one installation succeeds, we will likely see several others in no time.”
Penny Mills of Devon CPRE says, “We have been campaigning against Battery Energy Storage Systems for several years because they are so dangerous and most people know little about them… BESS sites are at high risk of catching fire – the batteries can ignite without any outside interference. Fire services struggle to put out these fires, and instead have to let them burn out, which can take days. In the meantime, there is a risk of toxic plumes over a wide area. Contaminated water from any fire control activity will likely lead to streams, rivers, wells and aquifers being permanently poisoned.”
An operational BESS 2 (photo by Guy Dickinson)
Penny adds, “These BESS are not good news, and are part of the slow creep of industrialisation of our beautiful countryside. We need to stop them. We urge people to support the Hawkchurch and Monkton Wyld Action Group however they can as they fight these two landmark Appeals.”
Public consultation on possible changes to Dryden Road in Exeter has reopened.
The consultation was briefly paused this week while councillors asked for clarification about the proposals.
Devon County Council has explained that the pause followed questions about what the Exeter Highways and Traffic Orders Committee agreed, and what option was then put out to consultation.
Councillors agreed to consult on an option for two‑way traffic on Dryden Road with a light‑segregated cycle facility, which uses features such as planters or bollards rather than a full kerb separating cyclists from traffic.
At the meeting in January, it was made clear that the options were indicative and subject to further design work.
That work has since shown that a light‑segregated cycle route cannot fit within the existing road width. It would require third‑party land and the removal of a retaining wall. This was judged to be impractical, very costly and unviable.
The option being consulted on therefore proposes two‑way traffic with an advisory cycle lane, marked by paint. Drivers may enter the lane when needed.
Councillors queried the difference between the two approaches and also discussed the sub options for different approaches to parking and cycling at the eastern end of Dryden Road.
The pause in the consultation allowed councillors to meet with officers to discuss the issues and agreed to restart the consultation with no change to the consultation options or materials.
Councillor Michael Mitchell, Chair of the Exeter HATOC, said: “It was right to pause briefly while we looked into why the option described to the committee was different in detail to what is now being consulted on.
“I would encourage the community to take part in this important public consultation, the outcome of which will help councillors to decide on the way forward.
“No decision has been made. That will follow at a HATOC meeting later in the year.
Comments already submitted remain valid and will be considered by the committee.
The consultation period will be extended and will now close on Friday 10 April at 11.59pm to reflect the pause.
Storybook characters, colourful costumes and creative reading activities filled classrooms as schools across Devon marked World Book Day with a wide range of celebrations designed to inspire a love of reading.
Pupils and staff embraced the annual event on Thursday, March 5, with activities ranging from author visits and writing workshops to book swaps, quizzes and creative competitions.
Teign Valley Pupils Celebrate World Book Day in Style as Dunsford pupils dressed up for World Book DayWorld Book Day at Whipton Barton FederationWorld Book Day at Whipton Barton FederationTeign Valley Pupils Celebrate World Book Day in Style as Dunsford pupils dressed up for World Book DayOur Lady and St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Primary School – World Book Day 2026Our Lady and St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Primary School – World Book Day 2026Our Lady and St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Primary School – World Book Day 2026Our Lady and St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Primary School – World Book Day 2026Our Lady and St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Primary School – World Book Day 2026Our Lady and St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Primary School – World Book Day 2026Bolham Primary School – World Book Day 2026Bolham Primary School – World Book Day 2026Bolham Primary School – World Book Day 2026Staff from Whipton Barton Federation join in the fun at World Book DayPupils enjoy a story on World Book Day at Marine Academy PrimaryBlundell’s Prep & Senior School – World Book Day 2026Blundell’s Prep & Senior School – World Book Day 2026Blundell’s Prep & Senior School – World Book Day 2026Blundell’s Prep & Senior School – World Book Day 2026Minions love reading too at Marine Academy PrimaryMarine Academy Primary held a ‘Blind Date with a Book’ book swapLittletown Primary Academy and Nursery – World Book Day 2026Littletown Primary Academy and Nursery – World Book Day 2026Littletown Primary Academy and Nursery – World Book Day 2026Clyst St Mary Primary School – World Book Day 2026Clyst St Mary Primary School – World Book Day 2026Clyst St Mary Primary School – World Book Day 2026Blundell’s Prep & Senior School – World Book Day 2026Blundell’s Prep & Senior School – World Book Day 2026Blundell’s Prep & Senior School – World Book Day 2026Blundell’s Prep & Senior School – World Book Day 2026Author and illustrator Alex Milway at Exwick Heights Primary SchoolAuthor and illustrator Alex Milway at Exwick Heights Primary SchoolAuthor and illustrator Alex Milway at Exwick Heights Primary SchoolAuthor and illustrator Alex Milway at Exwick Heights Primary SchoolLittletown Primary Academy and Nursery – World Book Day 2026Littletown Primary Academy and Nursery – World Book Day 2026Author and illustrator Alex Milway at Exwick Heights Primary SchoolAuthor and illustrator Alex Milway at Exwick Heights Primary SchoolAuthor and illustrator Alex Milway at Exwick Heights Primary SchoolHolberton Primary School – World Book Day 2026Holberton Primary School – World Book Day 2026Holberton Primary School – World Book Day 2026Holberton Primary School – World Book Day 2026Holberton Primary School – World Book Day 2026Holberton Primary School – World Book Day 2026Holberton Primary School – World Book Day 2026Even the pets get into the spirit of World Book Day at Marine Academy PrimaryElmer the Patchwork Elephant makes an appearance for World Book Day at Marine Academy PrimaryTeign Valley Pupils Celebrate World Book Day in Style as Dunsford pupils dressed up for World Book DayTeign Valley Pupils Celebrate World Book Day in Style as Dunsford pupils dressed up for World Book DayLittletown Primary Academy and Nursery – World Book Day 2026West Croft School – World Book Day 2026West Croft School – World Book Day 2026West Croft School – World Book Day 2026West Croft School – World Book Day 2026West Croft School – World Book Day 2026West Croft School – World Book Day 2026West Croft School – World Book Day 2026West Croft School – World Book Day 2026West Croft School – World Book Day 2026West Croft School – World Book Day 2026West Croft School – World Book Day 2026West Croft School – World Book Day 2026West Croft School – World Book Day 2026West Croft School – World Book Day 2026West Croft School – World Book Day 2026West Croft School – World Book Day 2026West Croft School – World Book Day 2026West Croft School – World Book Day 2026West Croft School – World Book Day 2026West Croft School – World Book Day 2026West Croft School – World Book Day 2026West Croft School – World Book Day 2026West Croft School – World Book Day 2026West Croft School – World Book Day 2026Tidcombe Primary School – World Book Day 2026Tidcombe Primary School – World Book Day 2026Tidcombe Primary School – World Book Day 2026Tidcombe Primary School – World Book Day 2026Tidcombe Primary School – World Book Day 2026Tidcombe Primary School – World Book Day 2026Tidcombe Primary School – World Book Day 2026Tidcombe Primary School – World Book Day 2026Bolham Primary School – World Book Day 2026Author Madeline Dyer with West Exe pupils on World Book DayAlice in Wonderland was a popular costume choice at Marine Academy PrimaryAuthor Madeline Dyer speaks with West Exe pupils on World Book DayA Whipton Barton Federation pupil dressed for World Book DayA Whipton Barton Federation minionAll Saints CofE Primary School – World Book Day 2026All Saints CofE Primary School – World Book Day 2026All Saints CofE Primary School – World Book Day 2026Author Simon James visited Holberton Primary School to open the brand new Reading Nook in the playgroundAuthor Simon James visited Holberton Primary School to open the brand new Reading Nook in the playgroundAuthor Simon James visited Holberton Primary School to open the brand new Reading Nook in the playgroundAuthor Simon James visited Holberton Primary School to open the brand new Reading Nook in the playgroundAuthor Simon James visited Holberton Primary School to open the brand new Reading Nook in the playgroundAuthor and illustrator Alex Milway at Exwick Heights Primary SchoolAuthor and illustrator Alex Milway at Exwick Heights Primary SchoolAuthor and illustrator Alex Milway at Exwick Heights Primary SchoolBeer Primary School – World Book Day 2026Author and illustrator Alex Milway at Exwick Heights Primary SchoolBeer Primary School – World Book Day 2026Beer Primary School – World Book Day 2026
At schools within the Ted Wragg Trust in Exeter, pupils took part in a variety of activities designed to celebrate reading and writing. At West Exe, students welcomed young adult author Madeline Dyer, a Lambda Literary Award finalist, who led writing workshops, an assembly and a book signing. Her stories exploring themes such as identity and loneliness offered pupils insight into the creative process.
Meanwhile, pupils at Whipton Barton Federation and St Luke’s CofE School dressed as favourite characters, took part in book treasure hunts, quizzes and creative competitions, and entered national writing and design contests. Every pupil also received a £1 World Book Day book token to encourage them to discover new authors and stories.
Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust, said: “World Book Day is always a memorable occasion across our schools. It’s been wonderful to see all the exciting activities taking place across our schools. From author visits to quizzes and creative challenges, it’s clear that pupils are enjoying reading and being inspired to explore new stories.”
At Exwick Heights Primary School, the celebrations began earlier in the week when author and illustrator Alex Milway visited pupils from Years one to six. During the visit on Monday, March 2, Alex shared how he created his Hotel Flamingo and Big Sky Mountain book series, led a live draw-along and answered questions from pupils about storytelling.
Headteacher Gemma Wills said: “Alex Milway’s visit was a real highlight and a wonderful way to kick off our week of reading. Pupils were inspired to get creative and share their love of books with each other. Extending World Book Day into a full week has given everyone even more opportunities to enjoy stories and develop a lifelong love of reading.”
Schools across the county also embraced imaginative themes and creative activities.
At All Saints CofE Primary School in Axminster, the focus was on comics and graphic novels. Pupils in Yarty class read Narwhal, Corry class explored The Phoenix and Beano comics, while Axe class created their own graphic novels. A visit from Archway Books in Axminster meant every child left with a World Book Day book of their choice.
Headteacher Mr Lee joined in the fun by dressing as Narwhal from Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea by Ben Clanton.
One pupil, Sammy, said: “I loved getting dressed up as a vampire called Kevin from Kevin the Vampire by Matt Brown. This was my last World Day so I will miss it next year!”
At Marine Academy Primary in Plymouth, pupils arrived dressed as favourite book characters, including several Alices from Alice in Wonderland. Families were also invited to read together in a breakfast bistro reading corner, while pupils took part in book swaps and explored themed classrooms throughout the day.
Headteacher Georgina Reid said: “World Book Day was such a joyful occasion at Marine Academy. Seeing our pupils dressed up, sharing stories with their families, and even getting the pets involved really brought reading to life. Moments like this show just how much children enjoy books when it’s fun, interactive, and part of everyday life.”
At Holbeton Primary School in South Devon, pupils also dressed as favourite characters including The Tiger Who Came to Tea, Elmer, Billionaire Boy and Hermione. Parents were invited into school to share stories with their children.
The school also welcomed children’s author and illustrator Simon James, who delivered workshops and demonstrated live illustrations to show how characters from his books are created. The visit also marked the opening of a new playground reading nook designed to encourage pupils to read during break times.
Headteacher Sarah Honywill said: “We were delighted to welcome Simon James to our school last week to share the magic of his stories. Opportunities like this are so important for fostering a love of reading within our pupils who were all completely captivated by his workshops, especially his live illustrations.”
Elsewhere, pupils at Littletown Primary Academy and Nursery searched for hidden book characters, created their favourite characters from fruit and vegetables and joined The Bookery in Crediton for an online reading event to discover new titles.
At Clyst St Mary Primary School, the day began with a special assembly followed by a playground parade of costumes. Pupils later enjoyed an afternoon tea while reading or listening to stories in their classrooms.
Bolham Primary School marked the occasion by dressing in bright colours and creating an Elmer-inspired patchwork display on the playground. The artwork was photographed from a ladder by the school caretaker.
Many schools also organised creative competitions and activities, including bookmark making, reading challenges and costume contests, with pupils working across year groups to explore a range of books and share stories together.
World Book Day encourages children to discover reading for pleasure and aims to ensure every child has access to books, helping inspire a lifelong love of stories both in and beyond the classroom.
A dairy farmer with a passion for capturing the natural world will share stories and images from more than a decade behind the lens when he gives a talk on wildlife photography.
Andrew Hughes will deliver a presentation for Tiverton Civic Society about his work photographing wildlife and landscapes from across Britain and around the world.
The talk will take place in the Mayoralty Room at Tiverton Town Hall on Tuesday, March 10, beginning at 7.30 pm.
Andrew, who farms in Bickleigh, has spent around twelve years developing his interest in photography alongside his work in agriculture. Living and working on a farm in Mid Devon has also helped him create habitats that support both wildlife and his photography.
Andrew said: “I have been keen on photography for around 12 years and have managed to fit it in around my work as a farmer.”
He added: “Living on a farm in Mid Devon, has given me the opportunity to develop habitats that benefit both me as a photographer, and the wildlife we have in this part of the world.”
Alongside photographing British wildlife, Andrew has travelled widely to photograph animals and landscapes in other parts of the world.
Andrew said: “As well as photographing much of our British wildlife, I have also travelled extensively around the world, and this has heightened my awareness of how fragile our world has become.”
He added: “Photography is a fantastic way to feed into the lives of the species that I photograph. The thrill of anticipating how a subject is going to react is, I feel, the real essence of nature photography.”
Andrew also said landscape photography plays a major role in his work.
He said: “I also enjoy getting out and photographing great landscapes. Exploring new and remote places, especially at either end of the day, gives a sense of presence and peacefulness.”
Andrew added: “There are many variables associated with all photography, but landscape photography brings many elements together, to produce a unique image.”
The event forms Tiverton Civic Society’s first meeting of 2026.
AN Exmouth man has appeared in court accused of harassing a woman.
Daniel Smith, of Withycombe Road, Exmouth, pleaded guilty at Exeter Magistrates’ Court to assault by beating and touching a woman without her consent, putting him in breach of a criminal behaviour order.
On February 27, the defendant grabbed the woman while she was walking along Alphington Road in Exeter.
The court heard the victim had headphones on and was listening to music when Smith appeared in front of her with both arms outstretched.
Although the victim does not know Smith personally, she recognised him as someone who she had previously had negative interactions with.
She moved aside so he could pass but Smith grabbed both her arms in a tight grip and yanked her towards him. The victim said his face was ‘screwed up with anger’.
A man passing by said he saw Smith cross traffic ‘as if he had seen something on the other side of the road’.
The witness yelled at him to let the woman go, and although Smith held on, she was able to escape his grip.
The victim had come across Smith before in the city centre and at Riverside Leisure Centre, and said he had previously made comments about her appearance and left her feeling uncomfortable.
In a victim impact statement, the woman said Smith acts as if he feels entitled to speak to her.
She said: “I don’t know what he would have done if the other male had not intervened. He seemed angry with me.”
The witness followed Smith after the incident and gave a detailed description to the police, which was passed on to CCTV operators. The defendant was arrested at Riverside Leisure Centre the following day.
In 2024, Smith was jailed for 24 weeks and given a four-year Criminal Behaviour Order after being convicted of acts of violence and intimidation against a number of women in Exeter and Exmouth.
The prosecution said his previous convictions involved ‘similar circumstances engaging with females unknown to him and assaulting them’.
Smith’s Criminal Behaviour Order prevents him from unreasonably approaching or communicating with any female in a private or a public place, sitting next to a female on public transport when other seating is available, physically making contact with any female unless unavoidable, and making unwanted communication with a female.
Smith’s solicitor said the defendant has ‘vulnerabilities of his own’, adding that Smith is diagnosed with ASD and has language difficulties.
The case was sent to Exeter Crown Court, where the defendant will appear on March 30.
Magistrates said: “The offences are so serious, you need greater punishment than we can give.”
Smith cried out as the bench announced he would be remanded in custody until his next hearing.
A Devon man has appeared in court after failing to provide a breath test.
Irvine Mhangami, 38, of Altamira, Topsham, pleaded guilty to failing to co-operate with officers conducting a breath test when he appeared at Exeter Magistrates’ Court.
On June 4 last year, officers observed a blue Ford Focus parked in Altamira, Topsham. The defendant was on the driver’s side with the seat fully reclined with a can of lager in his hand.
Mhangami refused to provide a preliminary breath test, telling officers he had asthma. When they advised him that they could still carry out the test, he replied: “I would die”.
The defendant has no previous convictions.
Mhangami, a self-employed care worker, apologised for the offence.
Sentencing, District Judge Smith said: “Police had good reason to ask you to provide a breath test. They were concerned about the number of cans in the vehicle.”
Mhangami was fined £260, and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £104 and court costs of £85.
This story was produced via the Police & Crime Commissioner’s Criminal Justice Court Reporting scheme.
As demand for GP appointments continues to rise across Devon and Somerset, a new private medical service is offering same-week access and longer consultations.
Peninsula Private Medical operates from the purpose-built Waterloo Court Health and Wellbeing Hub near Uffculme, bringing together experienced clinicians and a range of health and wellbeing professionals under one roof.
The clinic provides core GP services similar to those available through the NHS, including help with forms, certificates and medicals, as well as planned care such as health checks, while offering extended appointment times, ease of access and clear follow-up. Patients remain registered with their NHS GP, with Peninsula designed to complement existing NHS care and guide patients back into NHS pathways where appropriate.
Waterloo Court buildingJames Davies in receptionCharlie Brough in dedicated GP office
Lead clinician Dr Charlie Brough is an experienced GP with specialist interests in menopause, women’s health and skin cancer. She said: “We prioritise giving patients the time they need to be heard and to practise truly patient-centred care. Our focus is on helping people understand their options and agree a clear plan for what happens next.”
Menopause support is one area that particularly benefits from this approach; longer appointments, continuity and clear information enable myth-busting, education and discussion of evidence-based treatment options for women who often feel unheard.
Alongside women’s health services, Peninsula offers full-body mole checks as part of a wider focus on skin health, as well as a dedicated skin surgery and minor procedures service led by GP Dr Billy Willcock, who has extensive hospital dermatology experience, including many years working within the Dermatology Department at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. The service focuses on benign skin lesion treatment and procedures for common lumps and bumps that can be difficult for patients to access through NHS routes.
Peninsula was founded by Tina Teague, James Davies and Tim Davies, all of whom have backgrounds in NHS management and operations. Tina said: “Demand for GP appointments continues to rise and many people feel rushed. Our aim is to offer an ethical private option that provides time and continuity while remaining closely aligned with NHS principles.”
Appointments are typically available within 24 to 48 hours, with extended consultation times and written summaries provided after each visit.
Being based within the Waterloo Court Health and Wellbeing Hub also enables a more holistic approach, with patients able to be signposted to other professionals on site, including physiotherapists, counsellors and nutrition specialists where appropriate.
Peninsula Private Medical is currently welcoming new patients from across Devon, Somerset and surrounding areas.
Deck chairs, smoky barbecues and live music will return to the gardens of a popular hotel group this summer as a series of relaxed outdoor parties make a comeback.
The Smoked & Uncut garden party events will take place across three hotels in the PIG group during the summer, offering live bands, DJs, food stalls and kitchen garden tours as part of a scaled-back version of the brand’s larger festival series.
The smaller gatherings are designed as day-long garden parties, with food cooked over open flames, drinks served from outdoor bars and music playing throughout the day beneath stretch tents set up in the hotel grounds.
Guests will also be able to visit the hotels’ kitchen gardens, with guided tours taking place every hour during the events.
Three venues will host the parties between June and August:
At THE PIG in the New Forest the event will run from Friday, June 12 to Sunday, June 14.
THE PIG-at Combe in Devon will host its event from Friday, July 10 to Saturday, July 11.
THE PIG-at Bridge Place in Kent will stage the final garden party weekend from Friday, August 7 to Sunday, August 9.
The weekend events begin with a Friday evening opening party from 5.30pm until 10pm. Tickets are priced at £50 and include festival-style food, alongside live music, DJs and outdoor fire pits.
Saturday’s programme runs from midday until 10pm, with adult tickets priced at £35 and children’s tickets £17.50. Activities include garden tours, food from barbecue and pizza ovens, multiple bars and a pop-up potting shed spa area.
Music from live bands continues through the day before DJs play into the evening.
At the New Forest and Bridge Place locations, the weekend concludes with a family-focused Sunday event from midday until 6pm.
Alongside food stalls, garden tours and music, the final day features circus performances, cabaret acts, face-painting, children’s games and other family activities.
One of the closest confidantes to Kemi Badenoch, Conservative Party leader and with a ringside seat to some of the biggest events to rock Westminster in recent years, will be speaking In North Devon on Thursday, March 12.
John Glen MP will be giving an inside view on rebuilding the party and the challenges ahead with a dinner and talk hosted by North Devon Conservative Association.
The event at Portmore Golf Park near Landkey on the outskirts of Barnstaple starts at 6.30pm and is open to anyone with an interest in politics who might wish to buy a ticket and not solely Conservative Party members, with those in attendance having the opportunity to ask questions.
It is a rare opportunity to gain an insight into some of the biggest UK political events in recent times, from the Covid pandemic and the short tenure of Liz Truss as Prime Minister to the defections of Robert Jenrick and Suella Braverman.
John Glen MP has served under three Prime Ministers and will be speaking in North Devon on Thursday, March 12. (Credit : Office of John Glen MP)
Without an MP in the government of the day, North Devon is seen as being in the backwaters and so it has few major political visitors, especially not those who have served under three Prime Ministers and in the Cabinet.
In his current role as Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to Kemi Badenoch, Mr Glen is well-placed to give an insider’s view on the turbulent recent years – and what might happen next.
Mr Glen said: “I will draw on my experience in Government and on my time as PPS to Kemi Badenoch, offering reflections on the state of politics and the country, as well as the need for long-term solutions to our economic challenges.
“I shall also be keen to hear from attendees and to answer their questions.”
He has been an MP for Salisbury since 2010, winning five consecutive general elections.
He has clocked-up seven years as a Minister (2017-2024), including a record tenure as City Minister. He worked as a PPS (Parliamentary Private Secretary) to three cabinet ministers over five years.
His first ministerial role was as a Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, where he was responsible for Arts, Heritage and Tourism.
He was appointed to the Treasury in January 2018 to serve as Economic Secretary and remained to help shape the post Brexit arrangements, until his resignation from Boris Johnson’s government in July 2022.
Reappointed to the Treasury in October 2022 to attend Cabinet as Chief Secretary, he moved a final time in November 2023, joining the Cabinet Office as Paymaster General, where he was responsible for establishing legislation to deliver compensation to victims of the decades-old infected blood scandal.
He is a member of the Treasury Select Committee and is a Freeman of the City of London.
One of South Devon’s most-loved charity events is set to make its long-awaited return, as Rowcroft Hospice announces The Sleep Walk — proudly sponsored by Majestic Tours — will take place on Saturday 20 June 2026 from 6pm. Super Early Bird tickets are available now from just £17 — but only for a limited time.
The much-missed event promises a night of music, fun, heartfelt moments, and thousands of steps across Torbay. Back for the first time since 2022, walkers are invited to take on a new, eight-mile coastal route through Torquay and Paignton, raising vital funds to support Rowcroft’s specialist end-of-life care for local patients and families across South Devon.
Starting and finishing at the Riviera International Centre, Bingo Bangers will kick off the evening with a fun warm up featuring classic 80s and 90s hits, with prizes to be won. Taking place on the summer solstice — the longest day of the year — it’s the perfect evening to walk the coast and watch the sunset.
Halfway along the route at Roundham Head, walkers will pause for a moving moment of reflection and remembrance at the Lights of Love, where they will light an LED candle in memory of loved ones — a beautiful tribute that will grow brighter with every participant.
Walkers will enjoy a mocktail and sweet treat at Cantina Goodrington before returning to the finish line for a Sleep Walk memento, bacon butties, podium photos, and music, with the party continuing at Cantina Torquay.
Commenting on the return of the event, Laura Carus, Events Manager at Rowcroft Hospice said: “We’re thrilled to bring The Sleep Walk back for 2026 and to once again welcome our amazing community to this special night. It’s an event filled with joy, reflection, and togetherness, and we’re always blown away by the support people show for local families facing the hardest of times. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who takes part and can’t wait to see everyone stepping out with us in June!”
Tickets will be released in tiers, with a limited Super Early Bird rate available until 17 March 2026 at just £17 per adult and £10 per child (aged eight and over).
All walkers who sign up before this date will secure the best price and receive a free Sleep Walk t-shirt. Anyone registering before 11 May 2026 will also receive a t-shirt, although ticket prices will increase as tiers progress.
While ticket sales cover event costs, Rowcroft is encouraging all walkers to raise or donate at least £50, helping to ensure local families receive the compassionate end-of-life care they deserve.
For more information and to book your place, please visit https://rowcrofthospice.org.uk/events/the-sleep-walk/
