South Devon steam railway fires up trains for winter gala

  • Post category:Devon News

South Devon Railway is kicking off the new year with the return of its Winter Steam Gala.The three-day event which finishes on Sunday gives visitors the chance to ride behind a mix of heritage locomotives.The seven-mile heritage steam line runs through the picturesque River Dart valley, connecting Buckfastleigh to Totnes.Five engines will be in service, including two special guests, a Hunslet Works 1589 built in 1929 and Bagnall 2572 Judy, visiting from Bodmin Railway. Ernie Elsworth Wilson, general…

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Overlooked rescue dog finally rehomed after 1,000 days

  • Post category:Devon News

Woodside Animal Welfare TrustWoodside Animal Welfare Trust said the greyhound, called Bobby, had been at the rescue since February 2023After more than 1,000 days at an animal sanctuary, a rescue dog has been rehomed after being "repeatedly overlooked".Woodside Animal Welfare Trust in Plymouth said the greyhound called Bobby arrived at the sanctuary in February 2023. Staff at the sanctuary said they feared the ex-racing dog was about to spend another year in the kennel after 1,064 days there.…

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Beavers Chip and Willow make their home at Mapperton Estate

  • Post category:BBC Dorset

Mapperton EstateChip and Willow were released before Christmas but went in opposite directionsOwners of a country estate are hopeful that love is in the air for two beavers released there as part of a wildlife project.Chip and Willow are the latest additions to Mapperton Wildlands in Dorset, replacing Twiggy and Woody who escaped following storms in 2024.The Eurasian beavers, introduced from different locations, were released into an upgraded enclosure on the estate near Beaminster on 20 December.Upon arrival,…

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Horse rescued after getting stuck in pond on Carbis Moor

A horse that got stuck in a pond on moorland had to be hauled out by firefighters.The animal was found 3ft (0.9m) deep in mud and water on Carbis Moor near St Austell, Cornwall, on the morning of 2 January.Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service said crews first cleared vegetation and undergrowth from the bank of the pond, before using a winch to haul out the 22-year-old horse.The horse was then placed in the care of its owner and…

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Railways in the West of England: What next for 2026?

BBCGWR is expected to be brought back into public ownership in 2026It is set to be a year of change for train services in the West of England.From Great Western Railway (GWR) returning to public ownership to work beginning on the long-awaited Portishead line - what other developments could be in store?We look at what what you can expect to see in the next 12 months.Public ownership for GWRHeidi Alexander said the Labour government was addressing overcrowding on…

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Medal of Devon soldier who guarded Florence Nightingale auctioned

NOONANSFlorence Nightingale asked for Private Samuel Vickery to be her "orderly and effective bodyguard"A British military award medal given to a Devon-born soldier who kept Florence Nightingale safe during the Crimean War is being put up for auction.Noonans Mayfair said the Distinguished Conduct Medal was awarded to Pte Samuel Vickery of the Coldstream Guards for hand-to-hand fighting at the Battle of Inkermann on 5 November 1854.Pte Vickery was part of the force which "held the Russian enemy at…

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Road closures and free parking as Camborne improvements begin

Road closures, diversions and free parking will be in place in Camborne from Monday as part of a scheme to improve the town's appearance.The second phase of works are part of a town deal scheme to improve access for pedestrians and cyclists and support the local economy by encouraging people to spend more time in the town.The first phase started in November within New Connexion Street, while the second phase will be focussed at Commercial Street and around…

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Radio station at Lizard marks 125 year anniversary

National TrustLizard Wireless Station was opened on 1 January 1901A radio station that played a "pivotal role" in the history of wireless communication is celebrating its 125th anniversary.The Lizard Wireless Station in Cornwall opened on 1 January 1901 and was able to communicate with ships up to 80 miles away, pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible at the time.Later that same month the station received a wireless signal from St Catherine's Point on the Isle of…

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Peter Gabriel new album

Saturday, 3 January, 2026 – the first full moon of the year, the Wolf Moon, and Peter Gabriel releases the first new song from his forthcoming album o\i. Been Undone was written and produced by Peter Gabriel and recorded at Real World Studios, Bath and The Beehive in London. This is the Dark-Side Mix by Tchad Blake. ‘I’m delighted to say that tonight, at the full moon, we will be beginning another year of full moon releases under the name…

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YUNGBLUD and The Smashing Pumpkins collaborate on new version of his Zombie single

© Tom Pallant Today sees the release of an exciting new collaboration between The Smashing Pumpkins and YUNGBLUD. YUNGBLUD first came into contact with Billy Corgan in Birmingham last July during the Black Sabbath farewell concert, Back To The Beginning, where both artists performed in honour of Ozzy Osbourne. In a 2023 interview with Allison Hagendorf, Corgan spoke openly about YUNGBLUD’s career trajectory, noting, “I can tell where he’s going, and if I’m right, we’ll be talking about…

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Liensberger to miss Olympics after latest serious skiing accident | Winter Olympics News

Austria’s Katharina Liensberger to miss Milano Cortina Winter Games after knee injury in alpine skiing training fall.Published On 2 Jan 20262 Jan 2026Click here to share on social mediashare2ShareAustria’s 2022 ‌Olympic slalom silver medallist Katharina Liensberger will ‍miss the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics after suffering a serious knee injury in a training crash.The Austrian Ski Association said Liensberger would have surgery on Friday after medical examinations revealed a fracture ​of the tibial plateau, a torn meniscus ‍and a…

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Truro City secure deals for Harry Charsley and Shaun Donnellan

Truro City have signed midfielder Harry Charsley and defender Shaun Donnellan on free transfers.Donnellan, 29, has been on loan from Livingston since August and has agreed a multi-year deal after leaving the Scottish Premiership side.The former Torquay United player has scored once in 16 National League appearances for the Tinners this season. Charlsey, also 29, has signed an 18-month contract at the Cornish club. The former Everton academy player had spells at Mansfield Town, Port Vale and Newport…

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