Horses and runners compete in Quantock Hills challenge

Post published:October 18, 2025

[ad_1] Two horses have beaten around 100 runners in a 23 mile (37km) race across Somerset's Quantock Hills.The Man v Horse endurance race, which was first held more than 40 years ago in Powys, Wales, saw the crowd of runners given a head start of only 15 minutes.Only four competitors have ever beaten a horse in the history of the race, with the last Somerset event ending in a tie between a human and a horse at three hours and 11 minutes.The race raised around £4,000 for Equilibrium Coaching and Therapy, a community interest company providing equine therapy for children who have experienced trauma in their lives.Organiser Phillip King told BBC Somerset that the idea for the race came about after he and fellow organiser Jon Dolphin were in the pub one evening. "We thought that would be a really amazing and slightly quirky idea. So that's where we went with it. "It's entirely possible over a long enough distance for a human being to catch up with a horse," he added.The sprawling course covered open upland moorland, deep wooded valleys and forestry, with a climb of 1,000 metres.Mr Dolphin said the turnout was "fantastic," with double the number of attendees…

In the occupied West Bank, the war continues | Israel-Palestine conflict

Post published:October 18, 2025

[ad_1] It has been a week since the ceasefire was announced in Gaza. When we heard the news in the occupied West Bank, we celebrated. We felt relief and hope that the genocide is finally over. But we also realised that there is no ceasefire for us.The daily violence we have been subjected to for decades is showing no signs of abating. Since October 7, 2023, the brutality of our occupier has only intensified. Today, life in the West Bank has become almost impossible.Violence, dispossession and paralysisAfter the ceasefire deal was announced, a friend’s little daughter cheered; she then asked to go with her grandparents to pick olives. He told her that it would be difficult to do, to which she responded, “Why? Isn’t the war over?”How do you explain to a child that the war ending in Gaza does not mean Palestinian families in the West Bank still can access their land to harvest olives? People still cannot reach their groves because of barriers set up by the Israeli military or they fear attacks by Israeli soldiers and settlers, or both.There are daily violent assaults on Palestinian farmers and their land. Since October 7, 2023, there have been 7,154 attacks by Israeli…

Work to repair dangerous Somerset embankment completed

Post published:October 18, 2025

[ad_1] More than 230 steel bars have been used to repair and stabilise a collapsed embankment along a busy route.The 130-metre embankment along Upper Stanton in Stanton Drew, Somerset, had partially given way, putting the road at risk.Bath & North East Somerset Council (BANES) said the work, which cost more than £430.000, has now secured the road for the long-term.Councillor Lucy Hodge, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport Delivery, thanked residents for their patience and said the council had "significantly increased the banks integrity".The work included improving the local drainage and resurfacing the road. Leftover timber from the project was donated to a local business and 1,000 flower bulbs have been given to Stanton Drew Primary School, who will help to replace the plants removed from the embankment during the work."The safety of our residents is always a top priority. We've significantly increased the banks integrity, ensuring the long-term safety of the highway and the people that use it" added Ms Hodge. [ad_2] Source link

Former Exeter policeman named honorary alderman

Post published:October 18, 2025

[ad_1] A former lord mayor of Exeter who served in the police for 30 years has been appointed an honorary alderman.Percy Prowse, 72, is only the 16th person to be awarded the recognition since 1981.Mr Prowse, a familiar figure in Exeter's streets as a cape-wearing police officer, said he was "truly honoured".He had served more than 30 years with Devon and Cornwall Police and was often seen cycling through Exeter in his blue serge cape, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service.He later became a Conservative county councillor for Pennsylvania, Stoke Hill and Duryard, chaired the county council until 2024, and represented Duryard and St James on the city council for 12 years. He was lord mayor in 2014.City councillors unanimously supported his appointment, which had been delayed in 2019, due to his active role on the county council."He will be a fantastic ambassador and advocate for our great city," said councillor Peter Holland.Councillor Michael Mitchell said Mr Prowse had given "years of dedicated service to the community."Mr Prowse said: "I just hope I can do enough to fulfil the honour I've just been bestowed." [ad_2] Source link

South West weekly news quiz – test your knowledge

Post published:October 18, 2025

[ad_1] What can you recall from the past seven days in Devon and Cornwall? [ad_2] Source link

Former Exeter policeman named honorary alderman

Post published:October 18, 2025

[ad_1] A former lord mayor of Exeter who served in the police for 30 years has been appointed an honorary alderman.Percy Prowse, 72, is only the 16th person to be awarded the recognition since 1981.Mr Prowse, a familiar figure in Exeter's streets as a cape-wearing police officer, said he was "truly honoured".He had served more than 30 years with Devon and Cornwall Police and was often seen cycling through Exeter in his blue serge cape, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service.He later became a Conservative county councillor for Pennsylvania, Stoke Hill and Duryard, chaired the county council until 2024, and represented Duryard and St James on the city council for 12 years. He was lord mayor in 2014.City councillors unanimously supported his appointment, which had been delayed in 2019, due to his active role on the county council."He will be a fantastic ambassador and advocate for our great city," said councillor Peter Holland.Councillor Michael Mitchell said Mr Prowse had given "years of dedicated service to the community."Mr Prowse said: "I just hope I can do enough to fulfil the honour I've just been bestowed." [ad_2] Source link

Sacred and Profane – Exeter Observer

Post published:October 18, 2025

[ad_1] St Nicholas Priory is hosting an evening of medieval music following an afternoon workshop with musicians Steve Tyler, Marco Cannavò and Katy Marchant on Saturday 15 November.The evening concert includes European sacred and secular songs spanning the 12th to 15th centuries played on historical musical instruments including hurdy-gurdy, citole, organistrum, portative organ, bladder pipe and gothic harp.The concert will follow an afternoon workshop led by the trio, suitable for all ages, offering an opportunity to see different medieval instruments up close and find out how they are played. Steve Tyler, Marco Cannavo and Katy MarchantHurdy-gurdy player Steve Tyler co-founded Misericordia with Anne Marie Summers in 1994, winning the duet competition at St. Chartier in 1999 before joining Daughters of Elvin in 2001.He has performed with folk singers, industrial/electronic musicians and puppeteers and played for theatrical productions at Shakespeare’s Globe.Marco Cannavò is a hurdy-gurdy player and multi-instrumentalist from Devon who brings ancient melodies to contemporary audiences.Last year he released Vexilla Regis, a collaboration with Steve Tyler, Katy Marchant and Terry Mann.Bagpipe player Katy Marchant has played with Devonian folk artist Jim Causley and is a member of balfolk trio Woodwose alongside Steve Tyler.In 1996 she founded Daughters of Elvin, which uses…

Buses to replace Bournemouth-Dorchester trains for line upgrade

Post published:October 18, 2025

[ad_1] Rail travellers are being advised to plan ahead as buses are due to replace trains so that work to stabilise an embankment and protect a line from flooding can be carried out.Network Rail said the "vital" work between Poole and Dorchester in Dorset would see engineers strengthen a railway embankment in Hamworthy and upgrade the drainage at the Poole sidings.Mark Goodall, Wessex route director, said: "We're sorry for the disruption to passengers while we carry out this work but it's essential to keep services running safely and reliably."On 15 and 16 November, buses will replace trains between Bournemouth and Dorchester South then, from 17 to 21 November, between Poole and Dorchester South. [ad_2] Source link

Iran says restrictions on nuclear programme ‘terminated’ as deal expires | Nuclear Energy News

Post published:October 18, 2025

[ad_1] Iran also expresses commitment to diplomacy as landmark 10-year nuclear deal with Western powers officially ends.Iran has said it is no longer bound by restrictions on its nuclear programme as a landmark 10-year deal between it and world powers expired, though Tehran reiterated its “commitment to diplomacy”.From now on, “all of the provisions [of the 2015 deal], including the restrictions on the Iranian nuclear programme and the related mechanisms are considered terminated,” Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Saturday, the day of the pact’s expiration.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemsend of list“Iran firmly expresses its commitment to diplomacy,” it added.The deal’s “termination day” was set for exactly 10 years after the adoption of resolution 2231, enshrined by the United Nations Security Council.Officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the agreement between Iran and China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States saw the lifting of international sanctions against Iran in exchange for restrictions on its nuclear programme.But Washington unilaterally left the deal in 2018 during President Donald Trump’s first term in office and reinstated sanctions. Tehran then began stepping up its nuclear programme.Talks to revive the agreement have failed so…

Quest for more Devon film locations worthy of Harry Potter

Post published:October 18, 2025

[ad_1] Jonathan MorrisSouth WestAidan Monaghan/HBODominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter in the TV series which has been filmed in the South WestAn organisation supporting film productions in Devon is on a mission to map out the county's most film-worthy locations, building a comprehensive database to attract more productions to the region. From windswept moors to chocolate-box villages, the film office is working to ensure Devon's landscapes are front and centre in the UK's screen industry.Recent high-profile productions such as a Harry Potter TV series have already demonstrated the county's appeal. Claire Horrocks, who leads the initiative for Screen Devon, said the goal was to make it easier for producers to find the perfect backdrop for their stories.Searchlight PicturesOlivia Colman, centre, with Sunita Amin, left, and Ncuti Gatwa, right, inside the Winking Prawn in SalcombeMs Horrocks said she spent much of her time scouring maps and connecting with property owners who might be willing to host shoots."We get some wonderfully bonkers requests," she told BBC Radio Devon. "Sometimes they're looking for places that can double as New York State forests or vast empty roads. Woodlands and abandoned buildings are especially in demand."In June 2024, crews from The Roses, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia…

Sam Surridge: The Englishman battling Lionel Messi for the MLS Golden Boot

Post published:October 18, 2025

[ad_1] With NBA's Memphis Grizzlies a three-hour drive away, the sporting culture in Nashville has tended to revolve around American football and ice hockey. The city is home to NFL team Tennessee Titans and Nashville Predators of the NHL, who Surridge enjoys watching. "It is pretty intense," he explains, having been to several games. "The way they play, they're a different kind of humans - these big guys that will smash each other."But buoyed by their US Open Cup success, Surridge says Nashville is also becoming a "soccer city".The football club - whose vice chairman Ian Ayre was previously at Liverpool - was only founded nine years ago, joining MLS in 2020. Their purpose-built Geodis Park holds just over 30,000 fans - Miami's visit will be one of the season's most sought-after tickets."A lot of people like their sports in general," says Surridge. "They will go watch the NFL, NHL and soccer. They love it here. I have seen it grow and the Lionel Messi-effect definitely helps."It is a lot more of an occasion in America. They want to be entertained, which is great because at the end of the day that's what we do."We are fortunate to get a lot…

Quest for more Devon film locations worthy of Harry Potter

Post published:October 18, 2025

[ad_1] Jonathan MorrisSouth WestAidan Monaghan/HBODominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter in the TV series which has been filmed in the South WestAn organisation supporting film productions in Devon is on a mission to map out the county's most film-worthy locations, building a comprehensive database to attract more productions to the region. From windswept moors to chocolate-box villages, the film office is working to ensure Devon's landscapes are front and centre in the UK's screen industry.Recent high-profile productions such as a Harry Potter TV series have already demonstrated the county's appeal. Claire Horrocks, who leads the initiative for Screen Devon, said the goal was to make it easier for producers to find the perfect backdrop for their stories.Searchlight PicturesOlivia Colman, centre, with Sunita Amin, left, and Ncuti Gatwa, right, inside the Winking Prawn in SalcombeMs Horrocks said she spent much of her time scouring maps and connecting with property owners who might be willing to host shoots."We get some wonderfully bonkers requests," she told BBC Radio Devon. "Sometimes they're looking for places that can double as New York State forests or vast empty roads. Woodlands and abandoned buildings are especially in demand."In June 2024, crews from The Roses, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia…