county news

Weather Watching becomes “addictive” and is part of Liz’s routine

Weather Watching becomes “addictive” and is part of Liz’s routine

David BraineSenior Broadcast Meteorologist, Appledore, DevonLiz Brady/ Weather WatchersThis "great Weather Watchers" picture is Liz Brady's favourite imageLiz Brady showed BBC's meteorologist one of her favourite viewsTaking photos of the landscape has become "addictive" for Weather Watcher Liz Brady who loves sharing images of the changing weather in North Devon.She said it has become part of her routine and helped her following a cancer diagnosis and treatment this year as she enjoys takes photographs of the weather conditions…

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Military veterans sought for new coastal rowing club in Minehead

Military veterans sought for new coastal rowing club in Minehead

Sandra MurisonSandra Murison (far left) wants to create a "sister club" to EPIC in SomersetA military wife is looking for people connected to the armed forces to become the first members of a new amateur rowing club.Sandra Murison, 77, from Porlock, Somerset, is setting up the group in Minehead to bring together servicepeople, veterans and their families.Mrs Murison, whose late husband was a naval officer, says the new club will take to the Bristol Channel in traditional wooden…

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‘Life-changing’ surgery gives Bath boy ‘first ever sleepover’

‘Life-changing’ surgery gives Bath boy ‘first ever sleepover’

Beth Cruse,West of England and James Diamond,West of England, BathBBCWilliam has Treacher Collins syndrome, which affects around one in 50,000 childrenThe mum of a seven-year-old boy with a rare genetic condition says "life-changing" surgery means he is finally able to have "his very first sleepover".William, from Bath in Somerset, has Treacher Collins syndrome which is a condition that affects the growth of a child's skull and facial bones.In May, he underwent an eight-hour surgery where doctors rebuilt his…

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South patients urge action over healthcare kit ‘chaos’

South patients urge action over healthcare kit ‘chaos’

Nikki MitchellSouth of England home affairs correspondentBBCParalysed by multiple sclerosis, Bob Eades has been trying and failing to get his hoists serviced"No one seems to know what's going on" following the collapse of a major medical equipment supplier, an MS patient has told the BBC.Bob Eades described the "nightmare" of trying to get someone to service the hoists his carers need to get him out of bed in the morning. He's among a number of frustrated patients and…

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Dog owner says Alabama rot ‘devastating and comes out of nowhere’

Dog owner says Alabama rot ‘devastating and comes out of nowhere’

Jo PalmerBBC South Investigations Shaun ReynoldsWillow, a whippet, died from Alabama rot when she was four-and-a-half years oldHannah WalshBBC South Investigations "I wouldn't want anyone to go through what we went through. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy."Pet owners who have lost their dogs to Alabama rot are warning others about the disease, as 90% of cases are reported between November and May.Hannah Povey said before her cocker spaniel Betsy died from Alabama rot she had…

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Train thermal cameras tested in Surrey to help prevent delays

Train thermal cameras tested in Surrey to help prevent delays

Thermal imaging cameras have been fitted to a commuter train as part of a year-long trial to help prevent delays to journeys, Network Rail has said.Two cameras have been fitted to the South Western Railway (SWR) train, named Hotshot, to monitor tracks across Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire, Dorset and London.Neil Drury, engineering and infrastructure director for SWR, said the cameras were helping to identify potential infrastructure issues before they escalated.During an earlier, more limited trial, engineers were able to…

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The Whale, Secrets of a Stranding – 1. The Myth

The Whale, Secrets of a Stranding – 1. The Myth

Available for over a yearRumour of a buried whale’s head attracts varied opinions and insights from the local community in Cornwall. Jemma Woodman, begins her journey of discovery, dissecting fact from fiction in a community rich in folklore and mythical tales. Presenter, writer and producer: Jemma Woodman. Story editor: Kirsty Williams. Assistant producer: Luke de Costa. Sound design: Meic Parry. Story consultant; Jack Kibble White. Additional producing: Marie Lennon. Online Producer: Rachael Smith. Commissioning editors: Stephanie Marshall and…

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Call for safety measures at Timepiece after Freshers’ Week fall

Call for safety measures at Timepiece after Freshers’ Week fall

Miles DavisDevon political reporterBBCTimepiece said staff did everything needed to get the young woman homeSerious concerns have been raised for students during Freshers' Week after a young woman fell backwards down stairs in a nightclub before she was moved out of the club by security staff.The woman, a first year student at the University of Exeter, was seen on CCTV in the Timepiece nightclub in September coming out of toilets supported by friends before she fell backwards down…

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Magdalen Road Christmas Fair – Exeter Observer

Magdalen Road Christmas Fair – Exeter Observer
Magdalen Road Christmas Fair – Exeter Observer

Good journalism costs money  Upgrade to paid E O Exeter Observer Local news that matters ON OUR RADAR Community-run market returns for thirteenth year with festive food, music and gifts. Leigh Curtis Magdalen Road Christmas Fair returns to St Leonard’s on Saturday 6 December for its thirteenth year. The road will be closed to provide

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Gritting begins as South West faces cold snap

Gritting begins as South West faces cold snap

Gritters have been deployed in parts of the South West as the region braces for icy temperatures this week.Devon County Council said its fleets had been out in North Devon and Dartmoor on Sunday, and Cornwall Council said 28 gritters would be on standby to cover about 1,490 km (925 miles) of the most heavily-used A and B roads in the county.It comes as the Met Office issued several yellow severe weather warnings for snow and ice parts of…

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Bridgwater MP calls for new one-way route to be scrapped

Bridgwater MP calls for new one-way route to be scrapped

An MP has called for the new one-way system to be dropped claiming it has led to "traffic chaos".Bridgwater MP Sir Ashley Fox said making East Quay and Salmon Parade in the town one-way and scrapping a major upgrade to the Cross Rifles roundabout has made traffic "intolerable". Mike Rigby who is in charge of Planning on Somerset Council said there is always a period of "bedding in" with any new scheme, but "elements seem to be working…

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Mother’s ‘horror’ as daughter dies on Weymouth railway line

Mother’s ‘horror’ as daughter dies on Weymouth railway line

Steve HumphreyBournemouthBTPRoxy Phillips was described as enjoying horse riding and competingAn inquest has heard how the mother of a teenager watched paramedics trying to revive her daughter after she was electrocuted on a railway line.Roxy Phillips, 15, was walking home along the track in Weymouth, Dorset, in the early hours of 23 March 2023 when she came into contact with the live rail. Kerri Walker went to the scene after a mobile phone call in which a friend…

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