county news

Snowdrops flower early at the Garden House in Devon

Snowdrops flower early at the Garden House in Devon

Snowdrops are flowering early at the Garden House near Yelverton, West Devon.The blooms appeared in October, weeks before their usual season, and experts said the early blooming was due to the UK's long, dry summer.Head gardener Nick Haworth explained that the plants were from hot southern European countries where autumn flowering is not unusual."We've got around 400 varieties of snowdrops at The Garden House and while it's not unusual to see the odd Mediterranean snowdrop popping its head…

Continue ReadingSnowdrops flower early at the Garden House in Devon

Amnesty bid to retrieve Cornwall’s overdue library books

Amnesty bid to retrieve Cornwall’s overdue library books

People across Cornwall have been urged to return borrowed library books, no matter how overdue they are.Cornwall Council said libraries would be taking part in a book amnesty in November in a bid to retrieve overdue books and all fines would be waived."Our message is simple - no fines, no fuss, just please bring your books back," said councillor Sarah Preece.Paul Evered, library service delivery manager, added: "Whether your book has been at home for a few weeks,…

Continue ReadingAmnesty bid to retrieve Cornwall’s overdue library books

Teen honoured with memorial at new skatepark

Teen honoured with memorial at new skatepark

Alex Green,South West and John Ayres,In TotnesBBCTracey Swan, Max Hamilton's mother, was at the event at Totnes SkateparkThe mother of a teenager who died after he fell off his skateboard has welcomed the opening of a new skatepark in his hometown.Max Hamilton, 19, from Totnes, Devon, died in 2019 after he hit his head when he lost control of his skateboard on Greenbank Road in Plymouth.There is a memorial to him at the new skatepark, which was officially…

Continue ReadingTeen honoured with memorial at new skatepark

Weston-super-Mare fish and chip shop removes ‘weapon’ benches

Weston-super-Mare fish and chip shop removes ‘weapon’ benches

John WimperisLocal Democracy Reporting ServiceJohn WimperisThe seating outside the fish and chip shop on council property has been removedPicnic benches outside a seafront fish and chip shop that police warned could be "used as weapons" by passers-by have been removed from the area.Michelle Michael, who owns the Waterfront Fish Bar as well as the Grand Pier, in Weston-super-Mare, was told by police to remove the blue picnic tables.At a licensing review hearing at North Somerset Council on 2…

Continue ReadingWeston-super-Mare fish and chip shop removes ‘weapon’ benches

Helicopter available for islanders needing healthcare travel

Helicopter available for islanders needing healthcare travel

Isles of Scilly residents travelling for healthcare on the mainland can now be transported via helicopter.In response to feedback from islanders, NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board (ICB) has commissioned Penzance Helicopters for the transport of patients, alongside Skybus and the Scillonian Ferry.Susan Bracefield, acting chief executive of the ICB, said it would make journeys "simpler, more reliable, and less disruptive" for those who needed to attend hospital appointments.The ICB said the central booking office…

Continue ReadingHelicopter available for islanders needing healthcare travel

Centuries-old traditions revived to ‘bless’ Somerset orchard

Centuries-old traditions revived to ‘bless’ Somerset orchard

Jasmine Ketibuah-Foleywest of EnglandBBCThe cider farm's Torm Man celebration is inspired by centuries-old traditionsA cider farm has drawn on centuries-old past-times for a new tradition that will "bless" and boost its apple harvests.The event at Torre Cider Farm in Washford was created alongside Somerset artist Rob Heard who, every year, builds a wooden human form called the Torm Man - a mystical spirit.As part of the celebration, apples from local orchards will be offered to the sculpture on…

Continue ReadingCenturies-old traditions revived to ‘bless’ Somerset orchard

Dorset COP 2025 about ‘turning ambition into action’

Dorset COP 2025 about ‘turning ambition into action’

The organisers of an annual public climate change event have said this year's theme will be "turning environmental ambition into action".Dorset COP is a one-day event, organised by Sustainable Dorset, which is now in its third year and will take place later at The Exchange in Sturminster Newton.From 09:00 to 17:00 GMT it will offer a range of workshops, talks and creative projects.Chair Jennifer Morisetti said people could bring along their questions "and help us weave the Dorset…

Continue ReadingDorset COP 2025 about ‘turning ambition into action’

Free family friendly fireworks and bonfire events across the west

Free family friendly fireworks and bonfire events across the west

Jasmine Ketibuah-Foleywest of EnglandGetty ImagesFireworks and bonfire season is upon us and is being celebrated across the WestFireworks, toffee apples, Catherine wheels and sparklers: Bonfire Night and 5 November is almost upon us.With a range of traditional displays and quiet displays, there is plenty to suit all ages and tastes across the West of England.Here is a list of what is happening for free near you.BristolBradley Stoke: The Fireworks to Music event takes place at the Jubilee Centre…

Continue ReadingFree family friendly fireworks and bonfire events across the west

West Penwith sees a successful season for barn owls

West Penwith sees a successful season for barn owls

Barn owlets in part of Cornwall had a particularly strong breeding season this year, with 21 owlets successfully fledged, the National Trust has said.Rangers working with the West Cornwall Ringing Group said they recorded an average of 3.3 chicks per box in West Penwith, compared to 2.4 elsewhere in the wider area.Although below the long-term average of 4.3, the figures were described as "successful" by the charity, and driven by collaboration after a challenging spring that reduced prey…

Continue ReadingWest Penwith sees a successful season for barn owls

Gruffalo illustrator Axel Scheffler encourages postcard revival

Gruffalo illustrator Axel Scheffler encourages postcard revival

Liam JacksonIllustrator Axel Scheffler said sending letters and postcards was "very important" to himThe Gruffalo illustrator Axel Scheffler is encouraging children to send postcards and letters to their grandparents, parents and friends to stop the trend "dying out".Scheffler, who describes himself as an avid letter writer, said it was a great way of communicating and keeping in touch.The German illustrator, who has lived in England for more than 40 years, said "letters are very important for me".He recently…

Continue ReadingGruffalo illustrator Axel Scheffler encourages postcard revival