Tiverton Town 2 Bashley 1: Match report

August 23, 2014, 10:46 am

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Goals from Jake Wannell and Owen Howe gave Tiverton Town a 2-1 win over struggling Bashley at Ladysmead on Saturday. In an energetic and creative first-half display, Wannell handed the Yellows the lead, scrambling home from close range after his initial effort had been saved. The full-back then capped a fine display by setting up Howe with an irresistible cross which the striker converted from a few yards out. Bashley were conservative and never looked interested in anything other than a draw, but they played some nice football when they did venture out of their half. They halved the deficit late in the first half through Shivan Roush-Baiani, who fired home at an angle to leave Ladysmead stunned. Given how dominant the Yellows had been, that goal knocked them out of their stride and gave the visitors some confidence. But neither side was able to add to their tally in a disjointed and scrappy second half which was unrecognisable to the first. Both teams had chances, with substitute Jesse Howe coming the closest as his shot grazed the crossbar late in the day. Still, it was a welcome three points for Tivvy following Tuesday's poor performance against Bridgwater Town, although they will surely need to improve if they are to take anything from the Bank Holiday Monday trip to Taunton Town.

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Exmouth hairdresser supports East Devon Hospice appeal through sponsored headshave

August 24, 2014, 12:50 am

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AN Exmouth hairdresser has helped generate much needed funds for the Hospiscare East Devon Day Hospice appeal through a sponsored wet head shave. Today, Sunday, August 24, at the Country House Inn on Withycombe Village Road where staff have set themselves the task of raising £10,000 for the appeal, there is a charity regatta day. Hospiscare is working to raise £250,000 to help build and run a new state-of-the-art day hospice in East Devon to provide care for thousands of local people. On Friday evening pub regular, hairdresser Kim Price bravely had her head shaved for the cause. A beer and cider festival, with 15 ales and five ciders, is taking place at the pub over the weekend and on Sunday, August 24, from 1pm there will be a family fun day with a host of activities. Visitors can expect a magician, animals from the World of Country Life, birds from the Hawkridge Birds of Prey and a bouncy castle. In addition, there will be a boat building and race competition along the nearby brook. There will also be a barbecue and live music at 2pm and 8pm.

Chairman of Devon and Cornwall Business Council supports Flybe's decision to cut routes to Portugal and Spain

August 24, 2014, 2:48 am

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The chairman of the Devon and Cornwall Business Council has backed Flybe's decision to scrap its flights to Spain and Portugal this autumn. In May, the Echo reported that the Exeter-based airline had pulled the plug on certain routes shortly after it announced the introduction of a new three-times daily service from Exeter to London City Airport, starting in October. Tim Jones, chairman of the Devon and Cornwall Business Council, said he accepted the reassessment was "part of a much more comprehensive plan to make sure Flybe is on a more secure footing". As previously reported by the Echo, the last date for flights from Exeter to Faro in Portugal and Palma in Mallorca is October 1, with Malaga and Alicante ending the following day. In addition, Flybe, which also operates out of Newquay Airport, announced in December that it was ending its two summer-only services to Barcelona and Nice, along with flights to Newcastle. At the time, Exeter Airport has voiced its disappointment, as have a number of Exeter residents who use the services. In a statement, Flybe said it took the difficult decision to withdraw its 2014-15 sun routes from Exeter at the end of 2013 with the last flights to Alicante. "We regularly examine all our 170-plus routes to assess their economic viability," the spokesperson said. "This takes into consideration not only passenger numbers but also the most beneficial commercial utilisation of our fleet." Flybe said that after "a fleet rationalisation exercise", its Embraer 195 jet aircraft would no longer operate out of Exeter. "The smaller Bombardier Q400 will in future be the mainstay of the Exeter fleet. This aircraft does not have the range to reach Portugal and Spain," she added. "We regret that a number of our customers are disappointed with this decision but we will still have an extensive winter timetable to and from Exeter this winter with a choice of nine core routes including a new service to London City and the return of the popular Newcastle service." The spokeswoman refused to say that next year's Summer Sun routes had been scrapped, insisting only that the schedules had not yet been agreed. But she stressed the turboprop Bombardier Q400 would not be able to reach this year's destinations of Faro in Portugal, and Malaga, Alicante and Palma Mallorca on the Spanish costas. Mr Jones added: "We support what they are doing. The new management team is excellent. It looks damaging on paper, but we are confident that these decisions for the long term will make sure they continue to employ the huge number of people they currently do in Exeter." Exeter International saw passenger numbers rise last year by six per cent to 740,000, with growth continuing in the first half of this year. On Friday the consumer organisation Which? ranked Exeter among the best airports in the country for customer service, awarding it "Recommended Provider" status. An airport spokesman said: "We have had a great deal of feedback from previous passengers on these routes who have been voicing their disappointment." He said Exeter was not the only airport affected by the Flybe move. Work begins this week on a £1.4million scheme to upgrade the access road to Exeter International Airport from the A30. The airport will be hoping to keep passenger numbers on an upward trend through a new service to Newcastle, and a three-times-a-day service to London City Airport, which begins on October 27.

Exeter fire crews tackle car layby fire this morning

August 24, 2014, 4:21 am

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Exeter firefighters were called to deal with a car fire near Tedburn St Mary this morning. Two appliances from Danes Castle and Middlemoor went to the scene at Fingle Glen at around 8.45am. On arrival crews discovered a car well alight in a layby and which was subsequently severely damaged.

Outspoken Exeter resident Katie Hopkins puts on three stone for TV documentary

August 24, 2014, 4:28 am

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She may be one of Britain's most hated women but Katie Hopkins is putting her money where her mouth when it comes to her opinionated views on obesity. The outspoken Exeter resident is piling on the pounds to experience what it's like to be fat and confront her prejudices about employing overweight people. Well known for her controversial comments, Katie recently declared that she wouldn't employ a fat person because she felt it would affect their ability to work effectively. Predictably her comment sparked a backlash of abuse. Having already gained three stones in weight, in two weeks time she'll attempt to shed the pounds to prove her point that "losing weight is not as hard as some people make out". In an interview about her challenge with the WMN on Sunday, Katie described how she felt to be one of Britain's most hated women. She said: "It's ok because I am not really hated for myself but because people disagree with my views. I think that's fair enough, I have had my say and now they've had theirs. You cannot expect people to like you all of the time. And if people resort to name calling, I'm fine with that too – I just put it down to their limited vocabulary." In a bid to prove that losing weight is about self-discipline, the former Apprentice star has ditched her daily run and is munching her way through 6,500 calories a day. "That's like eating 13 ready meals. I've been eating crisps, chocolate, anything high in calories. People may think it is easy to get 6,500 calories down but if you lay it on a table it is an enormous volume of food. "Recently on holiday in St Ives I did the Cornish pasty challenge. While walking round I ate four large pasties and drank a pint of milkshake for lunch, supporting the local economy and all that!" At 5ft 8ins tall Katie has gained three stone, going from 8st 8lbs to 11st 8lbs. She hopes to top 12st before beginning the process of trying to shed it. "Some people say 11st 8lbs is not overweight but I think that is pretty heavy. The problem is we have supersized everything in Great Britain, from the seats we sit in and we even have plus sizes for kids uniforms in shops. That's just incredible." So far Katie says she has witnessed an unusual wave of support for her obesity challenge. "What people have been saying has been positive in the main saying that it has been the kick up the arse they've needed. That is one of the things I'd like to achieve from this." Her journey to obesity and back is being filmed for a documentary to be aired in January. Part of it has seen her meet a range of overweight people to learn about their experiences. "I've not changed my opinions but I have seen how weight is massive issue for some people," she said. "I've seen how winning Miss Curve UK for one woman made her so happy and seeing how proud her family were, I realise that it does take a bit of balls standing in front of crowd while overweight in a swimming costume. But she did it and she looked mega. Before I never understood what it was like." Turning her focus to when it comes to shedding the pounds, Katie admits she's scared. She said: "I really like running - even though it hurts and everyone thinks the same - but I find it a good thing to do. I am quite competitive and like to overtake blokes but now I can't imagine running. Every bit of me moves and it's not funny. I have boobs, a massive gut and my butt has a life of its own. "Normally I'll get my trainers on and go running but what I've realised is that when you are fat you do not want to stick a pair of trainers on because you have all that weight to carry around. I'm really self-conscious about wobbling. "Of course it has been a physical challenge - the photographs show that in how I look now - but the most amazing thing is the psychological side – it's been the biggest learning point for me. "It has made me look at how being overweight has made me feel. I realise that when you are big you feel rubbish and very self-conscious." So exactly how is she going to prove her point and lose all that weight? "I do not know. I'm not scared of many things but this I am a bit scared of. People say it is not as easy as you think. I know it is not going to be easy but I'm determined to do it. I'm not going to do it by getting a trainer or going to a posh gym. "I'm going to do it on my own with a pair of trainers and maybe joining a rough gym – how every other woman would have to do it." And what does her husband think of her new, fuller look? "I'd never even thought of that! He probably just finds me funny. He's not been bothered because he knows that obesity is something I really believe passionately about and I think he's thinks it's good that it is me putting my money where my mouth is." The documentary will be aired on the TLC UK channel in January.

Meet Beverley...Tiverton's newest arrival

August 24, 2014, 4:32 am

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IF you wondered into Phoenix Lane this morning while doing your shopping, you may noticed an unexpected but colourful site. Gorillas are more usually to be found in the mountains or lowlands of Africa, but now Tiverton has its non-threatening version in the shape of Beverley, the life-size gorilla statue with a colourful seaside motif. The long awaited unveiling of the public art capture took place today (Saturday) drawing a crowd to the top of Phoenix Lane, where recorded primate noises and tropical foliage added to the sense of anticipation. After short speeches and poetry, the black drapes were removed to reveal the sky blue and lime green figure of Beverley, who has been adopted by one of Devon's furthest inland towns. The design was created by Somerset-based artist Brian Sweet and was previously seen in Goodrington, near Paignton, during the public part of the mass art project last year. RELATED CONTENT There'll be no escape from the Great Ape this weekend The statue was purchased for £3,800 at a charity auction by the town's Portaas Pilot team, with the money going to support gorilla conservation work. Those who successfully bid for the artwork believe the investment will be worthwhile in helping attract interest back into Tiverton's town centre. Cllr Sue Griggs, chair of the Portas Company and town mayor, said: "Gorillas are an endangered species, they are similar to our endangered town centres. We hope she will bring people into the town and that people will want to be photographed with it. We hope you will love our gorilla as much as we do, let's lover her but try not to climb on her." Mrs Griggs said members of the Ports team had been up since 6.30am helping to move the artwork into its new home, and said this would not have been possible without the help and support of transport and distribution firm Gregory's and Withleigh Nurseries who supplied plants for the day. Other town centre businesses are also getting behind the initiative, launching a 'gorilla trail' for people to take part. Thirty businesses around the town have hidden an image of a gorilla in their shop displays. The trail is running into September and all those who successfully find all 30 will be entered into a draw for a family ticket to Paignton Zoo. Details for taking part will be available from any of the participating retailers. A gorilla quiz was also run during the day as youngsters queued up to have their photo taken with Beverley.

Heavy rain forecast for South West for Bank Holiday Monday

August 24, 2014, 4:34 am

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BANK Holiday Monday could be a washout the Met Office has forecast. The agency has put a yellow weather warning, which is the lowest of its kind, in place between 6am and 11.50pm on Monday, August 25. Heavy rain is expected to hit most parts of Devon and strong winds will be likely along the coast. The Met Office forecast for Bank Holiday Monday read; "Unsettled and breezy with outbreaks of rain, which will be heavy at times, affecting most areas. Rain clearing north eastwards through the afternoon to bright spells and showers later. The maximum temperature is expected to be 20C

Six injured after three cars collided when surf boards flew off roof of vehicle

August 24, 2014, 5:18 am

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Six people were taken to hospital, one of them with serious and potentially life changing injuries, after an incident in which a car driver swerved to avoid surf boards which fell off another vehicle. Police attended the collision on the A361 North Devon link road on Friday morning at around 11.30am near South Molton. Three vehicles were involved in the collision, a Peugeot 206, a Triumph Spitfire and a Renault Megane. The Peugeot was travelling towards Barnstaple followed by the Triumph. The Renault was travelling in the opposite direction towards Tiverton. A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Two surf boards came off the roof bars of the Peugeot and flew into the air, one hitting the female passenger of the Triumph Spitfire, a convertible, as the driver tried to take avoiding action. "Unfortunately he crossed into the path of the Renault and a serious collision resulted. "The driver and passenger of the Triumph had to be extricated from the vehicle by Devon Fire and Rescue Services and both were flown to Derriford Hospital. "The driver has sustained very serious injuries considered life changing. "The passenger sustained a head and hand injury." The spokesman added that the driver of the Renault was taken to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital having sustained a broken wrist and damaged vertebra in his neck. His three passengers were taken to the North Devon District Hospital with more minor injuries.

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Youth Parliament members upset at being "banned" from observing Devon County Council youth centre discussions

August 24, 2014, 5:51 am

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A leading Exeter city councillor has spoken out against the alleged prevention of Devon Youth Parliament members observing an "informal" meeting regarding the future of its youth centres. Members of Devon Youth Parliament claim they were prevented from observing a meeting on August 21, between county cabinet councillors, commissioners and senior managers. They claim key decisions about the transfer of funding to other agencies who may be in line to take over the running of the council's 24 youth centres it resolved to close, were being discussed. George Downs, 16, from Exmouth, a Youth Parliament member, said he understood the reason for excluding youth representatives was because the meeting was "informal" and therefore "off the record". But Councillor Rob Hannaford, Labour ward member for Exwick and St Thomas and vice chair of the People's Scrutiny Committee which includes the Youth Service, said that the young people whose lives are affected by the council's decision should have a voice in the process. Devon County Council is facing the huge challenge of saving £110m by 2017 because of cuts in grants from the Government. As a result, it has proposed to commission other service providers to deliver some of its vital community services. In February, ward member for Exmouth, Councillor Eileen Wragg said she was "ashamed" to be a member of the authority after dozens of young people were prevented from speaking on proposals ahead of the controversial budget meeting where members backed budget cut proposals which threatened the future of its 32 youth centres. Following its decision in February to slash its youth services budget by £970,000, in June, the council resolved to close all but eight of its youth centres which would be area-based youth centre hubs. Cllr Hannaford, added: "This move is a real concern as we have already previously seen that the members of the Devon Youth Parliament and other youth service users were denied a right to speak or question these far ranging and deep cuts at a recent full council meeting. "These moves will slash the youth services budget by almost £1m and threaten the future of Devon's 34 youth centres so full involvement is essential. "Opposition councillors thought that giving the young people effected by these changes a chance to voice their concerns face-to-face was the right way forward, and as a result voted to suspend standing order to let two nominated spokespeople to come forward , but this was out voted by the Tories. "To help counter this, the Exeter members requested a special Exeter Board item to invite representative young people to come along and discuss the issues and options with senior officers and other key people. "After all, it's only fair that the young people which these cuts and service reductions are going to affect, have a voice in the process and hopefully have some influence on the outcomes "The Labour group will be raising these issues to see what can be done to make sure that young peoples views and concerns are being taking into consideration and that perhaps a proper forum or working group can be set up specifically about these cuts that includes some young people from around the county."

Exeter City 1 York City 1: Match highlights

August 24, 2014, 6:49 am

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Watch highlights from Exeter City's 1-1 draw with York City on Saturday. Exeter took the lead through David Wheeler, before Keith Lowe headed home with eight minutes to go to rescue a point for the Minstermen.

Thousands turn out for annual Topsham Carnival

August 24, 2014, 7:09 am

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TOPSHAM Carnival was as colourful as ever with thousands turning out last night to watch the spectacle. The event brings to a close the week-long Topsham Town Fayre which is in its 83rd year and proved as popular as ever with an assortment of activities drawing crowds of all ages.

Ebola: scare at Exeter police station ends after tests prove negative

August 25, 2014, 1:32 am

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An ebola scare at a city centre police station's custody block ended after tests on a woman for the virus proved negative. Late on Thursday night an African woman was arrested and displayed illness symptoms associated with ebola. The custody centre at Exeter's Heavitree Road main police station was temporarily closed. The woman was taken to an isolation unit at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital where tests for ebola were negative. Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that the incident happened on 11.37pm on Thursday night when a 29-year-old woman was brought into the custody centre after she was arrested on suspicion of immigration offences by the Home Office Immigration Enforcement. A force spokesman said: "Whilst in custody she felt unwell and was examined by a health care professional. "Because she displayed mild flu like symptoms, which are also associated with the ebola virus, and originates from Guinea in West Africa, she was conveyed by ambulance to hospital for treatment. "At this time the risk of this being an ebola virus outbreak is considered very low but all appropriate measures are being taken as a precautionary measure. "Other detainees along with custody staff have received health advice." The custody suite has been given a thorough clean and was reopened. Hearings at the next door Exeter magistrates court were affected by the suite being shut. The woman was treated in an isolation room at the RD&E Wonford. But a Public Health England spokesperson said the tests were negative. She said: "Public Health England can confirm it received a sample for precautionary Ebola testing, involving an individual in Exeter with a history of travel to West Africa. "Ebola was considered very unlikely but testing was done as a precaution, and the results were negative. "We have advised all front line medical practitioners dealing with patients to be alert to signs and symptoms of Ebola in those returning from affected areas. "Following such advice we would expect to see an increase in testing. "In the unlikely event that we have a positive case in the UK this information will be made available to the public, with a risk assessment updated accordingly."

New director role at Francis Clark Financial Planning for Stuart Budgen

August 25, 2014, 2:04 am

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Francis Clark Financial Planning has appointed a new director to its senior management team. Stuart Budgen is a highly qualified and experienced financial planner and was the co-founder of a successful independent financial advisory firm that was sold in July 2013. The 41-year-old has experience as an operations director/chief operating officer with over 15 years' in independent financial services organisations. His impressive qualifications include a Diploma in Financial Planning and the Advanced Diploma in Tax & Trusts. Stuart also holds certificates in Life & Pensions, Financial Planning & Long Term Care Insurance, Mortgage Advice, Equity Release and Discretionary Investment Management. Mike Wilson, FCFP managing director, said: "We are delighted to welcome Stuart to the Senior Management Team. He has previously operated at board level combining high levels of business acuity and strong tactical leadership skills. As a result of this he has a wealth of experience in a range of management functions." Stuart added: "It's an honour to take on a significant managerial role at FCFP in addition to my financial planning services. "FCFP have assembled an impressive team of highly qualified financial planners as well as technical services and client liaison teams."

Funding secured for Big Bang South West 2015 science & technology fair in Exeter

August 25, 2014, 2:55 am

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Following the success of the Big Bang Fair in June, Education Business Partnership-South West has secured funding to stage the prestigious science and technology event again in 2015. Over the last year, 8,000 young people from across the region attended the Big Bang Fair in Exeter and other events in Bristol and Bridgwater. The interactive, hands-on events offered students, teachers and parents an insight into the exciting range of opportunities on offer from a career in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). Emma Stephenson, head of widening participation and UK student recruitment at Exeter University, said: "The university was delighted to play host to the Big Bang again this year. The event was the biggest one yet and it was a joy to welcome so many young people with a passion for science and technology onto our campus. "We would be delighted to think that many of those involved will have been inspired by the opportunities to pursue their interests into higher education and, eventually, into employment and we look forward to doing the same next year." Alex Ledbrooke, partnership manager at EBP-SW, who travelled to London to collect the contract, added: "We are really pleased that all our hard work and commitment has been recognised and we're delighted to announce next year's date and venue as June 25 at the University of Exeter. "These events really do have a special carnival atmosphere that brings the subject alive in an engaging way. They provide an exciting and dynamic opportunity for young people to find out about STEM and for us to inspire the scientists and engineers of the future." As well as the main Exeter event, there will be opportunities for companies to get involved in several smaller events across the region. Updates will be posted at www.ebp-sw.org. Professionals interested in getting involved as a STEM ambassador can find out more about the work of EBP-SW by calling 01392 215501 or emailing info@ebp-sw.org.

Two arrested following suspected hit and run that left man, 22, fighting for his life

August 25, 2014, 4:49 am

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TWO men have been arrested in connection with a suspected hit and run in Newton Abbot which left a man seriously injured. The suspects, aged 21 and 22, have been bailed pending further police enquiries into the incident, which happened in the early hours of Sunday. DI Kay Chapman, who is overseeing the investigation, said police will continue their investigations today. Police were called to The Avenue at 3.40am. They found a man had been hit by a Peugeot 106 which failed to stop having been driven away with the windscreen smashed. The 22-year-old local man was taken to Torbay Hospital and later transferred to Derriford with potentially life-threatening injuries. The Peugeot was later found abandoned in a car park in town. Police say anyone with information should call 101 quoting log 203 of the 24th or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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Arthritis sufferer pledges to continue using cannabis for pain relief despite being caught growing his own supply

August 25, 2014, 4:53 am

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An arthritis sufferer has vowed to carry on using cannabis for pain relief despite being caught growing his own supply at his home. Andrew Foster, aged 55, believes the drug should be legalised and the criminal justice system is wrong to stop patients who suffer from persistent back pain from using it. He escaped with a suspended sentence at Exeter Crown Court but was warned he risks immediate imprisonment if he starts growing the drug again. Foster was caught because police sniffed out the strong smell of the growing cannabis at his Devon home and found nine mature plants and 24 seedlings in two growing tents. They also recovered £1,850 worth of harvested drugs but checks on his mobile confirmed his story that he did not sell his crop and kept it all for his own use. Foster, of Grange Road, Torquay, admitted production and possession of cannabis and was jailed for 16 weeks, suspended for 12 months by Judge Erik Salomonsen. He told him:"The dilemma you put before the court is that if the probation report is to be believed, you intend to doing it. As I have said, cannabis is a class B drug. It is illegal to possess or produce or supply. "I am told it has been a significant feature of your life for over 30 years and one reason you take it is for a medical condition, which in your view it ameliorates. However, it is illegal and you have no prescription from your doctor." Mr James Taghdissian, prosecuting, said police raided Foster's home in February after detecting the smell of cannabis and found the plants, seedlings and a tub of the drug. The material already harvested would have been worth about £1,850 if sold on the street but it was accepted it was for personal use. Mr Paul Dentith, defending, said Foster's role in the growing was lessened by the fact it was for his own medicinal use and there was no intention to supply others. He said Foster has a history of back problems, sciatica, arthritis and pain in the hands and wrists which he finds is helped by cannabis, which he prefers to tablets and traditional medication.

Exeter City players complete ice bucket challenge and nominate Liverpool and Chelsea

August 25, 2014, 6:37 am

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Exeter City players have completed the ice bucket challenge and have nominated Liverpool, Chelsea, Bristol Rovers and Torquay United to do the same. The players were raising money for Jessica's Sarcoma Awareness. You can watch the video, which features Matt Grimes in the front, above. You can also donate to Jessica's Sarcoma Awareness by visiting www.gofundme.com/9jjtcs.

Exeter City boss Paul Tisdale takes positives from draw with York

August 25, 2014, 6:46 am

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Paul Tisdale said he could not fault the effort and commitment of his Exeter City players during the 1-1 draw with York City on Saturday. It was poor marking from a corner that gave York's Keith Lowe a free header at the back post with eight minutes to go to level the match. And the result was made all the more galling by the fact that Nigel Worthington's side rarely threatened the City goal throughout the League Two game. However, Tisdale took the positives from the performance. "I'm really proud of the players' commitment, they know how important the points are," Tisdale said. "Times are tough at the moment, and they didn't half put themselves about. "So I'm disappointed for me, for them and for the supporters to only get a point, but it is a point and we have just got to try and get every point we can until we can bring some players back from injury." The Grecians were without the injured Tom Nichols, Danny Butterfield, Jordan Moore-Taylor and the recently signed Christian Ribeiro for the game. However, that did not stop the manager making a number of changes to the City team that had played so poorly in the opening 45 minutes of the previous losses at Burton Albion and Plymouth Argyle. Tisdale moved defender Scot Bennett up front, to play alongside Graham Cummins, and put central midfielder Matt Oakley into defence. The idea was to get the ball forward quickly to the strikers and try to put the visiting defence under pressure. "We didn't play much football, but we certainly challenged their back four and gave them a tough time," Tisdale said. "I haven't got many cards to play with at the moment and I threw them all out in the first 15 to 20 minutes. After that, we had very little else to throw on, but we went for it from the start and we were competitive and direct at their back four. I thought we deservedly got an early goal." It was Oakley who provided the pass for the goal as he picked the ball up from deep and spotted Wheeler's run to the back post. The former Southampton player then showed his midfielder's touch as he delivered a perfectly-weighted pass which enabled Wheeler to leap above defender Femi Ilesanmi and head over stranded goalkeeper Michael Ingham and into the back of the net. Former Leicester City and Derby County man Oakley, who won the man-of-the-match award, continued to play long accurate balls forward and even got Cummins in on goal during the second half, before he was cynically brought down by Lowe outside the box. Explaining his reasoning behind Oakley's change in position, Tisdale said: "I needed Scot Bennett to play up front, but I haven't got too many options. "They aren't too many players who you can ask to do what Matt Oakley did on Saturday. He read the game so well and is such a bright player. He was a big plus for us. "I thought Matt was outstanding. I thought Liam [Sercombe] had a really good game back in that midfield scrap and Scot Bennett had a captain's performance up front. So, the spine of the team functioned quite well on Saturday." Speaking about Wheeler's goal, Tisdale added: "It was a fantastic ball from Matt Oakley and it drew the 'keeper. "David was brave and it was a very brave performance from him. He didn't get everything right. His game is a simple one, it is pace and power. "You have got to get him facing in the right direction and running on to balls at the right time and it sounds simpler than it actually is, but when the ball was in the right place he was there and it was a great ball by Oakley. He put some terrific balls into the box."

The Oddfellows in Exeter ranked among top UK pubs for Twitter followers

August 25, 2014, 6:48 am

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An Exeter pub has been ranked as one of the most successful on social media in the region. The Oddfellows, in New North Road, claimed 179th place in a list of the top 1,000 most followed pubs in the UK compiled by Pubs Galore. It has more than 3,660 Twitter followers – the second highest total in Devon and Cornwall, after The Watering Hole in Perranporth. Owner Yvan Williams – who runs The Oddfellows with his wife Faye – said: "Twitter is an important tool for us here. We have been users since July 2009. When we first started Twitter when there weren't many business users in Exeter. "Optix Solutions used to be based over the road and I used to see Alastair and Kirsten on a regular basis, which meant I had a couple of friends on Twitter, so I followed those guys to start with. "It seemed to be for people in web design and marketing, but I felt it could be good for our business. Five years later we are the top pub in Devon. "I enjoy the instant element of Twitter. We have used trades people and suppliers from Twitter, just because they show you what they are about in 140 characters. I have got a lot of business through Twitter – even today I've got people asking for our Christmas menus. We have also been able to separate certain sides of our business, that may interest others, so we have @thespeakeasybar and @OpenMicExeter as well as @theoddfellows."

Persimmon Homes South West profits boosted by 'keen appetite of first-time buyers'

August 25, 2014, 7:34 am

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The managing director of Exeter-based housebuilder Persimmon Homes South West has reported a strong half-year performance, with new jobs being created to meet growing demand for new houses. Simon Perks said the group remained confident about the future after releasing its results for the first half of 2014. Underlying pre-tax profits for the group increased 57 per cent to £212.9m, with legal completions in the UK up 28 per cent to 6,408 compared with the same period in 2012. Mr Perks said: "Persimmon has produced another strong performance, taking advantage of the current market opportunities to deliver growth whilst strengthening the financial position of the business. "We have been encouraged by our private sale reservation rate since July 1, which is currently running nine per cent ahead of the same period last year. "Visitors to our sites continue to run ahead of last year's levels and cancellation rates remain at the lowest levels we have experienced over the last few years. "We welcome the disciplined lending by mortgage providers which, together with the keen appetite of first-time buyers and existing homeowners to buy newly-built properties, is providing the opportunity for the industry to increase construction. "We will continue to offer a broad mix of house types for sale at affordable prices tailored to our customer preferences in our region." To meet the ever-increasing demand for new homes, the company is also continuing to invest heavily in strategic land. Mr Perks added: "During the first six months of the year, the business acquired 14,251 plots of land. These outlets will ensure the group is able to deliver new homes that local communities are keen to acquire. "We remain confident of Persimmon's continued successful development and the focus now is on getting people into their homes for Christmas. "As a region, we are delighted with the group's performance and I would like to thank my own team for their dedication and commitment. "Our apprentices and trainees are also enjoying meeting the challenges created by increased activity and are providing a valuable contribution by focusing on the basics of good housebuilding." With its regional headquarters on the Sowton Industrial Estate, Persimmon Homes South West has developments across Devon, Cornwall and Somerset, including at the new community of Cranbrook near Exeter Airport.