Those visiting Devon County Show on Friday 19th May will be able to pick up some gardening design ideas from gardening expert Joe Swift, who will be making an appearance at the Show for the first time. Just in case there is anyone in the world who hasn’t heard of Joe, he is, of course, a familiar face on gardening themed TV programmes, having been a regular presenter on BBC Gardeners World since 1998. Joe also anchors The BBC coverage of The Chelsea Flower show and other RHS shows and has presented several gardening series over the years.  He also writes a weekly for the Times and Radio Times Magazine and has written no less than eight books – the most recent a series of Expert Guides for Collins.  He has won many design awards including a Chelsea Gold Medal and Society of Garden designer awards.  With his expert designer hat on, Joe will be giving a talk on Garden Design in the demonstration area in the Crafts & Gardens Marquee. Offering a sneak preview of the content, Joe said: ‘Most gardeners can’t see beyond their rectangular plot. I’ll be considering layouts, plants and planting design…

Final applications to Connecting Devon and Somerset’s successful Mobile Boost scheme should be submitted by tomorrow (Tuesday 28 February), ahead of the scheme drawing to a close at the end of March. The initiative has so far invested more than £1,031,000 to help those in the region who cannot receive an adequate indoor 4G mobile signal. To date, more than 1,490 homes and businesses across Devon, Somerset, Torbay and Plymouth have benefited from the scheme which provides vouchers worth up to £1,200 to support applicants with the cost of installing a mobile signal booster from registered suppliers. Final installations need to be completed by Friday 31 March. This includes anyone who may have already received a voucher through the scheme but not yet used it. Councillor Mike Rigby, CDS Board Member and Somerset County Council Lead Member for Transport and Digital, said: “The Mobile Boost scheme has been a tremendous success and it’s enabled almost 1,500 people and businesses across the region to benefit from a better 4G mobile signal. That’s a great result which can make a genuine difference to our local economy.” Councillor Rufus Gilbert, CDS Board Member and Devon County Council Cabinet Member for…

‘Thirsty for Fashion’ a new exhibition at Killerton house just outside Exeter, will showcase over 50 items from the National Trust’s largest fashion collection, highlighting pieces that demonstrate the techniques used to repair, remodel, reuse and rewear clothing from the 18th century to the present day.    The exhibition, running from 11 February to 5 November, will also feature some of the ways contemporary designers and makers are rethinking our approach to fashion as our collective understanding of the environmental impact of the fashion industry grows.    Highlights from the historical element of the exhibition include a child’s dress made of precious silk brocade, recycled from an adult’s silk gown in about 1750; a darning sampler of 1814; a sumptuous silk wedding gown of about 1840 remodelled to rewear in the 1940s and an embroidered parachute silk nightdress made in 1944 when clothing and material were rationed.    Other items include two patchwork quilts made from recycled fabrics and repairs to continue the life of a pair of mid-18th century leather stays.   Also on show will be vintage films from the 1940s and ‘50s with advice on how to ‘make do and mend’ and photographs of National Trust staff,…

Exeter College is celebrating after a full Ofsted Inspection, which has resulted in the College retaining the impressive accolade ofOutstanding.   Eight years since its last inspection Ofsted again confirmed that Exeter College is an Outstanding College. The College also scored the top assessment of ‘strong’ for its approach to meeting the skills needs of the area. This makes Exeter College the first college in the country to achieve the highest judgement in both elements of Ofsted’s new enhanced inspections.   The 21-strong Ofsted inspection team visited every College site and reviewed every facet of the College offer from 29 November to 2 December 2022.  Exeter College Principal and CEO, John Laramy CBE said: “At a time when the national press is talking about Ofsted raising the bar for their top grade the team at Exeter College has demonstrated that we have sustained Outstanding, even in the new rigorous enhanced framework.   “I would like to wholeheartedly thank everyone who contributed to this exceptional sector-leading outcome, especially our amazing learners, apprentices, staff and governors. Ofsted has recognised what I see from our students, apprentices and staff every single day.”  Bindu Arjoon, Chair of the Board of Governors, added: “We are delighted that the hard work of everyone at the College has been recognised in this way. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank all the students, staff and stakeholders for their personal contribution to our Outstanding College.”  The College achieved the top Ofsted…

Exeter based firm Westcountry Payroll is excited to announce that it will now be operating under the new trading name Astria Precision Payroll Limited. The refreshed Astria brand aligns with its objective of delivering comprehensive, reliable, and efficient payroll management services to its clients. Westcountry Payroll was established in 1996. The business has since grown and evolved, and now manages payroll for over 300 businesses across the UK. The name Astria, meaning goddess of precision, represents the company’s high level of accuracy as well as its wider reach.  Outsourcing the key administrative function of payroll management allows clients to focus on managing and developing their businesses. Astria’s employees are innovative and dedicated individuals and the company wanted to showcase this with vibrant colours and a fresh new look. Director Shane Cann comments, “We listened to our team and clients and wanted a name and image which reflects Astria’s innovative and modern approach to payroll management. “The new image and website put a greater emphasis on our vibrant and tailored approach to client care. It reflects our clients’ perception of who we are and the dedicated service we offer.” The Exeter Daily | News…