News in Honiton

A collection of Laura Ashley dresses from the late 1970s and early 1980s is to be auctioned at Chilcotts on Saturday, July 17.

The 47 dresses, all owned from new by the seller from Charmouth, includes classic floral and plain Laura Ashley frocks, plus bespoke dresses - and several evening dresses and ballgowns.

Some Covid restrictions will remain in place in Devon's care homes beyond Monday, July 19.

The requirement to wear face coverings and socially distance in public places is due to end on that date.

A special ceremony has been held to mark the centenary of the unveiling of the Honiton War Memorial on Wednesday, July 14.

The event started at 7pm with an introduction by the Town Crier Dave Retter, followed by a short speech by local historian and author Terry Darrant, looking back to the Memorial's dedication ceremony on July 14, 1921.

Improvements to children's services run by Devon County Council are starting to be made, but 'nothing is completely fixed', according to inspectors.

The cabinet member responsible – who is new to the post – has said he will work hard to bring further improvements – but the opposition leader said that for years, the council has been 'failing to get a real grip to turn it around and tackle the problems'.

Devon Freewheelers volunteers have been in Exmouth giving away free face masks and highlighting the work of the charity.

The Devon Blood Bikes volunteers donated face masks to schools in the town, for staff and students to wear.

Every week Honiton Nub News highlights an Event of the Week – something happening in the next few days that you might like to do.

There are also event listings in the What's On section of the site – and anyone can add their own events, free of charge.

East Devon MP Simon Jupp has backed the government's plans to go ahead with the full easing of Covid restrictions set for July 19, despite rising numbers of cases in the constituency.

But the leader of East Devon District Council, Paul Arnott, has warned that it could be 'an unwelcome infection accelerator' that is being introduced too soon.

East Devon's voluntary and community organisations have played a huge part in supporting people through the Covid pandemic, and now they're being asked how the district council can best support them.

The council has drawn up a discussion document and is inviting feedback on it from all voluntary and community groups, and social enterprises, in the area.

A medal awarded for service during the Battle of Trafalgar is to be auctioned for the first time in Chilcotts Auctioneers' July sale, which also features other important medals.

The Naval General Service Medal (NGSM) with Trafalgar clasp from 1847 was bestowed on Thomas Lemon, a 1st Lieutenant with the Royal Marines who served on the HMS Dreadnought in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.

Free school meals will be provided by Devon County Council over the summer.

The council will continue to give eligible families food vouchers worth £15 per child per week during the upcoming school holidays.