This is Exeter News from FdA Journalism
20th April 2016
Exeters loved wallaby dies By Paige Furzer Lucky the wallaby, that was rescued last year by Kate Lewis manager of Exeter’s Crealy Adventure Park, has died. Kate was raising her at home after her mother rejected her but six months on her health deteriorated quickly, following an episode of seizures caused by a liver shunt. Kate found the wallaby cold and alone not long after the mother had given birth. Unfortunately the park wouldn’t fund the wallaby’s care so Kate decided to take matters into her own hands, raising her at home, hoping to rehabilitate her in six months time. Kate cared for the animal 24 hours a day like it was her own - feeding it every hour and making sure the wallaby was making good progress. To make the wallaby’s upbringing as normal as possible Kate made a velvet pouch to mimic her mother’s belly. “I have made it a pouch out of soft
materials- the wallaby thinks its his mothers warm pouch. We have already had to re-size it three times as she is making good progress and growing at her normal rate.” Animal lovers and family members visited lucky weekly to enjoy the unique company of the tame animal. Lucky was making great progress and plans were going ahead to re introduced her back to the other wallabies at Crealy. Unfortunately her physical state deteriorated a few weeks before.
Lucky at Three months old Kate cared for her at home hoping to nurse her back to health. A few days later, following an episode of seizures her state quickly worsened.
the following morning. “We are devastated she was like part of the family even the dog would enjoy watching her bounce across the garden for hours on end”.
Despite excellent care, with little knowledge at the local vets of such an exotic creature nothing could be done. Kate and her family were devastated yesterday to find that lucky had passed
Like many other animals wallabies have a natural instinct with their young, and although at the time there was no obvious reason as to why the mother had rejected her baby, it is more than
likely it knew she was unwell. Kate has had a memory book created in memory of the adorable kangaroo like creature and a photo collage has been displayed at Exeter’s Crealy Adventure Park.
sport
Watch coverage of the Rugby World cup at Northenhay Gardens
O
n Saturday October 3rd, Northenhay Gardens, situated in Exeter’s town centre, is hosting another evening of rugby for all rugby fans following the World Cup 2015. Exeter will be the host City for matches throughout the world cup and to support this Sandy Park, home of the beloved Exeter Chiefs, have provided a location where all fans can get together and watch the matches for free. The Fanzone screenings are located in Exeter, Northenhay Gardens just a short walk from Exeter central train station and has the capacity to hold up to 5,000 people. There will be a range of family entertainment including; local bands, rugby stalls and a wide variety of cuisine, throughout the evening.
2 This is Exeter
This Saturday the Fanzone will play host to singer Rev Hammer a local guitarist/songwriter and blues singer Windside. From 2.00pm there will be a live screening of the Rugby World Cup 2015 followed by the live match of Samoa v Japan. Shortly after at 4.45pm there will be another screening of South Africa v Scotland followed by a five piece local folk band for all your entertainment. At 8.00pm there will be a live screening from Twickenham, London of England v Australia. During all matches the Fanzone organisers will provide a variety of cuisine, stalls and bars to grab a bite to eat and drink. Thousands of visitors have already visited Northenhay to get the full experience of watching worldclass matches under the stars.
Exeter’s Fanzone is proving so popular, extra provisions are being brought in to cope with a high demand from fans this weekend. Fanzone will be open for another ten days for all matches played at Sandy Park, England matches and the all the knock out stages. The last match to be played will be October the 31st. Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult and there will be bag searches in operation. Entry is free for all.
by Paige Furzer
Hogwarts to open its doors this Christmas
The Harry Potter studios based in London, are giving fans the opportunity to spend their Christmas dinner in the heart of the Hogwarts castle - The Great Hall. Fans were devastated when the world of wizardry came to an end, following the last film in the sequel of the iconic phenomenon of Harry potter but this Christmas something extra special is going on behind the doors of the Great Hall.
with
glistening
cherries.
The Hall will be set up to mimic the first Christmas Harry spent at Hogwarts during the mighty feasts at Hogwarts in Harry Potter and the Philosopher Stone. Props from the original scenes will be used such as; flaming Christmas puddings and roasted hog decorated
The Christmas theme will be continued throughout the whole experience giving people the chance to tour the entire studio admiring sets such as the Weasley’s kitchen and Diagon alley- all set up as they were for all the winter scenes. Guests will also be able to enjoy festive
To give people the ultimate chance to experience what it was like to be a pupil at Hogwarts each guest will have a wand and a pint of ‘butterbeer’ waiting for them at their allocated seat to give them that extra magical feel. Each guest will pay £230 to take part, and will enjoy a two-course meal including a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings.
desserts on Platform 9/3/4 home to the original prop of the Hogwarts express. Drink more butterbeer whilst exploring the model castle that will be decorated in a think sheet of snow in addition to the festive season. After the tour guest will be able to sing and dance up until midnight just like when the great hall held the Yule ball for the Triwizards tournament in film number four --The Goblet of Fire. Tickets go on sale on the 12th of November and can be purchased from the Warner Brothers website.
by Paige Furzer 3 This is Exeter
LOCAL
Firework displays in Exeter
tennis
Double Locks
children/ £16 family ticket
Situated on the Exeter canal, the Double Locks is the perfect location to spend your fireworks night this year. It will be a fun filled night for all the family with live music being performed, a mulled wine bar followed by a magnificent BBQ In the beer garden -- the perfect way to spend a crisp autumn evening. If you want to escape the winter chill and relax then take a seat in the bar, with the large log fire and a hot chocolate. The firework display will start around 7.30pm followed by the double locks bonfire soon after. Date: 7th November Price: £5 adults / £3 children if purchased in advance, £6 for adults on the door.
Ottery Tar Barrels
Round Table Charity Firework Display at Westpoint Exeter’s Round Table’s Annual charity firework display is being held at WestPoint just outside of Exeter. This event is the biggest firework display in Exeter and offers a great night out for everyone. Throughout the night a variety of live entertainment will be taking place with a local radio station opening the evening at 6.00pm. Throughout the night fairgrounds rides will be open along with food and drink stalls and of course the main attraction the fire work display which has been supplied by many organisations including Stephen Scown solicitors. Gates open at 5.30pm and the firework display will begin at 7.30pm. The charity event will be raising money for a variety of local charity’s including Devon Air Ambulance Trust and Exeter food banks. As this is one of the busiest events of firework night people will need to arrive on site by 6.45pm. Date: 5th November Price: £6 adults/ £4
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Ottery St Mary is holding their traditional adrenalin-rushing tar barrel event. Locals will be running through the streets carrying flaming hot barrels of tar on their backs. The barrels will vary in sizes throughout the evening and will be carried near to the town's pubs as well as in the square. The small barrels will be lit earlier on in the afternoon with the biggest barrel being run at midnight to bring the event to a close. Throughout the evening the carnival atmosphere will compliment a variety of floats, food stalls and fair ground rides flourishing the streets of Ottery St Mary. In addition to the burning tar barrels, children throughout the community will provide the Guy Fawkes statue, which will be lit on a giant bonfire by the River Otter later on in the evening. Date: 5th November Price: Free
Exeter’s Golf and Country Club Exeter’s Golf and Country Club are holding a spectacular firework display this year, with one of their main attractions being the fire show performed by professional fire breathers from Heartburn entertainment. Throughout the evening a variety of winter warmers will be provided including a hog roast, BBQ and mulled wine bar, followed by a children’s fancy dress disco and bouncy castle for the little ones. The club facilities will be closed by 4pm excluding the bars and visitors will be able to arrive from 5pm for the event. The firework display will commence when dark and the bars will continue to stay open till late. Date: 5th November
Price: £7.50 adult / £5 children / £23 family if purchased before October 31st £10 adult / £7.50 child / £28 family if purchased after October 31st
Topsham Rugby Club
Topsham Rugby club are keeping their tradition going by hosting another firework evening this year. The gates will open from 6.00pm and at 7.00 the bonfire will be lit. A variety of delicious hot food will also be provided throughout the night including chilli, curry and hotdogs. The rugby club bars will also be serving drinks and snacks, including toffee apples for everyone. At 7.30pm the firework display will begin, which has kindly be provided by sonic fireworks. A fun night for the whole family is guaranteed. Date: 5th November Price: £5 Adults/ £3 children/ £15 family
by Paige Furzer
CHARITY
Support your local Five ways you can support a Local Charity this Christmas Charities work hard all year round and their hard work can often go dismissed and unnoticed -- especially at Christmas when everyone is in high spirits and enjoying their holidays it’s easy to forget about charities that are often working round the clock unpaid. This year why not give some of your time, money or donate some of your old belonging to your local charity this can give you a sense of well-being and will make a massive difference to any others less fortunate. Below are five ways you can support your local charity. 1. Out with the old and in with the new! Have a clear out of all your unwanted items and donate them to a local charity shop. This will help you create space for your new items and will also create revenue for charity shops selling your used items.
23rd anniversary of death of Exeter Hospices first patient This Sunday marks the 23rd anniversary of the death of Exeter’s Hospice’s first patient, Doris Quick. Mrs Quick was the first patient to greet the Duchess of Kent, who, when visiting, officially opened the Searle House Hospiscare facility over two decades ago in 1992. .Doris, who had cervical cancer, spent three weeks at the hospice, returned home but was re-admitted a few weeks later and died there. It will be the 23rd anniversary of her death on November 15. During her stay, the dedicated staff at Searle House made her last few weeks peaceful allowing for her daughter, Sybil Lloyd to spend the crucial time needed with her cherished mother.Sybil said, “The care my mother received was outstanding, absolutely fantastic -- I couldn’t fault it. It was so relaxing there for my mum and
me, and the lovely positive staff Grandmother, Sybil Lloyd quotes, made her last moments special.” “It’s wonderful that Paige has What has made this occasion chosen a place to volunteer that more remarkable is that Do- was such a blessing to me. It was ris’ great granddaughter Paige an important place to my mother Furzer, unaware that her great as it created joy and happiness nan was the first ever patient in for her -- giving us both a chance Searle house, chose to volun- to spend quality time together. “ teer at the local hospice as part of her degree work experience. In remembrance of her mother, Sybil and her husband donate to She also turns 20 just days be- Hospiscare every Christmas and fore her great nan’s anniversary. take part in the hospice’s light Paige will also be assisting with up a life fundraiser. Sybil says, the opening of the new Honiton Day services which means “We write a message in retwo generations of her family membrance of my mum and have been involved in the offi- then hang it on the tree on the cial opening of two hospices. cathedral green, it is also displayed in the memory book in the Paige said, ‘‘ it’s quite amazing Chapel of the hospice. To me it how the universe seems to have keeps my mum’s memory alive“. conspired, bringing me to the door of the hospice when my own Great Nan was such a significant part of their history. “
2. Bake some Christmas goodies! Allow some time for you and your friends to get together and have a baking day. Why not take some home bakes over to your local homeless charity/shelter, to give others that are less fortunate a small but sweet taste of Christmas. 3. Do a kind gesture this Christmas time if you see someone struggling on the streets simply wish them a merry Christmas or buy them something warm to make them feel better. Think about how they might be spending their Christmas this year. A small act of kindness can go a long way. 4. Why not volunteer at your favourite charity – it’s a great opportunity to meet other people and spread Christmas Joy. It also will give the hard working staff a few hours of to relax and take a break from all their hard-unpaid work. 5. Fundraise! Get your work colleagues together and go to work in fancy dress! This is a great opportunity to raise money if you encourage everyone to bring a pound to work. You could even get some photographs and see if it could make the local papers which will show your act of kindness whilst still raising awareness for the local charity at Christmas time.
by Paige Furzer
5 This is Exeter
CHARITY Beacon Heaths Xmas Fair This saturday Beacon Heath held its annual Christmas Fair Over the last six months
to create a magical winter
volunteers
staff
wonderland full of snow,
have been working hard
fairy lights and glitter so
to give the old Beacon
give all children a wonderful
Heath community centre
Christmas
building makeover
and
a
experience.
complete this
There were a wide variety
hard
of Christmas stalls selling
efforts of all the people
unique hand made gifts,
that contributed where
clothes and cakes along with
seen when the centre
a lovely performance by the
open its doors for its
wonderful Hospiscare choir.
annual Christmas fair.
In total £400 was raised
Saturday
and the
through the generosity of Hundreds
of
residents
came
local
the pubic and of course the
to
hard work of the community.
support and purchase gifts created by many
Another
local Charities in order
at Exeter’s Beacon Heath
to raise money. There
successful
community
were over 100 stalls
cancer chariIt was a fun packed
course Santa! Children could
for visitors to explore including
day full of festive fun – and the
visit Santa for free and each
had
well-known charities Hospiscare,
main attraction, which had over
visitor received a special gift.
newly
Devon Refuge support and Force
150 children queuing, was of
Volunteers went the extra mile
ensured fun
centre,
that
and
all
enjoyed
refurbished
year that ages the
building.
by Paige Furzer
Above: Children above enjoying the face painting Left: Volunteers selling cakes Right: Hospiscare volunteers running stalls Top Right: Children collecting gifts from Santa
6 This is Exeter
7 This is Exeter
by Paige Furzer
Josie’s poem
Above: Josie and one of the nurses that cared for her grandad Hospiscare staff have been touched by a touching poem that Josie Saunders age 12 wrote for them shortly after her granddad Geoff Saunders past away. Geoff Saunders spent a week in the capable hands of the outstanding staff at Exeter’s hospice before he sadly passed away, loosing his battle to bowel cancer.
8 This is Exeter
During his stay, the staff at the hospice made his last few days peaceful and relaxing allowing for his granddaughter, Josie to spend the crucial time needed with her precious granddad.
better. Daughter, Jenny Saunders said, “He fell in love with the place and the people. Nothing was ever too much trouble for anyone, it was the best last week he could of possibly have had.”
Geoff’s family were overwhelmed with the care they all had received and said that his last week couldn’t of been made any
Josie spent a lot of time with her granddad and their bond was unbreakable. Geoff was a strong poet and his love
for poetry made a huge impact on his granddaughter. To help overcome her grief Josie wrote a beautiful poem to condense all her emotions into words. “I found it easier to express my feelings in a poem rather than trying to speak them. Although some lines were difficult to write, others came a lot easier to me -
it took me a while to perfect it. I wanted to capture the peace we all felt when Hopiscare took my granddad into their care.” Daughter, Jenny Saunders said, “When we arrived at the hospice we could finally take a deep breath and relax. It was so peaceful and relaxing there, which is where the name for the poem, Hos-peace-care came from.”
Josie poem has touched the hearts of many people around the hospice. Josie has also raised money at School for Hospiscare to thank the staff for what they did for her granddad when he was in their care.
HOS-PEACE-CARE It’s like a slice of heaven When you find yourself in hell.
The dying given dignity The living treated well. In a world fraught with emotion It’s a face for finding peace A place of calm and loving Where the fears you’ve has can cease. Its quiet, not depressing Like a haven in a storm Thou’ focused on the dying Its atmosphere still warm When at the edge of reason When life’s is most unfair
Be thankful and be grateful Thank god for Hospiscare Josie
Sanders
–
Age
12
by Paige Furzer
234 This is Exeter