Jane Austen’s love of music, and the important role it played in her life and writing, will be explored at a special lecture-recital in Crewkerne on 10th September 2026.

Australian scholar, author, singer and pianist Dr Gillian Dooley will visit the South Somerset Music Centre to present Jane Austen Played and Sang, an illustrated talk exploring the music Austen knew, enjoyed and performed.

Drawing on Austen’s surviving music collection, family records and letters, Dr Dooley will trace the place of music in the novelist’s life from her teenage years through to her final years.

The presentation will combine scholarship with live performances of songs and piano works drawn from Austen’s own repertoire. The music will be played on a square piano of a similar vintage to the instrument Austen herself would have known.

Although Austen is celebrated throughout the world for novels such as Pride and Prejudice, Emma and Sense and Sensibility, her enthusiasm for music is less widely known.

Austen was an enthusiastic amateur musician who regularly practised the piano and sang. Music also features in her novels, where it can help illuminate the personalities, relationships and social lives of her characters.

Dr Dooley is an Honorary Associate Professor in English Literature at Flinders University in South Australia. Her research and writing bring together literature, music and history, and she has published and presented internationally on Jane Austen.

She is the author of She Played and Sang: Jane Austen and Music, published by Manchester University Press in 2024. The book was named a CHOICE Outstanding Academic Title for 2024 and draws on extensive research into surviving music books belonging to the Austen family.

It also explores the connections between Austen’s musical life and her writing, offering an insight into an aspect of the novelist’s world that is often overlooked.

The Crewkerne event will combine academic research with live performance, offering an opportunity for audiences to discover a different side of one of Britain’s best-loved writers while experiencing some of the music that formed part of her life.

No specialist knowledge is required, with the event aimed at anyone interested in Jane Austen, music, literature or social history.

Jane Austen Played and Sang takes place at South Somerset Music Centre, The Methodist School Room, South Street, Crewkerne, TA18 8DB, from 7.00pm to 8.00pm on Thursday, 10th September 2026.

Tickets cost £10, plus a 25p ticket service fee, and can be booked through the South Somerset Music Centre website: http://southsomersetmusiccentre.co.uk

( Images courtesy of SMC 📸 )

Devon’s suicide rate is significantly higher than the England average, with almost three-quarters of those who die by suicide in the county being men.

Ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day on 10th September, Public Health Devon is urging residents to help change the narrative around suicide by being prepared to recognise when someone may be struggling, start difficult conversations and know where to find help.

The county’s suicide rate currently stands at 13.5 deaths per 100,000 people, significantly above the England average.

The figures underline why suicide prevention remains a major public health issue in Devon, while the fact that almost three-quarters of deaths are among men reflects a wider national pattern.

This year’s World Suicide Prevention Day theme, “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”, is intended to encourage more open and honest conversations about suicide, with the aim of reducing stigma and making it easier for people to seek help when they need it.

Steve Brown, Director of Public Health and Communities at Devon County Council, said the responsibility for suicide prevention extended beyond health professionals.

“World Suicide Prevention Day is an important opportunity to remind people that suicide prevention is everybody’s business,” he said.

“We know that talking openly about suicide and mental health can feel difficult, but those conversations can make a real difference. By taking the time to listen, show compassion and connect someone with support, we can help people feel less alone.

“Across Devon, we are working with partners to improve understanding of suicide, reduce stigma and improve access to support. We want people to know that help is available and that every one of us can play a role in creating a more supportive, understanding and connected community.”

For Devon, the issue also has a particular rural dimension.

The county is predominantly rural and Public Health Devon says isolation and loneliness can be a reality for many people, particularly within farming communities where suicide rates remain a serious concern.

Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Communities and Equality, said recent pressures on farming families had added to concerns about wellbeing.

“Suicide can affect anyone, and its impact can be devastating for families, friends and communities,” she said.

“As a predominantly rural county, we know that isolation and loneliness can be a reality for many people across Devon, particularly within our farming communities where suicide rates remain a serious concern.

“Recent challenges such as the drought and bluetongue have put additional pressure on farmers and rural families, and at times it can feel overwhelming, but they have also encouraged more conversations about wellbeing and the importance of supporting one another.”

She urged people not to underestimate the value of simply making contact with someone who may be struggling.

“I’d encourage everyone to check in with their neighbours, friends and family, and not be afraid to talk openly about how they’re feeling,” she said.

“Sometimes all it takes is picking up the phone to a trusted friend or supportive person, having a conversation and knowing you’re not alone.”

She also highlighted the work of organisations such as the Farming Community Network, which provides support to people within farming communities.

The emphasis on conversation is central to this year’s suicide prevention campaign. Public Health Devon is encouraging residents to learn how to recognise when someone may be struggling and to develop the confidence to have a supportive conversation.

Free Zero Suicide Alliance awareness training is available, alongside more advanced training including Connect 5, Youth Connect 5 and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training.

The council is also promoting its “It’s OK to Talk About Suicide” guide and a Safety Plan resource, which helps people identify warning signs, coping strategies and sources of support during difficult periods or a mental health crisis.

The wider message from Devon’s public health leaders is that suicide prevention cannot depend solely on someone reaching the point of contacting a formal service.

Neighbours, friends, relatives and colleagues may be among the people who first notice that someone is struggling, making awareness and the confidence to start a conversation an important part of the wider prevention effort.

Public Health Devon is also promoting its Five Ways to Wellbeing, encouraging people to stay active, maintain connections with others, take notice, learn new skills and give to others as part of maintaining positive mental wellbeing.

Local partners are continuing to work together to increase awareness, reduce stigma, improve access to support and equip communities with the skills to help people who may be struggling.

The message ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day is therefore deliberately simple: talking about suicide does not have to begin with having all the answers.

Sometimes it can begin with noticing that someone is not themselves, picking up the phone, asking how they really are and being prepared to listen.

For a county where the suicide rate remains significantly above the national average, those conversations are being presented as part of the wider effort to prevent deaths and ensure that people do not feel they have to face difficult circumstances alone.

More information about suicide prevention, free training, the Safety Plan and local mental health support is available through Devon County Council’s Public Health webpages.

( Photos: Unsplash 📸 )

The South West is likely to have been one of the major beneficiaries of an extraordinary summer of sunshine and heat, as the UK heads towards what is expected to be its hottest summer on record.

Provisional figures from the Met Office are due to confirm whether June, July and August 2026 have produced the highest mean summer temperatures since records began in 1884. The figures are expected to show that the previous record, set only last year, has been broken again.

For tourism-dependent communities across Devon, Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset, the prolonged spell of warm and predominantly dry weather will have provided a significant opportunity, encouraging people to spend more time on beaches, along the coast and in the region’s outdoor attractions, while potentially giving a valuable boost to hospitality, leisure and visitor businesses during the crucial summer season.

The exceptional conditions have been particularly striking for their persistence rather than simply the peak temperatures. There have been five widespread heatwaves, while temperatures of 30C or above have been recorded on 40 separate days across the UK, exceeding the previous record of 34 days set in 1995.

Temperatures of at least 35C have been recorded on 10 days, twice the previous record of five days, set in 1976 and matched in 2020. Temperatures of 35C or above have also been recorded during four separate calendar months, May, June, July and August, compared with the previous record of two months.

The UK has also experienced three days when temperatures reached at least 37C, a new record. Of the nine occasions on which temperatures of 37C or above have been recorded anywhere in the UK, three have now occurred this year.

The highest temperature of the summer was 38.1C at Kew Gardens in London on 13 August. It was provisionally the UK’s fifth-hottest day on record in terms of maximum temperature, although it remained below the all-time record of 40.3C recorded at Coningsby in Lincolnshire in July 2022. The South West, with its extensive coastline, beaches, countryside and outdoor tourism economy, was particularly well placed to benefit from the long periods of settled weather. A sustained run of warm days can be especially valuable to attractions, accommodation providers, cafés, restaurants, pubs and other businesses reliant on summer visitors.

The weather also arrived during a period when tourism businesses were able to make the most of demand for outdoor activities, coastal trips and traditional seaside holidays. While precise economic figures for the South West’s summer season have yet to emerge, the exceptional conditions created what could prove to have been an important boost for the region’s visitor economy.

The weather was not without its problems, however.

For much of the summer, high pressure dominated the UK’s weather, with dry conditions and winds from continental Europe repeatedly pushing temperatures higher. Some areas experienced more than two months without measurable rainfall.

Drought was declared across all of Wales and more than two-thirds of England, while wildfires caused serious damage in parts of the country.

There was some respite towards the end of August, when cooler and wetter weather returned to many parts of the UK. Heavy rainfall also caused flash flooding in some areas. Sheffield received more than a month’s worth of rain during the week of 24th to 30th August, more than the city had received during the remainder of the season combined.

Despite the prolonged dry weather, the summer as a whole is not expected to set a UK-wide record for dryness.

The persistence of the heat is nevertheless expected to make summer 2026 a landmark year for Britain’s weather.

The UK’s mean temperature for the summer had reached 16.48C by 11th August, and the Met Office said at the time that only average conditions for the remainder of August would be required for a new seasonal record.

Although the second half of August was cooler and wetter, temperatures overall remained mostly around or above the seasonal average.

England and Wales are both expected to set new summer temperature records, while Northern Ireland is likely to come close. Scotland, however, is expected to fall short of its previous record.

The extraordinary summer follows a record-breaking period that began before the traditional summer season. A heatwave at the end of meteorological spring broke the UK’s May temperature record by more than 2C.

June then produced another monthly record, with Lingwood in Norfolk reaching 38.0C on 26th June. The previous June record was 35.6C, recorded during the historic summer of 1976.

Further heatwaves followed in July and August, including one which lasted for three weeks in some locations.

The pattern is consistent with a changing UK climate, with scientists warning that summers are becoming hotter and heatwaves more frequent and intense as a result of human-induced climate change.

All five of the UK’s hottest summers on record have occurred since 2000. Until last year, the four hottest summers were separated by only five hundredths of a degree, before the 2025 record increased by 0.34C.

Now, just one year later, that record is expected to be surpassed again.

The UK sits on the western edge of Europe, the fastest-warming continent on Earth, which is warming at roughly twice the global rate. Scientists point to a number of factors, including land heating faster than the oceans, the influence of a rapidly warming Arctic and changes in weather patterns that can favour more frequent and intense summer heatwaves.

The implications are increasingly significant for communities and businesses that depend upon the weather, including the South West’s substantial tourism economy.

For visitors, 2026 may be remembered as a summer of long, hot days and exceptional sunshine. For the South West’s tourism industry, it may also prove to have been a particularly valuable summer, providing ideal conditions for the region’s beaches, coastal attractions, outdoor activities and hospitality businesses at one of the most important points in the tourism calendar.

But the same conditions that can attract visitors also underline the challenges facing the region. Water resources, agriculture, wildfire risk and the resilience of infrastructure will all come under increasing pressure if hotter and more persistent summer conditions become more commonplace.

( Photos: Pixabay Library / Pulman's Weekly News 📸 )

A baby has died in Crewkerne and a man and a woman have been arrested as Avon and Somerset Police investigate the circumstances surrounding the child’s unexplained death.

Police were called to a residential property in the town by the ambulance service shortly before 2.45pm on Sunday, 16th August, after being informed that a young infant was critically ill.

Tragically, the baby was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Police said the cause of the sudden death is being treated as unexplained following an initial forensic postmortem examination.

A man and a woman were arrested on suspicion of causing or allowing the death of a child.

The force stressed that the arrests do not represent a conclusion as to what happened. Police said the decision to arrest the pair was made so that both individuals had the opportunity to provide an account under caution, while in the presence of any legal representative they wished.

Both have since been released under investigation while enquiries continue. No charges have been brought.

Police said the investigation remains at a very early stage and appealed to members of the public not to speculate about the circumstances surrounding the baby’s death.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said:

“We were called to a residential property in Crewkerne by the ambulance service shortly before 2.45pm on Sunday 16th August.

“They informed us there was a young infant who was critically ill.

“Tragically, the baby was pronounced deceased at the scene.

“At this stage we are treating the cause of this sudden death as unexplained following an initial forensic postmortem examination.

“A decision was made to arrest a man and a woman on suspicion of causing or allowing the death of a child, so both parties had the opportunity to provide us with an account under caution, while in the presence of any legal representative they wished.

“They have both been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

“Our investigation into what happened remains at a very early stage.

“We would politely ask people not to speculate around the circumstances because there is still a great deal of information we need to ascertain and review to further our understanding of what occurred.

“We appreciate news of this child’s death will cause great sadness, particularly in the local community, however we would like to reassure people we do not believe there is any wider risk to public safety.”

Police enquiries remain ongoing.

( Photo: Avon and Somerset Police 📸 )

The South West’s long, hot summer is bringing millions of holidaymakers to Devon and Cornwall, filling beaches, campsites, hotels and seaside towns, but the seasonal population boom is also creating opportunities for organised drug networks looking to exploit communities and demand for illegal substances.

While the overwhelming majority of visitors arrive simply to enjoy the region’s beaches, countryside and holiday attractions, the sharp increase in population during the summer months presents an additional challenge for police tackling county-lines drug dealing.

County lines is the term used to describe organised drug supply networks in which criminal groups typically move drugs from larger cities into smaller towns and rural communities.

Devon & Cornwall Police says vulnerable people, including children, can be exploited to transport and distribute drugs, while criminals may also take over vulnerable people’s homes to use them as bases for their operations.

The seasonal nature of many Devon and Cornwall communities can make the summer particularly significant for those involved in illegal drug supply.

Popular destinations which normally have relatively small permanent populations can experience a dramatic increase in footfall during July and August. The Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall has highlighted the scale of the seasonal influx, with the region recording an additional 20 million visits in 2025 on top of its usual visitor numbers.

Police have consequently increased patrols across coastal areas, town centres and other busy locations during the summer. In Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, officers have specifically warned that the large influx of visitors and increased outdoor activity brings a rise in calls for service, including reports involving anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related incidents.

Against that backdrop, concerns over cannabis use are particularly relevant.

New research published in the journal Biological Psychiatry has found that cannabis use is associated with an earlier onset of psychosis, including among people in their 20s and 30s.

Researchers from UNSW examined 149 studies involving more than 71,000 people and found that cannabis users developed psychosis an average of 2.5 years earlier than non-users.

The association was more pronounced among people who developed psychosis later in life. Those who developed the condition in their late 20s experienced onset around 4.4 years earlier on average, while among those aged 30 or over the difference was more than six years.

The findings challenge the assumption that cannabis-related psychiatric risks are principally a concern for teenagers or people whose brains are still developing.

Psychosis can involve hallucinations, delusions, confusion and a serious distortion of a person’s perception of reality. Researchers stress that there are multiple factors involved, including genetics, and that the study does not establish that cannabis directly causes psychosis in every user.

However, the researchers say their findings add to decades of evidence linking cannabis use with psychosis and suggest that the potential risks extend across the lifespan.

For Devon and Cornwall, the issue sits alongside an established policing concern about the supply of cannabis and other drugs through county-lines networks.

Recent police operations demonstrate the scale of the challenge. During Operation Scorpion 15 in June, which focused on drug-related criminality across the South West, police forces seized 24kg of cannabis alongside more than 5kg of Class A drugs, arrested 103 people and safeguarded 16 adults and children.

Earlier regional operations have also uncovered significant quantities of cannabis. During a 2024 county-lines crackdown, 37kg of cannabis and 564 cannabis plants were seized across the South West, alongside arrests and the safeguarding of vulnerable people.

Police have repeatedly stressed that county lines is not simply a drugs issue. It is also an exploitation issue, with organised criminal groups deliberately targeting vulnerable people to facilitate their activities.

Devon & Cornwall Police says county-lines networks can exploit children and adults with vulnerabilities, using them to carry or distribute drugs, while so-called ‘cuckooing’ involves criminals taking over another person’s home as a base for criminal activity.

The challenge therefore extends beyond the question of who is buying illegal drugs.

For communities across Devon and Cornwall, the summer population surge can mean greater pressure on police, increased opportunities for criminal networks and a heightened risk that vulnerable people will be drawn into organised drug activity.

In Torquay, police have already carried out targeted operations against county-lines activity, resulting in cannabis seizures and arrests, including the detention of a man found with £1,300 in cash and a suspected burner phone. Officers described county-lines activity as something that can happen “anywhere” and said their work was aimed at both disrupting drug dealing and safeguarding vulnerable people.

The message from police is that county lines is not confined to Britain’s major cities. Smaller towns, rural communities and popular holiday destinations can all be targeted.

And as millions of legitimate visitors continue to enjoy the South West’s exceptional summer weather, the region faces the annual challenge of ensuring that its seasonal boom does not provide an equally attractive opportunity for those seeking to profit from illegal drugs and the exploitation of vulnerable people.

( Photos: Unsplash 📸 )

Thousands of music fans will descend on the East Devon countryside this weekend as the sold-out Beautiful Days festival returns to the Escot Estate near Ottery St Mary.

Around 17,500 people are expected to attend the three-day festival from Friday, 21st August, to Sunday, 23rd August, with a packed programme of live music, DJ sets, theatre and family entertainment taking place across the 250-acre estate.

Headlining this year’s event are Madness, Super Furry Animals, The Proclaimers and festival founders Levellers, who will bring the weekend to a close on Sunday evening.

Other major acts on the bill include The Wonder Stuff, The Divine Comedy, Eddi Reader, Billy Bragg, Steeleye Span, Big Special and Gurriers.

Music fans can also look forward to DJ sets from Orbital’s Phil Hartnoll, BBC Radio 6 Music presenter Chris Hawkins and Happy Mondays’ Bez.

The festival will offer plenty beyond the main stages, with theatre and family entertainment also forming an important part of the weekend. Shrek the Musical is among the attractions, while festival-goers are being encouraged to embrace a ‘Back to the 70s’ dress-up theme on Sunday.

Beautiful Days was founded by the Levellers in 2003 and takes its name from one of the band’s best-known songs. What began with around 4,000 festival-goers has grown into one of the country’s best-established independent festivals.

Levellers frontman Mark Chadwick said he had initially expected the event to last only a few years.

“I thought we’d get away with it for five years – even once would have been great,” he said.

“The festival as it is now was the dream.

“We’ve even heard it described as The East Devon Festival, which is great.”

The festival was created partly as an alternative to the increasingly commercial nature of major music events at the time.

“Those we had played were corporate and disappointing, so we thought, let’s start our own – something for the people, for fans of the culture we were willing to represent,” Mark said.

Behind the scenes, preparations for the event have been under way since early August, with the number of people working on site expected to rise from around ten at the start of preparations to approximately 1,500 immediately before the festival opens.

Promoter Dave Farrow, of Exeter-based DMF Productions, has worked with the Levellers since 1989 and has been involved with Beautiful Days since its beginning.

He said the festival had developed into one of the UK’s leading boutique events.

“Beautiful Days was one of the first boutique festivals – now, there’s at least one for every summer weekend, if not more,” he said.

“I’m amazed at our history – it’s phenomenal.”

The festival’s impact also reaches beyond the Escot Estate, providing a significant annual boost to a nearby community business.

Talaton Community Shop volunteers will once again run the on-site shop, with manager Trish Lenehan describing the festival as a vital source of income for the village.

Last year, the shop sold around 5,000 units of water and soft drinks, 1,200 units of milk and approximately 500 loaves and bread rolls during the festival.

A team of 20 volunteers is expected to help operate the shop this year.

“It’s a godsend for the community shop,” said Trish.

“It keeps us afloat all year round, which is brilliant for the community.”

The festival is also preparing for around 3,000 campervans and caravans this year, with an additional field being used to meet demand.

With Beautiful Days now firmly established as a major event in the East Devon calendar, the festival’s organisers are preparing to welcome another sell-out crowd to the Escot Estate.

Tickets for this year’s festival have already sold out, with tickets for Beautiful Days 2027 expected to go on sale around November.

More information about the festival is available at beautifuldays.org

( Photos: Beautiful Days / Escot Estate 📸 )

A Devon animal charity is warning of a hidden pet welfare crisis as it faces an “unprecedented” rise in the number of abandoned and unwanted kittens needing urgent care.

Blue Cross is calling on cat owners across Devon to have their pets neutered, amid concerns that the cost of living crisis is contributing to more unplanned litters as owners struggle with veterinary costs.

The charity also believes some cats may be deliberately bred for sale, only for kittens to be brought into rescue when there are not enough buyers.

Stuart Insley, Centre Manager at Blue Cross in Devon, said the charity had never seen kittens arriving for help on such a scale.

“I have never seen kittens coming in for help on a scale like this,” he said.

“Almost every week we are seeing kittens that have been discovered by members of the public. Some are incredibly young and need round the clock care to give them the best chance of survival.

“This is in addition to the many unplanned and unwanted litters being brought in as well as pregnant cats.”

The scale of the problem is already evident at the Blue Cross centre in Exeter, which has taken in 15 kittens during the first half of this year alone.

That compares with 15 kittens being taken into the centre during the whole of 2022.

With summer traditionally being the peak period for cats giving birth, and recent heatwaves creating further concerns for animal welfare, Blue Cross fears the situation could become even more challenging in the weeks ahead.

Among the kittens currently looking for a new home are Pudding and Dumpling, a bonded pair of brothers who are hoping to find a peaceful and quiet home together.

Blue Cross says there are many more kittens, cats and other pets currently in its care across Devon, all desperately needing permanent homes.

The charity is urging people considering taking on a pet to consider rehoming rather than buying, while also encouraging existing cat owners to neuter their animals to help prevent unwanted litters.

Blue Cross says the pressures facing both pets and their owners have created a hidden welfare crisis, and it needs continued support to maintain its rehoming and veterinary services.

Members of the public can help by donating, fundraising, providing foster care, volunteering at pet food banks or supporting campaigns aimed at improving pet welfare.

More information about pets available for rehoming and how to support Blue Cross can be found at www.bluecross.org.uk

( Photos: Blue Cross 📸 )

As schools break up for the summer, Aldi is calling on shoppers across Devon, Dorset and Somerset to help local foodbanks by donating essential items during their weekly shop.

The supermarket chain says the summer holidays can be one of the most challenging periods for families already struggling with the rising cost of living. With children at home for six weeks and free school meals unavailable, many households face additional pressure on already stretched budgets.

Foodbanks play an increasingly important role in communities, providing emergency support to families, pensioners, people facing illness, and those experiencing unexpected financial hardship.

Beyond supplying food, many foodbanks act as community hubs, offering advice, signposting to support services and helping prevent vulnerable residents from falling into crisis.

To help meet demand, Aldi has highlighted the items most frequently requested by local foodbanks through its charity partner Neighbourly. These include tinned foods, cereals, rice, pasta, UHT milk, tea, coffee, fruit juice, toiletries, baby products and pet food.

Luke Emery, National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK, said: “The summer holidays can be a particularly difficult time for many families, with the cost of keeping children fed while they’re home from school putting extra pressure on household budgets.

“We know our customers are incredibly generous and want to support people in their local communities.

“Even adding just one extra everyday essential to your weekly shop can make a real difference.”

Shoppers can leave donations at collection points located in Aldi stores, with contributions distributed to nearby foodbanks and charitable organisations through Neighbourly’s community network.

The retailer estimates that its partnership with the charity will help provide around two million meals across the UK during the summer period.

( Photo: Getty Images 📸 )

Family, friends and former colleagues gathered at Buckfast Abbey today (12th August) to bid a final farewell to former MP, broadcaster and author Ann Widdecombe.

A private Requiem Mass was held at the Devon abbey where Widdecombe worshipped regularly, with mourners coming together to commend her soul to God and give thanks for a life marked by public service, strong convictions and a deeply held Christian faith.

Buckfast Abbey confirmed that the service would be attended by family and invited guests only. The Abbey Church was closed to the public during the funeral, with an Order of Service published online and the homily delivered by the Rt Rev David Charlesworth, Abbot of Buckfast.

For many across Devon and beyond, the occasion represented more than the funeral of a well-known political figure. It was an opportunity to remember a woman whose Roman Catholic faith remained central to her life and public witness.

In a statement, Buckfast Abbey described Ann Widdecombe as a “kind and warm character” who would be “missed and fondly remembered” by the worshipping community.

“Ann was a woman of profound faith, a faith which found expression in the public forum of politics,” the statement said. “Ann was unafraid to express her unwavering convictions, formed through her Roman Catholic faith. She had a sharp intellect and was a dedicated public servant.”

Widdecombe, 78, died on 8th July following an attack at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor. Joshua Kerry, 28, of Rotherham, South Yorkshire, has been charged with her murder.

Her death prompted tributes from across the political spectrum, reflecting a career that spanned nearly four decades in public life. First elected as a Conservative MP in 1987, she served as a prisons minister during the 1990s before later becoming a Member of the European Parliament for the Brexit Party. At the time of her death, she was serving as a spokesperson on immigration and justice for Reform UK.

Beyond Westminster and Brussels, Widdecombe became a familiar face to millions through television appearances, including Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother, where her distinctive personality and forthright views attracted both admirers and critics.

Yet those closest to her often pointed to her faith as the foundation of her life. A regular worshipper at Buckfast Abbey, she remained actively involved in the Roman Catholic community and frequently spoke publicly about the influence of Christianity on her values and political outlook.

The funeral comes as investigations into the circumstances surrounding her death continue. Counter-terrorism officers have recently reopened inquiries into an alleged firebomb attack on Reform UK leader Nigel Farage’s London home in 2025 as part of wider investigations connected to the case.

A public memorial service for Ann Widdecombe is expected to take place later this year, allowing members of the public to pay their respects.

As prayers were offered today within the tranquil setting of Buckfast Abbey, many across Devon and the wider country paused to remember a woman whose life combined faith, politics and public service in a way few contemporary politicians have matched.

( Photo: Finnbarr Webster / Getty Images 📸 )

Skywatchers across Devon and Somerset are being encouraged to look to the western horizon on the evening of Wednesday, 12th August, when the largest partial solar eclipse visible from Britain since 1999 coincides with the annual Perseid meteor shower, creating a rare celestial double event.

The partial solar eclipse will begin at around 6.15pm, reaching its maximum shortly after 7.10pm before ending just after 8.00pm. During the peak phase, between 94 and 95 per cent of the Sun will be obscured by the Moon across much of the South West.

Forecasters say the region is among the best places in the UK to witness the event, with current predictions suggesting warm temperatures, relatively clear skies and favourable visibility.

According to weather forecasts, many areas of Somerset, including Bridgwater, Frome, Chard and Bath, are expected to enjoy particularly good viewing conditions. Taunton and Weston-super-Mare are also forecast to experience bright skies with little cloud cover during the eclipse.

In Devon, astronomers and experienced observers advise prioritising an uninterrupted western horizon rather than simply seeking the highest viewpoint. As the Sun will be low in the sky during the eclipse’s most dramatic phase, trees, hedgerows, buildings and headlands could easily obscure the view.

Popular coastal locations expected to attract visitors include Budleigh Salterton, Exmouth, Seaton and Sidmouth, where open sea horizons offer excellent opportunities to watch the Moon gradually cover the setting Sun.

Inland locations such as Woodbury Common, Dumpdon Hill near Honiton and parts of the Blackdown Hills may also provide superb vantage points, provided the western skyline remains unobstructed.

Astronomers are nevertheless warning that cloud cover remains the greatest uncertainty. With several days remaining before the event, observers are being encouraged to monitor updated forecasts and consider alternative viewing locations should local conditions deteriorate.

One of the region’s focal points for eclipse viewing will be the Norman Lockyer Observatory in Sidmouth, where a special public event is planned. Doors will open at 5.00pm, with experienced astronomers providing safe solar telescopes and guidance throughout the eclipse.

Organisers say that if cloud obscures the view from East Devon, livestreams from Iceland and Spain will be used, where possible, to allow visitors to follow the event.

Evening activities will also include storytelling, astronomy presentations and meteor watching later in the night.

Experts are stressing that the eclipse must be viewed safely.

Because this is a partial eclipse rather than a total eclipse, the Sun will remain visible throughout the event.

Looking directly at it without proper protection can cause permanent eye damage. Ordinary sunglasses offer no protection. Observers should only use certified eclipse glasses meeting ISO 12312-2 standards or indirect viewing methods such as pinhole projectors.

Binoculars, cameras and telescopes should never be pointed at the Sun unless fitted with specialist solar filters.

Once darkness falls, attention will turn to the Perseid meteor shower, one of the most reliable and popular annual astronomical displays.

The shower reaches its peak overnight between 12th and 13th August, with the highest activity expected between approximately 3.00am and 5.00am BST. This year’s near-new moon will provide unusually dark skies, improving the chances of seeing fainter meteors.

Dark-sky locations such as Trinity Hill Local Nature Reserve near Axminster, the Blackdown Hills and Exmoor National Park are expected to offer the best viewing opportunities.

Exmoor, recognised as Europe’s first International Dark Sky Reserve, is likely to provide some of the finest meteor-watching conditions in the country. The coastal hilltop of Holdstone Down could offer a spectacular vantage point.

Unlike eclipse viewing, no special equipment is required for the Perseids. Astronomers recommend finding a safe, dark location, allowing at least 30 minutes for your eyes to adapt to the darkness, and observing with the naked eye.

For those fortunate enough to enjoy clear skies, Wednesday evening could offer a rare opportunity to witness two of the year’s most striking astronomical events in a single night.

( Photos: Pixabay Library 📸 )

A former treasurer who abused her position of trust to steal more than £200,000 from a long-established Devon charity over a nine-year period has been convicted of fraud.

Geraldine Coates, 59, was found guilty at Exeter Crown Court of dishonestly abusing her position as treasurer of the Honiton and District Agricultural Association between April 2009 and August 2018. She is due to be sentenced later this month and has been warned by the trial judge that the offence is likely to result in an immediate custodial sentence.

The court heard that Coates, who ran an accountancy business in Honiton while serving as the charity’s treasurer, gradually gained control of the organisation’s finances, including its accounts, cheque books and financial records.

Police say she used that trusted position to transfer charity funds for her own benefit, including payments towards personal expenses such as credit card bills and holidays.

Detective Constable Alan Findlay, the officer in charge of the investigation, said: “So over a sort of nine-year period from 2009 to 2018, she basically siphoned off funds from a charity.”

The fraud first came to light in 2018 after an unrelated fraud affecting the charity prompted members to examine its finances more closely.

“So Geraldine Coates was caught because there was a fraud that took place in 2018 that was not related,” said DC Findlay.

“When that happened, the charity then looked at other transactions and they were absolutely horrified to discover the level of fraudulent supplier payments that had taken place.”

According to police, concerns were initially reported by the Honiton and District Agricultural Association through Action Fraud, now known as Report Fraud, before being passed to Devon and Cornwall Police.

Investigators say the case highlighted the dangers of allowing one individual unchecked control over an organisation’s finances.

“The level of trust they’d given Geraldine Coates was based around her position... they believed she was qualified as a bookkeeper,” DC Findlay said.

“There were times when it was queried what she was doing, but she would come up with reasons why something was happening, or floor them with some sort of technical stuff to do with bookkeeping.”

Detectives believe that trust enabled the offending to continue for years without being uncovered.

“I think what would happen is possibly that is the way some of these things happen,” said DC Findlay.

“You start, you take some money, think you’re going to pay it back maybe, never do, realise you’ve got full control, you’ve been given the trust of the organisation and she’s played on that, then just carried on, going further and further.”

The investigation uncovered evidence that Coates attempted to explain suspicious transactions when challenged and later produced false documents to support her claims.

“When she was initially challenged by the charity, before the police got involved, Geraldine Coates decided the way to address this was to actually produce some fake bank statements to try and justify the transactions that had taken place,” said DC Findlay.

“Through the trial, it has been found they were fake bank statements.

“She has not taken full responsibility during the trial process. That is one of the things that really shocks me.”

The Honiton and District Agricultural Association has for many years supported agricultural and educational projects across the area through fundraising activities including land rental, auctions and its annual agricultural show.

Police say the financial losses extended far beyond the charity itself.

“The charity ultimately would have provided funding to lots of different people and local organisations,” DC Findlay said.

“Ultimately certain people in the locality would have missed out.”

He added that members of the charity were deeply affected by the discovery.

“I think they were taken in,” he said.

“When they ultimately discovered it, they were in deep shock.”

The investigation itself lasted several years and involved the painstaking examination of thousands of financial transactions, bank records, invoices and witness statements.

“I’ve had the case for about five years,” DC Findlay said.

“There were a number of officers in the case before me.

“There have been lots of hours, lots of going through paperwork, lots of spreadsheets and lots of statements to be obtained.

“It is quite a big inquiry to run.”

Detective Inspector Dan Parkinson, who oversees fraud and cyber crime investigations across Devon and Cornwall Police, said the case serves as a warning to charities and smaller organisations.

“It is unusual, but we do unfortunately see, particularly with smaller companies and charities where there is a lot of trust placed in individuals, that sadly this does happen,” DI Parkinson said.

He stressed that the damage caused by fraud often extends beyond financial losses.

“It is not just the money they have lost,” he said.

“It is the impact on the individuals who were working there, who were part of the charity and put their complete trust in this lady.”

DI Parkinson also warned that organisations should ensure proper checks and balances are in place.

“What we’d say is make sure those checks are built into your processes,” he said.

“Do not put all your trust in individual people.

“Make sure there are things to actually check that what is being done is correct and that the accounts, and certainly all the money, are being handled properly.”

He urged people not to ignore concerns for fear of causing offence.

“We do not want to offend people,” he said.

“But as professionals, and certainly professional accountants and bookkeepers, they will be more than happy for their work to be checked by other people to verify that it is all correct.”

Reflecting on the lengthy investigation, DC Findlay said complex fraud cases often require patience from victims and the public.

“We can investigate these cases,” he said.

“They do take some time, so people’s expectations have to be managed.”

For the Honiton and District Agricultural Association, the conviction brings to a close a chapter that has seen more than £200,000 diverted away from projects intended to benefit the local East Devon community.

( Photos: Unsplash 📸 )

People across the South West are being urged to become “One in a Million” by joining the NHS Organ Donor Register, amid growing concern that fewer families are giving consent for organ donation at the time of a loved one’s death.

NHS Blood and Transplant has launched a national campaign aiming to encourage an additional one million adults to register their donation decision by the start of 2027.

Nearly 29 million people across the UK have already recorded their wishes, including around 2.9 million people in the South West.

The appeal comes as new figures reveal family consent for organ donation has fallen sharply over the past five years. Across the UK, consent or authorisation rates have dropped from 69 per cent in 2020/21 to 57 per cent in 2025/26.

Health leaders say the decline is particularly worrying at a time when more people than ever are waiting for life-saving transplants.

Evidence shows that when a person has recorded their wishes on the NHS Organ Donor Register, families support donation in almost 90 per cent of cases. However, when relatives are unsure of their loved one’s wishes, support falls to below 50 per cent.

Anthony Clarkson, Director of Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “Family support for organ donation has been in steady decline over the last few years, and we need to reverse that trend.

“We understand that when families are approached about organ donation, they may be expected to make difficult decisions at an already tragic time. That’s why we are asking people in the South West to be ‘One in a Million’ and drive up the number of people on the NHS Organ Donor Register to 30 million by the start of 2027. It gives your family that certainty that you want donation to go ahead and it’s expected that they honour that decision.

“For many families though, even when their loved one has expressed a wish to donate, they still override that decision for whatever reason, meaning hundreds of potential organ transplant opportunities being lost each year.

“I would urge people who haven’t already done so to express your decision to donate via the Organ Donor Register and for families to remember that decision and honour it should the time come. It’s the final act you can do for them to honour their memory and leave a lasting legacy to be proud of.”

The figures show that while organ donation and transplantation increased slightly across the UK last year, the South West experienced a small decline.

A total of 237 people in the region donated organs after death during 2025/26, down from 244 the previous year. The number of people receiving transplants also fell, from 369 to 342.

At the same time, 612 patients in the South West are currently waiting for a transplant.

Across the UK, 8,296 patients, including 241 children, were on the active transplant waiting list as of 31 March 2026, the highest number ever recorded.

Last year, 1,428 people donated organs after death across the UK, helping 4,666 patients receive life-saving transplants. Living organ donation also increased, with 1,017 living donors accounting for 42 per cent of all organ donors.

Despite these gains, the need remains acute. NHS figures show 434 patients died while waiting for a transplant last year, including 35 people in the South West. A further 899 patients were removed from waiting lists because their health deteriorated to the point where transplantation was no longer possible.

For Bath resident Harriett Bremner, the importance of recording a donation decision became deeply personal after the sudden death of her husband Grant.

Grant, a father of three, collapsed at home in June 2025 following a brain haemorrhage. He was taken to Southmead Hospital but never regained consciousness. Shortly before his death, he had renewed his driving licence and signed up to the NHS Organ Donor Register.

Harriett said: “When we were in the hospital with him, there was never any doubt in my mind that organ donation was the right thing to do. It was the perfect reflection of Grant, because he was such a generous person in so many ways.

“It was just part of his story because it reflected who he was. I didn’t even have to decide really, because he was on the register through his driving licence that was recently renewed.”

Grant’s kidneys and heart valves were donated, helping other patients and potentially saving lives.

Reflecting on the experience, Harriett said: “In a split second he was here, and then he was gone. So you have to feel happy that you’re making the right decision, which is why signing the Organ Donor Register is so vital.

“I was sitting waiting in the room with Grant, thinking, there’s another family somewhere. I don’t know where they are and I don’t know who they are, but they are sitting in a hospital room too.

“It did help to think about another similar hospital room somewhere, and that Grant would be helping that family.”

NHS Blood and Transplant says increasing the number of people who formally record their wishes and discuss them with loved ones could help save hundreds more lives each year.

The organisation is urging people across Devon, Somerset and the wider South West to register their decision and ensure their families are aware of their wishes, helping to bridge the gap between public support for organ donation and the number of transplants that can actually take place.

( Photos: Unsplash 📸 )

A major proposal for 2,000 new homes, a primary school, employment land and new road junctions has been unveiled for East Devon, potentially creating one of the largest housing developments the district has seen in recent years.

Exeter-based developer Stuart Partners Limited has submitted outline plans for what it calls “Clyst Village” on land between Crealy Theme Park on the A3052 and Clyst St George on the A376.

If approved, the development would deliver around 2,000 homes alongside a new primary school, neighbourhood centre, public open space and employment land.

The proposals also include new transport infrastructure, including access from the A3052 and improvements to the A376.

The scale of the scheme is likely to attract significant public interest because the site is not identified for development in East Devon District Council’s current local plan.

The proposal also emerges as the council continues work on its ambitious Marlcombe new town project, planned on land between the A30 and A3052 east of Westpoint. Marlcombe, which could eventually provide around 8,000 homes, remains at an early stage and is a key part of the district’s emerging local plan, which is expected to guide development up to 2042.

Combined, the two projects could dramatically increase housing provision across East Devon over the coming decades.

Planning documents submitted with the application suggest the developer believes Clyst Village could help address housing shortages more quickly than Marlcombe.

“Clyst Village acknowledges that the delivery model for Marlcombe is uncertain and requires significant external funding, meaning delivery is highly optimistic,” the documents state.

“Clyst is capable of delivering faster, thus plugging an expected delivery gap.”

Like many local authorities, East Devon District Council is currently under pressure to meet government housing targets, and large-scale developments could play an important role in addressing future demand.

The application submitted is for outline planning permission only. This means detailed issues such as the layout of the development, the design of homes and the appearance of buildings would be considered at a later stage if the principle of development is approved.

The plans indicate that Oil Mill Lane would run through the proposed development, with housing located on both sides of the road.

Transport improvements form a significant part of the proposal. Developers are seeking a new access point from the A3052 and say it would not only serve the new community but could also support future development in surrounding areas. Detailed proposals for a junction on the A376 would be brought forward as part of wider discussions with the council on public transport and active travel improvements.

East Devon District Council confirmed the site is not allocated for development within the current local plan.

“In preparing the draft new local plan, the council favoured land between the A30 and A3052, east of Westpoint, for the proposed Marlcombe new town,” a council spokesperson said.

“The application now received seeks to promote the Crealy and Clyst St George site as a village that would be separate to proposals for Marlcombe.

“Land does not need to be allocated in a local plan for a planning application to be submitted.

“The council is legally required to consider all valid planning applications on their individual planning merits, taking account of relevant planning policies and other material considerations.

“No decision has been made on the application. The council has not formed a view on whether planning permission should be granted or refused.”

The application is now expected to undergo public consultation before councillors eventually decide whether the proposed new community should move forward.

( Images: Pixabay Library / East Devon District Council 📸 )

The names of Devon’s four new councils have been confirmed as part of the Government’s sweeping reorganisation of local government, with more than 150 councillor positions set to disappear across the county.

Under the plans, Devon’s existing county and district council structure will be replaced by four unitary authorities responsible for delivering all local services within their areas. The new councils will be known as Exeter Council, Greater Plymouth Council, Torbay and South Devon Council, and Devon Council.

The changes form part of the Government’s wider programme of local government reorganisation and are expected to come into effect in April 2028, following elections to the new authorities in May 2027.

The overhaul will see the abolition of Devon County Council and the county’s district councils, replacing the current two-tier system under which responsibilities are shared between county and district authorities. At present, Devon County Council oversees services such as highways, education and social care, while district councils are responsible for areas including waste collection and planning.

Plymouth City Council and Torbay Council already operate as unitary authorities, meaning they currently manage all local government services within their boundaries.

A significant reduction in elected representatives is also planned. The number of councillors across Devon’s 11 existing councils will fall from 481 to 321, a reduction of around one-third.

Under the proposals, Devon Council, covering the county’s predominantly rural and coastal areas, will have 103 councillors. Exeter Council will have 86 councillors, Greater Plymouth Council 68, and Torbay and South Devon Council 64.

The Government has also allocated £900,000 to each new authority to support the transition, amounting to £3.6 million across Devon. An additional £150,000 per council could be made available to help manage changes to children’s and adult social care services.

In a letter sent to the chief executives of Devon’s councils, ministers outlined plans for joint committees to oversee the transition process. Devon Council’s committee will comprise seven district council representatives and seven county council representatives. Exeter Council’s committee will include two members from Exeter City Council, one representative from each of the three district councils helping to form the new authority, and five representatives from Devon County Council.

Similar arrangements are expected for Greater Plymouth Council and Torbay and South Devon Council.

The Government has requested further information from Devon’s councils by 17 August to help prepare a Structural Change Order, the legal mechanism required to establish the new authorities.

The letter states that, once finalised, the order will undergo scrutiny by parliamentary committees before being formally laid before Parliament. Ministers expect the legislation to come into force during 2027.

The plans are progressing despite the possibility of a judicial review challenge from Devon County Council.

Any formal legal action would need to be launched by mid-October.

Boundary changes will also accompany the reorganisation. Exeter Council is expected to incorporate 15 parishes from Teignbridge, 28 from East Devon and six from Mid Devon. Torbay and South Devon Council will include 16 parishes from Teignbridge and five from South Hams, while Greater Plymouth Council will absorb 13 parishes from South Hams. The remaining areas will form the new Devon Council.

Although the names announced by ministers will be the authorities’ official legal titles when they are established, each council will have the option of applying to change its name in the future.

If approved by Parliament, the changes will mark the most significant restructuring of local government in Devon for decades, fundamentally reshaping how services are delivered to residents across the county.

( Images: Unsplash 📸 )

Rail passengers in East Devon are facing significant disruption after a temporary timetable was introduced on the West of England line due to safety concerns linked to prolonged hot and dry weather.

South Western Railway (SWR) and Network Rail Wessex have implemented the revised timetable between London Waterloo and Exeter St Davids following concerns about the stability of railway infrastructure affected by recent weather conditions.

Under the temporary arrangements, trains between Yeovil Junction and Exeter St Davids will run only once every two hours. Most journeys from London Waterloo to Exeter St Davids are expected to take up to 24 minutes longer than usual, while services from Exeter St Davids to London Waterloo could take up to 27 minutes longer.

The changes have been introduced because unstable clay embankments between Salisbury and Exeter have dried out during the prolonged period of hot weather, affecting track stability.

To maintain passenger safety, speed restrictions have been imposed between Tisbury and Honiton, a 60-mile section of largely single-track railway with only six passing loops. The restrictions significantly reduce the number of trains that can operate along the route.

Lawrence Bowman, managing director of South Western Railway and Network Rail Wessex, said: “The record-breaking heat of the last few months has had a significant impact on railways across the UK, and parts of our route are particularly vulnerable.

“Extreme weather events are becoming increasingly common, and this is the second year in a row that prolonged hot, dry weather has affected our network.

“We are sorry for the disruption these changes may cause.

“We will restore the regular timetable as soon as conditions allow.”

Services between London Waterloo and Salisbury will continue to operate every 30 minutes, with one train per hour running to Yeovil Junction. Every other hour, that service will continue through to Exeter St Davids.

The disruption follows similar problems experienced on the line last summer, which prompted investment to strengthen the route against future weather-related issues.

Since then, SWR and Network Rail Wessex have monitored more than 30 sites between Salisbury and Exeter, installed 5,000 tonnes of new ballast, carried out extensive tamping work and removed more than 200 dead and diseased trees from embankments.

The two organisations are also working with the University of Southampton to develop longer-term solutions aimed at improving the resilience of the West of England line to extreme weather and climate change.

Passengers are being advised to check their journeys before travelling and allow extra time for their journeys while the temporary timetable remains in place.

( Photo: Pulman's Weekly News & Advertiser Series 📸 )

Visitors to Devon and Somerset are being urged to use water responsibly this summer as continued hot weather places increasing pressure on local supplies and the environment.

The Environment Agency (EA) has moved Devon into a “prolonged dry weather” status following the warmest spring on record and a series of heatwaves, with low river levels and increasingly dry conditions affecting the natural environment.

A hosepipe ban is already in place in Devon after periods of extreme heat led to “exceptionally high demand” for water.

The Environment Agency has warned that further drought measures cannot be ruled out, while the Consumer Council for Water (CCW) has called on visitors, as well as local residents, to help reduce unnecessary water use.

Joanne Laeger, the Environment Agency’s environment planning and engagement manager, told local democracy reporters and the BBC that everyone, including holidaymakers visiting the South West, needed to “be prepared” for the continued dry and warm weather.

“Water companies are responsible for managing public water supply and that’s from supplying water as well as trying to manage the demand for water,” she said.

“They will be trying to reach out to holidaymakers and visitors to try to make sure that people use water as wisely as possible when they’re visiting our lovely area.”

The appeal comes during one of the busiest periods of the year for tourism in the South West, when thousands of visitors arrive and place additional demand on water resources.

Cath Jones, the Consumer Council for Water’s head of engagement, said it was “absolutely vital” that holidaymakers avoided overusing supplies.

“This is not a one-person or just a residents issue, it is so important that people visiting the area understand,” she said.

“We want them to take shorter showers, not a bath, we do not want to see people refilling at hot tubs every weekend because there’s new people coming to a property.

“We cannot have people watering lawns just to make them look green for a tourist - that is absolutely things that we must stop.”

The warning follows weeks of unusually dry conditions across the South West, with concerns that continued warm weather could increase pressure on rivers, reservoirs and wildlife habitats.

Some residents have already been taking steps to conserve water, including reducing car washing, drinking fewer cups of tea and avoiding unnecessary toilet flushing.

The Environment Agency said water companies were continuing to monitor supplies and manage demand, but urged everyone, including visitors, to play their part in protecting water resources during the summer months.

( Photo: Pixabay Library 📸 )

Families across South Somerset are being invited to take advantage of a wide range of free activities and support services during the school summer holidays, as Chard Community Hub expands its programme for children and young people.

The Hub has developed an extensive timetable of events designed to help ease some of the pressures that the school holidays can place on families, while ensuring children of all ages have access to fun, educational and supportive activities.

The summer programme has been organised by the Hub’s Early Years Lead, Megan Parfoot, in partnership with a number of local organisations, including Young Somerset, Gillingham Grange Care Home, Great Mead, Holyrood Academy, the NHS and Reach.

Activities are available for children and young people of all ages. Families with babies and toddlers can attend Healthy Little Ones sessions with the Health Visiting Team, while young children also have the opportunity to enjoy shared reading sessions with residents at Gillingham Grange Care Home.

Other activities include holiday play sessions, arts and crafts, cinema-style experiences and youth sessions, while teenagers can also access relationship and sexual health advice through bookable appointments at the Youth Hub.

“Our aim is to provide a safe space for families to meet and spend time with people from their local area,” said Megan Parfoot. “All of our sessions are free, so please do drop in.”

The Hub is also continuing its popular pre-loved school uniform scheme throughout the summer on a ‘pay what you can’ basis, helping families prepare for the new school term without placing additional strain on household budgets.

Samples of Holyrood Academy uniform are also available for young people to try on before ordering the correct sizes.

Alongside the holiday activities, Chard Community Hub continues to provide year-round support through its Community Fridge, Pantry Scheme, RSPCA pet food bank, baby bank, social wellbeing groups and signposting services, helping to keep local families happy, healthy and well supported.

( Photos: Chard Community Hub 📸 )

A man accused of murdering former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe has appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court, where prosecutors alleged he struck her 21 times with a hammer before stealing her wallet.

Joshua Kerry, 28, of Byrley Road, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, is charged with murdering the 78-year-old at her remote bungalow in Haytor, on Dartmoor, Devon, on 8th July.

The court heard that Kerry allegedly arrived at the property shortly after midday in a red Vauxhall Corsa, with a doorbell camera said to have captured his arrival.

Prosecutor Kashif Malik told the court that interior CCTV showed Ms Widdecombe sitting in her kitchen eating lunch before the defendant entered through the front door and allegedly asked: “Don’t suppose you have bank cards and ID?”

The prosecution alleges Kerry then walked into the kitchen and struck Ms Widdecombe 21 times on the head with a hammer before tipping her from her chair onto the floor. It is further alleged that he took a wallet from her handbag before leaving the property, having been inside for only around two minutes.

A provisional post-mortem examination gave the cause of death as a “blunt force injury to the head”, the court heard.

Ms Widdecombe was discovered the following day lying face down on her kitchen floor by her gardener after concerns were raised when she failed to attend a scheduled television interview. The production team reportedly contacted her personal assistant, who asked the gardener to check on her welfare.

The court also heard that police recovered a hammer and a pair of black gloves from bins outside Kerry’s home. Prosecutors said Ms Widdecombe’s DNA was found on the gloves.

Kerry, who was arrested at his home in Rotherham on 11th July, appeared wearing a grey prison-issue tracksuit. During the brief hearing he spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address.

Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring told the defendant: “You’re charged with an offence of murder which can only be dealt with in a crown court.”

He added: “You are therefore remanded into custody and sent to crown court.”

Kerry was remanded in custody and appeared later on Tuesday at the Old Bailey.

Counter Terrorism Policing continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the killing.

Although Kerry has also been arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism, he has not been charged with any terrorism offence.

Announcing the murder charge on Monday, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing Laurence Taylor said investigators were continuing to examine the suspect’s motives.

“I want to make it very clear that our investigation into this individual, determining his motivations and any wider activity he may have been involved in is continuing,” he said.

“Given Ann Widdecombe’s profile and the targeted nature of the attack, determining the motivation, including any possible political motivation, remains an active avenue of investigation for our detectives. And as with all murder investigations, understanding the why is a key part of our inquiries.”

( Image: Counter Terrorism Police 📸 )

An East Devon man has admitted defrauding a vulnerable 80-year-old woman out of almost £90,000 after falsely claiming work was needed at her home and persuading her to write him cheques.

Robert Fordham, 54, of Lyme Road in Axminster, pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud by false representation at a recent court hearing. The offences took place between December 2023 and November 2024.

The case was brought before the courts under the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Criminal Justice Court Reporting Scheme.

Prosecutor Warjinder Baines told the court the victim, who has severely impaired eyesight and other vulnerabilities, was initially introduced to Fordham by her social worker to carry out landscaping work at her property.

Fordham was paid by cheque for the agreed work. However, the court heard that he later returned to the woman’s home when her social worker was not present, falsely claiming that further work was required.

On a number of occasions, the pensioner either wrote Fordham cheques herself or he completed them on her behalf. He also returned claiming that some of the cheques had bounced, persuading her to make further payments.

The fraud continued until November 2024, when the woman’s social worker uncovered the deception.

In total, Fordham admitted fraudulently obtaining £89,523 from the victim.

The court also heard that Fordham has previous convictions dating back more than a decade, including offences of theft and deception.

District Judge Smith committed the case to Exeter Crown Court for sentencing. Fordham is due to appear before the court on 29th July and was granted unconditional bail.

Steam trainspotting, real ale and live entertainment will take centre stage over the August Bank Holiday as the South Devon Railway teams up once again with the Staverton Beer Festival for its popular Summer Rails & Ales event.

The four-day event, running from Friday, 28th August to Monday, 31st August, offers visitors the chance to travel by heritage steam railway through the Dart Valley before enjoying one of Devon’s best-known village beer festivals.

Special train services will operate between Buckfastleigh and Totnes Riverside throughout the weekend, stopping at Staverton, where festival-goers can enjoy a wide selection of real ales, craft beers and ciders served by the Devon Diesel Society’s award-winning bar.

Alongside the drinks, the festival will feature hot and cold food, teas, coffees and soft drinks, as well as live music across the weekend and additional entertainment on the Sunday evening.

Organisers are encouraging people to leave the car at home, with free parking available at Buckfastleigh, a bus stop next to Totnes Riverside station and Totnes mainline railway station within walking distance of the heritage line.

The South Devon Railway, which follows the River Dart between Buckfastleigh and Totnes, is one of the county’s best-known heritage attractions, offering visitors a journey through ancient woodland, rolling countryside and riverside scenery.

Ernest Elsworth-Wilson, General Manager of the South Devon Railway, said: “Summer Rails & Ales has become one of the highlights of our events calendar because it combines two great British traditions – heritage railways and real ale.

“It gives people the opportunity to leave the car behind, relax and enjoy a wonderful day out travelling by steam train through the Dart Valley before spending time at the Staverton Beer Festival.

“Whether you’re a real ale enthusiast, a railway fan or simply looking for a memorable way to spend the Bank Holiday weekend with family and friends, it offers a fantastic experience in one of the most beautiful parts of Devon.”

As well as the festival, visitors will be able to explore the railway’s restored stations, heritage locomotives and historic carriages while enjoying one of the country’s best-loved riverside railway journeys.

The event is expected to attract visitors from across the South West, with advance booking recommended for train travel.

For timetables, tickets and more information, visit www.southdevonrailway.co.uk

( Photos courtesy of South Devon Railway 📸 )