Exeter City Council

Thank you to everyone supporting Exeter Community Lottery.

Not supporting yet? Buy your £1 tickets now: https://www.exetercommunitylottery.co.uk

We're hiring. Here's our current list of vacancies. You can apply at exeter.gov.uk/jobs

Current Vacancies:

Food & Beverage Manager
Spa Therapist
Recreation Assistant Lifeguard
Engineer (Harbour & Waterways)
Service Desk Engineer (Strata)
Duty Manager (Leisure)
Customer Support Officer
Tree Manager

There are yellow weather warnings for Thunderstorms in place from today through until Sunday.

While many places will remain dry, thunderstorms and heavy showers could cause some disruption in a few places.

What should you expect?

❗️ Probably some damage to a few buildings and structures from lightning strikes
❗️ Driving conditions may be affected by spray, standing water and/or hail, leading to longer journey times by car and bus
❗️ Delays to train services are possible
❗️ Some short term loss of power and other services is likely

Stay up to date by visiting: www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings

Devon and Torbay’s proposal to create a Combined County Authority has been backed by the new Government.

A decision by the previous Government, to establish the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority (CCA), was deferred in June pending the General Election in July.

Establishing the CCA is legally required to assume responsibility for new funds and powers transferred by Government from Whitehall to Devon and Torbay.

Devon and Torbay’s final proposal for the CCA followed a widespread consultation that drew responses from a cross-section of organisations including Devon’s district councils, town and parish councils, and representatives from the business, education and skills, housing, transportation, health service providers and voluntary sectors.

The deal does not involve any local government reorganisation and does not need an elected mayor.

It is hoped that with draft regulations to create the CCA to be made this Autumn, the Devon and Torbay CCA could hold its first meeting early in the New Year.

Read more ▶▶▶ https://tinyurl.com/mvafm3zs

The Lord Mayor of Exeter’s Coffee Morning in aid of his chosen charity FORCE Cancer Charity is taking place next week - and will feature a musical theme.

The Coffee Morning will be hosted by the Deputy Lord Mayor on Saturday 28 September, from 10am to 2pm at the historic Guildhall. The Lord Mayor will attend in the morning, before departing to attend an event.

Teas and coffees will be serves alongside an array of cakes.

The Heavitree Strummers will be performing from 10.30am-11.30am and the St David’s Players will be performing from 11.30am-12.30pm.

On Sunday 13 October, Stan Hacking Concert band present Music from the Movies to raise money for FORCE at Exeter’s Southernhay Church, at 7.30pm.

All are welcome to come along and enjoy this fantastic concert while supporting FORCE.

Read more ▶▶▶ https://tinyurl.com/mpftdzmr

This Sunday 22 September is World Car Free Day and to mark the occasion Stagecoach are offering free bus travel on most routes across Devon.

The offer is being delivered through the DevonBus Partnership, in conjunction with our bus operators – Stagecoach, Tally Ho, Dartline, Torbay Buses and Filers Travel.

Devon County Council is supporting the event using Bus Service Improvement Plan funding provided by the Department for Transport.

It’s an ideal way to explore the county this weekend and is designed to encourage more people to use the bus to explore their local area, visit family and friends and enjoy the stunning coast and countryside without worrying about transport costs.

Travelling by bus instead of private car helps to cut congestion and pollution on our roads and lowers the county’s carbon footprint.

Read more ▶▶▶ https://tinyurl.com/5btewk9y

Exeter Community Lottery players have an extra reason to sign up this month – the chance to win a £1,000 Sainsburys voucher.

The lottery is already helping around 120 local good causes in the city to raise year-round funds. Most not-for-profit groups can register to start using this online community fundraising solution today.

There are no upfront costs, it’s quick and easy to register and once approved they get:

A webpage on the lottery site
A no-risk prize structure to help engage supporters
A wealth of marketing materials and support to help fundraising
A steady monthly income for the cause
Lottery players have the chance to win weekly cash prizes of up to £25,000.

And anyone registers to support a good cause before Saturday 28 September will be in with the chance of winning a huge £1,000 Sainsbury's eGift card (or £1,000 cash).

Read more ▶▶▶ https://tinyurl.com/3bc6tsps

Exeter Safe Space has announced a number of dates it will be open to assist anyone who needs assistance in the city centre during a night out.

Located in St Stephen’s Church on High Street, right at the heart of Exeter’s night scene, Exeter Safe Space is a haven for anyone who needs assistance, a bit of time out or a safe place to wait for transport home.

Exeter Safe Space will be open from 11pm to 3am to assistant with the University’s Welcome Week, on September 19, 20, 21 and September 25, 26, 27 and 28.

It has also announced other key dates in the year when it will be open to assist customers from the nighttime economy.

The base will be open on Halloween weekend, Bonfire Night, Pre-Christmas weekend and New Year’s Eve.

Exeter Safe Space is based at St Stephen’s Church, opposite Urban Outfitters and next to the EE shop.

It serves three main purposes - light medical treatment like cuts, sprains, recovery, blisters, welfare support like mobile phone charging, water, safety alarms, bottle tops, change of clothes and a safe and warm place to wait for transport.

It is open to all and its services are free.

All households in Exeter are being contacted so that residents can make sure the electoral register is up to date.

A letter from Electoral Services is being sent to all homes in the city.

When households receive the letter they should follow the instructions to ensure that they are registered correctly and ready to vote in future elections.

A team of national experts on the regeneration of historic cities and towns were recently welcomed on a tour of Exeter by leaders of the City Council.

The Historic Places Panel, facilitated by Historic England, selected Exeter to visit to provide independent advice on how heritage can support the city centre’s growth and regeneration.

The panel learned about a community-led placemaking strategy driven by Exeter’s strengths in culture, innovation and enterprise.

They also explored ideas for capitalising on and celebrating the city’s array of scheduled monuments, including its city walls.

Read more ▶▶▶ https://tinyurl.com/nhkrh6ch

Rediscovering Exeter City Wall

📅 Date: Sunday, 15th September
🕚 Time: 11am - 4pm
📍 Meeting Points: South Gate & East Gate (Princesshay)
💬 Tours Start On the Hour and Half-Hour

Step back in time and explore Exeter's rich Roman and Medieval history with the Devon Archaeological Society as part of Heritage Open Days! Discover the fascinating stories hidden within Exeter’s ancient city walls.

🎯 Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just curious to learn more about our city's past, these guided walks and tours are perfect for all ages. Get ready for an adventure through time!

Don't forget to bring your walking shoes and a sense of curiosity.

Visitors to the city centre this weekend are being offered the chance to dig into Exeter’s rich past and learn more about archaeology.

Volunteers will get the chance to brush up on their excavation skills in one of several giant dig pits built especially for the event. Each pit is littered with artefacts waiting to be unearthed.

From pot sherds and statues to dinner plates, turkey bones and leather boots, everything that archaeologists have dug up over the years helps piece together the mosaic of Exeter’s history.

The event takes place in the Princesshay Exeter on Saturday 14 September, 11am to 4pm.

Exeter’s archaeology includes everything from the remains of the city’s Roman occupation, Viking invasions and Civil War sieges to the everyday lives of shepherds, Tudor traders and the things Victorians threw away.

Along with the excavation pits, handling tables will be set up to investigate, with puzzles to unravel, information on objects in RAMM (Royal Albert Memorial Museum)'s collection and professional archaeologists on hand to discuss discoveries that constantly add to Exeter’s story.

The event is free and all are welcome.

Get snapping and capture Exeter through the lens and photographers could end up bagging one of the fabulous prizes on offer in a new competition.

Visit Exeter has launched an Autumn photography competition and wants to see everyone’s best images.

Whether it’s shots of the vibrant autumnal colours in the city’s parks and gardens, the historic charm of Exeter’s streets or serene reflections on the River Exe, Visit Exeter is keen to see them all!

The winner will bag a £100 InExeter Gift Card. Three runners-up will each receive a £25 InExeter Gift Card each.

Those taking part can submit their best shots through the Visit Exeter website for a chance to win.

Read more ▶▶▶ https://tinyurl.com/mrksmzxp

People in Exeter are being made aware of a new telephone number to make payments to the City Council.

From Tuesday 24 September the City Council’s automated telephone number changes to 01392 665885, as the local authority changes to a new income management system.

The new system accepts, processes, stores and transmits card information securely in line with PCI DSS industry standards.

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a set of security standards with a focus on improving payment account security throughout the transaction process. The standards are administered and managed by an independent body that was created by the major payment card brands (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and JCB).

The new telephone number for customers that prefer to use the automated telephone payment service is 01392 665885

If you're part of, support, or know a local charity you would love to see in the festive Princesshay Exeter Xmas Tree line-up, please email [email protected] by Monday 16th September for an application form. 🎅🏼🎄

Our Charity Christmas Trees will be returning for the festive season from 15th November for the 12th year.

If you are part of, support, or know a local charity you would love to see in the festive lineup, please email [email protected] by Monday 16th September for an application form.



InExeter | Visit Exeter | Exeter City Council

Market lovers have plenty to make their hearts sing this weekend, with two exciting events in Exeter city centre.

Things get underway on Saturday (14 September) with the Exeter Independent Market on the Cathedral Green, followed by the popular Fore Street Flea on Sunday (15 September).

Saturday’s Exeter Independent Market runs from 11am until 4pm with organisers promising ‘…the best of Exeter and the South West’.

Marketgoers can soak up the unique atmosphere of Cathedral Green with live music from local performers, while discovering a rich variety of the region’s finest makers and traders.

There’ll be handmade crafts, clothes and accessories on sale, as well as locally produced food and drink and vintage treasures. Exeter Independent Market offers a unique one-stop shop in the heart of the city.

Read more ▶▶▶ https://tinyurl.com/ysp76fvm

The Lord of the Rings is Exeter’s favourite book…and that’s official!

J.R.R Tolkien’s masterpiece was declared Exeter’s favourite read after months of public voting.

The City Reads campaign celebrated Exeter’s fifth year as a UNESCO City of Literature.

J.R.R Tolkien’s novel is a fitting winner, given its special connection to Exeter, with the inspirations for Middle Earth stemming from The Exeter Book, a 10th-century anthology of Anglo-Saxon poetry and riddles that resides at Exeter Cathedral.

Fans shared that they voted for the globally lauded trilogy thanks to The Lord of the Rings’ themes of escapism and well-being, an undeniable Westcountry feeling, and J.R.R’s importance in the fantasy genre.

The announcement came as part of a private event at the RAMM (Royal Albert Memorial Museum) to celebrate the City Reads campaign and Exeter’s fifth year as Exeter Unesco City of Literature. Attendees included The Lord of the Rings illustrator Alan Lee, as well as the Lord Mayor of Exeter Kevin Mitchell and the Leader of the City Council, Cllr Phil Bialyk.

Also present were leaders across the business, cultural, and educational sectors, coming together to honour Exeter’s long-standing love of reading and commitment to culture.

During City Reads, almost 200 books were submitted from local businesses such as Browne Jacobson, CoLab, Exeter Chiefs, Generator Hub, and many more. The public then voted on the exciting and eclectic shortlist, which included The Lord of the Rings, Torbay’s Agatha Christie with Murder on the Orient Express, Becky Chambers’ beloved sci-fi adventure The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet, R.F. Kuang’s modern fantasy Babel, Caleb Azumah Nelson’s contemporary fiction Open Water, and the hugely successful graphic novel Heartstopper by Alice Oseman.

Alongside the winning novel The Lord of the Rings, Alice Oseman’s Heartstopper received an honorary mention during the event, which featured live readings, literary-themed activities, an appearance from Alan Lee, and a video message from J.R.R Tolkien’s publisher, Chris Smith at HarperCollins Publishers UK.

Read more ▶▶▶ https://tinyurl.com/3j6ujkup

Songs from the seas will ring out in Exeter on Saturday during the first Quayside Shanty Festival in the city.

The celebration of sea shanties will see a host of performers at venues throughout Exeter’s historic Quayside on Saturday 14 September, from 12 noon to 10pm.

Visitors can expect a day and evening of nautical folk songs performed by talented and colourful characters from across the region.

At the Port Royal and Bishop Blaize performances start at midday and continue late into the night.

At the Transit Shed the first performance starts at midday and culminates with Barrett’s Privateers singing between 5pm and 5.45pm.

The Coffee Cellar also has performances throughout the afternoon.

A wide range of performers will take part throughout the day, including Back Beach Boyz, Mariners Away, Hot Tuna, Bow Movement, Rusty Tubs, Cask, Barnacle Buoys, Exmouth Shanty Men and many more.

Sea shanties are traditional songs originally created and sung by sailors at sea.

They were work songs, devised to accompany particular actions or tasks on board ship. The shanties could help keep time among groups of sailors, coordinate physical movements like hauling ropes and raising sails, and relieve the boredom of long, repetitive tasks.

Traditionally, a singer known as a shantyman would lead the song with verses with everyone else replying with the chorus.

The festival is free and suitable for the whole family, and all are welcome to attend.

Please do not to fall for scam texts and emails which claims to offer options to pay for parking charge notices (PCNs).

PCNs are left on vehicles if drivers have not paid the correct charge for parking, and instructions on how the charge should be paid are contained on the attached documentation.

But there have been recent cases of people receiving text messages or emails asking for payment. These requests are fraudulent and should be ignored.

Exeter City Council does not contact members of the public by text messages or emails with links to payment.

Anyone with a PCN to pay should follow the payment instructions on the reverse of the PCN.

A charitable organisation that supports people living with multiple sclerosis and other long-term health conditions has urged more people to play the Exeter Community Lottery and help support the 120-plus good causes that are currently benefitting from ticket sales.

The South West MS Centre, which is based in Clyst Heath, Exeter, said the Community Lottery helped them raise money to deliver valuable services to people in need.

Caroline Aird, CEO of the South West MS Centre, said: “We offer Oxygen Therapy, Neuro physiotherapy and a number of complementary therapies, not only for people with Multiple Sclerosis, but also for those with other neurological and long-term health conditions.

“We provide a welcoming and friendly environment, promoting independence and improving wellbeing and quality of life for our members, their families, and carers.

“We are the only low cost, self-referral service for Oxygen Therapy in Devon. We also support our members to access specialised physiotherapy in a friendly and supportive environment.”

Read more ▶▶▶ https://tinyurl.com/h65rn2x3

We are currently experiencing technical difficulties with our committee reports and councillor information.

We apologise for the inconvenience and are working to resolve the issue.

Copies of agendas and reports for forthcoming meetings are available for inspection in the Civic Centre.

Hundreds of jobs will be on offer at Exeter’s largest jobs fair at the Corn Exchange next month.

The Exeter Autumn Jobs Fair is jointly organised by Exeter City Council and Exeter Jobcentre Plus.

It takes place at the Corn Exchange in the city centre on Thursday 17 October, from 10.30am to 2:30pm.

There is no need for jobseekers to book a place at this event – they can just turn up on the day to speak directly to employers who are looking to recruit.

There will be a range of leading employers from a range of different sectors advertising their vacancies, as well as recruitment agencies and other support services.

Jobseekers and those looking to a new employment or training opportunities should come prepared with a CV, including a digital copy if possible.

Anyone who is currently claiming benefits should talk to their work coach about attending.

People are being offered an exciting opportunity to get involved with the Women’s Rugby World Cup in Exeter next year as a volunteer.

Organisers of the tournament have opened up Expressions of Interest for the Volunteer Programme.

The programme will help organisers assemble eight volunteer teams to support the tournament in each of the host locations, one of which is Sandy Park, Exeter.

The Women’s Rugby World Cup takes place between 22 August and 27 September in 2025. Sandy Park will play host to multiple matches in the pool phase as well as an historic quarter-final. Tickets go on sale shortly.

Volunteers will be integral to welcoming fans and teams to the host locations and showcasing each of the unique cities and towns. There will be a variety of volunteer roles available across the tournament, covering customer service, sport, fan experience, broadcast & media, and event operations.

Read more ▶▶▶ https://tinyurl.com/2ucpk8dy

Visitors travelled from as far away as Cornwall and Truro for a Hindu celebration at Exeter’s RAMM (Royal Albert Memorial Museum) at the weekend.

One hundred tickets for the event to celebrate Ganesh Chaturhi – were snapped up within minutes of the event being publicised.

Members of the city’s Hindu community and further afield gathered at Exeter’s popular museum on Saturday to celebrate the birth of Lord Ganesha – the elephant-headed god.

RAMM invited the community along to take over the space in front of its large statue of Ganesh, create an atmosphere and enjoy some food and music. The event was hosted by Exeter’s Hindu Cultural Centre.

One of those attending on Saturday praised the event, saying: “This was such a unique and moving spiritual experience. Really intimate!”

Read more ▶▶▶ https://tinyurl.com/bdz8h5nt

Exeter City Council Leader Phil Bialyk has called on Devon County Council to use proposed new powers to transform bus services in the city.

Cllr Bialyk, a former bus driver, is calling on the transport authority to use new powers unveiled by the Transport Secretary to bring bus services in house.

Cllr Bialyk said he had been inundated with requests from communities in the city for a better and more reliable service.

“We have lots of problems at the moment,” he said.

“Pointing fingers isn’t going to help, but it is fair to say a lot of people are pretty fed up with both the service and how changes are consulted on with things like timetables and routes.

“Having a reliable and affordable bus service really is at the heart of so many parts of improving lives for residents in Exeter. So many other things hang on getting this sorted.

“Now there is nothing in their way, I want Devon to be one of the first to sort this for people.”

Read more ▶▶▶ https://tinyurl.com/4496nbr2

An exciting opportunity exists for someone to run the restaurant at the The Matford Centre, home to the twice weekly Exeter Livestock Market.

The current lease runs out at the end of March 2025, so the City Council is seeking expressions of interest for an operator.

Exeter Livestock Market is one of the largest in the Southwest, holding weekly markets on Mondays and Fridays, with additional specialist markets throughout each month.

The Livestock Market is operated by Kivells, and since taking over the market in 2012 visitor numbers have increased.

Read more ▶▶▶ https://tinyurl.com/3yrww5dm

Catch up on all the latest news from the City Council in the latest edition of the Exeter Citizen, which falls through letterboxes this week (from 9 September).

Once again, the Citizen is packed full with news, information and features. The Autumn 2024 spotlights the good causes benefitting from the Exeter Community Lottery with a special feature on Exeter City Ultimate Frisbee, who are using the Lottery to help them purchase equipment, maintain pitches and promote the club.

The latest edition also includes a useful feature on ways to improve the home. Help in the Home highlights a number of grants and financial assistance that the City Council offers to help with essential repairs, energy efficiency and home improvements.

There’s also news on the latest projects to improve sports facilities around the city, including the initiative to create three quality football pitches and a baseball diamond at Bromham’s Farm Fields next to the canal.

For those looking for something to do in and around Exeter there’s a double-page spread of attractions in the area with suggestions to keep people busy, whilst Exeter Leisure’s quarterly column features its brand new boxing classes for adults.

As ever, there’s the handy Your Councillors page with all the information on how to contact City Councillors in every ward, recycling information and news about what’s on at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery, Exeter Corn Exchange, as well as the latest from Exeter City of Literature.

Look out for the Citizen as it pops through letter boxes throughout the city during the week commencing 9 September. Once finished with the Citizen can be placed in green wheelie bins and recycled along with other household items.

We're hiring. Here's our current list of vacancies. You can apply at exeter.gov.uk/jobs

Current Vacancies:

Engineer (Harbour & Waterways)
Service Desk Engineer (Strata)
Duty Manager (Leisure)
Customer Support Officer
Waste Operative C1-7.5T Driver / Loader
Public and Green Space Team Leader
Waste Operative
Housing Business Support Officer
Tree Manager
Welcome Host
Exchequer Manager