Peoples Republic of South Devon

Torch of repression

posted by Cptn

At the risk of having our t-shirts confiscated, we got in touch with Ek Bowley and Eunice Calvert, potters on Preston Street, Exeter, who sponsor a Tibetan refugee in Nepal.

“What’s surprising about the current events in Tibet is that they’re so widespread,” said Ek.

A Tibetan flag flies outside the pottery and shop, which is next to The Spacex, and inside there are Tibetan and Nepalese objects and jewellery between the pots, mugs and bowls.

The 1989 uprisings focused on Lhasa.

“They probably have more access to short wave radio now,” said Ek, who visits Nepal, but has found it increasingly difficult to get into Tibet. “At least with the radios they will be able to hear the response of the rest of the world.”

“From the Tibetans point of view, the Olympic torch is the torch of repression,” said Ek. But activists and the Dalai Lama are quick to point out that they’re not calling for a boycott of the Olympics, rather political pressure to end human rights abuses in the country.

“Tibet is so isolated and completely cut off that I doubt if the Olympics had an bearing,” he said. “The Dalai Lama is the people’s spiritual leader, but I doubt he has a huge influence on the day-to-day. Those in exile are far keener for peaceful action, but those still in Tibet face daily infringements on their life. They are harder, heavier people who face reprisals, humiliation and torture.”

• Artist Anne Radu is offering a piece of work for auction to support the Free Tibet Campaign
Read her thoughts on being Buddhist in Devon

picture by Jenny Steer

April 7th, 2008

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New scientists

posted by Cptn

Plans new £120 million science park on the outskirts of Exeter are well on the way after the RDA has pulled out £19 million to buy the land (23 hectare site east of the M5, near Junction 29 at Redhayes), and provide the infrastructure to open up the Science Park by 2010.

And the press release says: “As well as providing a site for the science park, the purchase from current landowners Eagle One also includes land needed for major Junction 29 improvements which will unlock the full potential of the East of Exeter Growth Area – the main business and housing growth area for Exeter over the next 20 years.”

It also points out that: “Work to bring the project to this stage has been done through a partnership of the RDA, the University of Exeter, Devon County Council, Exeter City Council, East Devon District Council and the Met Office.”

Ian Thompson, area director for the South West RDA, told the PRSD: “The science park is part of a regional network, including Bristol and Plymouth, which the RDA is supporting and will help drive enterprise in Exeter as well as creating 2,000-plus jobs. The wider benefits are substantial, with the potential for more than 6,000 highly skilled jobs, new homes and £0.6 billion of investment in the East of Exeter Growth Area.”

April 7th, 2008

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£2 million for families

posted by Cptn

More than 500 families in Devon with a child with special needs have been helped to claim their full financial entitlements.

The Local Public Service Agreement, which is provided mainly through the Devon Welfare Rights Unit (part of Citizens’ Advice), is still awaiting the results of about 200 claims and expects the total amount of income raised by the project to rise from its current total of £2.2m to as much as £3m when the current project finishes at the end of June. The average annual award to successful families is about £4,000.

Vincent Willson, of Devon Welfare Rights Unit, told the PRSD: “This project continues to be a very good example of organisations working together to ensure that people in Devon receive the help they need.”

Pending decisions on the future of the project, anyone who has a child with special needs and who would like to have their financial situation checked for free can still contact the project by phoning Devon Welfare Rights Unit on 01392 274869.

April 7th, 2008

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