Devon Rape Crisis: calling for new trustees to join its board

Devon Rape Crisis Service, based in Exeter, is seeking new members to join its Board of Trustees.

Devon Rape Crisis Service is a specialist support service for women and girls  living in Devon who have experienced any form of sexual violence, recently or in the past. For more information on the service, go to the Devon Rape Crisis site.

What you need to know:

Q: What experience is required?
A: We are looking for women who have a commitment to feminism and have skills and experience in:
1                    Funding applications/income generation
2                    Experience of providing a similar service to DRCS
3                    Communications and PR
4                    Business Skills and entrepreneurship:

Q: How long will I be a Trustee?
A: Trustees initially serve a three year term

Q: How much will I be paid?
A: This is a voluntary position. Trustees are reimbursed expenses and these can include costs of transport to and from meetings and training.

Q: What time does it take?
A: The Board of Trustees meets monthly but Trustees also participate in away days and training events.

Q:  When does it start?
A:  New Trustees will take up their position in early 2012 with induction and support given on appointment to the role.

Q: How do I apply?
A:  If you are interested in becoming a Trustee for DRCS, contact the chair of the board, Linda Regan by email on linda@devonrapecrisis.org.uk or ring 07740735081 and she can send you the application pack

Completed applications need to be sent via email to info@devonrapecrisis.org.uk and must be received by Friday,  February 24, 2012.

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Between the Teign estuary and the Aller Brook is what can be seen of the Milber Hill Fort

Though this isn’t really about a bit of Torquay history, many locals will have driven through Milber Hill Fort. It’s on the St Marychurch Road on the back way to Torquay and the road goes through what remains of the fort as you drive up the hill from Penn Inn.

Devon has many ramparted Iron Age enclosures, usually called hill forts. However, only some are defensible being built on the side of a hill, rather than the crown, and were vulnerable to attack. As Milber is situated 35m below the hilltop, with a further 30m fall internally, it’s more accurate to call it a hill-slope enclosure.

Such enclosures were built by a loose confederation of Celtic tribes known as the Dumnonii – from which we derive the place-name ‘Devon’.

The enclosure is constructed on the northern slopes of a 150m high tract of upland between the Teign estuary and the Aller Brook. It consists of three concentric sub-rectangular enclosures: the innermost is 116m by 96m, the second and third are narrow strips 10m to 25m wide, each being defended by a large rampart and ditch. There was also a large outer enclosure probably for cultivation, bounded by the remains of low bank.

The entrance to the fortifications was on the lower NW side, facing towards the nearest water supply. It began as an embanked track 7m wide across the outer enclosure and was probably a drove-way for stock. The gateways were destroyed by the construction of the St Marychurch Rd.

Excavations in 1937-8 showed that the central and second enclosures had human occupants. They used hand-made pottery with curvilinear designs (known as Glastonbury Ware).

We know that Milber was lived in for about 100 years, and was deserted soon before the Roman conquest in the mid-1st century.

In the 1938 excavation, three small bronze figurines were unearthed in the upper filling of a ditch, buried in the early 1st century AD after the enclosure had been abandoned. These were a bird, a duck and a stag, about 6cm long and up to 3.5cm high. The bird has a long tail and detached wings; the stag is prostrate, with a raised band extending across its body; the duck is swimming, with a little cake in its mouth. 

It has been suggested that they served some kind of ritual function, and could have been mounted on a ceremonial staff, vessel or casket.

The Milber figurines are held at Torquay Museum.

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Political tinkering is undermining the independence of the police force

The announcement that Stephen Otter is to stand down as Chief Constable for Devon and Cornwall is sad news. While I wish him well in his new post I can’t help reflecting on the situation regarding his replacement.

It would appear that the Police Authority has been instructed by the Government not to fill the vacancy. The reason for this seems to be that there will be elections for a new Police and Crime Commissioner in November. This could possibly lead to a delay of up to a year in getting a permanent replacement.

This Government directive is just one element in their apparent willingness to interfere in Policing. Their decision over cuts to Police budgets ran roughshod over the discussions that had previously taken place with the Police Federation over streamlining the Force.

The decision by this Government to introduce elected Police and Crime Commissioners was seriously flawed. I simply do not understand how giving one individual so much power is somehow more democratic or makes the Police Force more accountable than the existing Police Authority structure.

There is much discussion about whether these new posts will make Policing political. The reality is that, thanks to this Government, it already is. The Conservatives have form. Not long after the election of Boris Johnson as Mayor of London he intervened to force the resignation of the then Commisioner of the Metropolitan Police for what were purely political reasons. There must therefore be a question mark over whether their candidates for these new roles will want to follow this example.

The legislation to introduce these posts was only possible because of the support of the Liberal Democrats within the Coalition. They have said that they will “not actively contest” these elections because they feel this make the role political. I would have more sympathy with this view had they not supported the legislation in the first place. Whether they will stand a candidate in Devon and Cornwall is not at all clear.

For the sake of completeness I am in a position to confirm that there will definitely be a Labour Party candidate in these elections. Not that those of us who are members support the role but because we are determined to highlight the effect that the policies of this Government are having on our Police Force.

There has traditionally been a very clear distinction between political policy making and the operational independence of professional Police Officers. That independence has already been blurred. We have to stop the distinction disappearing altogether. Voters will have their chance to help us achieve this on November 15 this year.

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Torbay has more than a quarter of all households are affected by unemployment

It is high time that the region’s politicians at local, national and EU level started standing up for the people who elected them and demanded a change of approach and stop the public sector job cuts in the pipeline, says the GMB.

There were 10,800 households in Torbay that had no individuals aged 16 and over in employment, out of a total number of household of 42,900. That is 25.2% of all households that include at least one person aged 16 to 64 of working age in Torbay.

For the South West as a whole there were 277,100 households in the region that had no individuals aged 16 and over in employment out of a total number of household of 1,664,500. That is 16.6% of all households that include at least one person aged 16 to 64 of working age in the region.

For the UK as a whole there were 3.9 million households that had no individuals aged 16 and over in employment out of a total number of household of 20.5 million. That is 18.9% of all households that include at least one person aged 16 to 64 of working age in the UK.

These figures come from a new analysis by GMB of the Annual Population Survey data on households by combined economic activity status January-December 2010 from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) published just before Christmas 2011.

After the Torbay, for households without work in the region, was Cornwall 22.1%, Plymouth 19.8%,  Somerset 19.0%, Dorset 17.3%, Bournemouth 16.9%, Bath & North East Somerset 16.8%, Bristol 16.8%, Devon 16.7% and North Somerset 16.2%. The figures for all 15 areas in the region are set out in the table below. South Gloucestershire has the lowest percentage of households without work at 12.2%.

(from a press release)

(image: Some rights reserved by TomGough)

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Market Walk, Newton Abbot, newly acquired by LaSalle Investment Management

Market Walk Shopping Centre in Newton Abbot could be in for a spruce up now that is has been acquired by LaSalle Investment Management.

Newton Abbot’s only shopping centre was previously owned by Stockland, and LaSalle has acquired the centre of 27 units – including Iceland, Wilkinson and New Look – on behalf of a retained pension fund client.

James Pelly at LaSalle Investment Management said: “We are delighted with this acquisition on behalf of our client.

“We have already started working on some initial ideas to improve the retail offer and the appearance of the centre, and we are looking forward to working with existing retailers for the benefit of both shoppers and retailers in the town.

“Newton Abbot has a loyal customer base, which we are keen to maintain along with the overall vibrancy of the town centre.”

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It's the festive season, and the fun is returning to its roots as a festival of indulgence and hope for the future.

It’s that time of year again. Christmas is fast approaching. The shops are all playing those looped festive jingles that drive retail workers insane.

It’s that special time when we share traditions such as searching for a parking space in the town centre. Just like the Three Wise Men, who 2,000 years ago followed a star, we drive around a series of car parks until we see a shopper emerge from ASDA or Tescos’, then we follow, hoping they will lead us to a parking opportunity.

It’s easy to get cynical about Christmas. Indeed, it’s said that, from a commercial point of view, if Christmas did not exist it would be necessary to invent it.

Some have argued that, to counter the excess, it’s time to ‘put Christ back into Christmas’. However, this part of the year was always known as an opportunity for celebration and self-indulgence, around the world and in many cultures.

In the winter, the Romans honored Saturn, the god of agriculture, with an enormous party that included a bounty of food and drink.

The Norse celebrated Yule from the winter solstice through the month of January.

Saxons honored the pagan god Odin at this time of year. Odin was said to fly through the air riding his horse, Sleipnir, deciding who was deserving of punishment. Children would put out their boots filled with food for Sleipnir to eat when he came by and Odin would reward the children by leaving them gifts. The stories of Santa Claus owe a great deal to Odin.

The Christmas tree is also pagan. Winter celebrations often featured plants and trees that remained green all year. People decorated their homes and a large evergreen was often put in the village square so people could dance around it.

Pagan priests used mistletoe in their ceremonies because it represented the birth of their god. The winter solstice was celebrated because it meant the sun god would soon return and crops and orchards would flourish again.

The Christian observance of Christmas as a celebration of the birth of Jesus didn’t begin until the fourth century when the Church decided the birth of Christ should be marked as a holiday. No date is given in the Bible for Jesus’ birth, so December 25 was chosen – right in the middle of those celebrations that were already happening all over Europe.

So perhaps, rather than feeling any regret that our modern Christmas is rapidly losing its religious aspects, we can see a return to its roots as a festival of indulgence and hope for the future.

While many of us no longer believe in the existence of a god, that shouldn’t stop us from enjoying our mid-winter festival. Celebrating contentment or joy doesn’t have to be restricted to people of certain faiths. So, whether you have a faith or are one of the many of us with no religion… have a very happy Christmas!

(image: Some rights reserved by jack berry)

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Public sector workers throughout Devon will be taking part in strike action

Tomorrow will see more than 28,000 public sector workers in Devon, including teachers, nurses, probation officers, civil servants, cleaners, paramedics and dinner ladies taking part in the TUC day of action.

Nigel Costley, regional secretary of the South West TUC, said: “This is the largest protest by trade unions for a generation and is a clear demonstration of how strongly workers feel about the unfair and unnecessary changes to their pension schemes that the government are attempting to impose.

“Trade unions have always sensibly and pragmatically negotiated changes to pension schemes and are willing to do so now. Regrettably, this government is seeking to impose a tax on public sector workers with the sole aim of reducing the deficit, but resulting in hard working people paying more, working longer and retiring on smaller pensions.”

The TUC estimates 152,000 public servants will be taking strike action in the South West, with 4,060 in Torbay and 24,010 in the rest of Devon.

Some 30 unions have balloted their members for action over government plans to change their pensions – some haven’t taken strike action in more than a decade, others have never balloted their members before.

In the run up to the day of action, 23 TUC-affiliated unions and seven non-affiliates sought mandates for action from their members. The TUC says this is likely to be the biggest union mobilisation in over 30 years (you have to go back to January 22, 1979 when 1.5 million public sector workers went on strike over their pay to find a comparable figure for those involved in an industrial dispute).

Across the South West there will be dozens of rallies and marches taking place in town and city centres, as well as workplace vigils and lunchtime meetings.

In Torquay, strikers and their supporters will meet outside the Town Hall at 10am and march through the town for a rally at the Princess Theatre.

In Exeter, strikers will meet at Cathedral Green at 11.30am and march along the High Street to a rally at St James Park at 12.30pm.

In Plymouth strikers will meet at 11am outside the Guildhall and march to the Holiday Inn in Armada Way for a rally at 1pm.

Across the health service emergency cover arrangements have been made locally and members of three of the health unions not in the TUC – the BMA, RCM and RCN – who have not balloted their members for action will also be showing support for their striking colleagues on the day.

Nigel said: “The Government should be supporting public sector workers and public services, not attacking them. Their deficit reduction programme is an unfair tax on low paid public sector workers, at a time when families are struggling financially to make ends meet. Public sector workers did not cause the economic crisis and should not have their pensions raided to pay for it.’

(from a press release)

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Plymouth incinerator film asks about long-term health issues

The plans for Devon incinerators have been controversial to say the least. This short film called ‘Plymouth Incinerator – masking the truth?’ asks about the health implications of the project.

The blurb which goes with the film asks: “Who profits from an incinerator in Plymouth? The German company MVV or the taxpayers? Why have councillors not been allowed to discuss this project? If it is not 100% safe then will councillors say NO to it?”

And the film points out that no actual study into the health implications of incineration has been carried out. “In 2009, the Health Protection Agency admitted to Parliament they had never commissioned research to measure impacts on healthy downwind of incinerators,” quotes the film

It also cites Greenpeace research that ten incinerators in the UK committed 553 pollution offences in a two-year period.

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Know Your Flood Risk took place from November7 to November 11

Newton Abbot MP Anne Marie Morris attended a briefing session at the House of Commons to discuss the growing issue of flood risk and what can be done following the ending of the Statement of Principles in June 2013 to encourage constituents to protect their homes and businesses from flooding.

The event was part of Know Your Flood Risk Week (November 7-11), which seems to have washed away on the torrents.

On June 30 2013, the Statement of Principles agreement between the Government and insurance industry which states that insurers will provide insurance for ‘at risk’ homes, comes to an end, leaving the future of flood insurance looking very uncertain.

A lack of affordable flood insurance is highly likely to impact on properties’ future valuations, mortgage applications and saleability. Based on annual insurance policies, homeowners and the insurance industry have until June 2012 to address this issue.

The Know Your Flood Risk campaign is urging homeowners to investigate their flood risk and prepare themselves and their home for flood in order that they don’t find themselves tens of thousands of pounds out of pocket.

Anne Marie said: “The government has a huge role to play in flood prevention and I am pleased that things are moving forward with the Teignmouth Flood Defence Scheme.

“However, we can all do our bit to reduce the risk of flooding. Some 30% of homes in Newton Abbot and 33% of homes in Devon are at risk, so it is vital homeowners take steps to protect their home.

“As we have seen from the devastating news reports in recent years, surface water flooding caused by rainwater is becoming far more prevalent and is affecting all parts of the country; not just those situated near the coast or a river. I encourage every homeowner to investigate their flood risk and take necessary steps to protect their home.”

Until now, obtaining flood insurance for ‘at risk’ homes has been relatively straightforward and, with the average insurance claim for a flooded home totalling £30,000, it is has been imperative for many homeowners.

To download a free Homeowner’s Guide to Flood Resilience, for more information on the Know Your Flood Risk campaign, or to become a member, visit the Know Your Flood Risk site

(from a press release)

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House of Parliament: five members of Devon’s Youth Parliament will be debating at the House of Commons

The young generation is taking of to the House of Commons on Friday, November 4, as five members of Devon’s Youth Parliament are off to represent the county at a national debate in the seat of parliament.

The debate, with young people from across the country, will culminate with a topic being chosen to be the UK Youth Parliament’s campaign for 2012.

Devon’s representatives, from schools in Exeter, Crediton, Barnstaple and Teignmouth, have been canvassing local young people on the campaign topics.

Emily Nicolle, deputy member of Youth Parliament for Tiverton and Honiton & East Devon, is attending the debate tomorrow. She said: “I’m very excited to be going to the House of Commons tomorrow. It’s a great opportunity for members of the UK Youth Parliament to experience what it’s like to be an MP.

“It is also a chance for us to vote on what our annual campaign will be, based on the debates of the day. Our presence in the House of Commons will show other young people how democracy works and what the UK Youth Parliament is all about.”

Five campaign topics, previously voted for by over 65,000 young people from across the UK, are to be debated:

• Make public transport cheaper, better and accessible for all
• No to tuition fees. Yes to graduate tax.
• Zero tolerance towards bullying in schools
• End Child Poverty Now
• A greener future for Britain

Follow Devon’s Youth Parliament Members as they join tomorrow’s debate on Twitter: #UKYPHOC

(image: House of Commons Some rights reserved by calflier001)

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Housing waiting lists: a big fall in the number of households on waiting lists, apart from in Plymouth

Across Devon, there has been a significant reduction in the number of households on waiting lists between 2009 and 2010, with 16,911 households on waiting lists in 2010 compared with 24,341 households the previous year. At a local authority level, Plymouth has seen the worst increase (up by 3,291) while Torbay has had the greatest impact in reducing waiting lists (down by 4,011):

• Plymouth: 9,153 households on waiting list in 2010  – 5,862 in 2009
  (+ 3,291)
• Exeter: 5,612 households on waiting list in 2010 – 5,560 in 2009
  (+ 52)
• North Devon: 2,774 households on waiting list in 2010 – 2,526 in 2009
  (+ 248)
• Torbay: 2,482 households on waiting list in 2010 – 6,493 in 2009
  (- 4,011)
• Teignbridge: 2,430 households on waiting list in 2010 – 3,653 in 2009
  (- 1,223)
• East Devon: 1,865 households on waiting list in 2010 – 4,381 in 2009
  (- 2,516)
• Mid Devon: 1,264 households on waiting list in 2010 – 3,276 in 2009
  (- 2,012)
• West Devon: 1,065 households on waiting list in 2010 – 2,035 in 2009
  (- 970)
• South Hams: 1,001 households on waiting list in 2010 – 1,701 in 2009
  (- 700)
• Torridge: 900 households on waiting list in 2010 – 1,209 in 2009
  (- 309)

(image: Some rights reserved by marc falardeau)

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Affordable housing league table for Devon:

A ‘league table’ of the least affordable local authority areas in Devon:

1. South Hams, Devon: £323,360 (16.7 x £19,328 average income)
2. North Devon: £225,327 (14.8 x £15,215 average income)
3. East Devon: £266,470 (14.3 x £18,595 average income)
4. West Devon: £236,610 (13.9 x £17,061 average income)
5. Torridge, Devon: £210,227 (13.8 x £15,288 average income
6. Teignbridge, Devon: £226,172 (12.7 x £17,878 average income)
7. Mid Devon: £222,381 (12.1 x £18,330 average income)
8. Torbay, Devon: £186,100 (11.1 x £16,713 average income)
9. Exeter, Devon: £206,182 (10.9 x £18,990 average income)
10. Plymouth, Devon: £159,999 (8 x £19,978 average income)

Take a look at the least affordable areas in the South West.

(image: Some rights reserved by borkur.net)

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