Thursday, 6 June 2024

Voters to quiz political parties on environmental issues

Voters in Devon are being given a unique chance to ask the main political parties about their environmental policies and plans at an on-line ‘Nature Hustings’

The charity Devon Wildlife Trust is staging the event on Monday 10 June at 6pm. The hustings will be on-line only and accessible via Zoom. The hustings are open to everybody and free to attend. However, people must pre-book for the event at https://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/election-24

The General Election candidates who will be attending the hustings are:
  • Selaine Saxby, Conservatives, North Devon
  • Robert Bagnall, Green Party, South Devon
  • Richard Foord, Liberal Democrat, Honiton & Sidmouth
  • Steve Race, Labour, Exeter
The hustings is being staged by the charity Devon Wildlife Trust. Its Chief Executive is Nick Bruce-White. Nick said:

“Research shows that issues around nature and the wider environment are a key factor in making up people’s minds on how they vote. Here in Devon, where our natural assets are a major factor in our economy and quality of life, nature is a top issue in this General Election.

We think it’s important that voters are given the opportunity to hear what the main political parties plan to do to ensure that Devon and the UK can meet the environmental challenges we all face. I’m sure topics such as climate change, river quality, the future of farming and fisheries, and the decline of once common wildlife will all come up in the hustings. It should be a fascinating evening and I’d urge people to attend.”

The format of the event will see candidates answer questions from Devon Wildlife Trust and from conservation charity partners the RSPB and the Woodland Trust. There will also be an opportunity for the public attending to submit their nature and environment-themed questions during the event.

People unable to attend the Nature Hustings will be able to catch up on the event via Devon Wildlife Trust’s YouTube channel.

 

Devon Wildlife Trust ‘Nature Hustings’ participants for
‘Nature Hustings’ participants for Devon Wildlife Trust on the 10th June

Devon Wildlife Trust Media Release 4th June 2024
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Devon Wildlife Trust is a leading environmental charity, with more than 36,000 members. The charity manages 60 nature reserves across Devon, including a range of beautiful landscapes such as woodlands, meadows, wetlands and heaths. Devon Wildlife Trust relies on charitable donations, grants and the generous support of its members and the general public to raise more than £5million every year. Money raised is spent maintaining our work for wildlife conservation and education in Devon, for present and future generations. More at www.devonwildlifetrust.org

Honouring Tony Haynes: A Legacy of Dedication and Service in the RAF

In commemoration of the 80th anniversary of D-Day, we are celebrating the military service of Anthony 'Tony' John Haynes who has chosen to continue his life’s journey at Heanton Nursing Home. His military journey began on 5th January 1971, when he joined the RAF with a desire to follow in the footsteps of his father, Flight Lieutenant Walter Haynes, a pilot during World War II. Tony aspired to become an engineer, a goal he achieved with distinction over his 15-year career in the RAF.

Tony's two older brothers, Roger and Richard, also dedicated their lives to service, spending a combined 60 years in the Royal Navy. As an Aircraft Propulsion Technician, Tony's expertise took him across five tours of duty at RAF Halton, Valley, Lossiemouth, Coltishall, and back to Halton. He worked on numerous iconic RAF aircraft and even had the privilege of flying in some. Tony's dedication to passing on his knowledge was evident when he transitioned to the role of Technical Instructor, mentoring the next generation of aircraft engineers.

Tony's achievements were recognised with a promotion to Sergeant in December 1977, a milestone he holds with great pride. Beyond his technical skills, Tony also competed in show jumping, representing the RAF in various competitions. In October 1985, Tony and his wife Dorothy (Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Dorothy (Woodcock) Haynes), a member of the Women's Royal Naval Service (WRNS), were married in a joint forces wedding. They met at a formal Mess Dinner at RAF Halton. They began their married life on the Chequers Estate, where Dorothy served as Curator.

Upon leaving the RAF in June 1986, Tony continued to serve at Halton as a civilian instructor before moving to Saudi Arabia to instruct and work for BAE Systems on Tornado aircraft.

Learning was a priority for Tony, who earned both an HNC and ONC in Engineering during his time in the RAF and went on to complete a bachelor's degree in 1999 whilst working full time.

Tony and Dorothy have two supportive children, Adam and Ruth. Upon Adam and Ruth leaving home to pursue their own lives and after 27 years in Lancashire, Tony and Dorothy retired to North Devon in 2018. Throughout his life, Tony has been a caring and loving family man. Living with Dementia has been heartbreaking for his family and friends.

Dorothy Haynes MBE expresses her heartfelt gratitude to the team at Heanton for their exceptional care and support during this difficult time. Their dedication to Tony's well-being has been a source of comfort and strength for the Haynes family.

At the core of Heanton Nursing Homes's philosophy lies a commitment to nurturing independence no matter what complexity you live with.


To find out more about Heanton Nursing Home please visit  https://www.heantonnursinghome.
 

Heanton Punchardon

Barnstaple

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England

Tuesday, 4 June 2024

Farewell May Daze.


I think May might be my favourite month and this year the rain and sun has produced some floral spectacles.
 
The Bluebells were early, the Mayflowers were late and the Ramsons were fantastic this year, I have included some of the wild flowers found on the North Devon coast and countryside, from ancient woodlands, wildflower meadows and rocky coast. 

Not seen too many butterflies, sparse number of Orange Tips and a few Speckled Wood. 
Spring Wildflower Photography. Photo ©️Pat Adams North Devon Focus

Relax and enjoy the peace….see if you can identify the wildflowers in this video

 
Pat Adams' North Devon Focus. My North Devon Coast & Country Chronicle

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Explore the Coast and' Country' side of  Bideford Bay and Beyond