Clarissa Place
Verified- News Editor and Assistant Editor, Ipswich Star
- News Editor and Assistant Editor, East Anglian Daily Times
Ipswich
Assistant editor @ipswichstar24 @EADT24 Tweets all my own opinion. Have a story? email clarissa.place@newsquest.co.uk
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Articles by Clarissa Place
Young chefs shine in the kitchen to serve up quality Christmas meal
Youngsters have been sharpening up their skills as future master chefs with the help of a coastal brasserie. The Alex Café Bar & Brasserie hosted the Rotary Club of Felixstowe's Kids Kitchen initiative which featured eight students from Felixstowe High School. The students completed a four week course where they gained experience of working in a professional kitchen learning to prepare and serve up a variety of dishes.
Suffolk couple's epic Back To The Future themed reception after lockdown wedding
A couple has finally celebrated their delayed lockdown marriage with an epic Back To The Future-themed wedding. Sci-fans Jordan, 33, and Pete Ayriss, 38, were able to celebrate their love in true 80s style - even with a DeLorean car. The pair from Ravenswood had their wedding reception with just their mothers and their registrar during the May 2021 lockdown. Disappointed at not being able to celebrate with their friends and family, over a year later they have finally been able to mark the occasion.
Sidmouth’s Daffy-down-dilly enjoying the sweet taste of success
Published in the Sidmouth Resident. For one Sidmouth business, creating the sensation of a child in a sweet shop is a real labour of love. And as Clarissa Place found out, the shop’s tasty treats are now going global. Since coming to town in 2013, Daffy-down-dilly has made its mark with bespoke and specialist sweets and fetching yellow and green décor in celebration of the famous nursery rhyme.
High spirits as Sidmouth College pupils head to prom
Dazzling dresses and sharp suits were on display as Sidmouth College pupils enjoy a fun night to celebrate the end of exams. Sidmouth College students did not let the bad weather damped their spirits as they turned out in force to celebrate the end of exams. Staff and pupils were armed with umbrellas to keep the rain off as they made their way to Woodbury Park for the year 11 prom.
Ottery’s King’s School pupils enjoy prom
Students from The King’s School swapped their uniform for gorgeous gowns and sharp suits to celebrate the end of exams. The year 11 leavers arrived at Woodbury Park for their prom in style on Friday with many opting for original modes of transport to their special night. Photographer Terry Ife snapped a McLaren, limos, sports cars, motorbikes and a toast rack among the drop off vehicles but was impressed with one student’s remote control car.
Devon crews begin dampening down fire at Woodbury Common
To send a link to this page you must be logged in. Pictures of the fire taken by Woodbury park entrance. Picture: Iva Kathi Pictures taken by Iva Kathi by the entrance to Woodbury Park. Photo: Iva Kathi Scenes of the fire at Woodbury Common. Pictures: Troy Wyllie Pictures from Troy Wyllie as you can just see the flames of the fire at Woodbury park Zoe Adey took these photos of a fire on Woodbury Common from her yard in Harpford - five miles away.
Tributes paid to ‘inspirational’ Sidmouth hotelier Alan Clifford
A popular Sidmouth hotelier has been remembered for his generous nature, work ethic and positive attitude. Alan Clifford died peacefully aged 78 in Sidmouth Nursing Home on March 29 after battling cancer for two-and-a-half years. The grandfather-of-two ran the Devoran Hotel with his wife Val for three decades and was passionate about making guests feel like family and serving home-cooked food.
Ottery’s Claire ‘seriously considering’ second General Election
An independent candidate is ‘seriously considering’ running in June’s General Election but only if she can secure an ‘army’ of helpers. Prime Minister Theresa May called a snap election this week which will see the country head to the polls on Thursday, June 8. Claire Wright, who came second in the 2015 election for East Devon, said she has received hundreds of messages of support since the announcement.
Beach goer snaps latest Sidmouth cliff fall
Sidford teen snaps this photo of the latest cliff fall in Sidmouth on Wednesday, April 19. Sidmouth’s east beach was once again the focus of attention after another cliff fall on Wednesday morning. Josh O’Connor was one of many passersby who witnessed the cloud of dust at 9.30am as he stood on the Esplanade. The 19–year-old from Sidford said he turned around to see the cliff fall and took a photo capturing the aftermath.
Residents offer support to Newton Poppleford blaze couple
As the Herald went to press yesterday, a fundraising page had netted nearly £1,300 in less than 24 hours to help Pat and Roy McClymont, who lived in the thatched-roof property in Newton Poppleford. Lorna Brice-Nye, of Ottery St Mary, launched the JustGiving page on Wednesday and has set a target of £10,000 to try and help the couple ‘rebuild their lives’. Lorna, 46, who knows the couple through Ottery Parish Church’s Explore group, said: “They felt so privileged to live there. If I could.
Newton Poppleford fire: Crews risk their lives to save sentimental items
Firefighters who battled a major blaze that destroyed a Newton Poppleford home have been praised for risking their lives to save items of ‘high sentimental value’ from the property. Crews were called at around 7.20pm yesterday evening (Tuesday). The property was said to be ‘fully engulfed’ in flames at around 9pm. Firefighters from Sidmouth, Ottery St Mary, Exmouth, Honiton and Exeter were all mobilised to the scene.
Otter Garden Centres donates £10,000 to Honiton Hospital judicial review
Otter Garden Centres responded to a letter from Save our Hospital Services Honiton to support the costs of a judicial review. Jacqui Taylor, managing director of Otter Garden Centres, said: “As a local family business, we are very much a part of the East Devon and wider community and we feel very strongly about this. We have donated £10,000 to give this campaign a fighting chance.
Second discovery of rare bat in East Devon
Staff at Acorn Ecology Ltd discovered the grey long-eared bats while carrying out a building survey. The grey long-eared bat is rare to the UK with a population of less than 3,000. The company made a separate discovery of the species in November and have sent off droppings collected from the roost for DNA analysis. Colin Bonfield, senior ecologist said: “The roost is also being used by other confirmed bat species including serotine and brown long-eared.
Spitfire, Hurricane and Red Arrows head to Sidmouth
Organisers announced this week that the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight [BBMF] will join the Red Arrows for the event on Friday, August 25. The famous Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster bomber are scheduled to perform a series of group and individual routines. Following the end of the BBMF display, the Red Arrows will jet in to thrill the crowds. Sidmouth Town Council is hoping to amass an ‘army’ of collectors for the day to raise funds for the 2018 air display.
Devon Wildlife Trust scoop BBC award for beaver project
Devon Wildlife Trust has scooped a top BBC award for its work with beavers on the River Otter. The charity has won BBC Countryfile Magazine’s Wildlife Success Story of the Year award after securing the most public votes. The trust has been granted a five-year licence from Natural England to keep the beavers in its current habitat until 2020 – where a decision about their long term future will be made by the government.
Organisers announce Red Arrows return
The Red Arrows are heading back to Sidmouth and they are not alone, as organisers announce the historic Battle of Britain Memorial Flight [BBMF] will be flying over the seafront this summer. For the first time ever, the group of six Spitfires, two Hurricane Mk 2Cs, Lancaster Bomber, C47 Dakota and Chipmunk aircrafts will be heading in for a number of individual and group displays as a prelude to Sidmouth Regatta. Following the end of the routine, the Red Arrows will jet in to thrill the crowds.
Meet Heidi, The Sid Valley’s new Admiral Nurse
Support for those living with dementia in the Sid Valley has become a reality as Devon’s first Admiral Nurse begins work next week. Heidi Crook said she is excited and privileged to begin her new job as the area’s dementia specialist, providing expert practical and emotional support. Her arrival has been welcomed by East Devon’s MP, Dementia UK and the Sid Valley Memory Café, which, in partnership with the Herald, led a £100,000 campaign to secure a nurse for the area.
Former serviceman from Sidmouth - told he’d never run again - to take on 156-mile ultra-marathon
Baz Gorman, 50, has been applying to complete the 156-mile Marathon Des Sables for two decades. He found out he had finally landed a spot the day after undergoing knee surgery. Baz, who grew up in the town and went to Sidmouth College, broke his ankle aged 25 when he was with the Australian army after emigrating to the country after serving with 40 Commandos in Lympstone. “It became severely arthritic - at 25 I was told I would never run again,” said Baz, whose father Roy still lives in Sidmouth.
Cheaper car parking in East Devon
Motorists have just six weeks to take advantage of a special winter car parking deal from the district council. District bosses have reminded residents and visitors that they can benefit from cheaper parking across East Devon. East Devon District Council (EDDC) is allowing motorists to park in its car parks all day after 10am for £2 until March 31.
East Devon lottery players to win share of £3m prize pot
The charity announced that residents that play the lottery and have the postcode EX10 0 are in with a chance of winning, after the postcode was drawn as the winner of this month’s Postcode Millions. Winners will receive an invitation in the post today (Wednesday) to attend a special event to find out how much they have won. The presentation will be held next Saturday at Bedford Lawn Car Park and will be attended by lottery ambassador Jeff Brazier.
Devon Freewheelers appealing for witnesses
Devon Freewheelers is appealing for information after a collision caused damage to its blood van. The incident took place on Streamers Meadow in Honiton at around 6.50pm on Friday evening. A charity spokesperson said: “The car hit a car up the rear which has written the car off and it’s then shunted the car into the Devon Freewheeler van. All the radiators have gone. “The van is not just for fundraising we use it for blood work. “It’s repairable but we are having to claim off our insurance.
Sidmouth fire station looking for new on call firefighters
Sidmouth Fire Station is holding an open evening for prospective retained firefighters on Wednesday. The team is looking for residents who live within five minutes of the station to be on call in case of emergency. Applicants need to be over 18 and have a good level of fitness and strength. No previous experience is required as full training is provided.
Shed falls over Sidmouth’s crumbling cliffs
Cliff Road resident Paul Griew said he received a call from a neighbour this afternoon (Tuesday) to tell him the shed had disappeared down the cliff on Sidmouth’s east beach. He said: “My gardener was standing at the end there at 11.30am and I told him not to, thank god he left. “My neighbour called, she was watching it at the time.
Opening day for Ottery’s new library announced
Excitement is building as Ottery’s ‘state-of-the-art’ new library prepares to open its doors this month. The facility will move out of its current space at the Flexton into the former NatWest building. Its opening day will be Saturday, February 25. The premises has undergone refurbishment through the partnership of Ottery Town Council, Devon County Council and Libraries Unlimited.
Beer Coastguard bids farewell to deputy station manager Paul
Paul Driver has clocked up more than 850 missions for the team since he joined in 1980. The 65-year-old was the last remaining member of the coastguard’s ‘rocket team’, which would assist in rescues by firing a rocket with a line attached to pull those in distress out of danger. He joins a long line of crewmen who have served more than 30 years with the team. Paul said: “The whole idea why I joined was to help someone in need.
Honiton man raises concerns as mental health services are hit by funding changes
The Haven, in High Street, which is run by Mind in Exeter and East Devon, will cease to operate open, walk-in appointments from April 1. Those eligible will be transferred on to a 12-week programme under the changes by Devon County Council (DCC) and Devon Partnership NHS Trust (DPT). Honiton resident Gary Wakeham has voiced his concerns about losing the walk-in service, which has supported him for six years.
Exeter University ask for views on beaver study
Exeter University is looking for participants in its nationwide study into the impact of reintroducing beavers into the wild. Experts are monitoring the impact of the River Otter beavers and the publics’ attitude towards reintroduction. Devon Wildlife Trust has been granted a licence from Natural England to keep the beavers in their habitat until 2020. The charity has also shared footage of the beavers, taken by Mike Symes last summer.
Exeter University asks for views on beaver study
Exeter University is looking for participants in its nationwide study into the impact of reintroducing beavers into the wild. Experts are monitoring the impact of the River Otter beavers and the publics’ attitude towards reintroduction. Devon Wildlife Trust has been granted a licence from Natural England to keep the beavers in their habitat until 2020. The charity has also shared footage of the beavers, taken by Mike Symes last summer.
Clean-up bill ‘would punish’ Tar Barrels
East Devon District Council (EDDC) could save £9,000 by charging events - such as the flaming November 5 tradition, local carnivals and Sidmouth FolkWeek - for it to clear the streets afterwards. Such work is currently done by the authority’s StreetScene team, funded by taxpayers’ cash. The proposals have been earmarked in a transformation strategy for 2017/18, which lists actions to balance EDDC’s budget.
Temporary staff needed for Devon County Council elections
East Devon District Council is looking for temporary staff to assist with county elections. The council’s elections service has opened its recruitment for a number of positions to help with Devon County Council’s elections on Thursday, May 4. The roles available are: • Presiding Officers - responsible for the conduct of the ballot in the polling stations and must have a good knowledge of the voting procedures. Hours of work: 6.15am to 10.15pm (without leaving the polling station) on 4 May 2017.
Police called to A3052 between Beer and Branscombe
Police called to A3052 between Beer and Branscombe 14:01 17 January 2017 Clarissa Place Police were called to a two vehicle road traffic collision near Branscombe following reports of an overturned van. Officers arrived on the scene near Rockhayes Cottages, on the A3052, shortly after 12.30pm, A police spokeswoman said: “Police were called to reports of an overturned van, nobody was injured and there was no requirement for an ambulance.
Sidmouth College pupils pose for photo with ex-student Duncan James
Sidmouth College pupils pose for photo with ex-student Duncan James 11:57 06 January 2017 Clarissa Place Sidmouth College pupils and staff meet Duncan James after the show. Archant The students watched the popstar and actor in action in his latest role. Staff and students enjoyed a star-studded trip to the theatre to meet one of the Sidmouth College’s famous alumni.
Kutchenhaus showroom to open in Ottery
An international kitchen company is breathing new life into an unused Ottery building as it prepares to open its new showroom. Kutchenhaus will open its doors to its new premises on the Finnimore Industrial Estate on Saturday, January 14. The former PJ Flegg property stood empty for a number of years before its conversion into one of the company’s largest Devon showrooms - measuring just under 4,000sq feet.
Sidbury dad’s close shave for unit helping his wheelchair-bound daughter walk
A Sidbury father-of-two is preparing to shave off a beard he has been growing for five months to net funds for the unit that is helping his wheelchair-bound daughter walk again. Robbie Drew, 52, of Fore Street, has raised more than £1,100 for Mardon Neurological Centre in Exeter, where his youngest child Zoe is undergoing intensive rehabilitation treatment. He will shave off his beard in front of friends and family in The Rising Sun pub on Sunday.
Family decides to sell Otter Coaches to Dartline
Otter Coaches, in Exeter Road, will become part of Dartline from January 1. Brothers Chris and Alan Down have co-owned the business, but, due to personal reasons, they have decided to sell to the Exeter-based company. Chris, who lives in Sidmouth, said: “I suppose it’s like all things - as time goes by, you have to move with the times. “Technology is moving on so fast, there are aspects of the business that are not as attractive as they used to be.
Devon County Council calls for pause in hospital cuts
An all-party heath scrutiny committee agreed yesterday (Thursday) that, until health services in Devon were properly funded, it was not possible to judge what the deficit was - and if any action was needed to balance the books. During the meeting, Devon County Council (DCC) called for the Government and NHS England to provide ‘fair funding’ for services. In East Devon, the NEW Devon Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is currently in consultation over the future of inpatient beds.
Sidmouth and Ottery firefighters called to single vehicle collision
Sidmouth and Ottery firefighters called to single vehicle collision 09:48 02 December 2016 Clarissa Place Crews from Sidmouth and Ottery St Mary were called to rescue a trapped motorist, following reports of a van on its side in Combe Cross.
College’s strong leadership praised in Ofsted report
Inspector Jim Sage visited with Ofsted’s Non Davies in October and was impressed by the school’s improvements made since 2012. In the report, the inspector noted pupils in all year groups made ‘strong progress’ and ‘arrive ready to learn’. Mr Sage said: “The overall achievement of pupils, including those who are disadvantaged, was strong in 2016.
Gritters out in force across Devon to prepare for cold snap
Devon County Council (DCC) will be carrying out precautionary treatment on 2,000 miles of road as temperatures are expected to drop as low as minus seven degrees in some areas tomorrow (Tuesday). Road surface temperatures across Devon have already started to fall. Gritting activity began this afternoon on routes around Torridge, Mid, West and North Devon, and inland areas of East Devon.
Police issue warning to East Devon drivers
Motorists are being warned not travel unless ‘absolutely necessary’ as torrential rain continues to fall across Devon. Heavy downpours have caused flash flooding on the county’s roads across the weekend in the wake of Storm Angus. As rain continues to fall today (Monday) residents in Ottery St Mary have reported difficult driving conditions on roads near the old factory, Chineway, Slade Road and Shutes Mead.
Highway teams tackling flooded roads across Devon
Surface water and flooding has been reported across the county, with highway bosses expecting further intense showers throughout this afternoon and evening (Monday). Devon County Council (DCC) has reported the A375 is closed at Sidbury due to flooding and a landslip, flooding on the A3052 between Newton Poppleford and Harpford and also at Boshill Cross, Barrack Road in Ottery St Mary.
Fallen soldier remembered in pumpkin carving
Julie Clayden said she was not aware until recently that her great-great uncle, RG Free, died in World War One at the age of 23. She spent 40 minutes creating the wartime scene featuring two soldiers in memory of him. RG Free was a private in the Royal West Kents Regiment and was sent to France on September 16, 1916. He was wounded in action on October 3, 1916, but Julie said she is unsure when he died.
Planning inspector supports Devon Mineral Plan
Straitgate Farm has been earmarked as a suitable site for the extraction of sand and gravel despite objections from campaigners and residents. The plan is set to be adopted after the inspector said the DMP met legal requirements and provides an appropriate basis for future quarrying plans in Devon until 2033.
Ottery St Mary couple named as victims of fatal collision in Somerset
Robert and Brenda Newton, both 72, died at the scene following a collision with a van near Buckland St Mary on Monday, October 31. An Avon and Somerset Constabulary spokesman said: “The incident happened just after 1pm. A van which was travelling in a north-easterly direction had just negotiated at sweeping right hand bend when it appears to have crossed the centre of the road and was in collision with a car travelling in the opposite direction.
Suggest your favourite Christmas carols for Sidmouth service
Councillor Stuart Hughes, chairman of EDDC, is asking for constituents to send in suggestions for the service and tell him why the carol is special to them. He added: “Christmas is such a lovely time of year for so many and we all have that one special carol that means so much to us. I’d like the people of East Devon to choose carols that mean something to them and, if it’s possible, we will include it during the service.” All are welcome to attend the event at Sidmouth Parish Church.
Recovery work begins following Exeter fire
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue have formally handed the histroic building back to their owners as the emergency response phase of the fire has now ended. The hotel caught fire on Friday and took crews Strategic demolition of any parts of the hotel will now take place once comprehensive risk assessments have been carried out by contractors, to protect public safety and to avoid any further damage.
Chris Packham backs East Devon’s beavers
Devon Wildlife Trust is trying to raise the six figure sum through crowdfunding to secure the animals future past 2020. The charity has to raise £700,000 itself to fund a five year project, monitoring the impact of the animals on the local landscapes, community and wildlife. It is believed there are up to 20 beavers living in the River Otter – the first of their kind in England for 400 years.
Limit water use to help crews tackle Exeter blaze
South West Water have asked customers around Exeter city centre and the Wonford area to limit their water supply to assist fire crews. The company is proving bottled water outside Costa in Bedford Street for users experiencing supply issues. South West Water tweeted: “We are asking customers in the city centre and Wonford areas to restrict water use to help make as much water as possible available to the fire service. Customers may experience supply issues during this time.
Police and fire service issue update on Exeter fire
Representatives from the police, fire service and Exeter City Council gave an update on the fire that has been burning in Cathedral Yard for more than 30 hours. Currently 23 fire engines are on site with 97 firefighters are tackling the blaze. The fire service is working with Wales & West Utilities to turn gas supplies off to help put out the fire.
Cordons remain in place near Exeter fire
Cordons remain in place as firefighters worked through the night to contain a fire in Exeter’s Cathedral yard. The fire, which destroyed the historic Royal Clarence Hotel, was reported at 5.12am yesterday. Since then, up to 150 firefighters from across Devon and Dorset have been working ‘around the clock’ to prevent the fire spreading to other adjacent buildings. Crews are likely to remain at the scene for most of the weekend.
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