1. The second biggest monthly horse and pony sale is to relocate from Exeter to Newton Abbot. Auctioneer Sawdye and Harris took over the horse sale at Exeter Livestock Centre four years ago and have built the business up to be the second largest in the country. They are based in Newton Abbot, and the relocation ‘seemed to make sense’. The official opening of the sale will take place on April 3 at 10.30am.
2. A letter revealing the details of life during the Crimean War has been sold at auction. The letter, by Captain – later Major-General – Whitworth Porter, of Winslade House, Clyst St Mary, near Exeter, gives a graphic account of life in the trenches at the Siege of Sebastopol.
3. Topsham Conservative Councillor Rob Newby will be the next Lord Mayor of Exeter.
4. Plymouth Labour has launched its manifesto for the May local elections. Plymouth Labour has followed the publication of its mini manifesto on the environment with a 100-point plan to make the city better, ahead of the local elections in May.
5. Two new woodlands have been created in Devon. The Woodland Trust has been working with groups to plant nearly one hectare of woodland at Langage Farm in Smithaleigh in the South Hams and just over a hectare at the Wrigley’s headquarters in Plymouth.
6. The long-awaited Plymouth Life Centre opened its doors to the public (although we’ve heard there has been some confusion of the free entry, with people missing out)
7. One third of Plymouth workers are part-time, according to a study, which says one in four workers in the UK are now part-time.