News in Axminster

Latest NHS figures show that there were 77 people in hospital across Devon and Cornwall following a positive COVID-19 test as of last Tuesday.

The NHS England figures, released on Monday, give the latest details of the admissions and diagnoses of coronavirus patients by hospital trust.

Safar Indian Restaurant in Axminster will be offering free children's meals to those who would usually receive a free school meal vouchers during the half term break.

Following the government's decision not to extend the free school meals voucher scheme during half term, restaurants up and down the country have got behind footballer Marcus Rashford's #endchildfoodpoverty campaign and have been stepping up to ensure no child goes hungry.

"Coronavirus doesn't take a break - please respect and protect local communities."

This is the joint message from council leaders across the region for anyone thinking of coming to or travelling in and around the South West this half term in a new social media campaign specifically targeting visitors.

Axminster residents are being urged to make this Christmas "extra special" with an appeal for a mass ringing of bells on Christmas Eve to end this difficult year "with a bit of magic".

Posting a message on the Axminster Nub News website, Laura Newman urged the town to "come together" over the Christmas period and make a special effort to make the town "as festive as possible".

We had moved into our Nissen hut as squatters in early 1947 and joined many others who had already made their home on the Camp.

One of the residents, Suzanne, will always remain imprinted on mine and many other people's memory. I think she was of French origin with a rudimentary grasp of the English language. She dressed in long khaki shorts, Wellington boots, army blouson and always a coloured bandana on her head.

A Devon county councillors has called on the leader of the authority to provide school meals for children in need of them during the half term holiday and at Christmas.

Cllr Martin Shaw, who represents Seaton and Colyton, has also asked residents of his ward to support a crowdfunding appeal to ensure local children do not go hungry.

Mervyn Symes, the newly-appointed chairman of the Axminster branch of the Royal British Legion, has confirmed that there will be a Remembrance service in the town this year although there will be no parade.

The gathering will take place on Sunday, November 8th at 10.45am, at the War Memorial on the Minster Green.

Axminster Nub News aims to be supportive to every element of the community from businesses, shops and people to charities, clubs and sports organisations.

We will be profiling some of these local businesses and groups regularly over the coming weeks in a feature called 'Up Close'.

The number of new coronavirus cases confirmed in the last seven days has risen across Devon and Cornwall - with seven confirmed cases in Axminster.

East Devon has seen a sharp rise in cases, with 15 'clusters' - meaning areas which have three or more cases - in the local region.

Leisure centres and swimming pools across East Devon may be forced to close as LED and East Devon District Council may be unable to afford to keep them open.

The picture and position facing the council has been described as 'bleak' by the leader of the council and chief executive in a letter they have sent to the region's three MPs in calling for extra financial support.