"Awesome" performance

This afternoon I saw three actors, scant props, simple music and a well crafted plot - all from Theatre Alibi - grip tight an audience of teachers, teaching assistants, a school governor and about 150 school children at Willowbrook Primary School.
Just a standard school hall. Gym mats. Fluorescent lighting. And the acoustics... well... hmmmm...
But such a gripping performance.

"Just keep going, because it's worth it, what you're doing"

 For everyone, the hall faded away as the actors drew us all into their "Cabbage Heart" world.

Thanks to funding from Exeter City Council, Devon County Council and the Arts Council England South West, children who might never before have experienced the magic of simple, direct, high quality theatre all felt, as one boy said, "It was awesome!"

Nature nearby

How can urban areas have nature nearby?
Natural England have an inspiring answer  - they invite local residents to get together to create "doorstep greens". Exeter City Council calls these "pocket parks".
Whatever the name we're aiming to start up soon in the Whipton area of Pinhoe Ward.
If you're interested in getting involved come along at 10.15 a.m. on Friday 2nd December to Whipton Community Hall Pinhoe Road, near Whipton shopping centre.
I will be there, as will the  RSPB and  Exeter Wild City.

Thanks to Exeter's street sweepers

Autumn winds and rain have been flinging millions of leaves down onto our pavements and roads.

Sometimes lovely to look at. 

But as they rot and grow slippery, not always easy to walk or cycle over.

And definitely not easy to sweep up.

So it's a big thank you to Exeter City Council's street sweepers for being out there in all weathers tackling the problem. Very much appreciated.