Monthly Archives: November 2012

Santas furlong dash for children’s hospice

Exeter Racecourse, , , ,

A one furlong festive fun run for Children’s Hospice South West will take place at Exeter Racecourse before its six-race card, which begins at 12.50pm on Thursday, December 20, and anyone with a penchant for dressing up as Father Christmas and raising money for good causes is being urged to join in. Free entry to the races, a Santa suit and a medal will be given to everyone who registers to run, jog or walk down the home straight for the charity which offers care for children who have illnesses which mean they will dies before reaching adulthood. Register on-line at www.chsw.org.uk/santas or call 01271 325270. A local Christmas package, a free bus service to and from the racecourse and free entry for children aged 17 and under are all available with details at www.exeter-racecourse.co.uk.

Romance and racing combine to win a night at Bovey Castle

Exeter Racecourse, , , ,

A night’s stay at Bovey Castle is the prize on offer for everyone who pre-books to attend Exeter Racecourse’s annual Two For ?10 fixture on Sunday, February 10 when traditionally there’s always a hint of romance in the air, with Valentine’s Day just around the corner.

The prize is a luxurious Superior Castle bedroom for two, including breakfast, a three-course dinner in The Edwardian Grill and a glass of champagne on arrival. The free prize draw will take place on the race day and is open to everyone who buys a ticket in advance.

General manager Tim Darby said: “We are delighted to be able to offer this wonderful prize from Bovey Castle.

Everyone loves a bit of romance, and this fixture has proved a real lure for couples wanting to do something a little different by dining in the Desert Orchid restaurant or just enjoying time together.
“It’s a great day out for singles too and we find that people tell us its one of the easiest ways to meet
someone as the racecard acts as an ice breaker. And there is so much to talk about, you often see complete strangers at the beginning of the day leaving as good friends.”

Exeter’s February meeting has proved immensely popular in recent years as it offers exceptional value for money with children aged 17 and under racing free. “The atmosphere is always terrific with families flocking to Haldon Hill to enjoy an afternoon of sporting action,” added Tim.

Two for ?10 tickets must be pre-booked in advance by midnight on Friday, February 8 by calling the hotline on 08445 793005 or book on-line at www.exeter-racecourse.co.uk. Terms and conditions apply to the prize draw.

A free bus from Exeter St David’s and Exeter Bus and Coach Station leaves at 12.20pm and 12.35 on
February 10 returning half an hour after the last race on both days.

Web: www.exeter-racecourse.co.uk

Christmas Shopping Fayre 2012

Retail, Whats On & Events Guide, ,

Cheer up – Christmas Shopping’s going to be a lot of fun this year!

Park for free and solve all your Christmas shopping problems under one huge roof!

WESTPOINT ARENA – EXETER

Fri/Sat/Sun 30 Nov – 2 Dec

FANCY PUTTING SOME FUN INTO YOUR FESTIVE SHOPPING? It’s simple, just pay a visit to the huge annual ‘Christmas Shopping Fayre’ at Exeter’s Westpoint. You’ll enjoy spending a few hours browsing around 100s of stalls displaying a far wider selection of products than you’d ever have imagined was possible!

For 3 fun-packed days the Devon County Show- ground will host an amazing range of Retailers, Manufacturers, Craftspeople, Wholesalers and Importers from far & wide who transform the vast 50,000 sq ft hall into an Aladdin’s cave of wonderful gift ideas and essential Christmas items.

All the popular regular exhibitors will be there again and the Barnstaple based organisers have also attracted over 130 new companies to take part this year. Their wide-ranging products are sure to go down well with the 1000s of shoppers who rely on the Shopping Fayre each year for really diverse and original gift ideas…

Wonderful wooden carvings from Bali, batiks from Tanzania, worry dolls from Guatemala, alpaca knitwear from Peru – many of the traders are major importers with products from far-flung countries. You could easily imagine you’ve been whisked off to an exciting bazaar! Every alleyway is packed with interesting ideas.

Leading local craft-workers (with jewellery, artwork, ceramics, fabrics, wood, glass etc) will be showing their latest unique creations – ideal for that really special gift. Some of the craft-workers will be demonstrating their skills at the Fayre.

The ‘Speciality Food & Drink’ area is always busy. You can meet top producers offering free tastings including wonderful wines and liqueurs. Spend a while watching the clever demonstrators showing off the latest kitchen gadgets.

There’s never a dull moment at the Shopping Fayre with talented street-type entertainers and so much to see in every alley. Meet ‘Wildlife on Exmoor’ star Johnny Kingdom in the foyer and let your kids visit the very popular free Santa’s grotto.

The biggest attraction though is always the huge variety of goods on offer, that’s what brings so many shoppers every year.

Never been? Then what are you waiting for – you’ve got a real treat in store!

There’s ample free parking on-site and a newly refurbished restaurant and café. Admission is still only £3.50, seniors £2.50 and kids of 16 and under free of charge.

www.christmasshoppingfayre.com

The World’s Greatest Michael Jackson Tribute Concert Thursday 15 November 2012 – 7.30pm

Palace Avenue Theatre, , , ,

At the Palace Avenue Theatre – Paignton

Currently taking UK theatres by storm, The World’s Greatest Michael Jackson Tribute Concert is selling out in venues up and down the country and is being described as ‘the hottest tribute show in Europe’.

Fronted by one of the USA’s leading Michael Jackson tribute artists, along with an incredible live band and dance troupe, this acclaimed production will leave you in no doubt as to why Michael will always be remembered as the King of Pop.

Featuring spectacular costume changes, mesmerising routines and all your favourite hits including the early Jackson 5 classics and mega hits such as Thriller and Smooth Criminal – this is one show that any Michael Jackson fan cannot afford to miss!  Suitable for all ages.

Tickets on sale now £17.50

Box Office: 01803 665800

Palace Theatre
Palace Avenue
Paignton
TQ3 3HF
[email protected]

Big Bucks Gallops on Exeter’s Student Free Raceday

Exeter Racecourse

Meeting – Exeter Racecourse, Wednesday, November 14

First race – 1.40pm Tickets available from www.exeter-racecourse.co.uk or by calling 08445 793 005.

The formidable Big Bucks, unbeaten in his last 17 races over hurdles, will gallop at Exeter Racecourse next Wednesday (Nov 14) half an hour before the first race. The gallop is part of his final preparations before he makes his seasonal reappearance at either Haydock or Newbury.

Paul Nicholls said: “We did it at the same time last year, when he galloped with Kauto Star and Mon Parrain, before he won the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury, and it worked very well. He’ll have a day out and a spin around the racecourse.”

The four times Ladbrooks World Hurdle winner has an entry in the £80,000 Betfair “Fixed Brush” Handicap Hurdle on Betfair Chase Day on November 24 although he may run in the sporting3bet Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury a week later.

The racecourse is throwing open the gates to offer free entry for all students with a valid student card. The six-race card begins at 1.40pm and includes a Pertemps Handicap Hurdle series qualifier with the winner and placed horses qualifying to participate in the final at the Cheltenham Festival.

Other races are the Aggregate Industries Stoneycombe Novices’ Hurdle over two miles five furlongs, the three-mile Racing Welfare Jonny Brown Novices’ Chase. The Jack Fletcher Beginners’ Chase over two miles and one furlong, a Bet With Racing UK App Handicap Cahse over two miles three furlongs and concluding the card is the Roaring 20’s Christmas Parties at Exeter Racecourse Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle over two miles and three furlongs.

The meeting has a huge reputation for the quality of its runners with The Minack, Junior and Giles Cross all running at the meeting in previous years.

General manager Tim Darby said: “It’s a great opportunity to see a racing legend in action at Exeter. We’ve had some terrific racing so far this season with some very smart horses running, many of which look certain to be on the road to the Festivals next spring.”

Racecourse tours and tipsters talks with racing pundit Luke Harvey are available with raceday packages and there’s a free raceday bus service which leaves Exeter St David’s at 12.30pm and Exeter Bus & Coach Station at 12.45pm.

Web: www.exeter-racecourse.co.uk