This Saturday sees Eton Messy play Exeter Phoenix in a night that is sure to kick off term 2 with a bang, the Bristol based DJ collective are aiming to spread musical joy and fervor as the bloggers bring tunes from favourites like Applebottom, Aaron Lipsett, Polkadot, Maribou State and Bondax to Devon. Check out their latest in the awesome series of Messy Mixes here: Messy Mix #11 or alternatively their Youtube channel. Eton Messy Youtube
Record store aficionado and local music lover Tom Matthews chatted with Emily Barker about her mammoth tour, oddest venues and her love of all things vinyl.
Bafta and Novello award winning songwriter Emily Barker and her band The Red Clay Halo are playing at the Phoenix in Exeter this Thursday 14th November.
Emily’s autumn tour is going well. She’s played gigs at the Globe in Cardiff ahead of dates in London, Leicester and Leeds. Emily must be about the busiest girl in town as she he has just returned from Nashville where she squeezed in a video session with Bob Harris between Americana festival gigs and after this 30 date tour she will be visiting Sweden and Norway with a brief stop-off to see family in Oz for Xmas. When I ask her about her highlights of the recent tour she describes “the smallest turn-out” at Ullapool (no I’ve never heard of it either). A former herring port in the highlands of Scotland surrounded by “stunning, beautiful lakes”. Small must be beautiful for Emily as the last time she played in Cardiff was at ‘Spillers’, famously the oldest established record shop in the world. That was on her tour of 21 record stores which also included Plymouth’s fiercely independent Last Shop Standing, Rise in Bristol, and the fantastic Drift Record shop down the road in Totnes.
Emily says “its great to be supportive of the record stores… I used to work at one. You always meet interesting characters and its a great insight into a community!” Sadly there was no visit to Exeter then and the last time Emily played round here it was for an even more intimate crowd of one! The conceptually slightly creepy “Folk in a box”- Britain’s smallest venue appeared last year at the Beautiful Days Festival (Exeter’s excellent answer to Glastonbury just 15 minutes from the centre of town). However with her hard earned reputation, a new album, a tight band and some great songs I trust I won’t be the only one in the room when she plays on Thursday.
Tom Matthews
A 49-year-old man was arrested today on suspicion of attempted murder after a woman was stabbed several times at a cemetery in Exeter.
According to the Express and Echo website, police were called at around 10.55 am to St. Bartholomew’s Cemetery on Bonhay Road, where a woman, aged 34, had been attacked.
A police helicopter helped officers in their search for the suspect, who was caught shortly after the incident.
The reasons behind the violence remain unclear but the victim’s injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, despite suffering several wounds.
The cemetery where the attack occurred is close to the city centre and not far from student accommodation at St.David’s and Point Exe.
Police have emphasised that they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the stabbing. But Acting Exeter Sector Inspector Julian Pezzani told the Express and Echo: “We are grateful to everyone who has come forward already and we urge anyone else who may have seen what happened to get in touch with police.
“We would also like to thank the members of the public who helped the woman after she was attacked.”
Despite the sudden brutality of the attack a swift police operation to deal with the crime is comforting for local students. Fourth-year Accounting and Finance student Janaissa Eaglestone told Exeposé: “It’s very reassuring to know the police responded so quickly to such a serious incident”.
The police helicopter was crucial in dealing with today’s events. You can follow the work of Exeter’s National Police Air Service helicopter on Twitter via @NPAS_Exeter. The account tweeted about the incident earlier today.
Vehicle containing suspect for a stabbing in Bonhay Road, Exeter located by NPAS 44. Male now in Police custody.
— NPAS Exeter (@NPAS_Exeter) October 21, 2013
The attack provoked a number of shocked responses on the social networking site, with a number of users retweeting the Express and Echo report alongside exclamations of disbelief and condemnation.
Students who have any information about the crime should call 101 quoting incident number 262 and the date 21/10/13.
For more information about staying safe in Exeter visit Sense Exeter, a resource provided by the Students’ Guild.
Liam Trim, Online Editor
With World Mental Health Day fast approaching, The Mind Your Head Committee implore the students of Exeter to get involved with mental health events in the community and on campus.
What’s happening this Thursday? Yes, of course. The usual crush at Rococo’s. But what else is happening this Thursday? In fact, this Thursday is World Mental Health Day and this year you can get involved with Exeter’s very own tribute to the global awareness push for all things that affect your mind.
The event is taking place on the 10th October between 10am and 5pm at the Phoenix Arts Centre on Gandy Street.
World Mental Health Day was first celebrated in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health. The federation’s original aims of raising awareness, educating people on the breadth of its effects and celebrating the global scale of available services are still paramount today. With recent headlines about waiting lists for eating disorders patients, misguided Halloween costumes in supermarkets, and a lack of acknowledgement of the severity of criminal reports made by mental health sufferers, we clearly cannot afford to sweep mental health under the carpet.
But why would we attend this event, we hear you cry? This event is something that us students love… free! With workshops and tasters available in tai-chi, circus skills and massage, we find it hard to believe there isn’t something which will appeal to everyone, especially those on a tight budget.
With the region’s leading mental health charities Mind, Rethink Mental Illness, Recovery Devon, Stonham and Devon Partnership NHS Trust all taking part, it is set to be a great day.
We couldn’t agree more with Andrew Hawkins, event organiser, who has said that he is ‘proud that the mental health community have been able to come together to create such a great event that will hopefully bring our community together and help forge stronger bonds between us all.’
So why not, eh? Mind Your Head challenge you to meet us there and try something new. After all, it’s a great cause and as nice as it is, we can’t just stay in the Forum forever! Click here for more information. See you there!
The Mind Your Head Committee
Find out more about promoting mental health awareness on campus by liking the Mind Your Head Facebook page. How important is mental health as an issue on campus? What is your experience of the services provided? Leave a comment below or write to the Comment team at the Exeposé Comment Facebook Group or on Twitter @CommentExepose.
Last Thursday Exeter Style-Cycle held a charity event at Timepiece. The aim of the event was to raise awareness about the worrying level of clothes in our shops that are produced by forced labour in sweatshops around the world. The raise money was donated to Exeter Style-Cycle’s nominated charities ‘Labour Behind the Label’ and ‘Embercombe’.
An impressive array of talented student musicians formed the backdrop to a clothes swap initiative and ensured the public were entertained long into the night.
Soloist Maria Finnerty opened the night with an enthralling acoustic set that perfectly displayed her incredible vocal talent. Her powerful voice injected energy and emotion to original songs in one of the highlight sets of the evening. The night took a more dramatic turn when White Elephant Emporium took to the stage. The lead singer was reminiscent of Lana Del Ray, with her powerful and eccentric performance style.
Soloists Ellie Harrison and Amy Crowder’s acoustic renditions of indie classics set a more relaxed tone that perfectly suited the friendly atmosphere of the event. Ellie’s mash up of ‘Stay’ by Rihanna and ‘Overjoyed’ by Bastille caught the eye with her rich, emotive tones. Amy Crowder provided a more upbeat vibe with her much loved classics, including Foster the People’s ‘Pumped Up Kicks’. With her trademark easy listening sound, Amy is Exeter’s answer to Colbie Caillat.
The night took a very different twist when punk-Pop band Late Nights and Long Drives stormed the the stage with electric guitars, bass, drums and passionate vocals. Despite a valiant effort to ignite the (small) crowd, they were undeniably better suited to a bigger venue and failed to create the mosh pit they deserved.
Next came a highly enthusiastic set from two man band Drug Store Beatles. Whilst entertaining with their head banging and guitar thrashing performance, the lyrics were the real highlight of the piece. A tribute was even made to the Katie Hopkins debate and Exepose article: “Katie Hopkins is a bitch. She has a daughter called India” was screamed by the lead singer.
However, the highlight of the evening came from Death Star Disco’s unexpected attire, when they stormed the stage dressed head to toe in drag. They were the best received band of the night – and not just for their clothes. The band knew how to work the crowd, with their rendition of Smash Mouth’s ‘All Star’ initiating a frenzied dance amongst the listeners. It was a highly entertaining end to an overall brilliant night that showcased Exeter’s varied musical talent.
Chloe Glassonbury and Sabrina Aziz
Exeter’s Quay has received another nightlife injection as St Austell Brewery have pledged to invest £1.5 million into gentrifying derelict warehousing into a new pub, restaurant and microbrewery.
The building, which currently lies on Commercial Road, has formerly been home to a night club and lap dancing bar, but has been left derelict for the past two years. The top floor of the warehouse, which dates back to the 19th Century, will be converted into five flats in what is a very fashionable and desireable location.
Adam Luck, the Estate Director for St Austell Brewery, who currently run over 170 pubs in the South West as well as producing such popular ales as, ‘Dartmoor Beast’ and ‘Proper Job’, commented, “This is a historic, waterside building that has been empty for two years and is now completely derelict. We are looking forward to transforming it into a brand new pub and restaurant, bringing a new and exciting venue to the area for people visiting Exeter’s popular Quay to enjoy.”
However, not everyone is as optimistic. Exeter resident James Potter warns that it “sounds a good idea to have another pub on the Quay and nice for the tourists in the summer, but like all those pubs on the Quay, they struggle for trade in the winter and it’s absolutely dead down there.”
The renovation is due to begin in early 2014 and is hoped to be completed in time for Summer.
James Smurthwaite, News Team
Follow @ExeposeNews on Twitter and like us here on Facebook.
Video credit to XTV.
One wintery afternoon, Daisy Meager, Music Editor, caught up with the boys that make up Lion The Weak, Exeter’s answer to that craving for “erratic jaunty indie-pop” (their words, not mine). Comprised of Jack Shepherd (guitar and vocals), Charlie Homer (guitar and backing vocals), Laurie Pope (bass) and Sam Pitcher (drums), the boys have taken Exeter’s campus band scene by storm, performing around Exeter from the Bowling Green’s live music nights to supporting The Nameless Girl at Cavern.
The man behind the band is Jack who started writing songs and recording all the different parts on a humble laptop in his bedroom. Although happy enough, Jack says “acoustic performances never seemed quite there and I wanted to get friends involved with live performances”. Since then, bandmates have been added from housemates, friends and house parties, Sam the drummer being recruited for his famed ability for playing pint glasses. The band say that they feel their sound has become fuller and more up-front, guitar rock since moving from the more synthy sound of the bedroom recordings. Their sound has been described as a variety of ska, punk and rock, all with the an “indie” prefix. The band settle on “erratic jaunty indie-pop” but as Sam puts it very simply, “Listen to it and you can decide”.
After posing the question of their highlight as a band so far, the band’s answers ranged from playing at Cavern to their first gig to realising last night that, actually they sounded pretty alright. One thing the guys were unanimous about, though, were band breakfasts at Crazy Plates on Sidwell Street; a place where important band matters are discussed…mainly where to have lunch.
So what’s next for the boys? With their ideal gig ranging from a packed-out intimate gig to Wembley to Reading Festival’s NME stage, Lion The Weak have high hopes for the future. Having applied to several festivals for summer 2013 and gigs coming up in and around Exeter, make sure you keep your eyes and ears peeled.
Follow Lion The Weak on Facebook, Twitter, Soundcloud and Tumblr.
Daisy Meager, Online Music Editor
A woman aged 21 died last night after being crushed by a falling tree in Exeter.
The incident occurred on a patch of Western Way, close to the junction with Barnfield Road, at about 11:30PM on Saturday night. Two other people were also injured after the large spruce tree fell onto the pavement and into the road.
Once police arrived on the scene, three people were declared injured, with one in a critical condition. A short time after being taken to the hospital, the female was declared deceased.
Inspector Andrew Webber explained that the woman had been living in a small tent close to the wall by the roadside, when the tree fell on it.
Speaking to Sky News, Webber said: “It was a very large oak tree that had been there for very many years. Obviously we’ve had lots of heavy weather, it’s been raining an awful lot, and the tree for whatever reason came down.
“It’s taken a wall with it when it came down and then on top of that the tent was underneath and the tree has fallen on to the tent.
“There are two males involved with minor injuries and obviously a poor lady of 21 who received fatal injuries at the time.”
He said officers were on the scene, but that she died “almost instantaneously”.
Police are spending today (Sunday) carrying out a daylight investigation of the scene.
This morning, Prime Minister David Cameron spoke of his shock at the flooding which has hit Exeter and the rest of the South West. Speaking on Twitter, Mr Cameron said: “Shocking scenes of flooding. Govt will help ensure everything is being done to help.”
Meanwhile, traders at the Quay are doing everything they can to protect their businesses, after water levels dramatically rose over night. Heavy rain is expected to resume at 3PM today.
Tom Payne, Editor
Yes, that’s right. Quiet, picturesque, sleepy Devon is a secret hive of film activity. Don’t believe me? Well, you’d better, because as little as two weeks ago, the film premiere for John Tomkins’ They’re Coming – an independent film shot entirely locally – was hosted in the Central Cinema, Torquay a quick jaunt of less than an hour away by train.And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Down the road in Dawlish, a series of ambitious short films are currently in production by local indie film company Realm Pictures. Here in Exeter, we have our very own burgeoning filmmakers in Tom Hutchings and Ben Tallamy, whose first feature film, Shields of Justice, will be one to look out for next spring.
Now make no mistake, Devonian locations popping up in films is not a new thing – Dartmoor gets tons of screen time, the latest high profile visitors being the makers of War Horse. But such a number of independent, local filmmakers using locations in or near to Exeter is potentially very exciting, not just in the feeling of glam we could all get from going to uni here, but in the possibility of a strong and lasting network of support for British indie film. And who knows, if these enterprising filmmakers get enough funding, we could be seeing graduate job opportunities in all aspects of film production opening up in this otherwise quiet city.
The first person to make a feature-length film in Exeter, Andy Robinson, observes that “year on year there is more filmmaking activity going on in Exeter and Devon”. When he started to make his feature film, The Forewarning, back in 2005, he admits, “I had no idea what I was letting myself in for” and with no precedent in this locality, he found it an “isolating” experience. But now, with such a proliferation of filmic endeavour, talent and ambition around, a vibrant network of local indie filmmakers is growing in Exeter.
So much so, that a substantial proportion of the audience at the premiere of They’re Coming were directors. After the premiere, director and producer Tomkins stated that it was “the first time I’ve seen so many filmmakers together […] it’s a small world”. And it looks like the film world is about to become a whole lot more connected in Exeter. Last June, Shooting People, a film networking group, started meeting monthly at Exeter’s Picturehouse cinema, where there is a bar and relaxed space for casual chat and support. With friendly groups like this encouraging creative ambition, it looks like independent film is here to stay.
However, Tomkins emphasises that making a film on no funding whatsoever is always “very hard, very emotional”. Directors, writers, producers and goodness knows what else, John Tomkins, Andy Robinson, Tom Hutchings and Ben Tallamy have all found it essential to surround themselves with an extremely able-bodied crew of volunteers, and even then it’s no easy or cheap task. Although all of these filmmakers, when interviewed, expressed delighted surprise at how accommodating local organisations and location-providers have been (Tomkins notes somewhat bemusedly that “everyone loves the word ‘film’”), all are united in the determination to get funding for their next projects. The fact is, finding the money for decent filming equipment and editing software is one of the biggest problems for the future flourishing of independent film. These days, the high-tech cameras may be ever more portable and available, but they are still extremely expensive. But what are the opportunities for financial support in the current economical climate, I (sort of) hear you cry!
Julian Kemp, sound technician for They’re Coming and yet another local filmmaker, found a way to get funding for his first venture. This came in the form of a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, which he says he was “fortunate” to obtain. But, as the name of the fund suggests, there is a condition: your artwork has to be aimed at maintaining heritage in some way. So while this worked for Kemp, as his film, The Sanatorium was a documentary about the history of an ancient building on Dartmoor, it won’t work for all filmmakers.
Instead, local filmmakers in need of funding are likely to turn towards Crowdfunding websites. Several of the filmmakers I spoke to mentioned Kickstarter, a trendy American fundraising site, where you advertise yourself and what your project is about, and hope that some members who like what you’re doing will donate. This idea started in America, but it’s becoming increasingly popular worldwide. So if you like the idea of Exeter becoming a UK hotspot for filmic creativity, I advise you to keep an eye out for opportunities to get involved.
They’re Coming should be showing in Exeter soon and Shields of Justice should be screening in Exeter next spring. The former is an hour-long thriller about a man whose wife goes missing and is pursued relentlessly by mysterious characters. The latter is a pastiche of 1970s American macho cop shows. So there’s something there for everyone.
And for any aspiring student filmmakers out there, here are a few friendly words of advice, direct from the guys who’ve been there and got the extra wrinkles to prove it:
Mia Nashe
A van crashed into a section of scaffolding on the corner of Park Street and Queen Street on Saturday, 27 October.
At 10.35 am, the van driver turned left into Queen Street and collided with the scaffolding. The scaffolding collapsed and damaged the neighbouring shop.
The fire brigade and police were called to the scene and cordoned off the area on Queen Street until 5.00pm.
Judith Coote, owner of the shop ‘Toot Garook’ said it was “a miracle no one was hurt”. She went on to say that the scaffolding fell onto her shop, “bent the drain pipe and nearly smashed the front window.”
“The impact made cracks in the windows on the first floor as well.”
“It’s ironic because the scaffolding was going to be taken down on Sunday, a week earlier than planned but now they’re going to have put it all back up!”
‘Whitton and Laing’, the estate agent was also closed from the public until 5.00pm on Saturday afternoon.
Guy Janaway
exeposedev 