Volunteers are being sought to help with Brownies and Guides. Read this and more news.

PENSIONS: A stock market crash and its affect on pensions has seen a Sidmouth and Ottery based law firm appoint a specialist financial advisor. Gilbert Stephens bosses made the move after a strong demand from clients. Elizabeth Andrews, a chartered financial planner, will be based at the firm’s High Street premises in Sidmouth every Friday afternoon and at its Broad Street office in Ottery on Friday mornings.

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PIPS: The Apple Pips Toddler Group meets in Sidmouth every Monday morning from 9am to 10.30am in Manstone Avenue.

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BROWNIES AND GUIDES: Volunteers are being sought to help with Brownies and Guides in the Sidmouth area. Anyone with a few hours to spare can contact Karen on (01395) 579390.

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HEART HELP: When you give to charity you don’t expect to receive a gift back, but that is what Devon Whittard of Chelsea plans to those donating good quality bric-a-brac to Sidmouth’s British Heart Foundation shop this month.

The Sidmouth shop is one of six Devon BHF stores to participate in the offer, which will give a 20 percent off voucher to spend in any Whittard of Chelsea store, or online.

Donations such as mugs, plates, vases and teapots are sought as part of a new stock appeal by BHF. More details on the campaign at bhf.org.uk/whittard or call (0844) 412 5000.

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BALL POOL: St John’s School Nursery, Sidmouth, has welcomed several new children this term and it is thought likely that the generous donation of a Ball Pool from its PTFA is in no small way responsible.

Such is the success of the activity, teachers are secretly hoping the PTFA may now dig a little deeper into their pockets and buy one for the staff too!