Sidmouth Poetry Readers continue their policy of featuring well-known local poets at their twice-yearly poetry mornings. Read this and more.

POETRY: Sidmouth Poetry Readers continue their policy of featuring well-known local poets at their twice-yearly poetry mornings on Wednesday (May 16).

Guest reader John Torrance will make a special appearance at the Belmont Hotel.

The event will take place from 10am to noon.

John Torrance is a retired university lecturer. In addition to previous academic publications he is the author, with Barbara Farquharson, of The Shooting at Branscombe Old Pits and articles on the history of East Devon.

He began writing poetry in 1991 and he and Rowland Maloney published a joint collection of their poems in 2009.

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TALENT SEARCH: Entrants are being sought for a Sidmouth’s Got Talent competition at the town’s football club on June 4.

The contest, which has a �100 prize, is part of the club’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Contact Emma Adam on 01395 514986 for an application form.

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DUCK OF THE DRAW: Youngsters have been invited to enter a drawing competition as part of this year’s Lions Club of Sidmouth Duck Derby fun on Sunday, July 15. Children aged from three to 11 can take along a drawing or painting of a duck and register it by 2pm on the day at a tent by Sid Park Bridge in the Byes. The main duck race starts at 3pm.

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ENSEMBLE: Save the Children will benefit from a Sidmouth concert by the Isca Ensemble on Saturday, June 30.

The event will take place at Sidmouth Parish Church at 8pm.

Tickets (�8) are available from Paragon Books in High Street.

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ROOF HOPE: Sidmouth Methodist Church has applied for planning permission for a replacement roof covering.

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FIRE SAFETY: St John Ambulance is calling for businesses in Devon to wise up when it comes to fire safety. The charity offers fire marshal courses and has set up an online calculator for employers to work out how many trained marshals they need. Government statistics show there were 19 fire-related deaths in workplaces, and 1,200 people injured, between 2010 and 2011. Details of courses can be found at sja.org.uk/training or by calling 0844 324 5535.

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BURGLARIES: Homeowners across Devon are being warned to keep their property secure this summer with a potential rise in domestic burglaries and personal theft. Rural insurance specialist Cornish Mutual has joined forces with Devon and Cornwall police to remind people to prevent opportunistic thefts in warm weather through open doors and windows. For more crime prevention advice visit www.devon-cornwall.police.uk

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DEAF AWARENESS WEEK: Charity Meningitis Trust is raising awareness of the impact of the disease during this week’s Deaf Awareness Week. Loss of hearing is one of the most common after-effects of meningitis, and the trust provides free expert emotional and practical support to anyone affected by the disease. For more information visit www.meningitis-trust.org or call the charity’s freephone helpline on 0808 8010388.

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HOLIDAY: After a study showed almost three-quarters of people in the South West are in need of a holiday, yoghurt company Yakult is offering a �5,000 dream trip abroad. To enter visit http://www.yakult.co.uk/world