Volunteers are needed in Sidmouth to help with this year’s Poppy Appeal. Read this and more news.

BURGLARY: Gardening equipment was stolen from Lincombe Farm, Sidbury, between Sunday, October 9, and last Tuesday, October 13. Police have appealed for information and can be contacted by dialling 101, crime reference: KS/11/587.

FORTFIELD LATEST: Work to build 31 apartments in place of Sidmouth’s former Fortfield Hotel will begin in spring 2012, according the developer that secured planning permission for the site in August. Managing director of ZeroC, Kim Slowe, said a section 106 agreement – which will see the firm hand more than �1million in community cash to the district council – was set to be signed this week. He added a standard three-month judicial review must take place before ZeroC can take ownership of the land.

DAMAGE: Vandals dented the door of a car parked in Capper Close, Newton Poppleford, between 2.30am and 1.15pm on Monday, October 17. Anyone with information can contact police by dialling 101, crime reference: KS/11/594.

POPPY PLEA: Volunteers are needed in Sidmouth to help with this year’s Poppy Appeal in the 90th year of the Royal British Legion. Collections take place from October 29 to November 12. All money raised will go to help armed service personnel, and their families, in difficult times. Anyone interested in helping can contact Sidmouth Poppy Appeal organiser Sue Pink on (01395) 515495.

QUARTET COUP: Sidmouth Music will welcome back the Emperor String Quartet for a special 40th anniversary recital next Saturday, October 29. The quartet will return to the town for a third time when a celebratory concert will take place in the Manor Pavilion Theatre, at 7.30pm. Tickets (�12.50) are available from the theatre box office and Paragon Books. More information is available on line at www.SidmouthMusic.org.uk, or by contacting Stephen Huyshe-Shires (01395) 514618.

BUS: A sight not seen in Sidmouth for more than 30 years will be back at The Triangle on Sunday. A former Devon General ‘Long John’ bus has been lovingly restored and will be stopping on its tour around the county at lunchtime.