Anita Merritt

Writer at Devon Live

I am an Exeter-based journalist writing for DevonLive. My specialist areas are health and education.

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Articles

I'm the UK's youngest pub pianist and have memorised 4,300 songs

1 week ago | express.co.uk | Padma Murughappun |Anita Merritt

Traditional pub pianist Trev Woodison (Image: Submitted)Trev Woodison, also known as Trev the Pianoman, is thought to be one of only five traditional pub pianists left in the UK and the youngest among them. However, it's not the accolades that he cherishes but the preservation of this cherished art form. Trev fears that without more individuals following his path, this much-adored tradition could fade into obscurity.
Oasis support John Power recalls hilarious encounters with Liam Gallagher at Westcountry gig

2 months ago | devonlive.com | Anita Merritt

This summer, John Power – lead singer of Cast – will be performing with his band in front of thousands of people as part of the eagerly anticipated Oasis reunion tour. But he clearly hasn’t let success go to his head and is instead more interested in keeping his passion for music ignited by touring with an intimate show - perhaps the calm before the Oasis storm.
Devon care home accused of 'unjustified' increase in fees

Mar 24, 2025 | devonlive.com | Anita Merritt

A Devon care home that has been rated 'inadequate' for the past two years has now found itself being condemned by an ombudsman for allegedly charging additional money for residents care that was not set out in their contracts.
'Wake-up call' warning as shock staff findings released

Mar 24, 2025 | devonlive.com | Anita Merritt

Trade union Unison has branded the results of an ambulance trust staff survey a 'wake-up call' after fewer than half of ambulance employees said they would recommend it as a place to work, and only two-thirds felt the care of patients was the trust's top priority. Last week, the results of the Exeter-based South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) NHS Staff Survey 2024 were published. It was completed by 43 per cent of eligible colleagues.
Inside Exeter's newest bar opened by award-winning brewery

Mar 22, 2025 | devonlive.com | Anita Merritt

A former Exeter city centre restaurant that has stood empty for two years has now reopened as a new flagship venue for Crediton-based award-winning independent brewery Utopian Brewing. The former site of Circa restaurant, located in Northernhay Place behind Boots on the High Street, has been stylishly transformed into a new bar and eatery called Arcadia.
Exeter's unassuming Co-op worker leads double life as 'Lord of the Logos'

Mar 22, 2025 | devonlive.com | Anita Merritt

The famous saying 'never judge a book by its cover' couldn't be more fitting for part-time Exeter Co-op worker Christophe Szpajdel. Behind the nondescript uniform and happy and warm welcoming smile lies a hidden talent that has seen the 54-year-old award-winning artist produce outstanding work for the likes of pop star Rihanna alongside renowned names in the world of the heavy metal scene, as well as fashion and films.
Exeter mum's shock at cost to get out of shared ownership home

Mar 21, 2025 | devonlive.com | Anita Merritt

An Exeter mum has warned of the pitfalls of buying a shared ownership property, claiming her home is now 'unsellable' after being told she had to find more than £7,000 to extend the length of its lease. Kathryn Clarke-Mcleod moved into a housing development in Veale Drive, near Wyvern Barracks in Exeter, seven years ago. Her property is one of many that have been purchased under shared ownership with local housing association LiveWest.
BT workers left 'devastated' over proposed Exeter closure

Mar 21, 2025 | devonlive.com | Anita Merritt

BT workers impacted by a proposal from the telecommunications giant to close its landmark Exeter building and relocate employees to Plymouth have revealed the 'devastation', 'anger' and impact the shock announcement will have on their lives.
Dad-of-three died falling 200ft off cliff while filming with drone

Mar 20, 2025 | manchestereveningnews.co.uk | James Holt |Anita Merritt

Giles, 47, from Lancashire, failed to return home when the alarm was raisedA dad-of-three who was reported missing after failing to return home fell around 200ft to his death while filming on clifftops, an inquest has heard. Giles Battye, 47, originally from Blackburn in Lancashire, was tragically found dead at the bottom of cliffs five days after being reported missing. He had driven to Bigbury-on-sea in Devon on December 2, 2022, and walked to the tidal island.
Ladies toilets at Exeter Wetherspoon pub could be downsized

Mar 20, 2025 | devonlive.com | Anita Merritt

The female toilets area inside a popular Exeter Wetherspoons pub could be reduced in size under new plans to provide staff with a new changing room and toilets. A planning application has been submitted by the pub chain to Exeter City Council to make 'necessary' changes at George's Meeting House in South Street. Listed Building Consent and internal and minor external works are being sought for the Grade I listed building which is a historically significant 18th century chapel built in 1760.