There is plenty to discuss this week. After catching Covid and following my period of self isolation I thought it would be a good idea to inform you that I did not suffer any of the three main initial symptoms. This being a high temperature, an immediate lack of taste and smell and a continuous cough.

The symptom that first made me think I wasn’t 100% was having a mild sore throat. I put this down to the amount of talking that I was doing whilst helping with the parking during folk week. It was only later in the week that I took a test after feeling tired. I had put this tiredness down to the 7 or 8 miles I was walking each day whilst working at the cricket club. Soon after taking the test it became apparent that I was losing my taste and smell senses. These are yet to return fully but fortunately I have no other side effects at present. Like so many people I am very grateful for the vaccinations.

Last weekend the 1st XI and the 2nd XI at Sidmouth Cricket Club had their games postponed because of Covid issues. This wasn’t just within the Sidmouth camp but also within the Paignton lot as well. There is no doubt that Covid is rife at the present time and I noticed that Exeter City Council was the second highest council area in the country for Covid numbers during the last couple of weeks.

The Sidmouth air show is next Friday and the Red Arrows are the major highlight. It will be great to have this event back in the town and let us hope the weather is kind. Unfortunately the Red Arrows were unable to perform at Falmouth last week because of the poor weather conditions. Events commence at 5.30pm. Please donate to the collectors on the night to ensure such events continue.

Did anybody see the article recently about the plans to have vegetation on bus stop roofs in Sidmouth? Apparently they propose to use sedum plants on them. These plants will hopefully encourage bees and other insects which has a positive effect on the environment.

I noticed that the Ludgate Gallery is returning to Sidmouth shortly after many years of not trading in the town. The new gallery looks very smart and is due to open in Old Fore Street in the premises formerly occupied by Frills haberdashery.

A number of residents will have noticed that the recycling teams and dustbin lorries are struggling to complete their collections on occasions recently. Apparently there are a high number of vacancies at the present time. Combine this with employees being pinged and you have a difficult situation. Personally I think these people do a fantastic job and we wish the recycling teams well as they try to get back up to speed.

Another trade that is suffering with staffing numbers is the supermarket distribution business. A visit to Lidl the other day saw a number of empty shelves and it’s not just in Sidmouth. Another industry where employees being pinged is having a negative impact. And the same goes for the coffee shop chains where shortages have been apparent.

Former local cricketer and student James Gingell has just completed his Lands End to John O’Groats walk and another piece was featured in The Guardian the other day. A tremendous feat and very eloquently described by James in the article. You can read it online.

Last Friday Sidmouth Golf Club hosted a charity event for the Jogle9ers cycle team who are doing a charity bike ride from John O’Groats to Lands End. The nine cyclists taking part are training hard and welcome any support on their Just Giving page. They are hoping to raise £9,999 for charities including Exeter Stoma Nurses, Cancer Research UK, Children’s Hospice South West and Beat eating disorders. The web address is justgiving.com/crowdfunding/9ers. The golf event was followed by an auction where lots of money was raised.