So how are we all getting on with the Freedom Day easing of the regulations? By the time that you read this article you will have become accustomed to going back to how things were before the pandemic.

We are all having to get used to the new regulations and I thought it was somewhat ironic that the Health Secretary went down with Covid himself last weekend and Johnson and Sunak completed another u-turn by deciding it was sensible to do what others were doing and self-isolate!

With campervans due to arrive at Sidmouth cricket ground next Thursday evening, I have been busy sorting out the rota and parking arrangements for Folk Week. If the weather is good, I am anticipating that we will be busy for both Folk Week visitors and day-trippers.

The cricket ground is in a fantastic location being handy for both the beach and town centre. If you are visiting Sidmouth next week, I hope the weather stays fair and that you have an enjoyable time.

Also, the exciting news about other planes at the air show on August 27 was announced. Personally I would love to see the Typhoon displaying over Sidmouth. One year in the future hopefully.

On the nature front, did anyone see the post that was shared on Facebook taken by local man Andrew Welsh while out in his boat to the east of Sidmouth? He and his friends came across a pod of dolphins that provided superb entertainment for them. More and more people are seeing dolphins at the present time, which is an interesting aspect of the local environment.

The weather was fantastic last weekend at Sidmouth Cricket Club where on Saturday the 1st XI beat Cornwood by nine wickets. Captain Luke Bess led from the front with an unbeaten century. On Sunday, Devon entertained Berkshire in the National Knock Out Cup. Devon posted 253, which looked as if it might be enough at the halfway point of the Berkshire innings. However, an excellent partnership saw them over the line as they ran out winners by five wickets. There were many new visitors to Sidmouth on the day and without exception, they were extremely complimentary about both the ground and the town.

Thank you to those people who commented on the discussion article in last week’s paper about a one-way traffic system idea for Sidmouth. There are obviously pros and cons with regards to this and I will let everybody draw their own conclusions.

The important thing is that people think about how we can improve the flow of traffic around the town. The best way, obviously, is not to take your car off the drive unless you really have to.

On the commercial front, I noticed that Cotton Traders now have their name above the door of the shop which was formerly occupied by Edinburgh Woollen Mill. An imminent opening seems highly likely and next door I noticed the ‘to-let’ sign has gone up on the premises occupied by Crew Clothing. At the time of writing this article there was no sign of this on the agent’s website. I would like to think that Crew Clothing will remain in the town as the staff there are very helpful and charming. Also, in New Street, Rachael’s Rose ladies' clothes shop is now occupying the space next to Moshulu.

Finally, what about the downpour on the Monday before last? At the Golf Club the 18th green became a lake in a matter of minutes. Players out on the course saw their balls washed away in the torrent. And within minutes the rain had stopped and play recommenced. Talking of golf, it was sad to see that former captain Terry Carter passed away recently. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. RIP TC.