From Red Arrows returning to what Drill Hall area really needs

Mike Dibble Picture: contributed (Image: Picture: contributed)

I was delighted to see that the Red Arrows will be back in Sidmouth on Friday, August 26, with a strong support show.

Personally I would love to see the RAF Typhoon displaying here in Sidmouth one year but locals will have to be content with seeing it at The Torbay Air Show this year.

On the commercial property front we now have two empty shops in Fore Street with the premises previously occupied by Flutterbys and Country Bloomers both vacant.

Signs in both windows give details about how to contact the businesses.

Flutterbys will also be operating a pop up unit in Libra Court on various dates which are detailed in their window.

I noticed that the DVLA were active in the Sidmouth area last week.

The target was untaxed vehicles. Whilst on the subject of vehicles we are not seeing many parking wardens on patrol in the area recently.

I can only assume there is a shortage of employees across the area. Or are they a victim of council expenditure cuts?

I was interested to read the article last week in this paper on biodiversity in The Byes.

Hats off to The Friends of The Byes for all their hard work. We are so lucky to have this wonderful amenity in Sidmouth and it is looking in fine order at present.

Personally I never tire of a stroll through the area and there are many benches where you can sit down and take in the peace and tranquillity.

I heard a lady telling a group the other day about which plants it was safe to eat whilst walking in the area. I’ll stick to the bananas, jelly babies and flapjacks I think.

And as for the saga surrounding the Drill Hall there is little to say other than what I stated in this column a few weeks ago.

That is the whole of this area needs proper development and foresight. It really does ley the seafront down at the moment.

And I must apologise as I referred recently to the Sailing Club in this column. I’ve been told it is The Port Royal Club.

On the sporting front Exeter City needed a win against Barrow last Tuesday to secure promotion to League One.

This followed a 2-0 home win against Rochdale last Saturday. Hopefully by the time you read this they have secured promotion.

They are away to Northampton this Saturday who are also chasing promotion.

In rugby Exeter Chiefs had a terrific game last Sunday at Saracens.

Leading at half time they eventually lost 38-22.

Without four injured British Lions they are up against it to secure a top four position. Strangely their next game is not until May 20 away at Bristol.

Sidmouth finished their season with a 19-15 home win against Keynsham.

Coach Phil Dollman scored two tries but it was a superb try from James Powell that secured the victory.

Man of the match was Richie Drewett son of former Exeter Chiefs coach Peter Drewett.

The club will now wait to hear from the RFU about the local league structure next season to find out which league they will be in.

On the cricketing front Sidmouth lost narrowly against Clevedon last Saturday. The match saw debuts for Codi Yusuf and Jamie Baird.

Last season’s leading run scorer, Alex Barrow, is now coaching at Exeter University and therefore will be available for fewer games this season.

Next weekend there is an away game on Saturday at Bridgwater.

The home fixtures next weekend are against Newton Poppleford on Saturday and Alphington and Countess Wear on Sunday.

Finally I have been asked if I could mention the 45th Annual Orchid Show which the Devon Orchid Society are holding on Saturday,. May 7, at The Public Hall in Station Road, Budleigh Salterton.

The show runs from 10.30am to 4pm. Admission is £4 which includes a tea or coffee.