Congratulations Sidmouth - you threw a right royal party!

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

We can only start this week by looking back on the fantastic jubilee celebrations across the country.

The coverage on local and national television was excellent. Who’d have thought we would see Her Majesty taking tea with Paddington Bear?

Sidmouth was buzzing for the four days with so many popular events taking place around the town and villages nearby.

The Thursday street party was brilliant. It was superbly supported by the people of Sidmouth.

Well done to the Chamber of Commerce for the wonderful organisation of the event and to the volunteers who set it all up.

We had our own street party in Connaught Road last Sunday.

It was very well organised by Graham and Kate Symington.

I know there were street parties all over the district so hats off to everyone who organised one.

I have never seen so many trifles and cakes photographed on social media.

We did have a seagull attack at one stage as a bird flew off with a knife but thankfully it handed on the road and not on someone’s car.

Talking of seagulls we have the first hatchings this week so look out for the young ones that fall off the roofs and their more aggressive parents.

The climax to the weekend was the concert at Kennaway House with national celebrity Mica Paris performing the day after she had performed in front of Buckingham Palace.

Her exuberant performance went down well with her audience who won’t forget the ‘Sidmouth likes to funk’ finale! The Jazz Festival is due to return next year, at the end of May, and it looks very much like it could become a fixture in the calendar.

There was a slight hold up to the concert as the organisers wanted to respect the church bells that were ringing. A nice touch.

At the street party I had the pleasure to be introduced to local children’s author Jennifer Gold.

She also does storytelling and has travelled all over the world including riding wild horses in Mongolia. Her books can be viewed at Jennifer-gold.com.

The major property news last week centred around the development that is going to happen one day at the former East Devon District Council Offices.

The premises at The Knowle have been lying vacant for a considerable period of time.

It is reported that national retirement home developer McCarthy and Stone are now involved. Watch this space.

I have seen several suggestions that it would be good to see a park and ride operation taking place from the site.

Whether this is possible we’ll have to wait and see.

On the sporting front I’m afraid I have to report another defeat for Sidmouth 1st XI cricket team last weekend.

They were beaten by 6 wickets by Paignton. The 2nd XI won at Exmouth. The 3rd XI were beaten by Honiton 1st XI at The Fortfield on Sunday.

This Saturday the 1st XI are away to Bradninch, the 2nd XI are at home to Ottery St Mary and the 3rd XI are at Kentisbeare.

On the golfing front Sidmouth were knocked out of The Palairet Trophy by Exminster at Crediton last Sunday.

The result was 3-2 in Exminster’s favour. And in rugby Exeter Chiefs completed their league campaign with a 48-37 victory against Harlequins at Sandy Park.

The thrilling encounter saw 13 tries scored in front of a large crowd.

Finally I was sorry to read that Fillfull will be closing their doors in Fore Street later on in the Summer.

They unfortunately opened their doors at the same time as a similar business in New Street.

Also on the property front the marketing of the sale of the Hotel Riviera has been publicised on various media outlets.

This outstanding venue is offered with a price guide of £3.5m. And several shops in Sdmouth are currently being decorated so hopefully some more businesses will be open soon.