The fine weather last weekend arrived in time for the bank holiday and the beginning of June looks set fair. This coincides with the national summer sporting fixtures gathering pace.

We have the first cricket test match this week against New Zealand at Lords and The Epsom Derby takes place tomorrow after The Oaks today. It won’t be long until Wimbledon is upon us and the European football Championships also start in June. In July we have the British Lions tour to South Africa and at the end of the month the Olympic games are due to start in Japan. Quite a time for sports fans far and wide.

Locally, on the rugby front, we have Exeter Chiefs embarking on trying to retain the Premiership title. They are away to Northampton on Sunday and finish their league campaign the following Saturday with a home game against Sale Sharks. An emphatic 74-3 win against an under strength Newcastle Falcons last Sunday means a home semi final is on course.

On the cricket front, Somerset started their latest game against Hampshire yesterday at Taunton. They are well placed in their group as they chase their elusive first county championship. A number of players from Devon form the backbone of their team with Tom Lammonby, Lewis Gregory and Craig Overton featuring regularly this season. Overton is likely to be playing for England this week after a fine start to the season.

On the Sidmouth sports scene it was good to watch the town’s cricket 1st XI team last Saturday but unfortunately they lost against Sandford in a game played in front of a decent sized crowd. This Saturday we see Sandford 2nd XI visiting The Fortfield for a Devon League game with the 1st XI away at Plymouth. In addition to cricket we also have a lot of activity on the golf course, the bowling greens, the croquet courts, the tennis courts and on the water. Sidmouth is a town where sporting facilities have always been well used and long may that continue.

It was alarming last weekend to hear that the South West Ambulance Service were under extreme pressure asking people to only call 999 if there was a life threatening situation. The sheer volume of tourists and locals not being away was thought to be responsible. A good time to remind ourselves of the fantastic job our emergency services do.

I’m afraid I’m going to have to mention the state of our roads again this week. I’ve heard of a wheel being badly damaged on the Sidmouth to Otterton road thanks to a massive pothole and the number of potholes seems to be increasing. The yellow paint sprayer has been very busy in Vicarage Road but there is still no sign of any major works starting. Apparently the lower layers beneath the surface are in a terrible state and works should commence shortly. Watch this space!

Finally I would like to thank everyone who has told me they are enjoying my column. I try to cover as broad a spectrum as I can but I’m afraid it does revolve a lot around sport and property. Thinking of topics to bring up is not easy especially during a pandemic! If there is something you would like me to mention, please ask and if it is suitable, and I can fit it in, I will. It seems a lot of people like the walking routes I have suggested and for those who walk the Sid Valley Ring I can suggest a little addition if you are up for it. Rather than walking up Glen Road, continue up Peak Hill, go through Delderfields nature reserve and turn right just before Mutters Moor. Go around the back of the Golf Course to rejoin the ring in Bickwell Lane. The views are stunning and you really do get to appreciate the west side of the valley.