COMMENT: East Devon truly comes to life in autumn

Returning to the 'back to school' routine this autumn has not quite to plan.

After a busy summer covering events, I was planning to get back to the normal nine-to-five, but it has has been anything but routine.

The whole country, of course, came to a standstill following the death of Her Majesty the Queen and, having suffered two bouts of Covid in two months, I haven't been feeling 100 per cent, so I recently decided to take some time out of the office to relax.

I did, however, still tune in via Zoom to the 'crisis meeting' called to discuss the future of the Flamingo Pool in Axminster. 

As reported by Nub News, the pool is at risk of closure in three years' time due to sky-rocketing energy costs.

Trustees are now hoping to raise £250,000 for the installation of renewable and sustainable energy sources, which will help cut down on running costs in the long-term.

The pool is a wonderful facility, not just for Axminster, but for many across the local area, in particular the hydrotherapy pool is of great importance to those recovering from illness and injury.

In my efforts to get back to full health and fitness, I have recently taken up swimming again at the Flamingo, and agree with Axminster councillor Jeremy Walden's recent comments that it would be a "sad tragedy" to see the pool close, especially after the huge local fundraising effort to build it in the 1990s.

His suggestion to increase the town council tax precept to help fund the pool, however, did not seem to go down well with readers. 

The proposal was met with negative comments on social media, with many arguing it would not be fair to raise council tax when not everyone makes use of the pool, especially during the current cost of living crisis.

Delicious brunch at River Cottage Kitchen

Brunch at the new River Cottage Kitchen on Trinity Hill

I had a delicious brunch of bubble and squeak with a poached egg and cheese sauce while enjoying exceptional views across the Axe Valley countryside – I'd definitely recommend.

In fact, a lot of my week off – like all my time off, to be honest – was spent indulging in good food. I spent one of the days in Bristol visiting my oldest friend and we caught up over lunch at the trendy Wapping Wharf, where old shipping containers have been transformed into a complex of mini restaurants serving cuisine from all over the globe.

It seems a popular choice, as I was watching Mary Berry's new 'Cook & Share' series on the BBC this week, and saw she was eating in the exact same place!

I tuned in as I knew the Jurassic Coast would be featured in the cooking series and wondered if Lyme Regis might make an appearance. The town was shown in all its glory in episode four, with stunning backdrops of the Cobb, Marine Parade and beaches – although it wasn't actually mentioned by name!

It seems that the local area is truly the star of the small screen at the moment. Earlier this month, brave volunteers from Lyme Regis lifeboat crew featured for the third time on the hugely popular BBC series 'Saving Lives at Sea', following them on a dramatic rescue off Axmouth.

And Burrow Farm Gardens, in Dalwood, also recently featured on the BBC's 'Gardeners' World'.

You can still catch up on all these programmes on BBC iPlayer.

Great to get back to much-missed events

Colyford Goose fayre was held in September for the first time since 2019

While most of my summer was spent covering events in Lyme Regis, it seems East Devon really comes to life in autumn and it's been great to get back to events that have been so missed during the coronavirus pandemic. 

The village of Colyford was shown off to its best at the medieval Goose Fayre last month – always a high-spirited events and lots of familiar faces to catch up with. It is a great example of community. 

And of course, carnival season is in full swing. Seaton and Colyton kicked things off back at the beginning of September, but Axminster has had to wait until this weekend for its celebrations due to the death of the Queen. 

Not only will I be out taking photos for the Nub News weekend on Saturday night, but I'll also be part of the carnival judging team for the first time!

In fact, it's a busy weekend in Axminster. 

Honiton & Tiverton MP Richard Foord will be speaking about his first 100 days in office in a conversation with East Devon District Council leader Paul Arnott, in Axminster Guildhall on Saturday morning. 

And on Sunday the long-awaited new skatepark will be officially opened at Cloakham Lawn Sports Centre.

Remember to shop local this autumn

With the summer crowds dispersing, local businesses will no doubt be feeling apprehensive about what could be a difficult season to come amid the rising cost of living.

When you're doing your weekly shop (or dare I say it, Christmas shopping), this autumn, spare a thought for the little man. Supporting a small, independent business means your money stays within the local economy and makes a true difference to local traders, rather than disappearing into large national corporations.

Totally Locally has seen great success in promoting independent businesses in Axminster in recent years, even seeing the relaunch of the Chamber of Commerce. 

Now they are launching the 'Big Deal for Axminster' initiative, fighting back against the various pressures facing the town's businesses, while introducing deals that will help the community cope with the cost of living crisis.

So look out for bargains coming to a store near you!