Forever England: Devon, Glorious Devon!

May 21, 2014 - We are in Sidmouth, Devon, visiting dear friends, Ann and Norman Greaves at their lovely bungalow. Sidmouth is a beautiful town. Tourists come here but evidence of their presence is muted since Sidmouth has not given itself over to the Almighty Tourist, but rather has preserved the town for its residents, for their comfort and well-being. We are staying for a few days and expect to enjoy the beautiful ambience of the area, not to mention Ann's wonderful cooking! No friends like old friends (well, not so very old!)

We waste no time, but go for a lovely walk around the town with Ann and Norman

Our walk took us through Sidmouth Down the Byes with the River Sid flowing through it. This area is owned by the Sid Vale Association paid for by donations from the people.

School girls certainly look more stylish these days!

May 22, 2014 we take a walk to Branscombe, through Beer, lunch at the Anchor and then to Lyme Regis for a cream tea

The Cobb at Lyme Regis, Dorset (on the Heritage Jurassic Coast) was built as a harbor and a breakwater. This has been a refuge since 1313. The earliest drawing made in 1539 shows a basic shape similar to the present construction, and this was built after the westerly gales breached the breakwater in 1824. There have been additions since then, but the major part of The Cobb dates from then.

Later that evening we watched a showing in the cinema of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime performed by members of the National Theatre, London. A perfect ending to the day.

Friday, May 23, 2014, we walked to Ladram Bay across the cliffs, getting very wet, then back to the house for a wonderful lunch of Anne's Tomato and Goat Cheese Tart, salad and cold chicken and asparagus, followed by lemon cake.

A walk to the shops in Sidmouth followed where we met Dave O'Connor, head of the British Legion in Sidmouth, and he very kindly gave Mike a veteran pin.