There are many days when I’m out and about, that I can’t believe I live here, in beautiful South Devon. The walk along the prom by Torre Abbey Sands, and along by the Marina and the Harbour offers a different perspective almost every day. The bay can be like a mill pond most days with a clear view across to Brixham.
I always knew the climate was good in the South West, but one can be forgiven for musing that Spring has come early. It is only the fact that the evenings are still quite cool, reminding us that it is still only February (The warmest February on record albeit). The effect on our disposition is inclined to stir our soul with optimism about another summer like last, one of the best since records began.
Here in Torbay, we have much to look forward to this year, visiting some of the lovely towns and villages in South Devon, Dartmouth by steam train, Greenways by ferry and plenty more. There is an abundance of National Trust properties including the elegant Coleton Fishacre, and it’s wonderful gardens. We are lucky to be in a location with plenty to occupy us all year long. The Princess Theatre down on the stunning seafront in Torquay has a wide variety of shows throughout the year, from the Rocky Horror Show to The Rocket Man, a tribute to Sir Elton John, and including a murder mystery- Circus of Murder.
Currently there is an exhibition at Torre Abbey, Torbay Rocks, featuring the fascinating music memorabilia archive of local personality Lionel Digby. Lionel was one of the Bay’s best music and club promoters throughout the 60s and 70s and was responsible for bringing some of the biggest bands of the time to Torbay. He apparently brought The Who here in the 60s for £300!
The horse racing season starts on 20 April at Newton Abbott Race Course, for those who enjoy a little flutter, or just enjoy the buzzing atmosphere of the races!
Oh, and several golfers have been in touch with me following the publication of one of my previous blogs about the myriad of quality golf courses in our region!
Last week, on a particularly lovely Spring like day, we took a spin (more of a cruise really) across Dartmoor in the red rocket, and stopped at museum by Dartmoor Prison. I had forgotten how interesting it was, and how it wasn’t somewhere I would recommend to stay (the en-suites left a little to be desired!) Sadly though, photography inside was forbidden! This was allowed from outside:
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