Well, here we are in July and we’ve been without a drop of rain for 35 days at the time of writing. Sadly, the lawn is looking more like a desert than anything luscious and green. But, as with most things in life, of course there are some advantages. Not least, it has brought us more British guests deciding to have a staycation rather than risking going abroad with all the time-consuming complications queuing at airports now entails.
Talking of Things Looking Up
The Torbay Airshow in June was an enormous success again – it must be said they do it very well. And this is despite the reduced numbers in the Red Arrows display team – I kid you not, it’s now down to seven jets instead of nine to save money! The dates for the 2027 have already been announced but, sorry, I’m afraid we are already fully booked up for it. (The airshow’s fame continues to spread far and wide.)
We’ve also had the nearby Brixham Pirate Festival (yikes) and, here in Torquay, a weekend music festival. This was a free event on the ‘Banjo’, the nickname for the ‘event space’ in Princess Gardens down by the Torquay Marina, and it proved to be great fun with plenty of good music for all ages.
And Talking of Fun
We have some fabulous shows at The Princess Theatre here in Torquay. Tickling our fancy: Jools Holland this July, Katherine Jenkins in October 21st and the excellent ELO experience on 24th October. Whatever takes your taste, it’s certainly a venue to keep an eye on – and it makes for a special break if you can coincide seeing a show with a stay with us!
Hobnobbing
No, I’m not talking about hobnob biscuits. At the end of June we took a mini-break because we’d been invited to the Royal Enclosure at Royal Ascot. Ooo er! It must be said this is a truly British occasion and keeping my top hat on all day was a rather hot and sweaty affair. I think I just about pulled it off, but even if I did look a tad flush-faced, Helen looked amazing in her cerise outfit.
Another British Treat
Away from dressing-up for the Royal Enclosure, the other evening we took camping chairs up to Babbacombe Downs, bought fish-and-chips from Hanbury’s Famous Chip Shop and ate them simply taking in the spectacular view – one we never tire of. We said to ourselves that although we didn’t have to dress up for our take-away treat, what we were doing was in fact just as British as Royal Ascot; even, arguably, more so.
And, Relax
And if you’re up for it, a walk on Dartmoor is another very nice way to chill-out. The moor is easy to get to from Torquay and it has its charm whatever the weather. Add in the Dartmoor ponies and what’s not to like. In fact I’ve promised Helen we must make the effort to enjoy a sunset on Haytor before the summer ends. (Haytor is our nearest granite tor.)
And that’s it for this update. We look forward to seeing you when you’re next down this way.
Peter and Helen
