Former doctors surgery is perfect home for Hospice at Home

Mike Dibble Picture: contributed (Image: Picture: contributed)

As reported on the front page of the Sidmouth Herald last week, we are due to see roadworks commencing in Sidford from Monday, September 19 until Monday, October 17.

We can only hope that the efficient manner that the roadworks in Vicarage Road were dealt with earlier in the year is repeated in the autumn.

The roadworks are to rake place between the junctions with Drakes Avenue and Malden Lane, an area that has been associated with potholes for a number of years.

As well as resurfacing some excavation work will also be taking place.

In other Sidford news it was good to see that the former doctor’s surgery is to become the headquarters for Sidmouth Hospice at Home.

The building is ideal for such an organisation. With a car park nearby as well as a local bus stop the location is also perfect for accessibility.

Did anyone see the red car that was clamped recently in Vicarage Road opposite the Old Post Office?

Not only did it have the DVLA clamp but it was also adorned with a parking ticket and an unpaid road tax notice.

For several days its front window was down but this was up the last time I saw it.

Someone asked if this was a ploy by the DVLA to show they were in the area checking on untaxed vehicles. I don’t think so!

In nature news a large dog otter was photographed near The Ford last week. Another local resident photographed an otter at Sidford.

This is great news especially as it shows there must be a good food source for them along the river.

On the sporting front Sidmouth Rugby Club warmed up for their friendly match last Saturday with a game of cricket at The Fortfield on Friday evening.

It was a good social evening. On the Saturday they beat a Welsh touring team comprehensively.

However it was not such a good weekend at Sidmouth Cricket Club as all three elevens lost important league games.

This Saturday the 1st XI have a crucial must win game at Hatherleigh.

The 2nd XI are at home to Uplyme and the 3rd XI travel to Bradninch.

Overseas player Codi Yusuf has returned to South Africa as he has been recalled for a pre season training camp by his employers over there.

This evening (Friday, August 26) the cricket ground, weather permitting, will be one of a number of parking venues in the town for the Sidmouth Airshow. It is hoped to start parking around 4pm.

If you do park on the ground I would recommend to not try and leave immediately afterwards. It can be chaos.

It’s best to enjoy the sights and sounds of the town before leaving a little later.

On the football front Exeter City lost at home to Cheltenham last Saturday by 0-1.

This was after beating Wycombe Wanderers 3-1 the previous Tuesday.

This Saturday The Grecians are away to Accrington Stanley.

Finally I am sad to advise former Sidmouth cricketer Tony Greaves passed away a few weeks ago.

Tony played for the club in the 1970s and 1980s and was responsible in introducing a number of his Exeter University students to the club.

The best known were Tim Lester, John Rhodes and Mike Willcock who all played in the 1988 Devon Premier League champions team.

In 1987 Tony organised a joint Sidmouth CC and Exeter University team that travelled to Barbados.

It was a great trip where we were honoured to meet former West Indies players Garfield Sobers and Desmond Haynes who were both involved with clubs that we played.

It’s hard to believe that was 35 years ago when Eastenders hadn’t been on TV for long.

There was great excitement at the airport when we found out that Nick Berry and Gillian Taylforth were on our flight. Remember them?