‘It has been an amazingly busy and interesting time,’ says the mayor of Dawlish Val Mawhood in what she describes as her half-term report.

‘Thanks to the support of Dawlish Town Council and our energetic projects officer, we have seen the gradual and very welcome, return of events, particularly on The Lawn.

‘The latest project being the sprucing up of the bandstand in time for the forthcoming Christmas festivities.

‘We have enjoyed memorable music, classic cars, bikes and trikes, fantastic fun of all kinds, including Dawlish Celebrates Carnival.

‘We paid tribute to our wonderful community of volunteers who have seen us through the pandemic and are still there ready to help.

‘In addition to these activities I have been priviliged to visit some really special places like Orchard Manor School and to attend annual general meetings such as those for Assist Teignbridge, Dawlish Community Transport, Dawlish Action for Youth and Dawlish Twinning Association.

‘All of these organisations have withstood the difficulties we have all experienced and have even been able to take positive actions which will see them flourish in the future.

‘I realise now that there is still much to learn about this wonderful parish and the many aspects of our lively and very caring community.

‘Much is made of being on-line these days but we have very many people who cannot or, for various reasons, are unable to access information and news in that way.

‘Of course I do a lot of my work as a councillor via the internet but much of my local information comes from a weekly copy of the Dawlish Gazette delivered to my door, so that I can read and absorb so much of the local news and information in comfort.

‘I find it a far nicer experience than sitting in front of my laptop scanning a small screen with tired eyes compared with sitting down with my feet up and a cup of tea, reading in comfort.

‘I look forward to the next six months with interest and enthusiasm and will always be saying that Dawlish parish and its people are the very best!’