Holiday Memories 2015 - Dreamy Devon and Beyond

Dorset we enjoyed with its picturesque coast, towns and countryside. It will be a county that we will continue to visit. But I do have a love affair with Devon, the pull of the area becoming stronger with every visit.

Yealm Cabin

I did wonder when we rebooked to stay in Yealm Cabin this year whether it would be as good as last year. All doubts were banished when we arrived. And the week was if anything better, I think because we knew what to expect, although it is difficult to analyse why.

View from Yealm Cabin

The cabin itself is about a mile away from the main road. The view from it is mainly of fields - not a
view that constantly changes, except for the clouds. Yet we could sit there for hours, just looking - it was so good for the soul, with occasional visits from rabbits and birds - one of which flew into the cabin and then out before I'd realised what it was.

River Yealm

Then there were the walks! Down a path beside the cabin we were able to get to the River Yealm - a suitable soggy route to Yealmpton and a satisfying self-righteous sort of distance to have a bitter shandy and a full Sunday lunch as a reward.

One evening we took a walk 'round the block' to experience the beauty of the area, walking at one point along the banks of the River Yealm, seeing in an hour and a half only one person and some interested sheep.

Gates of Burgh Island Hotel

We also had the chance to visit the glamorous sounding 'California Cross' (which had a Camping and Caravan site, a pub and a garage), Modbury and Burgh Island (of Agatha Christie fame), driving down roads so narrow, you had to breathe out to ensure there was enough space to drive along. Hats off to my dear husband who performed a very nifty manoeuvre to ensure a refuse lorry could pass.

And then it was back home to Seaford, staying again in Dorset.

Our site at the 'Runt in Tun'

Our three weeks away left us hungry for more adventures when we arrived home. And so, in September, we were off again. Our destination this time was not so far away - to Heathfield, staying in a field  behind the 'Runt in Tun' public house. What was only going to be 3 nights turned into 6, with a friendly pub, great food and walks nearby in a lovely part of Sussex. It was a very relaxing and funny time with lots of laughs each day. And the question started to develop for both of us - what about a complete change of scenery? What about moving house?

The Convenience Store That Is (Almost) Too Convenient.

The Convenience Store That Is (Almost) Too Convenient.

Our New Co-op in Princess Drive

Just one month in and I continue to be impressed with our new Co-operative store. When walking Jessie near to the store, I find it fascinating that when people come out of the shop, they’re either saying to their friends who are with them, or to complete strangers like myself what a lovely store it is.

When I do visit, I find all combinations of people shopping together, old and younger – something I never saw in the shop’s previous incarnation. And there is a buzz in the air.

Shopping there is an enjoyable experience. It feels spacious with a wide range of good value products on offer. I am currently trying out some own name products and so far have been impressed with the quality, which is unusual for me as someone who always used to go for named brands.

What also impresses me is the fact that my lovely husband now sidles down there, buying the odd beer or two, or a ‘snack for the evening’. It truly is a convenience store – but it much more than that. With polite, cheerful and helpful staff, a clean store combined with good products, it has become a pleasant shopping experience. Long may it last.

It is my intention to review the store again after 3, 6, and 12 months after opening, just to see whether this is just a flash in the pan or part of the Co-op policy. Having said that, while away in the past week, I dropped into a Co-operative store in Heathfield

and loved the experience there too.