A nice catch up with friends in their cool garden before having a picnic lunch in Seaton began the week. The sea was as blue as the Med and just as hot. We took our photo against the backdrop of a palm tree and could indeed have been in far flung sunny climes.
Tennis fever took over progressively as British wildcard, Arthur Fery, fought his way to the semi-finals of Wimbledon with some very watchable tennis. He was a joy to watch. Sadly, his semi-final opponent towered over him in every respect. However, I think Fery is one to watch in the coming years and brings back the excitement of Wimbledon once more.
The heat continues and is no longer news. We hole up indoors when possible. Going out is something we avoid unless necessary. Even so, it was too hot to even think let alone do anything. Sleeping is difficult with the build up of heat during the day. By 5am it has cooled, so a couple of hours cooler sleep before getting up seems to be the way of the week.
The week ended with a veritable feast of culture. First up was the Wren summer concert comprising all the choirs and orchestras across Devon. Much cake and tea were consumed during the interval amidst lively conversation. Friends old and new, music new and familiar filled St David’s Church in Exeter. It was uplifting and life-affirming, allowing all worries to be left at the door. The all-inclusive orchestra was exactly that with some lovely singing and instrument playing and, most important of all, everyone having a part to play with broad smiles on all. Appreciative applause from the audience echoed around the church.
I loved the exuberant music from the Devon Folk Orchestra, real foot tapping joy. And then there were the various choirs, including Roy’s Wellness Choir who sang really well despite the heat and health issues. We were glad we went.
We had nearly turned back and gone home when our train to the city was delayed. However, we decided to go although we would only just be in time. After the concert, the joy was tempered by the cancellation of our train. We played safe and caught a bus home…only to find it was the last no. 44 bus to Honiton and ended its journey in the High Street, not the usual road near us. Delay repay is a mockery as having spent half an hour filling in the forms and photographing the tickets, we will receive £2.74 between us!
I mentioned the trains, I mentioned the heat…but it was the humidity that did for me. I melted like an ice cube in the sun. It took until 11pm to actually feel better and ready for bed.
Undaunted by the heat but daunted by the trains, I drove to Exmouth for Iryna’s performance at Exmouth Festival. The venue was in the grounds of one of the seafront hotels. Around 40 people listened to her, and became enraptured by her. She and pianist John Draisey did well against the backdrop of gales, noise from other performers, and people drifting in and out. We melted some more but were glad to have been there. Her face lights up at the sight of some familiar faces.
Karen Hedges 