News in Dawlish

High pressure dominated the weather pattern for most of March 2021, resulting in drier conditions than average, slightly warmer and sunnier days but with a fair number of frosty nights. It was not all fine weather of course, a weak weather front moved into the High pressure on the 3rd bringing a little rain. Low pressure took control on the 10th leading to an unsettled and rather windy spell which lasted until the 14th. Winds between North and East returned as High pressure again took control before the winds turned to between South and West after the 24th. This change brought milder air and some rain and was followed by a dry but windy period for the 27th and 28th as higher pressure developed across the SW of England.

In terms of statistics:

An Easter display of colourful woolly creations is in place at the Lawn, after Dawlish residents got busy with knitting needles and crochet hooks to 'yarnbomb' part of the area.

Val Hempstock from the Spin A Yarn group, part of Assist Dawlish, announced the plan at the end of January and invited local people to contribute to the display: Get creative with wool for Easter yarnbombing display.

A new farm shop is to open in a previously empty retail unit in the centre of Dawlish.

The Teignmouth Farm Shop will open a branch in the former Ladbrokes premises on The Strand, which has been vacant for several months.

A 'rainbow trail' competition for children is running in Dawlish until Wednesday, April 28.

Participants have to spot 10 rainbows displayed around the town centre, all but one in shop windows, for the chance to be entered into a prize draw.

Last week marked a year since we first went into lockdown. It was a time to remember those we have lost over the past year and all that we have sacrificed.

This past year has been incredibly challenging for everyone, and certainly one we will not forget. But the year has also brought out the best in Britain and I think we have learned things from this pandemic that we will not forget. Though, we are far from being out of the woods.

After the deaths of 12 black swans and cygnets in last November's avian flu outbreak, local residents have welcomed the arrival of the three new cygnets that hatched about a week and a half ago.

And Dawlish Waterfowl are offering special Easter sponsorships of the cygnets, which would make a great present for anyone who loves the town's water birds.

A local animal rescue centre is raising concerns about people buying rabbits as pets for Easter.

Animals In Distress, at Ipplepen, says buyers often fail to understand the welfare needs of rabbits, or what's involved in looking after them.

The Easter bank holiday weekend is usually the start of the tourist season – but this year, visitors are being asked not to come to Devon while lockdown restrictions are still in place.

Under the Government's 'roadmap to recovery', Monday, April 12 is the earliest date that outdoor attractions and self-contained accommodation such as campsites and holiday lets will be allowed to open.

More coronavirus restrictions will be lifted on Monday, March 29, as part of the Government's roadmap out of lockdown.

Here's what's changing:

If you are a childminder, a foster carer, a bus driver who drives children to school; if you work in a before-school breakfast club or provide after-school childcare, you can access rapid lateral flow tests for Covid-19.

The categories of people now encouraged to routinely take up the rapid tests, that give results within the hour, is growing.