News in Sidmouth

I'm really pleased to be able to share some of my thoughts with you on a regular basis by providing some words for Nub News.

Over the last few weeks during the campaigning for local elections, I've been grateful for every conversation I've had on the doorstep because it is these exchanges that really bring the issues that matter into sharp focus.

I'd like to thank all of our readers for taking the time to read our content and visit our website.

Nub News is committed to providing an ad-free community 'good news' service, in which local businesses, charities, and residents are represented and championed - and we're also committed to keeping it free from annoying ads and pop-ups that are so distracting for readers.

This is the first of a regular weekly feature showcasing some of the images taken by members of Sidmouth Photographic Club.

The Club was founded in Sidmouth in 1936 and currently has more than 50 members with a wide variety of photographic interests and experience.

Local history enthusiast Kevin Avery has shared his first weekly 'blast from the past' column.

I start this new venture of Sidmouth history to discuss Knowle Cottage and a zoo that we had in Sidmouth.

Are you feeling a sense of déjà vu; fed up with doing the hokey cokey or do you think it's the right move to send your employees back to working from home?

This week we saw a return to stricter measures being put in place by the Government which are designed to protect us from Covid-19. Many people are commenting that they don't understand the inconsistencies of the various measures that are in place.

As we go to press, it looks like life will look a little more normal from early July - especially for the health and fitness industry. But naturally it will come with some changes.

Gyms and fitness studios have been closed since mid-March, with many - like us here at LC Fitness - moving online to keep the community's bodies and minds healthy during this tough time. We've found it a great way to keep in touch with clients, keeping them motivated, fit, and most of all sane. But there is no substitute for face-to-face sessions and the camaraderie and social aspect they bring.

I live in an extraordinary ordinary community, just like yours. Up and down the country, every hamlet, village, street, borough, estate and block has rallied around its most vulnerable.

This pandemic has made us look more inwards, has forced us to reexamine our relationships with neighbours. The familiar faces over the garden fence or front gate, once only nodding acquaintances, are now our comfort and support.

We've had some really lovely messages at LC Fitness from people doing our online classes during these tough times.

Lock down is hard and not looking at changing any time soon, especially not for the re-opening of fitness studios and gyms.

Business is all about people, at the moment people are juggling a lot – trying to work from home if they are still working, worrying about work if they aren't working; sharing space with family; home schooling and entertaining both themselves and their family within strict guidelines – as a business leader how can you support your people?

Whilst each of us may react differently, it may be helpful to know that our reaction to change does follow a process and there are things we can do to help ourselves deal with all the changes in our lives currently.

Keeping fit and healthy – both mentally and physically – is tough right now. The gyms are closed, we're unable to see friends and family, and many of us are cooped up at home, unable to go to work. But it isn't all negative.

Now is the perfect time to take up a new hobby and try something new. Meditation is a great one for looking after your mental health, while running (close to home, of course!) helps you both mentally and physically. Build your distance and fitness up gradually with an app like Couch to 5K, which will turn anyone into a runner in no time.