Some of us woke the other morning to find that an exceptionally high spring tide – 6.7 metres – had flooded the development site at Brunswick Wharf. The huge area of water made a pretty sight in the winter sunshine, but it also raises questions about the robustness of our flood defences as the earth continues warm. 

It was high tides and water movement that also led to the disturbing sight ofa 24-metre length dredger capsized onto her side as the tide went out whilst moored at Bideford Quay. Luckily, the Riparian, which is registered in Gloucester but currently operating from Bideford, floated back upright with no problem once the tide came in again. No damage except perhaps some broken crockery? These events are certainly a reminder that it is still time and tide that govern what happens on the river.

It is good to see some detail of the proposed changes to the Brunswick Wharf development. The developer Red Earth says these are due to rising costs, which of course we can all sympathise with. The River Torridge Heritage Group is keen to work with them to ensure the revised plans continue to reflect the heritage of the site, and that economy does not mean the loss of original features like the replacement of the Baker & Sons plaque. 

Shrove Tuesday is over and gone which means that it is less than six weeks till Easter, the beginning of the holiday season. It is good to see that the Discover Bideford website is already advertising an exciting range of events for the summer. Bike Nights will take place on the Quay once a month from April to September, and Bideford Bike Show is on 26 May. There will be food fairs and continental markets, Bideford Fair in Victoria Park on 8 June, the Water Festival on the 16^th and the Regatta on the 29^th. July will see the Soapbox Derby on the 7^th and a Music Day in Victoria Park on the 27^th. Not to forget the music festival Pigstock at the Big Sheep on 18 May. Who says nothing ever happens in the country? 

Finally, we hear this week that Torridge has established a ‘Place Board’ to work with the Government on developing projects eligible for support under the Levelling Up Partnership agenda. Let’s hope we are in time to get a share in the promised funding, which is much needed.