If you were out and about early at Bowleaze Cove on a recent Sunday morning you might have thought that nearly 70 human lemmings were hurling themselves into the sea!

But this was the start of the first ever Bustinskin Bowleaze Big Bay event, an open water swim of 1.2 miles, or if that wasn’t enough, 2.4 miles!

On a distinctly overcast day but with luckily a flat calm sea, Mark Steen of Bustinskin called the swimmers together for the safety briefing, encouraging those still warming up in the water to attend by playing the music from Jaws over the loudspeakers.

He outlined the route around the buoys, which seemed very complicated to me! Another reason I was glad I wasn’t swimming because I would probably have got lost! Safety was obviously paramount, with three safety RIBs – kept away from the swimmers to avoid wash from props - and numerous canoes to dart in and help anyone in trouble.

The first five home in the shorter race were all from the Bustinskin Club, led by Tom Crew in a time of 24.20, with the first lady, Lara Bruce, fourth overall.

The winner of the 2.4 mile race was Dave Pratten (Bustinskin, 56mins 50 secs) and in second place was Shirley Yard just 20 seconds behind him.

The last person to finish the 2.4 miles was a good friend of mine, Richard Orme, but well done to him and everyone who took part.

A reminder that the scarecrows are out in Sutton Poyntz.

Collect your location map from mine host Richard in the Springhead, for a small donation to charity, and enjoy a walk around the village spotting every one of them. Vote for your favourite, and the winner will be announced at the Village Vegetable Show which takes place on Saturday, 7 August from 10am.

Unless you live in the village and already have your entry planned then you are too late to enter, but it is a really entertaining to watch the competitors vie for the longest cucumber or runner bean.

The event that attracts huge interest is the spud in a tub contest - I didn’t know you could get so many potatoes from one small pot!

Drop in for most enjoyable morning, with delicious homemade refreshments on offer.

A lot of people have asked me why a new road had to be built parallel to the present Littlemoor Road.

They all suggest that some improvements to the existing road would have been more than adequate, at much less cost. I’ll make some enquiries and let you know the reasons.