While June was glorious, July has been a complete washout - and even August is now predicted as another wet month. But the English are always good at carrying on regardless - as so many of us have done at countless fetes and flower shows. But we have had some fun! I thoroughly enjoyed presenting the prizes with Cllr Dennis Smith and drawing the raffle at the Ipplepen Flower Show - some first class vegetables and flowers. At least that was under cover as was the Rotary picnic at Teign School - the cabaret was great - unless you don't like going to the dentist!

Read Anne Marie’s views in her weekly column; an advertisement sponsored by Conservative supporters.

Anne Marie joins a team competing at the parade of decorated boats at Shaldon Water Carnival - the team wins first prize for humour!

Read Anne Marie’s views in her weekly column; an advertisement sponsored by Conservative supporters.

View point

When he was Chancellor, Gordon Brown cut the helicopter budget by £1.4 billion – a bad mistake. The result is that after eight years in Afghanistan our troops have fewer than 30 helicopters in Helmund. This compares to over 100 helicopters that the Americans have for the same number of troops. It’s a scandal that the Government has not dealt with this shortage… and talking to many of you on the doorstep, I am not alone in that view.

Read Anne Marie’s views in her weekly column; an advertisement sponsored by Conservative supporters.

June was not a month for relaxing - despite the glorious sunshine! Since the election we have been out delivering and canvassing most days. Last Saturday we were 13 strong out all day in Newton Abbot. Many of you should now have received "People Talk" and those of you who read the Mid Devon Advertiser will have seen my new fortnightly column on page two. Any feedback on what you would like to see me cover in future on that page would be welcome.