Wonderful View

Saturday, June 2, 2012
7:10 AM

I am horrified with the speed that the very uncoordinated plans for Exmouth are going on.

Now that wonderful place, Harbour View, is under threat; it is open 364 days a year, although the last few years it has opened on Christmas Day for a few hours at lunchtime as well.

Harbour View means a lot to all sorts of people, who, if it was demolished, would probably not find anywhere else to go – everyone is welcome there, whoever they are, and made to feel at home.

It is truly amazing to sit outside in the summer and enjoy a meal with your family where children have direct access to the beach with no problems of traffic, and the parents can relax and keep their eyes on their children – in my experience children are usually happy and well behaved when they have open spaces and freedom.

On a still winter’s afternoon, it is wonderful to sit outside and listen to the sea and then walk on a practically deserted beach lit by the colonized lights.

Again, after a wild and windy winter walk it is comforting to see the lights of Harbour View and go into the welcoming warmth and meet some of the numerous regulars who go there.

Harbour View is unique. I have never come across a place like it anywhere; they welcome dogs - sometimes very wet, sandy ones – they too seem to understand what a very special place it is. Children too, however sandy, are welcomed – they usually behave pretty well – if they didn’t, nobody seems to mind.

If you have not yet experienced Harbour View, just pay a visit – the views are outstanding, the sound of the sea is wonderful to listen to, the food is very good and there is always a welcome – then you will understand the magic of Harbour View.

Finally a quote: “Why do we love the sea? It is because it has some potent powers to make us think things we like to think.” - Robert Henri (1965-1929), American teacher and painter.

Betty Nesbitt

Capel Lane

Exmouth