Time and Tide

Cornwall is warming up for the summer and, this year more than ever, it promises to be a season packed with celebrations.

Alice is in for an emotional time, with son Ben's fourth birthday, stepmum Karen's hen do and wedding, and the end of stepdaughter Sophie's school days, just as Ben's are about to begin. David and Martin are returning from the States, and in the slow emergence from covid restrictions, everybody is eager for life to return to some kind of normality.

Amethi is coming to life once more, with a return to the much-loved yoga retreats and solstice celebrations, while down at the Harbour Hotel, there are whispers about manager Lydia's rumoured relationship with a famous actor, but Lydia is giving nothing away.

Before the high season begins in earnest, the town is planning a special festival. Just as long as the sun is out, and the sky is blue, it promises to be a beautiful day, and the perfect opportunity for the community to come together.

Of course, there are never any guarantees in life. The unpredictable British weather threatens to ruin the longed-for celebrations and, while the world is slowly finding its feet again, it's clear that the pandemic is still not really over. Covid creeps closer to Alice and the people she loves. How will the summer really play out? Only time will tell.