3.  Easter Bonnet Parade

Phil Roe reports:  Last Saturday, almost £200 was raised for the Children's Hospice South West with Chelsey and Rosie winning the girls' section and Zennen and Rio winning the boys - wonderful creations. The hats were judged by Paul Barclay, a notable local artist. It was lovely to welcome our Mayor, Cllr Iris Pritchard, Pat, Sarah, Sylvia and Liz who are part of the wonderful team of volunteers.  Many of the group made cakes which were sold in aid of the CHSW. Pillars the newsagents, Somerfield and Sainsbury donated eggs for prizes and mini eggs were covered with knitted chickens which double as egg cosies. Another pleasant afternoon in glorious sun in the beautiful Avenue Gardens.

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4.    St George's Day Dinner

It is appropriate that Dartmouth with its abundant historical past should be the latest town to embrace the premier patriotic society of England. Saint George has been our patron saint since 1415. It was Richard the Lionheart who brought to England a flag with a red cross on a white background in the 12th century; which was subsequently adopted as the English flag.   Various festivities are to be celebrated, the highlight being St George’s day on 23rd April each year as well as other “flag waving events” in England’s history.  The first for this branch and open to everyone, will be the St George’s Day dinner to be held at the Royal Castle Hotel on 23rd April 2007, tickets priced £15 available at reception .

For further information contact: Tony Pike, Tel: 0782 226070 email: tonypike@btinternet.com

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5.     Music Festival Programme launch

Rosemary Shiffner reports:  The programme for the 10th Dartmouth Music Festival has been launched!  Rob Lyon, Chairman of the Music Festival, says that he is thrilled that for this Celebration Year the quality and variety of the music will be greater than ever before. “This year’s programme contains an unparalleled line-up of performers” says Rob, “and is bursting with information on the performers for over one hundred events - the Festival motto, ‘Music for Everyone’ is being surpassed this year. For example we are delighted that the Digby Fairweather Sextet, each of whom is a highly acclaimed jazz soloist in his own right, and blues guitarist Peter Price, an acknowledged virtuoso with a tremendous following, are returning as are blues musicians Steve Payne and Maggie Thomas. But also on offer is the recital on Saturday evening by the Fujita Trio – renowned internationally – whose concert last year was such a stunning highlight for those who were lucky enough to get tickets (they sell out early). There is of course a wide choice of classical events from which to choose including opera, a quintet and piano and organ recitals; there are no less than nine choir events, including a special concert by Kyra, the country’s leading Caribbean gospel choir; there are blues, rock and soul events, a big band, an amazing variety of small groups, and individuals playing on instruments as varied as bagpipes, didgeridoo and nyckelharpa. Add to this the extra street entertainment this year including Chucklefoot and Stompie, some outstanding musical workshops and the second year of the very successful photographic competition, and you can see why a programme is absolutely essential if you want to get the best out of the Festival, this year on 16-20 May.”  The program is available in many town pubs and at the Tourist Information Centre.

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6.     Dart Gig Club's Tenth Regatta this Saturday

The Dart Gig Club hosts its tenth pilot gig regatta on Saturday next starting at a 13:00hrs.  It is considered to be one of the best viewing regattas on the circuit as the course is visible from vantage points all over the harbour
side, from the old castles to the walk on pontoons opposite the tea hut on Coronation Park. The gigs will be mostly Devon gigs with a healthy handful of visiting Cornish clubs and afternoon entertainment is assured.  'Without the generous help of Dartmouth Yacht Club and The Royal Dart Club and also the superb efforts of club members and sponsors, the event would not be so hugely successful', said committee member Kevin Pyne.  For a Poem by Kevin Pyne about the Gig Regatta click here.

Do you fancy a long weekend ?   For self catering click here,  for B&B click here,  for Hotels click here.  For a Tourist Guide to Dartmouth click here.
 

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7.     Dartmouth Market regeneration exhibition

Cllr Dave Cawley, Chairman of Corporate Property Committee reports:    200 years ago the market was a thriving and a busy place, now however, people often take a look and walk on by.  After many attempts in the past, Dartmouth Town Council have decided to make the market a modern day equivalent of its old successful past.  There will be an exhibition for public consultation in the market this Friday 10:00 - 4:00 and Saturday 9:00 - 1:00.  Everyone who lives in or loves Dartmouth should come and have a look.
 

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8.     Small News

• Dartmouth Christmas Lights Fund
  Proudly Presents: Yet Another Blasted Quiz Night!!!
  Date: Sunday 22nd April 2007
  Time: 7.00pm for a prompt 7.30pm start
  Venue: Café Al Fresco, Lower Street, Dartmouth
  Teams of 6 – ticket price: £12.50 per person, including a sumptuous supper!!!!
  Contact: David Gent by telephone on 01803 834883
  or by email: davidgent@tiscali.co.uk  or speak to Kate at Alf's
  
   

• Become a Friend of Dartmouth News for a yearly donation of 5 or 10 pounds, post your cheque made payable to Timestep, to PO Box 2001 Dartmouth Devon TQ6 9QN or call 01803 833366 or email by clicking here
   

• It's time to book your holiday in Dartmouth now, for self catering click here,  for B&B click here,  for Hotels click here.  For a Tourist Guide to Dartmouth click here.
  
  
  
   

• Is your business advertising here? press the "where to stay" "eating" or "shopping" button on the top of this e-mail, are you there?  Do you want to be there for free? Do you want a web site "all" inclusive for £150? Who you gonna call?  Err, yes, that would be us then.
   

• If you want your event covered, we need the information in the week before publication, no earlier.   About 100-200 words, a photograph and if applicable a website link.  If you don't have a photograph please invite us so that next year you will have some!
   

• Images copyright Dave Cawley, Kevin Pyne

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