Not so long ago, the Dart Marina was a Trust House Forte Heritage hotel.  Those in the know, knew that the "Heritage" name was used by Trust House to describe a once grand but slightly faded hotel!  But when the Marina was sold things started to happen, every room was refurbished to an extraordinarily high standard, the reception area and restaurant were totally refurbished, the über sexy Wildfire Bistro opened, and the apartments to die for were built, all with Mark Godfrey as the Hotel General Manager.  But Mark was more than that, much more, he supported Dartmouth, its events and its people.  Mark was instrumental in the success of last year's Food Festival.

In a move so bold, it took our breath away, Mark has now embarked on a World Tour, not any old tour, but a slow and detailed one.  Click here to see Mark & Sharron's Travel Blog.  Here are some photos of Mark's leaving party at the Floating Bridge.  To find out more about the Floating Bridge click here.

On Friday there is yet another party:  
Folk Music, Sausage and Cider Evening  Friday, 10th October 7:00pm – 11.00pm
A simple menu of a selection of local sausages, a bar stocked with local cider and real ales along with a selection of wine, and some wonderfully rousing folk music. Doors open from 7pm. Ticket to include live music, supper and your first pint / glass of wine - £10. Pay on the door or tickets are now available from One Design in Foss Street, Danielli in Lower Street, The Royal Castle Hotel, Dartmouth Tourist Information Centre and Kingswear Post Office. Cash or Cheques only please.

The Fallen Apples will be playing at the Folk party. The Fallen Apples draw from a large roster of great songs from 'Good ol' traditional folk songs, country classics, high flying hillbilly reels, low down bluesy ballads, jigs, knees-ups and swinging boogie woogie. They manage to mix fun, musicianship and show into an intoxicating brew making a good time guaranteed. Click here to see more.

The event covers the whole weekend, there is so much to see and do, and eat!!  To see everything else in detail, click here!  Come down for the weekend?

Photographs from last year's Festival

Imagine an personal invitation, 4 courses with wine and the company of John Burton Race at The New Angel restaurant.  Sounds appealing?  well it ought to! On Monday 14 October this very special event is linked to the Dartmouth Food Festival, if you want to come to this small and exclusive event click here for details. There are only 20 tickets available.

Whilst meeting at the New Angel restaurant, John Burton Race and
Festival Chairman, David Jones discussed the future of the Dartmouth
Food Festival. John firmly believes that the festival has huge
potential given the location, availability of great produce, and the
healthy sense of community in South Devon which means that people are
prepared to contribute time, effort and produce to make such an event
happen. John said that currently the Dartmouth Food Festival is still
in its infancy but there's no reason why, with a little effort from
everyone and a vision of the future, it shouldn't grow into something
the equal of anything he had encountered in his travels either here or
in France.
 

Dartmouth Film Society's film for Thursday 2nd October is the joyful, uplifting film Happy Go Lucky. After the grim brilliance of the 2004 period piece Vera Drake, Mike Leigh returns to more familiar ground with a freewheeling slice-of-life following the ups and downs of a young teacher in contemporary London.  Sally Hawkins' central role won her the Best Actress award at the Berlin Film Festival earlier this year. It is a female performance which stands out as much as Alison Steadman did when she unleashed Beverly in the 1970s landmark piece Abigail's Party.

The plot is almost incidental: Poppy takes driving lessons from London's most stressed-out instructor Scott (Eddie Marsan), takes some flamenco lessons with a teacher friend, and sorts out some issues at school as well as her love life. Small moments perhaps, but there is huge joy to be had watching them unfold.  Guest tickets for sale in The Windjammer £3.50 7.30-7.55  Bar at The Guildhall opens at 7.30 - the film to be shown at 8pm.

• Dr J Uhr Delia comes to the rescue!  One of the Dartmouth Dot TV crew made a rare visit to the Dartmouth Surgery with a hearing problem, the next working day they were being seen by two specialists at Torquay Hospital.  What fantastic service, thanks guys!  You can check out the surgery by clicking here.
   
• Talking of Doctors, Dr Who is nearly 45 years old!  We thought we would bring this to you before the mass media does. First airing at 5:15 on Saturday 23rd November 1963, it is little known that the following Saturday the BBC by public demand, had to re-run the first episode followed by the second episode, how do we know? we were there!  You can see the original video of the pivotal music by clicking here. The original episodes had some dark subliminal plots that simply would not be allowed now.  Readers may remember we made reference to the episode filmed in the Royal Avenue Gardens, click here to see it.
   
• If you have a business in town, please check your website entry for accuracy now!  Click here.
   
• We are still catching up with web site requests, we will get to you, honest!