Yesterday afternoon, the Royal Marines Band, Britannia Royal Naval College said 'Farewell to Dartmouth', a very sad occasion as there has been a Royal Marines Band at BRNC for the past 53 years and now, as a result of restructuring, the band has been disbanded and its members drafted into other Royal Marines Bands.

In recognition of their service and commitment to the town the Band was granted Freedom of Entry to the Town in April 2004, the only band to be granted such an honour, and a right they exercised for the final time yesterday, before handing back the Freedom Scroll to the Mayor of Dartmouth, who then presented it to the Royal Marines Corp Museum where it will be on public display.

The sun shone on the crowds gathered on Coronation Park where the Band beat retreat, then marched along the Embankment and through the town to the sound of clapping and cheering along the way. Finally they played 'Auld Lang Syne' outside the Guildhall before being entertained at a reception hosted by the Mayor. It was certainly an occasion to be remembered by all, but an especially proud one for Robert Trowbridge, former Town Sergeant, whose son was playing drums and bugle in the Band yesterday. Robert also played a major role in organising the event. Well done Robert!

We would especially like to thank our old friend and professional photographer Tony Pike for his help in covering this event.  Tony's photography is really quite special, visit his gallery by clicking here.

2.   Galleries open night

Many galleries will open this Friday 22nd May in the evening from 6:00 to 9:00pm  This is a wonderful opportunity to view new exhibitions and talk to artists about their work, to have the odd glass of wine, meet old friends, and to buy real art or plan future presents for loved ones!

Nick & Jacky Orsler will have their Blown Glass studio open at 2 Smith Street, you can check out their web site by clicking here.

James Brown will have several of Trevor Price's work at Browns Hotel/Bar.  If you like James Stewart's work than you will like Trevor's paintings. Many of the paintings are easy on the eye until you look more closely at the detail. Shall we say that there is something for the girls as well as boys in much the same way as much of the fun of James's painting is in the detail.  Click here to read more about Browns.

Baxters in Foss Street will also have a solo show of Trevor Price’s work beginning  on Friday 22nd May. Trevor is a renowned and collected print maker and a selection of his work is always on show in Baxters. However, for this exhibition, Trevor has produced 8 paintings alongside a wide range of etchings. Owner, Sarah Duggan has had to wait 2 years for the exhibition, such is the demand for Trevor’s original work.  Click here to visit Baxters gallery.

Dartmouth has a truly wonderful selection of Art Galleries to see some of them click here.

3.   Wine at Wildfire

The Philip Shaw Wine Dinner on Tuesday evening at Wildfire at The Marina was once again a sellout success. Philip Shaw (a really laid back Aussie!) himself was there to provide the background to each of the wines chosen for the evening's set menu - our special favourites were Philip Shaw No 11 Chardonnay 2005 which accompanied the tortellini of crab, and Philip Shaw No 17 Merlot, Cab Franc, Cab Sauvignon 2005 with the main course of Roast Duck Breast which was simply delicious.

Wildfire's Wine Evenings are a great opportunity to sample a range of different wines alongside the bistro's excellent food and are very good value for money. As they seem to be becoming a regular feature, you still have the chance to try one. Contact Wildfire for dates and book early as places are limited, telephone 01803 832580 - to see their website click here.  By the way, have you spotted the mystery celebrity we mentioned last week?

4.   English Wine Week

Nine of Devon's top vineyards are getting together to promote English Wine Week from the 23rd May to the 31st May.  Throughout the week Sharpham Vineyard near Totnes will be offering tours through the vineyards and beside the River Dart and tastings back at the winery of award winning wines and cheeses.

On Tuesday 26th the Exeter Chamber Choir are performing 'Summer Songs in the Winery' starting at 6.30pm - bookings essential.  Sharpham Vineyard are celebrating having picked up 9 awards, including two silver medals, at the International Wine Challenge held in London this month. Click here for more details.

5.   Small News

• We estimate that this news is read by about 4,000 people.  Spread the word by forwarding this e-mail to all your friends?
  
   

• The sun is hot and the Chardonnay is cold, come and join us in the town or on the river, or on the beautiful coastal path past the Castle, Little Dartmouth and beyond!

Why not come and visit Dartmouth?

• Self catering accommodation click here
   
• Dartmouth B and B  click here
   
• Dartmouth Hotels click here
   
• A Tourist Guide to Dartmouth click here

Images copyright Dave Cawley, Tony Pike & others.