Regatta has started in a more relaxed way this year.  The local rowing heats were fun and we have a lot of excellent photography if anyone needs it.  We must thank Basil Williams, Regatta Secretary for being able to use the "Commentary Boat" as a platform for some of our photography.  Also thanks to our resident professional photographers Tony Pike and Dave Cawley who both use full frame DSLR's of Canon & Nikon respectively.

Most of the photos above are self explanatory, are you in them?  But today is Thursday morning, Regatta has really only just started, huge fireworks tonight, the Red Arrows on Friday and even more fireworks on Saturday, see you there?

2.   David Wallis returns!

Local boy turned Canadian, David Wallis, returned to his home town of Dartmouth this week to celebrate his and wife Elaine's Golden Wedding Anniversary with a cruise up the river to Totnes. Their family, including their two sons and daughter and their grandchildren, joined various local (and not so local) friends on the trip to congratulate them on 50 years of marriage. Amongst the wellwishers was another famous local, David's Best Man, Bill Giles OBE, former BBC Weatherman, who was born in Dittisham, together with 3 former Mayors of Dartmouth, Jack Cutter, Richard Rendle MBE and Iris Pritchard.

During a break in the musical entertainment on board, David's granddaughter Katie treated us to a delightful piano solo - pretty good for just 13!

David and Elaine went to Canada in 1970 but have made regular return visits to Dartmouth where David was born in Ridge Hill. The Dartmouth dot tv team are pleased to wish David and Elaine many more happy years together and look forward to seeing them again soon.

3.   Regatta Recitals

Yesterday saw the first of the now traditional Regatta Lunchtime Recitals in St Saviour's Church.  These hour long recitals begin at 12 midday today, tomorrow and Saturday and offer a chance to experience some outstanding music in the tranquil setting of St Saviour's Church, as well as a peaceful refuge from the hustle and bustle outside (or in the case of yesterday, from the rain!)  Today an ensemble of well known local musicians will be performing (including at least one item by a local composer), tomorrow a large group of young string players and, if you missed Michael Farrer's outstanding organ recital yesterday, you have another chance to hear him on Saturday.  Admission is free, with retiring collections in aid of The Ellen Macarthur Trust and The Mayenziwe Project. 

4.   Small News

Get one of the best views of the spectacular Regatta Fireworks this Saturday by seeing them from the river onboard the Cardiff Castle.

Enjoy a short cruise along the beautiful River Dart then watch from a superb river position. There is a bar available onboard.

Tickets which are only £10 are being sold to raise funds for Candlelit Dartmouth are available from Baxters in Foss St, Distinctly Living in Lower Street and The Tourist Information Centre. Phone Sarah on 01803 839000 for more information.


 

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Images copyright Dave Cawley, Tony Pike & others.