The time has come to say goodbye to the current Dartmouth to Kingswear Higher Ferry. After almost 50 years of faithful service the last crossing will be on the evening of Sunday 7th June.

A number of people, on both sides of the river, felt it appropriate that a suitable farewell be made to mark the occasion, on what should be a magical evening. So if anyone would like to toast the Ferry you can join the Ferry men in the Floating Bridge Inn.

The final crossing to leave Dartmouth will be at 9.30pm and the final crossing to leave Kingswear will be 9.45pm.

2.   Regatta Fireworks Cruise

Fund-raising is starting early this year for the Candlelit Dartmouth team, and on Regatta Saturday (29th August) they have arranged a special evening cruise for you to enjoy one of the most amazing sights of the Regatta.

Riverlink’s ‘Cardiff Castle’ will depart Dartmouth at approximately 8pm and after a short cruise will moor up allowing you an opportunity to watch the spectacular Regatta fireworks from a superb river position. The boat will then return at ~ 10.15pm.

Tickets for this event are priced at only £10 so book early to avoid disappointment. To book your tickets please call Baxters Gallery (01803 839000) or e-mail by clicking here

3.   Beautiful Baby Buttercup

A few days ago in the bright sunshine Baby Buttercup was born at the Big Fun Farm at Woodlands Family Theme Park. The gorgeous baby Alpaca can be seen here with her Mum enjoying the hot weather. Lorelei, Woodlands Farm Ranger, decided on the name as she was born in a field of buttercups and said “We’re all very excited about watching her grow up”.

Buttercup can be seen at the Big Fun Farm along with all the other animals at Woodlands Zoofarm. Whether it’s studying the baby crocodile, shivering at the scorpions, admiring the Shire Horse, feeding the lambs, watching the racing ferrets or riding the U-Drive Tractors, there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy.

Not only is there the Big Fun Farm, there’s also 16 family rides,  100,000 sq ft indoors, 10 massive play zones plus falconry centre; so shoot down the Water Coasters, fly down the Avalanche, scream on the Swing Ship and whatever you do don’t miss our two new attractions the Seascape Mirror Maze and the Ninja Towers, the Ultimate Aerial Complex . A great day out won’t break the bank when you choose Woodlands as everything is included. Or why not stay at our Award Winning Campsite? If you stay 2 nights or more, unlimited access to the Theme Park is included. Click here to see more?

4.   A Fete

We're all hoping the weather will still be sunny and hot for the Big Summer Fete organised by Dartmouth's Parish Churches in the Royal Avenue Gardens next Tuesday 9 June. It starts at 10.00am so make sure you get there early to pick up a bargain on the stalls of bric a brac, home made cakes, books, toys and toiletries. There's bound to be some fun and games, as well as a raffle and tombola.

You'll also be able to get refreshed at the tea hut where there will be tea, coffee, soft drinks, sandwiches and home made cake for sale all day. See you there?

5.   Small News

• For all those of us who live at the top of the hill, you will be amazed to know we have a new POST OFFICE in the BP garage.  Thanks to Cllr Steven Smith for all his hard work, now it's up to us to use it to ensure it stays - buy him a drink next you see him?
   

• Summer Ball  The Golf & Country Club are having a rather spiffing Summer Ball, looks like great fun what do you think?  Click here to look at what's  on?

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.