The last time the Antiques Roadshow was in Dartmouth at the Royal Naval College was in 1997 when some great items were filmed. Among them was a collection of walking sticks which the owner started collecting at the age of 15 and had amassed 68 of them. They were valued at £12,000 to £15,000. An early 19th century reading table impressed expert Christopher Payne who valued it at £10,000. An inherited painting by Raimundo Madrazo was the star of the show and valued at £20,000, So the team are looking forward to their visit to the Royal Naval College on Friday 18th June in the hope that similar treasures will turn up.

The reading table and the paintings were items which would have been brought in on the furniture round. Back in the office the team are compiling a folder containing letters and emails from people in the area with furniture and large items too big to carry to the show. Items in the past have included paintings, large pots, bedsteads and even a military cannon. The weekend before the show two of the team will arrive in the area with the folder and visit as many of the people who have contacted the show as possible. Some of these people will have their items transported to the Roadshow by the team and a few lucky ones may end up being filmed on the day.

It’s not too late to contact the Roadshow if you do have any large items that you would like valued. Send details and photographs of the objects to: Antiques Roadshow, BBC, Whiteladies Road, Bristol BS8 2LR or e-mail them to: click here . It may be possible to arrange to look at the item in advance and organise transportation to the venue.

Among the team of experts at Dartmouth on the day will be Paul Atterbury, John Bly, Lars Tharp and Hilary Kay. Along with the other members of the team they will be on hand to offer free valuations and advice to visitors. The doors are open from 9.30am until 4.30pm and entry to the event is free.

2.  This Land I love

Paul Reach reports: Stewart has been wandering the moors, woods and coastal paths of the west country again and this new collection contains his favourite subjects portrayed with his signature technique.

Windy Moorlands, mystical woodland clearings and dramatic crashing coastal views conjure the essence of our part of the world with great energy. You can feel, as well as see the unique atmosphere we enjoy here. These 15 new works are now in the gallery and are waiting framing. If you are looking for a piece by Stewart then now is your chance to influence our frame choice.  Take a look at our website by clicking here.

3.   Dartmouth Art & Craft Weekend

Sue Tweed reports: Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th June 2010  in aid of Children's Hospice South West

Another chance to enjoy an interesting and fun weekend with artists, sculptors, potters and other craft workers displaying their talents in Royal Avenue Gardens in Dartmouth. Visitors to this event, the 7th Dartmouth Art Weekend, will be able to watch, talk to, and buy from the artists while they work. There will also be some special art activities for children and teas, homemade cakes and snacks will be provided by Children’s Hospice volunteers.

This event raised almost £4,000 in 2009 and it is hoped that this sum can be equalled this year. Children's Hospice South West are currently providing specialist care for 400 terminally ill children and their families from the South West, but many more are needing care.

The Hospice's Friends' Groups are now fundraising for the Precious Lives Appeal to raise enough money to build a third hospice in Cornwall to meet the needs of families in the southern areas of the South West. They hope that as many people as possible will visit this wonderful event and spend well to raise lots of money to help Children's Hospice South West to make the most of short and precious lives.  Any volunteers who may be able to help and interested artists/craftworkers who would like to exhibit, should contact Sue Tweed on 01803 770730  Photos above from last years event.

4.   Cream Tea

Sue Murray reports:  Macmillan Cancer Support open garden and cream tea on Saturday June 12th from 2.30 - 5pm in lovely gardens overlooking rolling countryside.

By kind permission of Jane and Roger Davenport at Ash House Farm, Ash, Dartmouth TQ6 OLR.

There is restricted disabled access. Parking in field at top of drive.  Entrance fee £5.00. No dogs.
Raffle and plant stall
 

5.   Last minute art course

Tina Riley reports: Discounted last minute places on moor to coast watercolour course June 21st to 25th with Paul Riley in stunning South Devon.

Coombe Farm Studios, Dittisham, South Devon was founded in 1983 in an area not only designated as one of outstanding natural beauty but of huge creative talent. Artist Paul Riley runs courses throughout the year and this June we are offering 10% for last minute places on the stunning Moor To Coast watercolour course. The five day residential course commences at the National Park Dartmoor where, weather permitting, you will visit one or two locations working with sketchbooks to gather information for a studio painting or paint in situ. The following days will be spent at a nearby riverside creek on the beautiful River Dart, with unrivalled panoramic views along towards Dittisham and then the historical Dartmouth town and eventually coastal locations painting "en plein air" the rolling Devon countryside (if English climate allows!) Demonstrations will accompany each stage of this 5 day course of landscape, river and sea painting.

The fully residential price (per person) includes tuition, accommodation, all meals, teas and coffees throughout the day discounted price is £445.50 or you can join as a non-resident so price includes all tuition, lunch and hot drinks £337.50, alternatively you can join as a non-painting partner for the five days including bed and breakfast and dinner £265.50.

For more information please contact Coombe Farm Studios 01803 722352 email: by clicking here or visit our website by clicking here.

6.   Small News

• Food Festival is coming, click here for a provisional timetable.
   

• Sunday 20th June 2010: Why not make Father’s Day special this year and treat dad to a break at The Royal Castle Hotel?  With our special packages from £75.00 per person, it would be difficult not to melt dad’s heart this Fathers Day. Offer includes accommodation, full English breakfast, carvery dinner, champagne and a gift for Dad! Or join us for our special Father's Day Sunday Carvery in Nu, our river view restaurant, at £19.95 per person.
   

• From the Old Dartmothians Association:
  ‘How well do you know Dartmouth?’
  Slide quiz and ‘other pictures & Items’ of interest (by John Tremlett and others) Take part in the quiz at a Cheese & Wine Evening in the Clifton Room at the Guildhall on Friday 11th June at 7pm - £5-00 inc cheese & wine.  Tickets available from Reception, Dartmouth Musuem, Butterwalk, Duke Street, Dartmouth.
   

• Brian & Mary Edgington write in: Thank-you SO much for 'Dartmouth News' - we really love having access to it here in 'leafy' Surrey! I did not realise that Surrey is reputed to have more trees than any other county in England. I can quite believe it!  Please pass on to any of the townsfolk of Dartmouth just how sorry we were to learn of the disastrous fire. As Dave has pointed out - Dartmouth folk are never defeated and it is good to know that most systems are up and running! We hope to pay a flying visit 16-17 July and may even 'bump into' friends of yesteryear!

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 & others.