Two Kune Kune pigs are taking a break at Woodlands Family Theme Park near Dartmouth while police unravel an unusual mystery surrounding these two pigknapped hogs.  On January 26th Woodlands received an email asking if they could give the two pigs a home as they could no longer stay on the land where they were being kept. They were informed that if they had to stay there they would be shot!

The two pigs arrived at Woodlands on Monday 15th February. Colin Baker Operations Manager at Woodlands commented “we were delighted to receive them; they have settled in really well and have already become firm favourites with the public”.  After reading the newspaper on Friday, staff at Woodlands Family Theme Park were very shocked to find out that these two pigs could possibly be stolen and being held for Ransom for £200. “They were donated to Woodlands with all the correct paperwork” Colin added.

Jessica Repton Marketing Executive said “Animals being gifted to our Zoo-Farm is not at all unusual. About 40% of all our animals are donated to us. In 20 years with all 3 of our Theme Parks we have never had anything like this happen to us before. We are now working closely with the local police and if we find out that the pigs are stolen, they will be returned safe and sound to their rightful owners. They will have to stay here for 20 days due to the stand still period according to Defra for the movement of pigs”.   Everyone at Woodlands will be very sad to see them go, but they will have had a 20 day relaxing and spoilt holiday at Woodlands Pigs Palace.  Check out Woodlands by clicking here.

2. Royal Racing Yacht at Noss

South Devon College’s celebrated Noss Marine Academy, based at Noss Marina on the River Dart, has today launched and named its latest yacht, ‘Aspiration’, and revealed its historic royal connection.  HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward and King Constantine of Greece have all previously raced ‘Aspiration’, which is the latest addition to the Academy’s fleet provided by Noss Marina Ltd. The yacht has been refurbished at Noss Marina before being handed over to the Academy.  ‘Aspiration’ has a unique history, winning many races and enjoying Royal patronage under her former name, Yeoman XXVIII. 

In a ceremony on Tuesday, Commodore Jake Moores of the Britannia Royal Naval College at Dartmouth officiated at the naming of the Aspiration, carried out by Foundation Degree student Claire Smith, and along with College Governors and other local VIPs, saw Marine Academy students sail their new yacht from Noss Marina for the first time.

Commodore Jake Moores said: “Royal Naval Officers have for many years developed their ship handling awareness and skills on the River Dart. Amongst them have been a number of Royal Princes over the years. The ‘Aspiration’ will provide students at the Academy with a superb opportunity to develop their skills and we look forward to seeing her on the Dart as we share this unique resource space.” Stephen Criddle, Principal of South Devon College, thanked Noss Marina for the refurbished yacht and said “the acquisition of this second yacht will be an inspiration for students at our already celebrated Noss Marine Academy, providing them with an outstanding and practical learning experience.” Stephen Corner, Chief Executive of Noss Marina Ltd said: “We are delighted to have been able to provide a second yacht for the use of students at the Noss Marine Academy, especially one with such an illustrious history.

The Academy is an integral part of our overall plans to regenerate the former boatyard at Noss and provide long-term educational and employment opportunities for local people. We hope to be able to start work on the permanent facilities for Noss Marine Academy later this year”. The Noss Marine Academy is an excellent centre for water-based outdoor education and training. It offers a range of full time and part time courses, recognised nationally by the outdoor and water sports industry. This includes the Foundation Degree in Yacht Operations.

Other Marine-based courses, including Marine Engineering, are also available at the College’s Noss Marina site. South Devon College run a number of Marine Academy, Marine Engineering, and Marine-related courses, all based at Noss Marina, for more information call free on 08000 380 123 or visit thier web site by clicking here.

3.   Fish Tank

The second film from British director Andrea Arnold, who won many admirers at Cannes in 2006.   Mia is a 15-year-old girl living on an Essex estate with her sister and still-young mother Joanne. Excluded from school, getting into fights and sharing her mother's appetite for booze, Mia finds solace dancing alone to hip-hop in an empty flat on the estate. Then a new man mysteriously appears in her mother's life - the charismatic, enigmatic and physically compelling Conor. Taking Joanne and the girls on drives into the countryside, catching fish with his bare hands and paying tender attention to Mia, Conor seems too good to be true…

Films are screened at The Guildhall, Victoria Road, Dartmouth.   The bar is open from 7.30pm and the films start approx. 8pm.  Guest tickets are available on the night for £3.50 each from  “The Windjammer” Victoria Road between 7.30pm & 7.55pm only.  No guest tickets will be sold on the door.  To join Dartmouth Film Society, or for more information, call Rob Bird on 01803 835849.

4.   Small News

• Underlay underlay!!! Arriba Arriba!!! It’s a Mexican Fiesta! Friday 5th March, 7pm till late. In the Harbour bar at the Royal Castle.  Grab your sombreros we’re getting hot and spicy! Prizes for the best dressed. Cocktails, drinks promotions, Mexican snacks and a DJ to get the party started!
   

• Johnny Chick reports:  I have managed to negotiate a reasonable deal on Andy's old Photo shop near The Cherub, just for 6 months for the season which is good. So please tell everyone I will be open from April 1st thru till October. Bait and new tackle only, sadly I  won’t be doing any of that lovely and collectable old gear.
   

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, Andy Kyle & others.