The traditional parade from the Guildhall to St Saviour's Church for the Mayor's Civic Service was led by the town's Volunteer Band in brilliant sunshine last Sunday.  Newly elected Mayor of Dartmouth, Councillor Richard Rendle was joined by Deputy Mayor Councillor Iris Pritchard, the Commander (Training) from BRNC, Jeff Short, and town councillors for the service which was led by The Revd Prebendary Philip Luff.  Representatives of local organisations also attended.  This is the sixth occasion that Councillor Rendle has been elected Mayor, having served for 5 years from 2000 to 2005.

2.   Continental Market

This weekend saw the second Continental Market in Dartmouth.  Everyone had a really great time.  Did you know the Market and the outside is available for hire? are you a member of an organisation that would like to have their get together in Dartmouth?  Call Tracey on 01803 832281 to find out more?

3.   Devon Wine Week

Laura from Sharpham Vineyard reports: Following a fantastic 2009 vintage in Devon, the local vineyards are even more excited than usual in the run up to this year’s Devon Wine Week at the end of May.  Devon Wine Week takes place annually and gives us the chance to celebrate regional wines in style with the week long festivities running from Saturday 29th May till Sunday 6th June 2010. Vineyards across Devon have organised special events and tours, giving people the perfect opportunity to discover, taste and celebrate Devon’s superb wines.

Many people have not yet discovered the delicious wines that are being produced right here on our very doorstep. Did you know, for instance, that we now have 24 vineyards in Devon, producing a range of whites, rosés and reds, many to international acclaim? So forget catching that ferry to France and pop along to a Devon vineyard and celebrate Devon Wine Week by tasting the fantastic array of fruity, aromatic still and sparkling wines on offer.

Here in Devon Sharpham, Eastcott, Kenton, Manstree, Old Walls, Pebblebed and Yearlstone vineyards have joined together to promote their regional wines and to celebrate Devon’s diverse food and wine culture, in what’s believed to be the biggest regional celebration of English Wine week. Over the week, there will be something taking place every single day, at the vineyards and participating outlets. A host of different activities, both informative and entertaining, are being laid on for your enjoyment, giving a wide range of opportunities to get to know these many award-winning wines better, and really see just how versatile and delicious they are.

At Sharpham vineyard the week long celebration will include guided vineyard and winery tours twice daily, an art exhibition of local art hanging in our winery, portrait painting by local artist Mick Chambers, BBQ food, live music and much, much more! Click here to see more details about Devon Wine Week  and click here to see more about our nearest local wine producer!

4.   Romeo & Juliet

It's that time of year again - Open Air Theatre at Fingals on Wednesday 9th June (we've brought the date forward this year as we are banking on hot summer in early June!). If there are people on your mailing list who might be interested in coming along please forward this email onto them but remember booking is essential on 01803722398. Please note the play starts at 8.00pm not 8.30pm as in my previous email!!

Wednesday 9th June at Fingals Hotel, Old Coombe, Dittisham. The play starts 8.00pm and we shall be selling drinks during the interval. You can book an early supper at Fingals for £15 from 6.30pm

A summer evening....... to die for.... Romeo & Juliet ... By William Shakespeare, freely adapted and directed by Bill Scott

Tickets £12.50 per person (£10 for those living in the Parish of Dittisham). Booking essential - Telephone: 01803 722398

5.   Who you gonna call?

Well, not Ghostbusters!  Where does your business advertise?  Do you respond to tele-sales people or do you research the market before spending your valuable advertising budget?  Do you track conversion?  and do you really know your advertising budget is working hard for you?

Look at Google, put in Dartmouth, then try other terms, you will find that on average there are two key websites, Dartmouth dot TV and the TIC.  To be sure you really should be with both, and now!  Dartmouth dot TV only charges £69.00 a year including VAT.  Click here to see our advertising rates.

Dartmouth dot TV also sponsors this weekly colourful News read by so many people.  This news drives your customers to Dartmouth dot TV, are you there?  Click here to find out?

6.   Galleries Week

Dartmouth Galleries Week begins tomorrow when most of the galleries will be displaying new works.  Dartmouth is famous for its Art Galleries, click here to see them?  It is a local secret that on the Friday evening (tomorrow) you can get a sneak preview and if you are lucky, a glass of wine in these galleries.  Have a look and buy some birthday presents?

Baxters in Foss street will feature the new work from Simon Hart as shown above.

7.   Small News

• “Chris Jones is pleased to announce that Wildfire Bistro will be launching its new menu tonight (Thursday 27th May) from 6.00pm. This a menu that will excite many. My team and I have just tasted every dish on the menu and our particular favourites are as follows.
  
  · Fruits de mer for two ~ Marinated scallop, mussels, clams, cockles, crevettes, smoked salmon and Bigbury Bay oysters
  
  · Scallop and prawn brochette, pineapple salsa and coriander oil
  
  · Wildfire pork belly, spinach and citrus salad, glazed walnuts and star anise and honey sauce (This is one serious piece of pork!!!)
  
  · Bento box ~ tempura crab and prawn, courgette and rice salad, marinated butterfish, tuna knori and salmon roll
  
  · Rack of lamb, dauphinoise potato, spinach and a Madeira jus
  
  · Wildfire Knickerbocker Glory ~ chocolate and vanilla ice cream, brownie and fudge pieces, chocolate sauce, toasted almonds, glace cherries and some added sparkle (Chocolate heaven!!!)
  
  This is a menu that definitely has something for everyone and when the sun is shining where else would you rather be? Great food, wonderful cocktails, cool tunes and an amazing view - what more could you wish for!!!  Click here to see the new menue.
  
   

• Great value wines at Browns.  Browns commitment to value for loyalty card holders is simple. You will never find our off sales wines sold more cheaply on the internet. If you find the same wine cheaper within a week of purchasing from Browns they will refund the difference and give you a free glass of Janz to sooth your troubled mind!  The Cave de Roquebrun is a fab Languadoc co-operative established in 1968 and based in the Haut Languedoc national park 30 km north of Beziers and between the two regional capitals Montpellier and Toulouse.
  
  This is a very well structured gold medal winning wine which would go well with a nice steak on the BBQ. Whilst the wine has great depth is only a very reasonable 13%! We sell this wine for £8.25 per bottle or at a case price of £7.99 per bottle, which as we promised, you will not find cheaper anywhere else on the internet.

• Alison Stocks reports:  Please don’t forget our Quiz Evening on Thursday 10 June at the Dartmouth Arms, 7pm till late.  Tickets are £15 each to include a 2 course supper and a great night of fun, obtainable from the Dartmouth Arms or Dartmouth Caring.  All support is much appreciated; the evening is to help raise funds towards the ongoing costs of the charity in its support of the elderly and vulnerable within the community. Please do join us and buy a ticket.
   

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, Andy Kyle & others.