Here is another week in paradise for those who are working away from Dartmouth, our thousands of holidaymakers who just need the merest excuse to come down for a weekend, and for locals who might have missed something!  The World probably dominated the week, click here to see what we said about it last week.

The Dartmouth dot TV crew were having a drink the other day (every day actually!) and we were asked why we do this weekly blog, why and how we have such beautiful photography and why we send it out to so many thousands of potential holidaymakers every single week ?  Dave Cawley replied: The answer is simple, the days when 400 workers took the ferry every morning to go to work at Noss Shipyard are well and truly gone.  To Keep Dartmouth Special we need quality tourism, and that is our aim.  We can't do this for free and you will find links to our sister site Dartmouth dot TV click here to see the index ? 

It is important for us to have as many advertisers and sponsors as possible, and in the next few days all businesses will receive an invitation to work with us and to be part of Dartmouth dot TV.  Even if your advertising budget is small please consider us, you get 12 months exposure on the Biggest Dartmouth web site there is, and your potential customers will be reminded every week with this fabulous Newsletter/blog?  Did we say it could cost you just £5 a month for a listing with all your details and 5 photographs?  (yes, five pounds a month)  Oh, and people advertising on our website have said they get more bookings through us than any other Dartmouth web site.

2. Oh Yeah!  Oh Yeah!!   Dartmouth Town Crier wins!

Lez Ellis reports: As you may remember, I entered into two competitions this weekend on behalf of Dartmouth. One in Kingsbridge and one in Paignton. I did pretty well in the Kingsbridge one but not as well as the Paignton
one which I won!  I am now the Torbay champion for 2010.

In Medieval England, town criers were the chief means of news communication with the people of the town since many could not read or write. Royal proclamations, local bylaws, market days, adverts, even selling loaves of sugar were all proclaimed by a bellman or crier throughout the centuries—at Christmas 1798, the Chester Canal Co. sold some sugar damaged in their packet boat and this was to be advertised by the bellman.

3.   Lunch @ Browns

James Brown reports: Special Lunch Menus: Are you celebrating a birthday or anniversary? Would you like lobster or a plate of mixed grilled fish or something a little bit special? Why not give us a call on 01803 832572

Don't forget that if you have over 100 loyalty card points you need only pay our take out prices for your wine with your meal!

Restaurant food at cafe prices! Some items from this week's menu: Made to order, chorizo and spinach fritatta and green salad £7.50 : Homemade fennel bread stuffed with Jilly Rowden's South Devon Feather steak, hand cut triple fried chips and salad. £7.95 : Whole fresh plaice from Brixham, and green salad £8.50

4.   Dartmouth's Secrets

If you have ever wondered what secrets lie hidden behind Dartmouth's old stone walls, then Sunday 1st August is your opportunity to find out!

This year, as part of Dartmouth Lifeboat Week, a new event will be taking place - a Dartmouth, Stoke Fleming and Strete garden safari!

An eclectic mix of eleven gardens will be opening their gates between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Sunday 1st August.

Stroll around five Dartmouth walled town gardens, all 'hidden gems' located in the Clarence Hill, Mount Boone and Fairview Road area - some with fabulous river views - others imaginatively planted and designed. Sit and have a coffee, soak in the atmosphere and enjoy the view!
A short drive to Redlap takes 'explorers' to two coastal gardens, where stunning sea views, a cup of tea/coffee and the R.N.L.I. souvenir shop will be on offer. Continue into Stoke Fleming's Baileys Meadow and Venn Lane, where three more exotic, colourful and creatively designed gardens are also opening - light refreshments will also be available.
Just a little further on 'Tallis Rock' Strete - a Victorian former rectory and hotel, standing in over two acres of land will be opening the garden for the first time in two decades. There, refreshments will be served on the lawn overlooking Start Bay.

Entrance to all gardens is by map - £5 per person. Available from Dartmouth TIC (834224), Dartmouth Lifeboat Station - Coronation Park - on the day or from individual gardens. For further information please ring Chris Scorer 834090.
All proceeds to Dartmouth RNLI.

5.   If music be the food of love, play on

Bellini's Piano Bar launched their new food flavours menu last night.  High notes amongst the tastings by the Dartmouth dot TV crew included Box Baked Camembert (sticky and delicious) and Welsh Rarebit ('Floyds' special recipe), Bellini Sticks (grissini with parma ham and parmesan) and Tortilla slices (excellently cooked by Sarah!), and there's plenty more on offer from Friday this week.  A great place to meet friends and enjoy music.

Click here to see the new Bellini's food menu. And click here to check out their website?

6.   Small News

• Not booked your Regatta stay yet? Why not try Longbow Barns self catering apartments for 4 or 6 people? walking distance to the town and with ample parking. Available due to a cancelation from Friday 27 August (Red Arrows) to Friday 3 September £695 and £795. Click here for more information.
  
   

• Sunny Cottage is free for Regatta too, click here to see it. Two double bedrooms and right in the town.  Or call Tessa on 07966 630669
  
   

• Next weeks News 'may' be on Friday as the crew are probably working away from Dartmouth for a few days.
  
   

• Macbeth is on at Dartmouth Castle next week, pop into the Tourist Information Office to get your tickets!

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, Tony Pike , Tessa de Galleani & others.