And it came to pass that the Reverend Simon Wright said his last prayers as Chaplain to Dartmouth Town Council.  At the Town Council's meeting on Monday, Simon was presented with an engraved glass bowl as a gift from Town Councillors, and the Town's Plaque, to mark his service as Chaplain.  The Mayor Councillor Debbie Morris presented his wife Sue with a camellia, coincidentally called "Debbie".  The Town Council wished both Simon and Sue health and happiness in their retirement.

2. Silly Billy Bum Breath
 

Dartmouth’s 4th Comedy Festival, Sat 6 Feb @ 2pm.  Come and see the most enjoyable children's show from the fringe this year!!!  Do not miss seasoned comics Laura Black and Feri Tezcan with their naughtiest imaginary friend ever, Silly Billy Bum Breath.  Last year they left him in prison to pursue a life of good behaviour. But now they miss him, and want him back! There is only one thing for it, they must go back to prison and fetch him! Join them in their hilarious quest to reform their naughty friend.   This talented comedy duo have been compared to French & Saunders, and in previous years that’s certainly held true. This year, however, Black and Tezcan have swapped the witty one-liners and intelligent comedy for a more slapstick approach. Whoopee cushions, custard pies and squirting water abounds, which keeps the kids giggling.  Suitable for ages 4+  Tickets £8, child £6, family of four £22 Sat 6 Feb @ 2pm  Tickets from the Box Office or call 01803 839530

3.   Dart Valley U3A

The Dart Valley U3A meets every 2nd Thursday of the month at 10am at the Flavel, Dartmouth, when it holds a general meeting and a speaker. Visitors are welcome.  The U3A is an international body with thousands of members. U3A stands for the University of the Third Age, which is a self-help organisation for people no longer in full time employment, providing educational, creative and leisure opportunities in a friendly environment. Dart Valley’s many interest groups range from Archery, Creative writing, Patchwork quilting, Spanish, Walking and many others.  On Thursday, January 14th Paul McClure returned, with soprano Heloise West, to give another musically illustrated talk with his inimitable style and fund of anecdotes and information. His talk was called The Ordeal of Ivor Gurney. On Thursday, February 11th at 10am at the Flavel. Commodore Jake Moores, Royal Navy will talk about Life as a Submariner. Commodore Moores took command of Britannia Royal Naval College in September 2008. In March, Andy Borthwick will talk about learning the guitar and how it is a wonderful example of learning something new in our “Third Age” For more information about the Dart Valley U3A, including a list of interest groups, meetings and membership (only £10-00 per annum!) please contact membership secretary Ray on 01803 835033 or just come along to the next meeting.

4.   Small News

• A warm and cosy February has arrived with some surprising sunshine.  A brisk walk to the castle at the mouth of the river or just a walk from Bayards Cove to the Marina Hotel can be so nice in February.  A boat trip to Totnes, an hour or two in a pub with a roaring fire, time to read the newspapers, can you resist it?  And this weekend is Dartmouth Comedy Festival, see you there?

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.