Huw Irranca-Davies Minister for the Marine and Natural Environment  visited the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) on Wednesday  to mark the 50th anniversary of the area's designation as a protected landscape.

Designated in 1960 in recognition of its unspoiled coast and estuaries, South Devon is one of Britain's 47 AONBs. The visit was based at the 550 acre Sharpham Estate near Totnes, a stunning location overlooking the river Dart in the heart of the AONB, where the Minister met Partnership Committee members and saw a wide range of projects and environmental activities.  The Minster told of of his love for the countryside and that his father had just retired from a life long job on his farm at the age of 85!  To see more about Sharpham click here.

2.   Historic Cornworthy

There was jubilation at the recent Cornworthy Parish Council Meeting, when it was announced that an application to the Heritage Lottery Fund has been successful and a grant of £4,500.00 has been awarded for the renovation of an ancient stone retaining wall and tree surgery to a protected oak. The site, which is opposite the village hall, will become a small Parish Green once the works have been completed

Parish Council Chairman Michael Hartnell explained the background to the project. “It has taken many years to acquire this site but title has now been granted. This small area of elevated land provides a unique viewpoint through the village where its historic development can be appreciated. The surviving medieval burgage plots can be identified and the site of the 13th Century Augustinian Priory with its Gatehouse remains can also be seen. To the east of the site are the Parish Church, which was founded in Norman times, and our Village Hall which was originally a Poorhouse then Church School in Victorian days.

 Harbertonford Primary School children will be visiting the village to look at the oak tree and produce projects on life during the Victorian times as the tree grew up next to the farm and school. Cornworthy Playgroup children will be drawing acorns, lichens and mosses that grow magically in and around the tree. A master stone mason, who will carry out the wall repair, will give a talk to the community on stonewalling and period mortars before works begin.

3.   As Good As It Gets

Thursday 4th March, ( yes, it is today, due to a civic event at the Guildhall next Thursday )

A superior romantic comedy starring Jack Nicholson as an acidic obsessive/compulsive writer and Helen Hunt as the only waitress at the local diner who'll serve him. Both were rewarded with Oscars for top-notch performances. There may have been better performances in 1998 than Jack Nicholson's Oscar-winning turn as crotchety, obsessive compulsive romance novelist Melvin Udall, but none created a character quite so memorable or blessed with as many brilliantly acidic one-liners.  As the tragic-comic, reclusive author of pulp fiction who learns to live again via coffee shop waitress Helen Hunt (also Oscar rewarded) and his unfortunate gay neighbour (Greg Kinnear), he positively commands the screen, taking Brooks' movie beyond the realms of mere romantic comedy.  The kind of solid commercial enterprise that stays with you beyond the closing credits, this is simply terrific entertainment.

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

• Stylish, luxury hotel rooms with crisp white linen, deep, fluffy towels and bathrobes and, of course, amazing beds which offer rejuvenating sleep of the kind only experienced when breathing in fresh sea air!
  
  Everything you would expect in a luxury hotel, you’ll find in our bedrooms and don’t ask for a river view – all our bedrooms have them!  Romantic weekend breaks, special birthday celebrations, honeymoon or simply to reward yourself, you provide the reason and we provide the setting.  Right now there are some really attractive special offers click here to see them.
   

• If you enjoy fine food and wine The Royal Castle Hotel is the place to be on the weekend of the 12-14th March! Friday night three-course dinner £29.95 per person inclusive of champagne reception and fun wine & food tasting. Saturday night black tie, six-course gourmet dinner for £44.50 per person.
  
  On both nights Liam Stevenson, our own Master of Wines from Red and White, a local wine merchant and supplier to the Royal Castle, will talk you through the wines you are tasting. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions  and to purchase any of the wines. For more information please call: 01803 833033

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.