1.   Civic Evening

Richard Rendle M.B.E. Mayor of Dartmouth hosted the prestigious Civic Evening last Friday at the Royal Castle Hotel. Several previous Mayors attended and we all had a splendid time, thanks Richard!

Calling all budding performers and secretive singers.  South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is organising a community music workshop on Saturday 12th March 3-6pm at Townstal Community Hall, Davis Road, Dartmouth. Anyone who plays an instrument, likes song writing or just singing in the shower is very welcome to participate. The workshop will be led by Steve Banks from local band Blue Jewel. The afternoon will be spent devising and performing songs about the area. Songs could be about the Dart, the sea, fishing, farming or any part of the area which is inspiring.

It will culminate in a rehearsal and 30 minute performance the following Friday evening on 19th March at the Flavel in Dartmouth as a part of the South Devon AONB’s 50th anniversary showcase event. The evening will also include a film show from the South West Film and Television Archive looking at life as it used to be and displays from groups who have been involved in anniversary projects.

To book a place at this free event would be performers are asked to ring 01803 782219 Steve Banks with details of their instrument/voice and any ideas for a song. As places will be limited applicants are asked to confirm their places early. The workshop is open to anyone over the age of 10 years and at grade 1 or above for instrument players.  The project is part of the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’s 50th Birthday Celebrations supported by a Your Heritage grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The area was designated in August 1960

3.  Tony Amos

Paul Reach reports: We were all very saddened by the loss of our friend Tony Amos last year. He was a skilled, natural artist whose talent even he did not fully appreciate. Our visits to his studio were both inspiring and frustrating - he would be searching for the perfect painting surrounded by part finished works each of which was already a masterpiece in the making.

We have 3 earlier paintings of his favourite subjects. The square rigger yardarm - a precarious position which the early sailors adopted (ignoring all health and safety rules!), a pair of yarning sailors on a bench (here, he has captured a gentleness and charm that reminds us of him) and lastly, one of the beautiful skies over Teignmouth, illustrating his love and appreciation of the west country: vast skies, unique palette and all painted with fingers and rags.

Check out Paul's website by clicking here and afterwards have a look at Dartmouth's best galleries by clicking here ?

4.   Dartmouth’s 5th Comedy Festival

It is back! Dartmouth’s 5th Comedy Festival…………9-12 March. Chris Addison may have sold out, but there is still plenty to keep you laughing…but book early to avoid disappointment! Starts at the Flavel, on Wednesday 9 March @ 7pm, with a Tribute Film night to one of Comedy’s Greats. With a surprise guest…

Boothby Graffoe - Thursday 10 March @ 8pm. A quite brilliant comedian and musician, back with his band.

Arabella Weir - Friday 11 March @ 7pm. She will talk about her new book ‘The Real Me is Thin’ and tell you why she still cannot be trusted with a packet of chocolate digestives. Followed by

Joy of Wine @ 9.30pm. Learn to be an expert wine taster, explore the dark habit of the Blue Nun and meet the world’s largest bunch of grapes. Breathtakingly funny…you will be very thirsty and will need the free wine!

Fairly Tales, kids show - Saturday 12 March @ 3pm. Hilarious stories created out of thin air. Lots of silliness….suitable for ages 6+. There is a free, one hour ‘story’ workshop with the actors when you buy a ticket for the show at 1.45pm for ages 8-12. Limited spaces are available for the workshop.

Anil Desai – Saturday 12 March @ 7pm. A stand up chameleon…50 impersonations in 55 minutes, awesome

Matt Harvey – Thursday 10 March @7.30pm in Café Alf Resco

Enjoy ‘Alfs’ famous rustic supper with comedy from local poet Matt Harvey. Nearly sold out!

Andrew Clover – Friday 11 March @7pm in the Royal Castle Hotel Love Rules! You will leave laughing, armed with the 7 rules of relationships and an excellent ‘all you can eat’ curry buffet before or after Andrews show.

Not to forget, our local artist Simon Drew will have a week long Comedy Festival Art Exhibition in the Flavel, why not pop along to see it? For full ticket prices and information click here.

5.   DGCC wins prestigious award

Dartmouth Golf and Country Club has carried off two prestigious prizes in the HRS Hotel Excellence Awards 2011. The hotel’s outstanding customer service wowed the judges with DGCC winning the Excellence Through People category and receiving a special commendation in the Excellence in Marketing category.

The panel also praised the marketing skills of the hotel, especially in regard to its new South Devon Golf Tour, saying it was a good example of a pro-active marketing initiative which has raised the national profile of golfing breaks in South Devon stating DGCC had accomplished “A well thought through marketing exercise with excellent tracking of results.” Judges found the SDGT to be innovative, addressing challenges and opportunities, allowing golfers to enjoy South Devon’s top golf courses at an affordable price, providing an inexpensive ‘continental-type’ golf tour destination. The tour is now well-known throughout the national golfing community with the result that bookings have increased throughout the year. Click here for more.

Managing Director, Jamie Waugh, praised the work carried out by all the staff at DGCC. He said: “Everyone has contributed to this fantastic result and I would like to congratulate all the staff for their efforts. It’s a brilliant outcome which I am extremely proud of. “We faced extremely tough competition from across the country and for the judges to pick us as winner in one category and award us a special commendation in a second category is a huge accolade for everyone.” The awards were held in association with the British Hospitality Awards and the Best Practice Forum.

6.   Small News

• Sarah from Bellinis reports: This Saturday we have a good evening planned – the Dominic Doolittle band which play boogie woogie, jazz, 60’s and soul. Fun starts at 8pm!
   

• Everything in moderation! Yoga classes every Thursday (starting 3rd March 2011) at the Dart Centre, Dartmouth Academy from 7pm - 8.30pm. £4.50 per person (£2.50 for the unemployed and teenagers)
  
  Learn how to cut down on eating, drinking, smoking and more!  Build your confidence, be calmer and happier with more energy and a healthy body and mind. Go on...you can have a better, more positive, life! and it starts with you changing into the new you! Some mats are provided, but please bring a blanket for relaxation and meditation Phone Sally on 07714 167836 for class enquiries.
   

• The Dartmouth Trust was in the news again this week, both on radio and television this Wednesday.  It was said that they "had" to increase rents, the Charities Commission disagree.  It was also said the vote for the rent increase was a majority decision, when in fact only 5 of the 12 trustees voted for a rent increase.

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
   
• Shopping in Dartmouth click here

Images copyright  Dave Cawley,  Andy Kyle,  & others.