1.  Galleries Week

Sarah Duggan reports: Baxters Gallery has a new exhibition of work from several artists starting on 27th May. Titled “All things bright ..” it will showcase work from Emma Brownjohn, a new artist to the gallery and Sue McDonald who has a waiting list of customers for her work after a 2 year break. Chas Jacobs has been painting local scenes and landmarks so see if you can spot the locals in his pictures. There will also be glass panels from gallery favourite, Jane Reeves and glass lamps from local artist Jane Naish. Wooden automata from Jane Ryan and bright ceramics from Lincoln Kirby Bell complete a mixed show which is sure to lift the spirits. Click here for more.
Mark Riley reports: Coombe Gallery is proud to announce their forthcoming James Stewart solo show, "'It's Only Paint"' Over 30 brand new works fresh from James's palette. For this exhibition James is busy painting fresh new work as we speak and has decided to go back to basics and have a Still Life exhibition revelling in the simple art of just looking intensely and going for pure painting. Originally from Stockport, James has been based in Devon for over 10 years. James studied at Dyfed College of Art, Carmarthen and worked as a freelance illustrator in Manchester designing book and album covers before moving south to pursue a career in Fine Art. A real treat for collectors. For more click here.
White Sails Gallery will have a new exhibition of Richard Thorn’s limited editions entitled “In the Shallows”. Born in Torquay, the landscape of the South Hams has been a constant inspiration to Richard and the exhibition showcases some of his most breathtaking work of the last few years. It celebrates the natural beauty of our local moorland, river and coastal scenery, with the River Dart being an especially strong focus. Gallery owner Adam Edsall said “I am delighted to be able to show Richard’s work with us this year and am excited for him to be the subject of our very first exhibition” The show will run for one week until Sunday 5th June and as a special exhibition offer, visitors will be able to get 10% off, on all of Richard’s mounted prints and framed editions. Click here for more.

Eight Galleries will be open on the evening of Friday 27th May from 6 – 9pm so come along and see the exhibitions with work from new and established artists.  To see all the very best galleries in Dartmouth click here.

2.   Official Pet Shop opening

Last Saturday saw the 'official' opening of Dartmouth Pet Foods new shop in the Old Market.  Dr Roger Mugford, Britain's top animal behaviourist (and his dog PC) returned to Dartmouth to cut the ribbon.  Born in Dartmouth Dr Mugford produces pet treat and training aids under the name The Company of Animals, all available from Linda in the pet shop.

There were plenty of doggie spectators at the opening, as well as their well-behaved owners.

The refurbishment of the Old Market continues, with other units set to be completed shortly.

3.   After the Flood

Those of you who took note from our News last week and went along to St Clement's Church to see the community production of Britten's 'Noye's Fludde' were treated to an outstanding performance.  Under the direction of Lynne Deller, a brightly coloured menagerie of local children trouped on to the ark, overseen by Mr and Mrs Noye (Christopher Helyer and Gaye Brent) while the 'Voice of God' (David Burgess) boomed from the Ringing Chamber in the tower above the audience.  The musicians, directed by David Oldbury, gave an accomplished performance and the setting in St Clement's was just as Britten would have wanted.  The audience, referred to by Britten as the 'congregation' joined in the singing of the hymns and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

Well done everyone!
 

4.   Small News

• Andy Kyle reports on the image at the top of this page: I’m pleased with this. Heck, I’m very pleased with this. It’s a six minute exposure of the cruise ship National Geographic Explorer’s nighttime departure on Wednesday night.  See more of Andy's work by clicking here.
   

• Have you ever wanted to experience a different sort of boating. If so you are invited to come along and take part in a free Try a Boat event. The event will take place over the May Bank Holiday weekend May 28 to 29 with a wide selection of boats available on the Embankment including the one shown here on the right.
   

• Matt from The Royal Caste reports: Monday 30th May 6-7pm Harbour Bar. We will be running a free tasting session of Sharpham cheese and wine. This will be used to kick start our promotions and prize draw that we will be running throughout that week.
  
  Saturday 28th May – Sunday 5th June we will be offering a much wider range of Sharpham wines which be available by both the glass and bottle throughout this period.  All the Sharpham wine products will be available at a considerably reduced rate to encourage people to try excellent local English wines.

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.