Friday evening saw the launch of Dartmouth Galleries' week with many new artists' work on show.  Locals and visitors enjoyed a glass of wine or two while checking them out, and the exhibitions continue for some time so you can still come and buy some original pieces.   To see the best galleries in Dartmouth click here.

2.  English Wine Week

The Royal Castle Hotel hosted a wine tasting on Monday evening provided by Sharpham Vineyard who are promoting English Wine Week (28 May-5 June) including their latest releases,  'Sparkling Pink', a delicious effervescent rose and a really fresh dry white 'New Release'.  We were looking forward to tasting Sharpham cheeses as well, but they had sold out!!  Must be good!  Sharpham wines are available in the Royal Castle all year round so why not go in and try some?  Click here to visit The Royal Castle Hotel website.  Click here to see the wonderful Sharpham website ?

3.   Nowhere Boy on tonight!

‘This is an accomplished feature debut from director Sam Taylor-Wood..’

Nowhere Boy is a chronicle of John Lennon's childhood and teenage years from 1944 to 1960. It centres around his relationship with the two dominant women in the first part of his life; his stern aunt Mimi, who brought him up and his absentee mother Julia, who re-entered his young life at a crucial moment. Then his first meeting with Paul McCartney and George Harrison, their friendship, their love for music and the birth of The Beatles …. But rather than dwelling on the unique circumstances that produced a musical genius, it's an affecting movie about coming of age and leaving home, and about the radical changes in British life since the Second World War.

This film is on tonight at the Guildhall at 7.30PM. Guest tickets can be purchased on the night of the screening at The Windjammer pub in Victoria Road, Dartmouth for £3.60 per film, between 7.00 – 7.25 pm. New members can join at the door on any screening night. For further information contact: Clive Osborne on 079-6802-6449

4.   Try a Boat

Last Saturday and Sunday South Devon Marine Association organised the free event 'Try a Boat' in Dartmouth.  There was a wide variety of boats to try including yachts, ribs and power boats, and all for free!  Never having sailed before Dave decided to give it a go and on Sunday morning we were taken out on one of the Brixham Sea Schools yachts for an all too brief trial.   Unfortunately the weather was grey and the wind strong so the sail had to be well reefed, but the guys from Brixham made even the novices feel safe,  Did you know you could enjoy a day sale for just £85 with or without tuition?  They also offer RYA sailing and powerboat handling courses.  Click here to check out Brixham Sea School's website
 

6.   Small News

• Dartmouth Friends of Rowcroft Hospice are having a quiz evening at Alf Rescos on Friday June 10th at 7.00p.m. All slides will be pictures of Dartmouth by John Tremlett – pictures of the bits you don’t always notice! Tickets £12.50 each to include a two course supper. Contact Alf Rescos or 770468 to book and join in the fun.
   

• Sam Geen reports: "if you have any Sainsburys kids vouchers, Dartmouth Pre School, Southford School Rooms would really appreciate them. Could you drop them off either to the DA (Dartmouth Arms) or post them thru Southford Road School Rooms door, Thanks."  A very worthwhile cause and we will certainly do that Sam.
   

• Dartmouth United Charities will soon decide whether to work with the Dartmouth Pre School.  Not so long ago the elderly needed looking after, and quite a few still do.  However with state help, housing benefit and support from their children, most elderly people are better off than the old days.  But  the young people of Dartmouth face the lowest wages and the highest rents in the country.  The future is in our children and young families, we must encourage them to stay, live and work in Dartmouth.  If you feel strongly about this please get in touch with any trustee or directly with the Dartmouth United Charities.
   

• Wednesday 8 June - Parish of Dartmouth Summer Fete in the Royal Avenue Gardens from 10am-4pm.  Home made cakes, toys, books, bric-a-brac and refreshments all day.  Lots of fun for all!

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.