Onedin Star Jessica sails back into Dart Harbour on ‘poignant’ cruise ship visit

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The visit of cruise ship Minerva to Dart Harbour on Saturday June 14 was a special event in more ways for one very special visitor: the Onedin Line’s Jessica Benton.

Ms Benton played Elizabeth Onedin in the famous and hugely influential series, which filmed in Dartmouth throughout the 1970s and into 1980. She and her husband, renowned photographer Charlie Waite, described their visit as ‘a poignant experience’.

Ms Benton returned to Dartmouth onboard the Swan Hellenic ship MV Minerva. The ship’s visit was the second cruise ship visit of the season and saw the Dartmouth Cruise Ship Group working together to create the perfect visitors for passengers.

The group, made up of the Dartmouth Tourist Information Centre, Dart Harbour, Dartmouth Town Council and the Dartmouth Business Improvement District, put together a programme to welcome the ship and the reaction as very positive.

Tourist Information Manager Lesley Turner and Donna Watson went out onto the ship early in the morning with Tricia Daniels to chat to passengers about the town, its shops and visitor attractions.

TIC Staff stood on the Town Jetty throughout the day, handing out guides, maps and a special edition of the Dartmouth Chronicle with a feature aimed at passengers in it.

Dartmouth Town Mayor Rob Lyon and his Mayoress Di travelled out to the ship onboard the heritage trawler Pilgrim from Brixham, which also sailed around the ship, to the delight of passengers. The Mayor presented a Town Plaque to the Ship’s Captain, along with a painting of the Minerva kindly donated by Dartmouth artist Paul Barclay.

Dartmouth Cruise Ship Group Chairman Tricia Daniels said: “It was a lovely bonus to meet Jessica Benton and hear her memories of visiting the town – the last time she visited was when they filmed the show’s final two episodes more than 30 years ago!”

Dartmouth organisations work together to welcome first cruise ship of season

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Cruise ship Serenissima was welcomed to Dartmouth last week in a coordinated effort by several town organisations.

Dartmouth Tourist Information Centre, Dart Harbour, the Dartmouth BID and the Town Council all worked together to welcome the 90m ship as she pulled into the river on Friday May 30.

And the effort paid off as visitors and crew alike said they were blown away by the efforts of the town’s organisations – with many passengers vowing to return.

TIC managers Lesley Turner and Sue Stone, along with the newly formed cruise group’s chairman Tricia Daniels, went out onto the vessel to chat to visitors and hand out town guides.

They also stayed on the jetty all day to offer help and assistance to visitors getting off the ship to see the town. Many of the passengers took advantage of the opportunity as the sun shone down in the afternoon, showing the harbour off at its best.

Town Crier Les Ellis also welcomed visitors with a traditional ‘cry’ on the town jetty, encouraging them to walk around the ‘historic town with many Royal connections’ from which ‘the Pilgrim Fathers sailed to discover a new world in 1620 – and to this day we wonder why’ which drew a round of applause!

Lesley Turner and Sue Stone worked with Dartmouth BID’s Francesca Johnson to fill ‘goody bags’ with donations from South West food producers, including Burts Chips, Sweet Devotion, Clive’s Pies and High field preserves which were handed out to passengers.

Dartmouth Mayor Rob Lyon went out onto the vessel to present the Captain, Captain Etien, with a commemorative town plaque – and passengers lined up to have their picture taken with the Mayor.

The Cruise Group has already begun planning for the next visit of a cruise vessel: the 134m MV Minerva, which will pull into harbour at 8am on Saturday June 14, carrying up to 350 passengers.

Tricia Daniels said: “It was a great first visit and we found that the passengers and crew were very responsive to our efforts. To ensure more ships begin pulling into our beautiful harbour we need to ensure that we welcome each one that does. I’m so delighted at the way we all worked together to make Serenissima welcome – the TIC team, the BID, the Town Council, Les Ellis and of course the great Dart Harbour team.

“We would like to thank the businesses who welcomed the ship’s visitors with signs in their windows, and we hope even more will do so for the next visit of Minerva on June 14!”

Dartmouth Caring and Academy come together to congratulate Ruby for fashion win

Anne Marie Rowden with Ruby and Dee Nutt

Ruby in her incredible outfit.

Student Ruby Webster has been recognised for her exceptional dressmaking skills in winning the recent Dartmouth Academy Fashion show.

Ruby created a remarkable outfit taking her inspiration from Charles Dicken’s novel Great Expectations.

Using the character of Miss Haversham as her guide, Ruby created a wedding dress, shoes, veil, made her own jewellery and a tiara. The Year 10 student hand dyed her shoes before embellishing them, dyeing all of the fabrics she used and even added the touch of a spiders web on her hand crafted bouquet!

The student’s work was so exceptional that Fashion Show’s judges, Dartmouth Academy Principal Nick Hindmarsh, Dartmouth Caring Manager and Coordinator Alison Stocks and Fashion Show Compere, Dartmouth Caring chairman Dee Nutt, decided that Ruby deserved special recognition.

Textile and Design teacher Anne-Marie Rowden, who organised the Fashion Show as a showcase for the amazing work created by her students, presented Ruby with a special certificate to mark her win alongside Dee Nutt.

The Fashion Show, now a firmly established part of the town character, acts as a showcase for the talents of the Dartmouth Academy students and a fundraiser for Dartmouth Caring, the charity which looks out for the elderly and the vulnerable in Dartmouth and its hinterland.

Alison Stocks said that Ruby’s work was so good it deserved special recognition.

“We were all taken aback by the imagination, technical detail and scope of the talents her outfit showed,” she said. “We wanted to make sure she knew just how good she was! We have been working with the Academy for a number of years now and the Fashion Show was our first collaboration, we are delighted it’s still going strong.”

Dee Nutt said: “Seeing Ruby’s work up close I was struck at the skill she had shown in the detailing and the hard work that she had put in. We are so pleased to have a strong relationship with the Academy and look forward to more initiatives in the future. I’m already looking forward to next year’s fashion show!”

Anne Marie Rowden said: “Ruby clearly deserved her prize and recognition. She was inspired, motivated and hard working throughout the process of creating her outfit, but that is a quality I see in so many of the textiles design students at the Academy. The show is a very proud moment for me each year as I see all our students achieving so much. Dartmouth Caring are a wonderful organisation we are proud to support and I’m delighted Alison, Dee and Nick wanted to make such a nice gesture to acknowledge her achievement.”

Nick Hindmarsh said: “During a big event it’s difficult to let a student know how impressive their work is, even if they have won. We all agreed that Ruby’s work was of the very highest quality and I’m so pleased we have recognised her in this way. She has a bright future in whatever field she chooses due to her wonderful work ethic and fantastic attitude.”

Exercise Tiger veterans, American Attaché and famous piper’s son mark 70th anniversary with Fairmile Trip

Exercise Tiger Veterans, American Irving Locker and British sailor Don Reynolds along with members of the Dartmouth Royal British Legion, former Commodores of the Britannia Royal Naval College Robin Shiffner CB DL and Jake Moores, along with Dartmouth Mayor Rob Lyon and Dart Harbour Board member Jan Scott, and the US Naval Attached Captain David Stracener onboard the Fairmile.

The water’s off South Devon were the scene of a sombre memorial on Bank Holiday Monday as veterans and dignitaries marked the anniversary of D-Day and Exercise Tiger.

Greenway Ferry’s Fairmile, a World War II Rescue Motor Launch Boat, played host to the event, which formed part of a special round-Britain voyage organised by the D-Day Revisited Charity – set up to help the last surviving veterans of the D-Day landings and the ‘Miracle’ of Dunkirk attend memorial events without cost or difficulty.

The Millin-Montgomery Voyage has been organised to mark the 70^th Anniversary of D-Day.

On the trip was John Millin, son of ‘Piper’ Bill Millin. Piper Bill went down in history after playing bagpipes under fire on Sword Beach during the D-Day landings. John has learned to play the Bagpipes like his father, who died in 2010, and he is playing a replica set of bagpipes on the voyage – which will culminate at the international commemorations of D-Day in France on June 6.

On the Fairmile on Monday May 26, the guests of honour were two Exercise Tiger Veterans, American Irving Locker and British sailor Don Reynolds.

Members of the Dartmouth Royal British Legion, organised by Dartmouth Secretary Bobbi Smalls, former Commodores of the Britannia Royal Naval College Robin Shiffner CB DL and Jake Moores, along with Dartmouth Mayor Rob Lyon, Town Councillor Robin Springett, Dart Harbour Board member Jan Scott, and the US Naval Attached Captain David Stracener also attended the event.

During the voyage the veterans scattered 1,000 poppy petals in the sea off Slapton in honour of the near-1,000 men who died during its disastrous three days in April 1944 during preparations for the D-Day landings in June that year. John Millin played the bagpipes during the solemn ceremony.

John Phipps of D-Day Revisited said: “It’s vitally important that we mark this anniversary and pass on to the next generation an understanding of the amazing sacrifice and bravery of the men who fought in World War II. The south coast and especially around Slapton will always be linked to the story of D-Day. This ceremony was a very touching tribute not only to the servicemen who died during Exercise Tiger, but also to the American people who made victory in World War II possible alongside the British and all the allied nations. This is both a very local and a completely international story and event. Thanks to Greenway Ferry for allowing us to be on the amazing, historical vessel the Fairmile to commemorate these events today.”

John Ford, who captained the Fairmile during the memorial voyage said: “We are delighted to welcome the Millin-Montgomery Voyage onboard and help them to hold this ceremony, marking the incredible sacrifice of those who died during Exercise Tiger and on D-Day itself.

“We are all proud here at Greenway to run the Fairmile trip to Slapton regularly to help keep the memory of those young men and their sacrifice alive.”

Chris aiming for International Taekwondo success

Chris Wright

Dartmouth Academy student Chris Wright is aiming to become an international martial arts success after competing in his first international event.

Fourteen-year-old Chris has been studying the Korean martial art of Tae Kwon Do since he was four years old. He has excelled at the art, which demands dedication and precise control.

His progress has been such that after taking part in a special national training camp in Oxford he was selected to represent his country for the European Championships in Minsk, Belarus. The championships took place between April 6^th and 14^th this year and saw Chris take place in five different events – including sparring and special technique demonstrations.

Although he didn’t get into the top places in his events, his performance was good enough to leave him hungry for more and he hopes to participate in many more championships – and he is targeting this year’s World Championships in Tajikistan in August and next year’s Europeans in Italy.

Chris is now starting the search for a local business or businesses to sponsor his attempts to become an international champion.

Chris said: “It was a great learning experience going to Belarus and I really enjoyed the competition. I’ve always loved Tae Kwon Do as it is a very challenging art in so many ways. The view most people have of martial arts is it is all about attacking, but even in sparring is more like a game of chess – using a combination of tactics, defence and attack.

“I’m looking for a sponsor to help me travel to international events, which is a big cost.”

Dartmouth Academy Principal Nick Hindmarsh said: “Chris has done remarkably well in this very tough martial art and we are all very proud of him here at the Academy. We want to do all we can to support his efforts to develop his skills and participate in more championships.”

If you would be interested in sponsoring Chris, please contact Dartmouth Academy Communications Manager Suzi Wooldridge on 01803 839710 or email suzi.wooldridge@dartmouthacademy.org.uk.

Megan changes sports but still excels!

Dartmouth Academy’s Megan Felton has taken to Tae Kwon Do like a duck to water – already winning silver in the national championships!

Seventeen-year-old Megan only started the sport in 2012, following ten years studying Judo to the highest level at her age group, winning national championships on a regular basis.

Now working towards her blackbelt in Tae Kwon Do, Sixth Former Megan went to the National Championships in Guildford in March and finished with a Silver medal in Sparring in her age group. Sparring is a tough and unforgiving form of the sport and Megan found out just how tough at the end of the final.

“I was knocked out in the final, which was something that has never happened before!” she said. “It was still brilliant to be in the final and bring home a silver medal. I really enjoyed the experience and it won’t put me off!

“The techniques you use in Tae Kwon Do are obviously different from Judo, but the discipline you need is the same and I am really loving it so far.”

Megan is working towards her sports and exercise science A Level and hopes to go on to study American Studies and Sports Science at University.

Lead for Sixth Form Luke Payne said: “Megan has been an enthusiastic member of the year and has really committed to her sports studies here at Dartmouth Academy. Her success in martial arts shows her strength, skill and commitment.”

Dartmouth Academy Principal Nick Hindmarsh said: “Megan is a hard working and dedicated person who has shown she can excel in two different disciplines. Well done Megan!”

Dart Harbour readies river user survey for future planning

Dart Harbour is getting ready to launch a public survey to help it plan for the future of the river.

The ‘Forward Vision’ project, run with Plymouth University, has been running for more than a year, and will create an outline of the harbour’s plans for the next decade or more. The results of the study and the survey will help the harbour create the document by the end of the year.

The special online survey aims to find out what the people who use the river think the harbour authority can do to aid the life on the river in all its aspects. It will be available through a link on the Dart Harbour website and will be publicised widely when it is activated.

Dart Harbour Board Member John Ellwood said: “By the end of 2014, Dart Harbour intend to produce a Forward Vision Plan which aims to show how Dart Harbour will manage, protect and enhance the River Dart as a safe and thriving community asset in the years to come.

“The first part of this process is to ask everyone in any way connected to the River, to fill in an online confidential questionnaire to express their opinions of how Dart Harbour’s work can contribute to the long term social, economic and environmental well-being of the River Dart and its community.

“The questionnaire is being developed with the help of Plymouth University, who will also help analyse the results. The questionnaire will be published within the next month and Dart Harbour would like to encourage everyone to complete it. This will be followed by a consultation period of the stakeholder groups and the community in general before the final Plan is published. Everyone, this is the time to have your say about the future of the River Dart, which we all hold so dear!”

Dart Harbour Yacht Club pontoon installation marks the start of the Summer Season

Nick Clarance stands proudly as his team of river officers installs the Seasonal Yacht Club Pontoon off Dartmouth’s South Embankment.

Dart Harbour river officers have installed the Seasonal Yacht Club Pontoon this week – marking the start of the summer season!

The pontoon, which is always installed before the Whitsun Weekend, allows visiting boats (up to 30 feet) and tenders and dinghies (up to 4.3 metres) to berth easily during the summer months. Positioned off the South Embankment opposite the Dartmouth Yacht Club, they are the perfect place to put a boat when visiting the town – especially when visits up to two hours are free!

Overseeing the installation process was Deputy Harbour Master Nick Clarance, and he said he was pleased to see the refurbished pontoons going in.

“These pontoons going in is something we know many river users look for,” he said. “They are a fantastic addition to our visitor berths during the summer months, and after their refurbishment over the winter they look great.

“Our team of River Officers has done a great job getting it ready alongside all their other winter jobs, such as the maintenance of our 1,500 moorings. We are all looking forward to a busy and sunny summer season, hopefully!”

Phil Scoble announced as Dartmouth Business Improvement District Manager

Phil Scoble is welcomed to the role of Dartmouth BID Manager by BID Chairman Paul Reach.

Dartmouth’s BID has announced the appointment of Phil Scoble as its new BID manager.

Phil will be working with the BID team full time from June 2, and will be working with them part time until then.

Phil has a varied background, but for the past nine years has been working in and around Dartmouth. He was Dartmouth Chronicle reporter for five years, and wrote a book about the town during his time there.

Since 2010 he has been working as a communications professional with a number of Dartmouth-based organisations and businesses to promote them, their products and services.

The appointment was made in the same week that the BID announced the location of its new office. The BID office will be based in the Palladium Arcade, at Number 8, which also has a window onto Anzac Street. The opening of the office is possible thanks to the generosity of Jason Pillar, who has offered to make the internal changes to the property needed by the BID completely free of charge.

Dartmouth BID Chairman Paul Reach said he was delighted to appoint Phil and looked forward to working with him.

“It has been a long process to find the right person and we are very pleased to announce Phil as our BID Manager,” he said. “We were determined to wait until we found the manager who could fulfil the many facets of the role and with Phil’s unique experience in Dartmouth and his track record of working with local organisations mean he is the perfect fit. These are very exciting times for the Dartmouth BID!”

Phil said: “I’m delighted to be taking on the role of BID Manager – it’s a very exciting job and I’m looking forward to working for the good of Dartmouth businesses and the community too.”

Dart Harbour African Queen fund raises nearly £3,000 for Hilary and Alan

Alan Hemsley, Harbour Master Capt Rob Giles and Hilary Hemsley with the cheque made possible by kind donations from members of the community.

A special fund set up by Dart Harbour for the victims of a devastating boat fire on the river Dart has raised nearly £3,000.

The fund, started after the African Queen was destroyed by fire on March 11, was inundated by donations from concerned friends of owners Alan and Hilary Hemsley and members of the community.

Dart Harbour Master Capt Rib Giles helped coordinate efforts to save the vessel with the RNLI, Devon and Somerset Fire Service and the Lower Ferry.

After the incident many people expressed a desire to help Alan and Hilary with donations, and Capt Giles offered for the harbour authority to handle all donations through a special account.

That account has now been closed, and Capt Giles handed over a cheque to Alan and Hilary for the final amount of £2,987.06 on Monday May 12.

Capt Giles said: “It was a terrible incident for Alan and Hilary – as they lost both their home and business on one traumatic night. We felt it was the least we could do as an authority to be the place to accept donations given to help them. It is good to see so much generosity within our community. I hope that these funds help Alan and Hilary.”

In a joint statement Hilary and Alan said: “We would like to say a big thank you to all the Emergency Services that helped on that harrowing night, the Harbour Office’s continuing support, and the response from the South Hams and beyond. We have been humbled by the community and our friends. Their support and kindness will help us to move forward. Thank you.”