Latest news and community stories
Stay informed about the impactful work Dartmouth Rotary is doing in the South Hams and beyond. Discover our recent social events, fundraising achievements, and how we're making a difference in the community.
NEPAL FLOOD STREET COLLECTION
On Friday, 11th September, Dartmouth Rotary and Premier Inns Dartmouth organised a street collection to raise funds for the appalling events that have unfolded in Nepal. Thanks to all that helped.
As usual there was amazing generosity from locals and visitors alike with nearly £700 raised and enough to buy a complete ShelterBox,
Dartmouth Left Sparkling
On Friday, 11th September, Dartmouth Rotary and Premier Inns Dartmouth organised a litter pick through the streets of Dartmouth. This was part of Premier Inns Community Day in the town and it was amazing just how much litter was collected.
About 20 Premier Inn employees, supported by Dartmouth Rotary, were involved and did an amazing job so our thanks to all who patrolled the streets.
CAROLINE VOADEN MP ATTENDS DARTMOUTH ROTARY LUNCH
On Thursday 3rd September Caroline Voaden our local MP, with her parliamentary assistant Emily, attended a Dartmouth Rotary lunch, as our guest speaker. Caroline had been in the Houses of Parliament the previous two days but caught an early train down to be with us for lunch.
To a packed room, she started off by giving us an insight into the day in the life of a MP which was hectic, challenging, extremely busy and seemingly unpredictable. The floor was then thrown open to questions, mainly local issues but some national and international. Our thanks to Caroline and her team for making this event possible and for finding the time in her busy schedule.
Dartmouth Town Council RAG Consultation
Dartmouth Town Council is attempting to limit the fund raising ability of local charities by restricting the use of the Royal Avenue Gardens.
The reasons the DTC are currently giving for this are mixed, litter, parking, impacting the gardens themselves, but as they have previously announced, it is still likely the real driver is a perceived negative impact on the economy of the Old Market Place, seemingly forgetting that the rest of Dartmouth benefits.
An online consulation on this important matter will be available on 7th September 2026 so there is a chance for all to give their views.
Check out https: //www.dartmouthtowncouncil.gov.uk/contact/
Dirct link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=yKaZiuXT1k-4zHDDUCM4s1f1nm9Chs9NtoUv4mP443lUNFc1UVE0QVc4RkFYSkVJMFY5OFAwSDg1SS4u
Smiles all around at Rotary Fun Day
On Wednesday the 10th June, Dartmouth Rotary hosted our annual "Rotary Fun Day", providing a truly special experience for children with special needs. This exciting trip to Woodlands amusement park, held during term time, saw the chosen children enjoy a fabulous day on all the thrilling rides, as well as visiting the farm and animals. Even the occasional heavy showers couldn't dampen their spirits!
Treats and fun at Woodlands
As an added delight, each child attending the Rotary Fun Day at Woodlands amusement park was treated to a delicious ice cream, making their day even sweeter. The joy on their faces was truly priceless, and moments like these highlight the rewarding work we do at Dartmouth Rotary. We believe in creating memorable experiences for our community's youth.
Successful fundraising at Royal Avenue Gardens
In parallel with our Rotary Fun Day, Dartmouth Rotary held a successful fundraising event at the beautiful Royal Avenue Gardens. Our dedicated members served delightful refreshments alongside wonderful homemade cakes and sandwiches, all prepared with care. The community's support was incredible, and every contribution helps us continue our vital work.
"Thanks to all those that made this day possible. Your generosity and hard work allow us to make a real difference in the lives of children and our wider community."
The Dartmouth Rotary Team
Dartmouth Rotary BBQ on Blackpool Sands
On Thursday July 30th we held our annual beach BBQ on Blackpool Sands, by kind permission of Sir Geoffrey Newman.
As usual we had fanatstic weather and we all enjoyed delicious and imaginative food, and as usual with Dartmouth Rotary, great company; all at the beautiful beach setting in the sunshine.
These social events are what makes this club great.
Dartmouth Rotary's 14th succesful Summer Fete
Dartmouth Rotary, who has been serving our comminity for over 50 years now, held its annual summer fete on August 13th (lucky for us as the sun shone all day as usual). Once again, the now internationally renowned duck race was the star of the show with a cast of 1,000 plastic yellow ducks.
The little ducks took to the water on an incoming tide in the Boatfloat watched by a large crowd of spectators in the sunshine on Thursday afternoon.
The event was the culmination of activities which saw more than £3,500 raised for Rotary charities, including local, national and international good causes.
The day began with a rousing cheer from Dartmouth Town Crier Les Ellis who opened the fete dressed in full regalia.
In his welcome, Les reminded everyone to take precautions for the heat as temperatures were set to peak during the day.
Local residents and visitors enjoyed mingling among the craft stalls and games and enjoyed a delicious BBQ, and from the tea hut, home made cakes, sandwiches, savoury bites and beverages.
Particularly popular among the younger visitors were games such as Splat the Rat and the exasperating challenge Race up the Mountain.
Hot food and cold drinks were in big demand at the barbecue station.
Tickets sold well for the raffle, where prizes were on offer from the Seahorse restaurant, Andria and Woodlands theme park.
Event organiser Peter Goldstraw said: “ This is the fourteenth year of our succesful Summer Fete that has been imitated but never bettered. And this year was a record breaker for our funds.
As always the central focus was the internationally renowned duck race and tickets for the race sold out quickly.
“Dart Harbour Navigation Authority had laid out a course in the Boatfloat in an effort to control the unruly competitors.
“But as in previous years, the ducks ignored the influence of tide and wind to determine the direction in which they would race.
“The crowds cheered as excited youngsters and their families tried to encourage their ‘quacker’ entries, but as always the ducks made up their own minds as where they would go.
“The heat began to tell and eventually the umpire had to alter the winning line for the race as the ducks were obviously tired and showing signs of stress. The crowd showed their support for this decision by cheering loudly and the three winners were awarded their cash prizes, one local and two from the Midlands.”
Dartmouth Rotary President, Geoff Hicks thanked the Friends of Dartmouth Rotary, wives and partners who had helped to make the event possible as well as the Flavel Church who supplied the tables and chairs.
And a quote from one of the winners "Please thanks Dartmouth Rotary for arranging such a lovely fete"
