CENTENARY DINNER 2023
All images supplied by Focus Media Marketing (WEBSITE) thanks to Paul and Anna for generously giving their time and expertise to record the day.
CLICK ON AN IMAGE TO SEE A LARGER VERSION
 Photo Belle Mitchelmore |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
CENTENARY DINNER 2023
All images supplied by Focus Media Marketing (WEBSITE) thanks to Paul and Anna for generously giving their time and expertise to record the day.
CLICK ON AN IMAGE TO SEE A LARGER VERSION
| Photo Belle Mitchelmore |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
PRESIDENT FOR CENTENARY YEAR 2023 IS Mr ALAN ORCHARD
The Old Dartmothians President for our centenary year, 2023, is Mr Alan Orchard.
|
The Old Dartmothians Association (ODA) have appointed, long-time member, Mr Alan Orchard to be our president for 2023, a year that will mark one hundred years since the association was founded. At the inauguration ceremony, held during the association’s annual general meeting at the Dartmouth Amateur Rowing Club, Alan made the following statement to the members. “My name is Alan Orchard, I was born in Above Town, Dartmouth in 1947, I followed my mother and grandfather by joining the ODA in the late seventies and then moved to the town when I retired eight years ago. Firstly, I would like to thank Gordon Pepperell for such an excellent job he has done as President of the Old Dartmothians Association in 2022. Secondly, I would like to thank the members for electing me as their President for this our centenary year, and I will do my utmost to make it a memorable year for all. Special thanks also go to the townsfolk and businesses of Dartmouth, who dug deep into their pockets last year to raise the funds to repair the fountain in the Royal Avenue Gardens, without their support it would not have been possible for the members of the Old Dartmothians Association to facilitate the repair and return the fountain to its former glory. Our plans for this year will start with the completion of the railings surrounding the fountain, a task that will be completed before the summer season. We will also be ensuring that we celebrate our centenary, which is quite an achievement, with a Centenary dinner to be held at the Guildhall, Dartmouth, on Friday the 25th August, which coincides with the date of the founding of our association. Other events this year are in the early stages of planning and will be announced later. We are also continuing our recruitment campaign for new members, so anyone who meets the requirements please contact our secretary Richard Rendle, details of which can be found on this website.” |
 |
MEMBER & COMMITTEE TUESDAY MEETINGS 2023
PRESIDENT'S DINNER 2022
The association held a “thank you” dinner evening, on Saturday the 26th of November, for the current president Mr Gordon Pepperell. Association member, Hilary Douglas Bastone, addressed the attendees with a summary of Gordon’s term in office during 2022.
Gordon’s period as President has had its challenges. The issue of the fountain in the Royal Avenue Gardens did put him and the committee officers under pressure.
However, Gordon has been extremely supportive of the officers and members in their attempts to rectify the challenges that were presented, not only with the Police and the Town Council, but also to the ordering of the new parts and pieces, right through to completing the task including the painting of the railings, and the town’s thanks go out to all the membership.
Friday evening, we had the switch on of the town Christmas lights, an event which attracted around an estimated 200 people, with the Old Dartmothians members serving up over 100 cups of mulled wine.
There have been many reports with photos of the event on local social media, and right there on centre stage of the event is the fountain with the Christmas tree in the background, so the target to complete the project in time for Christmas celebrations was met.
Gordon has been fully engaged in all areas of the association’s work during 2022 as well as being instrumental in attracting and enrolling an influx of new members, which is something needed for the Association to continue to flourish.
Next year is the Association’s centenary, and the committee are seeking ideas of how best to celebrate the occasion. Richard Rendle, our secretary, is keen to formulate a list of worthy projects for the town.
Douglas ended the address by asking the assembled members to stand and raise their glasses in a toast of thanks and appreciation for all of Gordon’s efforts.
SUMMARY OF REGATTA 2022 FOR THE ODA
Regatta 2022 events started on Tuesday the 23rd when the Cafe Alf Resco hosted an afternoon cakey session in order to raise funds to support he ODA, so its a big THANK YOU to https://www.cafealfresco.co.uk/ and to Kate Ryder and the team for your generosity and making us very welcome. (Total raised £750.00).
Pictured (L-R) Gordon Pepperell, Rob Waycott, Ernie Chase, Alan Orchard.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On Wednesday evening we had the traditional raising of the ODA Flags, both the mens and ladies sections. Members gathered around as Rob Waycott and Linda Morris raised the flags at 8pm.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On Friday lunchtime the Ship in Dock closed doors for our traditional toasting the founders event, President Pepperell gave a rousing speech before proposing the toast, unfortunately the weather wasn't too good for an outside photo this year.
The toasting was followed by the presentation of a centenary cake, made by Jude of The Ship in Dock Inn, which was divided up amongst those present.
The association in turn, presented the Ship in Dock Inn with an updated coloured version of the aluminium wall plaque which will reside in the bar at the inn.
The association is very grateful for the kindness and support that Peter and Judith and team give so generously to us throughout the year.
Later on Friday evening the the mens section gathered in the masonic hall for the re-union dinner.
Unfortunately I (Ed) was so engrossed in conversations I didn't take any photos, but needless to say on behalf of the association thank you to all that attended and to the caterer who did a splendid job.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday evening at 8pm the members gathered around the flags and the vicar led the service for the closing of the regatta and the lowering of the association flags.
REGATTA RE-UNION DINNER (Men only)
DATE: - Friday 26th August 2022 at 7pm
VENUE: - The Hauley Masonic Hall, 6 Lower Street, Dartmouth.
MENU CHOICES:
MAIN COURSE: - Steak and Kidney pie or chicken in red wine sauce. Served with seasonal vegetables and buttered new potatoes.
DESSERT: - Fresh cream trifle or apricot crumble with custard.
Tea or coffee if required.
Tickets £26 each.
To book your place, contact the Secretary Richard Rendle via phone or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., with your menu choices.
NOTE: The evening is also open to male non members, why not consider bringing a friend they may decide to join the ODA.