Well, it looks like we did it again!
21st November saw a throng of happy people – Dressed to Impress, of course - queuing outside the now partly-refurbished Guildhall for another evening of fundraising fun, frolics and very fine dancing.
The DMF Team were up early on Saturday morning to fuss and fettle the Old Place, so by the time the partygoers arrived at 6.45pm the Ballroom was looking very fine with a plethora of black and red balloons, streamers and pretty table decorations – not forgetting of course the famous Strictly Glitterball, kindly organised by Louis Sullivan.
I know it’s been said many times before but at the risk of repeating myself the Guildhall really does scrub up well and many people commented on what a great venue it is - just made for events such as this. Dare I mention the proscenium arch and sprung dance floor yet again…? And it’s going to look even more fabulous once all the refurbishments are finished – we can’t wait for next year!
Anyway, the evening got off to a rip-roaring start with music from the BRNC Volunteer Band and the Lovely Lucy just to put everyone in the mood.
The judges this year were Gina Carter (Darcey), Phil Braakenburg (Craig), Martin Judd (Len) and Stephen Levy (Bruno) and the compere the shy and retiring Nick Crosley…
This year’s competing dancers kicked off with a Pasa Doble from Amanda and Syd, with a startling but impressive quick change into lederhosen for a German thigh-slapping extravaganza. Next came Joanna and Ernie with a very stately and stylish Cha Cha, followed by Marie and Mike with their energetic and lively Jive. Then came Ray and Helen (where DID you get that dress, Darling – it was fabulous…) who beamed throughout their nifty Foxtrot, and last but definitely not least came Ashley and Max with their brilliant Rumba, navy-style.
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| Winners Ash and Max - credit Rose Williams |
The standard was as usual very high and with talent like this the audience and judges had a very tough job on their hands – it was a close-run thing but finally after much deliberation the Glitterball Trophy was awarded to the nautical Ashley and Max by Mayor Rob Lyon with congratulations to them and all the other dancers who took part – they were all fantastic.
The evening then carried on with a raffle of a side of smoked salmon and champagne donated by Mark Lobb of Wild Food Devon and Ed Capper of Dartmouth Vintners respectively, and a foot spa – how apt! – donated by Jilly Judd. This was followed by home-made chilli from the DMF Cooking Squad, real ale kindly donated by Bays Brewery and fine wines from Dartmouth Vintners.
And then the band played on...to the delight of the audience, who enjoyed a free-dance session to fabulous music from the BRNC Volunteer band until - tired but hopefully happy – everyone wended their way home at 10.30pm.
Then it was high heels off, Marigolds and pinnies on as the DMF team cleared up – yes it was as always quite a task but one which we are glad to do – the atmosphere was just amazing and it really is worth all the hard work and planning to see so many happy faces. We’re not yet sure how much the event raised but all the signs are that it was even more successful than last year, so our sincere thanks go to all who supported us – couldn’t do it without you!
See you all again next year..?
The DMF Committee would like to thank:
BRNC Volunteer Band and Lucy Hingston; Bays Brewery - beer; Mark Lobb – salmon; Dartmouth Vintners – champagne; Jilly Judd – foot spa; Royal Castle Hotel – loan of glasses/bowls; Louis Sullivan – sound/lighting; Gina Carter, Stephen Levy, Phil Braakenburg, Martin Judd – Judges. Brigitte – dance teacher. Thanks also to all committee members and their partners.
Dart Music Festival 13th, 14th & 15th May 2016
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