28th International Festival of Worm Charming  Sunday May 3rd 2009

In recognition of 2009 being the International year of Astronomy this year’s event will be know as  The International Festival of Astro-Wormery in the picturesque Village of Blackawton.  Don’t miss a memorable day out with lots to do and see!  You never know you could win it!  Fancy Dress is strongly encouraged – prizes for the best 

• From 11.00  Gathering at The Normandy Arms
• By 12.00  All entry forms to be handed in at Worm HQ (Village Bus Stop)
• 12.30 Announcement of team names & plots And charming substance tasting!!
• 12.45 Parade to The George Inn Led by Blackawton Morris Dancers
• 13.00 Toast to the Worm and May Pole Dance
• 13.15 Parade to the Secret Field
• 13.30 International Festival of Worm Charming competition  Fancy dress competition winners are selected during the competition 

Raffle prizes are on display in the Village Hall – check to see if you have won!  T-Shirts and commemorative badges for sale  Other Distractions  From 13.30  Ram Roast at the Village Hall, Donkey Rides, Beer Festival and Live Music, The George Inn, Street Traders Throughout the Village, Cakes & Buns, WI Stalls

Dartmouth Music Festival  8th to 10th May

To whet your appetite here's the line up, so far.  Groups with “You Tube” next to their names were recorded live during DMF 2008.  You can either view the Podcast of their performance using the links on this link or visit the Team's Programme Update  Dartmouth is jam packed with great places for hearing music and they are committed to trying to fill them all during the Music Festival. DMF will add details of each venue as they confirm their addition to the festival line up.  They will also publish a couple of handy maps detailing how to find your way around Dartmouth.  

Attend one of the performances in Bayard's Fort and you'll end up with reality and memories to take away. Bayard's Fort was originally part of Dartmouth's early Tudor defenses it's now put to much more peaceful uses.  Managed by English Heritage  the property is open to all, free of charge, 365 days a year. During DMF it briefly becomes an impressive, outdoor concert venue.  Bayard's Fort is open to the elements. If the weather is kind to us it's quite a sun-trap, with a stiff breeze blowing it might get a bit chilly. If we're unlucky and it's raining when a concert is scheduled to an alternative venue. 

High on a hill above the town of Dartmouth in Devon, south west England, Britannia Royal Naval College has been training Royal Naval officers on this site since 1905. In fact, naval officers' training in Dartmouth goes back to 1863, when the old wooden ship HMS BRITANNIA was first moored in the River Dart.  BRNC is a much loved Dartmouth Institution, and has been a generous friend to the community for many years. It's always a special treat when BRNC hosts events.  The  Band of HM Royal Marines will make a farewell performance on The Parade Ground BRNC. Performing during The Dart Music Festival. 

Café Alf Resco (commonly known as Alf’s) offers a warm welcome to all. Easy to find – look for the gas flame burning above our gates on Lower Street (more information). With its enticing fusion of delicious fresh food and drink, vibrant atmosphere, live music and much more,

Dart Music Festival's main Venue is The Bandstand. The picturesque location in Mayor's Avenue Gardens makes it an idyllic setting. Moments away from Banks, Pubs, Restaurants, or a relaxing amble along the South Embankment of the River Dart.  All events held at this venue are free, but we ask that you give generously to the official Dart Music Festival collectors 

The Flavel is Dartmouth's Arts Centre, but much more. As well as offering a 200+ seat auditorium which can be set up for various uses including a Cinema, Stage Production space or Concert venue.  The Flavel hosts a number of events during The Dart Music Festival.  The Flavel also includes the local library and a Café. It's a Dartmouth Hub, with a constant to & fro of folks. (more information)

Victorian Gunners at Dartmouth Castle Sun 24 & Mon 25

(May Bank Holiday)

The resident Victorian gunners will be taking over the castle and giving demonstrations of Garrison life at the castle in the 19th Century, including rifle and bayonet demonstrations and firings. They will also show how to load a cannon and provide informative talks about the role of these vital personnel who protected the town of Dartmouth.  Time of Event: 11am - 5pm

Two Very Rare Baby Owls Arrive in Devon

Two beautiful fluffy rare baby Owls have arrived at Woodlands Family Theme Park. Their proud parents Katrina and Rasputin are very rare Russian Siberian Turkemanian Eagle Owls which are Hybrids and are not found anywhere in the wild. There are only about eleven of these rare owls in England at the moment.

Katrina is an excellent Mum and Rasputin became very excited and protective when the babies hatched two weeks ago. They have been watched closely on Closed Circuit TV cameras by the park’s two Falconers Geoff Pearson and Lyn Goss.  There were three eggs but after Katrina had hatched out the first two babies she pushed out the third egg and ate it. Breeding mothers have a way of knowing whether the eggs are fertile or infertile even before they hatch. These eggs are often eaten by the females to gain extra nutrients.  

The owls are now being hand-reared by the Falconers to give them extra care and attention. They are to be kept at a precise temperature, not too hot and not too cold. “Feeding the chicks every four hours by hand is a bit tough, at least they don’t wear nappies, but they do have to be cleaned and picked up for cuddling”. Geoff continued “we then gain the trust of the babies and soon they accept other people.  All being well they should be ready to take part in the Woodlands Falconry Displays by August, where they eventually fly and land on gauntlets held by the public”. 

Geoff and Lyn are looking for two Russian names, male and female, so that the chicks will be able to recognise when they are being called. Visitors to the Family Theme Park are able to enter their name suggestions into a competition, or if anyone can think of two Russian names then please send your suggestions to Woodlands Family Theme Park, Dartmouth, South Devon, TQ9 7DQ.  The babies will occasionally be able to be seen at the Falconry Centre office where they will be looked after during the day until they can be placed outside.

Hillfield Cottages & Country House Last Minute breaks

£50 of all Thursday starts in May for Coach House Cottage, Court Cottage 3 & 4, Keepers Cottage 1, Coachman's Cottage 2 (excluding School Holidays). Keepers Cottage 1 & Coachman's Cottage 2 share a secluded courtyard, ideal for alfresco dining.  Short Breaks are offered at many of our properties for three or more consecutive nights and are charged at a percentage of the weekly rate. Check out our "Special Offers"

Couples & Four or Less Discounts
We have a number of fantastic offers plus discounts suitable for a couple booking one of our larger properties at this time of year and using only one bedroom. We also have a four or less discount for groups of four or less booking one of our larger properties using a maximum of two bedrooms.

Big Weekends
The perfect weekend break in a large cottage at Hillfields is waiting for you. We've big spaces to enjoy and loads to do, both inside and out. Room for your large group to dine together at the same huge table. The chance to enjoy the Village country experience, and every conceivable luxury. Your weekend begins on Friday afternoon - and if you can't tear yourself away don't head off until Monday morning. You're all together for once so make the most of it. The Cottages are perfect for any season and easily accessible for people coming together from many parts of the country. From the luxury accommodation, to the Hot Tubs and acres of grounds, we’ve thought of everything.

Family with Pre-School age Children
Whether you are a family with pre-school age children looking to visit the area without the crowds or perhaps a couple wanting to relax in one of our lovely South Devon properties we have something to offer! From picturesque harbour towns to tranquil rural retreats, the South Hams beautiful coastline provides the perfect backdrop to your holiday. There are miles of superb walking country, beautiful sandy beaches and award-winning pubs and restaurants. Whether you are a first time visitor or regular fans of the area, there is always something new and interesting to see or do.

Contact the team at Hillfields and check out availability and any short breaks on offer.  Caroline (07816 074387)   Michael (07971 175750)   Edwina (01803 712322)

Check out our website regularly for offers for May and June.

May is by far the best time of year to explore one of South Devon’s hidden gems!  Fast Rabbit Garden is filled with a mixture of exotic and native plants but is very much a ‘wild’ garden—the owners having intentionally encouraged the spread of wildflowers.  It is the antitheses of a fussy well manicured garden and it’s probably for this reason that it’s so beloved by wildlife. It’s hard to get far down any of the walkways without a rabbit rocketing out of the undergrowth. This real ‘secret garden’ is a nature-lovers paradise.  The Garden was started in "Strawberry Valley" in 1991.

Fast Rabbit Garden is filled with a mixture of exotic semi-hardy plants from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. There are extensive planting's of azaleas, rhododendrons and camellias which start flowering early in the year. Extensive swaths of spring-flowering bulbs carpet the hillsides in early Spring.  2009 Opening Times are limited to : Each Sunday from March through to October.  Also Bank Holiday Mondays Open 11am - 5pm.  Admission: Child 50p, Adults £3.50

We hope to see you all again very soon!

Michael & Caroline

                                                       The Hillfield Village Team.