The've done it again!

Riverford Field Kitchen have been awarded Best Ethical Restaurant in the Observer Food Monthly Awards for the second year running! to Riverford founder Guy Watson, manager Samantha Miller, and head chef Jane Baxter. To celebrate, they are running two special offers on weekdays during November for both lunch and supper - 2 lunches for £30 or 2 suppers for £40*. Just remember to quote the offer on booking Booking essential as always, - on 01803 762074 or email fieldkitchen@riverford.co.uk

Dartmouth Food Festival 2010. The Best Yet!

A wonderful time was had by all at The Dartmouth Food Festival. With lovely weather and fabulous food what better place could there be?  Book your holiday early to ensure you do not miss this great event in 2011. Left to right in the picture are Tim-McLaughlin Green of (Sommeliers Choice), Hattie Booth (Festival Helper), David Jones (Festival Chairman), Hayley Kenyon (Festival Young Food), Heri (Head Chef at the Royal Castle).  more

Book early for the 2011 Food Festival on Fri 21st - Sat 23rd October

"What's On This November - December"

November

2nd to 11th November

Christmas Activities at Greenway Nation Trust more

6th November
Pirates Revenge Firework Festival at Woodlands Park

6th November - 19th December

Winter Opening at Coleton Fishacre - open every weekend, 11am to 4pm.

7th - 13th November
Dart Drama Festival A Variety of one act plays. more

14th November
Remembrance Sunday Newton Abbot

15th - 28th November

Exhibition of Costumes from the Film Sir Lanval

19th - 21st November
Teignmouth Jazz Festival Teignmouth

20th November

The Flavel - Christmas Arts & Crafts Fayre

26th-28th November

Flavel Fantasy Faerie & Visionary Arts Event

27th November
South Brent Winter Floodlit Carnival South Brent

December

3rd & 4th December
Candlelit Dartmouth - A Festive Weekend Dartmouth
4th & 5th December
Dartmouth Castle Christmas Trail 10am - 5pm Non members: £4.50 / Child £2.30

7th December

Dartmouth Fatstock Show Dartmouth
Totnes Christmas Festival and Late Night Shopping Totnes

11th December
Kingsbridge Celebrates Christmas Kingsbridge
14th December
Totnes Christmas Festival and Late Night Shopping Totnes
16th December
Christmas Dining Train Lunch Dartmouth Steam Railway & Riverboat Co
Christmas Dining Train Evenings Dartmouth Steam Railway & Riverboat Co

21st December
Totnes Christmas Festival

OTHER FORTHCOMING SOUTH DEVON EVENTS NOT TO BE MISSED

Paignton Zoo is celebrating after the birth of two red panda cubs

A species which is threatened with extinction in the wild.   The pair were born in July 2010 and have kept themselves to themselves until now. "Red panda cubs are slow to make an appearance as they continue their development in the nest after birth," said Julian Chapman of the zoo.  The pair will make their first public appearances in the next few week. Zoo staff have sexed the pandas - one is male and one is female.  Father Randy is three-years-old and arrived at Paignton from Dortmund Zoo in Germany in September 2008. Mother Mandy is six-years-old and came from Dublin Zoo in January 2008. 

The red panda is classed as vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, which means it is facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.  Accurate population figures in the wild are difficult to find, with estimates ranging from fewer than 2,500 to between 16,000 and 20,000.  It has legal protection in Nepal and China, and occurs in several national parks. Conservation breeding programmes in zoos are co-ordinated worldwide. 

The red or lesser panda comes from the mountains of Bhutan, China, India, Laos, Myanmar and Nepal.  It lives in high altitude forest and eats bamboo shoots, grass, roots, fruit, acorns and occasionally mice and birds.  It has fur on the pads of its paws to help keep heat in and to prevent it slipping on wet or snowy surfaces.  With its rusty red coat and a long bushy tail it resembles a racoon more than a panda. It is mainly nocturnal and spends most of its time curled on a branch with its tail over its head. It lives in pairs and forms small family groups.  The young stay with the mother until they are 12-months-old. more

"The Perfect Village Hideaway for Two or More"

Hillfield Village is located in the heart of the South Hams within 12 acres of private gardens. It is an ideal base for those who enjoy walking, relaxing or who want to visit the areas many attractions.    Call Caroline on 01803 712322

Couples Rates from W/C 29th October to W/C 17th December 2010.

Seven Nights Prices From using only one bedroom;

One Bedroom,    7 nights £292
Two Bedroom,   7 nights £316
Three Bedroom, 7 nights £360

3 or 4 Night Break Prices From using only one bedroom;

One Bedroom,    3/4 nights £205
Two Bedroom,   3/4 nights £220
Three Bedroom, 3/4 nights £252

Up to 4 Persons Rates from W/C 29th October to W/C 17th December 2010.

Seven Nights Prices From using only two bedrooms
Three Bedroom, 7 nights £419
Four Bedroom,   7 nights £527
Five Bedroom,    7 nights £833

3 or 4 Night Break From

Three Bedroom, 3/4 nights £294
Four Bedroom,   3/4 nights £369
Five Bedroom,    3/4 nights £583

Bonfire and Fireworks Display's

Thursday 4th November

Torquay United, Warbro Road, Torquay - Gates open 6.15pm, display starts at 7.15pm. Tickets to be bought in advance from the Torquay United shop. Adults £5.00, children under 16 £2.50 contact no 01803 328666

Friday 5th November

Dartmouth - River Dart Country Park - entry from 4.00pm fireworks to music, high ropes by candlelight, hog roast, fun stalls,  grand raffle 

Exeter - Exeter Round Table Charity Firework Display at Westpoint Arena, 7.30. Tickets - £5 adults in advance; £6 on night; children £3 (£4); family tickets available

Ivybridge Rugby Club Firework display - Ivybridge Rugby Club, Exeter Road. 7.30pm

Loddiswell - at the playing fields, gate opens 5.30pm

Modbury Recreation Field - Grand Fireworks Display, binfire lit 7.00pm, Fireworks from 7.30pm - Refreshments. Entrance Fee

Tar Barrel Rolling, who cares if the locals have forgotten why they do it - everyone should witness it at St Ottery at least once in their lifetime. With refreshingly scant regard for their own safety, young and old villagers alike heave flaming barrels of tar on to their backs and haul them through the streets. The barrels get gradually bigger until the last one, of immense proportions, is carried triumphantly aloft around midnight. A 30ft bonfire, fireworks and a fairground are thrown in too, free. Rolling starts 4.30pm, 01404 813964

Plymouth Hoe from 6.00pm. Lighting of bonfire 7.30pm and fireworks 8.00pm

Sherwell Valley Primary School, Hawkins Avenue, Torquay - gates will be open at 6.00 pm and the display will be at 7.15 pm. Entry will ONLY be from Upper Cockington Lane on to our Junior Playground. Tickets will be available from our school office from Friday 15th October.Adult £3.00: Child £2.00: Family ticket (2 adults and 3 children) £8.00 in advance only (not available on the night).

Saturday 6th November

Woodlands Theme Park, Dartmouth - The Pirates Revenge Bonfire - Fancy Dress Competition at 6.00pm, 6.30 March of the Pirates - the best dressed Pirate will light the Bonfire. Top Guy Competition. Devon’s Monstrous Firework display. BBQ, Sideshows, refreshments, Ben the Master Juggler & Spangles the Clown, Live Band. All the extra entertainment on special event days is included in the usual admission price to the most exciting family theme park in Devon. 16 family rides, 10 playzones for all ages and 100,000sq.ft. undercover BBQ, Sideshows 

Bigbury Golf Club - Bonfire and Fireworks Display. bar and BBQ, free parking. Tickets available £10 family, £4 adult, £2 child. Bonfire lit at 6pm, fireworks at 7pm.

Lee Mill Bonfire and Fireworks - Once again Lee Mill will astound you with its bonfire and fireworks extravaganza. This year the event will have cover to escape the weather. As always there will be a BBQ and hot soup to keep out the winter chill. Free  entry. TIME BBQ opens at 5.00pm, bonfire to be lit at 6.30pm, fireworks at 7.15pm.