Sparkling Dunbar Strikes Gold Again!
What a stupendous event we had with our highest attendance yet with visitors enjoying superb events to arouse their interest. Relaxing in the sunshine, sparkling on the harbour waters, people came from near and far to enjoy the day. So many participated in our ‘Pirates and the Sea’ fancy-dress theme with enthusiasm and amazing outfits. Even a local yachtsman joined in the fun with a Jolly Roger sail!
'Tis oft heard whispered hereabouts, by Blackheart Wemyss of the Waterfront, that the booty spirited away amounted to nigh close on £1,000+ --- but dead men don't tell no tales, see... or else. (all funds gratefully received by DHT and will be popped into the treasure chest for next years' event)
Big Blu Pizza, The Donut Man, Sno Cream Ices, The Tasty Toastie and Bisset's Fish Van had queues all day long, whilst many plonked themselves onto the upcycled creel benches, painted by children at our Environmental Open Day, to enjoy a liquid refreshment provided by the Linton Hotel & Steakhouse.
Stalls were provided by Hoth Crochet, Sweet Delights, Cats Eyes Crafts, Handpict, Salt Pig Sea Salts, The Soap Farm, Lark and Sea and the RSPB --- a superb selection of quirky crafts and artisan foods, whilst Dominique Oldham painted hundreds of little faces.
The Battery was bustling with a fantastic turnout with the super-appreciative audience tapping toes to mellifluous music and smiling widely at the wonderful children from Dance Discovery. The quality of music at this year’s event, performed by Luke Hunter, Vinyl ’85, The Soul Foundation, Waiting for Pedro and Damson Jam was to be applauded, and was professionally projected by Liam Morrison and his ELJam crew.
One visitor from the West Coast, with family, wrote "We all thoroughly enjoyed it. We spent a fair bit of time exploring the town generally, not just the festival, which I guess is one of the main aims of the event."
Perhaps one of the most astounding things was the lack of litter during and after the event. We would like to thank everyone for being so responsible.
Finally, a huge thank you to the family and friends who worked tirelessly on the lead-up and on the day. Their support was phenomenal, and this event would not have been the success it was without their endless efforts to assist.
Looking forward to 2020 already!
photos by Kenny Maule, click "Read More" for photo 2.
Battle of Dunbar 1650 presentation. Friday 13th Sept.
The weekend programme of re-enactment started at the Battery with Aaron Johnston of the Scottish Battlefields Trust giving an explanation of the political situation, the battle's lead-up, the battle itself, and the following sad consequences; the audience noted the date today was Friday 13th Sept. Musket-men, in authentic military colours and costumes of hodden grey, gave a volley of shot over the embrasures towards the battle-site. The Battery theatre had a full-house with many American descendants of the battle's survivors' in attendance.
photos by Kenny Maule
Click "Read More" for photo 2
Dunbar rescue on BBC's 'Saving Lives at Sea' .....
RNLI: "Thanks for all the kind messages regarding our crew's appearance on 'Saving Lives at Sea' last night. For those unable to access the BBC iPlayer, here's our video of the 'shout' to rescue three children from a cave near the harbour last November." https://www.facebook.com/dunbarlifeboat/videos/2360155564091883/
"The children - Chloe, Luke and Rachel - did exactly the right thing by calling 999 and asking for the Coastguard when they found themselves in trouble. Getting cut off by the tide contributes to a significant number of RNLI rescues every year and we encourage everyone to enjoy the coastline safely and advise to check weather and tides before you set out, wear appropriate clothing and footwear and make sure you have a charged mobile phone with you.
We're grateful to the children and their families for allowing their story to be told, helping us to spread such an important safety message.
While the programme rightly highlighted the skill and calmness under pressure shown by our helm, Gaz, and Becs and Jamie, it was a big team effort that day. Both our lifeboats were launched at the Coastguard's request and, as always, those that went afloat were supported by our dedicated shore crew volunteers who regularly remain at the station for the duration of a call-out to lend a hand when needed. It all helped contribute to a happy outcome."
photo courtesy RNLI
Children, please write an essay entitled: What did you do on your holidays?
Whaur's ma wellies ... ?
Recently Davy, Rob, and Quentin 'plowtered aroon' in Cromwell (Old) Harbour at low tide. Someone parted company with their wellies! There is often a danger of getting stuck in mud so prepare with spreader-boards, a rope attached, and a mate with a (fully-charged) mobile phone! This photo shows how much danger you find so very close to help which may not be able to reach you. I know as I've been in a similar predicament, alone in Cromwell harbour. Fortunately "I wiz hingin' on like a daftie tae ma faithful wee boat" (and luckily no cameras present).
photo by Kenny Maule
Click <READ MORE> to see a more-serious incident. Conway Daily Post photo of a mud rescue at Conwy. The RNLI soon arrived to effect the rescue in time (phew!). "The tide was rising fast around them; by high tide there would have been metres of water in that location. They were truly stuck and there is no way they could have escaped unassisted." (gulp)
