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.
Girl Jean (a fair Bonnie Lass)
Always good to welcome a new arrival: Girl Jean (originally Bonnie Lass) is currently sitting in Cromwell Harbour being modified.
Details: Built 1973, reg. LH73, wooden, a bit less than 12 metres, beam 4m, 30 tonnes. She'll be a prawn trawler, with 2-3 crew: Owner John Fairgrieve Jr. with son Dean crewing. Until recently she was in Arbroath for 5 weeks for maintenance and MCA.
Go down and 'have a gander', but don't interrupt John; he's busy!
photo by Kenny Maule
Becs on a transatlantic adventure
Dunbar RNLI crew member Becs Miller embarked on the trip of lifetime: a transatlantic yacht race from Gran Canaria to St. Lucia. Becs was onboard yacht, Challenger 2, one of several hundred yachts taking part in 2019's ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers).
And she did it! After 17 days and 2,700 miles Bec's yacht reached St Lucia after crossing the Atlantic.
Becs said: “After just 17 days we crossed the line in St Lucia. It’s been an amazing adventure, testing us all physically and mentally. We had a fantastic skipper, first mate and watch leaders who pushed us to improve our skills and stay safe at all times. I feel very privileged to have sailed the Atlantic.
Thanks to everyone for the kind messages."
Click READ MORE for the arrival in St. Lucia
Fair winds and protected harbours, Becs!
photos courtesy Dunbar RNLI
Beautiful winter photos....
Well, we all know the harbours are beautiful spring, summer, and autumn, however winter visits can also make your heart sing.
- photo #1: all the commercial boats bunched up in Cromwell, taking refuge from an 8ft. swell. The low, winter sun accentuates the colours.
- photo #2: an appreciative stroller spots the full moon rising from the east. The telescope is ideal to view events like this (but NOT the sun!)
Click READ MORE to see photo #2
photos by Kenny Maule
