What's going on, forthcoming events at The Downs and locally, including key dates and contact numbers.

For full details of local events contact the Tourist Information Centre on 01803 211211.

- PHOTO GALLERY -

Crikey I can hardly believe it is nearly August.  I can hardly believe Charlie is 5 in a little over five weeks! 

We continue to experience fantastic weather and are very busy.  I have just updated our specials page with our late availability.  Please remember I like to control our shorter breaks so if you require accommodation for under 4 nights please contact me directly as this may not be available by booking online.

For those of you that followed the development on The Downs saga, you will be pleased to know that the application for Village Green status is progressing so hopefully - once approved - will put an end to any future threat to distroy the natural beauty of The Downs.  On the flip side of this we have lodged our planning application to re-instate the balustrade balconies on our 2nd floor.  It should be interesting to see how this is received by the council following our exchange of views with them over the proposed development of The Downs!  Still fingers crossed - you never know.... we will keep you informed.  For those who wish to track our progress you can following our application by going to http://www.torbay.gov.uk/newpublicaccess and entering our planning application reference:   P/2010/0673 - Word has it this is being looked upon favourably so we hope to have a decision in days.  Fingers crossed it is a positive one.

Our team still consists of (super) Jude, Emily, Lisa, Carla and Ben who are all still with us, and we welcome our our latest recruit - Becky.  All school and Uni goers have now finished their respective courses, but the only one who has so far received her result is Lisa, who we are pleased to say passed with a distinction and will be progressing to the next stage of her performing arts course in September!

Charlie and Emily are very well.  Charlie starts 'big school' in September, and Emily continues to boss him around - can't think where she gets that from !!

We look forward to welcoming you soon.
Kate, Ed, family & staff

Forthcoming Events Not to be Missed
2010 bookings - Late Availability, now on our Special offer page!
We are very full throughout July, August and early September, with some key dates full for October.   Call Kate now to fully discuss your requirements and to avoid disappointment.

Agatha Christie Festival, 12 - 19th September
Murder, mystery and mayhem are on the cards as the English Riviera prepares for its annual Agatha Christie Festival, the biggest event of its kind in the world! This September will see an extra special celebration of the life and works of the prolific author, for it is the 120^th anniversary of her birth.  A huge number of events are set to take place over the week-long celebration including all-star theatre productions, a 1930s ‘village’ fete, guided walks, book signings, murder mystery dinners, train and boat trips, garden parties and a very special charity open-water swim. There will also be a birthday fireworks display on Torquay seafront on Wednesday 15^th September, the day of her birth.  Goto http://www.englishriviera.co.uk/agathachristie/festival for more details.

Babbacombe Festival 2011
Go to babbacombe.org.uk for details of the 2011 festival.  This year was fantastic and we were virtually full all week, so book again soon to avoid disappointment.

Christmas 2010 and beyond
We have no availabliltiy for Christmas 2010 but are compiling a list of those guests interested for 2011.  Rooms are offered to previous years guests and availability for the coming year is ascertained in March.  Christmas 2010 bookings are now closed, but we do still have some availability for New Year 2010.  Call Kate for details - rooms available on B&B or Dinner B&B basis and prices start from £78 per room per night (based on B&B, 2 sharing, minimum 2 nights).

Family re-union or party...
perhaps you are a large group that just needs a midweek or weekend getaway.  Why not hire us on an exclusive basis.  We can tailor your stay to suit your requirements with private dinners, afternoon teas, party night, late checkout.  Minimum numbers and number of nights do apply but call Kate to discuss your requirements to see if we are suitable.  We still have dates available throughout Autumn 2010 and 2011.