THE annual public meeting of the Shaldon Regatta Ltd moved to a bigger venue this year to accommodate numbers for Viv Wilson's show on Shaldon Regatta in days gone by. This included fascinating film of the Gig and Punt chase in the 1930s and other action captured by a family on holiday from Essex at this time. Chairman Mark Pile welcomed everyone. Traditionally this is a meeting at which villagers gather to decide whether or not they want a regatta and, if so, who is going to run it. However, the way the regatta has evolved through the years means that, in reality, this is simply the official start of planning for this year's event. The main objectives of Shaldon Regatta are to put on a good show for the village and to encourage people of all ages to use and enjoy the river safely. There are more than 100 events during the nine days and competitor numbers run into thousands. Mr Pile pinpointed the presence of Miss Torbay as judge at this year's regatta, the first five-a-side football event and the increasing number of children taking part as highlights. He listed some of the regatta's achievements, including the Shaldon Regatta dinghies which the committee originally developed and created and which were based on a wooden boat originally built in the village. There are now hundreds of them both on the Teign and spread around the coasts, and they have encouraged and enabled many people to take up rowing who otherwise would not have been able to. Similarly, the Seine boats, the regatta having bought the first two, and encouraged their development which are again based on a locally-built wooden boat. There are now hundreds of rowers out on the Teign Mr Pile thanked the committee and was now looking forward to 2007. It was agreed that the date of the next Shaldon Regatta would be August 19-27.
