WHAT’S in a name? The Old Dart­mothians Association thinks it may have the answer.

The group, founded in 1923, is considering changing its name to encourage younger members.

‘By dropping the prefix “old” from the name we hope it might be more appealing to the younger generation,’ said chairman David Kelland.

‘The slightly out-dated title may be a little off-putting for some.’

The association was set for the fellowship of Dartmouth-born gentlemen and for those over the age of 18 who have lived in the town for more than 10 years.

The association’s birth came about following a chance meeting between four men, Major W H Fox, Alder­man; J H Moses; Lt S C Legg, RN and Fred Voisey on the North Embankment during regatta in 1923, who sealed their intention with a little liquid refreshment at the nearby Ship in Dock Inn.

Today it boasts more than 200 members in the men’s section and a similar number in the ladies’ section, which was formed 42 years later in 1965.

One of the first enhancements to the town by the newly formed Old Dart’s was the installation of a flagpole at the entrance to Royal Avenue Gardens, complete with a flag presented by Captain John Pillar in 1928.

When Coronation Park was restored after the Second World War, members realised the long-standing project of erecting and presenting to the town a shelter in 1951. 

Some 65 years later, the association is still looking after the shelter and is nearing the end of a major refurbishment of the structure, which now has an attractive wooden finish.

The Old Darts have been responsible for several other community projects in the town, including tree planting along the North Embank­ment, and in 1980 presented a new flagstaff to fly above the town Guildhall to celebrate the Queen Mother’s 80th birthday.

In 1991, members commissioned the town’s former blacksmith, Alan Middleton, to the tune of £5,000, to replace the wrought iron arch at the entrance to Royal Avenue Gardens.

Thanks to a £22,000 grant from the National Heritage Fund, fundraising events and large donations from various families in the town, the Old Darts were able not only to restore the fountain in Royal Avenue Gardens but also fit new railings around the goldfish pond, install the small statue near the war memorial and replace the windshields in the bandstand.  

Both the men’s and ladies’ sections of the association have members across the UK and abroad including America, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, France and Spain.