ODA Started Regatta 1923 by Major W

ODA Started Regatta 1923 by Major W. H. Fox, Alderman J. J. H. Moses, F. J. Voisey, Lieut S. C. Legg

Major W. H. Fox H M Consul Bizerta Africa

Alderman J. J. H. Moses. Born in St Savours Court now lived in Devonport. Became Mayor of Plymouth & MP.

F. J. Voisey Lived in Dartmouth

Lieut S. C. Legg Lived in Devonport

First Reunion Lunch was held on the 1^st day of Regatta 1924 at the Bell Inn Newport Street, approximately 30 members attended. At first it was for Dartmothians living away from their native town. Suggested names for the association were, Pilgrims or Exciles but settled on the present name when all Dartmothians became eligible as long as they were:- Exiles age 22 or over. Locals age 30 etc. There were provisions for adopted members who had lived in Dartmouth for a minimum of 30 years.

Mr Welsford (Alderman Plymouth) as the oldest member took the Chair. His Brother was born in that very room. In address he recalled memories of the Crimean War, the 6^th Devon Volunteers in 1866 & practice firing across the river from the “New Ground” into a cove opposite. He was one of the originators of the Rowing Club but as an apprentice shipwright he was he was not allowed to become a member of any amateur organisation.

For later re-unions the Lunch was changed to “High Tea” on the 2^nd day of Regatta.

Mr Fred Voisey became Secretary but died after only two years in office in October 1925 while sitting at his desk writing up the minuits of the ODA meeting.