The Seasider - Issue 16, February 11 2023

W E LC O M E TO T H E DAV E Y F O RT

Home of the Seasiders THIS is the first programme we have produced this year following a bout of postponed matches caused by the Christmas/New Year break and atrocious weather conditions.

So it’s a double pleasure to be able to welcome Chagford for the Davey Fort for this Devon and Exeter League Division Three game against our Reserves.

Both sides have not enjoyed the best of seasons so I am sure we will see a competitive and hard fought game.

There can be no denying that these are challenging times for grassroots football as we still strive to recover from the effects of COVID. Many clubs are suffering from a surge in unavailability, forcing some out of business.

This club, formed in 1885, three years before the Dorset FA, has a long and proud history and for the past three decades we have enjoyed great success both on and off the field of play. We are proud of the wonderful facilities we have at the Davey Fort, some of the best in local football.

Just a glance at our Honours Board inside the back cover of this programme will show how much success we have enjoyed over the years. What times we have had!

Morale has taken a real battering in the past two years but our committee is working hard to recapture some of that special spirit for which Lyme Regis Football Club is renowned.

We can only succeed with the support of players and supporters working together. See future events below.

Philip Evans MBE Programme Editor

C O M I N G U P AT T H E F O RT Sunday February 19 – Sunday Lunch Club (SOLD OUT) Saturday March 25 – Live Music with Ghosts Etc Sunday April 2 – Car Boot Sale Saturday April 8 – East Raffle Sunday April 30 – Sunday Lunch Club

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The Davey Fort, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3DR

– Established 1885 – Club Officers

President: Philip Evans MBE Chairman: Gerard Hitchcock Vice Chairman: Francesca Evans Secretary: Robert Thom Treasurer: Philip Evans MBE Groundsman: Mark Bailey

Committee Members All of the above, plus: Howard Larcombe, Heather Larcombe, Martin Rowe, Alex Rowe, Rob Fellingham, Tim Edwards, Rob Larcombe, Dave Reed, Joe Bond, Paul Barlow, Julien Simier, Cam Fowler, Kingsley Wellman

Life Members:

Mrs Kath Wellman David Cozens MBE Philip Evans MBE Les Loveridge Ellis Hoole Martin Rowe Howard Larcombe Michel Longuet (US Creully)

Programme:

Editor: Philip Evans MBE Design: Rob Larcombe Printed by: Advantage Digital Print

LRFC 1st Team Today’s Opponents

Sidmouth Town 2nd

Venue: Away - Manstone Rec Ground EX10 9JZ Competition: Devon & Exeter Premier Division Kick off: 3.00pm

Matchday Squad

Recent Results

Chris Higgs Mark Bailey Steve Batey Dan Beer Luke Clifton Rob Fellingham Callum Garrett Gary Knight Michael Knight Ethan Matthews Josh Rawlins Dan Rendell Alex Rowe Brad Rowe

10/12. 1-2 loss (H) v Colyton 1st 28/01. 3-1 loss (A) v Okehampton 2nd 04/02. 2-0 win (H) v Okehampton 2nd

Manager Rob Fellingham

Assistant Kevin Turner

Devon & Exeter Premier Division P

W D L

GD

PTS

Alphington

16 14 1

1

56

43

University of Exeter 2nd

13 9

3

31

28

1

Kentisbeare 1st

12 9

1

2

21

28

LYME REGIS 1ST

14 9

1

4

12

28

Colyton 1st

16 9

0

7

10

27

Clyst Valley 1st

15 7

2

6

15

23

Crediton Utd 2nd

10 5

1

4

8

16

Elmore 2nd

6

4

1

1

9

13

Sidmouth Town 2nd

13 4

1

8

-1

13

Sandford 1st

12 4

0

8

-8

12

Okehampton Argyle 2nd 14 2

0

12 -76

6

Dawlish United 1st

5

2

0

13 -33

5*

Ottery St Mary Res

12 1

1

10 -44

4

Upcoming Fixtures: 18/02. (A) v University of Exeter 2nd (League) 3.00pm 04/03. (A) v Sandford 1st (League) 3.00pm

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LRFC Reserves FO AG

RD

CH

Today’s Opponents

Chagford 1st

Venue: Home - Davey Fort Competition: Devon & Exeter Division 3 Kick off: 3.00pm

Matchday Squad

Recent Results

Wallace Blackmore Ben Bowditch Stuart Broom Josh Daines Robbie Fowler Toby Fowler Haydn Lewis Will Meech Matt Nicol Ryan Norman Pete Peacock Darius Pickering Louis Rinaldi Shaun Sellers Fred Thomson

03/12. 3-0 win (H) v Bampton 1st 28/01. 1-4 loss (H) v Witheridge 1st 04/02. 0-2 loss (H) v Broadclyst 1st

Manager Wallace Blackmore

Assistant Dec Ellis

Devon & Exeter Division 3 P

W D L

GD

PTS

Heavitree United 1st

12 8

2

2

17

26

Hemyock 1st

14 8

2

4

6

26

South Zeal United 1st

15 8

2

5

1

26

Seaton Town 1st

11 7

0

4

12

21

Witheridge 1st

10 6

2

2

14

20

AFC Exe 1st

10 6

2

2

13

20

University of Exeter 5th

10 6

0

5

12

18

Bravehearts 1st

11 4

4

2

15

16

Broadclyst 1st

13 5

0

8

-5

15

Halwill 1st

14 2

4

8 -22

10

LYME REGIS RESERVES

15 3

1

11 -29

9*

Bampton 1st

9

2

2

5 -13

8

Chagford 1st

12 1

3

8 -21

6

Upcoming Fixtures: 18/02. (H) v South Zeal United 1st (League) 3.00pm 25/02. (H) v Bravehearts 1st (League) 3.00pm

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THE MANAGER'S

VIEWPOINT Rob Fellingham FIRST TEAM

FIRSTLY, I just want to say a massive thank-you to all the lads on Saturday.

I’m sure it came as a bit of a shock that I was stepping in as player-manager until the end of the season, but they all rallied around and stepped up in a big way.

I’d like to pay tribute to Ju. He’s a legend at this club both on and off the field, his commitment and drive will be impossible to replace. I know a lot of the lads have spoken to him and thanked him for everything he did and his tireless effort.

This club has an outstanding, rich history and it’s a great honour to step in as manager in the short term.

I think everyone would agree a player-manager isn’t the most ideal situation, but I’m confident we can make it work. We’re all good friends here and everyone wants to pull in the right direction.

Luke Clifton has agreed to come up and help out running the 1sts – I couldn’t be more pleased. He was

great in his spell as Ressies manager a few years ago, he’s well respected and a great club man.

I think it goes without saying we as a club are going through a bit of a tough period in terms of players and availability. It’s not unique to Lyme by any stretch – it’s local football in general. Our aim will simply be to bring the lads together and try and make it fun. If it’s fun and people enjoy it, hopefully, they’ll stick around and it might attract a few more to come over in the future.

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FAREWELL

!

Y D BON

WITH THE gutting news that injury has forced Jo Bond in to retirement, it's only right to look back on a fantastic career for the Seasiders, writes Howard Larcombe Overall: 236 goals, best haul was 38 in 2015-16. He trails only Ellis Hoole (541), Graham Vere (529), reserveteamer Pete Peacock (239) and Stuart Rattenbury (237), placing him fifth on the all-time top scorers list.

His first goal for the first team came in October 2008 in a 2-1 win away at Merriott Rovers in the quarter-final of the Coronation Cup. First goal for the senior teams was for the Ressies in the 3-3 draw at home against Forton Rangers (PSL D1) in September 2007.

In all, Bondy scored 27 hat-tricks in some amazing scoring sprees, most notably: • 11 goals in 14 days in November 2014 (5 v Clyst Valley Res, x3 v Tedburn st

Mary and x3 v Pinhoe).

• x4 hat tricks in a month spanning March/April 2016 (v Culm United home and away - v Newtown Reserves and v Tipton St John.

• 14 goals in 6 consecutive matches in September/October 2015. Devon & Exeter League (nb, stats only go back to 2018-19): 48 apps 43 goals.

Some player... he will be hugely missed.

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Match Photofile Photo by Andrew Graham

Ressies 1 - 4 Witheridge 1sts Saturday 28th January 2023 Photo by Philip Evans

Photo by Andrew Graham

Photo by Andrew Graham

Photo by Philip Evans

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Photo by Andrew Graham

Match Photofile Firsts 2 - 0 Okehampton 2nds

Saturday 4th February 2023 Photos by Philip Evans

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In Memoriam

Stephen Rattenbury 1949 - 2023

LYME Regis has been saddened by the death of Stephen Rattenbury, amember of one of the town’s most respected families.

Steve, 73, died at his home in Windsor Terrace, surrounded by his family after an illness, borne with great fortitude.

He was the oldest son of Mrs Celia Rattenbury and the late Mr David Rattenbury and the grandson of Alderman Albert Lane, former town clerk and Mayor of Lyme Regis.

He is survived by his mother, wife Sue, children Kirstin and Alistair, four grandchildren and four brothers – Brian, Stuart, Andrew and Simon.

Steve was educated at St Michael’s Infants and Primary School and the Woodroffe School. He left school at the age of 15 to join the Royal Navy as a Boy Rating serving for 10 years during which time he sailed into most of the major ports in the world.

After leaving the Navy, Steve worked mainly in engineering for such firms as JH Shand of Axminster.

Steve was a respected member of the Lyme Regis branch of the Royal British Legion and the Montague Lodge Freemasons.

He retained a life-long interest in sport, being a popular member of both Lyme Regis Football Club and Uplyme and Lyme Regis Cricket Club and was included in the squad which took part in the cricket club’s 100th anniversary game at Lord’s.

He was also an enthusiastic supporter of the

football club’s twinning arrangement with Creully in Normandy.

Club president Philip Evans MBE writes: “All five Rattenbury brothers are renowned for their sense of humour. Being in their company, you were always assured of an hilarious night out.

“Some of their antics of five brothers growing up in the in Rattenbury family home in Summerhill is the stuff of legends.

“Entertaining runs in the Rattenbury family, their granddad Albert Lane being a great raconteur. Brother Andrew is a well-known actor and talented script writer and Brian is one of Lyme’s most popular stage performers. Stuart and Simon share the family sense of humour.

“In recent times Steve became a member of the Community Players and demonstrated that he was no slouch in comedic delivery.

“Steve was extremely well read, making him an excellent quiz team member, and could hold a conversation on virtually any subject you might want to mention, always enhanced by his unique dry humour.

“We will miss him greatly at the football club where our after-match drinks were always enhanced and made more enjoyable by Steve’s presence.

“His passing is a great loss to Lyme and the sporting fraternity in particular.”

In Memoriam

Geoffery "Ginger" Bartlett 1949 - 2023

THE club was also saddened to hear of the recent death of another former player, Geoffery “Ginger” Bartlett, a skilful inside forward who played for our 1st team throughout the 1960s.

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Ginger, a huge Tottenham Hotspurs fan, died in a care home in Weymouth aged 81 (See Archives, page 13).

Player Sponsors 2022/23 Season Chris

Higgs Sponsored by LymeOnline

Alex

Rowe Sponsored by Mark Bailey

Joe

Bond Sponsored by Gerard Hitchcock

Toby

Fowler Sponsored by Fran

Robbie

Fowler Sponsored by Taylors Removals

Mark

Bailey Sponsored by Philip Evans

Dan

Beer Sponsored by The Lamb Inn

Wallace

Blackmore Sponsored by Wally Blackmore

Callum

Garrett Sponsored by Prospect Garage

Stuart

Broom Sponsored by Stuart Broom

Gary

Knight Sponsored by Dave Reed

Haydn

Lewis Sponsored by ThreshLids Barbers

Ben

Turner Sponsored by Gala Swimming Pools

Cam

Fowler Sponsored by Fowler Hire & Sales Ltd

Will

Meech Sponsored by Deli Weli

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THE NEXT GENERATION News from our Youth Section

OUR SENIOR sides may have been left to kick their heels with a number of postponements caused by the recent heavy rain, the club’s Youth Section demonstrated they are made of sterner stuff.

It takes more than a bit of rain to dull their enthusiasm as can be seen in these photos.

The Under 11s got back in action earlier in January, losing 2-1 to Westhill Under 11s.

Josh Fowler thought he had the equalizer, celebrating with a great whirlybird before seeing his effort had been ruled offside.

Conditions were muddy but the Anning Road playing Field has always drained well and as usual the Under 11s were treated to a hot chocolate after the game.

The Youth Section Committee continues to work hard behind the scenes. In October Jo Fowler and Tracey West organised a Halloween Disco and with then proceeds bought the two sail banners seen here.

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Lyme Regis Town Council’s outdoor staff have recently done a great job redecorating the inside of the Anning Road Pavilion for which the club is grateful.

The Under 15s are looking for more players of all abilities to bolster their squad. If you are in Year 10 and would love to play football just come along to a training session on Mondays at the 3G pitch in Axminster (5.30pm to 6.30pm).

From the Archives...

Here’s a pic of our 1st team in the 1960s including Geoffery “Ginger” Bartlett (third from the right), who recently passed away. The other players are: Pat Rice, Dave Thom, Paul Viney, Johnny Evans, Alan Wellman, David Cozens MBE, Arthur Hodder, Fred Hodder, Sid Long, Jock McLennan. What a team!

S TAT S C O R N E R Compiled by Howard Larcombe

ON THIS DAY

RESSIES V CHAGFORD Today brings the visit of Chagford to The Davey Fort with The Ressies hoping to clinch a league double having won the reverse fixture back in November courtesy of goals from Ben Bowditch, Ethan Matthews, Shaun Sellers and Jonny Davies in a 4-2 victory.

17 YEARS AGO The first team clinched a place in the Crewkerne Charity Cup with Graham White and Dom Rowe on target in a 2-0 win at Merriott Rovers.

Well done to Steve Batey for clocking up his 175th goal in Seasiders colours last week, a very good return considering he's played in midfield and at centre back for long period of his career. The first record I can find of 'The Chef ' on the scoresheet is in the Bantams' – under manager Dick Spiller - 7-3 Dorset Minor Cup R1 win over Kingston Lacy in October 2000 (Ali Rattenbury 2, Ellis Hoole 2, Lee Caddy and Luke Reed netted the others).

6 YEARS AGO Our Rovers team thrashed visiting Fivehead 8-0 in the PSL Division Three. Pete Peacock (3), Stef Taylor (2), Rhys Evans and Robbie Fowler found the net for Terry White's team.

DEVON & EXETER DIVISION 3

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Show your support for the Seasiders with clubwear from the official supplier

vx-3.com/collections/lyme-regis-f-c

MEMBERSHIP AND SPONSORSHIP MEMBERSHIP Players - £30 Social - £25

Social membership enables supporters to enjoy the Davey Fort clubhouse Bar and Clubhouse facilities on match days and on other occasions where bar prices the most competitive in town.

Members are also entitled to one free use of the clubhouse for family events.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

There are a number of sponsorship opportunities at the Davey Fort. These include:

GROUND PERIMETER ADVERTISING BOARDS

(8 ft x 2ft) at a cost of £380 for three years including artwork.

MATCH SPONSORSHIP

Available for £40 to include four persons who receive a drink from the bar before and after the match and refreshments at half-time. Sponsors get a free advertisement in the Matchday Programme and will present the man-of-the-match after the game with a photo appearing in the LymeOnline newspaper.

For more details contact Philip Evans on 07796 951991.

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BALL SPONSORSHIP

Available for £20 to include two persons who receive a drink from the bar before and after the match and refreshments at half-time. Sponsors will get a free advertisement in the matchday programme.

LY M E REGIS A LYME REGIS Association Football Club

Honours Board D O R S E T A F F I L I AT E D

Dorset Intermediate Cup: 9 (1994-95, 96-97, 99-00, 2003-04, 04-05, 10-11, 12-13, 13-14) Dorset Junior Cup winners: 6 (1982-83, 85-86, 86-87, 87-88, 99-00, 2011-12)

D E V O N & E X E T E R A F F I L I AT E D

Premier Division Covid Mini League Champions: 2020/21 Division One promoted: 2017-18 Division Two promoted: 2015-16 Division Three runners-up: 2014-15 Division Four promoted: 2018-19 Division Five promoted: 2017-18 Division Six promoted: 2016-17 Division Seven promoted: 2015-16 Grandisson Cup: 1 (2017-18) Football Express Cup: 2 (2016-17, 17-18)

FC

PERRY STREET & DISTRICT LEAGUE Premier Division: 6 (1957-58, 59-60, 88-89, 2004-05, 09-10, 11-12) Division One: 2 (1998-99, 99-00) Division Two: 2 (1961-62, 94-95, 20-21 on PPG basis) Division Three: 3 (1998-99, 2013-14, 18-19) Division Four: 2 (1998-99, 2007-08) Challenge Cup: 6 (1983-84, 86-87, 2005-06, 09-10, 11-12) Coronation Cup: 9 (1959-60, 79-80, 87-88, 94-95, 97-98, 2004-05, 09-10, 10-11, 11-12) Daisy Hutchings Cup: 1 (1998-99) Arthur Gage Cup: 3 (2003-04, 05-06, 09-10) Tommy Tabberer Cup: 1 (1994-95) John Fowler Cup: 2 (1986-87, 1988-89, 2018-19) Bill Bailey Cup: 3 (1988-89, 2000-01, 2016-17) Jack Venn Cup: 1 (1989-90) Kenny Hodges Cup: 1 (2011-12)

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