LYME REGIS & CHARMOUTHlifeboat week July 22nd to July 29th 2023

Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week returns this July with another packed programme of events raising funds for the life-saving charity, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI)

This year ’ s programme offers something for the whole family, with highlights set to include a the British Army’s Red Devils parachute display team landing on the beach, and the lifeboat crew ’ s second Pirate Day to round off the week

The events have been organised by the Lyme Regis and Charmouth Supporters Group with input from volunteer crew members, who will be out and about all week to meet and greet visitors and show them around the ‘Spirit of Loch Fyne’ Atlantic class lifeboat

Ken Lavery, chairman of the Lyme Regis and Charmouth Supporters Group, said: “We have put together what we hope will be a very enjoyable week of fun for all the family, including many of the old favourites and some new events which, hopefully, will enhance the week

“This year our lifeboat will be moored on the pontoons in the harbour where the crew will be able to show you around our Atlantic class lifeboat A chance for a great selfie!

“Special thanks go to our harbourmaster and his staff for all their help throughout the year Many thanks also go to all my committee who work so hard throughout the year fundraising for the lifesaving work of the RNLI ”

Lifeboat Week 2023 will be ofcially opened by the new Mayor of Lyme Regis, Cllr David Sarson, at a ceremony to be held outside the lifeboat station at 2pm on Saturday, July 22

Cllr Sarson took ofce in May with his wife, Erica, and mayoress They will be seen throughout the week at many events, including the fun run, illuminated boats and the Red Devils parachute display

Cllr Sarson said: “I am delighted to be opening Lifeboat Week, which attracts such valuable donations for the charity that saves lives at sea

“The volunteers who go to sea, sometimes in awful conditions, do a fantastic job And don’t forget the families who support the crew when their pagers sound for an emergency, just when dinner is ready!”

As well as the opening ceremony, Lifeboat Week will get started with a welcome display in the bay by the volunteer crew of the Atlantic 85 ‘Spirit of Loch Fyne’ lifeboat, as well as belly dancing, pavement art and one of the traditional favourites of Lifeboat Week - the annual bathtub race

Other favourite events are set to include the fun run and illuminated boats on Sunday, July 23, the tug o ’ war on the sand beach on Tuesday, July 25, and a Total Wipeout inflatable obstacle game, the display by the Red Devils and a Grease sing-along event on Thursday, July 27

There will be plenty to keep children entertained throughout the week, including a teddy bear’s picnic, crab fishing competition, treasure hunts and the chance to get up close to snakes and exotic reptiles with ‘Snakes Alive’

Musical performances during the week will include Lyme Regis Town Band, Old Skool, Lyme Bay Moonrakers, Chantry Buoys and performances from Lyme Morris and Wyld Morris, and there will be rescue demonstrations by Lyme Regis coastguards and fire crew

The week will be topped off by the second Pirate Day, which will include a pirate breakfast at the station, pirate sandcastle building and fancy dress competitions, and a pirate after party at Lyme Regis Brewery, as well as the annual Irene Roper Duck Race

Full details of all events are available in Lifeboat week programmes, available at the RNLI shop on the Cobb and other local outlets, and on the Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week app

Volunteers from Lyme Regis lifeboat crew are on call 24/7, 365 days of the year. During the summer months, this service is extended with lifeguard coverage on the main sand beach in Lyme Regis, and the crew ’ s Water Safety Education Team works throughout the year to educate the public on the dangers of the sea and what to do in an emergency

About 140 people lose their lives at the UK and Irish coasts each year, and over half never even planned to enter the water It's important you know what to do in an emergency so you can help without putting yourself in danger.

If you find yourself in difculty in the water, float to live – fight your instinct to thrash around; lean back, extend your arms and legs; move gently and float until you can control your breathing If you see someone else in trouble in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard

Cold water shock is triggered in water temperatures lower than 15⁰C The average temperature of UK and Irish waters is 12⁰C. So even in the summer, the water temperature is cold enough to cause cold water shock, which can steal the air from your lungs and leave you helpless in seconds

Rip currents can travel up to the same speed as an Olympic swimmer and can pull even the strongest swimmers out to sea And unexpected waves can quickly knock you off your feet.

For more safety information, visit rnli.org/safety or for safety advice on water activities in Lyme Regis, visit lymeregisharbour co uk

Now a firm favourite on the Lyme Regis calendar, Lyme Regis Football Club will host its annual Sausage & Cider Festival for the sixth year this summer

This mini festival in a day will take place at the Davey Fort ground in Charmouth Road on Saturday, July 8, with gates opening at 2pm

There is no need to buy tickets Entry is just £3 on the gate, including a reusable festival cup

This year ’ s programme of entertainment will include the Lyme Luggers ukulele group, followed by the Jurassix shanty singing group, talented Lyme Regis singer Annabel Davies, and popular local band WeFunk Lyme Bay Radio will be presenting live DJ sets in between acts Taking the headline slot this year will be New Variants, promising a high-energy, non-stop set list of bangers to get you dancing all night!

From the traditional scrumpy to the more exotic fruit flavour of pina colada and passionfruit, there will be a wide selection of ciders on offer at an outdoor bar

But if ciders not your tipple, the football club has you covered, with a fully-stocked bar of lagers, wines, spirits and soft drinks, plus hot drinks served by The Coffee Box and real ales from the Shave Cross Inn’s tuk tuk

The award-winning Lyme Regis Butchers will be providing sausages in a variety of flavours on the barbecue, with vegan and gluten free options available, and other food options will include pizza, burgers and hot doughnuts

HW Sounds will be bringing along their bouncy castle, face painting and slush machine to keep the kids entertained, plus there will be ice cream and a grand rafe

Open every day from 12 noon

OYSTERS | LOCALLY CAUGHT FISH AND SEAFOOD | SEASONAL COCKTAILS | KIDS MENUS

Buying direct from the fshermen can mean only one thing –the freshest fsh is always guaranteed!

Using the best of local seasonal ingredients, The Oyster & Fish House is known for championing South West food and drink producers.

If you’re not staying for lunch or dinner, pop in for oysters on the terrace and enjoy the stunning views of the Jurassic Coast. Grab a stool on The Lookout in the evening and take in the sunset with sundowners, overlooking The Cobb Harbour.

Open all day from 12noon, dishes can change throughout the day depending on the fshermen’s catch. And there’s always a meat option for the non-fsh lovers.

MARK’S KITCHEN TABLE

LARGE PARTIES | WEDDINGS

Choose one of our seasonal feast menus for up to 20 guests, or book the restaurant exclusively for parties and weddings with a bespoke menu. From the initial enquiry to the fnal dance, our dedicated events manager will work with you to create your day the way you want it.

Mark’s Kitchen Tables are a unique dining experience and an ideal gif for foodie friends and relatives, or a culinary treat for yourself. Join Mark Hix in his Charmouth home for an afernoon or evening of great food, fowing wine and plenty of conversation. As you pull up a seat at Mark’s stunning kitchen island he will cook and serve a six-course meal for you before leaving with a signed cookbook and goody bag. Events take place every month. Private events also available. Book online https://theoysterandfshhouse.co.uk/marks-kitchen-table/

The Oyster & Fish House, Cobb Road, Lyme Regis DT7 3JP T: 01297 446910 theoysterandfishhouse.co.uk

@theoysterandfishhouse | @oysterandfishhouse reservations@theoysterandfishhouse.co.uk