Lyme Life Magazine - Summer 2022 by LymeOnline

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO DORSET’S MOST POPULAR RESORT Summer 2022

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SUMMER FESTIVALS | EXPLORING THE COBB | EATING OUT

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DRAUGHT BEER Easy ordering by scanning QR code on your phone The Pilot Boat 1 Bridge Street Lyme Regis DT7 3QA 01297 443157

CONTENTS PAGES 4-5 Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week Lyme Regis lifeboat crew are back with another week of exciting events PAGE 6 Candles On The Cobb Lyme’s most spectacular and unique event – not to be missed! PAGE 8 Uplyme Summer Produce & Flower Fair Uplyme & Lyme Regis Horticultural Society host this favourite village event PAGE 10 Lyme Morris Day Dance along with Lyme Morris and visiting sides at their annual summer celebration PAGE 11 Lyme Regis Sausage & Cider Festival Join Lyme Regis Football Club as they stage their annual summer party!

It’s set to be a packed summer of fun in Lyme Regis Our summer edition of the Lyme Life Magazine includes everything you need to know on what is set to be a jam-packed season in Dorset’s favourite resort. From the Uplyme Summer and Produce Fair in early July, right through to Lyme Folk Weekend and Mark Hix’s Oyster Celebration in September – we have you covered! Summer highlights are set to include the annual Lifeboat Week and Regatta & Carnival Week – firm favourites with both residents and returning visitors. And the spectacular Candles On The Cobb will be making a return this August to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year. As well as all the upcoming events, we also bring you special features in this season’s edition, including a look at the history and some of the most interesting features of

Lyme’s most famous landmark – the Cobb. I’ve also shared another of my favourite routes in our Lyme Life Walks feature, this time taking you out to Cannington Viaduct in Uplyme and then a climb up to Ware Cliﬀs before descending back down to the seafront. We also feature some of the newest businesses in town, including the trendy Shoreline Sauna at the Cobb, and The Vending Shed, which is waving the flag for British farming and local produce. And as usual we’ve featured some of the best places to eat and drink in town in our Eating Out section. Enjoy!

Words Francesca Evans

The Lyme Life Magazine will be published in July, September and November 2022.

Photography Richard Austin Francesca Evans Others where credited

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Editor Francesca Evans

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Francesca Evans

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PAGES 12-13 Lyme Life Walks Follow our summer jaunt to Cannington Viaduct and up to Ware Cliffs PAGE 14 Lyme Splash Take a dip for charity this summer with the Lyme Splash swimming challenge PAGES 16-17 A Harbour Like No Other Explore the history of Lyme’s famous Cobb and some of its most interesting features PAGE 18 The Vending Shed Celebrating the best of British farming, local produce and all plastic free! PAGE 20 Summer at the Marine Theatre A beer festival, live music and open-air theatre coming up this summer PAGE 21 The Shoreline Sauna Chill out at Lyme’s newest attraction with some of the best views in town PAGES 22-23 Lyme Regis Regatta & Carnival Week Family fun and games on the seafront in aid of local good causes PAGE 24 Celebrating the Great British Oyster Mark Hix hosts his first Oyster Celebration at his Lyme Regis restaurant PAGE 24 Lyme Folk Weekend A weekend of live music rounds off the summer festival season in Lyme Regis PAGES 26-29 Eating Out in Lyme Regis Feast on the best food and drink establishments Lyme Regis has to offer PAGE 30 What’s On Get all the dates in your diary for events in and around Lyme Regis this summer

LYME REGIS & CHARMOUTH

lifeboat week

July 23rd to July 30th 2022

Lyme Regis and Charmouth Lifeboat Week returns this July, with plenty of seaside fun and games, competitions and thrilling military and emergency services displays and demonstrations. Events will be held from Saturday, July 23 to July 30, all raising funds for the life-saving work of the RNLI and led by the volunteer crew here in Lyme Regis. To get things started, pub landlord Tom Littledyke will be taking time oﬀ from leading convoys of aid to Ukraine to officially open this year’s Lifeboat Week. Tom will be interviewed by former BBC television reporter Chris Coneybeer as part of the opening ceremony at 1.30pm on Saturday, July 23 outside the lifeboat station on the Cobb. Tom, 31, runs the Shave Cross Cellar and Shave Cross Taverna in Lyme Regis, and is also landlord of the Shave Cross Inn, a country pub near Bridport.

Pub landlord Tom Littledyke and partner Georgia Wellman will officially open Lifeboat Week following their charitable eﬀorts to help those in Ukraine

trative role overseeing donations and organising the convoys. He and Georgia have now helped to organise at least seven convoys, and there are plans to buy a ‘safe house’ on the borders of Poland and Ukraine for refugees using some of the generous donations to Tom’s JustGiving site. Tom, a former Royal Marine Reservist who went to The Woodroﬀe School in Lyme Regis, has spoken out about his terrifying and heartbreaking experiences in Ukraine, and says he is proud of the response of people in his hometown to his appeals for aid. “The town really came together, and the generosity of the people of Lyme and district has been fantastic, “ he said.

Since the war began, he has twice driven the 1,300 miles to Ukraine in an old mini bus loaded with humanitarian aid at the head of a convoy of volunteers.

Donations to the convoys have included huge supplies of non-lethal military equipment, radios, armour, warm clothing, blankets and medical items. In recent months Tom and his team have also received donations of vehicles, including an ambulance a 7.5 ton lorry and another mini bus.

His partner, Georgia Wellman, 21, plays a vital adminis-

Apart from the donations of materials, a highly successful

online appeal led by Tom and Georgia raised well over £25,000 to provide further supplies and aid. Donations can still be made via the website www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/thomas-littledyke. After the official opening ceremony there will be plenty to look forward to, with other opening day evenings including a welcome display by the lifeboat crew aboard the ‘Spirit of Loch Fyne’., Exmouth lifeboat and the coastguard helicopter, followed by the popular swimming challenges for adults and children. Highlights throughout the week will include the bathtub race – a firm favourite with residents - on Sunday, July 24, followed by the fun run and the pretty illuminated boats rounding oﬀ the day. The British Army’s Red Devils Freefall Parachute Team will be returning to Lyme Regis, dropping onto the main sandy beach at 3pm on Thursday, July 28. Please note, the landing area on the beach will be cleared at about 1.30pm on the day. New and exciting events on this year’s programme include a Total Wipeout competition – a six-player inflatable games with a rotating sweeper arm that will be set up in Lister Gardens. Also new to this year’s Lifeboat Week will be Pirate Day, on Friday, July 29 with events including fancy dress competitions, a treasure hunt, pirate breakfast, sandcastle competition, walk the plank, tug o’ war across the harbour and finishing oﬀ with a pirate after party at Lyme Regis Brewery.

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.

During the week there will be demonstrations by Lyme Regis fire crew and coastguards, and entertainment will be provided by Eastern Promise Belly Dancers, Mariners Away, Lyme Bay Moonrakers, The Chantry Buoys, Old Skool, Lyme Regis Town Band, Wylde Morris, Lyme Morris.

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Other events to look out for include pavement art and crab catching competitions, a teddy bear’s picnic, grand auction at the lifeboat station and the Irene Roper duck race. Full details on all events, the lifeboat crew and work of the RNLI are available in the Lyme Regis and Charmouth Lifeboat Week programme, now available in local outlets for £2.

There are two simple skills you should know that could save a life: If you find yourself in difficulty in the water, float to increase your chances of survival. ● If you see someone else in trouble in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard. Float to Live your instinct to thrash around back, extend your arms and legs ● If you need to, gently move them around to help you float ● Float until you can control your breathing ● Only then, call for help, swim to safety or continue floating until help arrives ● Fight ● Lean

Cold water 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 and waves Rip currents can travel up to the same speed as an Olympic swimmer (4.5mph) and can pull even the strongest swimmers out to sea. And unexpected waves can quickly knock you oﬀ your feet. Floating can increase your chances of survival from cold water shock and rip currents.

RICHARD AUSTIN AWARD WINNING PHOTOGRAPHY

richardaustinimages.com @LymeLifeMag

A spectacular sight not to be missed

Photo by Ben Kapur

Lyme Regis’ iconic Cobb harbour has featured in countless images, but few compare with the mesmerising spectacle of its curved structure illuminated with thousands of tea light candles. Candles on the Cobb is one of the south coast’s most unique and moving events, with members of the public asked to sponsor candles in memory of loved ones and watch as the town’s historic landmark is lit up in spectacular fashion. The hugely popular and emotional event has captured the imagination, not only of the people of

Lyme Regis, but worldwide. Now organised by the Rotary Club of Lyme Regis, the event will return for 2022 on Saturday, August 28, marking the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year with a giant crown also to be lit on the sandy beach. First staged in 2000, Candles on the Cobb was the brainchild of friends Mike Higgs and Phil Street, former deputy harbourmaster and town crier, who found inspiration for the fundraising event after hearing Elton John’s acclaimed ‘Candles in the Wind’ while in the local pub. With a simple system of tea lights and plastic cups, the candles are laid out at regular intervals along both the main Cobb and North Wall structures before being systematically lit, slowly revealing the contours of the harbour in mesmerising fashion. The event is held every few years and, since 2018, has been organised by the Rotary Club of Lyme Regis with assistance from other local organisations.

The first event in 2000 raised £7,200 and, since then, more than £140,000 has been distributed to local youth projects and national charities. Previous beneficiaries have included Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital, Help for Heroes, Diabetes Research, Cancer Research & CLIC/Sargent, Devon & Cornwall and Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulances, Make a Wish UK and the Royal British Legion. The last event in 2018 raised about £10,000 despite wet weather on the day, with the funds split between local youth projects and the Royal British Legion, marking 100 years since the end of the First World War. Seeing how the local youth groups have benefited over the years has given the committee huge satisfaction and to hear how the national charities have used their money has been very rewarding. This year, the event will once again benefit local youth projects, as well as the British Red Cross which is currently working hard to support those in need in Ukraine, and Cancer Research UK, which has an active fundraising committee in Lyme Regis.

To sponsor a candle in memory of a loved one or for more details, visit candlesonthecobb.com

HIX OYSTER CELEBRATION September 3rd 10.30am-4.30pm The Oyster & Fish House

OYSTER STANDS | COCKTAILS | MEET THE PRODUCERS | LIVE MUSIC

Calling all oyster lovers! We will be celebrating the humble mollusc this September on the Deck of The Oyster & Fish House and the surrounding gardens with oyster growers, chefs, drinks producers and live music. The event is free to attend and welcomes Pete Miles (Dorset Oysters), James McCarthy (East Kitchen +Bar) and Nigel Bloxham (Crab House Café and Billy Winters) who, along with Mark, will be shucking oysters and chatting to guests throughout the day. If oysters aren’t your thing, simply head to Sally’s Fish Camp stand where she will be serving up local shellfish treats. Guests will discover Southwest oysters and enjoy them paired with an array of drinks from Lyme Bay Winery, Palmer’s Brewery, Black Cow pure milk vodka and Somerset Gin. A great opportunity to meet the producers and enjoy local beer, wine and spirits. We have also joined forces with the Lyme Regis Folk Weekend taking place across town all weekend, with folk acts joining us at the Oyster Stage in front of the restaurant for performances throughout the day.

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

Uplyme

SUMMER FLOWER & PRODUCE FAIR King George V Playing Fields, Uplyme Saturday, July 9th, 1pm - 5pm There’s a whole lot of horticulture, artisan skills and family entertainment at this year’s Summer Flower and Produce Fair, organised by the Uplyme and Lyme Regis Horticultural Society. This year’s theme is Trees, reflected in many of the show’s 147 competition classes. Experienced and novice gardeners alike are encouraged to take part; all entries are free. The entertainments programme has something for everyone. There are a bouncy castle, llama walking and circus skills for the kids; fun dog show for those with canines; the town band, HiDDeN band, line dancing and morris dancing for those who appreciate song and dance. On the playing fields there are some great stalls. Specialist plant stalls with acers, hostas, carnivorous plants and bee-friendly plants and seeds complement a range of locally grown plants. Garden tools, plant supports, garden art and crafted wood sit alongside handmade pottery, textiles, art, preserves and specialist spinners and quilters. Local charities are also well represented. Excellent cream teas, cakes and refreshments are available from the village hall, with ice creams and burgers available on the field. Full details are on the website www.ulrhs.wordpress.com including the show schedule and programme, and entry forms.

7 / 4 2 s w e n l a c o l e h All t

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Lyme Morris Day SATURDAY, JULY 16th 2022

For their annual summer celebration, Lyme Morris will be welcoming dancing sides from across the West County and further afield to the town on Saturday, July 16. Twelve Morris sides will this year be performing over a full day of entertainment on Lyme Regis seafront. The event will start at 11am at Cobb Gate car park with a mass parade of all the sides along seafront to the Marine Parade shelters, which will act at the main performance area for the rest of the day.

Throughout the day, sides will be performing along the seafront for spectators to watch. The dance areas are located at the shelters, outside The Harbour Inn and SWIM on Marine Parade, and The Rock Point Inn further east along the seafront on Gun Cliﬀ Walk. The event will conclude with the finale at the shelters performance area at 4.30pm. As well as the hosts Lyme Morris, dancers will be entertaining from the following sides Black Bess,

OBJ, Wyld, Tinners, Lodestone, Enigma, Blackswan, Steppers, Otter, Treacle Eaters, Barrel, Cats Eye. Pete Morton, squire for Lyme Morris, said: “We are looking forward to a day of colour music and amazing performances from the varied dance styles coming this year.” Lyme Morris perform at a number of events throughout the year. Please give generously to collection buckets on the day as all funds raised are donated to local good causes.

Photo by Ed Mills

It’s time to party again with the ‘Sea-ciders’! Lyme Regis Football Club will once again be holding its hugely popular Sausage & Cider Festival this summer. The mini festival in a day will take place at the Davey Fort ground on Charmouth Road on Saturday, July 16, with gates opening at 2pm. There is no need to buy tickets – just come along on the day and entry is by purchase of a £2 reusable festival cup. Entertainment kicks oﬀ with the Lyme Luggers

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ukulele group, followed by original folky tunes from Dorset Phil, talented local singer Annabel Davies, and new three-piece rock band Ghosts, etc. Lyme bay Radio will be presenting live DJ sets in between acts. Back by popular demand, favourite Lyme Regis duo Guilty Pleasure will headline the festival with their upbeat pop tunes that will get everyone dancing! There will be a selection of more than 20 locallymade ciders to choose from, plus a fully stocked

bar and Pimm’s tent. The award-winning Lyme Regis Butchers will be providing sausages from the barbecue, with vegetarian option available and street food truck Duck & Chicken open in the evening. 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 or you can visit self-serve Vending Shed - now based at the Davey Fort - for delicious milkshakes.

Lyme Life Walks with Francesca Evans

Summer walk to Cannington Viaduct and a climb up to Ware Cliﬀs for stunning views across Lyme Bay

From here, veer left towards Uplyme, following the footpath through the woodland, crossing the road at Tappers Knapp and Church Street, eventually passing the paddock of The Talbot Arms and arriving in the centre of Uplyme.

Start and finish point: Horn Bridge on junction of Colway Lane, Roman Road and Windsor Terrace, Lyme Regis (DT7 3AP)

Here you can cross the road and head through the King George V playing field (just watch out if the cricket is on!) and up across the next field.

Distance: Approx. 10km / 6.2 miles

This brings you back out on to the country lanes, and you can follow Cannington Lane until you reach the viaduct. The now disused viaduct formed part of the Lyme Regis branch line, with the station on what is now the site of Travis Perkins, connecting the town to the main railway network in Axminster.

This walk – the second in our Lyme Life Walks series – is perfect for summer as it allows you to escape the seaside crowds, heading out along quiet country lanes to the spectacular Cannington Viaduct, before climbing up to Ware Cliﬀs for some beautiful views across Lyme Bay and the Jurassic Coast. The route includes one particularly steep climb and descents over Ware Cliﬀs which can be tricky underfoot, but I have made suggestions for easier alternatives where possible. See footpathmap.co.uk for a comprehensive map of public footpaths and bridleways that will help you plan your route. Start at Horn Bridge, on the junction of Colway Lane, Roman Road and Windsor Terrace, and follow the riverside path upstream, through ‘Bumpy Field’ and to Middle Mill, where you can still see the old wooden water wheel.

The impressive engineering structure opened in 1903 and was closed as part of the Beeching Cuts in the 1960s. It now seems almost impossible that something so huge could be so tucked away in this quiet valley. Just past the viaduct, follow the footpath running through the field on your left and head to the gate at the top to meet Horseman’s Hill. Make sure you give the viaduct one last look when you reach the gate – looking back down on it with the rolling hills behind is one of my favourite views (see below left). Horseman’s Hill is a quiet lane, eventually joining Cuckoo Lane and then reaching the junction of Gore Lane. Head right up the hill; this is where your climb up to Ware really kicks in and is the steepest section of the entire route. The top of Gore Lane brings you to the busy A3052 Sidmouth Road, but you just need to cross directly onto Ware Lane. Look out for traffic and I’d advise that you don’t take your own route at this point and walk along the A3052 as it can be dangerous.

When you pass Cannington Viaduct and head up through the field to Horseman’s Hill, don’t forget to look behind you for one of my favourite views

Head down Ware Lane, past the private gate for Ware Barn and look out for the public footpath sign on your next right. Here you need to climb a stile and head through the field, following the path round to the right and then left, bringing you

onto The Woodland Trust’s Ware Cliffs. There are several other access points onto Ware Cliffs if you continue down Ware Lane, and if you take a small detour just a few more yards down the hill you will get glimpses of Ware House, made famous in the 1980s film adaptation of ‘The French Lieutenant’s Woman’. I have chosen this specific route as it takes you past Chimney Rock – a natural landmark and curious geological feature made of chert stone, jutting out from the cliff. However, continuing onwards from Chimney Rock you will have to go down a number of very steep steps, so if it’s slippery under foot or you’re not feeling up to this, I would suggest joining the coast path at Crow’s Nest or slightly further along Ware Lane instead. Climbing down the steps from Chimney Rock will take you into a wooded area – the start of the Undercliff – where I always like to look out for the curly wurly tree (see facing page)! Follow the footpaths eastwards and you will eventually be brought to Crow’s Nest – a modern clifftop house with uninterrupted sea views that was built using clever structural solutions to sustain any future land movement, after the former house on this site was destroyed by landslides. Here you should continue eastwards over the hills, offering stunning views across Lyme Bay and the Jurassic Coast – the perfect spot for some refreshment or a picnic. There are several paths running through Ware Cliffs, but eventually you will be brought to more steep steps heading down to Monmouth Beach and the Cobb. The steps bring you out behind the bowling club, so why not stop and watch a game? Alternatively, if you want to avoid the steps, you can instead leave Ware Cliffs at the top and head along Pine Walk and into Holmbush car park – a handy place to leave the car or for local bus routes. If you do head down to the seafront, you can take in the historic Cobb harbour before heading along the seafront. If you want to complete the full circular walk back to the start point, head to Cobb Gate (clock tower) car park where the seafront meets the bottom of the town centre. At the traffic lights, turn left into Coombe Street – the centre of ‘Old Lyme’ and what was initially the town’s high street. This will take you past several restaurants, independent shops, Lyme’s Fish Bar, The Ship Inn, Dinosaurland and the Town Mill. At Gosling Bridge, turn right into Mill Green and then follow the river footpath along Jericho and Windsor Terrace, which will bring you back to your start point at Horn Bridge.

START POINT: Horn Bridge is a Grade II listed structure, formerly known as Colway Bridge. It took its current name from an adjacent tavern

If you make a small detour and head further down Ware Lane, you’ll catch glimpses of Ware House, made famous in ‘The French Lieutenant’s Woman’

Chimney Rock is a natural landmark and curious geological feature made of chert stone, jutting out from the cliﬀ.

Look out for the curly wurly tree in the woodlands on Ware Cliﬀ, just down the steps from Chimney Rock

6th - 13th August 2022

A week packed full of fun events lymeregiscarnival.co.uk @LymeLifeMag

take a Y T I R A H C DIP FOR in the LYME SPLASH!

Photo by Gary Spencer

The Lyme Splash 2022 Lyme Regis to Charmouth Challenge Sea Swim is finally going ahead this year on Sunday, September 4. After a break of two years during the pandemic, the swimming challenge is back, raising funds for local and national good causes. Bookings are now open for entry with more information on the website www.lyme-splash.com/lyme-regis-tocharmouth-challenge-sea-swim/ “We are so excited to be back after two years and thank

those swimmers who booked back in 2020 for holding so long!” said Karen Durham-Diggins, chair of Lyme Splash. “They’ve all been contacted, and we have now released entries for anyone else who feels up to and fit enough for the challenge! “Although many are focused on their speed for many it is taking it at their own pace and making it a personal challenge. Swimmers free from Covid and its after-effects, back in the water and training to build up stamina and fitness to manage the 3.15k it will be ready for the challenge!”

The Lyme Splash Sea Water Polo Championship has been deferred to next year although it is hoping to run a couple of exhibition games in the summer. “It’s been a long two years for everyone and we wanted to get back one event at a time,” said Karen. “There are a lot of people to consider – both those attending and supporting the events. “Our volunteers and supporters both those in the water for safety and on shore, as well as business that help with equipment, sustaining the Lyme Splash crew and the raffle are truly wonderful and have all come back fully on board for which we are so appreciative.” Support for the event includes hot chocolate from Chococo and Moores Biscuits for the swimmers and support staﬀ when they’ve finished. Headline sponsors Lyme Bay Holidays have been very understanding and continued to support Lyme Splash for equipment, as have raffle prize givers from local businesses. Raffle prizes include an after-swimming robe from Lyme bay Swimmers, a private hour sauna with five friends at the new Shoreline Sauna, meal vouchers from The Pilot Boat, The Harbour Inn and SWIM, fish and chip suppers, from Herbies, Lyme Fish Bar and Out of the Blue, a sweet hamper from Lyme Rocks, a ride for two with Lyme Rib Rides, a family ticket to the Marine Aquarium, a tin of Moores Biscuits and a kayaking session with Lyme Kayak Hire. Anyone can buy raffle tickets online or on the day www.lyme-splash.com/swim-raffle Charities to be supported by the Lyme Splash this year are youth music organisation B Sharp, Plastic Free Lyme Regis and Ghost Fishing UK, which recovers fishing nets from wrecks and the seabed.

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Photo by Richard Austin

he curved shape, colourful history and lingering mystery of Lyme Regis’ most famous landmark, The Cobb, has long sparked imagination and romance that would have been far from the minds of those who first engineered the structure as a practical breakwater.

its destruction in a storm the previous year. The Cobb was reconstructed in 1826 using Portland Admiralty Roach, a type of Portland stone.

The first written mention of the Cobb is in a 1328 document describing it as having been damaged by storms, though it is thought to have probably existed before Lyme received a royal charter from King Edward I in 1284.

For centuries Lyme was a major port – once larger than Liverpool – attracting ships and traders from all over Europe. During its heyday between 1500 and 1700 ships from Lyme Regis traded in Africa, the West Indies and the Americas, benefiting rich merchants and sea captains.

The structure was originally made of oak piles driven into the seabed with boulders stacked between them. The boulders were floated into place tied between empty barrels.

Eventually, as ships became too large for Lyme’s harbour, its stakes in international trade declined and the town went on to rely on tourism as its main income, with the Cobb now housing commercial fishing and pleasure boats – although plenty of nods to its past remain, including the 1879 historical sign showing tariﬀs that had to be paid to the Cobb clerk for imports.

The Cobb has been destroyed or severely damaged by storms several times. It was swept away in 1377, which led to the destruction of 50 boats and 80 houses. The southern arm was added in the 1690s, and rebuilt in 1793 following

The Cobb will be given another facelift soon, with Dorset Council currently seeking funding for the final phase of the Lyme Regis Environmental Improvement Scheme, which will see the Cobb protected for years to come – in turn protecting the harbour and town from the ravages of the stormy seas.

The sign is fixed to the outside of the Cobb buildings, built in 1723. Now housing the Marine Aquarium and a fishing training college, the buildings have had many uses over the years, including an isolation hospital for the sick arriving by ship.

The Cobb A HARBOUR LIKE NO OTHER

The Gin Shop is an archway set into the high wall of the Cobb, with steps climbing up either side. It is thought to have been a former ammunition store, holding the balls and gunpowder for the cannons which were used to defend the Cobb. The Cobb is now also home to Lyme Regis lifeboat station and the harbourmaster’s office. Construction of the current boathouse was completed in 1997. The Cobb has inspired many literary greats over the years – most famously, the film adaptation of John Fowles’ ‘The French Lieutenant’s Woman’ saw Meryl Streep staring wistfully out to sea from the end of the high wall.

a snowy scene in the soon-to-be-released ‘Wonka’, starring Timothée Chalamet as a young Willy Wonka. Despite its many appearances in film and on TV, the Cobb still maintains some of its mystery. In fact, one of the most commonly asked questions in Lyme Regis must be, ‘why is it called the Cobb?’. The answer remains unknown. One thing is known – come storm or sunshine, there really is no harbour like it.

Granny’s Teeth – the jagged stone steps protruding from the Cobb wall – were the setting for Louisa Musgrove’s famous fall in Jane Austen’s ‘Persuasion’. The Cobb was also recently used as a set for a new adaptation of ‘Persuasion’, starring Hollywood actress Dakota Johnson, and for

Candles on the Cobb 2022

28th August 8pm

Buy a candle in memory of a loved one https://candlesonthecobb.com/ Buy a candle, remember someone, be a part of it

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Now in s i g e R e m y L

Launched by farming couple Mark and Emma Herrod in 2021, The Vending Shed is now celebrating its first anniversary having already expanded into three locations.

and their new venture, The Vending Shed, is a real celebration of high-quality local, trustworthy and sustainable produce.

The business first opened in Fore Street, Seaton, with its unique self-service shop, where customers can access fresh, local milk and milkshakes in a variety of weekly-changing flavours from a vending machine, aﬀectionately known as Daisy Cow.

The milk is currently supplied by a local farm, but thanks to investment in a state-of-theart pasteurising unit, it will soon come from Emma’s own family farm in Colyton – run by her two brothers – where they know the cows are given the best possible life and are able to roam freely outside.

The Vending Shed also oﬀers Lavazza coﬀee, tea and hot chocolate, and other snacks, including Emma’s homemade sausage rolls using locally-sourced, free-range meat.

As well as promoting local produce, The Vending Shed is also helping to cut down on plastic waste, with its milk served in reusable glass bottles and milkshakes and other drinks in compostable takeaway cups.

The unique concept quickly caught on and expanded with a 24/7 vending shed – Poppy Cow – opening outside Mole Avon in Axminster. And this year Mark and Emma opened their third location with their Buttercup Cow vending shed based at Lyme Regis Football Club in Charmouth Road – right on the South West Coast Path and just minutes from the beach. Having both grown up in dairy farming families in Axminster and Colyton, Mark and Emma are passionate about British farming

Daisy Cow

The Vending Shed’s third location in Lyme Regis opened in May 2022. Below, Mark and Emma Herrod and their children on the farm

The vending machines are simple to use with full instructions provided, but if there are ever any problems, Mark and Emma are just a phone call away with contact numbers provided in all three locations for those who may require assistance. This autumn, they are also hoping to open Emma’s family farm in Colyton for farm tours, including tractor and trailer rides for children. Look out for more announcements and the latest news from The Vending Shed on their Facebook or Instagram pages, or visit the website thevendingshed.co.uk

Poppy Cow

Buttercup Cow We’re here!

8 Fore Street, Seaton Open 7 days a week

Mole Avon, Axminster Open 24/7

Lyme Regis Football Club Open 24/7

We’re on the st Path! South West Coa

To the beach

Organic produce, British cheeses, everyday staples, wines and beers, fresh bread and pastries 32 Broad Street, Lyme Regis DT7 3HL

Photo by Si Emmett

Summer of celebration at the Marine Theatre

Two family-friendly shows include an enchanting new outdoor adaptation of two of Beatrix Potter’s bestloved tales, ‘The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny’ on July 23, which will be performed at the nearby Davey Fort in Charmouth Road – home of Lyme Regis Football Club – and Lewis Carroll’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’ on August 12 at Theatre Square.

The Marine Theatre is looking forward to celebrating summer at the Big Beer Festival over two days this July.

The festival, jointly organised with Lyme Regis Brewery, will be held on Friday, July 22 and Saturday, July 23 with more than 20 beers on offer and a wide variety of live music. The theatre says this promises to be a hearty celebration of beer and music – join them by the sea for drinking, singing, and dancing at this great community event. Lyme Regis Brewery is gathering a selection of the finest craft beers from around the region, showcasing the superb drinks now on offer in Dorset, Devon and Somerset. Festival-goers are guaranteed more than 20 superb cask ales and kegged beers covering all tastes and styles. As well as beer, the theatre will be celebrating the wealth of musical talent within the area, with a few special headliners from further afield. Irish, reggae, gypsy, covers, sea shanties, and even morris dancing – there will be music to suit all. The lineup on the Friday will include local sea shanty singing group The Chantry Buoys, singer-songwriter Leonie Prater, Bristolian folk band Desperate Measures, and the seven-piece Electric Spank – a groove explosion bringing an energetic take on funk, soul and disco from the fields to the dancefloors of the UK. On the Saturday, more sea shanties will kick off the entertainment with The Jurassix, followed by dancing

Shakespeare’s romantic comedy ‘Much Ad About Nothing’ will be performed on Theatre Square on August 22, with plenty of audience interaction and live music. The Marine Theatre has also joined forces with Lyme Regis Football Club for the second year to bring the esteemed Lord’s Chamberlain Men to the Davey Fort. from Lyme Morris. Other acts will include Rivermouth, energetic folk band The Dillyboys, Hazaar – a raucous orkestra of klezmer mayhem – and headliners Barefoot Bandit, a new-wave reggae and dub band based in Devon. Outside on Theatre Square, organisers are welcoming the best local street food outfits, cooking up the tastiest meals in Lyme Regis for hungry festival-goers. The Marine Theatre is also staging a number of openair performances this summer. Slapstick Picnic will present Oscar Wilde’s ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’, performed by just two actors over tea and cucumber sandwiches on Theatre Square on July 15.

With a history stretching back to William Shakespeare himself, the Lord Chamberlain’s Men invite you to join them this summer for the sparkling comedy, ‘As You Like It’. One of the UK’s finest touring theatre companies present this great play as Shakespeare first saw it performed – in the open air, with Elizabethan costumes, music and dance. The performance will be held on Wednesday, September 7 with tickets costing £17 or £10 for children. Tickets for all the above are available and full details of the Marine Theatre’s full programme this summer are available at marinetheatre.com

Relax with the best views in town at the Shoreline Sauna

A LUXURY wood-fired mobile sauna has opened next to the historic Cobb in Lyme Regis this summer. The new Shoreline Sauna can be found near to the lifeboat station and harbourmaster’s office – a prime position for spectacular harbour and sea views. Visitors can warm up in the sauna, with temperatures of 60-80 degree celsius, before taking a dip in the sea or using the cold water buckets to refresh and invigorate. Lyme Regis residents and operators, Nikki and Janie, decided to create a business with community and wellbeing at its forefront.

As well as being a great way to relax and unwind away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, evidence suggests that regular sauna use can reduce stress, improve sleep and soothe aches and pains. With a growing sauna culture in the UK, Shoreline Sauna was inspired by the Seaside Sauna Haus in nearby Seatown. Using the best quality materials and drawing inspiration from Victorian bathing machines and beach huts, the new Shoreline Sauna fits perfectly into the traditional British seaside location.

They both enjoy swimming in the sea and its many benefits, and so hope to work alongside Lyme’s thriving water sports communities.

The new sauna will cost £80 per hour for a privately booked session for up to eight people, or communal sessions are available for just £15 an hour to ensure the sauna is accessible for as many residents as possible. Loyalty cards will also be available.

The Shoreline Sauna is a space for people to come together and enjoy the many health and well-being benefits associated with saunas and the sea.

For further information or to book, contact Nikki by calling 07875 204 410, email hello@shorelinesauna.co.uk or visit shorelinesauna.co.uk

@LymeLifeMag

LYME REGIS

Regatta

&Carnival

August 6th to August 13th 2022

A week of family fun and games by the seaside will be held in August, raising funds for local good causes. One of the town’s longest-running events, Lyme Regia Regatta & Carnival Week will return for its 74th year from Saturday, August 6 to August 13. A week of more than 50 beachside activities, games, competitions and entertainment will lead up to the grand finale carnival procession on the evening on Saturday, August 13, with local families, clubs, organisations, businesses and visitors invited to dress up and join in. The week will get started on Saturday, August 6 with Lyme Regis Sailing Club’s annual regatta, an open mic afternoon on Marine Parade, and a spectacular torchlight procession in which

hundreds are expected to carry flaming torches through Langmoor Gardens and down on to the beach. Other highlights during the week will include a world record attempt to create a line of ‘sand pies’ across the beach in the quickest ever time, and the moving Candles Down the River event, for which members of the public can sponsor a candle to float down the River Lim in memory of a loved one. Children can enjoy free fishing boat trips and Lyme Regis Gig Club will also be holding their annual regatta oﬀ the historic Cobb. Two favourite Lyme Regis events will be making a welcome return this year. The Regatta & Carnival Committee will be hosting a disco at the Marine Theatre on Friday August 12, allowing you to step back in time and relive those glory years. And the Wacky Wheelbarrow Race on Wednesday, August 10 will nod to the former Pram Derby, in which pairs will dress in costume and race along the seafront, one in a wheelbarrow. There will be plenty to keep the kids entertained throughout the week, with beach treasure hunts and races, pavement art, a teddy bear’s picnic, mural painting, junior town crier competition and much more. Entertainment throughout the week will be provided by the Tano Taiko Drummers, Lyme School of Ballet and Lyme Regis Town Band. There will also be a bingo night and two quiz nights. All proceeds from the week’s events will be donated to local good causes. The Regatta & Carnival Committee would like to thank their primary sponsors Lyme Bay Holidays and Toad Hall Cottages, and all orhter businesses and organisations that have oﬀered support. For full details on all of this year’s Regatta & Carnival Week events, visit the website lymeregiscarnival.co.uk and look out for announcements on social media.

Join Lyme Regis Football Club for a mini festival in a day! SATURDAY, JULY 16th 2022

Davey Fort Ground, Charmouth Road, Lyme Regis Gates Open 2pm - Entry £2 for Reusable Cup

Live Music ● Sausage BBQ ● 20+ Ciders Full Bar ● Pimm’s Tent ● Bouncy Castle @LymeLifeMag

Celebrating the Great British oyster MARK Hix MBE will kick oﬀ the beginning of native oyster season with the official HIX Oyster Celebration, an all-day event honouring the life and times of the oyster on the Deck of The Oyster & Fish House in Lyme Regis. The daytime event will take place on Saturday, September 3 from 10.30am to 4.30pm in collaboration with Lyme Folk Weekend. Mark and his guests will host a series of talks and tastings exploring the heritage of the great British mollusc – joined by like-minded oyster growers and experts Nigel Bloxham (Crab House Café, Billy Winters, Portland Oysters) and Pete Miles (Dorset Oysters). He will also be joined by James McCarthy of Red Panda and East Kitchen + Bar, who will serve Asian-style dressed oysters.

“This day will bring the humble oyster to the forefront, showcasing and celebrating this versatile and truly British product.” Live music for Lyme Folk Weekend will be taking place across the town all weekend, and Hix has teamed up with organiser Jeremy Hayes to bring the music into Lister Gardens for oyster lovers to enjoy. The pitch and putt ground in front of the restaurant will become the Oyster Stage for the day with live acts performing at 12noon, 2pm and 4pm. Entry to the event is free of charge and food and drink tokens will be available to purchase on the day with oysters from £1 each. Mark Hix is frequently lauded as one of Britain’s most eminent restaurateurs with an unrivalled knowledge of ingredients with provenance.

Guests will discover oysters from around the South West of England and enjoy them paired with an array of drinks including English sparkling wine from Lyme Bay Winery, beer and cider from Palmer’s Brewery and cocktails from Black Cow pure milk vodka and Somerset Gin. A great opportunity to meet the producers and enjoy local beer, wine and spirits.

He is an award-winning author and food writer with 12 cookbooks to his name. He has a regular recipe column in Telegraph Magazine, Dorset Magazine and Marshwood Vale and a weekly cookery show on Lyme Bay Radio.

Each of the guest chefs will set up their own stand to show-oﬀ and talk through their oysters, guiding guests through the range and diversity of this British delicacy.

Mark opened The Oyster & Fish House in Lyme Regis in July 2020 after the pandemic saw his HIX group of restaurants go into administration.

In addition to the oyster extravaganza, Sally’s Fish Camp will serve up a short menu of her favourite shellfish dishes throughout the day.

He opened The Fox Inn pub with rooms in Corscombe in December 2020 which focuses on local meat and game dishes.

“Oysters are a unique and quintessential piece of British food heritage,” said Mark.

Mark received an MBE for his services to hospitality in the New Years’ Honours list 2017.

Lyme Folk Weekend is back this September with another three days of amazing entertainment. Along with all the usual FREE music and dancing, including two outdoor stages, open air ceilidh, workshops and sessions, there are three stunning headline concerts and an extra special bonus matinee performance - in the Marine Theatre. Tickets are now on sale for the shows at www.lymefolk.com - so here's what's in store on the big stage…

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2nd THE SAM SWEENEY BAND

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3rd RANAGRI

When you think of folk music and the West Country, there is really only one name that springs to mind - Seth Lakeman.

Audiences of Lyme Folk Weekend are lucky to have already seen Sam Sweeney twice on stage at the Marine Theatre. He first played at the festival in 2019 when he presented the last ever performance of his Unfinished Violin show, and then last year he was part oﬀ the amazing Fay Hield Trio along with squeezebox virtuoso Rob Harbron. Now Sam returns in his own right with his full band to play music from the acclaimed album Unearth Repeat. The new band brings together Sam’s unique fiddle playing, the double bass of Ben Nicholls and the keyboards of Dave Mackay. They will be joined by guitarist Jenn Butterworth, voted Musician of the Year at the 2019 Scots Trad Music Awards.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4th SETH LAKEMAN

There are not many bands on the folk scene who can claim a unique sound - but Ranagri are definitely out on their own. Four superb Irish and English musicians, combining voices, guitar, bouzouki, flutes, whistles, harp and percussion, Ranagri return to Lyme Folk Weekend for the first time since wowing the Marine Theatre audiences in 2018, culminating their Playing For Luck nationwide tour. They have been described as having 'a sound that's completely new, which has great energy and immediately makes you want to dance'. And in a special treat, opening the show on Saturday night will be Lyme Folk favourite Steve Dagleish. Steve has been a big part of the festival for many years, appearing at several of the Revisited fundraisers and headlining the seafront stage. It promises to be a memorable night.

Award-winning singer, songwriter and multiinstrumentalist, Seth has been the undisputed leader in his field since the 2005 Mercury Prize nomination for his stunning album Kitty Jay catapulted him into the forefront of the new British folk movement, followed by his gold-selling Freedom Fields in 2006. His new album Make Your Mark, written during his enforced 18 months oﬀ the road, features 14 powerful, brandnew songs including the first single Higher We Aspire which was playlisted on BBC Radio 2. Seth will be joined on stage by Alex Hart – one of the first acts to ever play at the festival back in 2013!

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 4 (Matinee) MAGELLAN CIRCUMNAVIGATION Bob Whitley is a Poole-based songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and composer who has been delighting audiences across the Dorset folk scene for over 20 years. His Magellan Circumnavigation is a brilliant blend of theatre and musical storytelling, bringing to life the story of the greatest voyage of human exploration, at a time when sailors believed in gigantic sea monsters, demons, boiling seas at the Equator and magnetic rocks that drew the nails out of the timbers. Bob is joined by Dorset-based cellist and vocalist Lee MacKenzie, whom regular Lyme Folk visitors will know from his appearances in folk band Kadia.

@LymeLifeMag

EATING OUT THE PILOT BOAT

OLLOWING a near £2million investment by the owners, Palmers Brewery of Bridport, The Pilot Boat, one of Lyme’s traditional public houses, has been transformed into one of the most popular and expansive eating-out venues in the area. With a 100-seat air-conditioned restaurant, spacious bar and attractive terrace, the new-look Pilot Boat has already established a reputation as a must-visit destination for those looking for a little bit more than run-of-themill pub grub and lively entertainment. The Pilot Boat is being run as a family business by licensees Robin and Angela Collyns with son Ben as general manager. Robin and Angela are highly experienced in the hospitality trade, having trained with Berni Inns in the 1980s and having managed a number of successful pubs and restaurants in the past. The new Pilot has been operational since June 2018 during which time it has been one of the must-visit venues in and around Lyme Regis for people keen to experience the casual dining atmosphere which has made it so popular. Despite the difficult trading conditions brought about by the COVID-19 epidemic, Robin said they were “delighted” with the support they had received, especially from local people who were regulars of the old-style pub and had been slightly sceptical about the extent of the refurbishment.

staﬀ operated in a safe environment. With COVID restrictions preventing so many travelling abroad, Lyme has been packed for two summers, bringing many challenges to large venues like the Pilot Boat, but Robin and Angela were proud of how their staﬀ reacted to increased pressure generated by so many converging on such a small town. As well as providing excellent dining facilities, with the emphasis very much of local produce, the Pilot also has three well appointed bedrooms which have proved to be extremely popular. Here’s just one review left by a satisfied customer: “This is a wonderful Inn. We could not have been more pleasantly surprised by the perfectly designed, renovated and decorated suite that we had. “We had a view to the sea and a massive, gorgeous bathroom. The care and artistry that was used to create this unique suite was exceptional. “The design and comfort of our suite would put many Boutique Hotels to shame. I would not hesitate to recommend this charming little Inn to anyone.” Who could ask for anything more?

He said: “The new Pilot is very diﬀerent from the old one but we hope we have retained some of the values and traditions that made it one of Lyme’s most popular pubs over the years. “We have listened to what local people want and have tried to create a community venue as well as a great place to eat and have a drink.” The Collyns family have been anxious to establish the Pilot as part of the community and have made their impressive premises available for a number of charities to boost their fundraising, including Cancer Research UK and Save The Children. And later this year they will be hosting the Lyme Regis Business Awards. COVID brought many challenges for the hospitality industry and the Pilot management reacted positively, ensuring the customers’ safety was paramount at all times and that their

1 Bridge Street, Lyme Regis thepilotboat.co.uk | 01297 443157 26

Photo by Max Redwood

EATING OUT BABA

SAWUBONA

INCE opening in 2018, The Pop Up Kitchen in Lyme Regis has become a launchpad for some of the most successful restaurants in the area. Now founder and owner Ali McLoughlin is serving up ‘feel good food’ with her new venture BABA.

NEW pop-up restaurant is bringing a taste of South African culture to Lyme Regis this summer. South African born Dan Hawken and his partner Jenna Wellman, from Axminster, have opened Sawubona at The Pop Up Kitchen in Broad Street.

Open Saturday to Tuesday each week, BABA will be serving up breakfasts, dinners and takeaways inspired by food from around the world, and in particular Turkish, Greek and Moroccan cuisine. Ali first launched Dottie Kitchen in Lyme Regis eight years and went on to open The Pop Up Kitchen, inviting local chefs and producers to use the space to host events and show oﬀ their culinary talents. Success stories stemming from The Pop Up Kitchen have so far included Harriet Mansell’s Robin Wylde and Lilac, Tom’s on Lyme Regis seafront, Goose & Badger now at the Soulshine Café in Bridport, The Strawberry Tree now open at the Town Mill, and The Monmouth Table who went on to open their own pantry next door – just to name a few! Ali started serving her own food from around the globe in spring last year, but this was put on hold while she focussed on catering and helping the community during the coronavirus pandemic. Now she is making a fresh start and has rebranded, with the help of Wes Dowell at Coastline Creative, as BABA, inspired by a childhood nickname for her daughter Ella. Along with manager Emma Slater, who also runs her own business Jurassic Cottage Kitchen, Ali will be focussing on serving healthy, tasty, feel good food using free range and local ingredients, including organic lamb for her Greek-style kebabs. The breakfast menu will be available for takeaway or delivery from 9am to 12noon on Saturdays and Sundays. The main menu will then be available for takeaways from 12noon to 10pm Saturday to Tuesday, or you can sit in and enjoy the friendly and welcoming atmosphere of The Pop Up Kitchen from 6pm. Pre-booking is advised for all takeaways and to sit in. For full details, visit the Facebook page facebook.com/BABAFeelGoodFood or the Pop Up Kitchen website www.thepopup.kitchen/

Having previously run ‘meals-onwheels’ style catering service Nan’s Family Kitchen, the couple have opened Sawubona to share Dan’s passion for South African cuisine with the local area. And the venture ties in perfectly with the ethos at The Pop Up Kitchen, which encourages diners to ‘try something new’. Dan said he has always wanted to open his own South African restaurant and share food from his home country, which has been influenced by many cultures and countries from around the world over the last few centuries, including a large Indian influence but with more focus on flavour rather than heavy spicing.

Jenna Wellman and South African born Daniel Hawken have launched Sawubona at The Pop Up Kitchen in Lyme Regis

The pop-up will be serving some of the most popular dishes in South Africa through its tasting menu served on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings, as well as takeaways available in the afternoon, with ingredients sourced locally but prepared using traditional methods. The menu features biltong, a dried, cured meat that originated in South Africa; bunny chow, which is curry served in a bread bowl; and boerewors, a type of South African beef sausage. It has already proved a huge hit, especially with South African visitors to the area, with the next nearest South African restaurant being in Poole. But Dan and Jenna say Sawubona is not just about the food – they want to provide diners with a full South African cultural experience, with everything from the drinks served to the music played and artwork on the walls being inspired by the country. In particular, Dan is keen to serve only South African wines to support vineyards that have been heavily aﬀected by riots and then the coronavirus pandemic. They plan to stay at The Pop Up Kitchen throughout summer and for the remainder of the year, with ambitions to open their own premises in the future. For more details, visit the Facebook page facebook.com/ThePopUpKitchenLymeRegis or website www.thepopup.kitchen/

32A Broad Street, Lyme Regis | thepopup.kitchen 07803 574 548 (BABA) | 07780 208 895 (Sawubona)

Saturday to Tuesday @ The Pop Up Kitchen, Broad Street, Lyme Regis

@LymeLifeMag

EATING OUT THE GOOD FOOD CAFE & DELI

aving built up a name for itself in Lyme Regis town centre, The Good Food Café has now expanded and taken on a seafront premises just in time for summer.

Owners Mark and Marie Sainsbury have come full circle, having first met when working at a café owned by Mark’s parents in Cornwall. Wirth Mark having previously worked in IT in London, and Marie in hairdressing and aromatherapy, the couple opted for a career change after the coronavirus pandemic hit the UK, and took over the popular Broad Street deli and café last year. Now they have opened a second premises, tucked away in the historic Old Bonded Stores on Marine Parade – just a stone’s throw from the town’s main beach. The new café provides a welcome calm spot for beach-goers to enjoy their lunch, or you can order a takeaway online in advance to beat the summer queues. Good Food By The Beach will be predominantly run by Marie and their daughter Lucy, while Mark looks over the Broad Street café and deli. Mark describes Good Food as a traditional café with a focus on oﬀering quality produce from the local area.

This includes fresh bread from Leakers of Bridport and Pauls Bakery of Seaton, award-winning Chunk of Devon pasties and delicious cakes from Spongbakes Cakes, as well as a selection of cheese, charcuterie and artisan produce in the deli.

A selection of soups, sandwiches and light lunches are made fresh on site, and served alongside coffee from The Coffee Factory, based at Seaton Junction, to be enjoyed in the bustling cafe or as a takeaway. There are also plenty of vegan and gluten free options. Good Food By The Beach is operating as a ‘miniature’ version of the main café, offering a scaled back menu but still including all the most popular dishes, including a variety of tasty sandwiches and baguettes, pasties, cakes and hot and cold drinks to enjoy beachside.

A welcoming atmosphere and delicious, homemade bakes and cakes at The Good Food Café & Deli in Broad Street, Lyme Regis Photos by Rob Coombe

The menu is available online via the Good Food website thegoodfoodcafe.co.uk and you can scan a QR code (see advertisement on page 9) to order your lunch from Good Food By The Beach. The Good Food Café & Deli is open daily from 9am to 5pm or 10am to 4pm on Sundays.

Marie and Lucy welcome you to the new Good Food By The Beach, which is based in the historic Old Bonded Stores on Marine Parade, Lyme Regis

21 Broad Street and Old Bonded Stores, Marine Parade, Lyme Regis thegoodfoodcafe.co.uk | 01297 442076 28

EATING OUT ROBIN WYLDE & LILAC

ELATIVE newcomers to the thriving Lyme Regis dining scene, Robin Wylde and sister restaurant, Lilac Restaurant and Wine Bar, have become firm favourites with both local residents and holiday makers alike.

Oﬀering the very best in local, seasonal, and vibrant produce in the heart of town.

Head chef and owner Harriet Mansell first opened Robin Wylde as a pop-up restaurant in May 2019, opening her own permanent restaurant in October 2020. Lilac followed in July 2021 in a renovated 400-year-old cellar on Broad Street. While Robin Wylde offers relaxed fine dining with a locally sourced tasting menu, and wine or soft drinks pairing, Lilac serves an ever-changing small plates menu and stocks an incredible selection of low intervention, organic and world class wines. Robin Wylde is open for dinner from Wednesday to Saturday, with a set menu on Wednesday nights and the full tasting menu Thursday to Saturday. Lilac is open from Wednesday to Sunday with food served from 5pm to 9pm and drinks until late. They also serve fantastic coffee and have a beautiful outside terrace at the rear when you can enjoy one of their signature seasonal cocktails such as a Seaweed Martini or Rhubarb Sour. Both restaurants offer an extensive soft drinks menu, with an emphasis on botanical blends and natural fermentations. Showcasing ingredients from local South West suppliers and producers, the team also forage the local coast and woodland for wild ingredients and botanicals to add to their kitchen pantry. Both restaurants employ a diligent waste reduction ethos with a focus on quality, vegetables, seasonality, locality, and substantiality.

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To be awarded such honour after being open for just eighteen months is an incredible achievement, and testament to the hard work of Harriet and her team.

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Keen to champion all that the region has to oﬀer, it is imperative to the team that they support small local businesses as they flourish and grow. In March this year, the team received the incredible news that both Robin Wylde and Lilac have been included in the much-esteemed Michelin Guide 2022. Harriet has since been named Best Chef in the Food Reader Awards.

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The Volly’s back i n b usi ness ! WEST Dorset MP Chris Loder was among the patrons at The Volunteer Inn - Lyme Regis’ smallest pub - as it reopened doors for the first time since lockdown on Monday. Mr Loder (left), who has been keen to support the tourism and hospitality sector in West Dorset, is pictured behind the bar with Volunteer staff, including manager Matt Puddy (far right). See ‘Lyme Matters’ on page 6.

Mary’s letter lost

FOSSIL HUNTER’S LETTER SELLS FOR MORE THAN £100K LYME Regis lost out on bringing an historic letter by famous fossil hunter Mary Anning home this week, as it sold at auction for a staggering £100,800. An ambitious online appeal launched by the Jurassic Coast

FRANCESCA EVANS

francesca@lyme-online.co.uk

Trust and Lyme Regis Museum raised more than £21,500 in just 24 hours, but it was not enough to secure the artefact as bids soared in the last few minutes. The unpublished letter, written

by Lyme Regis’ most famous daughter, was sold by auction on the Sotheby’s website on Tuesday afternoon. It was expected to reach between £8,000 and £12,000, but eventually sold for more than eight times this amount. The Jurassic Coast Trust and

Lyme Regis Museum hoped the letter could be “brought home” and put on permanent display in the museum, which is based on the site of the former home of fossil hunter Mary Anning. An online fundraising appeal was CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

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LYME Regis has welcomed its first Guide Dog after resident Lizzie Wiscombe qualified as Guide Dog Healey willan owner. help Lizzie, who is partially sighted, to walk around the town, including from Lyme Regis Museum to and she now volunteers with where her new best friend. REPORT, PAGE 3

‘Difficult decisions’ ahead for council

ECO-GROUP Turn Lyme hoping to make the town Green is plastic free. The organisation has initial support from the been given town counci and it is now hoped Lyme Regis can join 180 other coastal towns working towards the ‘plastic free’ title. REPORT, PAGE 7

The council had expected to see its reserves drop to £67,000 by the end of the financial year but this figure has now risen to £200,000. REPORT, PAGE 7

Another ton for Tyler

UPLYME & Lyme Regis cricketer Tyler Wellman has put himself in the club’s history books, scoring centuries for two consecutive weeks. REPORT, PAGE 32

Climb every mountain Powell is preparing to climb

Mount Kilimanjaro in memory

TA AKING CARE • Buying & Selling Property • Business Issues OF YOUR • Agricultural Issues LEGAL NEEDS • Wills Practice Management Standard

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of her dad Derek, to raise

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Lyme student takes on charity

Ch a rd 01460 63336

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A UNIVERSITY student from

Lyme Regis is planning YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER & WEBSITE OFFERING UNRIVALLED COVERAGE OF LYME REGIS, UPLYME & CHARMOUTH a trek

FRANCESCA EVANS

hike of Kilimanjaro in memory

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She said: “This is a francesca@lyme-online.co very personal their up Mount Kilimanjaro .uk trip to me and is in memory of my help mental illnesses and there is funds a mental health to raise dent, who is dad who suffered from out there.” currently in charity in mental illSpeaking about her chosen memory of her father. at Southampton Solenther first year nesses for many years, and charity, last year Louise added: said the challenge wouldUniversity, committed suicide. Louise Powell, who “In England, one in six grew up in personal be a “very people report “This trip to Mount Lyme Regis and trip”, as it was something Kilimanjaro mon mental experiencing a comattended The was something my she and her dad had wanted Woodroffe School, is health problem (such dad and I had anxiety hoping to raise gether. as to do to- planned and depression) in any £3,500 for the charity to do together and given is very week. Mind, after important to me. As Louise is also her father Derek committed well as raising suicide father’s ashes hoping to scatter her much-needed “The charity I am fundraising arlier this year. funds for at the top of Kilimanfor charity, I want to also this amazing Mind. This charity offers support is jaro, in Tanzania, as The 21-year-old social raise aware- many people for he had always ness work stu- wanted across the UK who are about mental health to visit. people that they don't and inform battling mental health problems. YOUR NEW COMMUNITY have to hide TURN TO PAGE NEWSPAPER & WEBSITE 2

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Petition launched for lifeguard hut

A LYME Regis resident has launched a petition, asking the town council to reconsider its refusal for an improved hut to be set up on the lifeguard beach. Councillors turned down a proposal for the raised grounds that it would hut, on the much space and was take up too unnecessary. REPORT, PAGE 20

Seasiders clinging to promotion

LYME Regis FC 1st team are still clinging to their hopes promotion to the Devonof winning & Exeter Premier Division. Recent poor weather out much of the local has washed programme in the pastfootball but the Seasiders are few weeks place in Division 1. still in second REPORT, PAGE 24

PIP PICKS UP MBE AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE PAGE 6

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Council to go over budget by £339k

Pink sky at night...

to be LYME Regis Town Council is expected of the fi£339,000 over budget by the end £1.4milnancial year - but still has more than

lion in reserves. expenThe council budgeted for an overall financial diture of £1,573,402 for the 2018-19 year and an income of £1,478,884. up - foreWhile takings are expected to be March 2019 cast at £1,597,905 by the end of a total of - the council is expected to spend budget. £1,937,084, which is £339,179 over REPORT, PAGE 3

Ambulance response times ‘unacceptable’

write to the LYME Regis Town Council will to comSouth Western Ambulance Service replain about “unacceptable” emergency sponse times in the area. said that A draft letter considered last week and the council was concerned that residents to visitors of Lyme Regis were “vulnerable loto our delays in emergency response due service cation, combined with the ambulance policy on use of fire co-responders”. REPORT, PAGE 7

Plans for Lyme to go plastic free

THE town council’s financial forecast has started to improve following the reopening of more facilities in Lyme Regis, but the town clerk has still warned there will be “difficult decisions” ahead.

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Meet Lyme’s first Guide Dog

LYME Regis Town Council's unprecedented decision to employ security guards to patrol the seafront was not supported by all members, it has been revealed, with one describing it as "a waste of money". The council took the decision last month to employ security guards to patrol the seafront on a nightly basis, following increased reports of anti-social behaviour in Langmoor and Lister gardens. The guards started patrols on July 17 and will continue to patrol nightly through the main summer season, for a total cost of £10,080. REPORT, PAGE 3

YME Regis resident Louise

HARRY’S IN TOWN! PAGE

to glorious weather and visitors to Lyme Regis were treated the end of British Summer Time, residents by Richard Austin BEFORE the clocks went back signalling and sunrises, with the photo above captured break and some stunning autumn sunsets

during the half term

COUNCIL AT WAR FEELINGS EXPLOSIVE’ MEETING HIGHLIGHTS ILL

EVANS COUNCILLORS have been PHILIP philip@lyme-online.co.uk warned over their ‘unacceptthem able behaviour’ after a war write to all members warning their behaviour on social broke out on social media about and asking them to “respect media this week. each other”. After town clerk John Wright warned councillors that personal disputes were bringing the council nto disrepute, the mayor, Councilor Michaela Ellis, was forced to

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Mr Wright, in a report to councillors, said personal conflicts between members was damaging the council’s reputation.

After Wednesday’s meeting when a number of allegations were made Cheryl Councillor against Reynolds, her brother, Daryl Turner, district and county councillor for Lyme Regis, posted on Facebook that it was the most “explosive” council meeting he had ever attended, adding: “If this does I not get into the national papers, don’t know what will.”

other Reynold’s Councillor brother, Virgil Turner, station commander at Lyme Regis Fire Station, used the pubic forum to draw attention to an allegation by his sister that he planted drugs that were found by his son in the Anning Road playing field to strengthen the case for the removal of the teen shelter. The council had previously CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

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Reserves win a place in cup’s second round

booked LYME Regis Football Club Reserves Dorset Ina place in the second round of the have termediate Cup, a trophy the Seasiders past, in the won no fewer than nine times Sports 3-2 when they beat Merley Cobham after extra time at the Davey Fort. REPORT, PAGE 24

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What’s on...

DON’T MISS A THING IN AND AROUND LYME REGIS THIS SUMMER!

JULY 9th Uplyme Summer Flower & Produce Fair Uplyme & Lyme Regis Horticultural Society host their annual summer event at the King George V playing field in Uplyme, from 1pm to 5pm. JULY 10th Coast to Coast Motorcycle Run Veteran, vintage and post war classic motorcycles will be on show on Marine Parade ahead of this annual charity run to Minehead, setting off at 10am. JULY 9th The Importance of Being Earnest Slapstick Picnic present this hilarious adaptation of the Oscar Wilde classic, performed by just two actors over tea and cucumber snadwiches on Theatre Square. JULY 16th Lyme Day of Morris Lyme Morris welcome dancing sides from across the region to join them for a day of entertainment on Lyme Regis seafront. Lyme Regis Sausage & Cider Festival Lyme Regis Football Club hosts its fifth

Sausage & Cider Festival at the Davey Fort ground in Charmouth Road from 2pm to 11pm - live music, food, drink and festivities! JULY 20th Somers Day Parade Lyme Regis celebrates its twinning links with St George’s in Bermuda with the annual Somers Day parade through Langmoor Gardens and on to the Cobb, 11am. JULY 22nd - JULY 23rd Lyme Regis Big Beer Festival Lyme Regis Brewery teams up with the Marine Theatre for this two-day event, offering more than 20 beers and live music. JULY 23rd - JULY 30TH Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week An exciting week of thrilling events, competitions and emergency services displays to raise funds for the RNLI.

nearby Davey Fort football ground in Charmouth Road. AUGUST 4th Much Ado About Nothing An outdoor performance on the Shakespeare play, filled with colourful characters, audience interaction and live music on Theatre Square. Grand Firework Display A firework display off the Cobb in Lyme Regis, with proceeds from collections to be split between Lifeboat Week and Regatta & Carnival Week.

AUGUST 28th Candles on the Cobb Lyme’s most spectacular and unique events returns for 2022 with thousands of tealight candles in memory of loved ones set to light up the historic Cobb harbour. SEPTEMBER 2nd SEPTEMBER 4th Lyme Folk Weekend A weekend of live music with headline gigs at the Marine Theatre and free performances on the seafront.

AUGUST 6th - AUGUST 13th Lyme Regis Regatta & Carnival Week A week of seaside family fun and games and regatta competitions, raising funds for local good causes.

SEPTEMBER 3rd HIX Oyster Celebration Chef Mark Hix hosts a celebration of the Great British Oyster with a day of delicious food, talks and music at The Oyster & Fish House in Lister Gardens.

AUGUST 12th Alice in Wonderland An outdoor production of Lewis Carroll’s favourite children’s tale – follow Alice as she heads down the rabbit hole on Theatre Square.

SEPTEMBER 4th Lyme Splash Swimming Challenge An open swimming challenge from Lyme Regis to Charmouth, starting on Lyme’s main sandy beach at 10.15am.

ADVANCE DATES: NOVEMBER 5th Bonfire & Firework Night Lyme Regis celebrates Guy Fawkes Night on the beach NOVEMBER 13th Remembrance Sunday Parade & Church Service through the town centre to St Michael’s Parish Church DECEMBER 25th Charmouth Christmas Day Swim Take the plunge in fancy dress to raise funds for the RNLI JULY 23rd The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny An enchanting outdoor adaptation of two of Beatrix Potter’s best-loved tales, hosted by the Marine Theatre at the

JANUARY 1st 2023 The Lyme Lunge Another chance to dip in the sea, in aid of Rotary charities Look out for the next issue of the Lyme Life Magazine in local outlets in September for full details on all the upcoming autumn/winter events and festivals in the Lyme Regis area

Look out for weekly live music and DJs at Lyme Regis pubs, a varied programme at the Marine Theatre and regular events at the Town Mill and Lyme Regis Museum! 30