LymeOnline Digital Edition - April 16 2021

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Lyme honours Prince Philip LOCAL leaders including West Dorset MP Chris Loder and the Mayor of Lyme Regis have paid tribute to Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, following his death on Friday, April 9.

Town crier Alan Vian made a special cry in honour of the Duke outside the Guildhall on Saturday, and a civic party is expected to gather this weekend for a proclamation and silence for Prince Philip’s funeral.

REPORT, PAGE 2

Council hands out grants of £9,200

But so is the dredging WITH lockdown restrictions further easing this week, allowing for self-contained holiday accommodation and outdoor hospitality areas to open, Lyme Regis has already seen a busy start to the summer season. But some complaints have been made that the annual harbour dredging and beach re-profiling works carried out by Dorset Council have once again clashed with the Easter holidays, seeing section of the beach closed and black water from the harbour pumped across the sand.

SEE PAGE 3

Brian to get another year

AND KELSEY ELLIS TO BECOME YOUNGEST EVER DEPUTY MAYOR

LYME Regis town mayor, Cllr Brian Larcombe MBE, will serve a third term as First Citizen.

The appointment should have taken place at Wednesday night’s full council meeting, but this was postponed due to national mourning for the Duke of Edinburgh. Cllr Larcombe was

FRANCESCA EVANS

francesca@lyme-online.co.uk

the only nomination.

The mayoralty is usually offered for a twoyear period, but the incumbent is able to stand for a third year if there are no other nominations.

Cllr Larcombe has had a particularly difficult term of office, having to deal with the coronavirus pandemic which placed severe pressure on council finances.

However, due to a busy 2020 summer, the council has recovered to a position where it CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

LYME Regis Town Council has handed out more than £9,200 in annual grants to community organisations.

Local organisations were invited to apply for small grants of up to £1,000 in this latest round of grants, with 16 requesting a total of £13,233.99. Ten local organisations were successful.

REPORT, PAGE 11

Lyme knocked out of Dorset Senior Trophy

LYME Regis Football Club’s first team were knocked out of the Dorset Senior Trophy on Saturday, having been defeated 3-2 by Poole Borough in extra time. Football has returned to the Davey Fort over the past fortnight catch up on our sports page.

SEE PAGE 18

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Published by Lyme Regis Media Limited Hyper-local website and fortnightly newspaper serving the communities of Lyme Regis, Uplyme & Charmouth.

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Lyme pays tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh LOCAL leaders including West Dorset MP Chris Loder and the Mayor of Lyme Regis have paid tribute to Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, following his death on Friday, April 9.

Prince Philip – the Queen’s husband of 73 years and longest-serving consort in history – died at Windsor Castle aged 99.

West Dorset MP Chris Loder said: “It is with the deepest sorrow that we learn of Prince Philip’s passing.

“I have today written to Her Majesty the Queen on behalf of all of us here in West Dorset, to send her and the Royal Family our deepest sympathies on the passing of her husband, Prince Philip.

“I am so desperately sorry for the Queen in her loss and hope that she will be sustained at this time with the love and affection of so many here in Dorset.

“God save the Queen.”

Mr Loder was also among MPs to pay tribute to the Duke in the House of Commons on Monday evening.

Flags in Lyme Regis were lowered to half mast, including on the Cobb and outside the Guildhall, where town crier Alan Vian gave a special cry in honour of Prince Philip on Saturday.

A silence was also held before a match at Lyme Regis Football Club and council meetings this week were postponed in line with national mourning.

A civic party including the mayor and representatives of the Royal British Legion will gather at the Guildhall again tomorrow (Saturday) for a proclamation and silence to mark the Duke’s funeral.

The Mayor of Lyme Regis, Cllr Brian Larcombe MBE, said: “It is with great sadness that we hear today of the passing of the Duke of Edinburgh and we offer our deepest condolences to her Majesty at the loss of her husband and life-long consort to the Queen and country.

“His presence at the Queen’s side has been the image of a generation and he inspired so many people of all ages within the UK and around the world in public service activities and charitable

Photo by Richard Austin endeavours. He will be sadly missed.”

A statement from Uplyme Parish Council said: “The chairman and members of Uplyme Parish Council wish to express their sincere condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and members of the Royal Family following the death of Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh.

“We remember him above all for his support of Her Majesty but also for his Service in the Royal Navy and his multiplicity of enthusiasms, particularly in founding the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme and his Presidency of the World Wildlife Fund.”

Charmouth Parish Council said: “Charmouth Parish Council is very saddened to hear the announcement that Prince Philip has died at the age of 99. The Duke of Edinburgh passed away at Windsor Castle on Friday, April 9.

“Unfortunately, because of COVID restrictions the council cannot open a book of condolence.

Flowers may be left at the front of The Elms.”

THE town crier of Lyme Regis, Alan Vian, makes a cry in honour of the Duke of Edinburgh (pictured above) outside the Guildhall

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Annual harbour dredging work causes disruption as town reopens to visitors FRANCESCA EVANS

francesca@lyme-online.co.uk

THE annual dredging and beach re-profiling works got underway this week in Lyme Regis, but there has been some complaints that the disruption has coincided with the Easter holidays and reopening of outdoor hospitality.

The town has been busy this week with children off school and families keen to make the most of eased lockdown restrictions, which have allowed self-contained holiday accommodation and outdoor hospitality areas to reopen.

But a section of the beach has been cordoned off to allow for the harbour to be dredged, with black water currently being pumped across the sand. Mounds of sand have also been piled directly next to the outdoor dining areas of some seafront restaurants.

Complaints were expected to be raised with Dorset councillor Daryl Turner at this week’s virtual meeting of Lyme Regis Town Council, but the meeting was postponed due to the national mourning period for the Duke of Edinburgh (see page 2).

Dorset Council has said that the work is likely to take 10 days, subject to weather, and residents and visitors should keep away from the discharge pipe that is depositing sand on the beach.

The council said this work is essential for maintaining the day-to-day running of the harbour, and ensures the beaches are fully replenished for residents and visitors to enjoy in the warmer months.

In previous years, concerns have been raised about the black-coloured water pumped across the sand.

Dorset Council has previously explained that this will not affect the water quality, adding: “The material being deposited on the beach is predominantly sand with a small amount of organic matter.

“Material that has not been exposed to the air for a period of time can be dark in colour but once it has been washed or moved around by wave action it becomes lighter in colour.”

AN area of the main sandy beach in Lyme Regis is currently cordoned off for harbour dredging works. Below left, a view across the beach showing water being pumped from the harbour across the sand and, below right, huge mounds of sand have been piled up, some next to outdoor dining areas

COVID-19: The latest on local coronavirus figures

Dorset case numbers more than halve in a week CORONAVIRUS case numbers more than halved in the Dorset Council area last week, but there was a slight increase in the Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council area.

Public Health Dorset reported that there were 47 confirmed cases in the Dorset Council area as of April 9, compared to 108 on April 1, and 85 in the BCP area, compared to 68 on April 1.

The seven-day case rate per 100,000 of the population in the Dorset Council area was 12.4 on April 9, compared to 28.5 the previous week, and 21.5 in the BCP Council area, compared to 17.2 on April 1.

There were seven COVID-19 patients in hos-

pital beds in Dorset, compared to four on April 1.

Up to April 4, 515,078 doses had been administered to people in Dorset.

A spokesman for Public Health Dorset said: “The Dorset Council case rate has fallen this week, whilst the case rate for the BCP Council area has risen slightly.

“We expect to see small fluctuations weekon-week whilst we have relatively low transmission. The number of COVID-related hospitalisations and deaths also remains low.

“As of April 9 anyone in England who does not have symptoms can get regular rapid lateral flow tests to check for coronavirus.

“By testing more people, we can identify and isolate more asymptomatic cases, meaning the virus has fewer chances to spread.

“The government has announced that as of Monday, April 12, England moved to stage 2 of the roadmap for easing restrictions.

“This means more businesses can reopen, including non-essential retail, gyms, hairdressers, outdoor attractions and outdoor hospitality.

“You should continue to minimise the amount that you travel where possible, and stick to the rule of six or two households when meeting others outdoors.”

Current COVID case numbers in the local

area remain very low, with fewer than three cases recorded across Lyme Regis, Charmouth and the Marshwood Vale in the seven-day period up until April 9.

In small areas where there are fewer three cases, full data is not given as to protect the identity of individuals.

There were also fewer than three cases in every surrounding area, including Uplyme, Kilmington & Colyton; Axminster; Seaton; Burton Bradstock & Chideock; Bridport North; and Bridport South & West Bay. You can find out more details on COVID case numbers in your local area at https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk

4 Friday, April 16 2021

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Mayor to be offered third term in office CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE still has about £800,000 in reserves.

Cllr Larcombe (pictured) also missed out last year on holding civic occasions such as the traditional mayor making ceremony and annual civic night.

There were two nominations for the position of deputy mayor - Cllr John Broom and Cllr Kelsey Ellis.

Cllr Broom withdrew leaving Cllr Ellis to become the youngest ever deputy mayor at the age of 20.

Both nominations will be confirmed at the postponed meeting on Thursday, April 22.

Lyme Regis heading to the polls

THERE is set to be a four-way race for a vacancy on Lyme Regis Town Council, with a byelection to go ahead on May 6.

Four candidates have put themselves forward for election to the town council.

They are Caroline Aldridge of Lyme Regis for the Liberal Democrats; Vicki Elcoate of Lyme Regis for the Green Party; Independent candidate Christopher Service, of Axminster; and Tara Webb of Lyme Regis, who lists no political af-

filiation.

The vacancy on Lyme Regis Town Council arose after Leon Howe was automatically removed as a councillor having not attended a meeting for six months.

The by-election will bring the council back up to its full membership of 14.

The election will be held on May 6, coinciding with the Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner elections.

LymeOnline intends to run an election preview with full details of all candidates on April 30.

Catholic church receives a further £5,500 in grants to complete restoration project

THE St Michael & St George Roman Catholic Church in Lyme Regis has received a further £5,500 in grants to help with its ongoing restoration project.

A grant of £4,500 was received from the Allchurches Trust and Lyme Regis Town Council has contributed a further £1,000, which will go towards the overall cost of repairs to the plasterwork, damp proof treatment and redecoration to the interior of this heritage building, which dates back to 1835.

The parish priest, Father Anthony Cockram, expressed his thanks to the trust, the town council and others who have contributed to the cost of the works

“Their support is much appreciated and has enabled us to proceed with these essential works which should be completed by the end of May. “These works are in addition to the restoration of the exterior of the church, which is due for completion around the same time.

“By June, subject to COVID regulations, we hope to be able to open this historic and beautiful church to the public restored to its former glory.”

The £250,000 exterior works, carried out by Daedalus Conservation, have been underway since January, despite some inclement weather, and the colour

wash paint is now being applied to the rendering.

Considerable repairs have been carried out to the stonework on the roof some of which was found to be in extremely dangerous condition and liable to fall at any time.

Andy Crossley is carrying out the interior repair and decorative works and rewiring of the old electrical circuits is being undertaken by Vince Rattenbury – both local tradesmen.

A full update and information about the restoration works are available on the parish website www.thecatholictpn.org

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Marine Theatre receives £100k government grant THE Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis was among more than 2,700 recipients to benefit from the latest round of grants from the government’s £1.57billion Culture Recovery Fund.

More than £300million has been awarded to thousands of cultural organisations across the country in the latest round of support from the Culture Recovery Fund, the Culture Secretary announced on April 2.

The Marine Theatre, which has remained largely closed since March 2020, received £104,296, having previously benefited from £50,000 in the first round of funding last year.

The second round of awards will help the Marine to look ahead and fund reopening and recovery.

After months of closures and cancellations, this funding will help in the transition back to normal, as COVID safety means increased costs and work for arts venues after a year without normal income.

Director of the Marine Theatre, Gabby Rabbitts, said: “This is very good news for Lyme Regis residents who like to have fun. We can’t wait to open the doors and welcome back the community.

“Over the last few years, we’ve expanded our events so there is something for everyone.

“The government’s fund is only awarded to viable organisations, so this grant is a recognition of that successful turnaround.

“The pandemic has been a punishing time for the Marine, and I thank our volunteers and staff. We’ve tried hard to raise money and make difficult savings.”

The arts venue’s plans include outside events in the spring, such as a concert from Ivor Novello singer Scott Matthews and a family theatre show called ‘Oh Mary’.

Inside events such as a visit from big-name comedian Ed Byrne are scheduled for later in the year.

These big names run alongside community events such as a technical training course to help young people into arts work, a new community play, and a beer festival with local musicians as entertainment.

Over the last few years the Marine Theatre has successfully rebranded and welcomed names such as Ian McKellen and Bill Bailey, while expanding community events such as an anniversary play, children’s discos and its free Sunday Sessions.

You can find more details on upcoming events at the Marine Theatre at www.marinetheatre.com ■ FIVE South West cinemas owned by WTWScott Cinemas – the same company that owns Lyme Regis’ fire stricken Regent Cinema – have each received £46,135 in government funding.

The WTW-Scott Cinemas in Sidmouth, Exmouth, Newton Abbot, Bridgewater and Bristol were among 10 independent cinemas to receive a total of £469,954 as part of the latest round of the government’s Culture Recovery Fund.

Meanwhile, the Regent Cinema in Lyme Regis recently passed its fifth anniversary of standing empty and dilapidated after it was gutted by a fire in March 2016.

No official statement on the progress of the

NEWS FROM CITIZENS ADVICE NEW research by Citizens Advice shows the charity is now helping one person every minute with problems relating to renting from a private landlord.

In the first two months of this year, the charity saw a 40 per cent increase in people seeking one-to-one advice on issues relating to the private rented sector compared to the same period in 2020.

A year ago, on March 26 2020, the government announced a ban on most eviction proceedings. That ban was extended several times and is in place until May 31 2021. However, its conditions have been altered so that tenants with more than six months’ rent outstanding can now be served with an eviction notice. This includes people who have built up arrears during the pandemic.

Polling by Citizens Advice, through its national Tenants’ Voice panel, shows private renters are still concerned by the threat of eviction despite the ban. A third said they had been worried about the issue in the last three months.

Figures from the charity's website show that, in the first two months of this year, 69,000 people viewed its online advice pages containing help with problems related to private tenancies.

Citizens Advice also helped 16,530 people with one-to-one advice on these issues in the same two-month period - that’s one every minute during office hours.

This includes: 29 per cent who had problems with repairs or maintenance; nine per cent who were worried about possession action not related to rent arrears; five per cent who reported harassment by their landlord; and four per cent who wanted help with a possible illegal eviction.

The Tenants’ Voice panel also found that two thirds of those surveyed had experienced problems with maintenance or disrepair in the last three months.

‘New Year Same Arrears’, a Citizens Advice report released in January 2021, showed that half a million private renters in the UK are behind on their rent. The average amount owed is more than £700.00, with an estimated £360

million owed across the UK. More than half (58 per cent) of those now behind on rent had no rent arrears in February 2020.

Citizens Advice says the forthcoming Renters’ Reform Bill is an opportunity to lay the foundations of a fairer private rented sector. The charity wants: • An end to Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions - as promised by the government in 2019.

• Indefinite tenancies used as standard, to give renters more certainty and flexibility, and reduce their exposure to annual rent increases.

•A new National Housing Body and register to set consistent standards, give tenants greater protection, and help responsible landlords.

Alistair Cromwell, Acting Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said: “The government’s eviction ban helped private tenants feel more secure during the pandemic. But it’s been a case of papering over the cracks.

“Our research paints a disturbing picture of a private rental market in which tenants pay high rents on badly maintained properties, while living in constant fear that any complaint could result in summary eviction.

“The Renters’ Reform Bill is an opportunity to lay better foundations for a more equitable private rental market which provides better quality housing and helps tenants feel more settled in their homes.”

For people already struggling with rent before the pandemic, 40 per cent reported their arrears have got worse. Citizens Advice’s research also shows tenants who do complain about disrepair or maintenance issues have a 46 per cent chance of being issued with a section 21 eviction notice within six months of doing so.

During Covid restrictions, Bridport & District Citizens Advice offers comprehensive advice on housing, debt, benefits and other issues.

Telephone Freephone 0800-144-8848 or send an email using the contact form on the website www.bridportca.org.uk or leave a message on 01308-456594.

THE Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis has received £104,296 from the Culture recovery Fund, but Lyme’s other major arts venue - the Regent Cinema (right) - remains untouched following a fire five years ago

cinema rebuild has been released from owners WTWScott Cinemas since August 2019, when it was suggested that the cinema could be rebuilt with two high-quality apartments to offset the costs.

The statement said: “At this stage, we continue to work on designs for a potential rebuild of the cinema in Lyme Regis.

“Given the building’s listed status, the high costs of construction and the relatively low potential turnover of a single screen cinema in the area, any such rebuild has to be both architecturally and financially viable.

“We recently briefed the local authority on a range of design options and our current position, one option of which was a reinstated single-screen cinema with two high-quality apartments at the rear to offset the extremely high build costs.

“We continue to explore this, and other options.”

See Lyme Matters on page 6

6 Friday, April 16 2021

LYME MATTERS with Philip Evans Essential reading for all those with Lyme at heart

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philip@lyme-online.co.uk

Open letter to Scott Cinemas

TIME TO COME CLEAN OVER REGENT’S FUTURE

Dear Scott Cinemas,

touches to that week’s View from Lyme Regis newspaper when someone called and said look out of your window. It was a glorious sunny day and the blinds were down. We gazed across the town to see smoke billowing high into the sky from the IT was good to read last week that your five cinemas in the top of town.

This was definitely a ‘hold the South West had each received front page’ moment. My reporter £46,000 from the govern- daughter , Francesca, and I jumped ment’s Culture Recovery into the car and got as close to the fire as we could as we knew Broad Fund.

I am sure this will be greeted by Street would be closed.

We parked in Hill Road and were the cinema-goers in Sidmouth, Exmouth, Newton Abbott, Bridgewa- told by a PCSO that we could not go ter and Bristol with great down Broad Street.

This was the biggest story we had excitement as it won’t be long before they can see all their favourite for some time so nothing was going to stop us. As we sprinted past the stars on the silver screen again.

Here in Lyme Regis – the far east- ladies’ hairdressers I heard one of ern outpost of your cinematic em- the girls say “Christ, it must be big, pire – your former loyal customers Pip’s running!”

By the time we got to the scene I are not so ecstatic.

In fact, we’re pretty cheesed off – was so out of breath, I couldn’t talk tinged with anger – that as every for five minutes!

By this time a large crowd had day goes by the Regent Cinema falls gathered on the opposite side of ever more into disrepair.

It’s been five years now since our Broad Street, most of them locals beloved Regent was destroyed by and some in tears.

With several fire engines called to fire in the biggest town centre blaze since Haddons was severely dam- the scene, it was clear that Lyme’s finest were doing their best in danaged in the 1970s. he town was distraught to gerous circumstances but there was see that the whole audito- little chance of saving the Regent.

After taking some photographs, I rium razed to the ground, leaving just the Art Deco frontage in left Francesca at the scene and went back to the office to write the story place.

I remember that day well. We as we were very near deadline. We were just putting the finishing had to clear several pages and I set about writing the lead, eulogising over what the Regent meant to locals and how lucky we had been to a have an allyear-round cinema in advantage digital print such a small town.

As a baby-boomer I am of an age when I can remember attending SaturBusiness cards day morning flicks, free Flyers film shows on special ocPosters casions, queuing up the Leaflets side fire escape to gain entrance.

Brochures y other abiding Letterheads memory is the Compliment slips Sunday night Folders films which were always very rowdy, resulting in Greetings cards the owner, Donald ‘Spike’ Postcards Hardy, stopping the film and warning everyone to behave themselves. As he the walked back up the aisle old radio station he was invariable bomwww.advantagedigitalprint.com barded by any bit of rubtel: 01305 75 74 72 bish that came to hand.

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And then there was the chief usherette, Cynthia Hodder, shining a torch on the back double seats, saying: “Behave yourselves or I will tell your mother.” And she did!

And who remembers trying to push your best mate through the door of Boswell the undertakers on the way home via Sherborne Lane?

Nobody could quite believe how badly fire-damaged the Regent was.

The whole back of the premises was completely destroyed.

The Regent was sometimes used by the Woodroffe School as a venue for its annual speech day and prizegiving.

And on one occasion, Uplyme and Lyme Regis Cricket Club staged a snooker exhibition match in the cinema with a full-size table built especially for the occasion, the first few rows of seats being taken out. It was attended by 400 people. fter acquiring the Regent, Scott Cinemas invested heavily in bringing it up to modern standards and, because they had other cinemas in the area, the new films were always shown as soon as they were released rather than having to wait several months.

The Regent was also a huge tourist attraction as it was one of the few places you could get out of the rain for visitors to the town.

After seeing the extreme damage we all thought that would be the end of the Regent. But Scott Cinemas announced they intended to rebuild.

But as the months and years passed, fears that the Regent would become ‘another Three Cups’ and stand empty and decaying for many years looked like becoming a reality.

If you go on the Scott Cinema website you will see the following statement:

A

“At this stage, we continue to work on designs for a potential rebuild of the cinema in Lyme Regis.

“Given the building’s listed status, the high costs of construction and the relatively low potential turnover of a single screen cinema in the area, any such rebuild has to be both architecturally and financially viable.

“We recently briefed the local authority on a range of design options and our current position, one option of which was a reinstated singlescreen cinema with two highquality apartments at the rear to offset the extremely high

THE Regent Cinema in Lyme looking very forlorn after five years since being destroyed by fire. Will it ever rise from the ashes? build costs.

“We continue to explore this, and other options.”

That statement was dated August 2019 when it was suggested that the cinema could be rebuilt with two high-quality apartments to offset the cost.

And whilst many in Lyme don’t want to see more expensive flats in such a prominent position, opposition to such a plan might not be extreme if we get our cinema back.

Any press enquiries about the current situation of the Regent is met with the same reply from Scott Cinema – “see statement on our website”. he longer this goes on, the more sceptical locals are getting. The pandemic, of course, has not helped and rumours abound about insurance difficulties and planning issues over whether it should be one screen or two.

I have it on good authority that Scott Cinemas are making efforts to offload the site. If that is true, it is almost certainly destined for luxury flats.

Some say Lyme Regis Town Council should buy the site. That will never happen, but I understand the council are in regular contact with

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the owners.

The Marine Theatre has filled the gap to a certain extent by showing a few films and with the news that they too have received significant government funding, perhaps they may be able to extend this facility.

The quality of their live streaming at the Marine is very high with but such an extensive programme of various events, it’s never going to be able to operate as a full-time cinema.

So isn’t it time Scott Cinemas came clean to the people of Lyme Regis.

Is there any chance at all that the Regent may rise from the ashes?

What is the exact position with regard to planning?

Are they intending to offload the site for development?

Even if they are not prepared to answer these questions, the least they should do is tidy up the front of the building and the forecourt especially as it is in such a prime position and Lyme is expecting a bumper staycation season.

In the meanwhile, we hope the cinema-goers of Sidmouth, Exmouth, Newton Abbott, Bridgewater and Bristol will soon be enjoying once again a night at the flicks.

I only wish we were among you.

THANK you to those of you who listened into the interview with me on Saturday morning on Lyme Bay Radio’s ‘Bay Lives’ programme. I thoroughly enjoyed telling a few tales about my long career in newspapers. Neil Charleton is a very good presenter, very ‘Woganesque’, and is well worth listening to at 10am every Saturday.

Friday, April 16 2021 7

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Get creative for museum anniversary LYME Regis artist Christine Allison invites creative adults to join her in making 100 innovative matchboxes to display in Lyme Regis Museum to mark the attraction’s 100th birthday.

The idea is to visit Lyme Regis Museum when it reopens in May and choose an object from all the exhibits on display.

Then be creative and make, draw, write, sew, sculpt, paint or collage something tiny to do with the object you have chosen and put it in your matchbox.

The matchboxes will be displayed three quarters open so the contents you make can be seen popping out.

Be fun, be creative, think ‘outside the box’, be innovative, be light hearted, be serious, be thought provoking – what will you do?

The matchboxes will be displayed next to the original exhibit you chose. In addition, participants are asked to write no more than 100 words about why they chose the exhibit and what they made.

You can join Christine in a visit to the museum to choose your object and then make your creative matchbox in one of four workshops to be held at The Hub in Lyme Regis.

The workshops will have 15 small tables placed two metres apart in a big airy space and participants will be asked to wear face masks.

The workshops will be held on Thursdays, May 20, May 27, June 10 and June 17 from 10am to 12.30pm. There are 15 places available in each free workshop.

All matchboxes, labels and art materials will be provided but feel free to bring your own art materials if you wish. Tea and coffee will also be provided.

Email Christine to sign up for a place in one of

MONMOUTH Beach road pictured during the Second World War with the concrete blocks in question circled in white the workshops or to ask more about the project at christine@christineallison.com If you can’t attend one of the workshops but you would still like to take part please email Christine and arrangements will be made for you to pick up a matchbox or receive a matchbox by post for you to do at home.

You can visit the museum independently when it reopens on May 19 or take inspiration from something on the museum website www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk and then return your finished matchbox and words by post or in person.

The deadline for completed entries is June 27.

EXPLORING 100 YEARS AT LYME REGIS MUSEUM VOLUNTEERING AT THE MUSEUM

FOR 100 years, Lyme Regis Museum has protected the heritage of our remarkable town and welcomed visitors.

The contribution of volunteers to the museum’s first 100 years has been immense.

We’re looking for people who want to contribute to our next century.

As we’re all able to start to plan for something approaching normality, your town’s museum is looking forward to welcoming people back to Lyme and contributing to the town’s economy.

If after the last challenging year, you’re keen to get out and meet people, why not think about volunteering in the museum?

The museum can be a lively place and you’ll have the opportunity to meet people from all over the country and when travel is allowed, all over the world.

Our volunteers are the smiling face of the museum, welcoming visitors and explaining the range of activities that the museum offers. Volunteers also help operate our lovely shop.

There’s always a member of staff available to support you, so you’re never alone. You’ll also have the opportunity to contribute to our very popular ‘fossil polishing’ events and help bring Lyme’s ‘Jurassic Past’ to life.

The museum can provide training and we ensure you have a safe, clean environment to work in. You don’t need to be an expert – just to be enthusiastic and willing to learn.

You’ll get a chance to work with other volunteers and though we’re often busy the museum is a vibrant place to volunteer. The museum’s volunteers come from all walks of life, some are from old Lyme families, others are people who have moved to the area.

Our volunteer team vary in age, from retired people, to part-time workers, university students from Britain and France and sixth formers. We know how important having

voluntary work can be on a young person’s CV. There’s also the opportunity to join the Friends of Lyme Regis Museum and we run a regular series of tea and talks in the museum for volunteers, and to attend our splendid Christmas Party. We also have a parking space at the Cobb Gate Car Park for our volunteers to use.

So, if you want to ‘get back out there’, meet people and contribute to the museum and Lyme Regis, why not drop me, David, a line by emailing director@lymeregismuseum.co.uk?

Of course, after May 19 you’ll be able to enquire at the museum itself when we can re-open on from Wednesday to Saturday inclusive. I look forward to hearing from you!

David Tucker Director, Lyme Regis Museum

The history behind ‘dragon’s teeth’

THE “dragons teeth” anti-tank blocks on Monmouth Beach, which recently made local news after being graphitised, were the far western end of a line of blocks that stretched from the beach to the Royal Standard.

They were built during the early threat of German invasion in 1940, using local labour.

Lyme Regis resident and local, history enthusiast, Ken Gollop, said: “The late Cecil Quick once told me that, as a young builder, two men were expected to build two a day.

This involved digging the foundation, putting up the shuttering and mixing the concrete.

Soon after that he was drafted into the army.

“Most of the blocks were demolished after the war, two remain buried under the beach near the remaining ones.

“The present visible blocks had been left in position as they were out of the way and posed no problem. They were only moved when the cliffs slipped threatening the chalets and the new ones built.

“I was in discussion with the past council outdoor works manager with a view to making a feature of them but a change of appointments and COVID could have delayed things.

“We do not have much left locally from WW2 to remind future generations of that period in our history.”

The blocks have now been spray-painted with bright yellow and pink with the street art splitting local opinion.

WE’RE LOOKING TO RECRUIT VOLUNTEERS! To find out how you can support our town’s wonderful museum, please email director@lymeregismuseum.co.uk Lyme Regis Museum ‐ Where Mary Anning Lived

8 Friday, April 16 2021

villagenews

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Scouts delighted to return to face-to-face activities IT was a busy weekend for the Scouts from 1st Lym Valley Scout Group, based in Uplyme, as they learnt new skills and refined their leadership abilities.

The group made the most of the relaxation of the lockdown restrictions, which now allow for organised youth groups to meet outdoors safely.

Twenty Scouts attended the two-day event at their headquarters in Rhode Lane last weekend, with lots of help from parents and leaders, marking the start of the full return to the face-to-face Scouting.

On Saturday, the older Scouts spent the day building up confidence and working on their leadership skills. They learned about motivating and working with others, how to teach others new skills, and about achieving the top awards.

On Sunday, the whole troop was at the hut, taking advantage of the good weather with activities ranging from making hot chocolate using a Trangia stove, to axe work, to grass sledging.

When asked which activities

they enjoyed the most one of the Scouts replied: “Making hot chocolate; the Trangias are great fun to use and it’s useful to know how to use one for when we go on expeditions – it helps I like whipped cream and marshmallows as well!”

Another Scout added: “I think my favourite activity was definitely using the grass sledges, it’s great to be able to just whizz down the hill on a sledge in the middle of April.”

Scout leader Karen Yelland said: “I think the smiling says it all. We’ve had a great weekend catching up with all our Scouts, getting them to do activities they wanted to do.

“It’s important as ever, that young people learn the skills for life that really do make a difference later on – a massive thank you to our adult volunteers who help make weekends like this possible.”

Whilst the troop has yet to plan their summer term, they are hoping that as restrictions ease, they can make the term the most action-packed yet.

‘Overwhelming support’ for eco-flower barn SINCE purchasing a one-acre paddock in Wootton Fitzpaine, near Lyme Regis, in 2012, Zanna and Jonny Hoskins have transformed it into a paradise of flowers and wildlife using permaculture.

Now that business at Spindle Flowers is blooming, the couple have almost reached a £40,000 fundraising target to build an environmentally-friendly flower barn, so that more people can enjoy their garden.

The proposed environmentally-friendly flower barn which will open Spindle Flowers up to more people The flower barn will provide cool storage for cut flowers and foliage, thanks to the ecofriendly construction made of a timber frame with hemp and lime walls. This will increase production as well as enable courses to be held for small groups on eco-floristry and foliage growing.

The building will include an office, washing facilities and somewhere to make refreshments, bringing real benefit to everyone who works at the site, especially volunteers at Spindle Flowers, some of whom are elderly.

The barn will also allow Spindle Flowers, formerly known as Champernhayes Flowers and Foliage, to operate more easily throughout the year, supplying flowers and foliage to top florists as well as local floristry and wholesale.

Spindle focuses on cut stems with variety, scent, shape, texture and freshness – the kind of stems you won’t find in a supermarket.

The Hoskins family lived on site with three children in caravans for two years, using off-grid technology for water, electric and a toilet, while they built up Spindle Flowers, which required long hours with early and late shifts for cutting.

Planning permission for a residential dwelling

on site was refused, so the family moved to nearby Lyme Regis and instead were granted permission for the newly-designed barn.

Their £40,000 crowdfunding appeal to make the project a reality closed today (Friday), and at the time of going to press they were just £500 off reaching the target. The fundraiser can be found at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/flower-barn Zanna’s floristry is popular with those wishing to create an event or something special for a loved one, especially if they share her principles of sustainability; more and more people are buying British flowers as awareness grows about the environmental damage of imported flowers.

Zanna (pictured) has developed her own style and you may have seen her installations and arrangements in the area. She has been renting a unit for the past few years at St Michael’s Estate in Bridport, opposite the Red Brick Café, and her opulent wreaths were particularly popular in the run-up to Christmas.

As well as attracting attention as a florist, Zanna has become a sought-after grower.

Flower farmers, florists and hobbyists come to her for advice, and she runs courses as well as offering consultancy.

Her flowers and foliage have been enjoyed far and wide, including in Salisbury Cathedral, Buckingham Palace and fashion shoots for major brands.

Zanna is an active member of Flowers from the Farm, a multi-award-winning, not-for-profit, co-operative of British cut flower growers founded in 2011. This includes her position on the Diversity Panel, which has successfully campaigned for more inclusive entry routes into flower farming, attracting more diversity through its Diversity Scholarship.

Jonny is a performer and a university teacher, as well as a keen gardener and environmentalist.

Commenting on the support shown for Spindle Flower, he said: “Thank you, everyone. It has been a dream to work sympathetically with the land in this way and to see it develop over the years.

“The biodiversity is incredible, and the surroundings feed your soul. This building will be amazing, and if we can raise the full £40,000 we will be able to offer courses later on this year.

“It is wonderful how much people enjoy our place and Zanna’s work. I am really proud of what we have achieved.”

Zanna added: “We have been totally blown away by the response. People clearly believe in

what we are doing and they are getting right behind it.

“We are incredibly grateful for all our supporters, and having a building will make an enormous difference to everyone involved.

“We want people to take an interest and to get on board with the British flowers movement, and it is so nice to be able to generate work for people locally as well as to bring them beauty and nature.

“Please take a look at our campaign page, whether or not you choose to pledge. There are rewards and a chance to win a place on one of my courses, as well as lots of information about our project.”

You can find out more about Spindle Flowers at https://spindleflowers.co.uk/

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Friday, April 16 2021 9

10 Friday, April 16 2021

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Virtual bonnet parade brightens up Easter

LYME Regis hosted its second virtual Easter Bonnet Parade on Sunday, April 4.

The parade, now organised by the Regatta & Carnival Committee, is one of the most popular family events of the year, usually attracting large crowds to Broad Street and many visitors returning to the town especially to take part.

But the coronavirus pandemic has meant the event has had to be held virtually for the past two years.

Entrants created Easter bonnets at home and sent in photos which were put together in a ‘virtual parade’ video, with winners selected in each age category.

You can watch the full video on the LymeOnline website www.lyme-online.co.uk

Friday, April 16 2021 11

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Town council grants more than £9,200 to local organisations LYME Regis Town Council has handed out more than £9,200 in annual grants to community organisations.

Local organisations were invited to apply for small grants of up to £1,000 in this latest round of grants, with 16 requesting a total of £13,233.99.

This came in at less than the council budget for community grants, which stands at £15,000.

However, the Mayor of Lyme Regis, Cllr Brian Larcombe MBE, emphasised that it was important for members to award grants on the merits of each application, and not just give all the money requested because they had the budget.

Councillors considered each application individually in alphabetical order.

Grants were awarded as follows: ● Axminster & Lyme Regis Cancer Support – £1,000 to provide creative workshops in art, creative writing, card-making and floristry to anyone who is, or has been, affected by cancer, including relatives and carers. ● Dorset Youth Association – £300 for delivery of support services for youth clubs and groups, including The Hub. ● Jazz Jurassica – £450 towards cost of performers, sound technicians and hire of equipment for the community strand of the festival. ● Lyme Regis Community Support – £1,000 to improve social inclusion by providing laptops/tablets to elderly residents who have no access to internet services.

FRANCESCA EVANS

francesca@lyme-online.co.uk ● Lyme Regis Development Trust Community Workshop – £999 for safe and secure storage for the workshop and an external wood store for wood and projects under construction. ● Lyme Regis Gig Club – £985 to equip one of the club’s Cornish pilot gigs with a set of sails, along with spars and fittings. ● Lyme Regis Majorettes – £1,000 to upgrade the troupe’s music system.

Lyme Regis Pantomime Society – £999 to purchase a running cloth for the February 2022 production of ‘Peter Pan’. ● The Parish of The Most Holy Trinity (St Michael & St. George Roman Catholic Church) – £1,000 for interior redecoration of the church, including cracking to the plasterwork, damp penetration, repairs to the balcony, repairs to stained glass windows and redecoration. ● Turn Lyme Green / Plastic Free Lyme Regis – £500 for raising the profile and increasing knowledge of environmental matters that directly affect residents and visitors. ● Uplyme & Lyme Regis Cricket Club – £1,000 for purchase of an electronic scoreboard.

The grant applications refused were as follows: ● A £5,000 request from Hope Farm Garden to establish the basic infrastructure for a community garden and

nursery, as councillors were concerned the project was based near Bridport and was not local to Lyme Regis. ● A £1,000 request from Landance, a contemporary dance project coming to Lyme Regis in September 2021, including free workshops, paid assistant and associate roles for local young artists and free public performances.

Councillors said the application did not make it clear enough how the money would be spent and how local young people would be involved. ● A £500 request from Lyme Morris towards the cost of the Lyme Day of Morris, including hire of practice venue, shelters hire, advertising, administration, expenses, equipment and training. The application said money raised at this event would then be donated to other local organisations, which goes against the council’s grant policy. ● A £1,000 request from Lyme Regis Boat Building Academy towards the conversion of first floor accommodation into a classroom/workshop space and extension of the mezzanine over the ground floor to enable a full cohort of students, as councillors felt this project did not engage enough with the local community. ● A £1,000 request from Lyme Arts Development Company to continue the sculpture trail in Langmoor and Lister Gardens, as the council had just given a £2,500 grant to the same organisation from its Tourism, Community & Publicity Committee budget.

Walk for Autism raises £1,042 LYME Regis resident Annette Denning would like to thank everyone who supported her Walk for Autism during March. In honour of her son Joshua, Annette set herself the challenge of walking 10,000 steps a day during March and surpassed her overall target, reaching a total of 117,852 steps. She has raised £1,042 for the Autism Initiatives Group and can still be sponsored online at www.walkforautism.co.uk/fun draisers/annettedenning/walk -for-autism

ANETTE Denning walking with her two sons Joshua and Jacob

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM CONTINUING our series commemorating the anniversaries of the deaths of all Lyme Regis those who gave their lives in the Second World War, this week we remember Harry Douglas Copp. With thanks to Vernon Rattenbury of the Royal British Legion for the research.

HARRY DOUGLAS COPP Petty Officer, HMS Diamond, Royal Navy Service No. D/MX 48381 Born 1902 and died April 27

1942 on HMS Diamond Harry Copp was killed when HMS Diamond was sunk by German aircraft whilst evacuating Allied troops from Greece.

Prior to this operation, HMS Diamond had been escorting convoys to and from Malta.

The son of James and Martha Copp, of Uplyme, he is commemorated on the Uplyme war memorial and also on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, panel 55, column 2.

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12 Friday, April 16 2021

■ EVERY adult in Devon is now being encouraged to take a rapid, lateral flow test for coronavirus twice a week, and they can do so in a variety of ways, including through a mobile testing unit in Axminster.

The mobile testing unit will be open on Wednesdays and Sundays at West Street car park. Testing will also be available at workplaces, pharmacies or via home delivery.

The tests are fast and convenient, and results are usually available within the hour.

Rapid lateral flow tests are for people who show no symptoms of coronavirus – the new and continuous cough, high temperature, or change to their usual sense of taste or smell.

For more details visit the website devon.cc/testing ■ AXMINSTER Town Council has expressed its deepest condolences to Her Majesty the Queen on the death of His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.

A statement from the council said: “We wish Her Majesty and her family peace and comfort as they mourn his sad loss.”

Due to the continuing COVID restrictions, books of condolence are only available online at www.royal.uk website The Union Jack is being flown at half mast outside the Guildhall and the main events noticeboard on The Minster Green says: "Axminster shares the Nation's Grief at this time of bereavement."

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Flamingo Pool to reopen on Monday

KEEN swimmers will be pleased to hear that the Flamingo Pool in Axminster is set to reopen on Monday, April 19.

The charity-run pool has been hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic; having initially closed its doors in March 2020, it only managed to reopen for nine weeks in late summer last year and has remained close since then.

The closure has had a "radical effect" on the pool's finances, as recently reported at the annual general meeting of Axe Valley Swimming Association, which runs the facility.

But now the pool is looking forward to welcoming back swimmers, although with strict COVID guidelines and limited opening hours in place.

The pool will be open from 7am to 11am and 4pm to close (depending on activities) Monday to Friday, 9am to 2pm on Saturdays, and 9am to 2pm for the main pool and 9am to 5pm for the hydrotherapy pool on Sundays.

This restricted timetable has been set to negate against expected financial losses and is expected to be in place until the week commencing May 17 when restrictions are set to be further eased under the government's roadmap out of lockdown.

A statement from the Flamingo Pool said: "There are many government and Swim England rules and regulations in place meaning we cannot just reopen the doors.

"Restrictions include swimmers can only swim individually or as one single household and no over 18 group activities can run at the current time.

"Along with quieter hours seen from the last open period in August 2020 in between lockdowns, this has led us to the decision above with

A national network of h hyperlocal news websites, now covering the Ax Axminster & Seatton areas With editorial content provided by the team from Ly Lym meOnline

Visit our new websites at

axminsterr..nub.news and seaton.nub.news And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook & T Tw witter to keep up to date with all the latest local news

regards to nourishing the sustainability of the Flamingo Pool moving forward not only this year but in years to come.

"We want to be open to serve you, our loyal supporters amongst the local community at the earliest opportunity possible, but have to counteract further expected losses and be safe where possible."

Swimming lessons will start again the week commencing April 19; those taking lessons should wait for the pool to contact you to arrange a suitable time.

You can still support the Flamingo Pool and its

reopening plans by donating online at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/flamingo-covidsupport To celebrate the much-awaited reopening of the Flamingo Pool, the Community Waffle House in Axminster has added a special flamingo-theme waffle to its takeaway menu.

This week only, from Thursday to Saturday, 'The Flamingo One' will be available to takeaway with the delicious waffle topped with homemade raspberry curd, kiwi, strawberries, strawberry ice cream and white chocolate sauce with a flamingo on top.

Axminster is back in business as mayor launches new town map AXMINSTER shops open their doors for business today after the easing of lockdown with dozen of messages on social media welcoming them back and wishing them well.

The new chair of Axminster Chamber of Commerce, Cindy Furse, posted on Facebook: “We would like to wish all of those traders across the town and parishes that are re-opening today. The very best of luck – you have been hugely missed!"

In her acceptance speech after being elected chairman to replace long-serving Shane Morgan, Mrs Furse said the chamber had to adopt a more pro-active approach to repre- THE Mayor of Axminster, Cllr Jill Farrow, officially launches the new Axminsenting their members after ster town map COVID-19.

The map, which will be made available to visAxminster district councillor Sarah Jackson itors, has been made possible through support also sent a message to the trading community, saying: “Huge shout out to everyone reopening from the East Devon AONB Sustainable Develtheir doors today and going back to trading, or opment Fund, delivered locally on behalf of anyone returning to work. Good luck. I hope all DEFRA (the Department for Environment & goes smoothly and you have a great first-day Rural Affairs).

The Trinity Square display has taken over an back.”

County councillor Ian Hall also posted a mes- old display case that had been much in need of sage wishing all the traders the best “for today renovation, with kind permission of Boots.

The new one was handmade by Ian Styles, and every day”.

Totally Locally Axminster, the organisation managing director of Axminster Property, as his which promotes independent traders, has done gift to the initiative.

The idea for the map came from Naomi Eden, its outmost to publicise the opening day posting a ‘shop locally' video in which a number of owner of the Collate Interiors homewares shop, and has been guided by a small team of Totally shopkeepers have taken part.

The video, made with Ric Edgell from Ric's Locally Axminster volunteers.

Cllr Farrow described the map as “wonderful” Kitchen, shows shopkeepers making final preparations for reopening and sharing a 'shop and thanked Mr Styles for making the display panel. local' message.

She said they looked forward to Axminster reThis morning (Monday), the Mayor of Axminster, Cllr Jill Farrow, unveiled the new Axminster turning as a vibrant centre for shoppers and visitors as lockdown was being eased.

Map, commissioned by Totally Locally.

Friday, April 16 2021 13

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Adventurer Bear Grylls spotted filming at Lyme Regis harbour ADVENTURER and TV personality Bear Grylls OBE was spotted in Lyme Regis last week.

The presenter, known for his wilderness survival television series, was being filmed in a speed boat in Lyme Regis harbour.

It was reported he was filming for a YouTube video, in which he was planning to race to Exmouth in a speedboat against a motorcyclist on road.

Grylls has become known worldwide as one

of the most recognised faces of survival and outdoor adventure.

Trained from a young age in martial arts, he went on to spend three years as a soldier in the British Special Forces, as part of 21 SAS Regiment. It was here that he perfected many of the survival skills that his fans all over the world enjoy, as he pits himself against the worst of Mother Nature.

Photos by Richard Austin

THIS JUST IN...

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Untangling ocean plastic 14 Friday, April 2 2021

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HOW DO WE STOP PLASTIC RULING THE WAVES?

W

E have all watched the distressing scenes on television where albatrosses regurgitate plastic debris to feed their young chicks and dead dolphins are found entangled in plastic fishing gear.

Overall, 386 marine species are known to have ingested plastic debris and by 2050 it is estimated that plastics will outweigh the fish in the ocean. From today’s perspective, it is ironic that the first plastics were developed to improve the natural environment!

In the 19th century, ivory was extensively used in many items like piano keys, hair combs and trinket boxes.

Billiards was a fast-growing activity in both the US and Europe, leading to a huge additional demand for ivory and the mass slaughter of wild elephants – especially in Sri Lanka.

The search for an alternative material to ivory started in 1862 when the Birmingham metallurgist Alexander Parkes created ‘Parkesine’ made from cellulose and nitric acid. This won a bronze medal at the International Exhibition in London and, although commercial production was unsuccessful, was the starting point of the plastics age.

Meanwhile, with dwindling numbers of elephants and the price of ivory rocketing, an American billiard ball company called Phelan and Collender took out a newspaper advert offering $10,000 to anyone who could find a substitute material.

A New York printer called John Wesley Hyatt began experimenting and after buying Parkes’ patent in 1869 came up with the first commercial man-made polymer, which we know now as ‘Celluloid’.

Although it was not a particularly good material for billiard balls and did not win the prize, Celluloid was successful in other areas including making movie and photographic film – the start of the plastics industry.

As a faux ivory, Celluloid still played its part in saving the elephant and as a substitute for tortoiseshell – much used in combs and as a decorative veneer – also saved the early extinction of the Hawksbill species of sea turtle.

New plastics followed, most notably by the Belgian-American chemist Leo Baekeland. By combining phenol and formaldehyde, in 1907 he made both the first truly synthetic plastic and the first thermosetting plastic called “Bakelite”.

A polymer is a long chain molecule consist-

SCIENCE FEATURE

by Professor Glenn Patrick

Professor Glenn Patrick is a particle physicist and science communicator who explores the quantum world of sub-atomic particles (including at the Large Hadron Collider) and now lives in Lyme Regis ing of many smaller units – or monomers – that are repeated and joined together in a three-dimensional network.

Thermosets – unlike thermoplastics - undergo an irreversible chemical change that cross-links this network of molecules. This means that they cannot be reused and makes them difficult to recycle.

Bakelite plastic had the right properties for billiard balls and by the 1920s most of them were made from it rather than ivory – saving the elephant.

Plastic is an umbrella term covering all synthetic polymers with the word coming from the Greek and Latin words ‘plastikos’ and ‘plasticus’, meaning something that can be easily moulded or shaped.

These days, we exploit many synthetic polymers and use plasticizers to make them softer and more flexible. We usually know them by their acronyms - for example PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and PET (polyethylene terephthalate).

The adaptability of plastic means that it is now used everywhere – in our houses, in our cars, in our clothes and to package the things we buy. Sadly, due to its structure, it also means that we end up with plastic litter and long-lived waste in our eco-systems.

At the end of the 20th century, an ‘out of sight, out of mind’ policy prevailed with the export of plastic waste from developed to developing countries. China was not only the largest plastic producer in the world, but was also eventually importing 56 per cent of the world’s plastic waste with consequent environmental problems.

Those of us who watched the TV documentaries of Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall – of River Cottage fame – will not forget the images of UK-branded debris amongst the mountains of plastic waste at recycling plants in Malaysia. This global chain of waste proNEARLY every seabird is eating plastic – even the humble seagull

PLASTIC is used everywhere – even for fishing nets pictured above

cessing had become part of the problem rather than the solution.

This changed in 2017 when China banned the import of certain types of plastic waste throwing the spotlight back onto the domestic activities of local authorities.

The UK uses an estimated five million tonnes of plastic every year – about half of which is packaging. Several initiatives have been implemented to reduce the impact of plastic like banning the sale of plastic straws, cotton buds and stirrers in October 2020.

From 2022, the UK government will also charge £200 per ton for any plastic packaging that does not contain at least 30 per cent recycled plastic, but much more needs to be done.

Living by the English Channel, it is not difficult to be aware of the impact of coastal plastic pollution on our shorelines. It is easy to think of this as a local problem, but ocean currents can circulate debris from much further afield.

The UK recycling rate for plastic is estimated, perhaps optimistically, to be 46 per cent, but worldwide it is only about nine per cent – and that is a big problem.

Every minute, the equivalent of a garbage truck full of plastic is dumped into our oceans.

To make matters worse, the COVID-19 pandemic triggered the production of billions of face masks and gloves every month, and we

have all seen them carelessly discarded. It has been projected that, if stitched together, the facemasks from the pandemic would cover the entire landmass of Switzerland!

The largest source of plastic leakage into the oceans (82 per cent) is attributed to a small number of Asian and Pacific Rim countries.

Moreover, around 90 per cent of the waste is thought to be transported from land-based sources into the oceans by just ten rivers – none of them in Europe. We cannot be smug in the UK though.

It is our insatiable demand for plastic and the mismanagement of its waste that has contributed to this situation.

So, what are we to do? The Ellen MacArthur Foundation works to promote a circular economy where we move away from the wasteful single-use model to a circular plastic economy where products are designed so that materials are recirculated and reused without them escaping into the environment.

There is no single solution – it is a combination of eliminating the plastics we do not need, finding new materials, ensuring the plastics that we do use are reusable, recyclable, or compostable and that we protect our natural systems from contamination.

We must take care though that we find longterm solutions to our throw-away society and learn the lessons of what happened with ivory back in the 19th century.

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FLASHBACKS with Richard Austin

Friday, April 16 2021 15

Tales from behind the lens of our award-winning photographer

MY own tribute to Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, who I snapped on and off for a few decades...

One example of his sense of humour – half a dozen of us (press photographers) were waiting for the Duke to come up the stairs at the Royal Navy base at Yeovilton.

He was late and people were getting fed-up. Right next to us on the wall was a large painting of the Duke; one of the snappers pulled out his mobile phone and held it up to the Duke's face on the painting and, as we all photographed it, the Duke came around the corner and saw what the joke was.

He didn't say anything but the grin on his face said it all, he did have a sense of humour.

He is pictured left marching down The Mall with his sons - Princes Andrew, Charles and Edwards, and daughter Princess Anne, at the Queen Mother’s funeral in 2002.

16 Friday, April 16 2021

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MODARC MODULAR & ARCHITECTURE

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Providing seasonal, wild and English grown blooms for all occasions or just because!

Daily deliveries or self-serve flower shed at 18 Woodmead Road, Lyme Regis DT7 3AD Teresa Fowler

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Friday, April 16 2021 17

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ITEMS FOR SALE

CARPET, new, hessian-backed, 1.5m x 4m, beige, still wrapped, £10 - 07789 537 011.

BOWLS, two sets of bowling woods, £65 each ONO - 07889 019 587.

GREENHOUSE, 6ft x 8ft, free, complete, no damage - 01297 32703 (evenings only).

DE-HUMIDIFIER, Meaco DD8L, £100 07840 938 374.

HEADBOARD, Antique, pine, solid-wood headboard for double 4’ 6” bed, excellent conditions, £30 ono - 01297 442198.

SETTEE, leather, dark green, three-seater, very good condition, £50 - 01297 443419.

DVDs, Wildfowling Shooting Adventures by Chris Green, five DVDs, £30 for all - 01297 443419.

TENNIS RAQUET, Dunlop Max 27 with cover, £10 - 01297 443930.

SQUASH RAQUET, with cover, £10 - 01297 443930.

HOSTESS TROLLEY, Ekco ‘Royal’ heated hostess trolley, hardly used, with instruction book, £25 - 01297 443930.

SOFA, black faux leather, two seater, raiseable leg rest, good conditions, free 01297 443930.

TOY SCHOOL BUS, Fisher Price 192 with seven people in very good condition, £28 01297 442627.

TOY CAMPER VAN, Fisher Price, complete with extras, boat and seven people, very good condition, £30 - 01297 442627.

TOY CIRCUS TRAIN, Fisher Price 991, with seven people, three wagons and five animals, very good condition, £35 - 01297 442627

ITEMS TO SELL?

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SINDY dune buggy and caravan, very good condition, £38 - 01297 442627.

PORTAPUZZLES, two puzzles, felt surface keeps your puzzles safe, with side panels, one large 43” x 30”, one medium 30” x 21”, £10 - 01297 443963.

GOLF BUGGY, Powakaddy Discovery, charger, lithium battery, ramps, £300 - 0297 442134 / 07761 258 115.

MAKING CHUTNEY? Cooking apples picked daily, supermarkets charge £2 per kilo, mine are just £1 per kilo, free windfalls 01297 443930.

CHEST OF DRAWERS, blonde oak, veneered with three drawers, 33” or 84cm wide x 29” or 72cm height x 20” or 50cm deep, only £25 - 01297 443930.

Email your items for sale to edit@lyme-online.co.uk or post details to LymeOnline, Unit 5 Uplyme Business Centre, Uplyme Road, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3DB. Free for any item up to £200.

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We are looking for staff starting in May 2021, opening 7 days a week including weekends and Bank Holidays Full time positions available for: Assistant Manager Barista Sandwich Maker Payment Weekly Uniform Provided 50% Staff Discount Holidays 28 Days a Year All above 40 hours per week including weekends Email CV to store manager Leonie on watersedgelyme@gmail.com 19A Coombe Street, Lyme Regis

LymeOnline Sport

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April 2 2021

football

Two late goals sink Lyme in county cup LYME Regis 1st started positively on a very open and uneven pitch and dominated the opening half an hour of their Dorset Senior Trophy match against Poole Borough, creating three or four clear openings.

Against the run of play, Poole took the lead after a quick counter attack when their best player of the day broke through from centre mid and lobbed keeper Brett Garner from 25 yards.

This unsettled Lyme who became very sloppy in possession and nervous on the ball. It wasn’t until the 60th minute that Lyme emerged from this spell and Rikki Sargent sent a looping header into the top corner from a Robbie Fellingham corner.

This sparked another spell of dominance for the Seasiders, but again they were undone by a goal of great quality as Lyme cleared a corner only for it to be collected into the top corner from the edge of the area.

Mark Bailey and Tom Bastin came on for Lyme and the latter looked very dangerous even before he cut inside from the left to drill home the equaliser to finish the 90 minutes at 2-2.

Lyme dominated possession in extra-time but looked open to counter attacks and needed Garner to pull off a great save from a freekick in the first spell of extra-time.

The defining moment came after 110 minutes when three Lyme players failed to clear from a seemingly threatening area allowing the Poole winger to cross to a striker, who may have been offside, but was left with a free header from six yards.

While Lyme were the better side throughout, they will be kicking themselves at so many missed opportunities and not being at their best in a very winnable game.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Lyme Regis 1st are away to Devon and Exeter Premier East leaders Feniton with whom they drew 2-2 in their first comeback game after lockdown.

OUR BALL REF! Kingsley Wellman, Rob Fellingham and Jake Sargent in action for Lyme Regis 1st in their Dorset Senior Trophy match at Poole Borough

...and Reserves throw away two-goal lead in last five minutes!

LYME Regis Reserves were well on their way to another three points at home to Clyst Valley 2nds – and then gave away two late goals to leave managers Matt Preece and Dec Ellis frustrated, especially after last week’s 8-0 victory.

Before kick-off the two teams stood in silent tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh.

Lyme soon got into their stride with last week’s four-goal hero, 16-year-old Josh Daines, making it 1-0 in the 14th minute with a shot from the left which took a deflection off a defender after going close with a left-foot shot.

It was all Lyme in the opening stages and Daines also had a great chance when he found himself with just the keeper to beat but blazed the ball over the bar.

The Seasiders’ second string increased their lead in the 33rd minute when frontrunner Steve Batey took full advantage of

FEATURED GAME

By PHILIP EVANS a defensive error and guided the ball home.

Lyme started strongly again after the break with Robbie Fowler heading wide from a good position.

Harvey Brimicombe, industrious as ever in midfield, also had a good chance when he cut inside and curled the ball just around the post.

Batey was gifted the ball and attempted chip the advancing keeper but failed to get enough height on the ball.

Then substitute Jack Handy did well to get to a dipping through ball but his volley flew over the bar.

Lyme’s rhythm was disturbed by using

so many substitutes in bid to give all the players some ball time and they tired in the last 15 minuted at Clyst picked up their game.

They pulled one back when the ball was scrambled home from a corner, and in the final minute first teamer Ben Vine, who otherwise showed glimpses of the form that has made him one of the Seasiders’ most dangerous payers in recent times, lost control of the ball in a maizey run towards goal, allowing the visitors to mount one last run-away opportunity to level the scores at 2-2.

It was a game Lyme should never have lost as the visitors rarely troubled Rob Harp in goal and created few chances.

The Lyme squad: Rob Harp; Robbie Fowler, Toby Fowler, Wally Blackmore, Brin Seward; Cam Fowler, Harvey Brimicombe, Ben Vine, Jonny Davies; Steve

Batey, Josh Daines. Subs: Jack Handy, Ben Bowditch, Luke Clifton, Rob Larcombe.

From The Dug-Out: I felt we controlled the opening hour when we were really disciplined and organised. We were breaking on them really well, creating some good chances and limiting them to hopeful long balls, which we dealt with easily.

Unfortunately, the story of the day was that as the second half went on, and we started to make changes to shape and move personnel around, we lost that control and we retreated very deep, allowing them to really put the pressure on which eventually told and they were able to get themselves back into it, even then though we created enough on the break to finish off the game. - Matt Preece

Friday, April 16 2021 18

SUPPORT THE SEASIDERS AT THE DAVEY FORT

Outside drinks available from 2.15 pm

Swallows back in action with impressive win THE Perry Street League spring series started with Uplyme 1sts facing a tough test at home to Division One team Pymore.

After a long layoff, the fitness and sharpness of players was an unknown factor, but a 3–1 win showed their form had continued from the cancelled season.

Alex Jones got the scoring going with a super lob over the advancing keeper. It was Jones’ only goal of the game, but he could have finished with four or five.

Pymore then had a player sent off for his second bookable offence by the excellent referee Wayne Rideout.

Uplyme continued to press and play their natural game, with Fin Mclean in midfield showing real class in with the Holmes’ brothers, Daley and Wes. More chances fell to Jones and Daley, who produced a brilliant piece of skill on the edge of the box only to see his volley dip just over the bar.

With ten minutes left, the manager Steve Gillan made a brief appearance in place of the tireless Wes Holmes. The change prompted Harry Robson to move infield and the effect was immediate. He slipped past three players on a great diagonal run and finished coolly into the bottom corner.

The final goal came from Daley Holmes, who fully deserved it in what was a stand-out performance, after unselfish work from Jones.

A delighted Gillan praised the whole squad for returning so positively from where they left off.

■ Full report on the LymeOnline website at www.lyme-online.co.uk

LymeOnline is published by Lyme Regis Media Limited Unit 5, Uplyme Business Park, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3LS Printed by Newsquest, Weymouth

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