LymeOnline April 6 2018

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Former town crier Richard Fox dies

A spring in their step

FORMER Lyme Regis town crier Richard Fox MBE, who lived in Portugal, died in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Mr Fox was one of Lyme Regis’ most colourful characters. He first came to the town from the Yeovil area, where he was a publican, to take over the Cobb Arms and immersed himself in the social activities of Lyme.

He launched Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week and became town crier in 1977, bringing huge publicity to the resort when he was crowned world champion.

He was also the prime mover in Lyme Regis twinning with St George’s in Bermuda in the 1990s and was awarded the MBE for his services to tourism.

A full obituary will be published at www.lyme-online.co.uk

Insurers refuse to pay

AN Uplyme family is being left to pick up the bill of rebuilding their fire-stricken home after insurers refused to pay out following a dispute over the number of bedrooms. REPORT, PAGE 3

LYME Regis Majorettes show off their new, colourful uniforms at the Easter Bonnet Parade on Sunday - the town’s first major event of the season. Huge crowds lined Broad Street for the 20th annual bonnet parade as spring finally arrived in Lyme Regis. See full report and photos on pages 11-13.

Photo by Richard Austin

Food festival fiasco

TRADERS ANGRY OVER PRIME SITES GOING TO OUTSIDERS

A CLASH of dates for events on Marine Parade threatened to cause the cancellation of one of Lyme’s most popular festivals - and angered local traders.

Julie Sheppard, organiser of Jazz Jurassica, scheduled for the Bank Holiday weekend of May 24 to 28, said she was “stunned” when she read online that Lyme Regis Town

PHILIP EVANS

philip@lyme-online.co.uk Council had given permission for the Dorset Street Food festival to be staged on the seafront at the same time.

Mrs Sheppard booked Marine Parade with the town council for the jazz festival in August last year.

She told LymeOnline: “We rely on modest amounts of trader in-

come to fund our events. We feared the outside food traders they'd bring in would undermine that revenue forcing us to cancel the free festival.

“As we're not linked to Dorset Street Food Festival in any way or responsible for inviting them to the town, we felt the council should look to reduce the financial risk we now faced.

“The council has agreed to relo-

cate the food festival elsewhere on the seafront and to compensate us for any subsequent loss of income.

“We're massively relieved - and can confirm that the free jazz festival will go ahead on Marine Parade as planned.”

The Dorset Street Food Festival is organised by a Welsh-based company who stage similar events in Wales, Devon and Sussex.

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LymeOnline

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

Unit 5 Uplyme Business Park, Uplyme Road, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3LS www.lyme-online.co.uk edit@lyme-online.co.uk Facebook: facebook.com/LymeOnlineUK Twitter: twitter.com/LymeOnlineUK Instagram: instagram.com/lymeonline Editor: Francesca Evans francesca@lyme-online.co.uk 07810 221 420 Contributors: Philip Evans philip@lyme-online.co.uk Geoff Baker edit@lyme-online.co.uk Richard Austin edit@lyme-online.co.uk Production: Jackie Evans jackie@lyme-online.co.uk Regular Columnists: Sophia Moseley, Marine Theatre Jo Smith Oliver, Turn Lyme Green Mark Vandeweyer, Citizens Advice Peter Lacey, Tales of Lyme’s Past

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New charge for waste bins is ‘disgusting’, says town council THE decision to charge residents of a new affordable housing development in Lyme Regis for their bins has been described as “disgraceful” by members of the town council.

Residents of the new Garmans Field development off Timber Hill have been asked to pay £54 each for their refuse and recycling bins - a new policy which has just been introduced by Dorset Wast Partnership (DWP) to cover admin and delivery costs.

Lyme Regis Community Land Trust, which secured the land and funding for the affordable housing development and ensured all houses went to local people, applied to the town council for a grant of £810 to cover the costs of the 15 sets of bins.

The request was considered as part of the council’s annual minor and medium grants for local organisations on Wednesday night. While members disagreed that the residents should be charged, they turned down the grant application as they did not think it was the right place for the money to come from.

Twenty-nine local clubs and organisations applied for a total of £69,275.79 against the council’s budget of £47,000 for minor and medium grants. Each were allowed to apply for a maximum of £5,000.

After considering each application one by one, it was revealed that councillors had given away £37,670, coming in about £10,000 under budget.

When discussing the Community Land Trust’s application, the Mayor

FRANCESCA EVANS

francesca@lyme-online.co.uk of Lyme Regis, Councillor Michaela Ellis, said she was concerned that paying for the bins would set a precedent for all new housing developments in the town. She said they should have been provided by the developer, Yarlington Housing Group, and built into the cost of the houses.

Town and district councillor Cheryl Reynolds said the policy had been changed at the last minute, and the residents were not expecting to have to pay for their bins. It was also reported that if the tenants bought their own, cheaper bins their waste would not be collected by DWP. Councillor Reynolds added: “This is social housing. Remember when you needed your first social house? Paying £54 for bins would have been dreadful on top of everything else.”

Councillor Owen Lovell said he thought it was a “disgrace” that DWP were charging tenants of social housing for their bins. He said that whatever the outcome of the grant application, he hoped that the town council would follow the matter up with a letter objecting to the “disgusting charge”.

Councillor Jeff Scowen added: “It is a disgrace but we can’t pay for them out of these grants, it’s well out of order. I feel for the tenants and we should right a letter. Someone should pay for them but not out of these grants.”

Councillor Ellis said the grant

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would only benefit the tenants of Garmans Field and not the rest of the community, but Councillor Reynolds said she could not see the difference between this and other local organisations that received grants, as not everyone was a member of these groups.

Councillor Ellis argued that other groups were “open to everyone to join”.

Councillor Steve Miller added: “This does not stand up as something we should provide as a grant.”

He suggested that the matter should be taken to the next Town Management & Highways Committee meeting, and that the council should write a letter “in the strongest terms saying they are disadvantaging people in social housing”.

It was agreed not to give the Community Land Trust a grant but to follow up the matter with DWP. Other organisations to have their grant applications turned down included Lyme Regis Brownies, whose request for £260.50 to purchase equipment was rejected because it missed the deadline. An application for LymeForward was also turned down before the meeting because it missed the deadline and because the organisation already receives a major grant from the council.

A request for £900 from Black Ven Poetry and Beachwood Adventures to stage a spoken word slam for children was rejected because it was not from a constituted organisation, a condition in the council’s grants pol-

icy.

Councillors also turned down an application for £3,395 for restart-up costs and testing of an open-top bus for the Mendip Mule Motorbus.

Members said they could not support the application as the company ceased trading shortly after they provided a grant last year. Owner Derek Gawn is now hoping to re-start the business.

The organisation to receive the biggest grant of the evening was Bridport & District Citizens Advice Bureau, which received £4,930 for its weekly outreach service in Lyme.

The Town Mill Trust received £4,470 to upgrade its public toilets; Lyme Regis Sea School and Guitars On The Beach were both given £3,500; the 1st Lym Valley Scouts received £3,000 to revamp the toilets and showers at their Scout hut; both Lyme Regis Musical Theatre and Uplyme & Lyme Regis Cricket Club went home with £2,000; Turn Lyme Green received £1,500 towards its ‘plastic free’ campaign; and Lyme Regis Taekwondo Club received £1,000 for new equipment.

For full details of all grants, visit www.lyme-online.co.uk ■ DURING Lyme Regis Town Council’s annual minor and medium grants meeting, Councillor Cheryl Reynolds made a comment which was deemed inappropriate and offensive.

She has since apologised to all councillors for the language used.

Friday, April 6 2018 3

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Insurers refuse to pay out after Uplyme home destroyed in fire AN Uplyme family is being left to pick up the bill of rebuilding their fire-stricken home after insurers refused to pay out.

Flames ripped through the five-bedroom house in Lyme Road last April when the Weldin family were on holiday in Singapore, but the insurance company has now denied their claim, saying the house actually had seven bedrooms.

Paul and Sophie Weldin and their four children – Daisy, 10, Woody, 8, and five-year-old twins Albie and Dexter – had only moved into the property on the border of Uplyme and Lyme Regis two months earlier.

Having logged onto Facebook during their holiday, they were devastated to discover their new home was engulfed in a blaze which destroyed almost all their clothes and possessions.

The couple notified their insurer Ageas immediately, but were later told that their policy was void because the house actually had seven bedrooms, rather than the five declared, and the firm did not offer cover for homes of that size.

The insurance company claims that there were two additional bedrooms in the attic, but sales manager Paul and his wife Sophie have argued that the space was only used for storage and did not meet building regulations, meaning they could not be legally classified as bedrooms.

Sophie said: “It comes down to whether a room is lawfully classed as a bedroom or not. Just because you can have a bed in it doesn’t make it a bedroom.”

The property was originally advertised as a five-bedroom house with two attic bedrooms, but Mr and Mrs Weldin knocked £35,000 off the asking price after viewing it because they were not considered proper bedrooms.

The couple asked an insurance broker to advise them on the attic space, and had categorically been told that if

FRANCESCA EVANS

francesca@lyme-online.co.uk

the space did not have building regulations it could not be insured as bedrooms.

“But now our policy has been made void because we they say it was bedrooms,” said Sophie.

“That was the biggest kick in the teeth.”

Mr and Mrs Weldin bought their home and contents insurance with Ageas online after checking prices on the website Compare The Market, for an annual price of £416.

They now face having to find £460,000 to rebuild their home and replace their belongings, and said they would never buy an insurance policy online again.

“We weren’t trying to cut corners but there are so many loopholes and grey areas with online policies, you are so open to problems,” said Sophie.

“The systems don’t allow for any movement or flexibility.”

After Ageas refused their claim, they took their case to the Financial Ombudsman Service, but this also found against them.

The Ombudsman report read: “Taking a common sense approach, I think most people would consider upstairs rooms within a house as bedrooms.

“Provided there was enough space for a bed, the room was heated and had a window, I don’t think that whether a room has been signed off as a building regulation-compliant bedroom is relevant.”

The couple has argued that the service – which has recently been criticised following an undercover probe that revealed poorly-trained staff – “did not look at the case or evidence with a common sense approach”.

A spokeswoman for Ageas said: “The Financial Ombudsman Service agreed that their me had seven bedrooms, rather than the five they said they had when they bought their pol-

icy. Because of this misrepresentation, we are cancelling the policy rather than paying a proportion of the claim.”

Mr and Mrs Weldin now hope that their story will encourage other homeowners to check their insurance policies and not to buy online.

The only option to for them to further argue their case would be to take it to court, but they cannot afford the expense and have instead decided to spend their money rebuilding their home bit by bit.

The family is currently living in their own holiday let just a few minutes’ walk away in Uplyme, but are hoping to get a new roof and windows installed at their house before June so they can earn extra money for the rebuild by letting the holiday home out to visitors.

“If it’s not done in time we will be camping in the garden,” added Sophie.

The family moved to Uplyme from Hertfordshire two years ago and said they have been blown away by the local support since the fire, which was started by a faulty security light in the front porch.

Friends, neighbours and even people the family had never met rallied around to clean salvageable items from the house, donate furniture, clothes, school uniforms and toys, and even help to build an access road to the house for the building work.

Sophie commented: “The community support has been amazing and we just want to say a massive thank you to everybody. We are so grateful to be living here because everyone has been so supportive and cares so much.”

A JustGiving page has now been set up to help raise £20,000 for the family -specifically to rebuild and furnish the four children’s bedrooms. Donations can be made online at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/t heweldinkids

Another food festival is a ‘terrible idea’ CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE In a press release sent to LymeOnline, the Street Food Warehouse said they were “rolling into Lyme Regis for a Bank Holiday weekend of fantastic food and delicious drinks”.

They described it as “a free and family event”.

When Mrs Sheppard heard about the competing festival she contacted the town council immediately and a meeting was set up with deputy town clerk Mark Green and tourism committee chairman Cllr Cheryl Reynolds.

A compromise agreement was reached whereby the Dorset Street Food Festival stalls would be sited on top of the Marine Parade shelters whilst the jazz festival traders would be confined to the main seafront.

Mrs Sheppard feared that some of her traders would pull out if they realised another event was taking place at the same time and the council

agreed to compensate her for any loss of revenue if that was the case.

In a statement issued before that meeting, deputy town clerk Mark Green said: “Officers have indicated their support for the principle of a street food festival in Lyme Regis.

“A meeting will be organised between the already permitted Lyme Regis Jazz Festival and Dorset Street Food Festival to determine how the two events might take place side by side.”

When they heard about the clash a number of traders took to Facebook to express their concern.

Matt Yaxley, who runs a food kiosk at the Cobb, commented: “From a local traders’ point of view, and one who is losing business from no park and ride, no ATM machines and super-expensive parking charges, I think another food festival is a terrible idea. We lose a lot of business each time there is one.

“Why are they bringing in a Welsh food festival on a weekend local busi-

nesses should be making money?”

A former Lyme trader, Christine Wadley, said: “We found that anything going on on Marine Parade took trade away from the shops in town, sometimes with a massive impact. You don’t get that day back. Only festival traders win.”

Alethea McLoughlin commented: “I love all the events coming to Lyme but it does affect people in the town. As long as local businesses in the town are given the opportunity to bid for the pitch, then it is fair game but that does not happen.”

Mrs Sheppard also expressed concern about the temporary toilets to provide facilities whilst the town council carry out improvements to the existing loos on the seafront, occupying such a prominent seafront position.

But she accepted the council’s response that it was only place they could be sited that could be connected to the main sewerage.”

PAUL and Sophie Weldon and their four children - Daisy, Woody, Albie and Dexter - in their fire damaged home in Uplyme

LOOK OUR FOR OUR NEXT ISSUE ON APRIL 20 Until then you can catch up with all the latest at www.lyme-online.co.uk

4 Friday, April 6 2018

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NEWS ONLINE: Catch up with A round-up of the top stories from our website

Council makes u-turn on raised lifeguard hut Michaela to serve for a second year THE town council has made a u-turn on its previous decision to refuse permission for an improved lifeguard hut to be installed on Lyme Regis beach. The council previously turned down a request from the RNLI to install a new lifeguard hut, which would be raised above ground level, on the sandy beach during summer. However, following a public petition and further safety advice from the RNLI - which pointed out that Lyme was the only town to have refused the new-look hut - councillors have reversed their decision.

COUNCILLOR Michaela Ellis has been elected to serve another year as Mayor of Lyme Regis.

Councillor Ellis was the only nominee for the role of First Citizen for the coming year at this week’s full council meeting.

She was nominated by Councillor Cheryl Reynolds, seconded by her deputy mayor, Councillor Steve Miller, and elected with no one voting in opposition.

Councillor Miller was elected to continue as deputy for another year, having also been nominated by Councillor Reynolds and seconded by Councillor Ellis.

Councillors Ellis and Miller were first installed in May 2017 and will officially start their second year at the traditional mayor making ceremony on May 16.

Councillor Ellis also served as Mayor of Lyme Regis between 2009 and 2011.

Free Wi-Fi installed on Lyme Regis seafront Help needed for food bank re-launch Season starts for junior triathletes FREE and reliable public internet access has gone live on Lyme Regis seafront ahead of the peak tourist season. Publicly-accessible Wi-Fi is now available across the beach, promenade and seafront gardens. Funded by Lyme Regis Town Council, the system has been provided by Devon-based company Clubwifi.

LYMEFORWARD is looking for volunteers to help re-launch the food bank in Lyme Regis. The food bank will be open from 10am to 12noon on Wednesdays at The Hub in Church Street, by permission of Lyme Regis Development Trust. Those interested in helping should call Heather Prior on 01297 441224.

THE Lyme Regis Junior Triathlon team started the season in fine form at the Odd Down Cycling Circuit in Bath, where they took part in the first round of the South West Championships in damp and blustery conditions. The season started with a duathlon, which is a run/bike/run format and no swimming.

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Council grant sets scene for panto LYME Regis Town Council helped set the scene for the town’s annual pantomime with a grant of £970. Lyme Regis Pantomime Society performed its 2018 show, ‘The Sleeping Beauty’, to audiences at the Woodmead Halls in February. The Mayor of Lyme Regis, Councillor Michaela Ellis, attended the opening night and presented the society with a cheque for £970 on behalf of the council, which paid for a new back cloth depicting a palace scene.

Friday, April 6 2018 5

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the latest from Lyme Regis

FROM LYME’S OW N COMMUNIT Y WEBSITE

Stay up to date at www.lyme-online.co.uk - 24/7 news | sport | community Brace yourself for events season!

Cinema programmes go on display at museum A COLLECTION of more than 100 original programmes from the Regent Cinema in Lyme Regis, dating from 1948 to 1955 and found in impeccable condition at a flat in Rickmansworth last year, are now the subject of a fascinating new display at the town’s museum.

With an emphasis on British films, the programmes represent a fascinating insight into both the popular films of the time and the town itself during the post-war years.

No decision on future use of Magna river bank land MAGNA Housing has cleared land along the bank of the River Lim in Lyme Regis but said no decision has been made on future use of the area.

The housing association employed a contractor to clear the overgrown area behind Jordan Flats, resulting in some complaints that the work was carried out in spring and that rubbish had been left behind.

THE Beast from the East seems like a distant memory and, with the Easter holidays in full swing, it’s finally starting to feel like spring.

Bonnets adorned with bunnies, chicks and flowers were paraded down the high street on Sunday kicking off Lyme’s busy ‘events season’ and - love it or hate it - it’s time to brace yourself as it’ll now be non-stop until the end of September.

While the Red Arrows have announced they won’t be appearing in Lyme Regis in 2018, which usually attracts the biggest crowd of the year, the town is still set to pull in the punters with its ever-expanding programme of festivals and special events.

The first Lyme Regis Children’s Week has been keeping the kids busy this Easter (page 7), and it will soon be time for the popular Fossil Festival at the beginning of May, quickly followed by Jazz Jurassica (the renamed jazz and blues festival), Dorset Street Food Festival (a new addition to this year’s calendar), and then Guitars On The Beach in June (page 15).

Before you know it, the summer highlights of Lifeboat Week and Regatta & Carnival Week will be here.

Candles On The Cobb also returns this August, as part of commemorations to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War. You can throw royal wedding celebrations and Lyme Regis Sausage & Cider Festival - both to be held at the football club - into the mix, and another new event for this year is Lyme Regis Day of Morris Dancing in June.

Top the season off with Lyme Folk Festival and Food Rocks in Septem-

ber before we can all take a deep breath and collapse in an exhausted heap!

Have I missed something out? I’m sure I have!

The growing number of events draws mixed reactions from Lyme’s residents. There’s no question that events boost the economy but I sympathise with traders who lose business when out-of-town vendors arrive.

Then there’s the age-old argument that the town’s infrastructure can’t cope with the hoards of holidaymakers anymore - the roads are congested, the one remaining cash point gives up and let’s not get started on the park and ride debacle (page 8).

Some love to live in a busy and bustling town, while others yearn for a peaceful walk along the parade and an easily-found parking space.

I think I’m somewhere in between. I love spending my summers on the seafront reporting on all the big events but there will definitely be a sigh of relief when it’s all over and we can freely stroll along the seafront once again.

LymeOnline will be bringing you comprehensive coverage of all of Lyme’s major events over the summer season and you can find full details of them in the What’s On section of our website lyme-online.co.uk

Francesca Evans, Editor

N E W LO O K

April Fool’s Day joke gets Guildhall window struck Facebookers in a fluster twice during repair work AN April Fool’s Day joke had Facebook users in a fluster this week. A fake planning notice was pinned up outside the fire-stricken Regent Cinema, saying the building would be replaced with 18 holiday apartments, a Starbucks, KFC and Wetherspoons. Several expressed their dismay at the plans before cottoning on to the April Fool.

THE Guildhall in Lyme Regis was struck by passing vehicles twice in a week while repairs were being carried out to fix previous damage.

Repairs were made to the overhanging window of the Grade II* listed Guildhall but the road closure had to be extended after the building was hit two more times during the work.

‘Hollyoaks’ star to headline Lyme Comedy Club JAMES Redmond made his name as an actor, known for roles in ‘Hollyoaks’, ‘Casualty’, ‘Never Mind the Buzzcocks’ and even ‘Coronation Street’.

He first rose to fame as a model for Calvin Klein, Paul Smith, and Harvey Nicholls after being talent spotted while eating a Yorkie at a bus stop.

But now the multi-talented actor has turned comedian and will headline a night of four comedians at Lyme Regis Comedy Club, a monthly event at the Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis, organised by Bridport-based comedian Tom Glover.

Lyme Regis Comedy Club will be held on Friday, April 27 with the bar opening at 7pm. Tickets cost £8 in advance or £10 on the door, available by calling 01297 442138 or visit www.marinetheatre.com

LYM E R EG I S

EVENTS FOR APRIL THE BIG BREAKFAST Friday, April 6th - 8am to 12.30pm Full English £6 - Bacon Roll £3 Organised by Cancer Research UK Lyme Regis

KIDS EASTER DISCO

Saturday April 7th - 5.30 to 7pm - £2.50 Easter Egg Hunt £1 - Tickets 07968 219404 Supporting the Make a Wish Foundation and Prostate Cancer UK

MASKED SPRING BALL

Friday, April 21st - 7.30pm to midnight Tickets £25 (table of 10 £225) including cocktail on arrival, superb buffet supper, dancing to party band Ignition Tickets by phone 07796 951991 Organised by Cancer Research UK Lyme Regis

Other regular events include Ballet, Yoga, Pilates, Fitness Steps, Bingo and Short Mat Bowls

To book the Woodmead Halls telephone Michaela Ellis on 07856 630975 Follow us on Twitter @WoodmeadHalls and Facebook at www.facebook.com/woodmeadhalls

6 Friday, April 6 2018

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

philip@lyme-online.co.uk

Regatta memories from the early 70s M

Y eldest daughter, Zoe a well organised sort, is home for a few days and decided that I am in great danger of becoming a hoarder as my three score years and ten approaches. So she decided that stuff had to go.

She actually found things I could not remember and I was particularly intrigued to see she had found, tucked away at the back of one of our cupboards, a copy of the 1971 Regatta and Carnival programme.

Regular readers of my columns over the years will be well aware that one of my favourite local organisations is the Regatta and Carnival Committee.

That’s because from the age of 19 I was secretary of the regatta for ten years, during which time we built it into one of the biggest events of its kind along the south coast. In those days there was no Lifeboat Week.

I was fortunate to have a committee of burly chaps - and a few less muscly chapesses - who gave up a week’s holiday to stage the numerous events.

The role gave me confidence to host public events and led me to be invited the to compere the National Carnival Queen contest at London’s Lyceum

Those were the days...

Ballroom in Shaftesbury Avenue, which was televised by Thames TV after which I nearly became a Butlins Red Coat. But sanity prevailed I am pleased to say.

The programme was not the sophisticated, well-designed and extensive publication we have become used to in recent years.

It was A5 in size printed mainly in mono black with the odd bit of spot colour, produced by Powell & Morris (now the burger joint in Coombe Street).

The front page photo by Lyme photographer, the late Gerald Silverloock, was a shot of comedian Tommy Trinder crowning Miss Lyme Regis 1970, Jane Curtis, with Nicola Spiller (nee White) as the Carnival Princess.

The foreword to the programme of events was written by town clerk Harry Williams, my father-in-law at the time, who was also the regatta treasurer.

■ I WAS channel-hopping the other night, desperate to find something on the 420 stations available on my TV that might interest me, when I happened

on a Carole King concert in Hyde Park attended by 65,000 at which she played every number from her iconic album, ‘Tapestry’.

I told my wife that whilst I could recall some of the songs, I could not remember Carole King.

Quick as flash, she replied: “Don’t worry dear, it was the 1970s and you were down The Ship.”

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ANOTHER of my favourite Lyme events is the annual Easter Bonnet parade and this is my favourite picture from this year’s event -Kyle Horn with this impressive headgear, taken by photographer Richard Austin

In encouraging the people of Lyme to support the week of events, Harry wrote: “We have endeavoured to provide entertainment for all the family”and that remains the purpose of the regatta and carnival to this day.

Other officers in 1971 was Alderman Ralph Oliver (president), policeman Ken Meech (chairman), former councillor and mayor Ivor Curtis (vice-chairman) and the committee was 16 strong.

The week costed £1,000 (the equivalent today of £13,700) to stage and some of the events included in the programme which Lyme people will recall with affection: ■ Soap box derby ■ Ladies’ football match ■ Donkey derby ■ Open air disco with Dr Psycho (Douglas Emmett) ■ Round The Houses beer drinking race to all Bass Charrington pubs ■ Carnival Capers fete ■ Ladies’ walking race ■ Illuminated boat and rocket display I think it was the following year when we succeeded in getting the Red Arrows to appear in Lyme, sadly not to happen this coming summer.

How many times will the Guildhall be hit before common sense prevails?

CHURCH Street was closed yet again to traffic last week to enable repairs to be made to the overhanging window at the Guildhall following more damage caused by one of the mammoth lorries that pass unnecessarily through Lyme.

As soon as it was repaired another lorry caused damaged which necessitated an extension to the road closure.

At least on these occasions, the repairs were carried out late in the day which prevented a road into town being shut at peak trading times.

How many more times do we have to put up with this?

It’s impossible to stop such large vehicles travelling through town, but it’s not acceptable that local shops have to shut whilst the road is closed so often.

One would hope that when that happens - and I’m thinking of the popular café Aroma here - they would get some form of compensation that is covered by the council’s insurance.

No matter how many signs are put up saying ‘business open as usual’, there is bound to be a long term effect on trade.

The simple answer, of course, would be to remove the protrud-

ing window so that it is flush with the facing Guildhall wall.

But the Guildhall is one of Lyme’s oldest buildings and protected by Grade II* listed status.

Lyme Regis Town Council has considered this option but has been told that permission will never be granted to carry out such work.

A CCTV camera on the council offices usually identifies the offending vehicle and costs are always recharged so there’s no real burden on council finances.

But that’s not really the issue.

Nobody wants to see Lyme’s finest buildings desecrated in any way, but the overhanging window is not the most important feature of this marvellous old building.

Surely it would be possible to come up with an acceptable design so that any changes do not have any appreciable effect on the aesthetic qualities of the Guildhall.

Conservation officers have an important duty to protect our finest buildings and are uncompromising in their determination to do so, but, you know, sometimes common sense has to take priority. Isn’t this one of those occasions?

What happens to all complaints raised in council’s public forum?

WHEN I was a councillor back in the day, things were a lot different.

There was no public forum in those days, where the public could speak at council meetings. If a ratepayer had a problem, they would contact a councillor who would try and find a solution.

Today, quite rightly there is much more transparency and accountability.

Someone who often uses the public forum at Lyme Regis Town Council meeting is Nigel Ball, a keen follower of local affairs. He always does it politely and is also quick to praise the council when he thinks praise is deserved.

At the last full council meeting Nigel, who many would like to see sit as a councillor, delivered a litany of complaints and alleged inefficiencies that took him nine minutes to cover.

He cleverly got over the threeminute restriction by saying he was also talking on behalf of his wife and son, who were present.

Among the issues that Nigel raised were the fiasco over the park and ride, the proliferation of weeds growing in the Cart Road and Cobb Road despite the council employing a lengthsman, the

gardeners being taken out of the public gardens at a crucial planting time to repair the Town Mill steps, the new seafront benches not being bolted to the ground, agenda and minutes not being on the council website since November, and the outside staff being told to stay at home during the snow and not helping with snow clearing.

These are all issues that many in the town are commenting upon with staffing levels at the council running at a record level.

As always, the councillors listened intently and the Mayor, Cllr Michaela Ellis, said she would make sure the issues are looked into.

But what concerns me about issues brought up in the public forum is what happens after the complaints are made. Do the complainants ever get a letter saying something like “we have looked into your complaint and this is our response”?

That’s what happened at other councils I have covered over the years, including Charmouth parish.

I hope Nigel gets the answers he requires, If not, I’m pretty sure he will be back.

Friday, April 6 2018 7

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Kids kept busy as Lyme hosts first Children’s Week IT may not have been beach weather but there has still been plenty to entertain the youngsters over the Easter holidays, as Lyme Regis hosted its first Children’s Week.

Organised by Gabby Rabbitts, new director of the Marine Theatre, in conjunction with other local organisations, the week has included a packed programme of more than 30 events.

From children’s yoga to art workshops, biscuit baking and film screenings, there has been something to

FRANCESCA EVANS

francesca@lyme-online.co.uk

entertain all ages on offer this week.

Activities have been held at the Marine Theatre, where the Children’s Week café has been open all week, as well as at Lyme Regis Museum, the Town Mill and the Story Boat on Theatre Square, with businesses also taking part.

Highlights have included a day of ‘The Little Mermaid’ theme events, including biscuit decorating at the

Town Mill and an indoor outdoor cinema experiences at the theatre with a screening of the Disney classic.

The popular children’s book ‘The Tiger Who Came to Tea’ was also celebrated on Thursday, with a treasure hunt starting at Serendip bookshop in Broad Street and getting youngsters involved in a number of tiger-theme activities around the town.

Lyme Regis Children’s Week continues today (Friday) and tomorrow with full details of events available at www.marinetheatre.com

YOUNGSTERS head off on ‘The Tiger Who Came to Tea’ treasure hunt and, left, take part in art workshops at the Marine Theatre

Lyme School of Ballet Principal:

Mrs Jill Chase (RAD Registered)

Interested in Ballet?

Teacher:

Miss Freya Lovett

County launches Low Carbon Dorset THIS week sees the launch of Low Carbon Dorset, a new programme of activities which will help boost Dorset’s low carbon economy, and reduce its carbon footprint.

Through the programme, Dorset based businesses, public sector and community organisations can access free support and a fund pot of over £2.15million to help improve energy efficiency and develop renewable energy projects.

This new three year programme, led by Dorset County Council in partnership with Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), is now open for applications and expects to benefit more than 100 organisations across the county.

Cllr Daryl Turner, Cabinet member for the Natural and Built Environment at Dorset

County Council said: “This is a great example of Dorset’s efforts to build a ‘green’ economy, and will enable local businesses, public bodies and community organisations to save money and work together to reduce the county’s carbon footprint.

“It will be exciting to see what innovative low carbon projects and approaches this programme will inspire here in Dorset.”

Support will be available to organisations and community projects through this European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) backed project in the form of technical advice and grant funding, with low Carbon workshops scheduled for the coming months.

(RAD Degree Student with Cert.HE and Dip. Dance Education) For more details call Miss Freya on:

Children and adults of any age always welcome.

01297 445185/ 07535 432379 or email her at

freya.lovett@ btinternet.com Find us on Facebook @lymeballet or visit our website

Classes held

Monday to Friday

www.lymeschoolofballet.com

with a free taster class.

Come along to

Woodmead Halls Hill Road Lyme Regis DT7 3PG

to meet our dancers

8 Friday, April 6 2018

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Park and ride: why was it left so late?

Recrimination between councils as town misses out on extra parking over Easter A DISTRICT councillor has said that Lyme Regis Town Council “failed to address the requirements” in its latest planning application for continued use of the Sidmouth Road park and ride site, which has now been recommended for refusal.

The town council has submitted an application for temporary continued use of the Sidmouth Road park and ride, from March 30 to September 30 2018, to East Devon District Council, as the site is just across the county border in the parish of Uplyme.

The planning application was accepted by the district on March 19 2018 and it is expected it will be several weeks before a decision is made, missing the Easter holidays and leaving many residents and traders questioning why it was left so late.

Lyme Regis Town Council suffered much criticism last year after failing to get permission to use the Sidmouth Road site until later in the season.

Having eventually received temporary permission for the park and ride, the bus operator pulled out at the last minute and the town went without the service except on Red Arrows Day. Councillor Ian Thomas, East Devon district councillor for the Trinity ward, which includes Uplyme, said that the council had “made no material progress” since previous applications for temporary use of the site were made, despite East Devon requesting additional information, including a full traffic survey.

He said that the current application had “yet again failed to address the requirements identified” in advice offered by East Devon when a previous application was made in 2014.

Councillor Thomas has now recommended that the new application be refused, with his reasons including “continued failure of the applicant to address identified issues in a timely manner”.

Referring to last year’s application, Councillor Thomas said: “Rather than see refusal of that application, I secured agreement to yet another further temporary approval in the interest of the residents, businesses and visitors to Lyme Regis.

“I was only able to achieve this by arguing the justification for this approach was to allow the newly formed working group, including represen-

actually been asked to submit a temporary application this time to allow full traffic review of the town to be undertaken, after which East Devon would again consider the viability of a park and ride at Sidmouth Road.

Councillor Miller reported that he had just attended a planning meeting at Uplyme Parish Council, where members had “unfortunately” recommended refusal of the current application following advice received in an email from Councillor Thomas.

Councillor Miller said Councillor Thomas’ comments had not been made available to him prior to the meeting.

Interrupting from the public forum, Mr Ball’s son, Ashley, said the email had been made public as he had read it online that day.

Councillor Brian Larcombe asked if the town council was actively engaged with all interested parties and other authorities in order to co-operatively get a resolution on the matter. Councillor Miller said that they were in consultation with all of them.

Councillor Owen Lovell then asked if anyone had met with Councillor Thomas to discuss the matter

since he held a meeting with him in May 2017.

Councillor Miller said they had not.

Councillor Lovell replied: “Well what do you expect from an individual who has, in some aspects, gone out of his way to get us planning permission in the past, and in other aspects is a very dedicated individual? If you’re going to ignore him, do you really expect him to change his mind? Why have you not spoken to him?”

Councillor Cheryl Reynolds said Councillor Thomas had been invited to a number of meetings but had not been able to attend any of them.

The planning application for temporary use of Sidmouth Road park and ride will now be considered by East Devon District Council. The planning application can be viewed at https://bit.ly/2GDeCTi Meanwhile, planning permission has been granted to extend the use of the Charmouth Road park and ride site – usually only open for the summer holidays – from the end of March to the end of October. However, it could not be used over the Easter weekend because the ground was too wet.

Deputy town clerk Mark Green said: “When it became clear we would not be able to get planning permission for Sidmouth Road in time for Easter, it became even more important to get the Charmouth Road site open.

“The Sidmouth Road site is even wetter than Charmouth Road and would have been similarly affected had there been a permission already in place.

“Everyone involved in securing the Charmouth Road planning permission, both at the town and district council and especially the landowner, have done everything they can to get the permission in place for Easter.

“It is therefore hugely frustrating that the weather will now prevent it from opening. We are hopeful that when the weather improves, it can open for at least part of the Easter holidays.”

A LYME Regis resident has said there’s a number of “loose ends to tie up” and has called for the council to take action to ensure the town looks its best before the summer season.

Nigel Ball, a Talbot Road resident and keen follower of the town council, reeled off a litany of complaints at last week’s meeting – from the condition of the seafront gardens to the lack of park and ride facilities.

Mr Ball raised the points in the public forum of a full council meeting, when members of the public are allowed to speak for three minutes. After reaching his three minutes, Mr Ball was stopped by the Mayor of Lyme Regis, Councillor Michaela Ellis, but he said his wife and son were also present at the meeting and he continued to speak for a further six minutes on their behalf.

Mr Ball emphasised that he did not like to complain to the council and was instead keen to work with authority, encouraging members to interact more with the public.

He said: “I’m always sorry to have to come to the council and moan, as you know that is not my way of doing things. I think a lot of this town but I’m just a little miffed about some of the things that don’t get done.”

Mr Ball’s concerns included the following: ● New seafront benches had not been bolted to the ground. ● The condition of Langmoor and Lister Gardens – Mr Ball, a horticulturalist himself, expressed concern that the council’s gardening team had recently stopped working in the seafront gardens to help repair steps at the Town Mill during a period when the gardens needed a lot of attention. “A gardener and a horticulturalist is not a maintenance person,” he said. ● Weeds growing in roads such as the Cart Road and Cobb Road. ● New lengthsmen – Mr Ball questioned what the two newly-appointed lengthsmen had been working on and said the council had not made clear what the job entailed. “We’re employing all these people without any notification of what they’re actually doing,” he added. ● Agendas and minutes had not been uploaded on the town council’s website since November. ● Sidmouth Road park and ride – Mr Ball pointed

out that the planning application submitted this month for continued use of the park and ride site would be the council’s sixth temporary application. He commented: “You keep blaming East Devon District Council but it’s not been submitted in the right way. You can’t keep asking for a temporary park and ride, it’s a full planning application or nothing.” ● Management of staff on snow days – Mr Ball expressed concerns that staff were told to stay home during the snow, the council’s tractor was not put to use and several areas of the town has no grit. ● Dredging – Mr Ball questioned why town council workmen were on the beach during the harbour dredging works, which he said they had nothing to do with. ● Council staff wages – He expressed concern that the town council was “racking up a bill for nearly £500,000 in wages” which he described as “quite a chunk of money” for a town of 3,500 people. ● Drains blocked in Colway Lane and Charmouth Road area.

Mr Ball added: “There are jobs which are not getting done before the season starts. There needs to be a bit of a shake-up here to find out who’s doing what, because seriously I don’t think some of the jobs are getting done.

“It’s a detriment to the town and we’ve got people here who pay good money to come to our town. We need to be looking at this a little bit stronger.

“We have got to get to grips around Lyme Regis. There’s a lot of things that are great about Lyme Regis but there’s a lot of loose ends that have got to be tied up to make the place run a little better.”

Mr Ball asked for the council to interact with the public more.

“I have always wanted to work with the council, I don’t point fingers. We want action, we want to work with you. Please take it on board and we can all work together,” he added.

The mayor said that several of Mr Ball’s comments would be taken to the Town Management & Highways Committee.

FRANCESCA EVANS

francesca@lyme-online.co.uk tatives from Devon and Dorset County Councils, East Devon and West Dorset District Councils, Lyme Regis Town Council and Uplyme Parish Council, to use such information in the development of a strategic approach to the management of traffic and parking requirements (including differential pricing strategies as a tool) in Lyme Regis and the surrounding areas of both Devon and Dorset.

“There has been no serious attempt by the applicant to arrange even a single meeting of this willing and supportive group of local members, in almost twelve months. As a consequence, the applicant has made no material progress and it would not be reasonable to support yet another temporary consent on those same grounds.”

Councillor Thomas also expressed surprise that the current planning application did not include traffic count figures collected in summer 2017.

Lowest traffic use He said these showed that the western entrance to the town via Sidmouth Road had the lowest traffic use – only 56 per cent of that from the eastern approach on Charmouth Road – but had the largest provision of car parking.

Concluding his comments, Councillor Thomas said: “Planning policy, the continued failure of the applicant to address identified issues in a timely manner and the recent provision of the extra permanent parking to the east [Charmouth Road park and ride] strongly indicate that this application should be refused.”

Speaking at this week’s town council meeting, Lyme Regis resident Nigel Ball pointed out that this was the sixth temporary application that had been submitted [see below].

“You keep blaming East Devon District Council but it’s not been submitted in the right way. You can’t keep asking for a temporary park and ride, it’s a full planning application or nothing,” he said.

Councillor Steve Miller, chairman of the town’s Strategy & Finance Committee, agreed there had been too many temporary applications, but said the town council was currently working “extremely closely” with East Devon District Council and had

TOWN councillor Steve Miller (left) said Lyme Regis is working “extremely closely” with East Devon, but district councillor Ian Thomas said the town council has “failed to address requirements”

Call for town council to take action and ‘tie up loose ends’

thecharmouthpage

Friday, March April 6 2018 9

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Two new members on parish council CHARMOUTH Parish Council has two new members.

Higher Sea Lane resident Kay Solomon and locally-born Gerry Bearpark were co-opted onto the council at its March meeting.

Mrs Soloman served as a borough councillor in Watford for eight years before retiring to Charmouth nine years ago after spending many happy holiday in the village with her children.

Mr Bearpark, who served in the Royal Artillery for 23 years, is now a self-employed electrician as well as being a volunteer coastguard, was born and bred in the village.

After offering their services, Mrs Solomon said she hoped that her experience as a councillor in Watford were hold her in good stead . She had no commercial interests in the village and she was looking forward to working with other councillors.

Mr Bearpark said he was born and bred in the village and hoped that his military experience would be an asset in helping to move the council forward.

Council chairman Peter Noel welcomed them both to the council, adding that he was

By PHILIP EVANS

philip@lyme-online.co.uk “delighted” to have a local on board.

The council was told that Richard Acton had resigned as a councillor, prompting clerk Lisa Tuck to report that they still had two vacancies.

Lookout power supply

COUNCILLORS heard that the National Coastwatch Institute (NCI) had requested a power supply to the Lookout. It was estimated the cost would be £2,500 with the NCI agreeing to contribute half of the cost up to £2,000.

Foreshore Committee members agree to recommend to the Finance Committee that up to £3,000 be spent on the electricity supply providing the NCI contributed half of the cost.

Wi-fi and webcam provision

THE council decided to contribute £3,000 towards the cost of providing wi-fi to the west beach area including the beach huts together with a webcam which would provide a live feed.

NEW councillors Kay Solomon and Gerry Bearpark pictured outside CharmoUth Parish Council offices at The Elms after being co-opted onto the council

A report to the foreshore committee stated that the Lyme Forward organisation was putting together a bid from the Coastal Community Fund and had requested a contribution from the parish council.

Members discussed whether they should ask Charmouth Traders’ Association to contribute towards the project, bearing in mind the council’s limited funds, as they had requested the installation and would be the main beneficiaries before residents.

Councillors reject new plans for Cove Cottage CHARMOUTH parish councillors have objected to plans to build two dwellings at Cove Cottage in Higher Sea Lane following the rejection of original application dismissed on appeal.

The council’s planning committee decided to object to the development on the following grounds: ● It is overbearing on the street scene compared to buildings on either side and along that part of Higher Sea Lane, particularly when the building is considered in its totality as it widens as it goes to the south. ● One originally dwelling is being replaced with two dwellings creating narrow plots which would appear harmfully discordant with the surrounding properties and is contrary to the previous Planning Inspector’s appeal decision. ● The height and bulk of the structure from the south east is imposing on the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and would have an adverse effect on the amenities of the area. ● The design of the living area on the first floor and the angles of the windows overlook towards The Beach House where the living accommodation isn also on the first floor. the west half of the building, sat back as it is significantly overlooks the patio area of The Moorings.

The planning committee raised no objection to the following applications: ● Change of use from guest house to residential at 2 Hillside, The Street. ● Single storey side extension to Brindabella, 15 Downside. ● Single storey extension at Broadlands, Lower Sea Lane.

Knit and Natters’ coffee morning THEY natter as they kit – and the results of their weekly get together are helping young children all over the world.

The Charmouth Knit and Natter Club, one of several in Dorset and throughout the country, has been going for nine years and meet between 2 pm and 4 pm at St Andrew’s Hall clubroom every Thursday throughout the year.

It provides the 19 members the chance to have a good chat whilst they put their knitting skills to great use for the benefit of mothers and young children around the globe.

The group is supervised by joint leaders Jan Coleman and Lynne Butler who would be pleased to welcome new members and receive donations of yarn.

CHARMOUTH Knit and Natters line up next to the stall with examples of their work at their pre-Easter coffee morning in the village hall The group raise funds at two coffee mornings, held around Easter-time and in November, to pay for their wool, bringing in between £300 and £400 every time.

The last event in Charmouth Village Hall on Saturday, March 23rd was well supported as always with a number of stalls selling a variety of items and cakes together with a table of examples of their work and literature about the good causes they support.

The Charmouth knit and

natters provide blankets and jumpers for the Women’s Refuge Centre in Dorchester; the Baby Bear project in Durban, South Africa, where new-born babies are often sent home wrapped in newspaper; refugee children in Northern Iraq (jumpers, toys, teddies and hand puppets), Bridport Hospital (teddies for children who have to have stitches); and they also support the Cats Protection League by making cat blankets.

Charmouth Stores The village store that has it all Chilled Food Fresh Fruit & Vegetables Freshly Baked Bread Confectionery Cigarettes & Tobacco Soft Drinks Frozen Food Spirits Lottery Open until 9pm Herbs & Spices Household Products Cakes & Biscuits Charcoal Logs and Kindling Wood Groceries Hot Pies and Pasties Chilled Beer, Wine & Cider Local Products Seasonal Products Contactless Payments Friendly Staff Independent Batteries Greetings Cards LOTS OF Bean-to-cup Coffee Machine OFFERS

Craft Beers Baking ingredients Great Wine Selection E-cigarettes Cash Machine Local & National Ales Scratchcards Gluten Free Section Medicines Fresh Flowers Ice Cream Free Delivery Service Crisps, Nuts & Snacks Part of the Nisa Family

Charmouth Stores ● The Street ● Charmouth ● 01297 560304

SHOP LOCAL: SUPPORT YOUR VILLAGE SHOPS AND BUSINESSES

10 Friday, April 6 2018

the GEOFF BAKER column

Entertaining, mischievous and thought-provoking

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edit@lyme-online.co.uk

Get in the truffle mayo... chips just stepped up a notch D

EAR Gail Caddy (you’re brave – Ed), Do you have any truffle mayonnaise to go on the excellent chips at your gaff at Cobb Gate?

I’d get some in sharpish if I was you, because The Chipsymth is coming to Lyme and the Symths are anything but cheesy chips sellers.

I don’t mean to imply that you are cheesy, Lord forbid, clearly you are not and, as you know, I am a firm supporter of the campaign for your chip shop be made a World Heritage Site.

I’m just tipping you the nod, you and Vic and Matt and Dave and all of the other many purveyors of chips in the town, there’s about to be more to life than cheesy chips. A preposterous concept, I agree, but apparently it’s true; the truffles are coming.

I love chips. If I had my way, as opposed to allowing fears of my engorging stomach to decide my food of choice, I would eat chips all the time.

I would eat them for brunch with veggie bacon in between the sort of sliced white bread that contains about as much wheat as a trowel, I would eat them at lunch on the Cobb, poured into a newspaper which I would bring myself. I would eat chips with brown sauce, chips with chilli sauce and, if I’d really had a lot to drink, chips with curry sauce.

Although never with tomato sauce, clearly I am not a peasant.

Oh god, egg and chips, with peas, the finest dish on this planet. As I have written before, egg, chips and peas at Mrs G’s, the old and much-missed Harbour Café, was one of the most glorious examples of those old Easters and summers that used to be hot.

When I was a kid back then, after choir practice (yes, shut it) we would run down to the chippy opposite The Ship and, although this may read as ridiculous to you, I can still see us all queuing up on the right, slouching against that old light blue wall that was a partition and reaching up on tip toe to the black plastic counter to at last take your hot parcel wrapped in The Sunday People.

I remember all that, that and just completely relishing the chips being all hot and tangy and salty, oddly-cut as if they had been sliced by an epileptic, and each one burning your mouth until you’d dawdled at least to Mrs Dale’s at Mill Green, all the way flinging the long flaccid ones that would stick in your mates’ hair.

I think chips were thruppence then, but for a penny you could get a paper bag filled with the bits of batter that had fallen off the fish which you obviously would not be able to afford until you were at least 17.

Scallops, that was our local name for that greasy batter. “Bag o’scallops, please”. We didn’t know.

There is something earthy, rather deliciously feral, about eating proper Lyme chips; all of those sticky fingers, the lip-smack of that smarting vinegar, far more pleasurable than

forking those stringy fries. French or American – and albeit tasty, tasty, very, very tasty they’re a bit weedy, if you know what I mean.

But Lyme chips, Lyme chips are the fast food equivalent of Stainsby Girls [look it up on YouTube], the love of a life.

So in my capacity as a bit of a long-time fan, I feel it to be my duty to bring the attention of Lyme’s myriad chippies, pubs and caffs that The Chipsymth sounds a bit good.

Besides the truffle topping, old Symthy will sell you chips exotica; an entire Ann Summers of saucy variations designed for raunchy mastication. See below, from their own Facebook page: “The Chipsmyth is a street food business making hand-cut, home-made chipped potatoes, served with a range of toppings. From Sous Vide skirt steak with pickled pink onions, cheddar cheese, truffle mayonnaise and fresh thyme; to pulled pork with barbecue sauce and fresh coleslaw; to beef chilli with cheddar cheese, guacamole, salsa fresca and sour cream, and many more.”

Sous Vide skirt, no less. I had to look it up, thought it had something to do with a French bird. Either way it’s clearly posh. As is the hand-cut thing, the fresh thyme and the “salsa fresca” which sounds like a sex position.

The point is, they’re not rubbish, The Chipsysmths.

The company is from Windsor, don’t you know, royal chips no less.

I bet Andrew’s always popping out for a bit of pulled pork on top, top butty this.

Which is why that I have no doubt that Lyme’s food traders will be naturally knocked out with delight to learn that, come the late May bank holiday, traditionally one of the busiest, cash-ringing weekends of any year, they will this year be competing in an already-crowded local market with The Chipsymths and other star cooks of The Dorset Street Food Festival.

The Dorset Street Food Festival, gosh, I bet that’s tasty; cider, Dorset knobs, Blackdown Hills ewes’ brie and pints of Scruttock’s Old Dirigible, “a traditional Wessex ale handbrewed in a box of ferrets in Hardy’s back garden”.

But no, as the location of The Chipsymsths’ HQ hints to the more nimble of mind, the cooks who make up the Dorset Street Food Festival are not exactly from over Beaminster way, nor will they be especially intending to promote the local delicacies of the area.

For other vendors at the event will be selling cuisine from Thailand, Italy, the USA, Malaysia and Spain, among other places, like Wales.

“

LYME chips, “the Stainsby Girls of fast food”

So not exactly Dorset-like, like. Not a street festival of Dorset food.

It took me a while to get it. The Dorset Street Food Festival isn’t about Dorset food, it’s a food festival which is coming to a Dorset street near you. Durr.

But I wonder whether the confusion of this same dyslexia lay behind the enthusiasm of officials at the town council to welcome the festival to Lyme?

By the way, that’ll be the Lyme where there is now growing fury among local traders that the street festival could take out of the town thousands of pounds that might otherwise have gone into their tills.

Did our town clerks assume, quite reasonably, as you would, that the words Dorset and food implied that the festival might be a celebration of our fabulous county produce, and that Lyme, being the pearl of that county, would benefit from the record crowds drawn by the promise of an orgy of Dorset knobbing?

Could have done, you don’t know. I did.

Clever that, the Dorset Street Food Festival, clever wording. I like word play. I thought they meant…

But anyway, I suppose that explains why the Dorset Street Food Festival is not in fact headquartered in Dorset, nor even in a street, but in King’s Road, Cardiff – where it operates as the trading name of Hold Tight Ltd, a company which is based in Nottingham.

From just up the road then. I probably went to Woodroffe with their dads.

Now, call me daft but how exactly does it benefit local food traders to be plunged into competition with rivals from Wales and the Midlands? How does that quite fit with Lyme’s “shop local” campaign?

Oh I get it, the algorithm says that the money ploughed into the town by the visitors magnetized here by the “Dorset” bit will be more than the sum sucked out of it by the

Do events bring so many visitors to the town that their total spend trumps the loss of some traders?

juicy joys of Cardiff; consequently the pubs will be full, Janet Wiscombe will have to put on extra staff and, ching, the council’s car parks will be overflowing.

I see, the town overall benefits, but best not mention those who will not? Ah, I understand now. No of course I won’t mention the park and ride either, there’s no need for riots.

Um….is this entirely fair?

I’m not being pejorative, I genuinely don’t know. I once ran a shop in Lyme, when I worked for Si the Fish at the Old Watch House, handily functioning as Britain’s only vegetarian fishmonger. I know from personal experience that it isn’t easy to make a quid running a shop; for starters the weather is mainly always against you, either it’s too wet, or it’s too hot. Or else the crowd’s gone because those rogues at Guitars On The Beach have gone and put a stripper up on their stage.

But do events bring so many more visitors to the town that their overall total spend trumps the individual loss of some traders?

Is that OK? How? Or is it only the food festivals that pose a threat to the many local traders who depend on selling a bite? Are all other festivals to the town’s advantage?

But then what would David Tucker down at the museum say if I instituted the Mary Anning Street Festival on the Cart Road? How delirious-happy would Max at the aquarium be if I promoted the Lyme No Need To Walk To The Cobb Starfish, Wrasse & Mullet-Feeding Festival outside the cinema?

I don’t think for one moment that anyone at or on the council thought that they would test their popularity by deliberately setting out to potentially hurt the businesses of Gail, Matt, Vic, Dave and the rest.

But, as I have said before in private to many, Boomtown Regis, as we need to start thinking about it, needs an experienced events officer.

It’s not an easy job, but the town’s new popularity has made it an essential one.

Best put “must be able to unravel a cats’ cradle of a cock-up” on the job description.

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Huge crowds turn out for Have you got 20th Easter Bonnet Parade

Friday, April 6 2018 11

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THE Mayor of Lyme Regis, Councillor Michaela Ellis, and husband Alan with their new grandson Reuben Aylott.

Below, entrants impressed with elaborate and clever Easter-theme entries A HUGE number of both entrants and spectators celebrated Easter at the 20th annual bonnet parade in Lyme Regis on Sunday.

Adults and children of all ages showed off their creative Easter bonnets for judging at Lyme Regis Baptist Church, where it was eggs, flowers and chicks galore, as well as several Peter Rabbit theme entries.

The Mayor of Lyme Regis, Councillor Michaela Ellis, presented prizes and also took part in the family category with husband Alan and their baby grandson Reuben, taking part in the event for the first time.

Following the presentation of prizes, the parade was led down Broad Street and along Marine Parade by Councillor Ellis and town crier Alan Vian.

Entrants were followed by Lyme Regis Majorettes who were showing off their new multicoloured uniforms for the first time.

The Easter Bonnet Parade was first held in 1998, organised by six-times mayor of the town, the late Barbara Austin MBE, and it now marks the start of the busy ‘events season’ in Lyme Regis.

The parade is now organised by Lyme Regis Regatta & Carnival Committee with sponsors Judith Pothecary, the Rock Point Inn, Lyme Convenience Store and Treetops Residential Care Home donating trophies and prizes.

MORE PHOTOS ON PAGES 12 & 13

EASTER BONNET COMPETITION RESULTS

Ages 0-3: 1st Freda Pape; 2nd Reuben Aylott; 3rd Francesca Markham, 4th Williams Edwards; 5th Morgan Goldsmith. Ages 4-6: 1st Caleb Brading; 2nd Winnie Pape; 3rd Annabelle Holt; 4th Charlie Rutherford; 5th Bridget McGowan. Ages 7-10: 1st Belle Hallett; 2nd Ciaran Scott; 3rd Corey (surname not given); 4th Devon Dewhurst-Pape; 5th Willow Voysey; 6th Isabelle Lancaster; 7th Manon Vigliecca. Ages 11-15: 1st Reece Holt; 2nd Christina Edwards; 3rd Josh Denning; 4th Arthur Vigliecca. Ladies: 1st Jayne Mace; 2nd Charmain Bradan; 3rd Elise Davidson.

Gentlemen: 1st Kyle Horn; 2nd Daniel Buckley; 3rd Roger Davidson. Treetops Cup for best entry aged 0-6 - Freda Pape; Lyme Light Cup for best entry aged 7-15 - Bella Hallett; Barbara Austin Cup for best entry overall - Freda Pape.

THERE has been an unprecedented demand for the print version of LymeOnline, published every two weeks (issue 3 out on Friday, March 23rd).

To ensure the maximum number of people get a copy and to maximise the response to advertising in the paper, we are setting up a door-to-door delivery service to all accessible properties in Lyme Regis.

Our second issue contained no fewer than 78 stories about the Lyme Regis area and 48 photos, the most comprehensive coverage y any newspaper that has ever circulated in this area.

In all there are 1,770 letterboxes in the town and last week we managed to delivery a paper to 1,280 of these (72.3%). We are doing our best not to deliver to holiday homes, second homes, those that are obviously unoccupied and those who have a notice saying “No junk mail or free newspapers”.

Unfortunately, we are unable to deliver to those houses with locked gates or extra- long drives.

We have recruited a number of youngsters (14 years and over) who are delivering to the estates where door-to-door is relatively easy and who are paid £10 per 100 copies(the industry norm is between 7p and 12p. But it has proved difficult to get sufficient number of people to cover the houses on the outskirts of the town.

However, such has been the popularity of the LymeOnline print version a number of people have come forward to offered to delivery the paper in their road.

So thank you to those people who have offered to deliver in Somers Road and Somers Field, Blue Waters Drive, Upper Westhill, Highcliff Road, Coram Avenue and Church Street.

We are still looking for residents who may be able to do likewise in Sidmouth Road, Clappentail Lane, Clappentail Park, Portland Court, Marine Parade, The Cobb.

Then click on the issue you wish to read and the full page will appear on screen with an arrow to scroll through all pages. You can enlarge the screen to full size by clicking on the full size logo in the bottom right hand corner.

If you have any technical problems call Francesca Evans on 07810 221 420 and she will attempt to talk you through the process.

BY PICK-UP WE have set up a number of distribution points where you can pick-up a print version of LymeOnline. These include the following:

LYME REGIS

Royal Lion Hotel, Broad Street Fortnam Smith & Banwell, Broad Street Outside Serendip, Broad Street (when fine) Paul The Hairdressers, Broad Street The Rock Point Inn, Broad Street Tourist Information Centre, Vic’s Fish & Chip Shop, Coombe Street Tesco, Broad Street, Co-Op, Broad Street, Post Office, Broad Street Library, Silver Street Nags Head, Silver Street Lyme Bay Medical Practice, Silver Street Lyme Regis Medical Centre, Uplyme Road Lyme Regis Convenience Store, Staples Terrace

UPLYME

Black Dog Tea Rooms Talbot Arms Uplyme Filling Station & Post Office

CHARMOUTH

Charmouth Stores (NISA), The Street Morgan’s Newsagents, The Street The George, The Street Royal Oak, The Street The Elms, The Street

HUNTERS LODGE/RAYMONDS HILL

Hunters Lodge Inn Raymonds Hill,Post Office & Stores

ON THE WEBSITE BY SUBSCRIPTION ALL the pages in the print version of LymeOnline also appear in digital form on our website. You can view these after 12 midnight on the day of publication.

All you have to do is go to our website www.lyme-online.co.uk - and locate the box on the right hand side labelled “Digital Edition).

IF YOU want to be doubly sure you get a copy, or you live outside the town but want to keep in touch, we will send LymeOnline through the post.

It will cost £1.50 a copy, minimum six issues. Call us on 07796 951991 to make the arrangements.

To contact us concerning distribution call Philip Evans on 07796 951 991

12 Friday, April 6 2018

Bunnies, chicks and eggs galore: Easter bonnets on parade

www.lyme-online.co.uk

THE Mayor of Lyme Regis, Councillor Michaela Ellis, presents a cup to Belle Hallet for best entry aged 7-15

LYME Regis Majorettes entertained in their new uniforms for the first time in the procession Photos by Francesca Evans

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Friday, April 6 2018 13

FREDA Pape took the prizes for best entry aged 0-6 and best entry overall

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MUSIC | THEATRE | WHAT’S ON | COMPETITIONS

Smash-hit musical comes to Axminster THE deviously delicious smash hit musical, ‘Little Shop of Horrors’, has devoured the hearts of theatregoers for more than 30 years and now it’s coming to the Axminster Guildhall.

Following on from the huge success of their 2017 production of ‘South Pacific‘, Axminster Musical Theatre are reuniting for ‘Little Shop of Horrors’, another musical that is sure to be a great night or afternoon out for all ages.

One of the most outrageous musical comedy in years – with the cast including a singing plant, a daring hero, a sweet girl and a demented dentist – this charming, tongue-in-cheek comedy tells the story of meek and dejected floral assistant Seymour Krelborn, who stumbles upon a strange and interesting new plant which he affectionately names ‘Audrey II’ after his crush and co-worker at Mushnik’s Skid Row Florists.

After spending weeks trying to get Audrey II to thrive, Seymour pricks himself on a rose’s thorn and discovers the plant’s unquenchable thirst for human

blood! As the plant grows into a badly behaved R&B-singing carnivore, everything that Seymour holds dear is threatened as its sinister agenda for global domination is revealed.

One of the longest-running, offBroadway shows of all time, this award-winning musical was also made into a hit film. An affectionate spoof of 1950s sci-fi movies, it features fantastic rock ’n’ roll and doo-wop music.

Axminster Musical Theatre are pleased to once again bring audiences another top-quality show for all the family to enjoy. Just whatever you do – don’t feed the plant!

‘Little Shop of Horrors’ will be held at Axminster Guildhall from Thursday, April 19 to Saturday, April 21 with nightly performances at 7.30pm and a matinee on Saturday 21 at 2.30pm.

Tickets can be bought from The Archway Bookshop 01297 33595 or online from the website www.ticketsource.co.uk/axminster-musicaltheatre

THE cast of Axminster Musical Theatre's 'Little Shop of Horrors' are now well into rehearsals

What’s on...

Friday, March 30 - Wednesday, April 11

Art exhibition: ‘The Light That We Seek’ Town Mill An art exhibition featuring seascapes by Sue Lewin, botanical illustration by Chris Goodman and sculptures by Greta Berlin in the Town Mill's Courtyard Gallery, open every day.

Friday, April 6

The BIG Breakfast Woodmead Halls, 8am-12.30pm The annual BIG Breakfast in aid of Cancer Research UK, this year to be held in the new venue of Woodmead Halls. Full English breakfasts for £6 and rolls for £3, takeaway available on collection.

Rise Up Women: The Remarkable Lives of The Suffragettes Marine Theatre, 6.30pm Diane Atkinson, former curator at the Museum of London for the Suffragette exhibition and consultant on the film ‘Suffragette’, charts women’s fight for the vote through the lives of those who took part in a timely celebration of an extraordinary struggle. Tickets cost £7 in advance or £9 on the door – call 01297 442138.

Saturday, April 7

Kusanganisa Marine Theatre, 7.30pm Kusanganisa is the Shona word for ‘mixture’ that aptly describes this new world music and jazz project involving four musicians all from different traditions. Tickets cost £10 in advance or £12 on the door – call 01297 442138.

Live Music @ Nag’s Head The Nag’s Head, 9pm Weekly live music night, this time with five-piece rock/pop band Sky Lizard.

Sunday, April 8

Bolshoi Ballet Live Screening: Giselle Marine Theatre, 1.30pm Live ballet screening at the Marine Theatre with prima ballerina Svetlana Zakharova in the ultimate ballerina role. Tickets cost £11.50 in advance or £14 on the door - call 01297 442138.

Wednesday, April 11

Coach trip to Cranborne Manor Leaving Uplyme Village Hall, 9.15am A coach trip organised by Uplyme & Lyme Regis Horticultural Society to the historic garden, tearoom and garden centre at Cranborne Manor.

Tickets cost £12 for RHS members, £17 for nonRHS members and an extra £3 for non-members

Send your diary dates to francesca@lyme-online.co.uk www.lyme-online.co.uk/events

of Uplyme & Lyme Regis Horticultural Society – call Anne Rose on 01297 33049 or 444034 Royal Shakespeare Company Live Screening: Macbeth Marine Theatre, 6pm A contemporary production of Shakespeare’s darkest psychological thriller marks both Christopher Eccleston’s RSC debut and the return of Niamh Cusack to the company. Tickets cost £11 in advance or £12.50 on the door – call 01297 442138.

Friday, April 13

Mr Chip Rides Again Woodmead Halls, 10am John Bartholomew, former chairman of the Heritage Coast U3A, takes a whimsical look at 40 years in the education business. Tea/coffee served from 10am and talk at 11am, free for U3A members and £2 for visitors.

Monthly MighTea Time Bethany Chapel, 4.30pm Games, crafts, stories and a cooked meal for children up to Year 6 age, who must be accompanied by an adult throughout - all free of charge.

Comedy with Mitch Benn Marine Theatre, 7pm Satirical songs and hilarious jokes from the star of The Now Show and winner of BBC 2’s Celebrity Mastermind. Tickets cost £12 in advance or £15 on the door - call 01297 442138.

Saturday, April 14

Guitars On The Boards Marine Theatre, 7pm Headline acts and local musicians raise funds for the annual Guitars On The Beach event. Tickets cost £10 in advance or £12 on the door - call 01297 442138.

Live Music @ Nag’s Head The Nag’s Head, 9pm Weekly live music night, this time with Road Hogs.

Thursday, April 19

Comedy with Robin Ince Marine Theatre, 7pm The star of The Infinite Monkey Cage brings his first new comedy show for three years to Lyme Regis.Tickets cost £15 in advance or £18 on the door - call 01297 442138.

PLUS... DON’T MISS LYME REGIS CHILDREN’S WEEK EVENTS See www.marinetheatre.com for details

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MUSIC | THEATRE | WHAT’S ON | COMPETITIONS

Dance the night away at guitar festival fundraiser A FUNDRAISER for the annual Guitars On The Beach event promises to be a night of rock and pop hits and dancing.

‘Guitars On The Boards’ will be held at the Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis on Saturday, April 14 to raise funds for the record-breaking event Guitars On The Beach.

Among those performing will be new Lyme Regis band Dream Phaser, Slinky Machine, The IOUs and the Guitars On The Beach house band, who will also be taking to the beach stage for the main event on Saturday, June 16.

Organisers have also promised appearances from special, surprise guests and a disco.

Doors will open at 6.30pm with bands taking to the stage at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10 in advance or £12 on the door and can be booked by calling Lyme Regis Tourist Information Centre on 01297 442138 or online at www.marinetheatre.com Guitars On The Beach is the UK’s largest guitar festival at which hundreds of guitarists of all ages and abilities come together to simultaneously play a selection of well-known songs and with the aim of forming Britain’s

biggest band, performing on the beach in Lyme Regis.

The event holds the UK record for the biggest band, set in 2014 when a reported 3,000 guitarists played along to the Deep Purple classic ‘Smoke On The Water’, led by the rock band’s front man Ian Gillan.

This year’s event will be held GUITARS On The Beach broke the UK record for the biggest band in 2014 on Saturday, June 16 as a tribute to musical Facebook page, www.facebook.com/guitarlegends who died in 2017, including Chuck sonthebeach/ Berry, Tom Petty and AC/DC’s Malcolm You can also sign up to take part in the Young. record attempt on the website by purchasing Regular updates and details of the mass a wristband for just £3. play-along songs are available on the event website www.guitarsonthebeach.com and its

Programme of live screenings extended at Marine Theatre

FOLLOWING a successful launch of National Theatre and Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) live screenings at the Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis, the venue has expanded its programme to include broadcasts of performances from Glyndebourne, Bolshoi Ballet, the Royal Opera House and Royal Ballet.

The new season starts on Sunday, April 8 with ‘Giselle’, broadcast from the Bolshoi.

Prima ballerina Svetlana Zakharova personifies this ultimate ballerina role in the classical repertoire, alongside the sensational Sergei Polunin as Albrecht.

On April 11 The RSC’s contemporary pro-

duction of ‘Macbeth’ marks both Christopher Eccleston’s RSC debut and the return of Niamh Cusack to the Company.

Other highlights include Oscar Wilde’s ‘An Ideal Husband’, a live ballet screening of the Bolshoi’s unique version of ‘Coppélia’ from Moscow, and Puccini’s ‘Madama Butterfly’ will be screened direct from the famous festival Glyndebourne.

The Marine will also join in a nationwide broadcast of John Hurt’s final film ‘That Good Night’ on May 13.

Full details and ticket information are available at www.marinetheatre.com

Tickets still available for charity masked ball

LIMITED tickets are still available for what is being billed as “the event of the season”.

The Lyme Regis branch of Cancer Research UK is hosting a Masked Spring Ball on Saturday, April 21 and it’s an event not to be missed, with entertainment from top Dorset party band Ignition.

Guests will be treated to a cocktail on arrival and sumptuous Italian-style buffet, and there will also be a luxury raffle and prize for the best mask.

The Lyme Regis branch of Cancer Research UK has raised more than £150,000 since being set up in 2008 and the small committee are planning a number of events this year to further boost its total.

The Masked Spring Ball will be held at the Woodmead Halls in Lyme Regis, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets are available for £25 a head or £225 for a table of 10 - available by calling Philip Evans on 07796 951 991.

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Masked Spring Ball Supporting

Saturday April 21st at the Woodmead Halls, Lyme Regis 7.30pm to 12.30am Cocktail on arrival Sumptuous buffet Dancing to party band Ignition Tickets ÂŁ25 each or ÂŁ225 table of 10 Phone 07796 951991 to book

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PROMOTED CONTENT

Friday, April 6 2018 17

LYME REGIS TOWN COUNCIL Local organisations are lifeblood of community WE believe local organisations, and the volunteers who run them, are the lifeblood of this community.

That’s why we’ve pledged more than £37,000 to 25 community groups this week, in recognition of the contribution they make to our town, improving the lives of both residents and visitors.

To demonstrate how much we value this contribution, we set aside money in our budget every year to give out grants of up to £5,000.

That’s in addition to the £90,000 in major grants we’ve already committed to organisations including Lyme Regis Football Club, The Hub and Lyme Regis Fossil Festival.

A wide range of organisations will benefit this year, including sporting, youth, music, entertainment, and senior citizens’ groups.

Projects we will help to fund include replacing old sailing dinghies at Lyme Regis Sea School, installing a defibrillator outside St Michael’s Primary

School, and upgrading publiclyaccessible toilets at the Town Mill.

Events we’re financially supporting include Guitars on the Beach, Lyme Regis Jazz Festival, Lyme Folk Weekend and Lyme Regis Pantomime, which are all fantastic attractions for the town and help to boost the local economy.

The power of volunteering shouldn’t be underestimated.

There are dozens of groups and clubs in and around Lyme Regis, probably hundreds of dedicated volunteers who make them work, and thousands of people who benefit from their efforts.

There’s one more thing worth noting here – town councillors are also volunteers. You may not agree with everything we do, we might not always get it right, and we often disagree with each other. But we do have one thing in common – we’re all here to give something back to the community and to do the best we can for Lyme Regis.

LYME Regis town councillors and town clerk John Wright (back, far left) with a cheque for £37,670 which they agreed to grant to local organisations this week

New rules will help tackle Michaela to continue as mayor Lyme’s seagull problem

THE council welcomes the introduction of new rules which will help tackle the seagull problem in Lyme Regis.

West Dorset District Council (WDDC) has drawn up regulations which mean people who intentionally feed seagulls could face a penalty of up to £100.

Seagulls are becoming more and more aggressive and daring as they scavenge for food, and it’s an issue we have been trying to address in recent years.

Our ‘seagull action plan’ has included increased signage on the seafront to discourage people from feeding seagulls, and issuing a leaflet to every DT7 property with advice on the law relating to wild birds and nesting seagulls.

We felt more needed to be done, but the law surrounding wild birds is complex and we were limited on what we could do.

So when WDDC announced it was looking to introduce Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO), we felt it was the perfect opportunity to further tackle the problem.

We put this suggestion to WDDC in 2016, and two years on, we finally have these new rules which will make it a civil offence to feed seagulls in certain areas of Lyme Regis and West Bay. The rules will come into effect on April 23

COUNCILLOR Michaela Ellis will continue as our mayor for a second year, with Cllr Steve Miller continuing as her deputy.

Mayors and deputy mayors are traditionally offered a second year in office, and Cllr Ellis and Cllr Miller were duly voted in at the recent Full Council meeting.

Lots of changes are taking place in local government in Dorset and the district and county councils will be looking to pass on many services to town councils like us.

One of the mayor and deputy mayor’s priorities for their second year of office will be to make sure Lyme Regis gets the best deal possible.

They’ll continue to represent the town and the council by attending as many civic events as possible, and the St Michael’s Parish Church tower repair fund will remain as the mayor’s charity.

2018 and the town council’s enforcement officers will be able to hand out fixed penalty notices to anyone caught intentionally feeding seagulls.

The penalty is £100 if paid within 28 days, reduced to £75 if paid within 14 days. Although there’s not much we can do about seagull ‘thieves’, we hope the threat of a fixed penalty will encourage people to think twice about deliberately feeding them.

Classic film to be screened in gardens FILM fans will be able to watch a movie under the stars as an open-air cinema comes to Lyme Regis this month.

Lister Gardens will be transformed for the evening on Saturday 21 April, when a pop-up cinema will screen 80s classic ‘Dirty Dancing’.

The audience will be able to grab a drink from the bar and a bite to eat from the hot food stall, before settling down for the film as night falls.

We think this will be a great addition to the events’ calendar and if the first event goes well, it is planned to hold two other film nights later in the year.

In exchange for use of the gardens, organisers DNT Events will be making a donation to the mayor’s charity, which this year is the St Michael’s Parish Church tower repair fund.

Tickets can be bought in advance at eventbrite.co.uk or on the night.

Seafront toilets to get state of the art revamp WORK starts this month on refurbishing the Marine Parade public toilets.

Builders will arrive on site on April 23 and the works to transform the toilet block into unisex facilities with state-of-the-art fixtures and fittings are expected to take eight weeks.

A temporary toilet block is already in place in front of the Jubilee Pavilion, and as toilets go, they’re pretty luxurious! Although they’re not in the ideal position, this was the only place along Marine Parade where the toilets could be connected to sewerage, water and power.

We appreciate the main toilet block will be closed during the two Bank Holidays in May, but we hope the temporary toilets will help cope with demand, and there are of course several other toilets nearby.

Waiting until after the summer to do this work was an option, but we didn’t want to let

another busy season go by with inadequate toilets, denting the reputation of our otherwise beautiful town.

Please bear with us during the works. When you see the finished results, we hope you’ll agree it was worth the disruption.

Work continues on cash points WE’RE continuing to work on getting cash machines in the town.

Before the machines can be installed on and below Bell Cliff, we need to arrange a power supply and get a phone line installed.

We’re meeting on-site with Western Power Distribution in mid-April to work out how this can be done, and we hope BT will attend the same meeting.

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Volunteers needed to re-launch food bank

HALLETT Court in Lyme Regis hosted its annual Easter raffle last week. Small raffles are held every week at coffee mornings in the Hallett Court day centre on Queen’s Walk but extra prizes come up for grabs at special draws for Easter and Christmas. This was the last of the Easter and Christmas draws to be fully organised by local couple Doug and Pam Kaxe (pictured centre and far left), who have collected all the prizes for a number of years. Mr and Mrs Kaxe will continue to run the smaller weekly raffles and help other volunteers.

LYMEFORWARD is looking for volunteers to help re-launch the food bank in Lyme Regis.

The food bank will be open from 10am to 12noon on Wednesdays at The Hub in Church Street, by permission of Lyme Regis Development Trust.

LymeForward, which will run the scheme, is now looking for volunteers to open the food bank on Wednesday to deal with requests; collect food donations at various collection points in Lyme Regis, Uplyme and Charmouth; deliver on Wednesday mornings; sort and store donations; help with PR and advertising; and search for funding opportunities and donations.

To volunteer for this important local facility, contact Heather Prior from LymeForward by emailing heather@lymeforward.co.uk or call 01297 441224 giving your contact email address and telephone number.

‘Shady Tree’ talk to be held in November LOCAL historian Ken Gollop will not hold his planned ‘Tales From Under Shady Tree’ talk until November 18.

Mr Gollop has had to postpone his annual nostalgic talk twice because of the recent snow, and is now unable to host the event until November.

The popular talks include photographs of days gone by in Lyme and many familiar faces, attracting packed audiences every year.

Full details will be announced near the time.

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THE Friends of Lyme Regis Museum held a twoday book sale this week. The secondhand book sale was held in the Jubilee Pavilion on Marine Parade over Tuesday and Wednesday to raise funds for the museum.

The Friends have also hosted children’s crafts events over the Easter holidays, as well as a talk ‘From Sea Dragons to Bricks: A Journey of 160 Million Years’ by museum education officer Chris Andrew. For details of upcoming events, visit the website www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk

Museum looking for new front of house volunteers LYME Regis Museum would like to hear from enthusiastic people who love the town and its history and would be interested in joining the team of volunteers that welcome visitors at the front desk.

Museum director David Tucker said: “Experience isn’t necessary, it’s more important that you enjoy meeting people and have a positive and friendly outlook. We’ll ensure you’re fully trained and supported – just bring your enthusiasm!

“There are shifts available every day of the week, and if you can help on Sundays that would be particularly welcome. If this sounds like something you’d like to do, we’d love to hear from you.”

Front of house volunteer Mandy Selhurst

added: “I’d say just go for it – you can do the hours that suit you, it’s very enjoyable and I’ve met such lovely people working here.”

Lyme Regis Museum is a registered charity and has a team of more than 80 active volunteers who fulfil a range of roles in the museum with the support of staff. The volunteer front of house team works directly with the public on the front desk taking admissions, answering queries and helping in the shop.

There are many volunteer roles in the museum so if this one isn’t for you, please do get in touch for a chat about other volunteering opportunities that are available.

To find out more, contact museum director David Tucker by calling 01297 443370 or email director@lymeregismuseum.co.uk

Send your stories to edit@lyme-online.co.uk

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Scouts head to semi-final of cooking contest TALENTED members of the 1st Charmouth Scout Group have secured a place in the next stage of a UK-wide cooking competition.

The four girls had to design, plan and prepare a three-course meal for four people using just two gas rings and within a two hour time limit.

Lucy and Annabel Mackenney, Minnie Harding and Annabelle Roberts were all amazed to win the district heat in the Scout-organised competition, and then to secure second place in the county competition.

This means they will now go on to represent Dorset in the regional semi-final

in Gloucester at the end of April.

As the theme for the competition was ‘Celebrations’, the girls drew inspiration from the travels of two Scout group members to devise the menu. Nepalese momos (steamed dumplings, as one of the Scout leaders had just come back from Nepal) to start, Christmas dinner kebabs for the main and key lime pie with Italian meringue for dessert (as of the group’s Explorer Scouts is off to the World Scout Jamboree in the USA).

The food has to be well presented with marks scored for team work, food hygiene, keeping within a budget of £18, table decorations, presentation and

even washing up.

Prior to competing in the county event, the team called in renowned chef Ian Simpson, who runs the White House Hotel in Charmouth, for his advice.

Ian was so impressed with the standard of all three courses that he ate a large sample of all of them.

The 1st Charmouth Scout group is a fun and active group for young people aged 11 to 14 who enjoy a wide range of activities. The group has vacancies for children and is always looking for volunteer adults to help run the weekly sessions.

Troop kept busy on pre-Easter camp

AS part of their pre-Easter camp, 15 members from the 1st Charmouth Scout Group went on a bat hunt in Beer Quarry Caves.

After donning their bright yellow ‘Bob the Builder’ safety helmets, they ventured into the cave system led by John Scott who, luckily, knows virtually every square inch of the cavernous quarry.

After only a few hundred yards the Scouts spotted, with John’s help, both Greater and Lesser Horseshoe Bats hanging upside down on wires. Unfortunately, the Scouts could not pick up any echo-location signals on their bat detectors as the mammals are still hibernating and won’t be active for a while yet.

Other activities during the camp included a very wet and muddy night hike around Conegar Hill, swimming at Newlands Holiday Camp, removing and cooking pheasant breasts, fire lighting and cooking homemade pizzas.

THE winning foursome with Clare Mackenney and Ian Simpson, who have been advising the team. Left, 1st Charmouth Scout Group pictured at Beer Quarry Caves

Town Mill hosts exhibition Plastic free Lyme... are

by Morcombelake Art Group you up for the challenge?

THE Malthouse Gallery at Lyme Regis’ Town Mill will host the Morcombelake Art Group’s (MAG) exhibition ‘Ways and Means: the process of image making’ from April 6 to 18, illuminating how 12 local artists have worked over the past year to expand their working practice.

The new avenues explored by these artists have included experimenting with innovative mark making, collages, new printmaking techniques and varied approaches to drawing from life. The idea was to develop each artist’s repertoire and to show in this exhibition the initial ideas, sketches and experiments through to the final images.

MAG is a small artist co-operative based in Morcombelake. It exists to encourage, educate and develop its members through informal drawing and sketching forays, experimental print making workshops, painting, drawing from life, visiting exhibitions and an annual group exhibition.

While several of the group already exhibit individually, the group exhibition allows those who haven’t, to step up to the line and present their efforts for public scrutiny, an essential rite of passage.

■ DORSET-based artist Malcolm Giladjian is delighted to be returning to the Courtyard Gallery at the Town Mill from April 13 to 25 for his fourth solo exhibition of vibrant coastal paintings, entitled Colourworks.

Malcolm’s years in France, especially in Brittany, ignited his fascination with boats and harbour scenes. He also paints, now mainly in oil, nautical abstracts such as buoys and channel markers, familiar reminders of his sailing days.

Residents and visitors alike will be charmed by Malcolm’s bold and energetic approach to these images of maritime life.

Both exhibitions will be open daily from 10.30am to 4.30pm. Admission is free and further details can be found on the website www.townmillarts.co.uk

SOME of you may have seen on BBC Spotlight recently that two families in the South West agreed to go ‘plastic free’ for a week.

As part of the initiative to turn Lyme Regis into a ‘plastic free’ town would you and your family be prepared to do just that, to ditch all plastic for a week and just see what challenges and rewards it produces?

Turn Lyme Green welcomes any local family to sign up for the scheme, whether going plastic free is or is not a relatively new concept to you. The idea is that the whole family is involved, and that the week is documented by whichever means feels appropriate for that family.

Children are encouraged to take pictures, draw or write and maybe even film themselves shopping, cooking, and generally living their lives for one week without using plastic. For most of us this can be extremely educational and thought-provoking.

Eight million tonnes of plastic are dumped into our precious oceans every day and the only way we can stop it from happening is to all change our behaviour and not use it!

Plastic thrown away doesn’t just go away, it lingers for hundreds of years attracting

dangerous pollutants and can easily enter the food chain.

Help us all to play a part in looking after our precious earth, it is all we, and our children will ever have. If you would like to participate in this scheme please email info@josmitholiver.com Come and join us for our April meeting in the Blue Room at the Royal Lion Hotel on Tuesday, April 10 at 7.15pm where we invite you to join in on the latest developments of our plastic free campaign and hear what we have been up to in the past year.

Turn Lyme Green welcomes all comments, suggestions and feedback. Do please visit our website, www.turnlymegreen.co.uk or visit our Facebook page.

20 Friday, April 6 2018

FLASHBACKS with Richard Austin

www.lyme-online.co.uk

Tales from behind the lens of our award-winning photographer

ONE of the most memorable photographs I have ever taken was the day, on Exmoor, a stag tried to jump over a horse and rider.

It is one of the most talked about pictures I have taken and I have told the story hundreds of times to people in my local pub, but I suppose that’s my fault for having a copy hanging on the wall.

It was two weeks away from the end of hunting with dogs, parliament had voted and hunting with dogs was to be made illegal.

As a freelance news photographer I was working on a possible book documenting the last few months of legal hunting. I was with journalist and friend Martin Hesp and we were following the Devon and Somerset Stag Hounds with full permission of the hunt master and mistress.

At the meet I was told by the hunt mistress that I could photograph everything and that they had nothing to hide.

So, with a green light from the hunt mistress I was determined to photograph as much as I could without prejudice.

Not long into the hunt some of the riders became separated from the main pack and were waiting in the lane for the rest to arrive. I was standing in the back of a Toyota truck with Martin, looking right I could see a stag galloping down the field on the opposite side of the river.

This stag was not being hunted, I watched through the dense trees as the it gestured to

jump into the river and swim across to our side of the water. It stopped, then trotted further down the river bank before he did jump in and swim across, it was then that I suddenly realised that it was a distinct possibility that the stag would make his way up through the wood and emerge onto the road exactly where the horses with riders and a few hounds were waiting. This was a long-shot but as it tuned out one that paid off.

By this time I had shouted to Martin to run as I needed to be closer than I was, we did run for a short distance but then instinct made me stop and raise my camera, and at that precise moment, the stag came through the hedge and immediately launched itself at the horse with the huntsman.

The pictures speak for themselves, the stag knocked the huntsman clean off his horse and hard down onto the road with the stag sliding off the horse also onto the road.

The stag got up and ran off but the huntsman lay still, I really thought he was very seriously hurt until he opened one eye, looked at me and said: “Did you get that?”

I had photographed the whole sequence of events, with one image standing out as the best.

The pictures published in news media all over Europe and beyond.

People say it is very unlikely anyone will ever see such a sight ever again.

But then, never say never!

Candles on Cobb to remember WWI

THE unique event Candles On The Cobb will return to Lyme Regis this year as part of commemorations to mark 100 years since the end of the First World War. Following the last Candles On The Cobb event in 2015, the organising committee announced they would not be holding the fundraiser again. However, the Rotary Club of Lyme Regis has now taken on the event with permission of its founders, deputy harbourmaster Mike Higgs and former town crier Phil Street, and help from three of the original team.

The spectacular and moving event will see 5,000 candles lit around Lyme’s historic Cobb wall and harbour, with the public invited to purchase a candle in memory of a loved one.

Candles have once again been generously supplied by Quinnell Candles.

Candles On The Cobb will be held on Sunday, August 26 to tie in with a number of events being planned to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War. Funds raised will be split between the Royal British Legion and local youth projects.

Candles On The Cobb has been held six times in Lyme Regis – in 2000, 2003, 2005, 2008, 2012 and 2015 – attracting huge crowds to the town each time and raising a total of more than £118,000 for national and local charities.

To purchase a candle or for further details about the event, visit the website www.candlesonthecobb.org

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PROMOTED CONTENT

Friday, April 6 2018 21

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Not Just Travel is the fastest home working travel agency franchise in the country. It is supported by brand ambassador, Olympic decathlete Daley Thompson, who we are photographed with right.

We have met Daley on a number of occasions at conferences and training events across the country and are really pleased to have his support, especially as he is one of Andy’s childhood heroes.

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Our service is totally

Andy and Nikki Richardson of Axminster-based Not Just Travel - Let’s Go! with brand ambassador, Olympic decathlete Daley Thompson (centre) free, as we are paid by the supplier of the holiday and not by you.

Wherever possible we deal with all of your API for your trips, print off your boarding passes and deliver them to you. All you need to do is pack your bags - we'll even phone you to check that you have everything you need!

We will always contact your hotels to try and organise particular rooms and to advise them of any special requirements. We also communicate with hotels prior to booking if you have specific dietary requirements or require ground floor accessibility to make sure that they can accommodate your individual needs.

Customers often ask which companies we

work with and if they could book it online for less. We deal with all of the usual household names - Thomas Cook, TUI, Jet2, P&O, Royal Caribbean, Kuoni, Sandals, Club Med, Olympic, Saga, Titan and Riviera, to name but a few.

In fact, we have access to around 450 suppliers, some only accessible to trade members such as ourselves and for those companies that you can see online from home, we have the same price lists as you to ensure that your holiday is never more expensive.

To book your next holiday or to find out more about our services please call us on 01297 441355, open daily till 10pm.

classifieds&jobs

22 Friday, April 6 2018

www.lyme-online.co.uk

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We offer the most competitive advertising rates in the area To advertise local services and job vacancies, call Philip Evans on 07796 951 991 or email philip@lyme-online.co.uk

WE ARE LOOKING TO RECRUIT:

Care Assistants - Full and Part-time Night Care Assistants 8pm - 8am Occasional cook and kitchen assistant Please telephone Adele or Sheena on 01297 445626 or email inffo o@pinhayyh yhouse.co.uk ffo or more inffo ormation.

Wee look ffo W orward to hearing ffrrom you!

THE ROYAL LION HOTEL Broad Street, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3QF Reservations: Tel (01297) 445622 Fax (01297) 445859 Email: enquiries@royallionhotel.com www.royallionhotel.com

St Michael’s Pre-School EARLY YEARS PRACTITIONER CC3.9 Childcare Leader Dorset Grade 7 (SCP 19-23) (This Job Description could change as the provision grows.)

Now Hiring!

An exciting opportunity to join us and help us further develop a first class Early Years Provision.

To lead and manage the provision of a small sized day care facility – as part of the school – within the Children’s Centre.

To take responsibility for the day to day running of the facilities, including the management of staff and resources.

We are currently looking to bolster our team and are looking to fill the following positions:

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Room Attendants:

Full time or part time positions available The role involves the cleaning of all guest rooms and front of house areas. ● Various shifts available (will include weekend) ● Salary: dependent on experience ● ●

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Full time or part time positions available Various shifts available (will include weekend) Salary: dependent on experience

Previous experience is not essential as full training will be given!

To be part of our fresh, vibrant and growing team please collect an application form from the hotel reception or call us on 01297 445622.

Alternatively send your CV to enquiries@royallionhotel.com

We can offer: ● Facilities including, a variety of outdoor space including a forest school area, library facilities, hall facilities. ● Good resources and multi-agency working in a Children’s Centre Environment ● Supportive parents, governors and whole school community, ● A dedicated and forward thinking team ● A community with many opportunities/ experiences within walking distance - open to the children.

We are looking for someone who: ● Is an outstanding Early Years Practitioner - has a creative approach and is passionate about making a difference to children’s life chances ● will work in partnership with the Reception class and school ● will work closely with parents ● is committed to inclusion at all levels ● can enthuse, motivate and empower all children and adults, to support our curriculum and opportunities for children.

For further details, please contact the head teacher at: office@stmichaelslyme.dorset.sch.uk.

Visits are welcome.

Closing date for applications: Monday 16th April 2018 Interviews will be held on: Week beginning 23rd April 2018 Start date: Monday 3rd September 2018 Please only apply through www.dorsetforyou.com St. Michael’s Primary School values the diversity of our workforce and welcomes applications from all sectors of the community.

St Michael’s Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people; this is a commitment which we expect all staff and volunteers to share. The successful candidate will be required to have a Disclosure and Barring Service check in line with the Governments safer recruitment guidelines.

Friday, April 6 2018 23

www.lyme-online.co.uk

LymeOnline Sport Seasiders up for Colyton clash in promotion race

email your sports reports to edit@lyme-online.co.uk

WITH eight Devon and Exeter League Division One games left to play this season, Lyme Regis 1st team, who have not played a home fixture for 18 weeks due to the heavily waterlogged pitch at the Davey Fort, find themselves in third place and still in with a chance of promotion, although they are being chased by teams with several games in hand.

As the table below shows, University of Exeter 2nds, with 38 points from 16 games have a ten-point lead at the top over second placed Colyton, but the Devon villagers have six games in hand and could end up champions. But the Uni second string will not be able to be

tables Devon & Exeter Division One P W Exeter Universoty 2nds16 12 Colyton 10 9 Lymne Regis 1st 16 8 Perry Street 13 7 Lapford 14 7 Chard Town Reserves 16 6 Cullompton Rang 2nds 14 5 Sidmouth Town 2nds 12 6 Chagford 15 6 Heavitree United 2nds 12 3 Wellington Reserves 17 3 Bickleigh 1sts 13 3 16 2 Alphington 2nds

D 2 1 4 4 3 2 4 1 1 3 3 0 2

L 2 0 4 2 4 8 5 5 8 6 11 10 12

F 56 45 39 39 42 25 40 40 39 24 30 30 16

A Gd 17 39 13 32 30 9 18 21 30 12 45 -20 29 11 29 11 33 6 45 -21 63 -33 68 -38 45 -29

Pts 38 28 28 25 24 20 19 19 19 12 12 9 8

Devon & Exeter Division Five Black Swan Town 1sts 14 11 Millwey Rise 1sts 15 10 Lyme Regis Res 15 10 Central 1sts 17 9 Hemyock 1sts 15 8 Halwill 2nds 13 9 Elmore 2nds 9 8 Ilminster Town Res 17 5 Awliscombe 1sts 13 5 Culm United 1sts 17 5 Dunkeswell Rovers 14 4 Westexe Park Rangers 15 2 Offwell Rangers 14 0

1 1 1 2 5 1 1 2 1 0 0 1 0

2 4 4 6 2 3 0 10 7 12 10 12 14

73 54 42 54 41 38 34 37 28 44 28 32 7

24 49 27 27 18 24 34 20 28 13 20 18 8 26 57 -20 31 -3 53 -9 60 -32 73 -41 81 -74

34 31 31 29 27 28 25 17 16 15 12 16* -1*

Perry Street Division One P Halstock 9 IlminsterColts 11 Farway United 9 Forton Rangers 8 Waytown Hounds 9 Hawkchurch 11 Uplyme 10 Perry Street Reserves 9 Shepton Reserves 10 Chard Rangers 12

W 8 8 6 6 5 4 2 2 2 0

D 1 1 2 0 1 2 2 1 1 1

L 0 2 1 2 3 5 6 6 7 11

Gd 42 19 19 10 3 -4 -14 -14 -16 -45

Pts 25 25 20 18 16 14 8 7 7 1

Perry Street Division Two Thorncombe 13 11 Misterton Reserves 10 8 Forton Rangers Res 12 8 Charmouth 11 7 Dowlish & Donyatt 14 6 Kingsbury 14 4 Crewkerne Rangers 7 3 South Petherton Res 13 4 Combe A 14 4 Chard Utd Reserves 13 2 Winsham Reserves 15 2

2 1 1 2 2 2 3 0 2 2 1

0 1 3 2 6 8 1 9 8 9 12

38 28 22 8 -2 -5 4 -3 -23 -21 -46

35 25 25 23 20 14 12 12 9* 8 7

Perry Street Division Three Donyatt United 13 10 Ilminster Town A 11 10 Crewkerne Rang Res 13 8 Merriott Dynamos 9 6 Lyme Rovers 10 5 Thorncombe Reserves 13 4 Farway Reserves 10 4 Netherbury Reserves 12 3 Chard Rangers Res 12 2 Chard United Allstars 13 0

2 0 1 0 2 2 1 2 1 1

1 1 4 3 3 7 5 7 9 12

32 30 12 4 14 -21 -4 6 -33 -40

32 30 25 18 17 14 13 7* 7 1

Robins fighting to stay up

By PHILIP EVANS

philip@lyme-online.co.uk promoted because their first team play in the Premier League.

Lyme are in third place with 38 points from 16 games and can be caught by Perry Street & Yonder Hill (25 points from 13 games) and Lapford 1sts (24 points from 14). Chard Town Reserves (with 20 points from 16 games), having being beaten 5-0 by Uni on Saturday’s only Division One game, could well now be out of it.

So Lyme’s home game with Colyton this Saturday April 7) will be crucial for the Seasiders and the game will be switched to the 3G pitch at Axminster Leisure Centre due to the state of the Davey Fort pitch.

The Seasiders will be hoping the old adage that it is “better to have points on the board than games in hand” rings true and with a new-found team spirit under caretaker manager Mark Bailey, a victory over Colyton would keep Lyme well in the mix.

1st team scheduled games as follows (subject to change): Saturday 07/04 Colyton (home kick off TBC to be played at Axminster 3G) Tuesday 10/04 Sidmouth 2nds (home 6.30pm) – Grandisson Cup Quarter Final Saturday 14/04 Lapford (away 3pm) Saturday 21/04 Free Week requested Saturday 28/04 Bickleigh (home 2.15pm) Monday 30/04 University 2nds (home 7pm) Wednesday 02/05 Sidmouth 2nds (home 6.30pm) Monday 07/05 Heavitree 2nds (home 3pm) Friday 11/05 Perry Street (home 6.30pm) Saturday 19/05 Wellington 2nds (home TBC) East Devon Senior Cup game with Alphington 2nds still to be rescheduled. Potential Sunday fixture.

Reserve team scheduled fixtures (subject to change): Saturday 07/04 No fixture (should have been Exwick Village) – those eligible will be required for Rovers semi final.

Saturday 14/04 Elmore 2nds (home 3pm) Sunday 15/04 Westexe Park Rangers – Football Express Cup Semi-Final (away 2pm) Saturday 21/04 Black Swan (home 3pm) Monday 23/04 Offwell Rangers (away 6.30pm) Thursday 26/04 Dunkeswell (home 6.30pm) Saturday 28/04 Awliscombe (home 4.45pm) Thursday 03/05 Hemyock (away 6.30pm) Saturday 05/05 Culm Utd (home 3pm) Monday 07/05 Halwill 2nds (away

4.45pm) Saturday 12/05 Free week requested

Reserve team Football Express Cup Semi-Final will now be played on Sunday, April 8 at Westexe Park Rangers 1pm kick off.

skittles

No Hopers open up lead at the top NO HOPERS have opened up a seven-point lead over their nearest rivals in the Men’s Division One of the Lyme Regis Skittles League.

With two games in hand over the second placed team, it looks like No Hopers are odds-on favourites to lift the title.

It’s closer at the top in Men’s Division Two with Anthill Mob leading the pack with a four-point lead over Alleytwits. But Alleytwits have a game in hand.

It’s also a close-run affair in the Ladies Division with only two points between the top four teams. Hot Gossips have a single-point lead over Smashers with Smashers, Wootton Wobblers and La Creme in the chasing pack.

Results from week-ending March 24: Ladies George Nomination Cup (semi-final) - Smashers 134 v Skittso’s 116; La Creme 137 v Hot Gossips 187.

Nomination high scores: Sarah Churchill 45, T. Holmes 44, Sharon Churchill 36, E. Summer 36, J. Dale 26.

Cawston All Cup - Wreckers 343 v Flyers 337; Roadrunners 352 v Anthill Mob 370; Alleytwits 336 v Skittso’s 302; Rousdon Revels v No Hopers (result to be confirmed).

Men’s League Division One: Trappers 347 (plus beer leg) v Clueless 335.

High scores: P. Grinter 74, H. Thresher 73, T. Tozer 72, D. Street 71.

Men’s Pairs semi-final: The following are through to the final on Friday June 1st: S. Shaw and G. Kent, D, Welsh and A. Churchill, P. Liston and P. Rattenbury, P. Bright and R. Chappel, P Grinter and L. Dare, D. Currell and J, Bennett, R. Beviss and G. Gibbs, N. Bearpark and S. Beal.

Fixtures: Ladies Doug Clark Cup (semi-final) - La Creme v Wootton Wobblers at The George, Monday, April 16.

Palmer Cup quarter-final - No Hoppers v Tornadoes (at the Rock Point); Young Guns v Anthill Mob (at the Ship Inn).

UPLYME FC pictured above before a recent game. With only two wins from the ten games played, The Robins are fighting hard to avoid relegation from Perry Street Division One and a precious point from their last game against Hawkchurch lifted them out of the drop zone. This weekend (April 7) they are due to meet Chard Rangers who have yet to win a game this season.

Lyme Regis FC current Silver Ball standings for top scorer Peter Peacock and Steve Batey - both 15 Julien Simier - 13 Fred Parsons - 12 Declan Ellis - 11 Jake Bearpark - 7 Brad Rowe -6 Mark James Batey and Harvey Brimicombe - both 5

golf

Birdies for Peter and Geoff

By Richard Jackman The non-qualifying April medal, played on the 16 hole layout produced an incredible and impressive result in division 1 for Peter Spiers, as he scored 2 birdies on the 3rd and 5th hole on his way to a sublime nett 50.

It was good to see Peter re-

turn in such good form although perhaps second placed John Yorke with his excellent nett 55 and Paul Dike's almost as imressive nett 56, might not quite agree!

Division 2 belonged to Ian McGown as he won it with a wellearned nett 53, which included several good holes

especially a nett 3 on the tricky stroke index 1 14th hole.

Despite not starting so well Geoff Filtness really got his game together with 2 superb gross birdies in his 54, while new member Robert Earney dealt well with the conditions to come in 3rd with a nett 56.

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LymeOnline Sport

24 Friday, March 23 2018

April 6 2018

AFTER 18 WEEKS WITHOUT ANY FOOTBALL AT THE WATERLOGGED DAVEY FORT GROUND, A TOWN COUNCILLOR ASKS:

Is it time to reconsider Strawbery Field site?

PHILIP EVANS

philip@lyme-online.co.uk TOWN councillor and former Lyme Regis footballer Derek Hallett is calling on the town council to reconsider the Stawberry Field being used for sport.

TOWN councillor and former Lyme Regis footballer Derek Hallett pictured at the Davey Fort where football has not been played for 18 weeks due to the wet weather

Royal British Legion Poppy Run Saturday, June 30 2018

3km and 10 km races

starting at 11am and 11.15am from steps on East Cliff walkway All competitors to report to Lyme Regis Football Club by 10am Entry fees: 3km (unaccompanied minimum age 10) - £5 10 km (minimum age 16) - £10 To enter go to the Poppy Run event on Facebook There will be family events at the football club including bouncy castle, face painting, sponsored walk and more!

Cllr Hallettt claims that Lyme Regis has the poorest sporting facilities of any town in Dorset and the prolonged wet period is causing severe difficulties for the local football club.

His plea comes in the wake of Lyme Regis Football Club not having been able to play on their Davey Fort pitch for 18 weeks due to the wet weather.

The Strawberry Field was acquired by Lyme Regis Town Council in the early 2000s to provide a new home for Lyme Regis Football Club and a floodlit multi-use games area for the twon.

But the £1.2 million project was abandoned after strong opposition from residents across the valley in Harcombe and Rocombe and West Dorset District Council planning officers.

At the time Lyme Regis Football Club was one of the most successful clubs in Dorset, running four senior sides, a ladies’ team and a thriving youth section.

The project had the full backing of Dorset Football Association with significantt funding from the Football Fundation.

The project would have provided two full-size pitches and a junior pitch for the football club, a clubhouse with extensive changing and social facilities, and a multi-use games area which woud have incuded tennis courts with floodlights.

Opponents of the scheme were particularly concerned about light pollution from the floodlights in an area of out-

standing beauty, but as land owners Lyme Regis Town Coucil insisted that they be kept in the scheme to enable evening bookings throughout the year to make the project financially viable.

Lyme’s two district councillors at the time were Owen Lovell and Ken Meech, who were chairman and vice-chairman of the planning committee, but were barred from deliberating on the scheme because they were also members of the town council.

So effectively, the town’s two most influential councillors were unable to infuence the biggest sporting development in the town’s history.

As chairman of the football club at the time, I led the fundraising campaign which suceeded in raising the £45,000 necessary to commission the various reports necessary for the planning application.

But we met such severe opposition not only from the people across the valley, who were entitled to their opinion, but from the planning officers who flatly refused to meet the club to discuss the project.

Since then the club has accepted that it is unlikely ever to move from the Davey Fort and under the astute chairmanship of Howard Larcombe members have made significant improvement to the changing accommodation and social facilities at the Davey Fort including new changing rooms, and are now onethird of the way through a development programme to improve facilities futher.

The club secured a £100,000 grant from Lyme Regis Town Council on the

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Come on you Seasiders!

Support your local team

Enjoy a drink in the bar after every game at the Davey Fort

sports shorts Easter football washed out CONTINUAL heavy rain in the run-up toBank Holiday weekend played havoc yet again with the local football programme over Easter.

On Saturday Lyme Regis 1st team was scheduled to entertain Perry Street & Yonder Hill in a crucial Devon & Exeter League Division One promotion clash at the Davey Fort – but the game was called off due to the heavily waterlogged pitch.

The Reserves’ and Rovers’ games were also postponed due to the rain.

It’s now 18 weeks since the Seasiders have been able to use their cliffside pitch and some spectators are wondering whether they will see another game at the Fort this season.

The first team were hoping to get in some football over the Easter break as they were due to travel to Alphington 2nds, bottom of the table, in the East Devon Senior Cup on Monday. But that fixture also fell foul of the weather.

Lyme Regis Reserves also had an important cup fixture – a semifinal clash with Westexe Park Rangers in the semi-final of the Football Express Cup, a trophy the Ressies won for the first time last year. But this game was called off after a pitch inspection on Saturday morning.

The Reserves were scheduled for an Easter Monday fixture, at home to Ilminster Town Reserves in Division Five, but this game was also rained off.

No Hopers on top

NO Hopers have opened up a seven- point lead at the top of the Lyme Regis Skittles Men’s Division One. And with two games in hand over their nearest rivals, they are heading to win the league title.

Anthill Mob lead the Men’s Division Two and Hot Gossips have a narrow a narrow lead at the top of the Ladies Division.

Full report on page 23

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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