LymeOnline Digital Edition - August 21 2020

Catch up on the latest news from our local traders NEW BUSINESS PAGES ON 12 & 13

LymeOnline

FREE

FOR LYME REGIS, UPLYME & CHARMOUTH ● FORTNIGHTLY ● AUGUST 21 2020 ● www.lyme-online.co.uk

LARRY FINALLY OPE N NEW LARGIG S I ROOMS PAGE 13

Low key events commemorate VJ Day anniversary

WE DID IT!

Woodroffe School students celebrate amid results mayhem DESPITE national confusion and protest amid the release of A-level and GCSE results, following disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Woodroffe School in Lyme Regis celebrated another set of outstanding results. Headteacher Dan Watts - at the end of his first year in the position - said he was “immensely proud” of his students. See pages 8 and 9 for full report and more photos.

We need more police

MAYOR CALLS FOR VISIBLE OFFICERS AFTER SPATE OF INCIDENTS THE Mayor of Lyme Regis has called for a more visible police presence in the town after a spate of concerning incidents.

Councillor Brian Larcombe MBE made the call for an increased police presence after the

FRANCESCA EVANS

francesca@lyme-online.co.uk

latest incident saw a violent altercation break out in front of dozens of shocked residents and visitors in Broad Street.

The incident took place on the afternoon of Wednesday, August

12 and was described by one eyewitness as “truly horrifying”.

Police said the altercation involved two men and a woman and it is reported that one of the offenders threw a metal crowbar at a man before attempting to drive at him.

No serious injuries were sus-

tained and no arrests have been made.

Police Constable Mike Rumsby, of Bridport Police, said: “A full investigation is underway into this incident and I would urge anyone who witnessed what happened CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

LYME Regis marked the 75th anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ) Day last Saturday with low-key commemorations.

A full programme of events to mark both Victory in Europe Day in May and VJ Day had been planned in Lyme Regis but was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

To keep in line with restrictions, a private wreath-laying ceremony was held at the war memorial on Saturday morning, followed by the lighting of a beacon on the North Wall in the evening.

REPORT, PAGE 3

Busy month for our emergency services

WITH record-breaking temperatures and more people enjoying a ‘staycation’ on the south coast rather than going abroad, August has proved a hugely busy month for Lyme Regis’ emergency services.

Volunteers from Lyme Regis lifeboat crew and coastguards have been particularly busy as residents and visitors have made the most of the warm weather.

REPORT, PAGE 7

Local football to return

LOCAL football has been given the green light to start the delayed 2020-2021 season.

It was announced on Tuesday that the Devon & Exeter League fixtures will start on Saturday, September 19.

REPORT, PAGE 23

TAKING CARE OF YOUR LEGAL NEEDS Practice Management Standard

Law Society Accredited

Axminster 01297 32345

• Buying & Selling g Property • Business Issues s • Agricultural Issues • Wills • Powers w of At Attorrney • Trusts & Estate es • Matrimonial and d Family • Resolving Dispu utes • Negligence Claims • Employment • Debt Recovery

Ch ard 0 1 4 6 0 6 3 33 6

www.scottrowe.co.uk

Lyme Regis 0 1 2 9 7 4 43 7 77

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER & WEBSITE OFFERING UNRIVALLED COVERAGE OF LYME REGIS, UPLYME & CHARMOUTH

2 Friday, August 21 2020

www.lyme-online.co.uk

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 Richard Austin edit@lyme-online.co.uk Regular Columnists: Sophia Moseley, Marine Theatre Peter Lacey, Tales of Lyme’s Past Production: Jackie Evans jackie@lyme-online.co.uk

LymeOnline is a proud member of

LymeOnline and the Environment

LymeOnline recognises climate change and environmental concerns as one of the most important current issues faced by our local community and across the globe.

We are committed to continued, fair and accurate reporting of environmental news and events, as well as taking action to reduce our own impact on the environment.

Print and paper is used by news media publishers to produce their print titles. Newsprint is uncoated paper, made out of mechanical pulp or waste paper, which is used to produce newspapers.

Newspapers are not responsible for rainforest depletion; the hardwoods from tropical rainforests are simply not suitable for newsprint production.

Newsprint is an environmentally sound, renewable resource which comes from managed softwood coniferous forests, mainly in North America and Europe. For every tree cut down, two or three more are planted. Between 2005 and 2015 European forests grew by 44,160 sqkm.

The newspaper industry has a voluntary agreement with the government on the recycled content of UK newspapers, which is supported by our printers Newsquest, which is committed to purchasing newsprint responsibly to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve resources In 1991, the UK publishers set a target of achieving 40 per cent recycled content in newspapers by the year 2000. The industry met this target four years ahead of schedule.

In 2018, the recycled paper content of UK newspapers was 69.2 per cent.

Re-use or recycle your copy of LymeOnline when you have finished reading it!

‘We are seeing dramatic changes to our sleepy town’ CONCERNS RAISED AFTER SPATE OF VIOLENT AND DRUG RELATED INCIDENTS CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE and has not yet spoken to officers to please contact Dorset Police.

“Officers from the local neighbourhood policing team will be continuing with their high visibility patrols and can be approached with any concerns.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55200120079.

Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call freephone 0800 555 111.

An eyewitness, who did not want to be named, described the incident by saying: “I can not emphasise how bad it was; it was truly horrifying and like nothing I have ever witnessed in my entire life. Dozens of people saw, children, everyone.”

Another added that shouting and screaming could be heard in Broad Street.

The police are said to have arrived on scene over 30 minutes later when the men had already left.

The first eyewitness commented: “It was witnessed by dozens yet to my knowledge not a single statement has been taken from any member of the public. One half of the men simply went down the beach.

“We are seeing a dramatic change

to our ‘sleepy’ town. Drug runners are now operating with impunity and now this. The police appear scared and we are vulnerable. This isn’t a nice place to live anymore.”

The altercation followed another distressing incident in the town on Monday, August 10 when two women and a man were arrested for drug offences and child neglect, after two children were found locked in a car at Monmouth Beach with an unconscious female passenger.

The children were unable to open the doors of the car and the police and fire service were called to assist them.

All three of those arrested have now been released under investigation.

The police have had to step up patrols on the seafront and in the public gardens in recent weeks, and Lyme Regis Town Council has employed security guards to patrol the seafront every night during the summer following an increase in anti-social behaviour.

In June, a police officer was injured when he was hit with a crutch following an altercation with a group of youngsters at Monmouth Beach.

A 16-year-old boy was arrested after becoming abusive towards officers and has since been released under investigation; an 18-year-old man was arrested for the assault and has been released on police

bail; and a 22-year-old man was arrested for a public order offence after trying to block the ambulance that took the police officer away. He has since been released under investigation.

On July 22 a major search operation was launched after police received concerning reports about a man in possession of a knife. The search involved armed police, the National Police Air Service helicopter and coastguards and the man was eventually found after two hours and arrested on suspicion of possessing a knife blade or sharp pointed article in a public place.

A 44-year-old Lyme Regis man has since been charged with possessing an offensive weapon and is due to appear at Weymouth Magistrates Court on November 25.

The Mayor of Lyme Regis has now called for a heightened police presence in the town, saying there is no substitute for visible officers in the town to tackle the increase in such incidents.

He commented: “We are all naturally concerned and shocked at this kind of incident happening within Lyme. What makes it so alarming, and dare I say newsworthy, is that this is not what Lyme is used to and does not represent our town’s normal environment.

“However, this kind of incident, although very rare, does highlight the need for a raised visible police presence in Lyme. Our proximity at

the western extremity of Dorset and a distance from concentrated police resources means responses aren’t rapid, particularly during summer months and roads congestion.

“While completely accepting that police resources are stretched and the width of types of crime has widened, when it comes to public reassurance there is no substitute for a physical, visible, resident police presence; one that can be seen and develop an in-depth local awareness.

“I would also suggest, given our proximity to the border with Devon, that more cross-county resourcing collaboration would help particularly when dealing with incidents from within the local radius.

“This will continue to form the basis of our dialogue with the police, with whom we have a good relationship, and I’ve asked that we have a link-up meet with the Police and Crime Commissioner.

“These incidents are very serious but are rare; the evidence is that Lyme is still a low crime town compared with other places and this fact is the reason given for the lower levels of allocated resource.

“However, our counter is that it can be even better and more effective with a dispersed policing approach and a resident presence in Lyme that reflects and supports our summer season numbers.”

In print and online, the best of Lyme ● Breaking news 24/7 ● Videos and podcasts ● Digital edition pages ● Entertainment news & listings ● All your local sport ● Community news ● Eating out news, reviews and directory ● Blogs on everything from history to environment ● Colourful Photo galleries

Made in Lyme, journalism you can trust

Visit the website lyme-online.co.uk

Friday, August 21 2020 3

www.lyme-online.co.uk

Lyme Regis remembers on VJ Day anniversary

LYME Regis marked the 75th anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ) Day last Saturday with low-key commemorations.

VJ Day is the day on which Imperial Japan surrendered in World War II, in effect bringing the war to an end.

A full programme of events to mark both Victory in Europe Day in May and VJ Day had been planned in Lyme Regis but was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

To keep in line with restrictions, a private wreath-laying ceremony was held at the war memorial on Saturday morning.

Wreaths were laid in memory of those who lost their lives in the Second World War by the Mayor of Lyme Regis, Councillor Brian

Larcombe MBE, and Philip Evans MBE, president of the Lyme Regis branch of the Royal British Legion, who also delivered the Exhortation.

Branch chairman Ian Marshall delivered the Kohima Epitaph and a two-minutes’ silence was observed by the small gathering.

In the evening, Lyme Regis joined national commemorations as town crier Alan Vian delivered the ‘Cry for Peace’ - said in towns up and down the country - on the North Wall The mayor and mayoress Wendy Larcombe then lit a beacon on the harbour wall, watched by a small crowd on the beach.

PICTURED at the war memorial, from left, chairman of the Lyme Regis branch of the Royal British Legion, Ian Marshall; mayoress Wendy Larcombe, mayor Brian Larcombe MBE; branch president of the Royal British Legion, Philip Evans MBE, and standard bearer Jon Hunt.

Left, town crier Alan Vian delivers the ‘Cry for Peace’, watched by the mayor and mayoress and, far left, the mayor and mayoress light the beacon on the North Wall

I LOW MA

NCE NTENA

DIT ACCR E

ED

PROFESSIONAL

I N S TA L L AT I O N

4 Friday, August 21 2020

www.lyme-online.co.uk

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

Harbour users invited to share ideas for future THOSE who use or have an interest in Lyme Regis harbour are invited to join a virtual meeting to discuss how you would like to see it develop in the future.

Dorset Harbours Strategy workshop will be held via video conferencing app Zoom on Thursday, September 17 from 3pm to 5pm. Those interested in joining the meeting should RSVP by August 31, confirming your full name and interest in the harbour by emailing dorset.coast@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Promoting responsible BBQ use LITTER Free Dorset has been asking shops, supermarkets and petrol stations across Dorset to support the ‘BBQs Burn More Than Bangers’ campaign – an important message which reminds people to use barbecues responsibly and always take rubbish home afterwards. Businesses can help by visiting the website www.litterfreedorset.co.uk and printing off a poster to display by barbecues in store, tills or shop windows.

Lyme resident achieves life-long dream of joining Royal Marines CONGRATULATIONS to Lyme Regis resident Matthew Gear who has completed his training as a Royal Marine Commando.

It was Matthew’s dream as a child to join the Royal Marines but he promised his parents he would get a formal education before joining the forces.

He gained a degree in geography at UWE Bristol,

completing a commission with the Army Reserves while he was at university.

He then applied to the Royal Marines and successfully gained his green beret on Wednesday.

He was joined at his passing out parade in Lympstone by his dad Nick, mum Sally and sister Ellie who sent in the above montage of photos from the day.

Follow LymeOnline on social media to stay up to date 24/7 facebook.com/ LymeOnlineUK twitter.com/ LymeOnlineUK instagram.com/ lymeonline

lyme-online.co.uk

Shellfish bed reopens after temporary closure A SHELLFISH bed in Lyme Bay was temporarily closed for public health reasons last week but has now been reopened. Due to COVID-19, Dorset Council is currently unable to access samples for the purpose of monitoring marine biotoxins, phytoplankton and E-coli. In the interest of protecting public health, the council took the decision to temporarily close the shellfish bed at Lyme Bay for razor clams, making it a criminal offence to collect this species, but this has now been reopened. A closure for the Fleet oyster farm remains in place until further notice.

Friday, August 21 2020 5

www.lyme-online.co.uk

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

Great to see Lyme coming back to life

Time to have your say Planning changes could on anti-social behaviour have effect on Dorset ABOUT 3,300 people have given their views on anti-social behaviour in Dorset as a major survey into the issue reaches its halfway point. The survey was launched last month by Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill and can be filled out online at via the website www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/DorsetASBsurvey

THE government has published two consultation papers setting out major changes in planning.

One sets out proposals for a completely new national planning system and the other proposes shorter-term amendments to the current system, which would take effect more quickly. It is said the changes could have a major impact on Dorset.

THANK you to all our readers who have offered kind and supportive comments since the relaunch of the printed LymeOnline newspaper earlier this month.

We are really delighted to be back in print after a 20-week hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic and it was great to meet some of our readers at our seafront stand, where we handed out free copies of the paper following our relaunch.

How that was two weeks ago, I don’t know.

This summer seems to have flown past in a shot, despite the lack of events to keep us all busy.

It’s been great to see Lyme coming back to life over the past few weeks. I know that many relished the peace and quiet of lockdown; I myself enjoyed a few deserted walks along the seafront (at one point I was the only person stood on the whole of the front sand and shingle beach, and then it started to feel bit eerie!), but if there’s anyone who will be welcoming the late summer crowds it’s our local traders.

Highly dependent on tourism, Lyme’s business community has been put through its most challenging time and LymeOnline has been doing its best to help traders get back on their feet. As shops, pubs and restaurants reopened their doors, we ran a ‘Shop Local’ campaign on our website keeping an up to date list of every business that had started trading again.

We have also launched a new Business Page feature in the LymeOnline newspaper, or should I say Business Pages as it actually runs over pages 12 and 13 in today’s issue, bringing you the latest news from traders including the open-

ing of the new Largigi Rooms and Water’s Edge Café in Coombe Street.

Once Lyme’s town centre, the historic Coombe Street seems to be going through a bit of a revival. It currently boasts some of Lyme’s best eateries, a handful of unique, independent shops, boutiques and galleries, as well as two of Lyme’s main tourist attractions - the Dinosaurland Fossil Museum (which had queues out the door this week - see Lyme Matters on page 6) and the Town Mill.

Tucked away and perhaps overlooked by some residents, the Town Mill has become my favourite area to hang out in Lyme Regis since moving to Church Street, just around the corner, and this summer it’s had a real buzz about it, despite the coronavirus pandemic.

Lyme Regis Brewery has quickly become one of the trendiest hotspots in town, the Ship Inn’s Persian street food stand pulls in the crowds every night, and last weekend I was blown away after trying The Millside restaurant for the first time since new owners took over at the end of last year. There’s also two art galleries, a handful of artisan businesses, a cute café and the historic watermill itself is now open to visitors again (see page 16).

If you haven’t paid the mill a visit yet, you’re missing out!

Francesca Evans, Editor

The

Woodmead Halls YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY HALL

Land art greets guests at ‘Natural Forms’ exhibition MORE than 80 artists are taking part in ‘Natural Forms’, the Lyme Bay Arts exhibition that has opened The Gallery at Symondsbury, near Bridport, and which runs until August 31. Visitors are greeted in the courtyard, even before they enter The Gallery, with enigmatic pieces of land art created by local artist John Calder and entitled ‘Primordial Life’. The exhibition is open Thursdays through Mondays from 10.30am until 4,30pm and admission is free.

Kayaker to visit Lyme on charity trip VETERAN Graham Stobbs has embarked on an epic 322-mile solo fundraising kayak trip and is hoping to make a stop at Lyme Regis on the way.

Graham will be completing the solo kayaking trip with fellow veteran Marc Hutton supporting in a land vehicle.

He departed from Rye Harbour on August 19 and will cover 322 miles, including a Channel crossing, in just 11 days.

The team are raising money for the Veteran’s Hub Swindon, Walking with the Wounded and The Veterans Hub Weymouth, three charities dedicated to supporting the continued wellbeing of veterans.

To donate to Graham’s fundraising efforts, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/221mile-kayak

Wedding Venue | Corporate Events Clubs & Organisations | Children’s Parties Fitness Classes | Concerts & Shows

The perfect venue for every occasion!

For further details or to get in touch, vist woodmeadhalls.co.uk

6 Friday, August 21 2020

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

www.lyme-online.co.uk

philip@lyme-online.co.uk

Why we won’t be given more cops A year.

DDITIONAL government funding will mean that Dorset Police can appoint 50 new officers this

That’s good news and if we can believe Boris Johnson (?), more are on the way. So what’s the chance of one of them, or maybe two, being based in Lyme Regis? No chance at all, I would say.

Whether we like it or not, Lyme Regis is considered a low-crime area, despite four very worrying incidents in this summer we will never forget.

Last year the Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill raised the police precept (the amount added to your council tax) by £24 to balance the police budget. In a survey, a majority of people in Dorset said they were happy to pay this.

Mr Underhill, who is standing down from the job, only had to ask for an increase of £10 this year due to the increase in government funding.

Lyme’s police allocation is based on our winter resident population, around 3,700. Last week, when there was a serious affray in the town centre, there were probably 25,000 people in the town. This anomaly was the reason why our Mayor, Brian Larcombe MBE, called for extra policing in Lyme Regis.

He was already taking some stick from residents, including for some of his own councillors, for appointing security guards to patrol the public garden areas following complaints from residents that the disturbance was such that they could not sleep at night. The cost of the town: £10,800. It’s an initiative that seems to have worked (see readers’ letters on page 10).

The mayor also took criticism for calling for more policing; condemned if you do, condemned if you don’t springs to mind.

That’s part of the job and is the reason why some councillors do not want to take on such responsibility, especially in these fractious days.

No one denies that being a police officer is a

advantage digital print

Business cards Flyers Posters Leaflets Brochures Letterheads Compliment slips Folders Greetings cards Postcards

the

old radio station

www.advantagedigitalprint.com tel: 01305 75 74 72

difficult job and no one points the figure at those who have to deal with crime throughout the county. And it is certainly not their fault that police numbers have been reduced drastically in recent years due to inadequate funding, making their job much more difficult.

But many believe that a visual presence of ‘Bobbies On The Beat’ makes people feel safer.

In the current climate, however, as Mr Underhill made quite clear when he last visited Lyme Regis to talk to councillors, Lyme would never see a great police presence on a regular basis in the town. It was slightly ironic, however, that the following day armed police officers converged on Lyme to make an arrest in Broad Street.

Policing has to be about prevention as well as protection. In my view, a visible presence is the best form of prevention.

The serious incident in Broad Street, reported on our front page, was described by one eye witness as “horrifying” and it has started a debate about the policing of our town, mainly on social media.

So is there anything the residents of Lyme can do to bring about change?

We could try encouraging large numbers to withdraw their police precept but we know that not many would not wish to do that and, even if they did, it is unlikely to bring about any greater resource for such a small town.

Would it be possible for the Dorset Constabulary to increase the allocation of personnel for the summer months only when numbers of people in the town are at peak levels? And if so, could the town council afford to pay a contribution towards this or indeed would that be allowed?

That seems unlikely with the council looking very careful at their spending commitments following fears about a drastic reduction in reserves.

Once upon a time, many years ago, Lyme’s old police station in Hill Road was policed by several PCs and a sergeant. As kids we lived in fright of them, even if guilty of such minor offences as scrumping apples. But these are not the good old days. Society has changed, perhaps not for the better, but changed it has.

No doubt the town council, when things return to normal and they can meet in person rather than by Zoom, will be discussing this problem.

There will soon be an election for a new Police and Crime Commissioner. When the new appointment is made, perhaps it would be good to invite him or her to Lyme to listen to the great concern that exists in this town about whether we can stay a low-crime area.

THIS has been a most difficult year for Lyme Regis Town Council’s outdoor staff - but it hasn’t stopped them from making the town look as colourful as possible among the many COVID-19 signs that dominate the seafront.

The floral boxes on the seafront are particularly impressive, much better than the former displays which were placed on top of poles along the parade.

They are now fixed to the railings along the parade and, despite taking a bit of a battering from the strong winds this week, they really do look impressive, as do the Langmoor Gardens.

Well done chaps!

THE queue outside the Dinosaurland Fossil Museum in Coombe Street on Wednesday when the heavens opened

A great attraction for all ...come rain or shine

IT’S raining, you’ve got a couple of kids looking like drowned rats and they really want to be on the beach. So what do you do when it rains in Lyme Regis?

The Regent Cinema was always a favourite and then there’s the Amusement Arcade on the seafront which retains its popularity.

And if the queue in Coombe Street on Wednesday afternoon, when the heavens opened up in the first big downpour for weeks ,is anything to go by, the Dinosaurland Fossil Museum is still a great fervourite.

Dinosaurland is a private museum which is owned and run by Palaeontologist Steve Davies and his wife Jenny.

The museum contains a spectacular collection of the local Jurassic marine fossils. The collection grows each year and is now, I am told, probably the best fossil collection on public display in South West.

On its website, it is described as “a traditional museum using the beauty and majesty of more than 12,000 specimens to show people just how exciting and wonderful the world of fossils and dinosaurs really is”.

Interest in the earth sciences has grown to an enormous level in recent years and Lyme is definitely the epicentre for all fossilers.

Situated in the old Congregational Church, a unique building, the fossil collection takes up most of the ground floor of the building.

It is a spectacular collection of the local 200 million year old Jurassic marine fossils, ranging from the largest ichthyosaur through ammonites, belemnites, fish and starfish to the tiniest microfossil.

You will see the full range of what lived in the Jurassic sea in a way that might surprise you (did you know that at least 21 different types of belemnite are found in Lyme Regis?).

More exotic exhibits include real Chinese dinosaurs, Russian trilobites and a 73 kilo lump of dinosaur dung!

Upstairs, the Time Gallery introduces you to the vastness of geological time and takes you through a tour showing how the continents and life have changed with time, culminating in the monsters of the Age of the Dinosaurs.

The Natural History Room has a collection of modern shells and skeletons to show you how present day life evolved and how it is related to the dinosaurs and fossils in the museum.

Come rain, come shine, it’s a great attraction for tourists and locals alike.

Friday, August 21 2020 7

www.lyme-online.co.uk

Safety advice issued after extra busy month for coastguards and lifeboat crew WITH record-breaking temperatures and more people enjoying a ‘staycation’ on the south coast rather than going abroad, August has proved a hugely busy month for Lyme Regis’ emergency services.

Volunteers from Lyme Regis lifeboat crew and coastguards have been particularly busy as residents and visitors have made the most of the warm weather.

Many of the incidents over the past month have involved inflatables, which are often designed to be used in swimming pools rather than dealing with the elements of open water.

The RNLI advises that they should not be used in the sea, especially in windy conditions.

On two separate occasions over the weekend of August 8 and 9, coastguards and the lifeboat crew were called to people in trouble in inflatable dingies off Abbotsbury.

In the first incident on Saturday 8, two men were drifting three miles offshore in an inflatable boat, and in the second incident on Sunday 9 two men were found in a partially-deflated boat a mile east of Abbotsbury.

On the same weekend, the lifeboat crew were called to Freshwater Beach to a woman in possible difficulty on an inflatable, but on arrival she could not be found.

The crew were then called back to Freshwater on August 13 following reports of two people in difficulties on an inflatable 600 metres offshore.

As the lifeboat crew arrived on scene it was clear the two people were safe and well, already being assisted by the West Bay harbourmaster’s launch.

Commenting on the use of inflatables, the RNLI has said: "Inflatables are not designed for open water and it takes very little breeze for them to be swept out to sea - much quicker than you can swim or paddle back to the beach."

This year is the first time the RNLI has explicitly said “don't use inflatables”, resulting in some calls for beach-side shops to stop selling the items.

There have been several recent rescues across

THE coastguard search and rescue helicopter from St Athan in Wale (photo by Daryl Turner) the country involving inflatables and in 2019 the RNLI had to help 346 people who got into difficulties with them.

Other recent call-outs for Lyme’s emergency services have included a fishing boat taking on water off Seaton on Saturday, August 8, which was escorted by the lifeboat back to the safety of Lyme Regis harbour.

Volunteers from Lyme Regis coastguards and lifeboat crew were then among the emergency services involved in a major search operation on Monday, August 10, after a man from Colyton went missing.

Devon & Cornwall Police appealed for information on the whereabouts of Adrian Carpenter, missing from his home address in Colyton, after becoming increasingly concerned for his welfare.

A major search operation was launched, involving 22 officers from Beer and Lyme Regis coastguards, Lyme Regis lifeboat crew, the police helicopter and search and rescue helicopter.

The police helicopter searched the Seaton area throughout the evening, and Lyme Regis and Beer coastguards were then called at 9.32pm after Mr Carpenter’s car was found just off the coast path at Haven Cliff, east of Seaton.

Lyme Regis lifeboat was also requested to carry out an initial search from the sea between the

newsfromwestminster

A monthly column by West Dorset MP Chris Loder

MY first priority this week has been to challenge government on the situation with exam grades. It has been invaluable to work with Dan Watts, the headteacher at Woodroffe School, whose students have achieved an outstanding set of results.

It was my duty to support the Woodroffe students and that’s why I sent an open letter to them, and had pressing conversations with Education Ministers, to make sure this regrettable issue was rectified.

In my view, nothing can properly replace the actual sitting of exams and no algorithm will measure a student’s abilities as accurately.

One of the consequences of the pandemic, while our focus has been on keeping communities safe, has been the disruption to education and exams.

Nationally, the unions that made going back to school so difficult also have to look in the mirror at this point. The change in policy from Ofqual, given the circumstances, was the right thing but it came far too late.

The challenge now is that the numbers of students wanting university places is much more than capacity allows. For the latest updates on exam results, including for BTEC and vocational students, please visit my website www.chrisloder.co.uk/news/exams I was pleased to learn that Town Mill’s historic watermill is open again and ready to welcome a free interaction experience instead of its usual tours. Town Mill is the hidden gem of Lyme Regis and I hope that interest in its 14th century watermill will also bring more footfall to the surrounding art galleries, brewery and

cafés. With outdoor performances now back at The Marine Theatre, and plenty of visitors enjoying all that we have to offer in our coastal areas here in West Dorset, these are all positive signs as we slowly get back to some normality.

Lastly, for small local businesses in Lyme Regis, the second round of taxable grant payments (SEISS) for the self-employed adversely coronavirus by co, is now open. £12 million was paid to the self-employed in West Dorset under this scheme during the first round and I urge eligible businesses to apply

by October 19 via the gov.uk website.

For my latest updates please visit www.chrisloder.co.uk or if you prefer, you may write to me at: Chris Loder MP, House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA

Visit www.chrisloder.co.uk for links to my social media channels and news, or email hello@chrisloder.co.uk if you are interested in a face-to-face meeting at one of my surgeries

River Axe and Charton Bay. In addition to their search area, they were acting as a comms relay for the search teams as communication is very difficult in the Rousdon landslip area.

An item was located by one of the search teams, but to get the item a full rope rescue set up had to be rigged. The item was recovered and was confirmed by the police that it belonged to the missing man.

A coastguard rope technician was lowered further down the cliff to get to a point where he could see over a ledge. He confirmed that the man was about 60 feet below him and was still alive.

The technician was lowered down to the location in deep undergrowth.

Due to the casualty’s injuries, it was clear coastguards could not get him onto stretcher to haul him up the cliff, so the search and rescue helicopter from St Athan in Wales was requested along with the ambulance service and Hazardous Area Response Team (HART).

Once the helicopter was on scene, a paramedic was lowered to the location and secured the casualty into a harness, winched him out of the undergrowth and up to the clifftop.

The HART team offered treatment before the man was stretchered and carried to the helicopter, which had landed a short distance away. He was then flown to hospital and all units were stood down at 3.50am.

Another multi-agency rescue operation took place on Saturday, August 22 when a child became trapped in mud on the cliffs at Charmouth.

Coastguards from Lyme Regis and West Bay, fire brigades from Charmouth, Lyme Regis, Axminster and Poole were called to the scene at 2.56pm.

Lyme Regis lifeboat crew were also paged but stood down before launching.

On arrival at Charmouth, two coastguards walked to the casualty’s location to assess the situation while the rest of the team carried the mud rescue equipment to the scene.

PAU L S

The casualty was located approximately 30 metres up the cliff with one leg stuck in mud up to his knee.

Whilst awaiting the arrival of all the rescue equipment, the coastguards and fire service put a ladder across the mud. This allowed the casualty to sit on to the ladder and feel more secure.

They were then able to lift his stuck leg up further and by removing some soft material and was quickly freed.

The casualty was carefully carried down from the cliff and placed in stretcher and taken back to Charmouth to an awaiting ambulance. They were mildly hypothermic and taken to Dorset Count Hospital to be fully assessed.

A spokesperson for Lyme Regis Coastguards said: “Please do not be tempted to climb the cliffs.

Even after the warm spell there are still areas which are very dangerous with soft mud as well as the risk of falling debris.

“Thanks to the first informant who used the What3Words smartphone app to report the exact location of the incident. This allowed the rescue teams to get to the correct location extremely quickly.”

Lyme Regis lifeboat crew has now been called out 34 times during 2020 and could be heading for its busiest year on record.

The RNLI and coastguards suggest the following advice for those visiting the coast or heading into the water this summer: ● Have a plan - check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage ● Keep a close eye on your family - on the beach and in the water ● Don't allow your family to swim alone ● Don't use inflatables ● If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and float ● In an emergency dial 999, and ask for the coastguard

Hairdressers Mens & Boys

Modern & Traditional Competitive Prices Two Qualified Experienced Hairdressers for Appointments Everyday and Walk-In System Please ring bell inside door at bottom of stairs to enquire and remember your face mask!

Card or cash accepted OPENING HOURS 8.45am to 5pm Monday & Tuesday 8.45am to 5.30pm Wednesday 8.45pm to 3pm Thursday 8.45pm to 6pm Friday 8.30am to 4pm Saturday

- Lyme Regis -

01297 442442

PAU L S

8 Friday, August 21 2020

www.lyme-online.co.uk

Woodroffe students succeed amid national results crisis A-LEVEL and GCSE students from the Woodroffe School in Lyme Regis have still managed to achieve some outstanding results despite the disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The pupils’ school year was cut short when COVID-19 hit the UK, and neither A-level nor GCSE students were able to sit public exams.

An algorithm was introduced by exam regulator Ofqual to set grades, leaving some Alevel students disappointed last week, as almost 40 per cent of grades across the country had been marked down from teachers’ predictions.

Woodroffe headteacher Dan Watts said he was incredibly proud of his A-level students, who still managed to achieve an outstanding set of results.

Kitty Ford achieved two A* grades in history and politics and an A grade in religious studies securing her a place to study history and politics at Cambridge University, and Jasmine Aldridge achieved two A* in religious studies and English literature and an A in classical civilisation.

Chet Gillespie achieved two A* grades in maths and further maths and a B grade in physics; Katy Henderson achieved an A* grade in chemistry and two A grades in biology and maths; James Turner achieved an A* in religious studies and three A grades in classical civilisation, English literature and English language; Grace Bellorini achieved an A * grade in English literature and two A grades in classical civilisation and chemistry; Katy Betts, Felix Thompson, Sean Harvey and Oscar Bowskill all achieved three A grades.

Jamie Waplington achieved four A* grades in chemistry, maths, further maths and physics securing him a place to study physics

FRANCESCA EVANS

francesca@lyme-online.co.uk

at the University of Bath, while Theo HeathColeman achieved two A* grades in biology and chemistry and two A grades in religious studies and maths securing him a place to study Medicine at Oxford University.

Despite another pleasing year for Woodroffe, Mr Watts was among those across the country to call for a fair outcome for pupils, who he said “felt let down by the government”.

After widespread protest, the government eventually reversed its decision and announced that both A-level and GCSE grades would be based on teacher assessments if these were higher than mark offered by the exam regulator’s algorithm.

This meant that GCSE students could be a little more confident when they collected their results yesterday (Thursday), with the pass rate in England increasing from 70 per cent to 79 per cent.

Woodroffe students once again impressed with their results. Exceptional individual performances included Saffron Clark with nine of the top grade 9s and two grade 8s; Eleanor Robson-Ellis achieved eight 9s and one 8; Sid Hancock eight grade 9s, one 8, one 7 and one 6; Grace Cawthorne seven 9s, two 8s and two 7s; Amber Aldridge seven grade 9s and three grade 8s; Ellyn Kendall six 9s and four 8s; Amy Le Bas achieved six grade 9s and four grade 8s; and Louis Whittome achieved five 9s, five 8s and a 7.

Headteacher Dan Watts said: “We are incredibly proud of our GCSE and A-level students and wish them the very best for the future, whether continuing with us in the sixth form or going further afield.

NEWS FROM CITIZENS ADVICE UNDER lockdown, parcel deliveries have become a lifeline, especially for disabled people or those shielding.

Citizens Advice has found that approximately 7 million disabled people had a problem with their parcel deliveries in a single week. This number jumps to just over 9 million people when looking at those in the shielded group, which also includes those who are elderly, pregnant or have a long-term illness.

These problems include parcels left in inaccessible places, delivery drivers not leaving enough time for people to answer the door, and goods not being delivered on time or at all.

Over the past few months, UK consumers have become increasingly dependent on online shopping and spending has increased exponentially, with an average of £2.5billion spent a week online in June, compared to £1.5billion in February (a 62 per cent increase).

Despite this increasing reliance, Citizens Advice has seen a 119 per cent increase in people seeking help on parcel issues on its website since lockdown began in March.

Charlotte, a quadruple amputee who uses delivery services frequently, explains how more still needs to be done: “I find it difficult to get to the shops so I’m reliant on home deliveries. I need more time to get to, and open, the door when I get a parcel delivered.

“I have a sign in my front door asking for deliveries and post to be taken to the side entrance as it’s more accessible. But nine times out of ten my sign is ignored and my parcels are left in places I cannot access.”

Last year, Citizens Advice called on delivery companies to improve parcel deliveries for disabled people. But with many disabled people belonging to the shielded group or relying even more on parcel deliveries due to COVID19, ensuring that everyone has equal access to delivery services has become more important than ever.

Five UK parcel companies committed to

finding a way to do this, including DHL Parcel, Hermes, DPD, Menzies, and Parcelly.

They agreed to find a way to: ● Allow disabled people to specify their explicit accessibility needs and pass these onto the driver making the delivery. This could include allowing more time for drivers when delivering and leaving parcels in accessible locations that are easy to reach. ● Publish detailed accessibility information online so disabled people can choose where they can pick up and drop off parcels.

Many delivery companies, including some major players, have yet to sign the pledge meaning millions of deliveries remain inaccessible or don’t meet the needs of disabled consumers. Citizens Advice is urging all companies to commit fully to its pledge to make sure they're giving all consumers equal access to this essential service.

Dame Gillian Guy, chief executive of Citizens Advice, said: “It’s hard to imagine how many of us would get through lockdown without getting parcels delivered.

“They’ve allowed us to retain a sense of normality and helped businesses to stay afloat.

But for many disabled consumers or for those previously shielding, parcel delivery has become a lifeline for accessing essential items.

“We’d like to see all parcel companies sign our pledge so they can deliver for everyone, regardless of their accessibility needs.”

Contact Citizens Advice if you need help with delivery problems. Phone us on 01308 456594 or call Dorset AdviceLine on 0344 111 444 or send an email to advice@bridport-cab.org.uk and we will call you back.

We are also offering a limited drop-in service Monday-Friday following government socialdistancing guidelines from 10am at 45 South Street, Bridport, DT6 3NY.

“This has been a very challenging year for all school students and the significant disruption to education has been felt most keenly by those who should have taken their final exams this summer.

“Our school has a strong track record of academic excellence and this year, despite the difficulties faced, is no different. Our students have achieved incredibly well across the full range of A-level and Level 3, GCSE and Level 2 qualifications and will continue to do so within their chosen new destinations.

“We are disappointed that the school year ended so abruptly and prevented students from experiencing some of the key moments in their education. However, we are continually amazed by the resilience and perseverance shown by our students in very challenging circumstances.

“We also recognise the anxiety caused by the events of the past few months, weeks and days and thank our parents and carers for their continued support. We understand that the rapidly changing information surrounding examination results has caused uncertainty and anxiety and for that we are sorry.

“Our staff have worked incredibly hard to ensure that students have been cared for and have continued to receive the best education possible. We have strived to ensure that students have been given every chance to pursue their chosen next steps and staff will remain

available to offer support and guidance where needed.

“Students should be reassured that the grade they have received is the best of their Centre Assessment Grade and algorithm generated exam board grade. The clarity provided here should give students confidence in knowing that the outcome received is the best possible.

“I would like to thank Chris Loder MP for his support in ensuring that students got the grades they deserved today instead of being unfairly disadvantaged by an algorithm that has been shown to be less than perfect.”

Commenting on GCSE results day, Mrs Petty, head of Year 11, added: “This year’s Year 11 cohort have been recognised as an able group, but we also wish to highlight how highly regarded they are as positive, resilient, engaged members of the school and wider community.

“The teaching and pastoral teams have really enjoyed working with them and, despite the unprecedented challenge faced this year, there have again been some “We look forward to welcoming many of these hard working students to the sixth form and wish to congratulate those named above and the many more like them who put in the hard work during their time at Woodroffe to achieve an excellent set of results.”

Friday, August 21 2020 9

www.lyme-online.co.uk

The BIG BREAKFAST is back!

Supporting

Research funds have been severely affected by COVID-19

Friday 25 September, 8am to 1pm, at Woodmead Halls, Lyme Regis Full English Breakfast with orange juice, tea or coffee and toast and marmalade - £7 Vegetarian option available - £7 Bacon Rolls £3.50 - we will deliver if required

Tickets must be booked in advance for time slots in order to allow social distancing and table sanitisation Book for 8am or 10am or 12 noon - please call 07796 951991

10 Friday, August 21 2020

www.lyme-online.co.uk

Development trust hosts first farmers market LYME Regis Farmers Market, one of the latest initiatives to be set up by Lyme Regis Development Trust, hosted its first event on Friday.

Local producers and craftspeople set up stalls in the Marine Parade shelters for the first of what will be a monthly market.

The market aims to create a diverse shopping experience for residents and visitors to Lyme Regis, sharing some of the best in local produce and crafts.

Organisers were delighted with the success of the first market, with more now planned for September 11 and October 9, open from 9am to 5pm.

CHRIS Tipping, managing director of Lyme Regis Development Trust, interviews market supporter and town councillor Belinda Bawden for local video coverage of the event, and below with one of the stallholders Photo by Max Redwood

Silent nights in the gardens LymeOnline Letters thanks to security guards Send your letters to francesca@lyme-online.co.uk ■ I WOULD like to take this opportunity to thank Lyme Regis Town Council for bringing in the security guards.

I have to say I was amazed when I read in LymeOnline that they were going to spend £10,000 on these patrols but delighted at the same time.

We live alongside the gardens and almost every night, lockdown included, we were kept awake by the noise of music going on for hours after 11pm.

I spoke to the mayor who was very understanding , the police came round and spoke to people living in the area and the next thing I know we have security guards and since then… silent nights.

I’m somewhat disappointed by the attitude of the two councillors who feel it is a waste of money; these two just don’t realise there are no

police, we would like to think there are but there aren’t.

Very interesting to read that Councillor David Ruffle thinks that the noise is mainly caused by locals. Does this man prowl the gardens at night and identify just locals dancing the night away?

Does anyone in this town, apart from these councillors, think that Lyme Regis Town Council is hard up and can’t afford these guards? I doubt it.

Next on the agenda, please can we have a hawk patrolling the main beach on very regular occasions please, the town thrives on tourists and hardly anyone comes off the beach without a story of seagulls, stolen food and frighten children.

Harry May, Cobb Road, Lyme Regis

■ IT was galling to see MP Chris Loder pulling pints at the Volly, pledging support for the NHS and confirming his determination to get Brexit done (LymeOnline, August 7).

He should reflect that 10 years of government NHS neglect resulted in a woeful lack of resource and preparation for treatment of the COVID epidemic resulting in the worst per capita death rate in the developed world.

He should also be reminded that half the UK population did not want to leave the European

Union and the last thing the country will need to recover from the current economic turmoil is a barrier to trade with our single most important export market.

The massive number of young unemployed people, the majority of whom did not vote for Brexit, will be hard pushed to join Mr Loder for a pint the Volly.

NHS neglected by government

Chris Elmore, Lyme Regis

GET INVOLVED WITH YOUR COMMUNIT Y PAPER

Shoppers may have genuine reason for not wearing a mask

■ I WOULD like to respond to a letter published in Lyme Online on August 7. The person was complaining about a man not wearing a mask at Tesco, and that he didn’t reply when he/she confronted him about not wearing one.

The person even spoke to the store manager of Tesco saying that the staff should be enforcing the public to wear a mask.

May I respectably point out that the man in question may have had a valid reason for not wearing a mask. There are many disabled people who are unable to wear a mask; they may be deaf (like myself), autistic, have a physical disability, suffer from epilepsy, have psychological problems, and a host of other disabilities.

By law these people are exempt from wearing a mask, and they should not have to explain this to others.

I myself have a cochlear implant, and have on several occasions had the processor fall off my ear while struggling with the mask. In ad-

dition, I find it incredibly hard talking to a shopkeeper through a mask and a sheet of perspex, due to my speech difficulties and having to rely on lipreading.

But I also find it stressful not wearing a mask in a shop, because I worry that other people such as this letter-writer may think less of me.

It was also mentioned that the self-checkouts weren’t cleaned between use. Staff in all shops, hotels, etc, work hard enough as it is, and on the whole they all do a brilliant job. It just wouldn’t be practical to clean between every use. The onus should be on members of the public to carry hand gel if they are worried.

So please, have common sense and let us not create even more stress in these difficult times. Thank you and stay safe everyone.

Richard Bizley Avenue Road, Lyme Regis

The views expressed in letters are those of the author and not necessarily of this newspaper

Friday, August 21 2020 11

www.lyme-online.co.uk

LYME REGIS S BUTCHERS Don’t fancy a trip into town? Struggling to park?

Free Deliv li ery Days a W Weeek 67 D

L tu Let us come to you. Si Simply l place l your order d online, line pay over the he phon ne (01297 445000) or pay upon delivery y.. All deliv veries are deliv vered between 9am - 9pm, 67 days a week at a time me that suits you.

View our ffull ull range online at: www w..lymeregisbutcheers.co.uk

Local delivery onlyy.. 10 mi les of L Lyme yme Regis.

SPECIAL S OFFER Spend £50 &FOR Receive a FREE R EV Ve egetab a le ONLINE ORDERS PONLY! Pac k & 1/ 1/2 D Dozen Free R Ran nge E Eggs!!

Spend more than £50 and e coupon code : vegb box receive a 20% Us discount (offer can only be used once per customer)

I n t r o d u c i n g

Over 26 Flavours of Sausages Deliv D li ered d to your d door, made d by award d winning butcher Dan Bolton.

by Dan Bolton 55 Broad St, L Lyme yme Regis

01297 445000

www w..lymeregisbutcherss.co.uk

thebusinesspage

12 Friday, August 21 2020

www.lyme-online.co.uk

Healthy and wholesome food served up at new café

A WARM welcome awaits at the new Water’s Edge Café in Coombe Street

STAFF at the new Water’s Edge Café in Lyme Regis were rushed off their feet on opening day.

The new café was kept busy when it opened in Coombe Street on Wednesday, offering healthy and wholesome breakfast, brunch and lunch.

Just a stone’s throw from the River Lim, the Waters Edge Café can be found in premises which formerly housed hat shop Pop Goes the Weasel.

The property has undergone an extensive refurbishment with everything finished to a high standard, a bright and airy interior and additional tables with parasols outside.

Owner Jason has patiently waited for lockdown restrictions to be eased to open his new business. A chef by trade, he is well experienced in the café business having previously set up successful brands in London before selling them to Marks & Spencer and later moving to Colyton.

His focus will be on quality, fresh produce with no fried food on offer. Rather than the usual bacon and sausages, the breakfast menu will include pastries, muesli, granola and muffins, while lunch will consist of rustic salads and sandwiches made to order, homemade quiches, soups and specials.

The Waters Edge Café will also be serving teas, coffees and blended drinks, including frappucinos and smoothies, as well as a delicious selection of cakes and Baboo Gelato ice cream.

The friendly team is sure to offer you a warm welcome inside, or a takeaway and delivery service is also available.

A DELICIOUS variety of cakes, pastries and savouries are available, alongside salads and sandwiches made to order

ADVERTISER’S ANNOUNCEMENT

Artisan Florist Seasonal Vintage Bouquets, Weddings and Events Order on-line or by phone Ready made options at 18 Woodmead Road, Lyme Regis DT7 3AD

Teresa Fowler 35 years experience House of Flowers Lyme Regis @HouseofFlowers7

For all occasions or just because Tel: 01297 444743 www.houseofflowerslymeregis.co.uk Email: houseofflowers34@aol.co.uk

A rediscovered passion for floristry TERESA Fowler of House of Flowers has rediscovered her passion for artisan floristry during lockdown.

With many weddings and events put on hold this year, the experienced florist has had more time to focus on her creative talents, news ideas and designs, and has now found a whole new way of working from her self-serve flower shed in Woodmead Road.

Teresa commented: “I maintain my mission to become as environmentally friendly as possible and this additional time from the lockdown allowed me to explore more sustainable wholesalers.

“I can proudly say I support local growers and the majority of my beautiful flowers are Dorsetgrown with the only outsourcing when local is not possible.

“In order to eliminate cellophane and singleuse plastics, I now offer UK manufactured recycled vases as standard with no additional costs.

“I came up with my idea of ‘Bunches of Cheer’ at the height of lockdown when there was no socialising as a way for friends and family to send happiness and cheer, whether for an occasion that was unable to be celebrated together or simply to create a smile.

“After such positive feedback the ‘Bunches of Cheer’ will remain and can be purchased for £10, delivered as a one-off or subscribed to on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis, either for yourself or for loved one.

“I also trialled the idea of letterbox flowers to send this cheer to those further away and these were so successful I have also decided to continue to offer this service.

“My style can be described as rustic and vintage, showing off my love for wildflowers. However, I am highly adaptable and I am proficient in all styles, including bespoke designs and

ideas. Along with bridal flowers, I offer arches, centerpieces, pedestals and feature displays all of which can be hired in order to ensure you receive a worry-free and personalised floristry package.

“As well as weddings, I still offer the full flower trade including events, funerals, occasions and daily deliveries. I continue to accept orders by phone and online (with the website updated weekly) and to deliver to Lyme Regis and surrounding areas free of charge.

“In place of a shop in town, I am supplying Ammonite Fine Foods with a selection of plants and flowers, alongside opening a new self-serve flower shed at 18 Woodmead Road.

“The rustic shed is open seven days a week and boasts a full selection of readymade bouquets, arrangements, plants and gifts. There really is something for everyone, so do pull up and take a look for yourself! And, if you can't find what you're looking for give me a call because I'd love to help.”

You can call Teresa on 01297 444743 or find the self-serve flower shed at 18 Woodmead Road, Lyme Regis, DT7 3AD.

thebusinesspage

Friday, August 21 2020 13

www.lyme-online.co.uk

Largigi Rooms - open at last!

‘How COVID-19 nearly sunk me’

I

T’S taken six years from concept to completion and a £1 million investment - but Lyme Regis entrepreneur Larry Gibbons’ plans for his ten-bedroom holiday accommodation development in Coombe Street was nearly scuppered by COVID-19.

On the day that Larry, who also owns the popular Largigi cafe and Thai restaurant on Marine Parade, had planned to open his new Largigi Rooms, Boris Johnson announced lockdown.

And then to add to his woes, a land dispute at the rear of the Largigi Rooms delayed the opening by a further month because it impacted on his fire exit with bookings having to be cancelled.

The double-delay cost Larry “a considerable sum” and he admits it could have been a mortal blow having no income for such a long period after the huge investment in the project.

After the fire escape issue was finally settled, Larry was able to open for business and the ten-room complex - five bedrooms accommodating two people and five for families of four - are proving extremely popular, fully booked most nights and helping to address the lack of rooms in the town.

PHILIP EVANS

philip@lyme-online.co.uk

The development also has the added attraction of garage parking for all rooms, a huge asset in Lyme Regis where parking is at a premium.

Larry will admit it has not been an easy journey. But opening new businesses in high profile locations in a seaside resort is fraught with planning difficulties.

He will also admit he is not your usual businessman.

“I’m the type that sees a gap in the market and then I go for it,” he said. “I am definitely not your normal 9 to 5 man.”

Having lived in the West Country since 1972, Larry firs came to Lyme in 2002 when he acquired the old Bay Hotel on Marine Parade.

APPALLING STATE He found the building in an appalling state with 20 bedrooms but no views at the rear.

So he converted it into ten suites and ran the Bay for six months before selling the property after he was refused planning permission to convert the building into apartments.

This was his first experience of how Lyme jealously protected its landmarks and he was faced with a 1,000 signature petition to keep it as an hotel. But it was not financially viable to do so.

Larry retained the annexe

ONE of the well appointed facilities at the Largigi Rooms

of the Bay which accommodated the hotel’s snooker room and set about building residential accommodation in its place.

The plans to do so caused another furore because it was felt the design wasn’t in keeping with the area but in the end planning permission was secured and the development won an international architectural award.

Larry also opened the Largigi cafe and the Thai restaurant below and sought permission for alfresco dining with tables on a section of the parade.

Since then he has been fighting a long campaign with Lyme Regis Town Council over the cost of allowing tables outside which, he claims, is higher than any other result in the country.

Larry secured the support of other seafront traders who wanted tables on the seafront to withhold their payments and fight their case.

In the end, Larry was the only seafront trader to withdraw payment and recently a court case judged in favour of the town council.

It was a fight that cost him “a significant sum” in lawyers’ fees.

Larry says he is now trying to build a “trusting and businesslike” relationship with the town council but he was disappointed with how the issue over the land at the rear of his premises had been handled, especially as the lease LRTC had with the owners of the land, Dorset Council, had expired.

The Largigi Rooms were designed by Stuart Case, renowned for his use of wood and eco-friendly developments.

The complex is built on the site of the garage once owned by the Bay Hotel.

Formerly it was the town bus depot going back many years and then the home of Lyme Regis Engineering run by the late George Burgess.

ENTREPRENEUR Larry Gibbons pictured outside his newly opened Largigi Rooms in Coombe Street Photos by RICHARD AUSTIN

Lights, camera, action...

Lyme Sights & Sounds A new multi-media channel bringing your local news alive!

Videos of all major local events ● Topical podcasts on the latest news ● Colourful photo galleries ●

Now live on the LymeOnline website

lyme-online.co.uk

14 Friday, August 21 2020

Two Lyme residents mark 100th birthdays TWO well known characters from Lyme Regis celebrated their 100th birthdays last week.

Former Lyme Regis resident Ray Smith – who played a major part in establishing Lyme Regis Development Trust – marked his 100th on Saturday. The former electronics engineer, who served in the RAF during the Second World War,

first moved to the local area in 1992 with his wife Terry, and played an active role in the Lyme Regis community before more recently moving to Seaton to live with his son Jerry.

At the beginning of WWII, Ray joined the Royal Airforce where he learned to fly. However, as an electronics engineer he was recalled to work on defence and was part of the team who developed centimetric radar, which enabled the detection of much smaller objects and the use of much smaller antennas than the earlier, lower frequency radars.

Before retiring, Ray was senior manager on engineering services at GEC Marconi.

In their spare time, Ray and Terry were a formidable team racing their Lotus Cortina and Ford Escort rally car against the likes of Jim Clarke.

From the offset of arriving in Lyme Regis, Ray got involved with the local community, volunteering for various things and putting together a traffic survey for the town.

Ray took on the role of chairman of Lyme Regis Development Trust and led on consulting with local people on issues that were important to them and finding solutions.

Projects included the town’s Children’s Centre, The Hub youth club, purchase and development of St Michael’s Business Centre, the Town Mill’s Malt-

house and path, and the popular Fossil Festival.

He was also a founding member of Lyme Regis Community Land Trust (CLT) and played a considerable part in the creation of the Garmans Field affordable housing development off Timber Hill.

CLT chairman Keith Jenkin said: “He made a valued contribution to this success story and we will be eternally grateful to him for it. A very happy birthday Ray, and many more of them to come!”

Ray and Terry were also very much part of the Community Players, who each year performed musicals in the Marine Theatre.

Now living in Seaton, Ray said he’d like to look next at teaching electronic engineering as part of the U3A. Also celebrating her 100th birthday last weekend was Lyme Regis resident Jeanne Allen Born Jeanne Ewins in Aston, Birmingham, she went to school in Solihull and then on to college and trained to be a shorthand typist.

Jeanne married Edward Allen when she was 28 and they lived in Solihull before buying a shop in Bridport and moving there, eventually coming to Lyme Regis in 1980.

At 100 years old she is fit and well, still living on her own and is said to always be looking out for her neighbours and doing things for others.

As well as receiving a card from the Queen, Jeanne was showered with gifts and flowers for her birthday, largely organised by Cheryl Reynolds and Ali

www.lyme-online.co.uk

RAY Smith and his wife Terry, pictured just before his 100th birthday last weekend.

Left, Jeanne Allen with her card from the Queen and just some of her gift baskets and flowers McLoughlin of Lyme Regis Commu- more flowers and sang ‘Happy nity Support Group, which has been Birthday’. helping residents during the coronThose attending included town avirus pandemic. councillors Cheryl Reynolds, Local traders donated gifts for a Michaela Ellis and Belinda Bawden, hamper and the Lyme Garden who have all been volunteering for Growers gave her a specially-made the community support group, as planter filled with flowers.

Jeanne received more than 70 well as fellow volunteer Andrew birthday cards and was surprised on Kingston, Paddy Howe from the Saturday morning with a socially- Lyme Garden Growers and Joanne distanced gathering outside her flat, Ellis from Lyme Regis Medical Cenwhere friends presented her with tre.

Mark Hix’s new restaurant is now open, nestled at the top of Lister Gardens, serving local seasonal food and freshly caught fish and seafood from Lyme Bay The menus at the Fish House are built around the long-established, personal relationships that Mark has with his suppliers and use only responsibly produced, carefully sourced and simply served British seasonal ingredients. The Fish House supports local Lyme Bay Reserve fishermen reflected in the daily changing menu, serving the freshest fish and seafood, grilled and simply served. With meat dishes, kids and vegetarian menus available, there is something for everyone.

The wine list reads as a charming tour of the local vineyards including Lyme Bay and boutique vineyard, Castlewood. So, it’s not surprising to see Mark’s own label beers, made locally by Palmers Brewery alongside a seasonal cocktail list showcasing local spirits such as Black Cow pure milk vodka and Julian Temperley's Somerset Cider Brandy.

Book Online www.theoysterandfishhouse.co.uk

Open every day 12pm-10pm

Outdoor terrace with views of the Jurassic Coast Locally sourced fish and seafood

We are pleased to confirm we are participating in the Eat Out to Help Out scheme this August theoysterandfishhouse.co.uk | @theoysterandfishhouse The Oyster & Fish House, Cobb Road, Lyme Regis DT7 3JP 01297 446910

www.lyme-online.co.uk

Friday, August 21 2020 15

PROMOTED CONTENT

LYME REGIS TOWN COUNCIL The COVID pandemic has changed the way we work IT has been five months since our last column and the pandemic has changed the way the council works – perhaps forever.

This seems like a good opportunity to provide an update on how we’re operating at the moment and for the foreseeable future.

Like everyone else, we have had to find new ways of working and adapt to the Government guidelines, while still maintaining the levels of service and democracy the public would expect of their local council.

Most of our services have re-opened but with some restrictions and COVID-19 Secure measures in place – the ‘new normal’ as it’s now become commonly known.

The council continues to advocate the ‘stay alert’ message and we hope everyone enjoying the town will respect the guidance on social distancing, group sizes and hygiene.

As a quick reference, here are the services which are open: ● All car parks ● All public toilets ● Mini golf, putting green and table tennis in Lister Gardens ● Beach huts ● Anning Road and Henry’s Way play parks ● Skatepark ● Markets in the Marine Parade Shelters ● Town bus service (number 71)

● Weddings

at the Guildhall offices wheelchairs Although the council offices are open, the front door remains locked due to difficulties with social distancing in the reception area but please ring the doorbell or give us a call for assistance.

Some services remain closed, including Charmouth Road park and ride, which will not operate at all this year due to social distancing requirements and the service being financially unviable due to reduced passenger numbers.

Deckchairs and trampolines will not be al● Council ● Beach

lowed to operate until further notice and the United Beach Mission group, which runs children’s games and activities on the beach, will not be coming to Lyme Regis this year.

We have a dedicated coronavirus page on the town council website www.lymeregistowncouncil.gov.uk/coronavirus-updates which pulls together all the latest updates from the community, as well as links to other useful websites.

The council would like to take this opportunity to thank the public for their patience and co-operation during the pandemic and the transition period as we have eased our way out of lockdown.

Join us for a virtual meeting!

THE wildflower bed in Langmoor Gardens has been well-received this summer (photo by Belinda Bawden) and, below, the flower boxes on Marine Parade

Lyme is in full bloom for summer NEW flower boxes on the seafront and revamped displays in the gardens have been attracting lots of compliments this summer.

Our gardening team has been

working hard over the last year to improve the Langmoor and Lister Gardens after concerns from councillors and the public they were looking a bit neglected.

Now it seems all the hard work has paid off as the gardens and the seafront are blooming with colour and variety!

And it’s not gone unnoticed – we have received huge amounts of praise from the public, not just for the displays but also the passion and dedication of the gardeners who are only too happy to chat to people about their work.

Their mammoth task has included restoring 25 flower beds in the gardens, weeding by hand and filling in cracks in the paths.

One of the most well-received changes in the garden has been the planting of wildflowers at the top of the gardens. With the Cobb as a backdrop, it seems to have become one of the most photographed scenes in Lyme Regis this year.

We hope you agree it’s looking really lovely and if you’re yet to walk through the gardens and along the seafront, make sure you do while the displays are in full bloom.

ONE of the major changes we have seen during the pandemic is the way we hold council meetings.

With restrictions still in place on public gatherings, like many other councils in the country we have been meeting virtually using an online video conferencing facility.

In the early stages of lockdown, members gave the town clerk the authority to make essential decisions in consultation with the mayor and this worked well initially.

As the restrictions began to ease and new legislation was put in place to enable councils to meet virtually, we decided to hold monthly virtual Full Council and Planning Committee meetings.

This means the usual committee system is not in operation at the moment and it’s prompted us to think about the most productive way of conducting our business.

With the ability to hold virtual meetings, we hope it will improve democracy and public access to meetings as it’s easier than ever to listen and take part.

Our next Full Council meeting is on Wednesday, August 26 and the next Planning Committee meeting is on Wednesday, September 2, both at 7pm. The agendas and details about how to access the meetings are available on our website.

WE’RE supporting a Dorset-wide campaign to tackle littering and anti-social behaviour on our beaches.

‘Slam Dunk the Junk’ is led by Litter Free Coast and Sea, encouraging people to use the bins, or if they’re full, take their litter home.

As we have emerged from lockdown, there has been a noticeable increase in littering on Dorset’s beaches for various reasons, including people meeting outdoors more, less community beach cleans, and more takeaway

food consumed as some cafes and restaurants have been unable to open.

While Lyme Regis has fortunately not witnessed the scenes of overcrowding and littering seen in some other coastal areas of Dorset, we want to keep it that way.

If you’ve been on the seafront lately you have probably seen the banners and posters encouraging people to ‘slam dunk the junk’ and it’s hoped a consistent campaign across Dorset will help hammer home the message.

The content on this page is promoted and provided by Lyme Regis Town Council

timeoutinLyme

16 Friday, August 21 2020

www.lyme-online.co.uk

ART | MUSIC | THEATRE | WHAT’S ON | COMPETITIONS

Concerts in the West host online performances DESPITE the restrictions imposed by COVID19, Concerts in the West is inviting audiences to enjoy classical music online in 18 unique, pre-recorded concerts, giving people a taste of future live concerts.

The online concerts feature a fantastic line-up of

top-class musicians, including those who were due to play for the classical music charity Concerts in the West this year, had the pandemic not forced their cancellation, as well as those who have been invited to play in 2021 and 2022.

All these musicians have made a tremendous effort to perform together and record their music especially for Concerts in the West’s exciting series of virtual concerts.

Ranging in length from 30-45 minutes, the performances can be viewed from August 20 to October 22 for one month from the date of transmission, either on Facebook, YouTube or at www.concertsinthewest.org.uk Catherine Maddocks, founder and director of Concerts in the West, has been working hard throughout lockdown organising the digital concert series, as well as rebooking this year’s musicians to play in 2021 and even in 2022.

She remains positive about future concerts, commenting: “It is wonderful to be able to start thinking ahead and we can’t wait to welcome the musicians and our audiences back again to our quirky and individual venues.

“In the meantime, we hope people enjoy our online series, which is being funded from our own resources. We aren’t selling tickets, so it

WHAT’S ON IN LYME REGIS? As local events begin to start up again, the LymeOnline website has relaunched its What’s On section What’s On listings are free for non-profit and charity events, so if you have something coming up please get in touch and we will add it to our diary!

Send your What’s On listings to edit@lyme-online.co.uk

Find the latest local events at www.lyme-online.co.uk/events

would be lovely if our audiences could donate to support us and the musicians.

“Shock, sadness and fear clutched at everyone in March 2020. Gradually, we adapted to the life we were being asked to live. For many, the thought that live music would disappear from our lives was appalling and so we have been working on what to do about it.

“As we gradually came to realise that live venue performances in the UK were going to take some time to get going again we had to make the decision to cancel 2020 and start again in March 2021. We are optimistic that we will be able to.

“In the meantime, we want to keep music alive for our audiences and have therefore decided to create an online series, which will run over several weeks in the late summer and early Autumn.

“Riccardo Pes has been helping us with this, particularly on the technical side. He organised the Andrà tutto bene Festival early in the lockdown so is very active and knowledgeable in this field.

“We are delighted that a lovely group of musicians has agreed to take part. They have worked hard to find venues to work in safely and have only recently managed to get together under the Government guidelines.”

Technical director Riccardo Pes added: “It is thanks to organisations like Concert in the West that the music is surviving during this unprecedented time.”

The line-up of online concerts includes Carmenc; Solem Quartet; Mariela Shaker; Colin Scobie, Manuel Vioque-Judde and Zéphyrin Ray-Bellet; Savitri Grier and Olivier Robin; the Linos Piano Trio; the Askew Sisters; Consone Quartet; Katherine Dain; Emma Halnan and the Eblana String Trio; Pelléas Ensemble; Jubilee Quartet; Trio Klein and Yuki Negishi; Stephen Upshaw; Alasdair Beatson; Naomi Burrell, Gavin Kibble and David Gerrard; Fenella Humphreys, Cara Berridge and Daniel Grimwood; Ferio Saxophone Quartet.

For full details visit the website www.concertsinthewest.org.uk

Historic mill welcoming visitors again VISITORS to the Town Mill in Lyme Regis can once again view the historic watermill and learn about the production of flour.

The mill is offering a free miller interaction experience instead of its usual tours to meet COVID-19 regulations.

Visitors will be able to view the 14th century watermill from different levels and ask the volunteer millers questions from a safe distance.

There is no fee for this experience but donations towards the upkeep of the mill would be welcome.

The Town Mill’s two art galleries are also now open, with Chris Goodman’s ‘Sea and Shore Explored’ running until August 20, followed by an exhibition by Alistair and Kate Briggs in the Courtyard Gallery, and Richard Kaye displaying his recent work in the Malthouse Gallery.

The mill’s various artisan businesses are also open with food and drink available at Lyme Regis Brewery, the Courtyard Café and the neighbouring Millside restaurant and Persian street food stand.

Friday, August 21 2020 17

www.lyme-online.co.uk

Stepping into the Lyme light

FROM SUNSETS TO RAIN CLOUDS, THE SKY TO THE DEEP BLUE SEA - WHAT MAKES UP THE COLOURS OF LYME?

J

.M.W. Turner famously captured Lyme Regis bathed in light surrounded by a stormy sea, in a painting which now hangs in Cincinnati Art Museum.

Turner was known as the “painter of light” and to those of us who watch and observe the ever-changing skies over Lyme Bay, it is perhaps no surprise that he chose this particular location.

It is easy to see what makes the ‘Pearl of Dorset’ so special, with the waters of Lyme Bay stretching to the horizon and a vast expanse of sky allowing the sun to illuminate the coastline from sunrise to sunset.

But where does that wonderful palette of colours come from?

Let us start with the beautiful blue skies of summer. As beautifully demonstrated in a rainbow, white light is made from all of the colours of the visible spectrum (red, orange yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet as we learn at school).

The sky is a blue colour because the atmosphere scatters the shorter wavelength (blue) light more than the longer wavelength (reddish) components. This effect is called Rayleigh Scattering, named after the 19th century, British physicist Lord Rayleigh.

With photons of light scattering off the oxygen and nitrogen molecules in the atmosphere like billiard balls, this means that our human eyes see blue light arriving from all different directions, and hence we perceive a blue sky.

What about those glorious sunsets? When we look at the setting sun, our eyes mainly receive the direct red light rather than the scattered blue light. As the sun drops lower in the sky, the light has to traverse much longer dis-

SCIENCE FEATURE

by Professor Glenn Patrick

Professor Glenn Patrick is a particle physicist and science communicator who explores the quantum world of sub-atomic particles (including at the Large Hadron Collider) and now lives in Lyme Regis tances at a low angle through the atmosphere, meaning that only the red component is not scattered away from our line of vision. The dust and other pollutants that hang in the atmosphere can amplify this effect and add to the colours.

Let’s turn to the deep blue sea. It was once thought by Lord Rayleigh that the dark blue of the ocean was simply a reflection of the blue sky. During a Mediterranean voyage in 1921, the Indian scientist Sir C. V. Raman contemplated this and realised that this could not be the full explanation because the colour of sea water varies and does not always look like the sky.

After a series of experiments, Raman concluded that the vibrating water molecules in the sea scatter the white sunlight in such a way that the wavelength of the emitted light is shifted to the blue part of the spectrum and hence the deep sea appears blue.

This is different to Rayleigh scattering where light is just deflected and emitted with the same wavelength.

This is not the whole story, though, because as we all observe, away from the deep ocean the colour of the sea varies and can be turquoise, brown or steely grey. The purity of

sea water varies with location, time and depth. Substances like salt, sand, silt, algae and phytoplankton literally muddy the waters.

Particles of these substances scatter and absorb light differently to clear, open water and give us the colours that we see around the coast.

Given that clouds are made of water vapour, you might wonder why those fluffy clouds over the Jurassic Coast appear white. This is due to the fact that the water droplets are much larger than the wavelengths of light and also much larger than the individual molecules and atoms in the atmosphere. Consequently, reflection and refraction of light within these water droplets dominate and these processes depend much less on wave-

length.

Our eyes therefore detect all wavelengths equally - and therefore all colours - meaning that we observe white clouds.

The bottom of a cloud is often grey because most of the scattering has already taken place in the upper layers of the cloud.

Moody rain clouds are dark because they are laden with millions of larger water droplets in the upper most layers and these scatter light even more.

The skies and oceans will always be appreciated for their sheer artistic and romantic beauty. A little science though gives extra insight into the majesty of what nature conjures up for us in Lyme Bay!

axminsternews

18 Friday, August 21 2020

www.lyme-online.co.uk

Sponsored by Axminster Nub News - axminster.nub.news

Couple launch 'meals on wheels' service for elderly and vulnerable LOCAL couple Jenna Wellman and Daniel Hawken are launching a new business venture to bring healthy, home-cooked meals to the elderly and vulnerable.

Nan's Family Kitchen, inspired by Jenna's late grandmother, will launch on September 1 providing a 'meals on wheels' service across Devon, Dorset and Somerset, initially within a 10-mile radius of Axminster.

Jenna and Dan have a combined 20-plus years of experience in the care and hospitality industries and are now braving the economic downturn and using their skills to provide what they describe as an "essential service" for customers.

They will be delivering their nutritious, homecooked meals to those who are unable to prepare food themselves or who feel anxious to go out shopping.

Jenna and Dan said: "Nan’s Family Kitchen will provide freshly prepared hot meals and offer a variety of puddings, snacks and light bites. We have been working with local, award-winning chef Shaun Cassidy who is helping us to design our menu.

"He is helping to ensure that our customers who are mainly the elderly, disabled and more vulnerable are receiving meals that are cooked using the freshest ingredients as well as meals

that are well balanced and provide the nutritional support they need but are equally bursting with flavour.

"Our meals will be cooked fresh daily, using local suppliers where possible. This ensures the freshest ingredients are used, whilst also supporting our local businesses.

"All our meals are delivered on microwavable and oven friendly dishes which are wrapped in biodegradable clingfilm, which can be disposed of in JENNA Wellman and Daniel Hawken are launching 'meals on wheels' service Nan's your green recycling Family Kitchen in September bag, along with our reusable and recyclable containers. Meals are "We understand that during this current transported in thermal boxes, to ensure food is COVID-19 pandemic, going out to the shops can create high levels of anxiety and stress. By choospiping hot on arrival.

"Our bespoke service can be tailored to your ing Nan’s Family Kitchen, you are eliminating tastes, needs and requirements, leaving you feel- this stress and anxiety, as well as helping to sustain a greener way of living." ing relaxed and stress free at mealtimes.

The business venture was inspired by Jenna's grandmother, Marion Gear, who passed away just over a year ago. Before her death, Jenna and her family had been keen to find a local company that could deliver well-prepared meals for their Nan, but they struggled to find such a service in the Axminster area.

Having worked as a carer for just under 10 years, Dan, who is also former police officer originally from South Africa, also agreed that many of his clients were not getting the nutrition they needed so now they are launching a friendly, reliable service and giving something back to the community.

Nan's Family Kitchen will go above and beyond simply delivering meals; Dan and Jenna will hold a consultation with all new clients to understand their needs, their care support network and provide a point of contact care service.

Nan's Family Kitchen drivers will always arrive with a lanyard and ID card, they are all DBS checked and cleared. They will always aim to have the same delivery driver delivering to the same customers, but if there is a change in driver the customers will be notified in advance.

Dan and Jenna added: "We aim to meet with all our clients in their home to discuss exactly what their needs are and to offer a ‘point of contact care service’ for each delivery.

"We would look to liaise with our customers' carers, care service providers and relatives to ensure that if we arrive for a delivery and feel there is a health concern, we will contact the relevant support network for that customer.

"We understand that we may be one of the only people some of our customers get to see each day, so we hope this caring customer service will make everyone involved feel a part of Nan’s Family Kitchen.

"We hope that this will reassure distant family members that their family are receiving the best personal service and at the same time, eating consistently nutritious home cooked meals."

To sign up for delivered meals, email info@nansfamilykitchen.co.uk or by call 07854 280 112 or 07541 219 872.

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

Visit our new websites at

axminsterr..nub.news and seaton.nub.news

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

Waffles are coming to Trinity House!

THE popular Community Waffle House will be moving into Axminster's landmark town centre building, Trinity House, later this year.

The news was announced last week in a live video on Facebook, where Waffle House team members chatted with Ian Styles, managing director of Axminster Property, which owns and is currently refurbishing Trinity House, and local celebrity auctioneer Graham Barton.

The Waffle House was opened in West Street last April as a non-profit-making community interest company and has been a huge success, with every penny made going to help the needy of Axminster, especially the isolated and lonely.

The Waffle House is being run by three directors - Matt Smith, Tim and Sophie Mclachlan and a team of around 20 helpers. It recently reopened as a takeaway following the coronavirus lockdown.

Now the business plans to expand, taking on the whole of the first floor of Trinity House - a space five times the size of its current premises.

Explaining their plans on the video last night, Sophie said they intend to split the space into three different areas; a cafe serving up the same delicious Belgian waffles, a children's play area and a work space, especially for those who have been working from home for a long time during lockdown.

They are even looking into the possibility of installing a slide to take customers from the Waffle House into the cellars of Trinity House.

The new Waffle House is due to open five days a week from November, with savoury waffles also returning to the menu, as well as the popular sweet treats. There will be a lift to the first floor to make the space accessible to all.

The Waffle House team said they hope it will be a "huge benefit to the community" and they are keen to hear from residents how they would like the space to be used.

"We have a lot of ideas such as our games nights, youth club and autism hour, but it's really a blank canvas. It's really Axminster's space," they added.

They are now looking for more volunteers to help run the larger Waffle House, and will be looking at recruiting staff in the future.

Ian Styles commented: "We are absolutely delighted and this is great news for Axminster.

We've got some great shops opening, some great adventures to be had and to have Waffle at Trinity House will be just amazing.

He added that all units in the former department store had now been let, except for one small office on the top floor.

Country market to return next month

THE weekly Axminster Country Market will return next month after closing down during the coronavirus lockdown.

The market will reopen at the Masonic Hall in South Street on Thursday, September 3 at 9am offering delicious local produce, homemade cakes, plants and crafts.

Before lockdown, the market had been running with less stalls than usual following a few retirements, but its numbers have now been bolstered by four or five new producers keen to take Organisers have said the "future looks exciting" for the weekly event, adding: "Come and see what it’s all about, get some home-cooked food, some nice flowers and some amazing veg, and support your local producer’s co-op!

"We will have all the COVID safety measures in place, but please wear a mask. We will be learning as we go, so please be patient with us!

Axminster Country Market is part of the national Country Markets social enterprise. For more information, visit the website www.country-markets.co.uk

Friday, August 21 2020 19

www.lyme-online.co.uk

WE ARE DELIGHTED TO BE OPEN AGAIN Thank you for your continued support

Please book online at www.thepilotboat.co.uk

to ensure your table is reserved Food served all day 9am to 9pm We are committed to providing a safe environment for our customers and staff 1 Bridge Street, Lyme Regis – 01297 443157 info@thepilotboat.co.uk

20 Friday, August 21 2020

FLASHBACKS with Richard Austin

www.lyme-online.co.uk

Tales from behind the lens of our award-winning photographer

■ SOMERSET-based animal rescue charity, Secret World Animal Rescue, works miracles every day with the endless variation of birds and animals that pass through the charity’s HQ at East Huntspill. Every now and then something unusual happens, like the day I photographed staff member Nikki Hawkins playing mum to four young orphaned badger cubs who followed closely on their morning walk around the buttercup meadow. Seconds after I took this photograph a roaring jet plane flew low right over our heads and scattered the badgers all over the place. Nikki and I had to run around the field catching each one before we lost them in neighbouring woodland.

Royal College of Art releases initial findings on Lyme Regis AFTER announcing Lyme Regis was one of three rural communities chosen for a prestigious research project, the Royal College of Art has released its initial findings on the town.

This major new research project, led by the Royal College of Art (RCA), will reimagine public spaces and transport systems in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the current fragility of our interconnected world; from the importance of our local communities to the impacts on global trade, jobs and our natural environment.

In response to this and wider challenges about the future, designers from the Royal College of Art (RCA) – supported by the professional bodies and private organisations – have come together to seek a better way forward.

Together with partners from councils, civil society and charities, the RCA has connected with three rural communities around England so that they can understand their beliefs, feelings and knowledge about their towns.

The three communities are Biggleswade in Bedfordshire, Haltwhistle and surrounding parishes in Northumberland, and Lyme Regis.

The college will be using residents’ experience and knowledge to develop a set of tools that will help them to reimagine how they can build their community together, improve the ways they get around their town as well as beyond and how they might share their ideas about the future in more collaborative and supportive ways.

In Lyme Regis it is hoped the project could help find solutions for one of the town’s biggest issues - traffic congestion and lack of parking.

The RAC has now released a collection of highlights from the responses it has gained so far from the Lyme Regis community.

So who are “we” in Lyme Regis? ● We are actively social ● We are community focused ● We value the history of our jurassic town ● We value being close to nature, the coast and the countryside ● We enjoy the quiet and slow pace of life We value: ● Our friendships, our neighbours and our homes ● The countryside and our local activities ● The kindness and empathy to understand each other

Our green space; our private and public gardens coast and the views it provides What drives us nuts is: ● The congestion and parking ● The streets that are not designed for pedestrians or cyclists ● The litter that is left ● The poor public transport; the timings & the cost ● The cost of housing What are the challenges that need to be overcome? ● Integration and connection between neighbouring hubs, physically and socially ● It was also highlighted that newcomers did not feel welcome. That there is a need for cross community integration ● A greater balance between community and councils How can we map people’s hopes and dreams as a projection for a thriving future? ● Better connectivity and regular affordable buses connecting to other towns ● Improved park and ride network ●

● Our

● Access to services and local, walkable hubs dis-

tributed throughout the community, 400m radius neighbourhood bubbles ● There is a huge love of coastal and woodland walks that should be celebrated more ● Bringing public spaces to life with more events and activities; town cinema, Marine Theatre, Marine Parade.

The next stage of the Royal College of Art and partners' community engagement and transport planning project is the publication of the survey findings and their assessment of the challenges and visions people have expressed next week.

The public, including community groups and organisations, will be invited to comment on the findings.

In the meantime, the RCA particularly keen to hear from younger people and anyone with mobility issues. Those who would like to share their ideas should contact Belinda Bawden on belindabawden@gmail.com or Cheryl Reynolds on cherylreynolds1947@gmail.com, or submit ideas at http://tiny.cc/ourfuturetown

local services

Friday, August 21 2020 21

www.lyme-online.co.uk

CLEANING

e Lym

TV AERIALS

Bay Cleaning and

Maintenance End/Beginning of sales End/Beginning of lease Full Maintenance Service Carpet Cleaning specialists Holiday Let Cleans

Now taking on staff

AERIALS & CABLE

FULLY INSURED ALL GENERAL BUILDING DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL No job too big or too small

★ EXTENSIONS ★ CONSERVATORIES ★ RENOVATIONS ★ ALTERATIONS ★ LOFT CONVERSIONS ★ DRIVES★ ★ PATIOS ★ DECKING ★ FENCING ★ ROOFING ★ DECORATING ★ KITCHENS ★ BATHROOMS ★ BRICKWORK ★ PLUMBING Ring us for a no obligation free quotation on

Office: 01308 427428 Mobile: 07956 205733/ 07904 245877

Pro-Vision Window Cleaning

TV & Radio Aerials

• Installations & Repairs • Satellite Installation • UHF & VHF • Multi Point Installation

● WINDOWS INSIDE AND OUT ● ● CONSERVATORIES ● VELUX

GUTTERING WINDOWS ●FASCIAS AND SOFFITS ● PATIOS ● SOLAR PANELS ● PATHWAYS RESIDENTIAL OR COMMERCIAL

WE CLEAN IN YOUR AREA!

Tel: 01297 443928 Mobile 07814 481833

Please contact us for a free quote Tel: 07855 808228 Email: K.Powell357@aol.co.uk www.wizardswindowcleaning.co.uk

BUILDERS Local family run business

WINDOW CLEANING

PEST CONTROL

Reliable, friendly & quality window cleaning service in your area • Windows, frames & sills • Gutters clean & clear • Conservatories • Solar panels • Domestic & Commercial CALL FOR A FREE, NO OBLIGATION QUOTE

G. STORM Group

basement conversion specialists cavity wall tie replacements damp and timber treatments plastering and rendering

NO MOLE NO FEE

Gary White M 07721 565 855

Telephone 07708 805118 westdorsetmolecontrol.co.uk

01297 639810 or 07412 847486 www.pro-visionwindows.co.uk

ARCHITECTURAL

BOILER ENGINEERS

FLORISTRY

E gary.white30@btinternet.com

MODARC MODULAR & ARCHITECTURE

Artisan Florist Seasonal Vintage Bouquets, Weddings and Events Order on-line or by phone Ready made options at 18 Woodmead Road, Lyme Regis DT7 3AD

- Planning Applications - Building Regulations - Extensions - New Builds / Conversions - Listed Building Works - Modular Building

Email: pjs.builders@sky.com

Tel: 01297 551393 E-mail: info@modarc.co.uk Web: www.modarc.co.uk

CAR WASH

GARDENING

Teresa Fowler 35 years experience

For all occasions or just because ...

House of Flowers Lyme Regis @HouseofFlowers7

Tel: 01297 444743 www.houseofflowerslymeregis.co.uk Email: houseofflowers34@aol.co.uk

VENUE HIRE

PAINTING/DECORATING

Sparkles of Lyme MOBILE CAR WASH

Have your car sparkling clean, at work or at home,

we come to you!

Tel: 07376177097 / 01297 444643 E-mail: sparklesoflyme@gmail.com Personal, Professional Service

Pistol Pete’s 07985 285175 Painting, Decorating & Landscaping Peter Peacock | Lyme Regis peterpeacock17@icloud.com

To advertise your business in Local Services, call 07810 221 420 or email francesca@lyme-online.co.uk

classifieds&jobs

22 Friday, August 21 2020

www.lyme-online.co.uk

ITEMS FOR SALE

WE ARE NOW ACCEPTING ITEMS FOR SALE AGAIN SEE PANEL ON RIGHT FOR DETAILS OF HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR LISTINGS LOCAL BOOK, ‘Around Uplyme and Lyme Regis’ by Les Barry annd Gerald Gosling, archive photograph series, very good condition, £5 - 01297 442627.

‘PINK FLOYD BEHIND THE WALL’ book by High Fielder, Race Point Publishing, first edition, 2013, as new condition, unmarked, 240 pages, £8 - 01297 442627.

LOCAL BOOK, ‘Dorset: The Buildings of England’ series by John Newman and Nocholas Pevsner, as new condition except for inscription on fly leaf, £9 - 01297 442627.

LOCAL BOOK, ‘From Devon to Dorset: The Story of the Lyme Regis Branch’, Railway Bylines centenery special by M. Smith and G. Reeve, scarce 2003 first edition, as new, £10 01297 442627.

SCHOOL TROUSERS, grey, brand new, 32” W, 29” L, cost £14 but selling for £10 - 01297 443930.

PLANTA FOR SALE, hydrangeas only £4 each, lavender £3, also fresh vegetables daily - 01297 443930.

‘BEAUTIFUL HOMELAND’, set of 6 books, first edition, 1920, illustrated in colour, by E.W. Haslehurst, £180 or £35 each - 01297 506707.

RYOBI electric sucker/blower, almost new, £30 - 01297 445376.

TACK LIFE electric submersible water pump, £25 - 01297 445376.

ITEMS TO SELL?

You can advertise items for sale up to £200 free by filling in the form below or emailing francesca@lyme-online.co.uk

Please note this service is only for private sellers, not for commercial items, tradespeople or vehicles. Please include a brief description of your item, the cost and a telephone number where a buyer may contact you.

If you wish to advertise an item over £200 your advertisement will cost 10p per word, please email or phone us to arrange payment. Please also include your name and address, although this will not be published.

GARDEN GROOM PRO safety hedge cutter, shreds and collects, £30 - 01297 445376.

AL-KO petrol mower, £60 - 01297 445376.

ASH Hoover, £15 - 01297 445376.

CONFIDENCE FITNESS Power Plus Treadmill, £60 - 01297 445376.

LADDERS, various sizes and prices - 01297 445376.

PURPLE RUG, IKEA ‘Stoense’ low pile, 133cm x 195cm, in perfect condition, £15 - 07397 206 365.

VENETIAN BLIND, Marco wooden venetian blind, 180cm width x 160cm depth, basswood natural colour, new and still in box, £20 - 01297 443461.

MEN’S SHIRT, Marks & Spencer, brand new, green check, size XXL, paid £1950 but selling for £10 - 01297 443930.

NEST OF 3 TABLES, Queen Ann style, legs solid wood, offers welcome - 01297 561512.

CORDLESS HEDGE TRIMMER, Bosch 41ACCU, without battery or charger, 14.4v, blade length 41cm, £14 - 07947 918 335.

BOOKCASE, veneer rosewood, 94cm length x 90cm width x 28cm depth, buyer collects from Charmouth, offers welcome - 01297 561512.

Your name: .......................................................................................................................

Your address: .................................................................................................................. ...........................................................................................................................................

Telephone number: .........................................................................................................

Send this form to: Items For Sale, LymeOnline, Unit 5, Uplyme Business Centre, Uplyme Road, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3LS

Ever fancied a paper round?

LymeOnline is looking for more volunteers to deliver newspapers in their own street or area Due to the financial effects of COVID-19, we’ll be changing the way we distribute our free, fortnightly newspaper when it is relaunched on August 7th and we are now looking for more volunteers

WHY VOLUNTEER? Catch up with all the latest local news Get to know your neighbours Enjoy some regular exercise Help support this non-profit community newspaper

If you would be interested in volunteering, call Francesca Evans on 07810 221 420 for more details

Friday, August 21 2020 23

www.lyme-online.co.uk

LymeOnline Sport football

GREEN LIGHT FOR LOCAL FOOTBALL

LOCAL football has been given the green light to start the delayed 20202021 season.

It was announced on Tuesday that the Devon & Exeter League fixtures will start on Saturday, September 19.

Because of the current COVID-19 situation, the divisions have been revamped to allow for fewer matches and will be in place for one season only.

There will be two Premier divisions, East and West, and nine other divisions for the competing 122 clubs.

Outside the two premier divisions, teams in Divisions 1 and 2 will be classed as senior, with divisions 3

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

and 4 as intermediate.

Local derbies will feature strongly in Premier East with meetings between old foes, Lyme Regis, Beer Albion, Seaton Town and Colyton.

Also in this division are Chard Town Reserves, Dawlish United, Feniton, Kentisbeare, Sidmouth Town 2nds University of Exeter 2nds, Upottery and Whipton and Pinhoe.

For Lyme is will mean a lot less travelling and the prospect of some interesting local derbies.

Lyme Regis Reserves, this year being managed by Nick Tregale and Darren Stewart, will be competing In Division 1 East alongside Beer Albion

cricket

Uplyme heading for mini-league knock-out place TRIPLE centurion Tyler Wellman was unable to add to his three consecutive 100s for Uplyme & Lyme Regis on Saturday – as he did not get a bat!

But another member of the Wellman sporting dynasty – his cousin, club chairman and skipper Steve Batey – was left to write the headlines in their eight-wicket victory over Axminster Town with a glorious knock of 110.

The victory keeps Uplyme firmly on course to win the Devon East E 3 (Tier 5) mini-league and a place in the knock-outs.

They completed the double over Axminster Town after winning the toss and electing to field, a decision which meant that Tyler, batting at No 6, was unlikely to get to the crease.

Axminster started well enough and only lost three wickets against a six-

man attacking which kept things tight throughout, restricting the visitors to 143 off their 40 overs.

Top scorers for Axminster were Danile Murnane (48), Bradley Conway (28) and Benjamin Webb (26).

It was a better batting performance from Axminster who were skittled out for 48 runs in the first outing between the two sides at Cloakham Lawn.

Steve Batey (2 for 15 off 8 overs) and Joe Elsworth (1 for 21 off 8) took the wickets for Uplyme.

Batey’s ton was typical of his aggressive approach to batting – he smashed 12 fours and eight sixes before being caught behind by Paul Miller, Alfie Jacques and Mark Batey weighed in with 14 runs each. They reached the winning total in just 17.4 overs.

Uplyme & Lyme Regis 16 points;

Axminster 4 points.

The win over Axminster cements Uplyme’s position at the top of the East E (Tier 5) division with 72 points, 20 points ahead of their nearest rivals, Honiton. This coming Saturday (August 22) Uplyme are away to Honiton (1pm start).

■ Sunday saw the visit of Hook and Powerstock to the KG5.

Uplyme batted first, scoring 301 off 35 overs with Joe Elsworth, Charlie Moss and Tyler Wellman and J. Simms all retiring after scoring half centuries.

Hook and Powerstock put up a good fight but fell short of the target with the wickets being shared around the Uplyme bowlers.

2nds, Clyst Valley 2nds, Dunkeswell Rovers, East Budleigh, Exmouth Rovers, Honiton Town 2nds,, Lympstone, Otterton, Teignmouth 2nds and Tipton St John. ● Axminster Town will be competing in the South West Peninsular Premier East division, the highest standard at which they have played, and will kick off their season on Saturday, September 5 with a game against Dartmouth AFC at Tiger Way, followed by another home fixture

against Elmore AFC on Wednesday, September 9.

Axminster Town have reformed their Reserve team this season and with such a strong squad, managed by former Upottery manager Dan Prettyjohn, they will be disappointed to be placed in Division 2 East where they will meet Axmouth United, Bishops Blaize, Colyton 2nds, Cranbrook, East Budleigh 2nds Exeter United, Feniton 2nds, Millwey Rise, Ottery St Mary 2nds, Pinhoe and Sidmouth Town 3rds.

Confident start for Swallows UPLYME Football Club, who are hoping to field two sides this season, have got off to a good start to the 2020-2021 pre-season games, scoring 10 goals and playing some exciting, open football in their two fixtures.

Last season Uplyme gave a number of youngsters their first taste of men’s football under Stu Wooster and for the coming season new manager Steve Gillan and assistant Paul Blandamar have made a number of new signings, including prolific scorer Jonny Day, a former Lyme players who scored 21 goals in three seasons.

On Saturday Chard United Reserves visited Venlake and suffered a 5-0 defeat.

The first quarter of the game was tight, but at the drinks break, the Swallows’ management team called for more attacking approach and set a goal of five shots.

By half-time, Uplyme had created eight chances and were leading 1-0, the goal coming from Ryan Smith after flicking on a lovely free-kick from Jonny Day. After the break, Uplyme dominated the whole game through movement, shape and superior quality.

Further goals from Jonny Day – a great left-foot curler from outside the box –

matched by a right-foot left-foot double from distance from Alex Jones.

Another goal from talented youngster Oscar Sladen gave Uplyme a convincing victory.

Star performances came from Day and George Symonds.

Previously, Uplyme had chalked up a 5-3 win over an experienced Waytown side.Their good form also continued on Tuesday evening with a thumping 4-1 against Hawkchurch with two missed penalties and a hatful of chances after going 1-0 down.

sailing

Sailors back on the water again KEEN sailors from Lyme Regis can be seen out in the bay again after months on dry land during the coronavirus lockdown.

A reduced racing programme has been scheduled to fit with the tides to minimise launching and recovery time for dinghies and facilitate participation by cruisers.

Building up slowly from previously permitted leisure sailing, organised racing has taken place over the past three weeks. Single-handed sailors have had less restrictions and some family-crewed double-handlers are able to join in.

On Sunday, August 9, close to what would have been the date of Lyme Regis Sailing Club’s annual regatta, 16 dinghies and four cruisers set out to compete in two races run back-to-back.

Race officer Simon Clark, assisted by James Fuller with Bosun Dave Law in the patrol boat, described the conditions as “a great hot day on the water, off-shore wind NE F2-F3, sunshine and flat sparkling water”.

Simon set a large course and, after the start, the two RS800s flew into the lead and completed three laps while the remaining boats, led by Allan and Chris Tyler in a Fireball, completed two laps in similar time.

Placings were adjusted by handicaps between classes and on average lap timings to allow comparison.

Tim O’Toole and Simon Law in the Albacore sailed well to beat Jerry Rook and Jake Stow in the first race but couldn’t keep up the good form in the second.

Simon Heusen led the Phantoms in both races, holding his fifth place on handicap.

The RS800, helmed by Mary Rook with partner Hugh

Bradshaw, capsized then retired in the second race with rigging failure, having held third place in the first.

Lead K1 sailor Guy Woodhouse took second place in the second race, splitting the leaders Cameron Moss and Allan Tyler. Graham Cook was 1st Laser in race one, but left Mike Pridham to head the class in race 2.

In the cruisers, Medina helm Rob Wiscombe, crewed by Margaret, comfortably took first place in both races. Stuart Gurney took up the rear but had a great time with Dan Alsop wrestling with the huge yellow spinnaker.

Youth Sailing

A race group of competent youth sailors has been running for a few weeks with coaching by Jerry Rook on Saturdays.

Several young members have taken the opportunity to learn from more experienced helms and, in addition, Jerry encourages participation in club sailing, a challenging step for single-handlers.

They have been making good progress in gusty conditions, which Jerry notes would have been tough for many adults.

Meanwhile, Commodore Jeremy Wallace has been keen to widen the offer to youth hopefuls, who like many other young sports people, have had very limited opportunity this season to practise and improve their skills.

This week was the first of the short series Tuesday Youth Group 2020 for intermediates, by invitation. A lack of wind meant Jim Thomas and Simon Law had to tow their sailors out to the cardinal mark and change their plans to teach safe capsize and confidence-building drills.

Weather was perfect for this and a small, committed,

happy group appreciated the opportunity offered.

Co-ordinator Sally Holman was delighted with the team managing to operate under current restrictions, and the parents and students all left with thanks and smiles.

Sally and team regret that numbers restrictions and lack of being able to have physical contact mean that they cannot take any more students or any beginners this year.

She commented: “Jim and I hope that those we have had to disappoint will remain keen for 2021. Everyone appreciates that we are doing the best we can at present, to give some training but keep everyone safe at this difficult time.”.

The clubhouse remains closed until late August when it is hoped to open to limited numbers. No national championships can be held this season but Jeremy and his committee are planning for major club Centenary celebrations in 2021.

Race Results (August 9) Race 1 Cameron and Darrol Moss, RS800 Allan and Chris Tyler, Fireball Mary Rook and Hugh Bradshaw, RS800 Graham Cook , Laser Race 2 Cameron and Darrol Moss, RS800 Guy Woodhouse, K1 Allan and Chris Tyler, Fireball Jerry Rook and Jake Stow, Albacore

Seat in memory of a loyal supporter UPLYME and Lyme Regis Cricket Club’s skipper Steve Batey celebrated scoring a century in Saturday’s home match against Axminster by helping to unveil a seat at the cricket club pavilion in memory of his grandad.

No one would have been more proud of the manner in which new club chairman Steve has breathed life into the village cricket team, currently top of one of the Devon Cricket League minidivisions, than his grandad Brian Wellman.

A good sportsman himself, Brian was a lifelong supporter and scorer for the club and on Saturday the family unveiled a seat donated by Brian’s wife, Kath Wellman.

Steve (sitting, right) is joined on the seat by his brother Mark (seated, left), in-form batsmen Tyler Wellman, a grandson (standing, left) and Brian’s eldest son, Derek (standing, right), who is also secretary at the cricket club.

Follow local sport 24/7 on our website - www.lyme-online.co.uk

LymeOnline Sport

24 Friday, August 21 2020

August 21 2020

www.lyme-online.co.uk

Uplyme & Lyme Regis Cricket Club Saturday, August 22 1pm start -Away to Honiton

cricket

IT MUST BE IN THE GENES Triple centurion Tyler is related to former England test captain Ken Barrington COULD it be in his genes?

That’s the question cricketing afficionados in this corner of Devon and Dorset are asking after Tyler Wellman scored three consecutive centuries for Uplyme and Lyme Regis Cricket Club.

After scoring his second successive 100, it emerged - thanks to his mum Lynn’s investigation - that Tyler is actually a distant relative, a cousin three times removed, of the great Ken Barrington, former England Test captain and one of the greatest batsmen of all time.

When Tyler then smashed another century - his third in a row - people started to wonder where such super-human skills had come from.

Tyler has become a bit of a box office sensation at Uplyme’s King George V playing field with up to 150 spectators - unknown in local cricket - anxious to see if he could

By

PHILIP EVANS possibly make it four in a row.

But his chances of doing so were stymied on Saturday when he didn’t even get a bat as Uplyme’s victory over old foes and neighbours Axminster was dominated by a ton from his skipper - and cousin - Steve Batey - and his services as a No 6 bat were not required.

Proof, undoubtedly, that cricket is a team game and no matter how good a player you might be, the interests of the team come first.

But Tyler has written himself into the folklore of Uplyme and Lyme Regis Cricket Club. No one can remember such a feat in the past.

In my time as a player, Michael Denham was the club’s classiest batsmen. He even scored a century when Uplyme celebrated it’s 100th

THE great Ken Barrington who scored 6,806 test runs for England - so Tyler’s got a way to go yet!

anniversary with a game against the Cross Andrews at Lord’s, the home of cricket.

So I asked Mike if he knew of another batsman in local cricket who had ever hit three 100s in consecutive games.

He thought that Bob Mason, his son Andy and Paul Apanasawitz were capable of doing so - but they never did.

I know of no other player in recreational cricket who has ever achieved three tons in succession.

Tyler - who is no mug as a bowler either - has played a significant role in helping Uplyme and Lyme Regis to the top of the Devon Cricket Mini-League’s East E 3 (Tier 5) and with two games left they are favourites to go on to the knock-out rounds next month.

Sport is undeniably in his genes as a member of the Lyme’s Wellman sporting dynasty.

His grandmother, Kath Wellman, was an excellent athlete at school and was rewarded with a life membership of Lyme Regis Football Club for running the tea hut (now kitchen) for 50 years and more.

His grandfather, Kath’s husband, Brian, was a former goalkeeper for Lyme FC and served the club for many years after hanging up his gloves as a youth team manager and long-serving committee member.

Brian’s brother Alan was also one of the Seasiders’ most talented halfbacks in the 1950s.

Tyler’s father, Roger, played for Lyme as an industrious midfielder and his elder brother, Tyler’s uncle, Derek Wellman, was also an excellent footballer and cricketer, one of the best fielders in local cricket, and is now secretary of the cricket club.

Tyler’s cousins, Steve and Mark Batey, also play football and cricket with Steve the current cricket club chairman and skipper, equally at home with the bat and ball, and who made a century himself last week.

Mark is a very competitive footballer, a no-nonsense defender, and last season also scored a century for Uplyme.

TYLER WELLMAN - a cousin of the great Ken Barrington three times removed pictured after scoring his third consecutive century at Uplyme Photo by RICHARD AUSTIN

LOCAL FOOTBALL GIVEN THE GREEN LIGHT See page 23

Follow local sport 24/7 on our website www.lyme-online.co.uk