LymeOnline Digital Edition - December 14 2018

‘A Christmas Carol’ filled with festive cheer

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DON’T MISS SANTA AT THE MAR INE THIS WEEK PAGE 15

Council berated for seafront stalls A LYME Regis fossil shop owner has berated the town council for allowing stalls selling fossils to operate from the Marine Parade shelters for minimal rent.

Paul Crossley, who owns Jurassic Gems in Drakes Way, spoke at this week’s full council meeting on behalf of all shops in the town selling fossils, minerals and jewellery, describing the council’s policy to allow competing stalls in the seafront shelters as “trecherous”.

He criticised the council’s policy to allow commercial traders to book the shelters for £20 each for a whole day.

REPORT, PAGE 3

Town Mill wheel to undergo repair

Lyme sparkling for Christmas LYME Regis continues its reputation for some of the best Christmas illuminations on the south coast with this year’s display of white and gold. The lights were switched on with the annual lantern competition and parade on Saturday, December 1. See pages 12 & 13 for full story and more photos. Photo by Richard Austin

Back on the table

PEDESTRIAN CROSSING COULD STILL GO AHEAD COUNTY councillors have overruled an officer recommendation and have pushed forward plans for a pedestrian crossing in Lyme Regis.

FRANCESCA EVANS

francesca@lyme-online.co.uk

Last Thursday, Dorset County Council’s Regulatory Committee recommended that Cabinet approve plans for a puffin crossing in Broad Street, despite officers

warning it could “adversely affect business” and increase air pollution due to the loss of on-street parking spaces it would cause.

Lyme Regis Town Council first requested a pedestrian crossing in 2016 when more than 600 res-

idents signed a petition in favour of the idea, but several councillors have since retracted their support and the plans received significant opposition when they went to public consultation.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

FUNDS are being raised to refurbish the wooden waterwheel at the historic Town Mill in Lyme Regis.

“Urgent action” is required to repair the wheel. The oak spokes and douglas fir buckets need replacing and it is hoped the work will be carried out when the mill is closed for its winter break in January. REPORT, PAGE 3

Last skittle alley to remain at Ship Inn GOOD news for Lyme Regis skittlers.

Palmers Brewery has confirmed that the Ship Inn will keep the town’s only skittle alley when there is a change of landlords next year.

There were fears for the future of Lyme Regis Skittle League after the closure of the Rock Point Inn following a change of ownership.

REPORT, PAGE 24

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LymeOnline

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

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

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Town council to reconsider support for pedestrian crossing in New Year CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE Town and district councillor Cheryl Reynolds – who organised the initial petition – has remained in support of the scheme and spoke in favour of it at last Thursday’s meeting, along with Lyme Regis resident Lizzie Wiscombe, who is partially sighted and brought her guide dog with her.

They have argued that the crossing is required for safety reasons, especially for the elderly, disabled and those with pushchairs and young children.

County councillors dismissed the officer’s recommendation, which stated: “Having considered the representations received, Cabinet be recommended not to support the provision of a puffin crossing as advertised, due to the loss of on-street parking which would increase air pollution and could adversely affect businesses.

“It is considered that the risk of potential impacts on local businesses, from the loss of parking and loading provision, outweighs the benefits of a crossing.”

Following the Regulatory Committee’s decision to recommend approval of the crossing, the county council issued the following statement: “Regulatory Committee members recently approved a proposal for a puffin crossing in Broad Street, Lyme Regis.

“Although this was against officer recommendations, members felt that the benefit to pedestrian safety outweighed the objections received.”

Councillor Reynolds added: “I was very touched by the care and consideration that the Regulatory Committee afforded myself, Lizzie and Healey [guide dog]. They were very considerate towards people less able. They spent time looking at all the evidence and were insistent

that nothing would change with the decision when the unitary authority comes into force.

“They also wanted to bring in a spearate recommendation that Lyme Regis Town Council work with Highways to look at moving the Broad Street bus stop back to its original position.

“I was very impressed with their professionalism and good sense.”

After Dorset County Council drew up initial plans for the crossing, town councillors expressed concerns about its proposed location between the Pug & Puffin and Joules stores, and the number of on-street parking spaces that would be lost – initially thought to be seven or eight.

County council officers said the location was the only practical position for the crossing, because of access to private properties and car parks, and the disabled parking bay outside Boots.

However, they agreed to reduce the length of the zig-zag markings on the lower side of the crossing, meaning it would only result in the loss of four or five spaces.

Despite their concerns, town councillors continued to give their approval for the scheme, saying there was “no other option”.

Commenting on social media following last week’s unexpected decision, county councillor Daryl Turner said the town council’s current view would now be “very important”.

The matter was raised again at this week’s town council meeting, when members agreed they should review the matter at an extraordinary meeting to be called after the Christmas break.

Councillor Jeff Scowen said: “I voted for it but I would change my vote after speaking to a lot

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of people. This council should look at it again because I think its position may have changed.”

Councillor Brian Larcombe asked whether the Cabinet at Dorset County Council was able to overturn the Regulatory Committee’s recommendation.

Councillor Turner said they could, but there would have to be a “major factor”, such as a change in the town council’s stance.

Councillor Larcombe said it was “vital” that the decision be reversed.

Dorset County Council’s Cabinet is expected to make a final decision on the crossing in january.

Discussions regarding the crossing on social media sites have received a mixed reaction from residents, with some agreeing it is needed for safety and others saying it is unnecessary and will cause “traffic chaos”.

One joker even went as far to draw a pedestrian crossing across Broad Street in chalk last weekend, signing it with the name of controversial artist ‘Banksy’.

What’s a puffin crossing?

THE proposal in Broad Street is for a puffin crossing. This is a pedestrian crossing with traffic lights which go green again only when no more pedestrians are detected on the crossing by infrared detectors and mats.

The lights controlling pedestrians are also on the same side as the pedestrian, rather than on the opposite side as seen on a pelican crossing, as this encourages them to look in the direction of oncoming traffic.

Pelican crossings are no longer being installed in the UK.

Friday, December 14 2018 3

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Fossil shop owner berates town council for allowing stalls in seafront shelters

THE directors of Lyme Regis Community Land Trust, Keith and Lorna Jenkin, Brian Rattenbury and Rob McLoughlin

Community Land Trust wins national award MEMBERS of Lyme Regis Community Land Trust (CLT) were delighted to hear last week that it had won an award at the National CLT Awards in Birmingham.

The local organisation, which led plans for the now complete Garmans Field affordable housing development in the town, was one of several nominees for the PeoplePowered Homes category.

The National CLT Network, which organised the event, said: “No one can deny the power of people within this movement.

This award goes out to those who have made significant strides in showing the world what community involvement is all about.”

The award was accepted on behalf of Lyme Regis CLT by Alison Ward of Wessex CLT Project, who is also a director of Homes England - the former organisation that

nominated the Lyme group for the award.

The award came in the form of a model goose, representing leadership of the flock. It recognises the perseverance and determination that the local CLT demonstrated in pushing ahead their ideal of attaining affordable homes for the Lyme Regis community, and garnering community support in persuading district councillors to accept the plans despite officers recommending refusal of the scheme.

The CLT is honoured to be recognised in this way for its achievement in the Garmans Field housing scheme off Timber Hill, and is continuing to seek out further opportunities for more affordable housing in Lyme Regis.

For more details, visit the website www.lrclt.btck.co.uk

A LYME Regis fossil shop owner has berated the town council for allowing stalls selling fossils to operate from the Marine Parade shelters for minimal rent.

Paul Crossley, who owns Jurassic Gems in Drakes Way, described the council’s policy as “treacherous” at this week’s meeting.

He had spoken on the matter at a previous meeting, but returned to full council this week saying he was now representing all other fossil, mineral and jewellery shops in Lyme Regis as their spokesperson.

Mr Crossley asked if the council had taken anymore bookings for stalls selling these items for 2019.

Town clerk John Wright said he did not know the detail of individual bookings, but bookings had been made for 2019 and no change had been made to the council’s policy about what types of stalls could operate in the shelters.

Mr Crossley then launched into a heated response, asking: “Do you think this is fair to the traders of Lyme Regis, the people who put you in office, that voted for you, who took time out of their calendar to vote for you?

“Not only that, but when you were canvassing, knocking on doors, you gave out manifestos and none of it has been adhered to because, as far as I can see, all this council has done is pulled the rug from under out feet.

“You have allowed all and sundry to

FRANCESCA EVANS

francesca@lyme-online.co.uk use the shelters all summer long, making vasts amounts of money, thousands and thousands of pounds for £20 a day each, with no capital outlay other than that £20 - no tax, no insurance, no rates, no rent, no water, gas or electric bills, nothing. They have had a captive audience all summer while the shops in town are struggling.

“What is this council’s take on Lyme Regis? Does it honestly believe that this is the way forward to encourage business people in Lyme Regis, to encourage people to come and live in this town? It’s a debacle.

“There are four words to describe this decision - odious, vacuous, supercilious and obnoxious. Those are four words that I have been given by other retailers and I can add a fifth one to that treacherous, absolutely treacherous!

“This is high treason by the town council, elected by its own people to defend their lives, their homes, their properties, their businesses. It is high treason and 200 years ago you would have been beheaded but that’s too good for you I’m afraid. This is not over.”

The Mayor of Lyme Regis, Councillor Michaela Ellis, said she did not think commercial traders were only paying £20 a day to use the shelters.

Mr Crossley replied: “I can assure you they are because I took part for one day.

I didn’t realise it was going to be all

Funds needed to restore mill’s waterwheel

FUNDS are being raised to refurbish the wooden waterwheel at the historic Town Mill in Lyme Regis.

“Urgent action” is required to repair the wheel.

The oak spokes and douglas fir buckets need replacing and it is hoped the work will be carried out when the mill is closed for its winter break in January.

Chairman of the Town Mill Trust, Gary Willis, commented: “We have decided we must act now to ensure we are able to keep open and milling next season and we will be seeking support from as wider cross section of the local population as possible.

“Our hope is to gain sponsors for all of the buckets and spokes. We will organise a large permanent moving display close to the waterwheel which will clearly display, and thank, those individuals and organisations who have helped us meet the challenge.”

Sponsorship of the waterwheel can be pledged on the website www.townmill.org.uk with payment via Paypal. On the main menu click on the drop down menu ‘Get Involved’ and select ‘Shop’, where two sponsorship options are shown on the page.

Mr Willis added: “A big thank you from the whole Town Mill community if you are able to support us.”

summer, I was invited to take part for one day.

“It was £100 to rent the shelters for five traders, £20 each. I can do simple maths.”

No further comment was made on the matter.

Youth Council now up and running MEMBERS of the Woodroffe School’s new Youth Council attended a meeting of Lyme Regis Town Council for the first time this week.

Several members of the Youth Council attended this week’s meeting, with some outlining their plans during the public forum.

Sixth form student Chet Gillespie said they hoped to create a youth café, encourage their school to go plastic free and to arrange more events for young people at the Marine Theatre.

The students said they were excited to get the Youth Council started and all had an interest in how the town council worked and wanted to take a greater interest in the local community.

They thanked the council for its initial backing and financial support.

Councillor Cheryl Reynolds, who was instrumental in setting up the Youth Council, said she was very pleased to see the students and they would be a “great asset” to the town council.

LANZON Maureen Kaye

1930-2018 Died peacefully after a short illness on December 3 2018.

Funeral: Thursday, December 20 at 2.30pm at St Gregory's Parish Church, Seaton, Devon EX12 2AP

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS

GARY Willis, chairman of the Town Mill Trust, pictured with the wooden waterwheel (photo by Richard Austin)

To all of my great friends of Lyme: in lieu of sending you all Christmas cards this year I'm sending you this instead, my love and the very best of the season's greetings to you and your families, and the hope that 2019 will be a grand one for us all. Hope to catch you under the mistletoe at The Volly!

Much love, Dinah O'Donnell x

MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OUR READERS AND ADVERTISERS! Look out for our next issue on January 4 2019 Until then you can catch up with the latest at www.lyme-online.co.uk

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

Langmoor gatepost hit by lorry and collapses THE gatepost at the entrance to Langmoor Gardens in Lyme Regis has collapsed after being hit by a lorry. The lorry was delivering a skip to the building site in the public gardens, where work is being carried out to 19A Broad Street, last Wednesday, when it hit the brick pillar and gate off Pound

Rock Point Inn sale confirmed SOUTH West brewing and pub company St Austell Brewery has confirmed its first acquisition in Dorset in the form of the iconic Rock Point Inn at Lyme Regis.

As predicted last month by LymeOnline, St Austell

Brewery has now confirmed it has purchased the historic town centre pub and adjoining fish and chip shop and kebab takeaway for an undisclosed sum.

The brewery is now planning a complete restoration and refurbishment project.

Open mic night to raise charity funds New challenge for record rower Christmas donations for refuge THE next Black Ven Spoken Word and Acoustic Music open mic night, held at the Galley Cafe in Lyme Regis, will raise funds and awareness for the Word Forest Organisation, a charity planting trees and building schools in Kenya.

The fundraiser will be held on Saturday, December 15 at 7.30pm. Those wishing to perform poetry, spoken word and acoustic music can sign up from 7pm.

RECORD-breaking British Atlantic rower Elliott Dale, from Lyme Regis, has turned his attention to adventures on dry land, taking on Europe’s toughest car endurance challenge this week. Le Jog takes the hardest route from Land’s End to John O’Groats with Mr Dale competing in his open-top Derby Bentley.

THE West Dorset Women’s Refuge has been able to celebrate Christmas thanks to generous donations from the local community. Gifts have been donated for both women and children and funds raised have provided a traditional Christmas meal for the residents of the refuge.

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

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Appeal for information on secret Uplyme army RESEARCHERS are seeking information on a highly-secret patrol of local volunteers set up in the Uplyme area during the Second World War. Groups of highly-trained civilian volunteers were put together with the support of Winston Churchill to help resist German invasion. It is believed a patrol was set up in Uplyme and anyone with information should email cartdevon@gmail.com

Friday, December 14 2018 5

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the latest from Lyme Regis

FROM LYME’S OW N COMMUNIT Y WEBSITE

Stay up to date at www.lyme-online.co.uk - 24/7 news | sport | community Ending the year where it all started

Dorset projects receive £1m in Lottery funding COMMUNITY organisations in Dorset celebrated after being awarded a total of more than £1million in National Lottery funding for the quarter. In total, 36 community projects across Dorset are receiving a share, ranging from a project which encourages men to share skills, to local park improvements which help with mental health and wellbeing. Among those to receive funding, 11 were from the West Dorset area.

2018 has flown by in a bit of a whirlwind. It was a difficult start to the year with the closure of the View From newspapers, but after much support and encouragement from the local community, we decided to set up a new project.

I headed off to Galway to stay with my sister Zoe, a talented designer and all-round computer whizz! In just two weeks we built the LymeOnline website, going live on January 26, and a month later our first printed edition followed with a celebratory launch night at the Woodmead Halls where perhaps one too many gin and tonics were consumed!

Since then it’s been pretty much non-stop; a steep learning curve, especially on the digital side of things, but mostly a joy to be able to continue playing a part in the community.

So after a busy 12 months I’ll be finishing the year where it all started - in Galway to celebrate Christmas with my family. Hopefully this time the trip will be a little more relaxed!

While I’m looking forward to my trip, it will feel a bit odd not being at all my favourite festive occasions in Lyme Regis. I’ve only ever spent two Christmases away from my hometown - one in London as a toddler, and one in Arizona in the USA when I was about 11.

In particular, I’ll miss the Rotary Club’s Carols Around the Tree on December 22. We’ve had a few turbulent Christmases over the years, but no matter what’s going on, we’ve always sung carols under the tree, so I’ll be thinking of Lyme on that evening.

The Christmas Day Swim in Charmouth is another favourite. I first started covering the event when I was about 18 and the idea of working on

Golf club event raises £4k for end of life services A CHEQUE for £4,000 has been presented to Seaton Friends Hospicecare@Home following a successful fundraiser at Lyme Regis Golf Club. Having had to be postponed in August due to a thick sea mist, the Driver Cup Golf Day finally went ahead in October, organised by golf club manager Duncan Driver in memory of his father, Roger, who benefited from the charity.

Christmas Day rather than unwrapping presents in my pyjamas didn’t have the greatest appeal. But the excited atmosphere and all-round silliness of the event soon won me over and now it’s become a part of my Christmas tradition.

While it’s not at all festive, one of my favourite things to do during my visits Ireland is to challenge ourselves with an escape room. For those that have never tried, they’re physical adventure games in which players solve a series of puzzles and riddles to escape.

I’m a bit useless but it’s always good fun, so I was really pleased to see Uplyme brothers Sam and Jamie PollardJones are launching their own pop-up escape room in Uplyme this month (see page 10).

Zoe, her husband Barry and I will definitely have to give it a go when they visit for my birthday in the New Year (Dad’s still not quite convinced!)

Although I won’t be there myself, we still plan to have full coverage of all the festive events in our New Year edition on January 4 (please note there will be no printed edition on December 28) and look out for our special first anniversary edition in February 2019.

All that’s left to say is to thank our readers and advertisers for being so supportive during our first year - I wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year.

Francesca Evans, Editor

Th The

New children’s book promotes sea safety

Natural England teams move under one roof

AN author from Combpyne, near Lyme Regis, is promoting water safety with her new children’s book ‘Merry bay On The Rocks’. The charming children’s story, written by Nicola Payne and illustrated by Kayleigh Evans, is based around the Merry Bay lifeboats, named Fred and Susie, when they get called on a shout.

TEAMS from Natural England are coming together from across Dorset to form a new hub at County Hall in Dorchester. Natural England will be bringing their staff together under one roof to “deliver huge operational and financial benefits, as well as a fantastic opportunity to build on existing relationships with the council”.

Wooodmead d Halls H LY M E R E G I S

Season’s Greetings to all hall users and volunteers

Ly yme’s P Premier re emier Comm o munitty Hall Just per fe ect ffor or wed ddings, family parties and that special occasion Ideal ffor or meetings and and conffer e ences with Wi-Fi an nd projection facilities

WEDDING VENUE

Ralph Fiennes play screened at Marine BROADCAST live from the National Theatre, Ralph Fiennes and Sophie Okonedo play Shakespeare’s famous fated couple in ‘Antony and Cleopatra’, his great tragedy of politics, passion and power. It will be screened to the Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis on Friday, December 21. For full details and tickets visit www.marinetheatre.com or call 01297 442138.

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

philip@lyme-online.co.uk

Why I’ve registered to be a Hospital Help volunteer S

OON after it was announced that I was to receive the MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours, I was stopped in Broad Street by someone who has never been one of my greatest admirers with the following question: “I suppose now you’ve got a gong you’ll stop all the stuff you do in Lyme?”

Well, no. I have decided that I will cut down on the amount of public speaking I have done over a number of years, mainly a talk on my half-century involvement in the newspaper industry.

At 70 and as one who never uses notes, I’m conscious that my memory at some time will let me down and I might dry up.

Mrs E has promised that when I get to that stage she will be the first to say “that’s enough”. I suspect that time is rapidly approaching.

But I intend to carry on supporting and do as much as I can for those organisations which have been good enough to make me their president, i.e. the Royal British Legion, the football club and Lyme Regis Musical Theatre. I

will continue to chair the Cancer Research UK Lyme Regis as our small committee works towards raising £200,000. And I shall carry on for a while yet as chairman of the Woodmead Halls management committee until I can find someone to take over the reigns.

Having messed around with newspapers for the whole of my working life and struggled through the last few years which has seen the demise of local newspapers all over the country, I often question whether I have actually achieved anything of real consequence.

I’ve enjoyed the vast part of my career, having worked with some wonderful characters and employed some really talented young people. Having launched not far off 70 different publications in that time, I have also probably been responsible for the felling of thousands of trees. So I thought it was about time that I contributed something more positive to this planet.

When I went to Buckingham Palace recently to receive my MBE I met dozens of amazing recipients who have made a real difference to people’s lives; those who have served this nation with bravery in the Armed Services, cared for abused children, nursed dying children.

Making new friends over lunch WHILST I write about volunteering in this column, I would like to mention the excellent work undertaken by LymeForward in organising the monthly community lunches and getting the

high quality fast turnaround digital print dig we now offer A4 Landdscape & 6 page A4 gate fold printing

To be honest it made me feel a bit of a fraud and to question why I was there. I mean no disrespect here to a number of people who worked extremely hard over many years to ensure my service to the community of Lyme was honoured in some way. I didn’t know they were doing so and I never expected that one day I would be shaking hands with a future King.

They presented me with a book containing recommendations from numerous people I have worked with and alongside over the years. I still haven’t been able to read it in its entirety. When I started I didn’t recognise the person they were talking about and hopefully I will be able to do so when the emotion of the last few weeks subsides.

I have no intention of retiring completely from publishing this newspaper.

But my contribution is negligible with Francesca running the show.

So - don’t laugh - I have decided to register as a Hospital Help volunteer with the NHS following a campaign by The Daily Mail to recruit as many as possible to help ease the staffing shortages in our local hospitals, a campaign that to date has generated 26,000 applications.

I’ve offered to do one full day once a month for six months and hopefully longer if I am accepted. Registration does not necessarily mean I will be accepted with all sorts of checks having to be carried out.

Duties, of course, will involve nonmedical assistance, minor requirements which take up valuable nursing time.

Running errands, collecting prescriptions, chatting to lonely hospital patients, etc.

There is one other reason why I would like to contribute something to the NHS - for the treatment my wife received when she endured cancer and the care shown to me when I suffered a stroke several years ago. It’s a way of saying thank you to the brilliant doctors and nurses who day in, day out, do such an outstanding job.

That in itself is a good enough reason and I’m actually looking forward to it.

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HARRY’S IN TOWN !

PAGE 8

Meet Lyme’s first Guide Dog

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

REPORT, PAGE 3

Plans for Lyme to go plastic free

ECO-GROUP Turn Lyme Green is hoping to make the town plastic free.

The organisation has been given initial support from and it is now hopedthe town council Lyme Regis can join 180 other coastal towns working towards the ‘plastic free’ title.

REPORT, PAGE 7

Climb every mountain LYME Regis resident Louise

Powell is preparing to climb

Mount Kilimanjaro in memory

Lyme student takes on charity

YOUR NEW COMMUNITY

WHAT a year it’s been. It started with the distressing demise of the View From, the group of newspapers I launched in 2005, greatly missed in the towns where we operated, and the appalling treatment of the staff, many of whom had worked for me for many years.

I spent last Christmas worried about what would happen to them and what the future held for the Evans family.

Newspapers were our life, it’s all we knew. We were employees, not owners, like the rest of them but I knew we would never be employed again in the failing local newspaper industry.

But I believed in how important a local newspaper could be in a small town like Lyme and hatched the idea of launching the LymeOnline website and fortnightly community newspaper over the New Year period. I was aware that similar projects were springing up all over the country.

But I also knew that a small town like Lyme could not sustain such a publication through advertising revenue alone. Regretfully, those days are long gone.

I came to the conclusion that such an idea could only be run as a community non-profit operation and I

funds for the charity Mind

Photo: Richard Austin

hike of Kilimanjaro in memory

A UNIVERSITY student Lyme Regis is planning from FRANCESCA EVANS up Mount Kilimanjaro a trek francesca@lyme-online.co.uk funds a mental health to raise dent, who is currently in charity in memory of her father. at Southampton Solenther first year University,

Louise Powell, who grew up in Lyme Regis and attended The Woodroffe School, is hoping to raise £3,500 for the charity Mind, after her father Derek committed suicide arlier this year.

The 21-year-old social work stu-

of her dad Derek, to raise

said the challenge would be a “very personal trip”, as it was something she and her dad had wanted to do together.

Louise is also hoping father’s ashes at the to scatter her top of Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania, as he had always wanted to visit.

NEWSPAPER & WEBSITE

of dad

She said: “This is a trip to me and is in very personal their mental illnesses and there is memory of my help dad who suffered from out there.”

Speaking about her nesses for many years, mental illchosen charity, and last year Louise committed suicide. added: “In England, one in six people report “This trip to Mount Kilimanjaro mon mental experiencing a comwas something my health problem dad planned to do together and I had anxiety and depression) in (such as any given and is very week. important to me. As well as raising “The charity I am fundraising much-needed funds for for is charity, I want to also this amazing Mind. This charity offers support for ness about mental healthraise aware- many people across the UK who are and inform battling people that they don't mental health problems. have to hide TURN TO PAGE 2

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COVERAGE OF LYME

Petition launched for lifeguard hut

A LYME Regis resident has launched a petition, asking the town council to reconsider its refusal for an improved lifeguard hut to be set up on the beach.

Councillors turned down a proposal for the raised grounds that it would hut, on the much space and was take up too unnecessary.

REPORT, PAGE 20

Seasiders clinging to promotion

LYME Regis FC 1st team are still clinging to their hopes promotion to the Devonof winning & Exeter Premier Division.

Recent poor weather out much of the local has washed programme in the pastfootball but the Seasiders are few weeks place in Division 1. still in second REPORT, PAGE 24

AND DON’T MISS OUR PANTO REVIEW AND PHOTO SPREAD Pages 11-13

REGIS, UPLYME &

CHARMOUTH

had to find other ways on making it sustainable.

So I packed Francesca off to Galway in Ireland where her sister, a good designer and website builder, lives and gave them two weeks to build the LymeOnline website.

The website was an immediate success and we set about launching a fortnightly newspaper specifically aimed at those who did not embrace social media and the internet.

And so the first edition of LymeOnline printed version (see above) was launched in February, with Francesca having full editorial control, and we were astounded by its popularity.

In the interim three local businesses came forward and offered to sponsor the print cost of the newspaper, such was their desire to see it work. They wish to remain anonymous but without their support it would not have been possible to launch such a publication.

A few advertisers have rallied around to support us as well and we appreciate their ongoing support.

To them, our distributors, including volunteers, and all our readers, may I wish you a very happy Christmas and let’s hope 2019 will be a good one for our town and all of us who are fortunate to live here.

memory club off the ground.

They invited me recently to one of the lunches, a excellent twocourse menu for just £6 and attended by around 30, many of whom live

on their own and were pleased to be making new friends.

I take my hat off to the volunteers who help at this event.

I sat next to Desmond Perryman, who used to run an electrical company in the town, and it turned out that we are related. His grandmother and mine were Homyers and cousins.

The memory club, in its early stages, is also an excellent initiative which will be a tremendous help for those who struggle with the demands of everyday life as they get older.

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ONCE again Lyme Regis has risen to the occasion and produced the most spectacular Christmas lights in the area.

There’s always great expectation of what the festive lights will be like before the big switchon and we are rarely disappointed. After seeing them, I always ask the question “what would Barbara think of them?”

Barbara, of course, is the late Barbara Austin MBE who was instrumental in forming the Lyme Regis Christmas Lights Committee because the town’s seasonal decorations were so poor.

When Barbara died a few years ago those who worked so hard with her raising the necessary funds decided they had to carry on and ensure

that Barbara’s legacy was honoured. Former mayoress Christine Lovell took over as chairman and with the help of a small but active group of helpers the Lyme Christmas lights are still the best in the area. But it takes a lot of effort.

The Bridport and Honiton lights are also pretty impressive and it’s good to see that, at long last, Axminster now has a committee which is making the town look much more festive.

Lyme’s great asset, of course, is our steep main street. Whichever way you look, up or down Broad Street, you can see all the illuminated displays whereas if it is a level street the effect is not so spectacular.

I think this year’s white and gold displays, particularly the dripping icicles, look really classy.

A pat on the back also for the local shops, hotels and pubs which have made a special effort.

I don’t think I’ve seen Lyme look so festive.

On the subject of local traders, and with my football club president’s hat on, can I say a warm thank you to those who gave so generously for our Christmas auction which raised £1,600 for the development programme at the Davey Fort.

Throughout the year the traders get requests to provide prizes for raffles, etc. and they respond in great numbers, helping to raise thousands of pounds for the many good causes in the town. Not every town is so generous.

Friday, December 14 2018 7

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Academy students launch new boats for first time

THIRTY years a volunteer, postman Andrew Rice, is honoured by lifeboat operations manager Nick Marks

Lifeboat volunteers honoured for long service at Christmas dinner

THE latest class from Lyme Regis Boat Building launched their new, hand-built vessels into the harbour last week. The world-renowned Boat Building Academy, based at Monmouth Beach, attracts students from all walks of life for its 40-week course. Last week’s launch marked the end of its 42nd course, during which time more than 500 pupils have come through the academy, building more than 200 boats. The event was filmed for BBC Spotlight as students’ friends and family gathered on the slipway to celebrate as the vessels were launched into the water.

Tales From Lyme’s Past

A glimpse of our history by Peter Lacey

The Slave Trade LYME was not a major participant in the slave trade; the large ports of London, Liverpool and Bristol became the principal slaving ports. Nevertheless because Lyme as a small outport was facing economic decline, the slave trade became a commercial lifeline.

A petition from the town to Parliament in the late 17th century stated “that the trade of this port and your petitioners livelihoods very much depends on the western navigation and plantations whose products are chiefly raise by negroes bought from Africa”.

It is evident that those presenting the petition did not see any moral reason why black Africans could not be traded and sold as slaves. Merchants and their investors saw them as a profitable commodity; for plantation owners they were a form of cheap labour, one which could be exploited. This was due to the moral and ethical climate of the period. Religion was a factor, Africans were seen as “infidels having no understanding of Christ or his Gospel”.

In the early 18th century the Burridge’s were the town’s leading merchants, they had well established trading links with Barbados and Virginia and were well placed to extend their activities when the slave trade became viable.

A slave purchased in Africa cost between £3 and £5, the selling price in Barbados was in the range of £16 to £23, the overall estimated cost of transportation was £6.

In March 1712 ‘The Mary and Elizabeth’, a London based Burridge vessel, sailed from the Thames bound for the Gambia. After loading slaves she sailed to Virginia; 113 slaves survived the voyage, the number embarked was in the region of 200. Mortality could be high,

the average being one in four.

Male slaves were chained in pairs and confined below deck for most of the passage.

Such conditions allowed diseases to spread, dysentery was one of the main killers. Sick slaves were often thrown overboard. The crews of slave ships were not immune, the death ratio for them was some 17 per cent.

The ship returned to England in 1713, unloading at the Cobb a cargo that included 10cwt of ivory and 50 tons of tobacco.

Lyme’s small scale involvement in the slave trade continued until 1725, records would seem to indicate that the Burridge vessels (‘Friendship’, ‘John’, ‘Martha’ and ‘The Lyme’) landed and sold some 300-350 slaves. While these numbers are small when compared to the main slaving ports, they do reveal the level of Lyme’s involvement in what we now see as an iniquitous trade.

Of interest is an entry in the mayor’s accounts for 1589-90, it records an expenditure of two shillings for the carriage of ‘the negro to the justice’. How a black man came to be in Lyme at such an early date is another story.

Peter Lacey, Local author and historian

MEMBERS of Lyme Regis lifeboat crew, their families and friends welcomed Christmas on Saturday evening at their annual dinner and presentation night.

Sixty guests enjoyed the event, where four members of crew who have volunteers for a total of 90 years were presented awards for their long service. They were Andrew Rice, who has served 30 years, and Lance Taylor, Tim Edwards and Brian Street, who have each served 20 years.

Senior helmsman Mr Edwards also picked up the award for crew member of the year.

Somewhat less serious presentations were the Bent Propeller Trophy won by Mark Colley and the Man Overboard award to John Rickard.

A special award – a photograph of the event – went to three members of the crew who were rescued by their own colleagues in August. An onlooker ashore thought kite surfers Elliott Herbert, Murray Saunders and Rich Tilley were in difficulties when the wind dropped a mile off Charmouth.

Lifeboat operations manager Nick Marks told party-goers at the Harbour Inn that 2018 had a been a successful year with almost 40 call-outs, around twice the total for the previous year. More trainees had joined and the crew never once missed a launch because of a shortage of volunteers.

He added: “We have a very good team and we can take pride in having done our job pretty well.”

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Village shop funds school’s new pond CHILDREN from Charmouth Primary School have been enjoying their new pond and garden thanks to funding from the local village shop.

Charmouth Stores - part of the Nisa group of independent convenience stores - funded the pond through its Making a Difference Locally fund and the charge for plastic bags, which allows the shop to give something back to the community.

Store manager Maria Tritton designed the pond and garden to replace an overgrown area at the front of the school. She recruited several parents to help her clear the area over the summer holidays and Oaklands Garden Services were then able to create the new pond and garden.

Maria commented: “Oaklands were amazing to slot into our timeframe to have it all done before the children returned to school after

the summer holidays. Aston actually gave a lot of hime time for free to get the project finished.”

Mrs Tritton also thanked Westcrete of Axminster, which offered discounted products, Bradfords and all the parents for their hard work.

Maria visited the school last week, where she was presented with a handmade thank you card from every child in the school.

There are now fish living in the pond and the children regularly enjoy feeding them. Headteacher Laura Cornish said they are developing how to incorporate the pond more into their learning.

She added: “School funding means projects like this would not be possible without the support of the local community. Thank you to Charmouth Stores and all those who helped.”

WORKING on behalf of Charmouth Parish Council, the Neighbourhood Planning Team are moving forward to the next stage in the development of a Neighbourhood Plan for the village.

A Neighbourhood Plan sets out policies which will shape how Charmouth is developed in future years.

Policies are currently being written, based upon evidence gathered through village surveys, consultations, professional studies and other historical sources. This is a critical stage in development; ensuring policies are based on solid evidence and conform with West Dorset District Council’s Local Plan, National Planning Policy Framework and other statutory requirements.

These policies will reflect the proposed vision for Charmouth parish, which is: To further enhance Charmouth as a friendly, vibrant community To protect its unique qualities, including its natural beauty, local history and Jurassic coastline To maintain its ability to be self-sustaining by supporting retail units, local businesses and amenities in the village To keep its village feel but encourage a small affordable housing development, particularly for families To continue to attract tourists and visitors and offer good facilities but avoid being overcommercial To meet the everyday needs of our residents The draft policies being written will give substance to the plan’s aims and vision, which ultimately will help local planning authorities make decisions on planning applications in the neighbourhood area.

Each policy will include a statement of purpose, a summary of relevant evidence and clear planning rationale, and the wording of the policy itself.

To give an example of a draft policy, there is

good support within the village to allow a small number of well-designed, affordable houses to be built for local people. A housing development on a large scale will not be supported since, apart from the fact that there are no obvious available sites, it would be considered to have an adverse effect on the village openness, character, natural and heritage assets.

The Neighbourhood Plan is not intending to allocate sites at this stage but would support an appropriate small rural exception site coming forward. These are small sites used for affordable housing in perpetuity where sites would not normally be used for housing.

There are also strong views from villagers on the natural environment and maintaining and protecting its wildlife and natural habitat. A draft policy will be included that requires all housing development proposals to enhance biodiversity and contribute to wildlife and habitat.

Andy Bateman, chairman of the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, said: “We want the Neighbourhood Plan to reflect a balance between encouraging small new housing development(s) whilst protecting Charmouth’s natural beauty, historical assets and village character.

“This is one of our principal aims and captured in our vision and proposed policies.”

The Neighbourhood Planning Team will give a presentation at an open forum at 10.30am on Saturday, January 5 2019 at St Andrew’s Hall, Lower Sea Lane, Charmouth, to explain these draft policies.

The planning team would very much welcome feedback from residents and local businesses to ensure they are reflecting their views.

If you would like to find out more about Charmouth’s Neighbourhood Plan, visit the parish council’s website www.charmouthparishcouncil.gov.uk or email charmouthneighbourhoodplan@gmail.com

Policies in the making for Neighbourhood Plan

MARIA Tritton from Charmouth Stores and headteacher Laura Cornish, pictured with pupils from Charmouth Primary School by their new pond. Left, parents work on clearing the area over summer

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Packed Christmas fayre raises funds for village hall UPLYME Village Hall was packed on Saturday, December 1st as the festive season got underway with a Christmas fayre.

The event included many local trade stalls, gifts, crafts, homemade cakes and refreshments, plus a raffle. The highlight of the morning was a performance by the choir from Mrs Ethelston’s Primary School, who sang a number of Christmas songs (pictured right).

Following the fayre, a duck race was held outside, raising further funds for the village hall.

New members welcome at Uplyme Ladies Group UPLYME Ladies Group is welcoming new members.

The group enjoys informal meetings on the third Monday of the month at 7.30pm in Uplyme Village Hall. Entry costs £2 including refreshments and a raffle ticket.

The group raises funds for local charities, this year being ARC Axminster, and hosts talks and outings.

New members are always welcome.

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Brothers to take escape room concept on nationwide tour A brand new Escape Room concept launching in Uplyme before embarking on a nationwide tour Available to book now for 2-6 people, this unique, innovative and exciting Escape Room is a leisure activity quite unlike any other!

Use discount code lymeonline to get 10% off if you book before December 31st For more information and booking details visit

www.challengerescapes.com or call 020 8133 2812

LOCAL brothers Jamie and Sam Pollard-Jones will launch their new pop-up escape room in Uplyme this month, ahead of a nationwide tour in 2019.

Escape rooms - physical adventure games in which players solve a series of puzzles and riddles to escape - are growing in popularity in the UK. Uplyme brothers Jamie, an Army Captain with the King’s Royal Hussars, and Sam, a recent business graduate from the University of Bournemouth, are hoping their new portable concept - created inside a 40 foot shipping container - will fill a gap in this growing market.

They will be launching Challenger Escapes at Uplyme Village Hall, offering parties of two to six people the chance to take on this adventurous and immersive experience.

Commenting on their new business, they said: “Challenger Escapes began as a concept after a trip to Budapest where we wanted to explore the city and its legendary escape rooms.

“What struck us was how the units created fun and interesting atmospherics, often in very limited spaces. In addition, the dynamics of the group taking part were replicated within the rooms; natural leadership skills came through as did individuals’ problem solving capacity.

“Escape rooms are not a new concept to the UK but by combining the portable features of a 40ft ISO container and a desire for a new and innovative product, we believe there is a gap in the market we could exploit.

“Our first game ‘HEIST!’ is very much the start of a journey; by beginning to explore the portable side of escape rooms, and by testing the technology, we eventually want to use Jamie’s background in the UK military to develop a concept which can be used in recruitment, problemsolving and low-level leadership training.”

Following their launch in Uplyme, Challenger

Escapes will be popping up around the country on a nationwide tour, and will be available to book for private or corporate events.

Can you solve the riddles and escape? Bookings to take part in the Challenger Escapes ‘HEIST!’ game in Uplyme will be taken from December 22 to January 26 for parties of three to six people.

For more information or to book, visit the website www.challengerescapes.com or call 020 8133 2812.

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Friday, December 14 2018 11

PROMOTED CONTENT

LYME REGIS TOWN COUNCIL Defibrillator installed at school thanks to town council funding A NEW defibrillator is now in place on the eastern side of Lyme Regis, thanks to funding from the town council.

St Michael’s Primary School has installed the potentially life-saving equipment within the school, which can be accessed by anyone in the community during the school day.

The school’s Parents and Friends Association applied to the council for a grant to fund the defibrillator, also known as an automated external defibrillator (AED), and was awarded £1,000.

The equipment was recently installed at the school, and our mayor, Cllr Michaela Ellis, went to see how it worked.

As the school is at the heart of the local community and an evacuation and care centre for emergencies in Lyme Regis, the council agreed it was the ideal location for a defibrillator.

Nick Kiddle, headteacher of St Michael’s, said: “We were really pleased to be awarded a grant to purchase the AED sited at the school by the town council.

“As a key location on the eastern side of the town we wanted to be able to provide a service which could be accessed easily by the community during the school day.

“We chose a multi-age device which can switch simply between an adult and a child to ensure that the widest group of people could access it.

“Following first aid training in school, our first aiders saw how vital AEDs are and they were keen to install one at the school.

“With the support of the town council we were able to do this – thank you.”

With the addition of this defibrillator, these vital pieces of equipment are now accessible to the public at multiple locations around the town, including the Jubilee Pavilion, the RNLI lifeboat station, and the Woodmead Halls.

Knowing the locations of the local public access defibrillators could save valuable seconds if someone suffers a cardiac arrest.

More than £35k available Government review to boost National Park plans for local organisations HOPES of securing a Dorset National Park have been boosted as a government-appointed review is announced.

The council was first approached about the opportunity to create a new national park in July 2016 when the team leading the project gave a presentation to members.

At the time, we supported the further evaluation of the potential benefits of a national park, which the project team believed would benefit Dorset’s economy and enhance and safeguard the county’s natural assets.

The Dorset National Park Team will be updating the council at the Tourism, Community and Publicity Committee meeting on Wednesday 23 January, which

the public is welcome to attend.

The team believes the government-appointed Glover Review of Designated Landscapes is a ‘once-in-a-lifetime opportunity’ to secure a National Park for Dorset and is encouraging the public to take part in the online survey.

The review is considering the case for new national parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, including the proposed Dorset National Park.

The survey closes on 18 December and a link to the questionnaire can be found at www.dorsetnationalpark.com, where you can also find more information and news updates about the proposal.

Council takes part in tree festival THE town council will be one of many organisations taking part in this year’s Christmas Tree Festival.

The Pine Hall of Lyme Regis Baptist Church will be beautifully adorned with trees decorated by local good causes between Friday 21 and Sunday 23 December.

More than 500 people visited the festival last year, helping to promote and raise money for the local groups involved.

We love getting involved in this event, especially when all the organisations come together the evening before to decorate their trees while the Christmas music is playing in the background.

Please come and support the festival – entry is free, and more importantly, it’s a great community event.

The festival is open between 11am and 5pm on the Friday and Saturday, and from midday to 8.30pm on the Sunday.

MORE than £35,000 is still available for not-for-profit organisations in or near Lyme Regis.

Funding totalling £123,000 has already been allocated to community groups and projects, with recipients including Lyme Regis Football Club, the 1st Lym Valley Scout Group and the Marine Theatre.

This is thanks to Section 106 agreements, which are community contributions relating to planning permissions for developments in Lyme Regis.

West Dorset District Council still has £35,332.44 to distribute within the community for play areas, allotments and community venues.

The district council is working with the town council to decide how this money should be allocated and applications are now invited.

Funding is available for equipment and buildings, but not events, seminars or workshops, and projects and organisations should be based in or near Lyme Regis.

There is £29,380.28 available for play parks, £2,329.92 for allotments, and £3,621.59 for community venues.

Application forms are available from the town council offices or by emailing admin@lymeregistowncouncil.gov.uk

Park and ride used by more than 26,000 MORE than 26,000 passengers used the park and ride service in Lyme Regis this year.

The service, operated jointly by the town council and First Bus from the Charmouth Road site, was very well used, helping to keep traffic out of the town.

The busiest day was Tuesday, August 14, when temperatures hit 24 degrees, and 1,232 passengers used the service.

High temperatures also encour-

aged visitors to come to the town on Tuesday, August 21, making it the second busiest day for the park and ride, with 1,150 passengers.

And although temperatures had dropped by the August Bank Holiday weekend, 1,092 passengers rode the bus on Saturday, August 25, making it the third busiest day.

Assuming the weather allows, Charmouth Road park and ride will re-open at Easter.

■ THE iconic seafront beach huts will be getting a new look.

The flat-roofed huts on the Cart Road will be replaced with huts with pitched roofs but we’ll be sticking with the pastel colour scheme.

Councillors did consider replacing them with a composite, maintenance-free material, but decided to retain the traditional wooden huts.

The replacement of the council-owned huts will be phased over three years, and it is hoped the private owners will also move to pitched roofs over time.

Providing they’re in good enough condition, the first 12 huts will be sold to the public before Easter. We’ll advertise their availability closer to the time, so watch this space.

■ ANYONE interested in running non-motorised watersports from the beach can apply to the council for the opportunity.

We’re offering this concession on a one or three-year basis, operating from mid-March to the end of October each year.

Applicants will need to submit a tender, to include a simple business proposal, by the deadline on Wednesday 9 January.

More information and application forms are available on our website www.lymeregistowncouncil.gov.uk, from the council office, or by emailing admin@lymeregistowncouncil.gov.uk ■ THE council offices will be closed over the festive period but all essential services will be maintained.

The office will close at midday on Monday 24 December and re-open at 9am on Wednesday 2 January.

During this time, town council services including litter-picking, parking enforcement, dog enforcement and toilet cleaning will continue.

Our emergency procedure, which is available on our website and is only to be referred to in genuine emergencies, is a useful source of information and provides details of who does what in the county, along with their contact details.

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Christmas season gets underway as lantern parade lights up Lyme HUGE crowds gathered in Broad Street, Lyme Regis, on Saturday night for the annual switch-on of the Christmas lights.

The town centre has been left sparkling under white and gold lights following Saturday’s events, which included the traditional Christmas lantern parade and a visit from Father Christmas.

A Christmas lantern-making workshop at Lyme Regis Baptist Church was well-attended in the afternoon, followed by a lantern competition for ages 0-15 with some also bringing pre-made entries from home.

The competition was judged by the Mayor of Lyme Regis, Councillor Michaela Ellis, and helpers, with three-year-old Alfie Blackmore coming out on top for his snowman-theme lantern.

Alfie won first place is his age category, as well as trophies for best entry aged 0-7 and best overall.

Following the judging, the lantern parade was led down Broad Street by Lyme Regis Majorettes performing in Christmas jumpers.

Councillor Ellis was joined by her consort Alan Ellis and town crier Alan Vian in leading the competition entrants, with strings of lights illuminating above them as they passed underneath.

The parade also included Father Christmas, who handed out sweets to the huge crowds, as well as Uplyme Morris Men and the fire brigade.

Crowds then gathered around the Christmas tree at the bottom of Broad Street and joined the mayor in a countdown for it to be lit up.

Councillor Ellis was joined in lighting the tree

by Uplyme resident Albie Weldin, who won a competition at Lyme Regis Library having read the most books over the summer break.

The display has been funded by the Lyme Regis Christmas Lights Committee, which hosts fundraisers throughout the year to raise thousands for the illuminations.

The committee was first set up by the late Barbara Austin MBE, six-time Mayor of Lyme Regis, and volunteers have continued her work in recent years, giving Lyme a reputation for some of the best Christmas lights in the South West.

Large crowds are expected to gather at the tree once again on Saturday, December 22 for the Rotary Club of Lyme Regis’ annual Carols Around The Tree.

Traditional carols will be accompanied by Lyme Regis Town Band from 7pm and hot soup will be served by the Royal Lion Hotel in the interval. Money raised from this year’s event will be donated to Julia’s House Children’s Hospice.

The carol service is thought to be the longest-running festive event in Lyme Regis, having first been held 60 years ago and is a favourite with many local families and visitors.

CHILDREN of all ages took part in the annual Christmas lantern competition and parade

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Friday, December 14 2018 13

BROAD Street pictured after the switch-on of the lights (photo by Richard Austin)

PICTURED above, Jacob Denning with his Christmas tree-shaped lantern.

Left, the Mayor of Lyme Regis, Councillor Michaela Ellis and her consort Alan Ellis were joined by Albie Weldin as they switched on the big Christmas tree. Far left, Lyme Regis Majorettes perform in Christmas outfits

ALFIE Blackmore proved the star of the show, winning first place in his age category and two trophies, including for best overall entry, pictured above receiving one of his prizes from the mayor

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MUSIC | THEATRE | WHAT’S ON | COMPETITIONS

Award-winning writer brings Christmas tale to Lyme Regis T.A. Woodsmith, winner of the Sunday Times Playwriting Award, is joining forces with The Last Baguette for a family theatre show for Christmas inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s traditional tale, ‘The Little Match Girl’.

The play is set in London on Christmas Eve - the snow is falling and a little girl struggles fiercely through the cold.

We follow her throughout the day as she encounters the funny and zany characters of the vibrant city streets.

In an attempt to stay warm she strikes a match, then a second and third. In the cold the flames blaze to life and the flickering fire illuminates her fantastic Christmas visions.

With each strike we enter the tumultuous world of her imagination, meeting talking turkeys, dancing rats, Queen

Victoria, Prince Albert and their chattering Christmas tree.

This acclaimed company use visual storytelling, live music and puppetry to shine a light on Hans Christian Andersen’s classic winter tale.

The show will be held at the Marine Theatre on Thursday, December 20 with doors opening at 5.30pm for a

6.30pm start.

Tickets cost £9 for adults, £7 for children and £26 for a family (two adults, two children) in advance, or £11, £9 and £30 on the door, with a 10 per cent discount available for Theatre Friends.

To book, call 01297 442138 or visit the website www.marinetheatre.com

‘Unmissable’ singer to perform at Marine

THE award-winning songwriter David Ford will be appearing in Lyme Regis in February.

With four critically-acclaimed studio albums and a live show described by the British music press as “unmissable,” David Ford is essential listening.

His songs combine Americana, English melodicism and a touch of rock ‘n’ roll – tied together with finely-crafted lyrics.

As a multi-instrumentalist and master of the loop pedal, Ford’s live performances regularly sell-out venues on both sides of the Atlantic.

As well as playing headline shows to his loyal fan base, he has toured with and supported artists such as Elvis Costello, Ray LaMontagne, Richard Ashcroft, and Suzanne Vega.

Hailing from the south coast of

LYME RE REGIS, GISS, PUT YO YOUURR

Join us for food, craft beer and cocktails.

Music kicks offf around 8.30pm

Marine Parade, Lyme Regi g s, Dorset, DT7 3JH Follow us on social media @swimlyme | 01297 442668 | info@weswim.co.uk

England, Ford has been lauded by press throughout his 15-year solo career. His debut album, ‘I Sincerely Apologise For All The Trouble I’ve Caused’, was included in both The Times and Word Magazine’s top ten albums of the year and his fourth album, ‘Charge’, was described by press as his “best album to date. ” His records have achieved number one slots on iTunes and in February 2014, which saw him travelling to Paris to receive the French Grammy award for song of the year.

His will appear at the Marine Theatre on Saturday, february 9 with doors opening at 6.30pm for a 7.30pm start. Tickets cost £12 advance or £14.50 on the door, with 10 per cent off for Theatre Friends.

To book, call 01297 442138 or visit www.marinetheatre.com

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MUSIC | THEATRE | WHAT’S ON | COMPETITIONS

Varied programme of music What’s on... and theatre coming to Dorset HOT off the press, the brand new Artsreach Spring Programme features events from more than 30 exciting companies and performers.

With the support of the Arts Council, Dorset County Council, and North, West, East and Purbeck District Councils, plus local solicitors Blanchards Bailey, rural communities across the county will host a variety of high quality performances of live music, theatre, dance, circus and family shows through Artsreach, Dorset’s touring arts charity.

For music lovers, a real medley of styles and genres is on offer this spring. Welsh supergroup ALAW make a welcome return to Dorset following their recent TV appearance at the BBC Folk Proms, while Bristol-based a capella folk and shanty group The Longest Johns make their Artsreach debut.

Breathing new life in to 18th century tunes from the Flanders region of Belgium, energetic young band WÖR head to the UK with an array of instruments. The inimitable ‘Spats’ Langham and Hot Fingers present an eclectic mix of tunes from the 1920-40s, which were deemed unsuitable for public ears by various authorities of the time.

The partnership between Artsreach and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO) continues with a spring concert by a trio of flute, viola and harp, a new recital from Kokoro, the BSO’s contemporary ensemble, and two concerts by Resound, the BSO’s professional ensemble of disabled musicians.

The 2019 programme brings gypsy folk-rock band Holy Moly & The Crackers back out on the world stage with the release of a brand new album. And recently nominated as ‘Best Emerging Artist’ at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, Dorset duo Ninebarrow are back with exquisite, original music inspired by the landscape.

Renowned bass player Alec Dankworth teams up with daughter Emily and two leading musicians to offer an evening of global song and improvisation with World Spirit. Finally, Northern Harmony, Vermont’s world music choir, present music from across the globe in stunning harmony, and offer a workshop opportunity too.

There will be several onstage highlights this season too. Featuring a selection of records previously owned by the late John Peel, John Osborne presents an ode to radio in his acclaimed solo show ‘John Peel’s Shed’.

Scratchworks Theatre use a raucous combination of physical theatre, live music and clowning to unravel the tale of the four forgotten females of ‘The Great Train Robbery’, while Farnham Maltings proudly present the English premiere of celebrated American playwright Will Eno’s hauntingly moving new play ‘Title &

■ BRING your children along to see Santa and his helpers when he pays a visit to the Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis this Christmas.

Santa pulls into Lyme Regis for two afternoons on the December 18 and 19 from 4pm to 6pm bringing gifts for all his little visitors.

Book your tickets online now to see Santa for £5 per child in aid of Lyme Regis Musical Theatre. Visit https://seaty.co.uk/lrmtsanta to book.

The visit from Father Christmas will be followed both evenings at 7pm by Lyme Regis Musical Theatre’s ‘It’s Christmas Lyme’ show.

To book tickets for the show visit seaty.co.uk/lrmtxmas

Deed’, exploring what it is to search for ‘home’.

With a nod to the golden age of British humour, mixed with farcical physical comedy, Last Chance Saloon twist two classic stories in a side-splitting double-bill – ‘Curse of the Mummy’ and ‘Sherlock Holmes’. French-English duo Spitz & Co are also back with ‘Les Gloriables, a riotously funny show inspired by Victor Hugo’s novel, which sees Gloria Delaneuf determined to reunite Europe with a piece of theatre.

Featuring live music, heartache and bellylaughs, expect a heart-lifting story of romance, despair and friendship from James Rowland, one of the UK’s most acclaimed storytellers, in ‘A Hundred Different Words for Love’.

Join storyteller Emily Hennessey and sitar player extraordinaire, Sheema Mukherjee, for a white-knuckled tuc-tuc ride through sunkissed palaces and fiend-infested forests in ‘Kali: the World’s Wildest Goddess’, or enjoy a poetry and pint night down your local as Jonny Fluffypunk fuses elements of theatre, storytelling, comedy and stand-up poetry in a brand new spoken-word show for rural pubs.

The Ridgeway Singers & Band invite you to join them and celebrate the birthday of William Barnes with a feast of Dorset fayre at the annual ‘Barnes Supper’.

Based on movement, acrobatics, the Chinese pole and other circus skills, Spanish company D’Click Circo explores the subtle barrier that exists between physical theatre and dance and between magic and dreams in their award-winning circus show ‘Isla’.

During half term, Anglo-Swiss company Theatre Fideri Fidera tell the tale of Oskar the puppy and his search for friendship in the wilderness of the Alps in ‘Oskar’s Amazing Adventure’. Children aged 2+ and their parents can also enjoy a post-show arts and crafts workshop.

Uchenna Dance celebrate children’s resilience in a contemporary retelling of ‘Hansel & Gretel’, a fearless dance adventure guaranteed to have the whole family grooving in their seats! Finally, Artsreach favourites Angel Heart present a delightful reimagining of one of Aesop’s’ most loved fables, ‘The Boy Who Cried Wolf’, featuring exquisite puppetry and dynamic storytelling – a pre-show storytelling workshop is also on offer.

This is just a taster of everything happening around Dorset with Artsreach this spring. Full details and tickets are available from www.artsreach.co.uk and outlets where you can pick up a copy of the programme include libraries, arts centres and tourist information centres.

You can also find Artsreach on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with the latest news.

Saturday, December 15

Christmas at the Town Mill Town Mill, 11am-4pm Face painting, festive baking sessions, children’s crafts, Santa’s grotto and carol singing from 3pm.

Some events should be booked in advance - see www.townmill.org.uk for details. Santa’s grotto also open on Sunday, December 16.

Cinema: ‘The Snowman’ and ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ Marine Theatre, 1.30pm Buy your tickets now for the popular children’s Christmas double bill, with seasonal treats and mulled wine available to purchase. Duration: 60 minutes. Tickets £4 for children or £5 for adults in advance, or £5 for children and £6 for adults on the door - call 01297 442138 or visit www.marinetheatre.com. Doors open 1.30pm for 2.30pm start.

Lyme Regis Comedy Club Marine Theatre, 7pm Three comics perform at this popular night out, alongside resident compere Tom Glover, from Bridport. Tickets £8 in advance or £10 on the door - call 01297 442138 or visit www.marinetheatre.com.

Doors open 7pm for 8pm start. Ages 16 and over only.

Black Ven Spoken Word & Acoustic Music Open Mic Night The Galley Café, 7pm Bring your ears and your songs, ballads, poems, story and acoustic music for a warm welcome and friendly reception. Sign up at 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start, £2 entry, homemade cakes, hot drinks and full bar available.

Live Music Night @ The Nag’s Head Nag’s Head, 9pm Regular live music nights at The Nag’s Head, this week with 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s covers band Chill.

Sunday, December 16

The Sunday Sessions Marine Theatre, 3pm A post-roast music session in the Marine Theatre bar overlooking the Cobb, with a selection of local ales and other drinks. It is hosted by Street & Matthews, an acoustic duo who are one half of popular local band DeltaTango7. Free entry, no tickets, please note this event is upstairs and has limited seating.

Carols By Candlelight St Michael’s Parish Church, 4pm Tractional carols followed by festive refreshments.

The lights on the church Christmas tree will be lit as part of the Weldmar Hospicecare ‘Light Up A Life’ campaign. Gifts for teenagers welcome as part of the Children’s Society Christmas Appeal.

Sequence Dancing Woodmead Halls, 8pm Lyme Regis Sequence Dancing Club meets every Sunday at 7.45pm for an 8pm start. The friendly, welcoming group enjoys popular sequence dances and visitors are welcome.

Monday, December 17

Live Screening: The Met Opera’s ‘La Traviata’ Marine Theatre, 4.55pm New Met Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin launches his tenure with Verdi’s tragedy. Tickets £15 for adults and £10 under 18s - call 01297 442138 or visit www.marinetheatre.com. Doors open 4.55pm for 5.55pm start.

Tuesday, December 18

It’s Christmas Lyme!

Marine Theatre, 4pm A visit from Father Christmas between 4pm and 6pm (book tickets at seaty.co.uk/lrmtsanta) followed by a Christmas show by Lyme Regis Musical Theatre from 7pm (book tickets at seaty.co.uk/lrmtxmas). Also on Wednesday, December 19.

Thursday, December 20

Lyme Lunches Lyme Regis Football Club, 12.30pm Christmas edition of the monthly community lunches, organised by LymeForward. Two course dinner for £6 - tickets available from Penny Black Cafe (behind post office) and must be booked in advance.

Meet & Remember Lyme Regis Football Club, 2pm Memory Café to provide a supportive, friendly environment for those experiencing memory loss or who have recently been diagnosed with dementia

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

and friends/relatives/carers who support them, organised by LymeForward.

‘The Little Match Girl’ Marine Theatre, 5.30pm A family show for Christmas inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s traditional tale. Tickets £9 for adults, £7 for children or £36 for families (2 adults, 2 children) in advance, or £11 for adults, £9 for children of £30 for families on the door – call 01297 442138 or visit www.marinetheatre.com. Doors open 5.30pm for 6.30pm start.

Lyme Regis Community Bingo Woodmead Halls, 8pm Bingo night every Thursday at the Woodmead Halls, raising funds for local organisations which are members of Lyme Regis Community Bingo Association.

Pilot Boat Quiz Night Pilot Boat, 8pm Weekly quiz night at the Pilot Boat for teams of two or more with cash prize for the winner plus £100 jackpot prize!

Friday, December 21 - Sunday, December 23

Christmas Tree Festival Lyme Regis Baptist Church Christmas trees decorated by local organisations and charities. The festival will be open to the public from 11am to 5pm on the Friday and Saturday, and from 12noon to 8.30pm on the Sunday, entry is free.

Friday, December 21

Live Screening: National Theatre’s ‘Antony and Cleopatra’ Marine Theatre, 6pm Ralph Fiennes and Sophie Okonedo play Shakespeare’s famous fated couple in his great tragedy of politics, passion and power. Tickets £11 in advance or £13.50 on the door – call 01297 442138 or visit www.marinetheatre.com. Doors open 6pm for 7pm start.

Saturday, December 22

Cinema: ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ Marine Theatre, 6pm The Marine Theatre’s annual free Christmas film for the community is Frank Capra’s heartwarming classic. Tickets are free and available in advance by calling 01297 442138. Doors open 6pm for 7pm start.

Carols Around The Tree Broad Street, 7pm One of Lyme Regis’ longest running Christmas traditions, organised by the Rotary Club of Lyme Regis. Traditional carols around the town’s Christmas tree in Broad Street will be accompanied by Lyme Regis Town Band from 7pm and hot soup will be served in the interval. Collection in aid of Julia’s House Hospice.

Live Music Night @ The Nag’s Head Nag’s Head, 9pm Regular live music nights at The Nag’s Head, this week with popular Lyme Regis band DeltaTango7.

Sunday, December 23

Carols By Candlelight Bethany Chapel, 4pm Carols by Candlelight at Bethany Chapel in Coombe Street, followed by a superb Christmas tea - all for no charge and no collection.

Tuesday, December 25

Christmas Day Swim Charmouth Beach, 11am The annual Christmas Day Swim at Charmouth beach has been running for 45 years and will once again raise funds for the RNLI. Swimmers will be dashing into the water at 11am sharp but get there early to admire the fancy dress!

Tuesday, January 1

New Year’s Day Duck Race Windsor Terrace, 12pm The annual New Year's Day duck race in aid of Lyme Regis Christmas Lights will set off from Windsor Terrace at 12noon.

Lyme Lunge Lyme Regis Beach, 1pm A New Year’s Day dip in the balmy waters of Lyme Regis, organised by the Rotary Club and this year raising funds for the Dorset County Hospital Cancer Charity Appeal. Swimmers will dash into the sea at 1pm sharp but get there early to admire the fancy dress!

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MUSIC | THEATRE | WHAT’S ON | COMPETITIONS

A festive performance to warm even the coldest of Scrooges!

T

HE Marine Players delighted audiences last week as they brought the Charles Dickens classic ‘A Christmas Carol’ to the Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis.

The charming show saw a mixture of experienced performers and young talent take to the stage to bring the favourite Christmas story to life, dramatised by Michael Snelgrove and directed by Cherine Hill.

Audiences were taken back to 1800s London - with simple staging, a thick fog and a cold breeze emanating from the stage - to learn the true meaning of Christmas. Along with joyous songs and dance, plus a touch of humour, this was a warming festive production that left audience members with a smile on their faces.

Fred Humphrey took the lead role of Ebenezer Scrooge, the cold-hearted miser who retorted to Christmas traditions with ‘Bah! Humbug!’.

The classic tale sees Scrooge warned by the ghost of his former business parter, Jacob Marley (John Gooden), to change his meanspirited ways.

On Christmas Eve he is then visited by the Ghost of Christmas Past (Anne King), Present (Pete Ward) and Christmas Yet to Come (Tracey Blech), showing him his mistakes and the effect of his selfishness on others, and finally teaching him the real meaning of Christmas.

Fred gave an excellent performance as

THEATRE REVIEW

by Francesca Evans

A CHRISTMAS CAROL The Marine Players Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis

Scrooge. On stage for almost the entire production, he showed real emotion and won over the audience as he slowly woke up to the error of his ways.

Another stand-out performance came from Anne King. A favourite of the local stage, I always delight when I see Anne’s name in a programme as I know hers will be a performance to look out for, and this was no exception.

As well as taking on the rather sombre role of the Ghost of Christmas Past, Anne was back to her comical best in the chorus number ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’ with her ‘drunken’ antics winning the biggest laugh of the night from the audience.

Led by David Ruffle in the role of Fred, Scrooge’s endearing and ever-positive nephew, the song was one of the overall highlights of the show, lifting the festive atmosphere in the Marine - you couldn’t help but join in!

Experienced performer Brian Rattenbury also pleased audiences with his

BROTHERS Brian and Steve Rattenbury perform alongside each other as Mr Fezziwig and Dick Willikins. Below, young members of the cast in a chorus number

musical numbers as Scrooge’s kind-hearted former boss, Mr Fizziwig, alongside brother Steve Rattenbury as his assistant Dick Willikins.

Young members of the cast also joined in many of the festive musical numbers, with Millie Ashford as Tiny Tim standing out with her solo ‘Silent Night’.

The Marine Players - formerly Lyme Regis Dramatic Society - can add ‘A Christmas Carol’ to its growing repertoire of successful and well-received productions, with any funds raised from the show to be put back into the Marine Theatre.

Their next show will be held in April 2019 and details will be announced soon.

FRED Humphrey as Ebenezer Scrooge in ‘A Christmas Carol’

‘THE 12 Days of Christmas’ was a highlight of the show, with a stand-out performance

by Anne King (below), who also played the Ghost of Christmas Past (left)

CAST (in order or appearance): Fred Humphrey (Ebenezer Scrooge), Rob Smith (Bob Cratchit), David Ruffle (Fred), Karen Hull and Barbara Green (Charitable Ladies), Alex Robinson (Carol Singer), John Gooden (Marley’s Ghost), Anne King (Ghost of Christmas Past), Aeron Tollett (Child Scrooge), Fritha Heard (Fanny), Pete Ward (School Master), Brian Rattenbury (Mr Fezziwig), Steve Rattenbury (Dick Willikins), Hazel Tingley (Mrs Fizziwig), Carys Lowe, Sue Wiscombe & The Company (Guests), Adrian Hillier (Fiddler), Aaron Brock (Young Scrooge), Nicole Parkinson-Ward (Nicole), Anouska Galvin Mayes, Alex Robinson and Ariana Finn (Belle’s Children), John Murphy (Belle’s Husband), Pete Ward (Ghost of Christmas Present), Juliet Henham (Mrs Cratchit), Anouska Galvin Mayes (Lily Cratchit), David Robinson (Peter Cratchit), Ariana Finn (Nelly Cratchit), Claudia Marshall (Martha Cratchit), Lucy Smith (Belinda Cratchit), Millie Ashford (Tiny Tim), Margaret Morgan (Fred’s Wife), Fritha Heard (Ignorance), Alex Robinson

(Want), John Gooden and Steve Rattenbury (Businessmen), Tracey Blech (Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come), Linda Crawford (Charwoman), Adrian Hillier (Joe), Anne King (Laundress), Aaron Brock (Undertaker), brian Rattenbury (Night Watchman), Alex Robinson (Boy), Brian Rattenbury (Poulterer), The Company (townspeople, relatives, carol singers).

PRODUCTION TEAM: Cherine Hill (Director), Linda Crawford (Assistant Director), Jo Smith Oliver (Stage Management), Tony Hill and Richard Stirk (Lighting and Sound), Rose May, May Robinson and Lorraine Knowles (Wardrobe), Beverley Rattenbury and Jane Tappin (Props), John Griswold (Musical Director), Cherine Hill, John Gooden, Fred Humphrey and team (Set Design and Construction), David Ruffle (Publicity), John Gooden and David Ruffle (Poster and Programme Design), Jenny Humphrey (Original Artwork), Marine Theatre staff (Front of House), Lyme Regis TIC (Box Office).

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Santa sleigh raises £747 for charity FATHER Christmas helped to raise £747 for local good causes when he toured the streets of Lyme Regis last week.

Children delighted as they saw Santa and his helpers, including some special guests from hit film ‘Frozen’, make their way around the town on Wednesday and Thursday evenings.

The annual Charity Santa Sleigh, organised by Neville Causley and his family, has now been running for 17 years, raising funds for local and national organisations.

This year’s funds will be split between several baby and toddler groups, including at Lyme Regis Baptist Church, The Hub, Little Rascals, Uplyme Shining Stars and Uplyme Toddler Group.

Mr Causley commented: “Our sleigh has once again brought a smile to faces young and old, and raised a great sum of money for some local baby and toddler groups. Spirits were high and people were dancing in the street, having a great time.

“I am very grateful to Lyme

Regis Regatta & Carnival Committee for their continued support of the sleigh, who once again have kindly covered the cost of the insurance.

“I would also like to personally thank the following people for their help and support, as without these generous people, we would not be able to take the sleigh out: Dave Ostler for the use of the towing vehicle, Shane Curral for the use of the trailer, Sparkbrights for the loan of the music system and extra lighting, Fowler Plant Hire for the loan of the generator, the Leeming family for storage of the sleigh, and John and Sylvia Rickard for allowing us to take over their driveway for the past week, and finally of course to my family and Santa’s little helpers.

“The sleigh is now in its Seventeenth year and it is a wonderful thing to be able to do. Thank you all for your continued support of our sleigh, and on behalf of all of the Causley family, we would like to wish you all a happy Christmas and peaceful New Year.”

Seasiders celebrate Christmas!

MEMBERS of Lyme Regis Football Club have been celebrating the festive season with a number of special events.

A Christmas edition of the Seasiders’ regular Sunday Lunch Club was held at the beginning of December, with almost 60 guests enjoying a traditional menu of roast turkey and all the trimmings, followed by Christmas pudding and mince pies.

The turkey was kindly donated by Complete Meats and the lunch was prepared by volunteers, raising £500 for club funds.

The lunch was followed by a free children’s party for members’ families, organised by committee members Shelley Larcombe and Nicky Levan.

Youngsters enjoyed party games, a buffet and a visit from Father Christmas.

Festive events at the Davey Fort culminated on Saturday night with the club’s annual Christmas auction.

More than 50 lots - many generously donated by local businesses - raised £1,600 for the club, with Simon Flux acting as auctioneer for the evening.

The club would like to thank all those who donated to the auction, and wish all of its supporters a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

School packed for PFA’s festive bazaar

ST Michael’s Primary School in Lyme Regis was bursting at the seams last week as the Parents and Friends Association (PFA) hosted a Christmas bazaar. The school hall was packed with trade stalls, crafts, refreshments and a luxury raffle, while children set up their own fundraising games and stalls in their classrooms. Father Christmas also paid a special visit and handed out gifts to children in his grotto.

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Christmas AT

CELEBRATE

FANTASTIC WINTER MENU, FESTIVE SPECIALS CHRISTMAS COCKTAILS AND YULETIDE DRINKS CHRISTMAS SUNDAY MARKET THIS WEEK - All types of Christmas gifts on sale 16TH DECEMBER 10am-12 noon Christmas Opening Times as usual except CHRISTMAS EVE: Food 8am - 8.30pm, Bar 11am - 10.30pm

LIVE MUSIC every Wednesday, Friday & Saturday throughout December

CHRISTMAS DAY: Kitchen Closed, Bar open 12 noon to 2pm BOXING DAY DECEMBER 26TH: All open 10am - 9pm NEW YEAR’S EVE DECEMBER 31ST: Food 8.30am - 9pm, Bar 11am - Midnight NEW YEAR’S DAY JANUARY 1ST: All open 9am - 9pm

Come and see our fabulous CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND DECORATIONS

Christmas Greetings from all at and thank you for all your support 1 BRIDGE STREET, LYME REGIS DT7 3QA 01297 443157 www.thepilotboat.co.uk

20 Friday, November 30 2018

FLASHBACKS with Richard Austin

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Tales from behind the lens of our award-winning photographer

TO come face to face with such a massive eagle certainly wakes you up in the morning. This beauty was called Evie, a white tailed sea eagle owned by falconer George Hedges (pictured).

She really was that big and had a bad attitude when it suited her. I was on Dartmoor photographing Evie for a newspaper feature when, as she stood on the fence, a gust of wind encouraged her to stretch her wings which lifted her in slow motion above George, almost as if she was a kite about to get airborne. Evie was a truly remarkable bird. Being the eighth largest eagle in the world, she could have been regarded as dangerous with her massive talons and 2.4 metre wing span. She loved to play with a bright yellow tennis ball by catching it in the air in her talons, the size of a man’s hand. I haven’t seen Evie for a while but she is not an easy eagle to forget.

A loss to Lyme’s sporting fraternity LYME Regis has been saddened by the sudden death of Owen Wellman, aged 53, who was locally born and was a member of one of the town’s most respected sporting families.

Educated at the Woodroffe School and the Plytechnic of Wales, Owen was the eldest son of Alan and Ann Wellman, both deceased, who lived in Broad Street. Alan, a printer, was one of Lyme’s most talented footballers in the 1950s and 60s.

Owen, an Exeter City supporter, played youth football for the Seasiders, as did is brother Evan. As well as his father, his uncle Brian and cousins Derek and Roger also played for Lyme. Owen was also a keen rugby player, turning out for Bridport RFC. Owen lived in Welling, Bexley, and worked as a project manager for Millwood Designer Homes. He is survived by a wife of 27 years Ruth and three daughters, Jade, who was married in July, Jenna and Jolie.

Fairfield House puts on a show for Trudy’s 100th!

IN our regular series commemorating the 100th anniversaries of the deaths of all men and women from Lyme Regis and the surrounding area who died in the First World War, this week we remember Arthur William Curtis.

With thanks to Vernon Rattenbury from the Royal British Legion for the research.

ARTHUR WILLIAM CURTIS

FAIRFIELD House in Lyme Regis went all out for the 100th birthday of its resident Trudy Jillians.

Town crier Alan Vian attended the party to give a special cry about Trudy and 1940s singers The Liberty Sisters, from Exeter, sang ‘Happy Birthday’. Trudy’s birthday card from the Queen was delivered by hand by an impersonator of Her Majesty, and a cake was presented decorated with a photo of Trudy and her son Derek as a baby.

Born in Slough as one of nine siblings,

Trudy lived in Windsor for many years before moving to Lyme Regis. She worked in a ribbon factory before marrying husband Fred and having daughter Barbara.

During the Second World War, Trudy took in evacuees from London and, after the war, she worked for John Lewis and had second child Derek.

Trudy moved to Fairfield House only a few months ago and enjoys word games, yoga and many of the activities at the residential care home.

Petty Officer, HMS Doris, Royal Navy Service No. 230628 Born May 5 1888 in Islington, London, and died December 25 1918 in Port Said, Egypt Arthur Curtis enlisted in the Royal Navy in 1904. In November 1914, HMS Doris was sent to the Mediterranean. She sailed to the Dortyol and Alexandretta Coast in southern Turkey between December 14 and 28 1914, her tasks being to carry on a light bombardment of telegraph and railway lines along the coast.

The ship frequently landed raiding parties to plant explosives on railway installations. Most of the activity took place around Alexandretta and El Arish, although raids were carried out as far north as Haifa and Tyre.

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM Later in 1915, she went to the Dardenelles in support of the Gallipoli landings. The first action which the ship saw was on April 25 1915 when, with HMS Dartmouth, she bombarded Fort Napolean and later Fort Sultan and other shore installations around Bulair.

On April 26 1915, together with HMS Triumph, HMS Doris shelled the area around Gaba Tepe in support of Australian troops.

In 1916 HMS Doris was stationed in the Aegean and Mediterranean and in March 1917 she was sent from the Mediterranean to the East Indies station. By the end of that month she was active between Fremantle and Mauritius, while in November 1917 during a hunt for German raiders, she was at Aden.

Husband of Lilian E. Austin (formerly Curtis), of Valletta Cottage, Uplyme, Arthur died of illness and is buried in Port Said War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt, grave L.21 and is commemorated on the Uplyme war memorial.

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Get your tickets for LymeForward’s Christmas Community Lunch

THE November Community Lunch organised by LymeForward recently took place at Lyme Regis Football Club, with residents enjoying a traditional meal of toad in the hole and pavlova, prepared by Chris Tipping.

The lunch was followed by the monthly Meet and Remember session, where fitness instructor Caroline Francis gently guided the group through some chair exercises and talked about how general fitness can be improved through gentle exercise.

Heather Godfrey of Armomatique then led a session of hand massage using some of her essential oils.

The next Community lunch will be a Christmas special on Thursday, December 20. Turkey and the trimmings, followed by Christmas pudding, tea or coffee will be available for £7. Tickets are available from Penny Black Café, behind the post office, or by calling Heather Prior on 01297 441224, and must be booked in advance. Anyone requiring transport can also call Heather on the number above.

The Lyme Luggers ukulele group will be providing the entertainment and the free Meet and Remember session will take place directly after the lunch as usual.

This month, Alison Bowskill will be helping thee group with Christmas crafts.

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A DROP-IN evening for potential members of the new Lyme Regis Army Cadet Force will be held on Monday, December 17.

The event will be held at the Woodmead Halls from 7pm to 9pm, offering activities and a chance to see what will be available to the cadets.

Refreshments will also be available and parents are welcome to attend.

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ST Michael’s Parish Church in Lyme Regis will host Carols By Candlelight on Sunday, December 16 at 4pm.

All are welcome to join this traditional carol service, when the lights on the Christmas tree will once again be lit as one of Weldmar Hospicecare's ‘Light up a Life’ services being held throughout Dorset.

During the service there will also be an opportunity to bring gifts for teenagers as part of the Children's Society Christmas Appeal.

The carol service will be followed by festive refreshments in the church hall.

VALENTIN’S DOG WALKING AND SITTING SERVICES

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SECURITY

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Security Consultant ● Insurance Risk Surveys ● Intruder Alarms ● CCTV Systems ● Fire Alarms & Safety Systems ● Fire Risk Assessments ● Alarm Maintenance and Monitoring Tel: 01297 445879 / 07590 559294 email: nigel@portcullisalarms.co.uk web: www.portcullisalarms.co.uk with us you’re in safe hands

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MEDICAL

Lea av ve It T To o Me Lyme Bay Ear Clinic Helping Hands ffo or Busy People

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classifieds&jobs

22 Friday, December 14 2018

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.

www.lyme-online.co.uk

ITEMS FOR SALE / WANTED WANTED: Large, weathered terracotta pots, example 12”-13” height or 12”15” width, for wildflower garden, will collect call/text 07870 603 345.

KLINN trailer, deep sided, 62x36x19 inches, marine ply base, spare wheel, £50 - 01297 442134 or 07761 258 115.

RAILWAY collection - memorabilia, photos, post cards, framed pictures, excellent conditions - call 01297 560934 (during evenings).

PINE blanket chest, painted dark brown, height 46cm, width 52cm, length 97cm, sinsible offers around £50 - 07870 603 345.

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THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO DORSET’S MOST POPULAR RESORT Lyme Regis - the perfect place

for

Christmas Shopping Dotty Home

cards, wrapping attraction ellery, stationery,as well as its wide more, HAVING become a popular five years, paper and homeware. in Sidmouth over the past Lyme Regis range of in providing Dotty Home opened its Dotty Home believes stylish, uncustomer service and branch in 2017, offering home and outstanding every detail to ensure usual and affordable takes care of experience is comlifestyle products. style, your shopping With a Scandinavian-chic of jew- pletely hassle free, and more importantly, enjoyable.

Dotty Home offers a selection The shop’s collections change with the seasons, keeping the products fresh, topical and ever-evolving.

The Lyme Regis branch, tucked away in the Pitt House car park off Broad Street, has been transformed for the festive period and is the place to go for all your Christmas decorations and gifts.

Dotty Home is open from 10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday, and from 11am to 4pm on Sundays.

For more information, visit the website www.dottyhome.com, where you browse and buy the collections online.

make a

SPLASH

this Christmas and

IT’S easy to overdo it during the festive ing fuzzy-headed, season, but if you’re full-up feelcobwebs with a quick and fatigued, blow away the Christmas dip in the sea.

You can wash away that Day splash in the water ‘morning after’ feeling with a Christmas at Charmouth, or a to the sea in Lyme New Year’s Day dash Regis – and don’t forget your fancy dress!

One of the area’s most Day Swim in Charmouth,popular festive events, the Christmas is once again expected dreds of spectators, to draw hunas well as those brave enough to take a dip.

Fancy dress is not compulsory but vicars, saders are expected to turn up for a splash dinosaurs, and cruin the sea at 11am.

The event is planned Guild and regularly by the Lyme Regis and Charmouth RNLI raises in the region saving charity. of £2,000 for the lifeCharmouth’s Royal Oak will be providing mulled pub is again supporting the swim and wine for the courageous participants.

A spokesman for the ates we are hoping organisers said: “If the weather co-operfor the usual big turn want to enjoy the out of those who spectacle and, of just course, to dip more than a toe in the chilly surf.” those brave enough Members of the volunteer crew of the Lyme will be keeping a Regis RNLI lifeboat watchful eye out during the event which be subject to a risk assessment of conditions will ing. during the mornThe iconic Lyme Lunge New Year’s Day, and will then return to Lyme Regis beach Lyme Bay is just the a fancy dress dip in the balmy waters on thing to lift your spirits of the morning after.

This year, the Rotary Club of Lyme Regis Dorset County Hospital will Cancer Charity Appealbe supporting the charities. and other Rotary As those of you who have taken part in it’s always a great previous years will occasion with thousands know porting a growing of spectators supnumber participants, 2018. estimated over 600 in Swimmers will parade their costumes on quick dash to the the beach before sea at 1pm sharp. a For full details and sponsorship forms, Lyme Regis’ on Facebook search ‘Rotary Club of or ask any local Rotarian.

New Year

t Safar Indian Restauran

of fine dining to the heart brings exotic flavours and Building in Woodmead AFAR Indian restaurant in The Old Weighbridge Indian cuisine.

Axminster. Since opening a reputation for the finest Road, Safar has built up chefs, by two highly-experienced of professionals, headed and most authentic Indian The restaurant’s team some of the best quality invite customers to experience to offer. cuisine the local area has in the hospitality industry than 20 years of experience of the finest five star hotels.

Safar’s chefs have more having worked in some and providing fine dining, cuisine and east to west. The travel from north to south through time, combining Dishes on offer at Safar food and its transformation encapsulates India’s finest tastes. spicy tradition with contemporary and hot a Maharaja, include the King Prawn Lamb, The chef’s recommendations the Indian Mogul Empire. The Baoli Handi from from vegetables, is a recipe traditional dish originating aromatic spices and fresh on a bed of spinach with a slow-cooked dish with Indian Chilli Beef is served north India, while the South freshly ground spices. and beflavours of garlic, coconut favourite dishes that have the menu also includes From kormas to vindaloo, all tastes. with something to suit come popular in the UK, 5.30pm to to 2pm and dinner from for lunch from 12noon become Safar is open everyday to 10.30am, which have breakfasts from 8.30am 11pm, and even serves nearby businesses. for popular with staff from can now be placed online in or takeaway and orders by phone, call Food is available to eat For bookings or to order collection at www.safarrestaurant.co.uk.

631607.

01297 631603 or 01297

S

Woodmead Road, Axminster 01297 631603 | safarrestaurant.co.uk

LYME REGIS FOOTBAL L CLUB Davey Fort, Charmouth Road, Lyme Regis

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Call 07769 117 113

to book

Don’t miss our famous Christmas Auction!

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INDIAN RESTAURANT a vision An establishment with to capture authentic cuisine

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Woodmead Road, Axminster 631607 01297 631603 | 01297 www.safarrestaurant.co.uk

6

New winter edition of the Lyme Life Magazine now available to pick up from various outlets in and around Lyme Regis Or read it online at www.lyme-online.co.uk

Friday, December 14 2018 23

www.lyme-online.co.uk

LymeOnline Sport

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

football

Seasiders’ success - on and off the field of play

■ FROM PAGE 24 its into Dorset and the friendly welcome they receive at the Davey Fort.

And there’s the added bonus that the club has revived its rivalary with fellow Premier neighbours, and old foes, Seaton Town and Beer Albion, both of whom have been beaten by the Seasiders this season.

First team manager Gerard Hitchcock, a Lyme man and players who occasionally pulls on his boots, is quietly pleased with the how his side is faring in Premier football so far and believes they can finish in the top five or six which would be a satisfactory entry into top flight football.

The first team have looked a little ineffective up front in a couple of games and Hitchcock will be encouraged by the fact that Dec Ellis is getting himself match fit in the third X1 and that former club top scorer Joe Bond should be available in the New Year after his travels around the world.

Another good sign for the Seasiders is that Ben Vine, who last season scored some wonder goals, especially in the cup games, has found his shooting boots, having scored six goals in the last two games.

When on form Vine is one of the deadliest marksmen in Devon & Exeter football.

Lyme Regis Reserves are also doing well in Devon & Exeter Division Four, sitting comfortably in

fourth place and looking very capable of winning promotion for a fourth year in succession.

Under the experienced eye of joint manager Rodney Rowe, one of the classiest full-backs to have pulled on a Lyme shirt, helped by Luke Clifton, another much respected Lyme stalwart, the Ressies trail third place Teignmouth 2nds by three points but have two games in hand.

And they are still maintaining Lyme’s interest in the Dorset Intermediate Cup with their quarter final home tie against Sturminster

Marshall tomorrow (Saturday).

The last two games at the Davey Fort have been called off due to a waterlogged pitch but there is every hope that tomorrow’s fixture will go ahead (kick-off 1.15 pm).

One of the big plus factors this season has been the success of Lyme’s third X1, the Rovers.

Managed jointly by Rob Larcombe and Niall Davis - the Brian Clough and Peter Taylor of local football - the Seasiders’ third string have been a revelation this season.

Playing in Perry Street Division Three, the Rovers are curently

lying in fourth place, just four points behind leaders Winsham United Reserves.

The most refreshing aspect about the Rovers is the enthusiasm of the players under the management of Larcombe and Davis, and their passion for the game.

Off the field of play, the club continues its fundraising to finance improvements at the Davey Fort, including a new drainage system, having raised more than £2,000 in the last couple of weeks with a Christmas lunch for members and friends and a Christmas auction.

First team up in fifth place in Premier LYME Regis first team moved into fifth place in the Devon & Exeter Premier division with a comfortable 5-1 victory away to Clyst Valley.

The Seasiders took the lead after just 15 minutes through Cody Bowditch, but the home team were back on equal terms within a minute.

Lyme regained the lead after 20 minutes through Ben Vine, who added a third to send the visitors in at half time with a 3-1 lead.

Lyme continued to dominate the second half with two further goals from Aaron Cleal and Jake Bearpark.

Lyme manager Gerard Hitchcock was delighted with his side’s performance. He told LymeOnline Sport: “It was a great result on a tricky, muddy surface. The boys did a professional job and worked hard for 90 minutes.”

Lyme Reserves’ home match against Sturminster Marshall in the Dorset Intermediate Cup was called off due to a waterlogged pitch and will now be played this coming Saturday.

Lyme Rovers drew 2-2 at home to Ilminster Town B in Perry Street Division Three with both goals coming from joint manager

Rob Larcombe. The Rovers took the lead after just two minutes when Freddie Andrews whipped in a brilliant low cross after some good work for Larcombe to guide into the corner of the net.

Lyme kept pressing and had several excellent chances before Ilminster equalised against the run of play, Ben Bowditch heading into his own net.

The conditions deteriorated in the second half with the Rovers having to battle against the wind and rain, but their hard work paid off with about 20 minutes to play when Dec Ellis prodded a shot at goal with Larcombe converting the rebound from close range.

With ten minutes left on the clock, Ilminster were gifted a soft free-kick which, with the aid of the wind, flew past the Lyme keeper, Robbie Fowler.

Lyme pushed for the winner and Freddie Andrews came close after cutting in from the right and Stef Taylor was denied a penalty in the last ten minutes.

Matt Thomas worked hard in midfield and completed his first 90 minutes for 18 months.

golf

Trio keep their nerve to win fun event

By Richard Jackman

THE Lyme Regis Golf Club threeman multiplier stableford can always be a fun occasion testing the nerves.

Scott Love, continuing his good run of form, James Drew and John Newcombe proved nerveless as they ran out winners with 160 points.

Keith Gibson, Roger Turner and Tim Daniel’s score of 147 points just edged Roger Seed, Adrian Morgan and Pete Sargent into third place with their 144 points.

For the seniors’ December stableford, Paul Dike got off to a cracking start and was three points better than par after four holes. This margin continued for 11 holes and despite blobbing the 12th Dike was still the only person better than par as he won Division 1 with 37 points.

Peter Wood also started well for the first seven holes, then levelled off but still finished second with 35 points while Charles Vane Percy also had 19 points on the front nine but finished third on 34 points.

Division 2 winner Denis McCallum

was in erratic form, but his three blobbed holes were balanced, by some exceptional scoring particularly on the par threes where he racked up 13 points including a birdie on the 13th, enough to make him winner by two clear shots ahead of Graham Pickard and Mike Hankey, both on 34. Both had 18 points on the back nine, but Pickard just won on a close countback.

Jean Jolley ploughed a lone furrow in the ladies December medal as she mastered the tricky conditions to be the only one with a nett score in the 70s. Her nett 77 was compiled by some good golf, steadily compiling the winning score. Yet again Sarah Kilcoyne was on the podium this time finishing second as her back nine did not match the front, while Jane Broom did the reverse as the back nine proved her saviour to finish third on 81.

■ MARK Scott was in no mood for compromise as he started his round with a three- point par, ended with a

three-point birdie and in between scored very well, including a fourpointer on the 14th as he won Division 1 of the Lyme Regis Golf Club November stableford with 40 points.

Phil Webb was also in fine form as he began with five pars and scored on every hole to come second on 39 points.

New club president David Lock is also getting back into form as he notched up 38 points to finish third, his highlights being two four- point birdies on each nine.

Tony Harley is scoring exceptionally well at the moment and it was no surprise that his two nines of 20 points was more than enough to win Division 2 as he comfortably birdied 14 and parred 15 and 16 to ease home with 40 points.

James Turner and Steve Piper had an interesting battle for second place as Turner raced out with 24 points on the front nine only to implode on the back nine, while Piper started modestly and came in strongly on the back nine with 20 points, but Piper’s

36 points was just one shy of second placed Turner.

Division 1 of the ladies turkey trot was a keenly fought affair as both Di Harris and Jean Jolley came in with 32 points, but Harris galloped in on for a back nine 17 points, including three x 3 point holes while Jolley could only muster a canter to come a worthy second.

Jane Dixon did enough to finish third on 28 points. The star score of the round belonged to Division 2 winner Sandra Barclay, who started with a competitive but inconsistent front nine before steadying her game to finish with the best score of the day of 37 points.

Sarah Kilcoyne is playing some improving golf as her handicap continues to tumble, and this was no exception as she cranked up her back nine to finish on 35 points. Amy Mudford did the reverse, after a promising front nine just fell away to finish 3rd on 31 points.

tables Exwick Villa Newtown Colyton Cronies Lyme Regis Clyst Valley Upottery Witheridge 2nds Feniton Heavitree United Beer Albion Exmouth Town 2nds Seaton Town Topsham Town Okehampton Argyle

Devon & Exeter Premier P W D L F A Gd 14 10 2 2 45 15 30 13 10 2 1 39 10 29 13 9 2 2 60 22 38 12 7 4 1 44 12 32 12 7 1 4 37 22 15 11 6 2 4 30 20 10 14 6 2 6 29 33 -4 12 6 0 6 24 27 5 13 4 1 7 28 33 -5 12 4 1 5 21 25 -17 11 3 3 7 21 41 -4 11 4 0 10 12 41 -29 14 3 0 11 27. 46 -19 14 2 2 10 19 56 -37 12 2 0 10 13 57 -44

Devon & Exeter Division Four 11 8 Alphington 3rds Elmore Seconds 9 8 Teignmouth 2nds 12 6 Lyme Regis Reserves 10 5 Exeter University 5th 10 5 8 4 Halwill 2nds 12 4 Hemyock 10 3 Feniton 2nds Winkleigh 8 3 Sampford Peverell 12 2 St Martins 2nd 12 3 Millwey Rise 11 2 Pinhoe 7 2

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

Perry Street Division One P 7 Thorncombe Waytown Hounds 8 Hawkchurch 8 Perry Street Reserves 6 8 Misterton Reserves 6 Ilminster Town Res Crewkerne Rangers 7 Combe St Nicholas Res 8 Forton Rangers 7 7 Uplyme Netherbury 8

W 6 6 4 4 3 2 2 2 2 1 0

Perry Street Division Two South Petherton Res 11 Charmouth 9 Forton Rangers Res 10 Ilminster Town A 11 Donyatt United 9 Chard Rangers 9 Dowlish & Donyatt 7 Chard Rangers 8 Shepton Beach Res 9 Crewkerne Rang Res 7 Kingsbury Episcopi 9

8 6 6 5 4 4 3 3 3 2 1

Perry Street Division Three Winsham United Res 9 7 Merriott Dynamos 8 6 Thorncome Reserves 10 5 Lyme Regis Rovers 10 5 Ilminster Town B 7 4 Farway United 2nds 6 4 Chard Rangers Res 9 3 Merriot Wildcats 7 3 Netherbury Reserves 8 3 Combe A 8 1 Crewkerne Rangers A 11 0

2 1 4 2 4 2 6 4 3 6 9 7 5

Pts 32 32 29 25 22 20 20 18 13 13 12 12 9 8 6

39 39 34 34 28 27 29 17 17 11 22 17 8

18 21 10 29 36 -2 17 15 20 -8 21 6 29 0 23 -6 19 -2 28 -17 48 -26 23 -6 28 -20

25 24 20 17* 16 14 14 12 11 10 9 8 6

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

L 0 2 1 1 3 2 4 5 5 3 6

Gd 18 23 12 23 -9 3 1 -21 -4 -11 -35

Pts 19 18 15 13 11 8 7 7 6 6 2

3 1 1 0 2 0 1 0 0 1 2

0 2 3 6 3 5 3 5 6 7 6

33 12 9 -17 0 -6 -5 2 -10 -24 -12

27 19 19 15 14 12 10 9 10 7 5

1 1 2 2 2 0 1 1 0 0 0 11

2 1 2 3 1 2 5 3 5 7

34 19 24 24 17 7 5 -1 -5 -27 -89

19 16 17 17 14 10 10 10 8* 2* 0

CALLING ALL LOCAL FOOTBALL CLUBS

If you would like your matches to be featured on the LymeOnline website and in our print version, email your reports to Philip Evans at philip@lyme-online.co.uk

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

LymeOnline Sport

24 Friday, December 14 2018

December 14 2018

www.lyme-online.co.uk

NOW IN THE DEVON & EXETER PREMIER LEAGUE

Saturday, December 15 Lyme Regis 1sts v Sturminster Marshall Kick-off 1.15pm

Good news for the skittlers Ship alley to stay FEARS that Lyme Regis Skittles League will lose another alley have been allayed

by Palmers Brewery.

After news that current licensees Alan and Virginia Hansen are leaving the Ship Inn in Coombe Street in the summer, Palmers Brewery has confirmed that they are looking for a new landlord and that the skittle alley is “an important part” of the business.

Lyme’s only other alley was at the Rock Point Inn which has been closed for refurbishment following acquisition by St Austell Brewery which, it is understood, will not keep the alley.

It is the second alley to close in Lyme in less than a year with the loss of the facility in the refurbishment of the Pilot Boat by Palmers.

Apart from the Ship, there are only three other alleys in the area - Rousdon Club, Wootton Club and The George in Charmouth.

LYME Regis Reserves have smart new rain tops courtesy of sponsors Jurassic Coast Developments. Skipper Alex Rowe (left) is pictured with Shane Featherstone (Jurassic Developments), Jack Farrant, Sam Burke (Jurassic Developments) and Mark Batey. Jurassic Developments constructed the new kitchen extension at the Davey Fort

Seasiders hold their own in the top flight PHILIP EVANS reviews the first half of the football season COMPETING at the highest level ever in the club’s long history, Lyme Regis 1st team are proving they can compete with the best in local football.

There were some who doubted the wisdom of moving from the Perry Street League, now essentially a village league, to the Devon & Exeter League, citing the lack of local derbies with old foes and the increased travelling as reasons why the club would regret the decision.

But with the first team sitting in fifth place in their very first season

in the Devon & Exeter Premier division after 10 games, there are few at the Davey Fort who now feel it was a mistake to move into senior football.

With the other top teams in Perry Street seeking a higher level of football, Lyme, wanted to follow suit and did toy with the idea of staying in their home county and seeking membership of the Dorset League.

But their more stringent ground criteria meant that the Seasiders would never have been able to reach the top flight.

The Seasiders have a wonderful

record in Dorset cup football, having won the Intermediate Cup on nine occasions together with many victorious nights in the Junior Cup, but it seemed pointless to move into a new league where the restrictions of the Davey Fort would confine them to Dorset Division Two and no higher.

The Devon & Exeter League are not so stringent in pitch requirements and welcomed Lyme with open arms.

It does seem incredible that two adjoining FAs have different criteria. The main purpose of a football

league surely is to encourage as many people to play the sport, but I sometimes wonder whether some of the ‘Blazers’ who run local football subscribe to that view.

But Lyme are very comfortable in Devon & Exeter, a much friendlier league than they have been used to in recent years. Players have to travel further for a game, but it’s not a tremendous burden, and visiting sides, some of which come from the edges of Dartmoor or deep into South Devon, seem to enjoy their visTurn to page 23

The Ship Inn where Palmers Brewery say skittles is “important” to the business In the past there were also alleys at the New Inn (now incorporated in the Royal Lion), the Angel Inn (now closed), the London Inn (closed), Coach & Horses, Charmouth (closed) and the Talbot Arms in Uplyme.

The future of the skittles league would be in jeopardy if the Ship Inn alley was closed as well.

League secretary Mark Watkins has already had to rearrange the fixture list for the coming season following the closure of the Rock Point alley.

The Woodmead Halls is looking at the possibility of purchasing a portable alley, as is Lyme Regis Football Club.

The current league, which operates three divisions, two for men and one for women, was formed after World War Two but skittles was played in the town before the war.

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