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Holiday home owners will be welcome again
THE Mayor of Lyme Regis has written to owners of holidays lets and second homes to tell them they will be welcomed back to the town when the time is right. Councillor Brian Larcombe MBE has sent letters to many holiday let owners assuring them that they are a valued part of the community and that property owners and their guests will be welcome to return when the coronavirus restrictions are lifted. The current government guidelines mean that people can travel to Lyme Regis from all over the country but cannot stay overnight. REPORT, PAGE 3
Mark’s back in business! LOCAL chef and restaurateur Mark Hix, whose Lyme Regis restaurant and guest house went into administration due to the effects of the coronavirus epidemic, is now back in business having launched the HIX Oyster & Fish Truck. Mark will be selling locally-caught fresh fish and shellfish from the converted American ambulance at Felicity’s Farm Shop in Morcombelake. Read the full story on page 5.
Vandals target statue
SIR GEORGE SOMERS TARGETED AMID ANTI-RACISM PROTESTS
A STATUE of former Mayor of Lyme Regis and founder of Bermuda, Admiral Sir George Somers, became the target of vandalism amid anti-racism protests. The word "murderer" was written
FRANCESCA EVANS
francesca@lyme-online.co.uk across an information board next to the statue in Langmoor Gardens on Tuesday. A cardboard sign describing Sir George as an "opportunist" was also removed from the statue earlier that morning.
A witness to the incident said a small group of people in their 60s were responsible for the graffiti and cheered themselves as they did it. The vandalism of the information board, which was promptly cleaned by town council staff, follows antiracism protests held across the UK over the weekend, in response to
the death of George Floyd in America last month. George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on May 25 after Derek Chauvin, a white police officer, knelt on his neck for almost nine
CONTINUED ON PAGE 7
Proposal for five new houses on Timber Hill
A PROPOSAL to build five new houses on the corner of Timber Hill and Charmouth Road in Lyme Regis has been submitted to Dorset Council. The application outlines plans for four four-bedroom houses and one five-bed house on land currently owned by the property Henleys Acre on Timber Hill. It said each of the five new houses would have a “substantial plot” with double garage and two additional parking spaces outside. Read the full story on the LymeOnline website
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Published by Lyme Regis Media Limited Hyper-local website and fortnightly newspaper serving the communities of Lyme Regis, Uplyme & Charmouth. Unit 5 Uplyme Business Park, Uplyme Road, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3LS www.lyme-online.co.uk edit@lyme-online.co.uk Facebook: facebook.com/LymeOnlineUK Twitter: twitter.com/LymeOnlineUK Instagram: instagram.com/lymeonline Editor: Francesca Evans francesca@lyme-online.co.uk 07810 221 420 Contributors: Philip Evans philip@lyme-online.co.uk Richard Austin edit@lyme-online.co.uk Regular Columnists: Sophia Moseley, Marine Theatre Peter Lacey, Tales of Lyme’s Past Production: Jackie Evans jackie@lyme-online.co.uk
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New-look Rock Point hopes to open in July WORK has recommenced on the refurbishment of the Rock Point Inn in Lyme Regis this week, with hopes that it will be ready to open on July 4. St Austell Brewery, based in Cornwall, purchased the Rock Point in November 2018 and work on a complete refurbishment got underway last year. It was originally intended to open the new pub and restaurant in April, but this was delayed due to the coronavirus outbreak and workmen left the site. Contractors are back on site this week with the hope that the refurbishment can be finished in time for July 4, when some hospitality outlets are being given the go ahead from the government to open. Steve Worrall, St Austell’s managing director of our pubs, inns and hotels, said: “We were pleased when the government announced that parts of the hospitality sector could be able to reopen from July 4. “While the decision on when we reopen our pubs will depend on the government’s regular risk assessments – and there’s every chance that this date could be moved back – we’re still currently planning towards reopening on July 4. We’re working hard on drawing up a detailed plan for this, based on the government guidelines for hospitality, which will be published in the coming days. “As always, the safety of our pub teams and customers continues to be our number one priority. We’re looking forward to welcoming Lyme Regis residents back to the new look Rock Point when the time is right.” The renovations have brought together the pub and adjoining former fish and chip shop and kebab takeaway as one building, including a bar, dining area, new kitchen in the basement, guest bedrooms on the upper floors and outside seating areas.
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It takes more than a pandemic to stop Ania’s work in the community Ian Marshall, chairman of the Lyme Regis branch of the Royal British Legion pays tribute to an extraordinary woman Ania Driver was in the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Naval Nursing service in Malta where she met and married her Royal Marine husband Terry Driver. It was during their married life in Manchester that Terry contracted a serious illness. He had always loved Lyme Regis and the family decided that they would move to Lyme so that he could enjoy the rest of his life in our town. Whilst in Lyme Regis, the Royal British Legion was able to offer practical help in modifying their home to make caring for Terry a less arduous daily experience. Ania has been eternally grateful for the generous support the Legion has given to her family and has sought to repay the Legion’s kindness in so many ways. She has been a stalwart member of the Lyme Regis branch’s Community Support Team for more than 15 years. Having been a recipient of past assistance, she knows only too well the immense benefit and comfort that this service is able to provide. Ania does not drive but, despite that limitation, she has trudged the steep, hilly roads and streets of Lyme Regis on a monthly basis to visit a number of beneficiaries residing within the local care homes, in all weathers, and never complains. She is a welcome face to so many of the care home residents. Recently, to mark a significant birthday which fell in the year of the 100th anniversary of the
ending of the Great War, Ania approached me to gauge my reaction to her suggestion to attempt a free-fall parachute decent with the famous Red Devils. My immediate reaction was to recall an oftenmade remark by late father, a World War Two Blenheim pilot, that why anyone would wish to jump out of a perfectly serviceable aircraft was lunacy. However, the intrepid Ania was not to be thwarted and she bravely completed her jump in June 2018 and raised in excess of £1,300 for the Legion – a wonderful achievement. She also makes greetings cards which she sells at fetes and events and the proceeds all go to the Poppy Appeal. Ania, together with her colleague Jacqui Ward, the Lyme Regis Poppy Appeal organiser, assists with the organisation and management of the annual poppy collections in Lyme Regis and both ladies also set up an appropriate display in a local shop window each year, as well as participating in all the local charity events. Finally, Ania, who was born in Poland always sings the Polish national anthem at the Polish Airmen’s Memorial in Anning Road during the short commemoration ceremony over the Remembrance weekend. She and Jacqui were instrumental in pushing for a Legion Touch Point to be set up in Lyme Regis. Thanks to their efforts and enthusiasm they have trained and qualified as Information Volunteers. The arrival of COVID-19 has dulled the momentum of this initiative, but I’m sure the ladies will be planning to re-open as soon as possible. With the pandemic currently raging, Ania’s wings have only been slightly clipped. She is no longer able to visit many of her beneficiaries ei-
ANIA outside Abbeyfield, where she is currently volunteering, awaiting a shopping delivery ther in care homes or their own homes so has decided to do the next best thing and move into one of the care homes full time to assist the hard working care staff whom we all know are under immense stress at this moment. She is helping with cooking, cleaning, caring for the residents ,of which three are members of British Legion, at Abbeyfield. The Lyme Regis branch is immensely proud of Ania’s life of service and dedication to the our community, especially the selfless sacrifice she has made during this ongoing pandemic period and thank her personally and publicly for all that she has done for the Royal British Legion.
Somers statue targeted amid anti-racism protests CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE minutes while he was handcuffed face down in the street. Chauvin has since been charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Anti-racism protests have since been held across the globe, including in Bristol where a statue of slave trader Edward Colston was pulled down. Sir George Somers was a former Mayor and MP of Lyme Regis, who founded the isles of Bermuda after being shipwrecked there in 1609 on his way to the new English colony of Jamestown, Virginia. Lyme Regis is now twinned with St George's in Bermuda, where Sir George is widely celebrated and suggestions that he was involved in the slave trade have been refuted. Lyme Regis historian and author Peter Lacey, whose book 'Elizabethan Lyme' includes a section on Sir George's life, said he died in 1610 and the slave trade "did not get under way until the 1640s". He added: "The first known slaving voyage from the port was 1712, Somers had been dead for 102 years. Lyme was never a major slaving port but it was important commercially, the town stated so in a petition to parliament." John Cox, who has studied Bermudian history, was quoted in the island's national newspaper The Royal Gazette in 2018 saying: "Sir George carried no slaves on the Sea Venture in 1609, he never owned a slave during his short stay in Virginia in 1610, and when he died later that year in Bermuda, he mentions only one English servant in his last will and testament, to whom he leaves money. So surely we can disregard Sir George Somers having ever been a slave owner." However, Christopher Famous, a Progressive Labour Party backbencher in Bermuda who has criticised Sir George’s prominence in the country's history, told the Royal Gazette: "We should always remember that colonialism was the precursor to slavery.” He added that Sir George was a privateer who
was shipwrecked in Bermuda "on the way to colonise somebody else’s land" and, while he did not want to encourage the defacement of statues, he said these are "monuments to colonialism’s legacy and to mass slavery". John Dover, chairman of the Lyme Regis/St George's Twinning Association, which erected the statue in 2016, said there was "no historical evidence to support the fact that Sir George ever murdered anyone THE word "murderer" was written on an information board about Sir George Somers' or that he was involved life next to his statue in Langmoor Gardens in slavery". into a successful and valued present-day twinHe added: "Sir George died In 1610, this was ning with the people of St Georges. several years before slavery involving the English "The vandalism, albeit minor, has no link with occurred in North America. other statues that have been damaged in other "During Sir George’s lifetime black people in towns in recent days - Sir George Somers is of a Tudor England were not discriminated against much earlier period in history and it is wrong because of the colour of their skin. If discrimina- that his statue has been targeted in the way it has. tion existed it was more towards Catholics, espe"I, and I'm sure the respective twinning group cially the Spanish, Scottish and Irish. members of Lyme and St George's will not regard "This act of disrespect, defacement and vandal- this as having any impact on the close and valued ism towards the memory of this great native of relationship we share." Lyme and respected public servant displays a The statue of Sir George Somers has now been shocking ignorance of the true facts. I sincerely listed on a website for the campaign ‘Topple the hope this act was not carried out by an ill in- Racists’. This has been set up by an anti-Trump formed resident of Lyme Regis who should know protest group and includes an interactive map better." with users encouraged to add the locations of The Mayor of Lyme Regis, Councillor Bran Lar- statues they consider racist. combe MBE, has also condemned the act of vanThe Somers statue has already been added, dedalism. scribing him as a “coloniser and war criminal”. He said: "The statue to Sir George Somers Anti-racism signs were spotted around Lyme marks the historic link between Lyme Regis and Regis over the weekend and Dorset Police’s Chief Bermuda that was formed by his ship running Constable has called for communities to come toaground while navigating to the 'New World', and gether and speak out against racism - see page 7 the subsequent relationship that has developed for full story.
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Mary Anning biopic ‘Ammonite’ selected Car crashes into for online version of Cannes Film Festival fireman’s house MARY Anning biopic ‘Ammonite’ has been selected to be screened as part of the Cannes Film Festival later this month. The 73rd festival, initially due to take place in May, was called off this year due to the COVID-19 restrictions on m ass gatherings, but the Cannes Film Market or Marché du Film, will be going online with screenings to be held from June 22 to 26. Among the first-time screenings will be ‘Ammonite’, starring Oscarwinning actress Kate Winslet as Lyme Regis’ famous fossil hunter Mary Anning. Several scenes from the film, which also stars Saoirse Ronan and is directed by British film-maker
Francis Lee, were shot in Lyme Regis last March. It’s release was expected to bring a tourism boom to Lyme Regis but this has now been delayed due to the coronavirus epidemic. Industry professionals will now, however, be given a first look thanks to the online event. You can find out more details on the event at www.festivalcannes.com/en/ Cannes Film Festival is one of the ‘Big Five’ film festivals which are internationally acclaimed for giving creators the artistic freedom to express themselves through film and can be a launchpad for success for selected films.
LYME Regis fire crew were called out on Tuesday, June 2 to help one of their own members, after a car crashed into the side of his house. It is believed that the car rolled into the side of the property, on the corner of Henry’s Way and Queen’s Walk. The crew were called at 3.14pm and made the scene safe while they waited for a structural engineer to assess the damage.No one was injured in the incident.
Man wanted for Lyme Regis burglary charged KATE Winslet meets local schoolchildren while dressed as Mary Anning for filming of ‘Ammonite’ in Lyme Regis last March Photo by Janet Wraith
Holiday let owners an important part of community THE Mayor of Lyme Regis has written to owners of holidays lets and second homes to tell them they will be welcomed back to the town when the time is right. Councillor Brian Larcombe MBE has sent letters to many holiday let owners assuring them that they are a valued part of the community and that property owners and their guests will be welcome to return when the coronavirus restrictions are lifted. The current government guidelines mean that people can travel to Lyme Regis from all over the country but cannot stay overnight. Councillor Larcombe’s decision to send out letters came after some owners of holiday lets and second homes became the target of abuse by residents who were concerned about the spread of coronavirus. Some property owners have reported abusive letters being posted through their doors and, in
one case, a window was smashed. Councillor Larcombe was interviewed on BBC Radio Solent this week, when he described the abuse as “short sighted”. He said: “We understand the concerns people have about the virus spreading and so on, but what we’re saying is that holiday lets are valued in the town, the owners of these properties are valued and when the time is right we would look to welcome people into those holiday lets and into the town, because they’re an important part of the town’s economy. Radio host Steve Harris said it was a “breath of fresh air” for Lyme to acknowledge the issues caused by second home owners but also recognising the “great deal of good” they do for the town’s economy. The mayor continued: “In the present times we understand the concerns but there can be an undercurrent about second homes and holiday lets.
To be fair, a lot of seaside places like Lyme Regis have seen the number of small guest houses and hotels decline over the decades and that has been replaced by holiday lets. These employ a lot of people for maintenance and upkeep and the people that stay in them bring a lot of welcome income to the town’s economy. It’s another form of holiday accommodation and that’s the important point in all of this. “We have seen Lyme in a different light during lockdown and I imagine a lot of towns across the South West are the same in that it’s given us plenty of quiet, open beaches and people who do visit from the local radius respect social distancing. “I foresee a UK stay at home holiday boom next year, all being well, and that can only be good for the whole region.”
A MAN wanted in connection with a reported burglary in Lyme Regis has been located and charged. An appeal was issued for help from the public to locate Anthony Brett Bown, aged 56 of Christchurch, who was wanted in connection with a burglary at a home in Charmouth Road in March. Following information received from the public and enquiries by officers, Bown was arrested in the Lyme Regis area on Wednesday, June 3. He was subsequently charged with burglary and was due to appear at Poole Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, June 4.
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PHOTOS OF THE WEEK 4 Friday, June 12 2020
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VIEWS OF LYME REGIS TO KEEP YOUR SPIRITS HIGH!
A STUNNING shot of a sunset rainbow over the Cobb, taken by Natasha Kate Ward
LUCY Dack took this serene photo of Lyme Regis harbour
ASHLEY Ball captured the wildflowers in Langmoor Gardens
EAST Cliff or ‘Back Beach’ and the Jurassic Coast beyond, taken by Gill Mitchell
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LymeOnline’s own Philip Evans captured this shot of the harbour
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Hix makes a comeback with new fish truck
MARK Hix and chef Jeremy Bird with the new HIX Oyster & Fish Truck in Morcombelake
WHEN HIX restaurants went into administration in April due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, chef and restaurateur Mark Hix decided to reinvent himself during these difficult times and do what he knows best - support local fishermen and producers and supplying good quality, sustainable food to the people of Dorset. HIX Oyster & Fish House and HIX Townhouse in Lyme Regis closed when lockdown restrictions were implemented in March. Residents were later shocked when it was announced that Westbury Street Holdings (WSH), the hospitality company which owned these two local businesses, as well as three HIX restaurants in London, had gone into administration. But Mark is now making a comeback and launched the HIX Oyster & Fish Truck this week, pitching up his converted ambulance outside Felicity’s Farmshop in Morcombelake to sell locally-caught wet fish and seafood. Mark commented: “When the WSH board decided to close the HIX restaurants, I wasn’t sure what my next
steps would be, but I had so much support and encouragement from friends and colleagues and also from Instagram followers, that I started thinking about what I could do. “Felicity doesn’t sell wet fish and so kindly agreed for me to take a pitch at my favourite farm shop. “Buying direct from the Lyme Bay Reserve fishermen also means I can sell by-catch which is supporting the local fishermen in the area.” As well as selling the Dorset produce, Mark will be sharing another passion of his – vintage kitchenware. A collector of vintage silver and copperware, ‘Vintage Kitchenalia’, will also be sold from the truck including copper pans and silver cocktail shakers. “I have a few more ideas in the pipeline too so watch this space,” said Mark. Mr Hix, who grew up in West Bay and now has a house in Charmouth, kickstarted Lyme’s growing reputation as a foodie destination when he opened HIX Oyster & Fish House in Lister Gardens in 2008.
He soon established himself as a popular local celebrity and has been responsible for attracting large number of visitors to the town to dine at his restaurant and stay in his guest house. He also held cooking demonstrations in his own kitchen in Charmouth. Mr Hix was also active in the setting up a cooking school at Weymouth Technical College, where he first learnt to cook. In 2013, he launched the popular Food Rocks festival in Lyme Regis, which brought many of the top celebrity chefs to Lyme and which has raised tens of thousands of pounds for the RNLI and Fishermen’s Mission. He has also supported many other local charities. The author of several cookery books, Mr Hix was one of the most soughtafter food columnists with his recipes appearing many national publications. He is also a keen fisherman and has a boat moored in Lyme Regis harbour.
The
Woodmead Halls YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY HALL
STAPLES Terrace resident Simon Beadles sat among his wildflower garden
Wildflower gardener wins award LYME Regis resident Simon Beadles has received an award for his wild garden in Staples Terrace. Mr Beadles, an ecologist, has been working on his garden for years using only native wildflowers to attract a diverse range of birds, bees and butterflies. The garden includes 80 varieties of native flowers, including some incredibly rare species such as the narrow-leaved lungwort, wood vetch, the narrow leaved everlasting pea and meadow clary. It also features a seven-foot-tall foxglove and wild teasel. The garden has now been awarded a prize in the Dorset Wildlife Trust’s annual Wildlife Friendly Gardening Competition and is being filmed for Monty Don’s ‘Gardener’s World’ series. Mr Beadles said his long-term plan is to release seeds from his rare species to get them growing in the wild again, with permission from authorities such as the National Trust. It would be great to have more diversity and to see things you have never seen before when out visiting areas such as The Spittles - to take time to just stop and stare,” he said.
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LYME MATTERS with Philip Evans Essential reading for all those with Lyme at heart
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Is Sir George now a national target? W
HEN the Edward Colston statue came tumbling down in Bristol, it was pretty obvious that it would not be long before Sir George Somers would be targeted.
At first we thought we would not draw attention to any conjecture about whether Admiral Sir George, the former seafaring mayor and Lyme Regis MP, had connections with the slave trade. On numerous occasions since the Lyme Twinning Association erected a statue in his honour we have reported that local historians have dismissed such claims, pointing out that Sir George died in 1610 and slavery involving England and North America did not start until the 1640s. Admiral Somers’ story is well documented. He was shipwrecked off Bermuda in 1609 in the Sea Venture on his way to Jamestown, Virginia, with supplies for the starving settlers. After colonising Bermuda for James I, he built two new ships and continued on his journey, later returning to the island for more supplies because the settlers had almost died out. Before he could return to Jamestown, however, he died and his body was preserved in a barrel and returned to the Cobb. His heart was buried in Bermuda. The link between Lyme and Bermuda has been perpetuated by a twinning arrangement between the two communities and it was the Lyme Regis/St George’s Twining Association and some significant personal donations that funded the cost of the statue that stands on the footpath where Lister and Langmoor Gardens are joined. As the Black Lives Matter protests escalated over the week, it looked pretty likely that the Sir George statue could well become a target. And so it did on Tuesday morning when, allegedly, a group of four or five people said to
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be in their 60s, scrawled the word “murderer” in felt-tip pen across the top of the sign that stands next to the statue. Then, apparently, they gave themselves a round of applause. Nobody knows whether they were local or not but they must have been intending to do it. Who carries a felt-tip pen with them? Town council staff immediately removed the graffiti, having earlier in the day taken down a cardboard sign claiming Sir George was an “opportunist” - not the biggest slur on anyone’s character. By this time it was obvious that we would have to cover the story and soon we were being contacted by news agencies for details and photographs of the statue. On Wednesday evening it emerged that the statue had been listed on a website called ‘Topple The Racists’ and the Lyme incident got a mention in several of the national papers and websites. There has been a good deal of coverage as well in The Royal Gazette in Bermuda, in which history experts have also denied that Sir George was connected to slavery. Locally, there has been strong condemnation of those who scribbled “murderer” on”on the statue, both from the mayor, Brian Larcombe, who was plagued by the national news stations for a response, as well as on social media. The fact that the Sir George Somers statue has been named on the website, which highlights statues and monuments said to be complicit with colonisation, racism and slavery, will be of concern to Lyme Regis Town Council and I understand discussions are taking
place on how best it can be protected in the future. One or two signs have appeared around town in support of the Black Lives Matter protests. No one in their right mind would not condemn the appalling death of George Ford in America, the manner in which Donald Trump has dealt with it, nor the continuing rampant racism in the States. Racism continues to be an issue in this country as well, especially in sport, maybe not with the same degree of ferocity but to a level which is still worrying and unacceptable. My view is that the killing of George Floyd created a wave of people calling for a change in prejudice and adminstration. But instead of using the energy from that to improve people’s lives now, in some cases it has been directed against historic, inanimate objects, such as statues, which will not help solve the problems of today. The distressing scenes of rioters in the United States and here in London and Bristol comes at a time when this country is emerging from the most serious period of our history since the last war. Like every small town, Lyme faces some huge challenges to re-establish its economic future. We have seen some wonderful acts of kindness in this town these past few weeks. This is a good place to work and live. This is a safe place. We should not forget, however, there are communities where strife rules and violence erupts on a daily basis, which are not so lucky.
Mark Hix is back in business again
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IT was good to see top chef Mark Hix back in business this week. I know how devastated Mark was when he lost his chain of restaurants, including the much lauded Oyster & Fish House in Lyme Regis, due to the coronavirus crisis. Mark has opened his new venture - a mobile fish truck based, at least for the time being, at Felicity’s Farmshop in Morecombelake, not far from his new Charmouth home. Mark acquired the former American ambulance, already converted, from eBay and did roaring business in the first hour after opening on Wednesday. Mark’s fish truck will be operating from the farm shop Wednesday to Saturday and he might take it around local villages and the various festivals when they are allowed to start again. The truck will be selling locally caught fresh fish and seafood and promoting his vintage kitchenware collection. Mark has some more good news to announce in the coming days. You will read here first!
Thank you for keeping us going WE will return to our office on Wednesday after continuing to publish LymeOnline in a digital format throughout the lockdown. It will be nice to get our dining room, where we set up all our computers, back again and we are excited about moving into a bigger office at St George’s House in Uplyme Road where we have been based since launching LymeOnline in February 2018. Those of you who have visited our office will know it was a little more than a cupboard so we are looking forward to occupying our new office with glorious views over Lyme Bay. When lockdown was introduced at the end of March we had to abandon our printed version of LymeOnline and subsequently lost 90 per cent of our advertising revenue. But we decided to work through, sacrificing any chance of government grants, so we
could continue to provide up-to-date information on the coronavirus pandemic via our website. We created a special COVID-19 platform on the LymeOnline website on which we have loaded more than 150 news items and advice on the contagion. Many of you have been kind enough to say how much you appreciate this and we have been fortunate in getting some modest support from the Google Journalism Emergency Relief Fund which will help to keep our heads above water for the time being. We have also been producing a digital edition of LymeOnline covering all the happenings in Lyme over the lockdown period. It soon became clear, however, how much our readers who do not have computers missed their paper because they were unable to access the digital edition. So to make sure they don’t have to miss out
on all the news we have launched a compact printed version called LymeOnline Extra. It’s only eight pages but includes all the most important stories and is delivered direct to the doors of subscribers for just £2 a month. Today’s issue will be our third and we are committed to producing three more. So what happens now? As we rely heavily on advertising revenue from the hospitality trade, the return of our fortnightly print version depends greatly on when the pubs, restaurants and cafés are allowed to open. Hopefully, this will be sometime in July. By the end of that month we should be back to normal. As LymeOnline is a community notfor-profit enterprise, we also rely on public donations and we have been knocked out by your support in recent weeks. Thank you to all.
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Dorset Chief Constable speaks out against racism DORSET Police’s Chief Constable James Vaughan has issued a statement to the county’s communities following the death of George Floyd in America. George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on May 25 after Derek Chauvin, a white police officer, knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes while he was handcuffed face down in the street Chauvin has since been charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, and the incident has sparked widespread anti-racism protests in America and across the globe. Dorset’s Chief Constable James Vaughan (pictured) has now issued a statement, saying now was a time for our local communities to speak out in support of Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities. He said: “The death of George Floyd has left his family, loved ones and friends devastated and heartbroken. Communities in the United States, here in the United Kingdom and across the world are angry and outraged. “For some members of our community, those feelings will also be heightened as they perceive they are truly not wanted in the places where they live and raise their families. “Our experiences here in Dorset during the early stages of COVID-19 saw communities come together to find the positives from tragedy, to reach out to each other and chal-
lenge negative behaviour. “This is a time for communities and individuals to overtly speak out in support of those from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, to reaffirm our collective rejection of racism and hate. “Throughout our policing of COVID-19, Dorset Police has stressed the importance of community and working with our partners and individuals to ensure that the legitimacy of policing is maintained. “The principles of neighbourhood policing and long standing within Dorset Police and remain a cornerstone in our communities. That is why, collectively as a force, we align ourselves with those who wish to ex-
press their feelings in a peaceful but clear manner. “We should help facilitate that expression of feeling, which occurs at a time of a public health crisis. Dorset Police believes it essential that the core message of standing up against hate and racism should be respected and allowed, while we have the ability to maintain law, order and safety in our communities. “Racism and all forms of discrimination undermine our common humanity and are not acceptable in any civilised society.” ■ AS anti-racism protests were taking place across the UK and the world in response to George Floyd’s death, placards also appeared around Lyme Regis. One seen on the seafront read “No justice, no peace”. A banner erected on fencing on the popular walking route towards Middle Mill read “It is not your choice to determine how an oppressed group protests” with a second sign reading “BLM”, which stands for the Black Lives Matter movement. A sign reading “opportunist” was placed on the statue of Sir George Somers in Langmoor Gardens, and the information board next to it was later vandalised with the word “murderer”. Claims that the former Mayor of Lyme Regis, who went on to found Bermuda, was involved in the slave trade have been refuted and the current mayor has condemned the vandalism (see pages 1 and 2).
ANTI-racism signs were spotted around Lyme Regis as protests were held across the UK over the weekend Photos by Richard Austin
The Royal British Legion Lyme Regis Branch BR2428
NOTICE FOR BENEFICIARIES During these periods of uncertainty, I want you all to know that your Royal British Legion is here to support you should you need any financial, medical, or home assistance. If you would like to call for a friendly chat or need advice on any matter, please call the numbers below for our Community Support Team and we will endeavour to guide you in the right direction. Ian Marshall: Ania Driver: Judith Howells (Charmouth based):
07584993955 01297 445306 07906840950
However, if you prefer you can always speak to the RBL Help Line at Haig House and their number is also shown below in red.
Call 0808 802 8080 8am to 8pm 7 days a week Finally, we urge you all to Stay Alert for the virus and observe current government COVID-19 guidelines. Best wishes to you all, Ian Marshall Lyme Regis Branch Chairman
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Is it time to ban traffic from Broad Street?
SOME IDEAS FOR ‘ACTIVE TRAVEL’ IN LYME REGIS
Background
T
HE UK government has issued emergency statutory guidance to local authorities in England in May and provided £250m to use immediately in road space reallocation such as pop-up cycle lanes, pavement widening and bus and cycle corridors. The government warned that councils must create space for cycling as people return to work, to avoid excessive road traffic levels. However not all councils have made plans public yet, and if they don’t spend the money within the coming weeks, funding could be withdrawn.
Duncan Dollimore, Cycling UK head of advocacy and campaigns, says: “With lockdown restrictions starting to be relaxed and motor traffic increasing, time is rapidly running out for local authorities to install temporary bike lanes and wider pavements – councils need to act now, not tomorrow. Those that don’t will squander this golden opportunity to change the way people move in our towns and cities.” Rachel White, head of public affairs at Sustrans, a walking and cycling charity and custodian of the National Cycle Network, calls the coming month “critical for local authorities”. “The statutory guidance calls for temporary measures to be put in place swiftly and meaningfully, and finished within eight weeks or the Government has the right to withdraw part or all of the allocated funding,” she said. White says while councils can accelerate existing cycling and walking plans, which can be made permanent if people like them, “chronic underfunding” of active travel means some local authorities will need more help developing and deploying plans than others.
Dorset Council has been awarded £557k from the government for an emergency ‘active travel’ fund. Here town councillor BELINDA BAWDEN gives a personal view on how Lyme Regis could use some of this money to solve some of the town’s traffic problems
Lyme Regis
As a visitor since the 1960s and resident for around 25 years, I'm all too aware that Lyme Regis has more than its fair share of traffic problems. Thousands of hours of officers', experts' and councillors' time and energy at local and county level have been spent trying to resolve the difficulties caused by ever-increasing volumes of traffic in a constrained physical and historic space. Lyme residents and people worldwide have had the extraordinary experience of an almost completely traffic-free few months during 'lockdown' when we've experienced the joys of birdsong, clean air and the ability to walk and cycle safely around town and beyond. More than that, the community has enjoyed each other's company in some very different ways, from the huge voluntary effort and goodwill of the Community Support group, the blossoming success of the Garden Growers and the collaboration between health and social care services; community groups; businesses adapting their services to support the shielding residents' needs and the co-ordination of the town council. The Build Back Better initiative is aiming to
Woodroffe continues to support students and wider community THE Woodroffe School in Lyme Regis has remained open during lockdown for a small number of students. The school has been keen to support the wider community, as well as children of key workers and vulnerable students during these challenging times. Staff are now looking ahead and making preparations for when more pupils are allowed to return to school. In the latest school newsletter, headteacher Dan Watts said: “Whilst the school has only been open to the children of key works and our vulnerable students, we have done our very best to ensure that all our regular methods of communication remain open. “Let me take this opportunity to thank you again for the support you have given the school during this difficult time. We have worked incredibly hard to ensure that we have supported the ongoing education of our students, whilst the school remains closed. “In May we celebrated National Thank a Teacher Day. I am very grateful for the way our staff have adapted to this new way of working. It has been an incredible team effort, and everyone has played their part. The students are very fortunate to have such a dedicated team, focussed on their educational success and individual wellbeing. “In addition to our teaching staff, I would also like to thank our wider staff body for what they have done and continue to do to ensure that school is able to function effectively during the lockdown period.” Speaking on the school’s work to support students and the community, Mr Watts added:
“During the school closure period we have continued to ensure that those in need have been supported. Our free school meals programme has continued and has allowed for weekly collections, local deliveries for those with mobility issues, vouchers and in-school meals for those attending our provision for vulnerable children. “For the past three weeks our partnership with LymeForward, which runs Lyme Regis Foodbank, has enabled us to provide locally-prepared and locally-cooked frozen meals to families in need. I am extremely grateful for their support during this time. “Having moved to an online learning platform to ensure the continued education of our students, there has been a need, where possible, to support those without access. As a result, we have loaned school devices to those most in need of our support. “Despite the government announcement of computer equipment for disadvantaged students almost two months ago, we are still waiting for them to arrive. “The knowledge of our support programme led to one anonymous local donor giving five new laptops to the school, no strings attached. It is amazing to see how communities have come together during this difficult time to support those in need. “During lockdown, I have shared repeated messages and information about the support available for those experiencing mental healthrelated issues. All students at The Woodroffe School have access to Kooth (www.kooth.com), a free online counselling service available to our young people.”
capture some of the resilience, goodwill and energy shown during the coronavirus crisis to improve our lives and environment as we ease out of 'lock-down'. The Active Travel policy to encourage more walking and cyimprove health and cling, well-being and reduce car use has been brought forward as the government recognises that 'lock-down' has shown rapid behaviour change is possible and we can work towards a 'new normal'. The government is calling for a “step-change” in the roll-out of Active Travel measures, and that these should be taken “as swiftly as possible, and in any event within weeks”. Such measures are crucial – as with reduced capacity on public transport due to the need for distancing measures, there is a real danger that traffic levels could quickly return to previous levels or worse: research nationally shows they are already at 75 per cent of pre-'lockdown' levels while we are still in it. People have really appreciated recently less traffic leading to better air quality, for many a better sense of personal and community wellbeing and improved conditions for cycling and walking. So let's build on this as we start to come out of lockdown in a way in which safety for pedestrians and cyclists is paramount and fully considered in how measures are planned. The government is encouraging and funding local authorities to consider fast-tracking schemes such as: ● Installing ‘pop-up’ cycle facilities ● Using cones and barriers ● Encouraging walking and cycling to school ● Reducing speed limits ● Introducing pedestrian and cycle zones I worked in the transport sector for many years and believe there has never been a better opportunity to try some radical ideas, as the government and Dorset Council are asking us how we put people first and change our towns so walking and cycling has priority over traffic . My personal view that we could be really bold, as we have the opportunity to try 'pop-up' temporary measures in the initial tranche of funding. I think we should close the town centre to all traffic except Blue Badge holders, residents needing access and deliveries at the main car parks and the top of Silver Street. The first tranche of funding is for temporary 'pop-up' measures, so let's be bold and give Dorset Council lots of creative ideas to consider. After all, if they don't work, no problem - they are temporary. Here are just a few ideas I've heard or thought or discussed with Lyme residents, many of
which are already in the wider climate and environmental action plan some of us have been working on since we joined the council: ● 20 mph speed limit throughout town; 30 mph between towns to make walking and cycling safer ● Ban car parking along the Cart Road and turn Cobb Gate car park into parking for Blue Badge holders, taxis and car and bike-sharing ● Operate car, bike and e-bike clubs so people can hire them by the hour, day or week ● Provide cycle racks and storage much more widely and at the schools ● Widen pavements wherever possible so wheelchairs, prams and buggies can be used safely - if necessary the road will need to become one-way or traffic-light operated ● Widen the pathway near the boat storage area so that social distancing is possible outside the take-away kiosks ● Enable cycling along the Cart Road and along the footpath to Uplyme - ensuring always that walkers must have priority ● Start the Bridge Street traffic lights nearer the corner of the Rock Point/Pilot Boat and the Church Street lights higher up closer to the former London Inn to restrict the idling traffic and fumes to more open spaces ● Close the Queen's Walk end of Kingsway to discourage through traffic and make the walk to St Michael's Primary School feel more safe ● Charge more for the big Dorset Council car parks to encourage better use of the Park & Ride ● Operate a voucher system on car parking tickets to encourage spending in the local businesses ● Include a carbon off-set fee in the car parking charges ● Encourage employers to offer Cycle to Work schemes and loans ● Introduce residential electric car-charging points, e.g. based on street lighting in addition to more in car parks ● Work with our neighbouring villages and towns to develop safer cycling and walking routes Many of these are longer term initiatives which could be kick-started now by the opportunity offered by Active Travel to encourage new ways of planning and operating how our towns and cities work. There are countless innovative street design ideas being trialled around the country. Personally, I feel we should be really brave and ask Dorset Council consider bold ideas - how about stopping all cars at the main car parks except for Blue Badge drivers, deliveries and residents needing access? Wouldn't that reduce the traffic on all the town centre streets so significantly that walking and cycling might feel as safe as it has done during lock-down? Please share your ideas - we should not let the Active Travel opportunity to put people first be wasted through inaction. A discussion group is being formed so please join us.
Plans approved for new school block PLANNING permission has been granted for a new two-storey teaching block at the Woodroffe School in Lyme Regis. The new block will be built on the sloping bank between the school’s playing courts and sports hall. Because of the steep incline, it will appear as a one-storey building from the sports hall and two storeys from the courts. The development will be 512 square metres with a library resource centre, toilet, office, store and ancillary spaces on the ground floor, and three general classrooms, a small group room, toilet, office and a store on the upper floor. The design, with a traditional form and repetitive glazing, will reflect the original Gothic Revival buildings on campus, whilst taking cues from materials found elsewhere on site and contemporary minimal detailing to create a new,
modern building. The application states: “The scale of the proposal will be in keeping with the character of the site and context. “The building is to be of a similar mass and scale to the existing two-storey teaching blocks that form the school campus, allowing the building to integrate effectively into the site and not be overly prominent.” The new development will not result in additional pupil or staff numbers, but will instead replace outdated teaching space elsewhere in the school. The initial plan was for the new block to be built over the summer holidays, but no start date has yet been given due to the coronavirus pandemic. The full plans can be viewed online at https://bit.ly/2UXHoFb
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RICHARD AUSTIN’S PHOTO FILE
HOPEFULLY we have all experienced euphoria at one time in our lives. The country’s winning sports men and women are a great example of euphoria, especially when the final whistle is blown or when the ball hits the back of the net. These athletes are now getting back in the game as professional sport starts up again following the coronavirus lockdown. Having photographed sport at all levels for 30 years these pictures are some of my favourites. Arsenal footballers Ian Wright and goal keeper David Seaman on the pitch at Genoa, both the heroes of a great win (opposite page). Paul Wooton, the Plymouth Argyle captain, celebrating promotion in the dressing room at Darlington (above).
A great win at Lords Cricket ground and Somerset CC winning the Nat West Trophy with Rob Turner and Keith Parsons show off the trophy to the Somerset supporters (below). Mark Hughes comes off the Wembley pitch having just won the 1997 FA Cup and a record 4th winners medal with the FA Cup lid on his head (above right). It was bit closer to home when Exmouth Rugby Club won the Devon Cup, Andrew Powel and Ross Morshead hold up the cup and sprayed with champagne (right). Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting played against his Somerset team in the build up for the Ashes series against England, whilst Somerset fast bowler Graham Rose’s face says it all as he takes a wicket at Lords (opposite page).
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RICHARD AUSTIN’S PHOTO FILE
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12 Friday, June 12 2020
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Local charity warns of devastating effects of climate change as it falls through funding net T HE CEO of a Lyme Regis charity has written about the devastating effect the lack of support shown for environmental charities during the coronavirus pandemic could have.
The Word Forest Organisation, fronted by Lyme Regis resident Tracey West, plants trees close to the equator in Kenya, as well as in the UK, to help tackle climate change. It also facilitates education by building classrooms and leads women’s empowerment groups in Kenya. Mrs West argues that environmental charities are among the most important causes across the globe, but her organisation has “slipped through the wide noose of loopholes” and has not qualified for any government funding during the COVID-19 epidemic. After recently being turned down for a small grant to help buy four laptops so remote volunteers could switch to a fully digital fundraising strategy, Mrs West wrote an open letter in response, saying the charity could close by the end of the year if no fundamental changes were made to its income. She also pointed out the serious effect the lack of funding for environmental charities, such as The Word Forest Organisation, could have on the current climate emergency, as well as those in poverty they support in Kenya. Mrs West wrote: “I know all charities think they’re important but I’d proffer there are none more so than environmental charities. Our team have spent four years fighting a crisis that could wipe out our very presence on the planet and, right now, we are haemorrhaging re-appropriated funds rapidly. “If nothing fundamentally changes with our income, bearing in mind we’ve lost almost every one of our usual revenue streams, we will either have to drastically reduce the support for our tree planting communities or we will cease to exist before the year is out. “In the coming months, I suspect some of the 1,400-plus tree planters we’re supplying food aid to right now in Kenya, may well lose their lives from poverty associated illnesses or malnutrition because their government isn’t moving fast enough to support its people and we cannot meet their full needs. “I’d like to give you two tiny examples of how the Kenyan lockdown is affecting people; one man is trapping rats in his house to try and feed his wife and their new born child, another mother is feeding her children every two to three days to make the food stretch. “Word Forest has the knowledge, the connections, the ideal location and the people on ground to make a serious dent in climate change – our mission is to reforest Kenya, a country that only has around 10 per cent canopy cover – we’re certainly not going to run out of space to plant. Environmental education is the key to it all and we’re working solidly to raise awareness of what needs to be done in Kenya and the UK. “As I mentioned in my unsuccessful bid, we do some planting and run educational events here in Dorset, but the trees in Kenya grow up to 10 times faster, removing CO2 from the atmosphere at a massive rate – far, far quicker than trees planted here. That’s why we focus on planting in the tropics – those trees are the ones critical to keeping rising sea levels and temperatures at bay, preventing death and destruction in Dorset and all coastal communities the world over. “The net result of these crippling facts if Word Forest closes: we’ll be unable to get any more
trees in the ground to mitigate the deadly effects of climate change. It is worthy of note that recently, we facilitated the planting of 150,000 saplings. In 5-7 years, they will have absorbed 37,500 tonnes of CO2 and other pollutants, cleaning the very air we breathe in West Dorset.” Speaking about the issues on a local level, Mrs West said that, despite declaring a climate emergency 12 months ago, Dorset Council still did not have a strategy in place to address the situation. She commented: “It is a year since Dorset Council declared a climate and ecological emergency. It happened following a moving protest and passionate statements made by Dorset residents at the offices of the new unitary council, at their first proper meeting. “However, 12 months on, there’s no strategy in place to address the situation and no plan of action ready to deploy either. Declaring a climate emergency means recognising the threat posed to Dorset citizens – and global citizens – from the devastating effects of climate change. Sea levels rising at ‘terrifying rate’ “The sea levels are rising at terrifying rates, extreme weather events will continue to batter and burn our landscape – the funding required to mop up Lyme Regis, Charmouth, West Bay, Weymouth, Portland and countless other towns after the disastrous events that are likely to be heading our way, will be staggering. “It has been the sunniest spring in the UK since records began in 1929 and as at May 27, we were on target for it to have been the driest May since 1948, that’s 124 years. The Met Office stated recently, there have only ever been nine springs in the UK with more than 500 hours of sunshine since 1929 and we had 573 hours of it between March 1 and May 27. “Keen gardeners will tell you we’ve had very little rainfall. Southern Water state the long term average rainfall for our region should have been 52.8mm – what we actually had was 6.7mm. The driest county in the country was Northamptonshire which recorded only 1.5mm rainfall during May. Dr Mark McCarthy of the Met Office’s National Climate Information Centre confirmed on average, there has been less than 10mm rain falling across England.” Dorset Council says it is taking direct action to reduce the negative environmental impact of its services, influencing Dorset communities and organisations to reduce their carbon footprint, and working with partners to develop a climate emergency plan. This includes a three-year plan of activities run by Low Carbon Dorset to help boost Dorset’s low carbon economy and reduce its carbon footprint; reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill; reducing engine emissions created by its Highways team; promoting sustainable travel initiatives; encouraging biodiversity on roadsides; and undertaking a range of energy efficiency measures at its properties. The council has also set up a number of Task and Finish groups to discuss further ideas for the
future. You can find out more about Dorset Council’s work to tackle climate change at the website www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/emergencies-severe-weather/climate-and-ecologicalemergency.aspx Mrs West said one of the most devastating immediate results of the warmer and drier weather is that many farmers have seen key cereal crops suffer during this arid spell. The National Farmers’ Union recently stated: “Continued low rainfall and high temperatures into the summer will result in more widespread impacts for agriculture and the environment. The situation is becoming increasingly serious for the growth of rain-fed grass and cereal crops across the country, made worse by the wet winter that led to the planting of more spring crops which are now struggling because of falling soil moisture levels.” A Met Office spokesman recently said that extreme weather events, such as those seen this year, generally follow the trend of global warming. A plethora of unusual wildlife is also being recorded around the UK, especially in the South West, with some fearing this is a sign of the effect climate change is having on animal life. Stephen Moss, a Somerset based naturalist and President of the Somerset Wildlife Trust, recently wrote: “I recall many years ago hearing someone talk about saving the planet ‘for our children, and our children’s children’. At the time, this felt like an abstract notion; even a rather sanctimonious platitude. Now that I have children and step-grandchildren of my own, who may well live to witness the 22nd century, that phrase feels far more relevant and urgent. “If the worst predictions for the climate emergency come true, with devastating consequences for human and animal life on this planet, then I do not envy them living that long. So, much as I enjoy seeing cattle egrets on my local patch, or catching up with a new species of butterfly on the south coast, my pleasure is more than ever
tinged with concern. “My fear is that these pioneering colonists are not something to be celebrated, but a phenomenon to warn us of impending disaster in this new age of extinction.” Mrs West continued: “Every single tree The Word Forest Organisation is able to get in the ground, be they in Dorset, Devon, Somerset or Kenya, will play a part in mitigating environmental disasters. “The money needed to rebuild our communities and reshape society following any one of the catastrophic events that are on the cards, predicted by countless scientists and meteorologists with far more knowledge than I’ll ever have, will make the funding applied to rescue us from COVID-19 look like a financial fart. We will have human displacement and societal chaos on unprecedented scales.” Mrs West fears her organisation will not qualify for any local environmental funding pots, as the charity focusses largely on planting in Kenya. She added: “My empathetic supportive thoughts and well wishes go out to CEOs of other international environmental charities. I doubt you’ll have qualified for Governmental support either and so many usual funding pots have diverted their funds to support pure COVID-19 related needs. I dread to think about how many casualties there will be when we eventually rise again. “If any of our wonderful supporters are aware of funding pots for international tree planting, education or women’s empowerment projects, may I kindly ask you to check through the criteria as best as you can to see that we fit and email them over to team@WordForest.org. “Our crew of amazing, planet-loving volunteers are working at full pelt to help our equally wonderful tree planting friends in Kenya. Right now, we need all the help we can get.” You can find out more about the work of The Word Forest Organisation by visiting www.wordforest.org
Environmental campaigns still continue in lockdown THE COVID-19 pandemic has had an enormous effect on all of our normal daily lives. As Lyme Regis reawakens following two months of lockdown, I thought it might be worthwhile to review a couple of initiatives from Surfers Against Sewage and Litter Free Coast and Sea that have been running during the lockdown period. Surfers Against Sewage have run a campaign designed for social media called #returntooffender. The idea is that people photograph branded plastic waste on our beaches and upload it to social media with #returntooffender and tag the ‘offending’ company. This is a great idea and a way for the public to influence directly the manufacturers of single use plastic waste. Only when I was confined to Lyme Regis did I notice that there was very little plastic waste on the beaches! In fact, during the two months of lockdown when I visited our town beach most days I didn’t see one piece of plastic waste. We haven’t had any real storms to wash in waste but it is illuminating that, with a lack of beach users, there is a significant lack of plastic waste! I know that on the north coast of Devon and Cornwall there was still waste washing up, I
suspect because they have greater tides and currents than we do on the English Channel. In a similar vein, Litter Free Coast and Sea has also picked up on this with social media campaign #Keepitclean. Here they are highlighting the direct association of visitors to our beaches with litter waste and urging people to take it home with them. So as we feel our way to a new ‘normal’, will we be able to encourage people to use the facilities provided or take their rubbish home with them? Will more people be conscious that single use plastic waste is often unnecessary and always substitutable with a paper or card based product? It will be a slow process or readjustment for everyone, not least our town council who had indicated they would install water refill points along the seafront and improve recycling this season. These initiatives will almost definitely be delayed by the pandemic, but hopefully not lost. In the meantime I hope as Turn Lyme Green and Plastic Free Lyme Regis we can continue to persuade our community and visitors to Refuse, Refill, Reduce & Recycle! Grenville Barr, Chairman of Plastic Free Lyme Regis Strategy Group
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CONTINUING our series commemorating the anniversaries of the deaths of all Lyme Regis men who died during the Second World War, we remember Cyril Herbert Caddy. With thanks to Vernon Rattenbury of the Royal British Legion for the research.
CYRIL HERBERT CADDY
WITH pubs and restaurants having been closed since March, Lyme Regis’ seagulls have had to work a little bit harder for their grub, without the easy picking from the plates of al fresco diners. Many have been seen bobbing up and down in the harbour as they look for fresh fish. But the lack of chips and ice cream hasn’t put off this couple who have stuck to their seaside home and this week watched their two chicks hatch. The birds are nesting on the roof of the Marine Parade shelters, captured here with Golden Cap in the background by local photographer Richard Austin.
Private, 1 Base Ordnance Depot, Royal Army Ordnance Corps Service No. 7594680 Born in Lyme Regis in 1914 and died June 17 1940 aboard SS Lancastria Cyril Caddy served in France and Belgium in 1940 as part of the British Expeditionary Force and it was during their subsequent evacuation that he lost his life. On June 17 1940 the 16,000 ton Cunard liner Lancastria lay five miles off St Nazaire and embarked troops, RAF personnel, and civilian refugees, including women and children, who were being evacuated from France, which was then on the verge of collapse. The exact number on board may never be known, but almost certainly exceeded 6,000; some estimates were as high as 9,000. The Lancastria was attacked and hit by bombs from German aircraft. Cyril unfortunately was killed in the attack. Son of Mr and Mrs Bert Caddy and husband of Betty Caddy, he is commemorated on the Dunkirk Memorial in Dunkirk, France, and also on the Lyme Regis war memorials in the parish church and in the town.
Mentality of beach-goers who LymeOnline Letters leave rubbish behind is ‘awful’ Send your letters to francesca@lyme-online.co.uk LymeOnline - a gem of a find! GET INVOLVED WITH YOUR COMMUNIT Y PAPER
■ I HAVE been at home for the lockdown period and during this time I have had very good, productive days and days which have been frustratingly boring and difficult. One day, during a rather long session trawling the internet for inspiration, I came across LymeOnline - what a gem of a find! I lived in Uplyme for 18 years and left in 1978 to go to college in London. I now only visit the area fleetingly a few times a year; elderly parents now living in Seaton so trips to Lyme are very infrequent. However, I do meet up with school girlfriends once a year in July at the Pilot Boat to reminisce and catch up! You and your team have brought back a lot of joy, nostalgia and happy memories of life
in Lyme from my teenage years. I have spent many hours during lockdown reading through older articles and looking at photos, and have been delighted to see names and faces that I still recognise. It is a shame that there will be no Lifeboat Week or Regatta & Carnival this year. I remember winning the talent contest with a friend in 1974 I think. A lifetime ago! So, thank you to you and your team for bringing a little sunshine into my Hertfordshire life during this difficult, unprecedented time. I hope your venture continues to flourish. Jules Moffatt (nee Paull) (by email)
■ AFTER long involvement with our Local Area Partnership since its inception, I have now stood down as a director for personal reasons. I would like to thank all the individuals, councillors, council officers, service providers and organisations who have taken part and supported LymeForward over the years: your contributions have proved extremely valuable to our communities.
I am delighted to see how the foodbank is developing its contribution at this challenging time when so many adjustments are having to be made by us all. I wish the directors and manager of LymeForward all the best for the future. Stay safe and keep looking after each other in that true spirit of partnership. Sally Holman, Former chairman of LymeForward LAP
Stepping down from LymeForward
■ I WITNESSED this today (Sunday, May 31) at 5am. One poor council worker was trying to clean up; his transport would not have been big enough to load it all into. The council needs to address this. The mentality of the people visiting Lyme Regis is awful, the way they dump their rubbish and leave broken bottles on the beach. They should ban glass from the beach. People can carry their cases of beer to the beach but they are too lazy to take their empties home. I spoke to other locals today they are all appalled. I walk everyday there and see this everyday since the lockdown rules have changed.
Also, lots of dogs still going on the beach even though they are now banned, they think they can get away with it that early in the morning. I told two lots that dogs are not allowed on the beach but there was far more. I will keep photographing this daily seeing as the council cannot be bothered to get out of their beds and see fit themselves. Jeanne Goodridge (by email)
Please note, the views expressed in letters are those of the author and not necessarily of this newspaper. Send your letters to francesca@lyme-online.co.uk or post them to LymeOnline, Unit 5 Uplyme Business Park, Uplyme Road, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3LS
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classifieds&jobs
16 Friday, June 12 2020
PLANTS, cuttings for sale, all very reasonable, on corner of Gore Lane and Cuckoo Lane, Uplyme - 01297 443930.
CORDLESS HEDGE TRIMMER, Bosch 41ACCU, without battery or charger, 14.4v, blade length 41cm, £14 - 07947 918 335. ‘BEAUTIFUL HOMELAND’, set of 6 books, first edition, 1920, illustrated in colour, by E.W. Haslehurst, £180 or £35 each - 01297 506707. RYOBI electric sucker/blower, almost new, £30 - 01297 445376. TACK LIFE electric submersible water pump, £25 - 01297 445376. GARDEN GROOM PRO safety hedge cutter, shreds and collects, £30 - 01297 445376. AL-KO petrol mower, £60 - 01297 445376. ASH Hoover, £15 - 01297 445376. CONFIDENCE FITNESS Power Plus Treadmill, £60 - 01297 445376.
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ITEMS FOR SALE
solid wood, offers welcome - 01297 561512. BOOKCASE, veneer rosewood, 94cm length x 90cm width x 28cm depth, buyer collects from Charmouth, offers welcome - 01297 561512. LOCAL BOOK, ‘Branch Line to Lyme Regis, Mitchell & Smith, Middleton Press 1993, in new condition, £12 01297 442627. LOCAL BOOK, ‘Lyme Worthies’ by John Fowles, portraits by Gavin Bird, limited issue of 1,000 copies, beautiful condition, £6 - 01297 442627.
BURBERRY MEN’S MACKINTOSH, full length, burberry beige colour, chest 44”, little used, £30 ono - 01297 444698. ANYA HINDMARCH HANDBAG, genuine leather with protective storage bag, used but in excellent condition, £40 ono - 01297 444698
LOCAL BOOK, ‘A History of Axminster to 1910’, Geoffrey Chapman, 1998, like new and scarce, £15 01297 442627.
YAK BUOYANCY JACKETS, two jackets coloured red and yellow respectively, £10 for the pair or £8 each ono - 01297 444698.
PURPLE RUG, IKEA ‘Stoense’ low pile, 133cm x 195cm, in perfect condition, £15 - 07397 206 365.
GAS COOKER, Stoves 4 ring gas cooker, buyer collects from Lyme Regis, £75 - 01297 445091.
NEST OF 3 TABLES, Queen Ann style, legs
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.
WOODEN FUTON BED BASE, without mattress, 4’ 6” wide, buyer collects from Lyme Regis, £30 - 01297 444698.
LADDERS, various sizes and prices - 01297 445376.
VENETIAN BLIND, Marco wooden venetian blind, 180cm width x 160cm depth, basswood natural colour, new and still in box, £20 - 01297 443461.
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Your name: ....................................................................................................................... Your address: .................................................................................................................. ...........................................................................................................................................
MEN’S SHIRTS, brand new from Marks & Spencer, pure cotton, green checked, XXL, paid £19.50, selling for £12 - 07973 349 717.
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MEN’S SHIRTS, new from Marks & Spencer, 15½ regular fit, ideal Christmas presents, half price - 07973 349 717.
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LymeOnline Sport
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My cricketing memories – Two
The day we played at Lord’s
By PHILIP EVANS
A
LTHOUGH I was a better footballer than cricketer, cricket was my number one passion as a young man.
Not just playing the game but watching it as well. During Somerset’s golden years of Ian Botham, Vic Richards and Joel Garner, I enjoyed many a trip to Lord’s, the headquarters of cricket at St John’s Wood, in the company of my great pal John Stamp to see the Cidermen play in the one-day finals. John and I also followed the England team and were lucky enough to travel to Barbados to see a test match against the wonderful West Indies, the kings of cricket in those days. The match was played at the old Kennington Oval and we were fortunate to see one of the fastest balls ever bowled when Michael Holding, known as ‘The Whispering Death’ dispensed of England opener Geoffrey Boycott with a 99mph corker in the fifth over of the game. Our apartment was directly opposite a very popular bar called The Ship where we saw the England wicketkeeper, David Bairstow, being carried out of the pub the night before the opening test. The next day Bairstow trotted out in front of the team looking fresh as a daisy, but he did drop the Windies’ captain, Sir Clive Lloyd, when he was on a duck. Sir Clive went on to score a match-winning century.
OPENING bats Michael Denham and Ian McMurtry who put on an unbeaten 208 for the first wicket pictured outside the old scorebox.
I enjoyed many trips abroad with Stomper but you had to be a fast talker or fast runner to keep out of trouble in his company. None more so when we inadvertently wandered into a gay bar in Majorca and were on our second pint before we realised all the blokes were dancing with each other! I finished part one of my cricketing memories with the story of the wonderful Dennis Applebee, saviour of Uplyme and Lyme CC in the 1980s, ruining his dress shirt which his wife had mistakenly packed for him. I could fill the whole of this paper with Dennis Applebee tales. One that immediately comes to mind was the occasion when Dennis was stoically batting out the game at No 10 in a bid to avoid defeat. Suddenly a car screeched into the village hall car park before it was tarmaced. Out of the cloud of dust was that was sent skywards stepped Dennis’ wife, Sheila, not a woman to allow a mere cricket match to take priority over business matters. Sheila stepped towards the boundary and just as Dennis was about to play yet another defensive potential match-saving shot, she screamed: “Dennis, the hotel’s on fire!” Apparently they could hear her in Shapwick. Dennis pulled out of his shot and apologised to the umpire as he tucked his bat under his arm and trudged off, saying: “Sorry ump, the missus needs me.” One of Dennis’ greatest achievements was pulling off a game against the Crossarrows at Lord’s cricket ground to celebrate the club’s 100th anniversary. It was a day we shall never forget, crowned by a superb century by the club’s most stylish batsman, Mike Denham. Just think about it, scoring 100 at the home of cricket! The stuff of dreams. But Mike took it all in his stride in his usual calm and collective way. I was working in London at the time but drove back to Lyme late the night before, arriving home around midnight, only to get up a 4am to catch the team bus back to London. I didn’t want to miss one minute of this special occasion and opportunity to play at Lord’s. Well, when I say play, I was actually 13th man but I changed for the team photo under Old Father Time. I spent the rest of the day in the bar and pavilion which overlooks the Nursery Ground where the game was played.
LINING UP AT LORDS: Back row from the left - Richard Matthews, Dennis Applebee, John Stamp, Philip Evans, Mike Danham, Roger Fisher, Ian McMurtry, Arthur Larcombe, Jim McMurtry (umpire), Ray Lesis (president). Front row from left - Derek Wellman, Ian Turner, Steve Rattenbury, Mike Spearpoint, Andy Mason, Martin Rowe and Brian Rattenbury I distinctly recall Terry Matthews ordering several drinks for himself just before 2.30pm. When the barman asked why he was doing that, Terry said he was getting them in for the afternoon before the bar shut, as they always did in Uplyme at 2.30pm. “Don’t worry,” said the barman. “We don’t close the bar until 6.30 this evening.”
Brian Rattenbury’s rain dance at the dinner
This very special day finished with a celebratory dinner at the Cumberland Hotel opposite the Lord’s cricket ground. This was a very special day for a group of young men from Devon and Dorset. Dennis did a fantastic job organising the occasion and, if I recall, he made a very emotional speech at the dinner. It meant a great deal to him, hosting such an occasion in London where he was born and played most of his cricket. Abiding memory of the day was Brian Rattenbury making use of a tablecloth at the dinner to do a rain dance. Don’t ask me why. The dinner was attended by a number of apprentices at Lord’s and they had no idea what was going on. I’m not
sure we did either. During the evening Babe McMurtry, wife of umpire Jim, was not feeling well. I arranged for her to rest in one of the hotel bedrooms but she wanted to get home as soon as she could. So we summoned a cab to take her and Jim to Paddington station (the last train for Waterloo had already left) and they caught a taxi from Taunton to Lyme. I remember the cab pulling away from the Cumbertland as Babe wound down the window and said: “Pip, you will look after my Ian won’t you?” “If course I will Mrs McMurtry,” I replied. “You know you can trust me.” Sniggers all round. Our bus left London around midnight and we arrived home as daylight was rising over the old pavilion at Uplyme. What a day. In the 2nd XI, we did not take things quite as seriously as the club’s first teamers. Although we always played to win, having fun was a great part of our cricketing exploits. And there were many hilarious moments. No more so that when we were playing an away game. I was keep-
ing wicket and Stomper was in the slips. Pete Kirkman was the bowler and one of his deliveries struck the upper thigh of the batsmen. I caught the ball behind, threw to Stomper at first slip who returned it to the bowler. Just as Pete was coming in for his next delivery, a flame shot out of the pocket of the batsmen. Stomper, who had just been appointed station officer for Charmouth Fire Brigade, immediately sprung into action and extinguished the pocket blaze. It transpired that the batsmen had a box of Swan Vesta in his pocket which ignited when the ball hit his leg. It was recorded in the scorebook that the batsmen had “retired on fire”. I sold the story to The Sun on Monday morning for the princely sum of £40! In the third part of this series I will recall how we raised the money to build the new pavilion at the King George V playing field and rekindle some memories of the great characters who have played for Uplyme & Lyme Regis Cricket Club over the years.
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LymeOnline Sport
18 Friday, June 12 2020
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NOW IN THE DEVON & EXETER PREMIER LEAGUE
Davey Fort
June 12 2020
Davey Fort pitch to be widened
Experienced duo to manage Lyme’s Reserve side
By PHILIP EVANS IT’S been a long time coming - more than 40 years, in fact - but the widening of the Davey Fort pitch, home to Lyme Regis Football Club is now a reality. The football pitch was intended to be the focal point of a sports centre in Charmouth Road, planned by the former Borough Council. The site was to have included a bowling green, rifle shooting alley and running track. But severe subsidence at the cliff-side location caused the project to be abandoned and Lyme was left with one minimum sized football pitch. With the bare minimum in length and width allowed by the Football Association, Lyme’s ambition to be playing at a higher level has been stunted over the years. When the club took the decision to leave the Perry Street League, made up a mainly village teams, one alternative was to join the Dorset League. But the small pitch did not meet the criteria set by Dorset FA to play at a higher standard. This led to Lyme joining the Devon & Exeter League whose pitch regulations are not so strict and the first team now play in their Premier division, the highest standard at which
Clubhouse closed until further notice
EXCAVATION work has been carried out at the Davey Fort on the northern bank which should enable the football pitch to be widened by nine feet.The dotted white line shows where the touchline could go. Inset: the pitch under construction in the early 1970s they have played in the club’s long history. The Seasiders still have to play in the Dorset County cup competitions but because they are now seen to be in senior football as a Devon & Exeter Premier team, they have had to play all their Dorset Senior Cups away. With the help of a £1,500 grant from the Football Association for pitch maintenance, the northern bank has been graded which will allow the pitch to be widened by around nine feet. Trees are to be planted at the top of the bank to help retention. A number of players have helped with the
works and they are now preparing for phase three of their project Fortify development plan which will include more ground drainage, two new dug-outs, a groundsman’s hut, site fencing and tarmacing of the car park. Phases one and two included a new kitchen and 64-seater grandstand, due to be officially opened when the 2020-2021 season starts. The project has been supported with a fouryear £100,00 grant from Lyme Regis Town Council with match funding of 50 per cent from the club.
TWO former Lyme Regis players who have played at a higher standard are rejoining the Seasiders to take over the management of the Reserves. Former goalkeeper Nick Tregale, 58, who had three different spells with the Seasiders, and Darren Stewart, a combative centre-half, will take charge of the club’s second X1 when the new season starts. Lyme Reserves play in Division Three of the Devon and Exeter League, occupying sixth place when the league was halted by coronavirus. No indication has been given when the 202021 season will commence. After leaving Lyme after his first stint between the sticks, during which time he won a Dorset Intermediate Cup medal, Tregale went on to play for a number of local clubs including Chard Town. Stewart also played for Chard. Tregale, whose daughter Jade is a qualified football coach, also managed the Seasiders’ women’s team, the Lyme Lazers. Lyme chairman Howard Larcombe told LymeOnline Sport: “We’re very pleased to welcome back Nick and Darren. Both have worn the Lyme shirt with distinction in the past and both have played at a higher level. “In addition they have experience in the dug out and with coaching too. I know that Mark Bailey and Julien Simier (first team joint managers) and Rob Larcombe (Rovers’ manager) are excited about the appointments.”
Gig club awarded £1,000 to help it through pandemic
ONE of Lyme Regis Gig Club’s pilot gigs, Tempest
LYME Regis Gig Club has been awarded £1,000 of National Lottery funding to help with running costs and overheads during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The outbreak of the virus and the consequent shutdown of businesses has left the sport and physical activity sector facing a period of uncertainty. In response, on March 31 Sport England announced a £195million package to help. Within the package is a £20million Community Emergency Fund, made up of National Lottery money, to deliver immediate funding to those who have a role in supporting the nation to be active but are experiencing short-term financial hardship or the ceasing of operations due to the impact of coronavirus. The grant will allow Lyme Regis Gig Club to cover some of its core costs and meet financial requirements such as moorings, insurance and maintenance of boats. With the wooden boats out of water, and the warm weather we have been experiencing in recent weeks, there is a risk of the gigs drying and cracking so the club’s maintenance team
is working hard looking after them until rowing can resume. Heather Prior, chairman of Lyme Regis Gig Club, said: “This money is to help us meet some of our financial commitments during the COVID -19 crisis. It won’t cover everything, but it is £1000 we didn’t have before!” Tim Hollingsworth, Sport England’s chief executive, commented: “As the body responsible for the growth of sport and physical activity participation, we want the vital grassroots organisations that make sport and physical activity happen in this country to not just to come through this crisis but to be in a position to thrive again in the future. “The £20million Community Emergency Fund, made possible by National Lottery players, is part of a multimillion pound package of support we are providing to ease the pressure on a huge number of the organisations who are central to the nation’s health and wellbeing. “We are proud to be able to provide vital funding to Lyme Regis Gig Club to help it through these extremely challenging times.”
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