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WE STAND WITH UKRAINE
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Foodbank service will still continue COMMUNITY interest company LymeForward has reassured those who use the town’s foodbank that the service will continue. The reassurance comes after Lyme Regis Town Council agreed to withdraw its £10,000 a year grant for LymeForward after months of debate and argument. REPORT, PAGE 3
Dog owners ‘facing discrimination’ FAMILIES with assistance dogs or mobility problems are being discriminated against when trying to walk on Dorset beaches, according to a local dog ‘champion’. Linda Stevenson says poor access to beaches amounts to indirect discrimination and some dogs owners are finding it increasingly difficult to walk dogs for fear of abuse. REPORT, PAGE 3
Ready, set go for junior parkrun!
Artisan Florist
Wild and Seasonal
Popular self-serve flower shed at 18 Woodmead Road, Lyme Regis DT7 3AD
LYME Regis hosted the first in a new, weekly junior parkrun on Sunday, which saw 30 children aged between four and 14 complete a 2km course along the seafront. See full report and more photos on page 6. Photo by James Jenkin
Lyme’s hero landlord
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Teresa Fowler
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LOCAL BUSINESSMAN DRIVES TO WAR-TORN UKRAINE TO DELIVER SUPPLIES A LYME Regis businessman and former Royal Marine reservist is currently in Ukraine providing supplies and transporting those seeking refuge amid the Russian invasion.
Tom Littledyke, a former Woodroffe School student now aged 31, runs three local businesses – The Shaves Cross Inn near Bridport, and The Shaves Cross Cellar and Antonio’s Trattoria in Lyme Regis.
FRANCESCA EVANS
francesca@lyme-online.co.uk He left the town on Monday to take his 16-seat mini bus full of supplies – including sleeping bags, blankets and children’s toys – on a 1,000mile journey to the Polish border with Ukraine, which is currently under attack from Russia. On the way he picked up a group of men in Kent who said they wanted to join the fight in support of Ukraine, telling the BBC he would be willing to do the same if necessary. He said he
would also offer transport to those who needed it. Giving an update on social media, Tom’s partner Georgia said he has since crossed the border into Ukraine and is currently in Lviv, which has reportedly been overwhelmed by citizens trying to leave the country. On Wednesday Georgia wrote: “1am this morning, 48 hours after Tom Littledyke and I decided to help in this crisis, he decides he can help best
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‘There’s always something you can do’ – Lyme man delivering supplies to Ukraine CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE in Lviv, Ukraine. “If you know Tom, you know how hard it must be for me to explain him but I think what he is doing right now describes him best; brave, big hearted and a little bit crazy. “He is doing such an amazing job and I couldn’t be more proud. Please donate what you can and pray for his safe return.” Tom’s courageous efforts have grabbed the attention of the regional and national press, and he has been dubbed the “hero landlord of Dorset”. In a video for BBC Solent, he described feeling terrified as he crossed the Ukraine border to offer supplies and transport. He has been keeping supporters updated via social media, and posted a video of him in a bomb shelter in Lviv on Wednesday, writing: “I’m with Sophia who is organising and supporting people across Ukraine. They’ve kindly allowed me into there headquarters and given me lunch and coffee. “They like the rest of us are confused why war is even happening. Although not unexpected. The people here have all got partners who are off fighting. These soldiers come from any background and have little to no training and have weapons found given to them. “They have experience though. Sofia’s partner fought in 2014 again against Russian military. “Please spread these images and opinions everywhere. I’m in the least effected and safest part of the Ukraine and people are still awaiting bombs and tanks to come by at any
minute. “The Ukrainian Army is fighting back with incredible effect. We’ve seen the numbers, weapons, and threats the Russians offer but the Ukrainians are still keeping them back and providing for there country. “Why won’t Russia allow civilians to leave areas and also during peace discussions they continued bombing.” Tom launched an online fundraising page earlier this week with the hope of raising £1,000 for supplies. To date, it has raised almost £13,000 and donations are still being accepted via the website www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/thomas-little dyke to buy supplies and provide aid to those in need in Ukraine. Tom was inspired to help after seeing images of families and children “broken and separated” by the conflict. He commented: “Too many times do I say or hear the phrase ‘I wish I could do/have done more’. There is always something you can do. Doesn’t matter how small as long as it’s in the right direction.” You can find some of Tom’s videos on the LymeOnline website at www.lyme-online.co.uk Dorset Council has also sent out a message of solidarity with the people of Ukraine. A statement from council leader Cllr Spencer Flower said: “We are all deeply saddened by the tragic events unfolding in Ukraine. Our thoughts are with those affected by this conflict. “We recognise that there will be people within our own community affected by this situation. We are
Tom Littledyke, pictured at his bar The Shave Cross Cellar in Lyme Regis working closely with voluntary and community groups to provide support. I particularly want to thank Dorset Race Equality Council for their work supporting local communities who are facing prejudices, and who are also helping to organise local donations. “Many of us want to know how we can help, and it is wonderful to see the incredible generosity of Dorset residents in making donations to support the people of Ukraine. The advice from local and national charities is that the best way to help is to make a cash donation to an organisation such as the British Red Cross or Save the Children who are responding to the humanitarian crisis. These organisations are already working on the ground and can direct support in the quickest and most appropriate
ways. “As shown with the recent conflicts in Syria and Afghanistan, councils across the country have a proud history of welcoming refugees. We stand ready to work with the government to support any scheme helping those fleeing the conflict. “To show our solidarity with the people of Ukraine we will shortly be flying the Ukraine flag from County Hall and also lighting up County Hall in yellow and blue. Thank you to our contractor, Turrell, who have agreed to do this at no charge to show their support. “We pray for the people of Ukraine that this conflict will end soon and our hope is for peace and for an end to so much unnecessary suffering.”
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LymeForward to continue providing vital foodbank service COMMUNITY interest company LymeForward has reassured those who use the town’s foodbank that the service will continue. The reassurance comes after Lyme Regis Town Council agreed to withdraw its £10,000 a year grant for LymeForward after months of debate and argument. A clause that LymeForward would work with the council to deliver its community engagement strategy, considered to be one of the original aims of LymeForward, was added to the grant agreement in September 2021. But LymeForward said it was not clear what the community engagement would entail, and it could not commit to something it may not be able afford. Meanwhile, LymeForward – described as “an organisation dedicated to improving the lives of residents in and around Lyme Regis by providing support in times of need” – has been focussing more on its foodbank service. Rising food, fuel and utility prices as well as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on households means the services of Lyme Regis Foodbank have never been more in demand. Since 2018, LymeForward has delivered vital services including the foodbank, Carers’ Café, Community Lunch and School Holidays Food
Programme. Sue Davies, chair of LymeForward, commented: “We wish to reassure all those who use our services and those that may need our help in the future, we are here for you, and we will continue to provide our vital services going forward. “We have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to secure grants from a range of providers to rapidly expand our services and significantly increase our activity providing an emergency schools food programme, homeless service and food distribution centre for the most vulnerable children, families, elderly and single people. “We have been faced with enormous challenges working as ‘frontline workers’ - acting as a West Dorset Emergency Hub whilst maintaining access to the foodbank seven days a week.” Joanna Boyce, foodbank co-ordinator, commented: “In 2021 we assisted 115 clients, providing 8,800 meals. Over the past couple of years, we delivered an additional 594 meals and 366 recipe bags to young people attending four local schools.’’ LymeForward is a thriving, grassroots community organisation indebted to the role played by volunteers and support from the local community.
Joanna added: “We have an amazing team of willing and dedicated volunteers who have a passion for making a difference to the lives of local people and they are the driving force behind our role in providing key support services.” Ms Davies added: “Public support has been incredible in recent days, and we are so grateful to those who help ensure that no one in our local community has to go hungry. “Your gift of financial support, time, business partnership and food make a real difference.” Food donations can be made at the Co-op in Lyme Regis, Uplyme Post Office and Stores and Morgan’s in Charmouth, as well as the local churches. Weekly requests are detailed on the Lyme Regis Foodbank Facebook page. Big or small, every donation helps transform lives. Financial donations can now be made online at lymeregisfoodbank.co.uk LymeForward would also be very interested to work with local businesses who may wish to consider supporting them through sponsorship or other means. For further information, contact the foodbank team on 07955 772 314 or email manager@lymeforward.com
FAMILIES with assistance dogs or mobility problems are being discriminated against when trying to walk on Dorset beaches – according to a local dog ‘champion’. Linda Stevenson says poor access to beaches for people with mobility issues, or those with assistance dogs, amounts to indirect discrimination. In a letter to Dorset Council, she also claimed that some dogs owners “are finding it increasing difficult to walk dogs in the community they live in for fear of abuse”. She says the attitude stems from intolerance to dog fouling and called on the council’s dog wardens to do more to tackle the problem, adding that dog owners were also increasingly concerned about irresponsible owners. In Lyme Regis, dogs are only allowed on the main sand and Cobb Gate shingle beach on a
lead during winter months. The restrictions have split the opinion of the town and resulted in several heated debates, with the town council recently reporting its own enforcement officers had received abuse when trying to implement the rules.Dorset councillor Laura Miller said all incidents of abuse should be reported. “No-one should live in fear of abuse and incidents need to be reported to the authorities,” she told a Dorset Council Cabinet meeting. Cllr Miller said the authority now has six animal welfare and dog control officers carrying out duties over a wide area, undertaking patrols in hotspot areas where there are known problems, but they could not always be in the right place at the right time. To help with enforcement, there are a further 20 town and parish council authorised officers, including in Lyme Regis.
“All reports of fouling are investigated but the evidence supplied often doesn’t reach the standard required to take enforcement action,” said Cllr Miller. “We encourage complainants to provide as much detail as possible so that we can carry out patrols in the daylight hours that will coincide with the occurrence of likely offences.” Cllr Miller said that people using an assistance dog do not have to comply with the exclusion restrictions or the requirement to dispose of dog faeces. “The council needs to achieve a balance between access to exercise areas for dog owners and the protection of public health,” she said. “Specific concerns are being looked at by officers as part of a review of the dog-related Public Spaces Protection Order.”
Dog owners facing ‘discrimination and abuse’, says campaigner
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‘Lovable rogue’ Jimmy Grattan mourned in Lyme LYME Regis is mourning one of the town’s “lovable rogues”. James Grattan, better known as Jimmy, died aged 69 after suffering from cancer. His funeral service was held at the Church of St Michael and St George, conJimmy Grattan ducted by Canon Patrick Chrystal, a former priest at the Catholic church. The organist was Dr Richard Godfrey. Jimmy was educated at The Woodroffe School. He joined the Army at the age of 16, serving in the Junior Leaders Regiment in Taunton and in a nine-year service was posted to Germany, Cyprus, East Africa and the Far East. It was whilst serving in Northern Ireland that he witnessed his best friend being shot by a sniper, an incident which had a profound effect on the rest of his life. Jimmy had a great love for gardening and nature and helped many in and around the Uplyme area where he lived. Jimmy was a member of the Lyme Regis branch of the Royal British Legion. In a tribute to Jimmy, Philip Mostyn described him as “a lovable rogue” and said he would have been very proud that the Legion standard was paraded at his funeral.
4 Friday, March 4 2022
NEWS IN BRIEF No proposals to change town council
NO proposals have been put forward to make governance changes at Lyme Regis Town Council, despite concerns raised by the public with some calling for the authority to be abolished. The first part of a public consultation for Dorset Council’s Community Governance Review attracted some damning comments about the recent behaviour of Lyme Regis Town Council members, with some going as far as to call for the authority to be scrapped. The Community Governance Review offers people the chance to give comments and
have their say on things such as changing parish/town boundaries or the number of members on a council. The initial responses helped to create a report of draft recommendations, which was considered and agreed by full council on February 15 2022. Despite the comments made about Lyme Regis, Dorset Council is proposing no governance changes to the town council. A second public consultation has now opened for residents to comment on the proposals, and will remain open until May 23.
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All invited to Boat Building Academy’s latest launch
STUDENTS of Lyme Regis Boat Building Academy’s latest course will be launching their boats for the first time at the harbour on Wednesday, March 9. The flagship course teaches men and women how to build boats to industry standards with 11 students on the latest course building three boats, including a strip-planked sailing boat, a traditional clinker outboard motorboat, and a heritage Orkney sailing boat. All are welcome at their launch, with a procession of boats from the academy to the harbour at 10am.
Marie Curie seeks volunteers for Daffodil Appeal
RNLI lifeboat station re-opens to visitors
END of life charity, Marie Curie, is urgently calling for volunteers across Dorset to give just two hours of their time to hand out the charity’s iconic daffodil pins in return for donations. Volunteers will be supporting the charity’s annual flagship fundraiser – the Great Daffodil Appeal – which was forced to cancel its public collections for the past two years due to the pandemic. This year collections are going ahead in Dorset and Marie Curie is urging new and existing supporters to come forward to show their support. To sign-up to volunteer to collect for Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal in Dorset visit mariecurie.org.uk/collect
THE RNLI’s lifeboat station on the Cobb in Lyme Regis has opened its doors to visitors once again after being closed for almost two years because of COVID restrictions. The station opened last weekend Saturday and visitors are asked to wear a face covering. Visitors will now be able to see the Atlantic 85 ‘lass lifeboat ‘Spirit of Loch Fyne’ from the viewing platform.
Council tax rise as cost of living increases
Public Health Dorset offers advice on self-isolation
DORSET Council is to increase its share of the council tax bill by the maximum amount allowed for the third year in a row. The Conservative-led authority said it had little option but to increase its portion of the council tax bill by almost 3 per cent, given the “unfair treatment” of the county in rate support grant by the government. Dorset Council is the last local authority to announce its budget for the 2022/23, with Dorset Police and Dorset and Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service having also agreed on hikes to the council tax bill, while Lyme Regis Town
PUBLIC Health Dorset is urging residents to continue staying at home if they test positive for COVID-19 or display symptoms of the virus. Following the government’s announcement that all remaining legal COVID-19 restrictions would end, there is no longer a legal requirement to self-isolate following a positive test. However, the public health advice remains the same and anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 or a positive test result should stay at home and avoid contact with other people to avoid spreading the virus to others.
Solar panels to be installed at Lyme property A LYME Regis garden is to be used for 12 ground-mounted solar panels. Dorset Council has given consent to the planning application at Henleys Acre, which is on the corner plot of Timber Hill and Charmouth Road. The application will involve the panels, standing 1.9 metres high, being mounted in frames of six to the south west of the house, linked to the property by an underground cable. In addition to providing power for the house the owners are planning to have an electric car which could also be charged from the panels, when the weather is suitable.
Coastguards called to ‘man stuck on cliff’
LYME Regis coastguards were called to reports of a person stuck on the cliff above Black Ven, between Lyme Regis and Charmouth, on Monday, February 21. The coastguards were called at 6.21pm to help the man, who had reportedly been scouring the site of the town’s old rubbish tip for glass. On arrival at the scene, the team searched the cliffs with searchlights while the officer in charge gathered more information. After speaking to the first informant, it was established that the person seen had managed to get off the cliff and had left the immediate location.
Council has said it will hold its precept at the same level. The total increases bring the yearly council tax bill for Band D properties in Lyme Regis to £2,242.09 in the next financial year, which starts in April. Daryl Turner, who recently resigned as Lyme Regis and Charmouth’s Conservative representative on Dorset Council, criticised the authority for continuing to increase council tax and overspending even though it was already one of the country’s highest.
Council awarded £500k to boost mobile digital coverage
The owners say their proposals fit in with Dorset Council’s climate change obligations and are their contribution to reducing global warming and Lyme Regis Town Council raised no objection to the application. Dorset Council planning officers said the panels would only take up a small part of the garden and would be well screened by existing hedgerows. This latest application comes after plans for five new houses on the plot at Henleys Acre was submitted and later withdrawn in 2020. By Local Democracy Reporter Trevor Bevins
DORSET Council has been awarded £500,000 to spearhead a new pilot project to look at ways of boosting mobile digital coverage. Joining forces with partners Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole and Hampshire County councils, this new ‘Wessex Digital Infrastructure Accelerator’ scheme will examine how online mapping technology can help speed up the rollout of connectivity. The successful funding bid was led by Dorset Council and is one of eight pilot projects to receive a share of the government’s £4million Digital Connectivity Infrastructure Accelerator fund.
Latest figures show 18 crimes in Lyme area THE latest figures released by police show there were 18 reported crimes in the Lyme Regis area during December 2021. These figures show no change from the previous month (November 2021), and are a decrease from 24 crimes during the same month last year (December 2020). From the 18 recorded incidents in December 2021, 14 took place in Lyme Regis itself, with two in Charmouth, three in the Uplyme area, including one incident at Raymonds Hill.
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ALL OVER THE TOWN Lyme Regis beams with pride for its brave hero landlord
I
T has been a little difficult to think of anything meaningful to write about in this week’s column, as Lyme Regis’ issues pale into insignificance against the backdrop of war in Europe.
War in Europe – that’s not something I ever considered writing about as a journalist in the 21st century. Something that generations before mine had hoped they would never hear again. During my lifetime, the only wars I have known are those in the Middle East. When the Iraq War was called in 2003, I was 13 years old and the only knowledge I really had of war was the little I had learned in history class about the two world wars. Was it going to be like that? The idea terrified me but, I am ashamed to admit, has become easy to put to the back of my mind over the years with little direct impact on most of our lives here in rural West Dorset. We have watched scenes of horror on the television for so long that we have become almost numb to them. We watch with sympathy, yes, but also with a level of detachment to these far flung places that seem another world away. The invasion of Ukraine has suddenly brought conflict far closer to home – just 1,000 or so miles away – and with the increasing threat of nuclear warfare, distance seems far less significant. The unjustified Russian invasion has, quite rightly, dominated the world’s headlines and, while I believe it’s always important to stay afloat of current affairs, even as a journalist I have found it necessary to take a break from the 24-hour rolling news which, in a similar way to that at the start of the coronavirus pandemic, has filled me with increasing anxiety and dread. Like me, I imagine many are feeling scared, sad at the state of the world and rather help-
less – or perhaps even guilty for having those emotions and for carrying on with our day-today lives, knowing that so many are so much less fortunate. One person that could not just sit back and watch the news is Lyme Regis businessman Tom Littledyke – now dubbed Dorset’s hero landlord by the national press – the man who opened an Italian restaurant in Lyme Regis and served me a glass of wine on Saturday night, not mentioning a word about war, and just 48 hours later was well on his way to the Ukrainian border. In an act of incredible bravery, Tom loaded his 16-seat mini bus – usually used to ferry customers between his pubs in Lyme Regis and near Bridport – with blankets, sleeping bags, towels and toys to comfort children, and drove 1,000 miles to the Polish border to help those in need. But on arrival, Tom felt he couldn’t stop there. Admitting he was terrified, he crossed the border into Lviv, Ukraine, and has since been ferrying those seeking refuge out of the country. On social media he has shared videos of dark, cramped bomb shelters and traffic queueing as Ukrainians flee their homes, families torn apart. This is Europe. The people of Lyme Regis are rightly proud of their courageous hero landlord and are praying for the day when he is back behind the bar. At the time of going to press on Thursday, the town had helped him raise almost £13,000 in just four days to provide supplies and aid where needed. We may not all have the courage or resources to load up a mini bus and drive across Europe, but as Tom says, “there is always something you can do, it doesn’t matter how small, as long as it’s in the right direction”. Come home safe, Tom.
WE STAND WITH UKRAINE
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PHOTO OF THE WEEK: ■ LymeOnline reader Joanne Martyr captured this photo of an incredibly low tide on Lyme Regis beach, revealing patterns of seaweed described as ‘mermaid’s hair’. Let’s look forward to more fine weather like this! You can send your photos of the Lyme Regis area to edit@lymeonline.co.uk and they may be featured on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages, or as a future ‘Photo of the Week’!
Expanding further into East Devon MANY regular readers will already know that the LymeOnline team has also been providing content for the Nub News websites in neighbouring Axminster and Seaton for some time now. Part of a growing national network of hyperlocal newspapers, the Axminster and Seaton Nub News websites were launched in May 2020 – amid the height of the coronavirus pandemic. Now, with restrictions eased and local life returning to normal, we have been out and about covering more events and meeting people across the Axe Valley. In line with this, we are now pleased to increase our coverage of East Devon in the printed LymeOnline newspaper, with our first double page spread of ‘Axe Valley News’ in today’s issue, on pages 18 and 19. This brings you all the top stories of the week from the Nub News websites, covering Axminster, Seaton, Colyton, Beer and surrounding villages, adding to our regular coverage of Uplyme, which this week can be found on page 6. We will also be increasing our distribution in
East Devon, with LymeOnline newspapers now available to pick up for free in Seaton Tesco, as well as in Axminster where they often fly out the door! And all in time for Seaton’s biggest weekend of the year as it thousands of runners and their supporters for the Grizzly Race, which we preview on page 19. While our main focus remains in Lyme Regis, this expansion will offer readers more comprehensive coverage of our close neighbours – something which many requested in our recent reader survey. Don’t forget to take a look at the Axminster and Seaton Nub News websites (http://axminster.nub.news and http://seaton.nub.news), where you can also sign up to our free, weekly newsletter, bringing the latest East Devon headlines direct to your inbox, and follow both on Facebook and Twitter. If you have a story for either Lyme Regis or the Axe Valley area, you can contact me on 07810 221 420 or email francesca@lyme-online.co.uk or francesca.evans@nub.news
Pop into the community café to share your news
Tom Littledyke, pictured with his mini bus en route to the Ukrainian border with supplies
FOLLOWING the easing of the pandemic, Lyme Regis Development Trust has relaunched its community café, known as The Old School House Café, in The Hub in Church Street. I popped along to the official launch on Thursday for a coffee and slice of homemade cake, and found the café area brightened up with a fresh lick of paint and a tempting menu
of toasties and snacks - all at affordable prices. The café will be open to all from 9am to 1pm every Thursday and Friday, and as of Friday, March 11 I will be basing myself at the café every other week to meet with readers. You can drop in to let me know about your local news stories or events, find out how LymeOnline can help you with publicity or ask questions on how to best use our website.
Watch Francesca’s weekly video news bulletins, every Friday morning on the LymeOnline website
6 Friday, March 4 2021
Neighbourhood plan used for first time to refuse proposal for new house POLICIES set out in the new Charmouth Neighbourhood Plan, which was approved in a referendum earlier this month, have been used for the first time to refuse a planning application for a new house in the village. Plans to demolish a garage and erect a new three-bedroom dwelling in its place at Five Acres, Charmouth – submitted by the parish council chairman Peter Noel – has been refused by Dorset Council. Dorset Council said the application went against polices in both the local plan and Charmouth’s new neighbourhood plan, in that in would result in the loss of one of several long front gardens which were a “visually important part of the prevailing character of Five Acres”, and the bulky form and asymmetric roof design were “not sympathetic, responsive or complementary to the distinctive qualities of its setting and the existing character of the area”. It added that the plans also failed to provide adequate outdoor amenity space to serve the new dwelling, which would have an overbearing impact on the neighbour’s amenity through unacceptable overlooking. Several neighbouring residents also objected to the plans, some pointing out policies in the new neighbourhood plan, and Charmouth Parish Council submitted a four-page recommendation of refusal to Dorset Council. From an electorate of 1,113, there was a turnout of 318 (29 per cent) at the Charmouth Neighbourhood Plan referendum on February 10. A total of 289 (90.9%) voted in favour of the plan, and 29 (9.1 per cent) voted against.
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Uplyme landlord handed £400 fine for tenant’s fly-tipped waste A PRIVATE landlord has been slapped with a £400 fine for allowing a tenant’s waste to be fly-tipped in Uplyme. The waste (pictured right) was left at Yawl Cross Woods Trail for East Devon District Council officers to clean up in October. The £400 fixed penalty notice, reduced to £200 after being paid within 10 days, was given for the landlord’s “lack of care” after a mess was left by one of their tenants. The landlord was then unable to demonstrate they had used a licenced waste carrier to dispose of it. East Devon District Council (EDDC) is investigating the unlicensed waste carrier and further enforcement may occur. Cllr Geoff Jung, EDDC’s portfolio holder for coast, country and environment, added: “This is a good reminder to residents and landlords that their responsibility for their waste doesn’t end when they pay someone to take it away. “It is so frustrating, that with so many won-
derful volunteers spending their spare time picking up rubbish and litter in our beautiful countryside and on our beaches that some people think they can get away with fly-tip-
ping! “I can assure you, we will always prosecute, if we can identify the person responsible, and to those great volunteers thank you!
More drop-in sessions to ask questions about new Uplyme school MORE drop-in sessions are being held in Uplyme for residents to raise questions about the village’s proposed new primary school and how this could affect other local facilities. The Bestic Trust, which submitted the plans for the school, is currently working with campaigners to try and find a solution to the access issue for the new school,
which residents fear could see the garage, shop and post office opposite closed down. The owner of the garage, David Ostler, opposed the single entrance and exit point of the new school, and said this could result in some health and safety issues for his fuel business, due to the possibility of queues of traffic outside. Although the school is not expected to be built for several years, Mr
Ostler said this could affect the long-term viability of the business. Members of the trust held their first dropin sessions in February and more have now been scheduled, to take place in Uplyme Church on Wednesday, March 9 and Wednesday, March 23, both from 6pm. These will be held on a first come first served basis without designated time slots.
Lyme Regis hosts first junior parkrun LYME Regis hosted its first junior parkrun on Sunday – a new, weekly run for children aged four to 14. After months of planning and delays during the coronavirus pandemic, the first Cobb
Gate junior parkrun was held on Sunday morning, officially started by the Mayor of Lyme Regis, Cllr Brian Larcombe. The run, organised by Lyme Regis resident Mark Jenkin with help from his family and several volunteers, saw 30 children complete the 2k course along Gun Cliff Walk and Church Cliff Walk and back twice. The run was timed, with Ayla Chard coming in first place in a time of 08:21, followed by Henrique Sato in 08:35 and Harry Austin Pearse in 9.11. The free, timed run will now be repeated every Sunday morning at 9am and children aged 4 to 14 are welcome to join. The Cobb Gate junior parkrun is part of the national parkrun movement, which sees adult and junior runs take place in towns and cities across the country every weekend. Parkrun is a positive, welcoming and inclusive experience where there is no time limit and no one finishes last. Everyone is welcome to come along, whether you walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate. For more information join the Cobb Gate junior parkrun Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cobbgatejuniorparkrun or visit the parkrun website parkrun.org.uk
Participants and volunteers pictured at the first Cobb Gate junior parkrun (photo by James Jenkin). Below, runners get started on Gun Cliff Walk and, left, return along Church Cliff Walk (photos by Bob Nisbet)
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Young pianist entertains Welcome Club members
Volunteers and supporters pictured at the launch of the Old School House community café in The Hub
Pacey Shephard pictured after his recital at Lyme Regis with some of The Welcome Club volunteers
AN 11-year-old Sidmouth boy who has been playing the piano since he was four years-old and recently appeared in Lyme Regis is being tipped at a musical sensation. Pacey Shephard, who is practically selftaught, is already making his name in and around Sidmouth for the quality of his recitals. He recently entertained members of The Welcome Club in Lyme Regis where his emotional self-composed numbers brought tears to the eyes of some of the elderly residents present, especially when he played a tribute to his late grandfather. Pacey, who is being home schooled by his parents alongside his siblings, is saving to buy a £5,000 piano and recently raised £400 busking for 90 minutes in Exeter city centre. He has also been booked to play at a lunchtime gig at Lyme Regis Golf Club.
He spends three hours practicing every day. Pacey also raised £500 at a concert before Christmas in Sidmouth and a funding page has been set up on social media to help him reach his target. Caroline Powley, one of the volunteers who helps to run The Welcome Club in Lyme Regis said: “We saw Pacey in his concert in Sidmouth and he went down a storm. Everyone who listens to him thinks he is going to be a musical star of the future.” If you would like to help Pacey reach his target and make a donation go to https://gofund.me/ce9f3172 The Welcome Club is run by Lyme Regis Development Trust with its monthly ‘Cake and Cuppa’ meetings held at Lyme Regis Football Club, in particular for those coping with memory loss and their friends, family or carers.
Flippin’ good fun for Pancake Day!
Community café relaunched at The Hub offering affordable drinks and snacks
LYME Regis Development Trust has relaunched its community café at The Hub in Church Street, which will now be open to all two days a week. Known as The Old School House Café, the community cafe will be open every Thursday and Friday from 9am to 1pm, offering affordable hot drinks, snacks including toasties, pastries and cakes, and free wifi. The volunteer-led café is being led run by Lisa Charleton and Mary Ward of Lyme Regis Development Trust, who commented: “The Old School House’s primary purpose is to give as many people the opportunity to meet and connect with their friends and family by providing a lovely space and great food at an affordable price. “We don’t want anyone to be put off spending time with others because they need to stick to a budget and are worried about the price of a
cup of coffee or tea. “That is why our prices are kept very low. And as a non-profit project, all the money goes right back into the café for the ingredients we use or to invest back into the space to make it even more comfortable. “Even if you don’t have be so strict with your money, by enjoying your cup of coffee with us, you’re making it possible for the people that are struggling financially to still be part of the community.” Next week, all proceeds from the community café will be donated to supply aid to those in need in Ukraine. LymeOnline editor Francesca Evans will be basing herself at the community café every other Friday from 10.30am to 1pm, starting on Friday, March 11, for readers to drop-in and share their local news stories and events.
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PICTURED above are volunteers from St Michael’s Parish Church in Lyme Regis as they hosted a pancake morning on Shrove Tuesday. The ladies served up traditional pancakes, teas and coffees and ran a raffle as the annual event was able to go ahead once again following the coronavirus pandemic, with organisers saying how good it was to see the church hall busy again. The event raise a total of £182 for church funds.
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Shoppers say they love Boomerang Bags as the plastic free scheme is relaunched AS COVID-19 restrictions have eased, Boomerang Bags return to Lyme Regis. Boomerang Bags, a scheme to cut down on the use of plastic bags which started in Australia, have spread around the world and have really taken off in Lyme Regis. Since they were first introduced, more than 300 bags have been distributed to more than 50 businesses in the town, including shops, cafes, hotels and B&Bs. The idea is that shoppers and customers ‘borrow’ the bags and later return them to any of the participating businesses – hence the name Boomerang Bags. They are so popular that the organisers from Plastic Free Lyme Regis are calling out for donations of fabric to make more bags. Polly Benfield of Plastic Free Lyme Regis said: “Do you have fabric tucked in bottom drawers or old curtains, as we are down to our last pieces of material? “Made into Boomerang Bags, your fabric will avoid landfill and have a new purpose by creating a reusable bag, remind people to carry their own bags and avoid single-use plastic.” Fabric can be left at Fine Art and Framing in Broad Street or can be collected. Symphony Webb of Fine Art and
Framing said: “Customers say what a brilliant idea they are. They even take photos of bags to take the idea back to where they live and get other people to make them.” Making bags in Lyme Regis has been a joint effort and good fun. People donate fabric, volunteers brush up their sewing skills, sewing circles have been formed, local artist Flora Bamford prints the logos, and businesses display and distribute them for customers’ use. Boomerang Bags are good for business’; local businesses are uniting to reuse, recycle and conserve and Boomerang Bags have helped support their commitment to the environment. “Our customers love that we’re plastic free and having the Boomerang Bags are all part of it,” said Natalie McCarthy of Red Panda on Broad Street.
Rachel Johnson-Calvert at the Monmouth Pantry added: “They fit in with our ethos of reducing the impact on our environment.” Lou at Ginger Beer said: ‘They’re such a great idea and sometimes I like the bags so much it’s hard to give them away!” Keian Gillet of The Galley Café commented: “We’re all about plastic free. The Boomerang Bags are inspirational for us.” Organisers are now keen to expand the scheme into more B&Bs and guesthouses. “We hope that accommodation businesses will get in touch soon to stock up on bags before the new season starts,” added Polly. David and Julia Lawrence at Lewesdon B&B already have a bag in each of their rooms. “Our guests love to borrow them for local shopping and bring them back for the next visitors to use,” they said. To get involved email lizdavis01@gmail.com or polly@benfield.org.uk, or call 01297 443759 for more information and to request bags or donate fabric. You can find out more about Plastic Free Lyme Regis one the website www.plasticfreelyme.uk
Natalie McCarthy of Red Panda in Lyme Regis said her customers love using the Boomerang Bags
What we’re doing locally to avoid the latest dire warning on climate change becoming reality THE Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) published its latest report this week, described by UN secretary general, António Guterres, as an “atlas of human suffering”. Alice Bell in The Guardian wrote: “The key findings are bleak, if familiar. Climate breakdown is accelerating rapidly; many of the impacts will be more severe than predicted. Nowhere will be spared.” “‘The scientific evidence is unequivocal: climate change is a threat to human wellbeing and the health of the planet,’ said Hans-Otto Pörtner, a cochair of the working group producing this report. “These health impacts are physical – increased chance of dengue fever, for example, or cardiovascular disease – but also mental; the suffering of living through storms, famine, heat stress, and the loss of homes and cultures. “...The report is scientific, yes, with the numbers and notes on degrees of confidence you’d expect, but with a clear conclusion: we are living that nightmare-scenario future that scientists in the 20th century warned us about. “‘Any further delay in concerted global action will miss a brief and rapidly closing window to secure a liveable future,’ said Pörtner. “Not only are we on course for loss and suffering, many have lost and suffered a lot already, and some things are already gone for ever. “As John Kerry, the US special presidential envoy for climate, put it: ‘The question at this point is not whether we can altogether avoid the crisis – it is whether we can avoid the worst consequences.’ “Emotionally speaking, it’s entirely appropriate to grieve for, as well as fear, climate impacts. If we give in to doom completely, we only give in to the worst-case scenarios coming true. “Plus, as the new report emphasises, every bit of a degree celsius matters – there is still so much we can save. I know climate campaigners always say this, but now really is the time for action. “The best antidote to climate fear is always climate action, so roll up your sleeves and get to work. Not sure where to start? Do something that brings you joy. You’ll be at your most powerful and
your most infectious. Climate change is grim, plain and simple. But taking action on it can be an absolute ball.” So what are we doing here in Lyme Regis and how can you join in? This is the reason I stood for election to Lyme Regis Town Council (LRTC) back in May 2019, when the climate and ecological crisis was the huge looming issue which I felt politicians at every level were not taking seriously enough, but which we seemed to have more time to prepare for than this week’s report proves we do. Following the new town council’s declaration of the climate and environmental emergency, ambition to reduce our impact to Net Zero by 2030, and pledge to support the UN Sustainable Development Goals in July 2019, the town council has put its own Zero Carbon 2030 plan into action. The next step is for the council to show leadership and ambition in helping the community transition to Zero Carbon by 2030, which is why I requested a budget allocation for the remaining term of the current council (to 2024) - £75,000 was agreed last December. Councillors and staff members underwent free Carbon Literacy training in October and January as part of the pilot for a town and parish councillor toolkit, and the council undertook to seek accreditation as a Carbon Literate Organisation. LRTC would become one of the first town councils in the UK to achieve this. LRTC’s Environment Committee recently proposed a project on the area’s 2030 Vision, to engage widely across the Lyme, Charmouth, Uplyme area to listen to residents’ views on their hopes, dreams and aspirations for their future town. Part of the funding requested was to enable the continued involvement of the Royal College of Art’s (RCA) Intelligent Mobility Design Centre, following their work with us (and two other UK towns) on the ‘Future Town’ community place-making and transport planning project in 2020, which was presented to the Minister for Transport and other government departments as a model of innovative community engagement.
Woodroffe School participated with their Year 12 Art & Design students undertaking a project looking at future sustainable transport and access opportunities for Lyme. The image created by Phoebe Peel showed how creative the students were in imagining very different ways of getting around with lovely, thoughtful consideration for people with varying mobility restrictions and visions of how much better a sustainable and greener Lyme Regis could look and feel. The ‘Future Town’ team chose Phoebe’s image at the front of their report and as the final image of an optimistic vision of the future in their presentations to the government! The ‘2030 Vision Community Conversation’ is planned to build on the ‘Future Town’ findings and continue to listen to residents about their day-today challenges as well as gauge their hopes and ideas for what our area could and should look like in 2030. What are the things that matter most? What could be done to improve the way we move around? Would better, more frequent and affordable transport services offer wider opportunities for us? Could we improve our public and social spaces? Crucially, how do our young people see their future here and how could we make it better for them? Several dates will be planned from early April in different locations, at different times and days to encourage widespread engagement. There will also be an online map and public discussion platform to share ideas and aspirations, and those with mobility issues will be encouraged to share their ideas in ways which suit them best. All the local schools will be invited to participate so we look forward to more lively and creative ideas from every age group. The project will continue over the next couple of years and will aim to identify key issues and, crucially, what the capacity is in the community to work together on identified projects. It is hoped that other stakeholders in the RCA’s ‘Future Town’ research may be able to help us develop viable
project proposals towards the transition to Net Zero. If you would like to help facilitate this project contact me on belindabawden@gmail.com The town council recently submitted a bid to the Department of Transport fund for community minibuses for Lyme and Charmouth, linking to Axminster alongside car-sharing, cargo vans and bikes and electric bike rental hubs across a wider network. The Dorset Climate Action Network’s transport team is linking community groups and councillors interested in collaborating on transport and access proposals which aim to improve connections and accessibility as well as decarbonise transport services. A team of five volunteers from Lyme, Uplyme and Charmouth are currently being trained as Community Energy Champions by the Centre for Sustainable Energy, as Bridport Town Council generously invited us to join their scheme. The champions will help residents here be more energy efficient and reduce their carbon emissions, save on their bills and keep warm. Look out for us at future events and at the 2030 Vision public engagements. There are toolkits available now which didn’t exist when the town council declared a climate and environmental emergency and undertook to reduce emissions to Net Zero by 2030. We have a strong community with many active groups, including in this field Turn Lyme Green/Plastic Free Lyme and the Dorset Climate Action Network. What else should we be doing? As far as I’m concerned, doing nothing is not an option. The climate and ecological crises are real and they threaten our way of life in ways we do not want to imagine. However, as Hans-Otto Pörtner says, we do have “a brief and rapidly closing window to secure a liveable future”. Please join the local groups or contact me if you would like to help in any of our local activities trying to meet the climate and environmental challenges reiterated by the global scientific and political community this week. Cllr Belinda Bawden
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BREAKFAST IS BACK! at 9am to 11am - 7 days a week
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Full Menu available ALL DAY EVERY DAY Bookings advised
Pop in or contact us on 01297 443157 or email info@thepilotboat.co.uk 1 Bridge Street Lyme Regis DT7 3QA
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Panto society brings joy to audiences as they return to stage with ‘Peter Pan’ J
.M BARRIE’S ‘Peter Pan’ is a tale of pure escapism – a story of pirates, indians, fairies and never growing up.
Melissa Runcieman as Peter Pan and Imogen Hawkins as Wendy Darling
It’s the kind of story that fills the imaginations of children the world over, and it seemed to be exactly the remedy we all needed after the challenges of the past two years. It was the perfect choice for Lyme Regis Pantomime Society’s long-awaited return to the stage in February – and if you needed any proof of that, tickets for the four-night run at the Woodmead Halls sold out in just 24 hours. The large cast – an excellent mix of experienced local performers, newcomers and an enthusiastic chorus – took audiences on a magical journey to Neverland where they could escape the worries of real life and instead enjoy all the fun and frivolity of panto. Melissa Runcieman, in her seventh show for the pantomime society, was once again cast as the principal boy and gave a convincing performance as the brave and brash Peter Pan, playing opposite newcomer Imogen Hawkins as the demure Wendy Darling, who travels to Neverland with her younger brothers Michael (Freddie Street) and John (Jacob Denning). One of the highlights of this show was the high-
Full cast and production crew CAST: John Doody - Hook, Melissa Runcieman - peter Pan, Daniel Edwards - Nana, Thomas Miller - Smee, Amanda Rattenbury - Sinker, Louise Rawlins - Line, Mike Redston - Slightly, Harvey Causley - Nibs, Dave Street Tootles, John Tassell - Chief, Irina Pratt - Nagging Battle Axe, Imogen Hawkins Wendy Darling, Lorraine Knowles - Sioux, Jodie Glover - Tiger Lily, Tanya Rattenbury - Shy-Anne, Freddie Street - Michael Darling, Jacob Denning - John Darling, Liz Redston - Mrs Darling, Daisy Taylor - Tinker Bell, Gemma Hatton - Myrtle.
CHORUS: Sophie Howard, Klara Smith, Bethany Tattershall, Charlotte Matthews, Joshua Denning, Sophie Rattenbury, Ellis Street, Sarah Causley, Rhea Wootton, Phoebe Hatton, Cody Wootton, Josie Smith, Millie Harp, Karen Skardon James, Jessica Howard. PRODUCTION: Producer & Director - Sarah Causley, Choreography - Amanda Rattenbury and Sarah Causley, Wardrobe design & Creation Hilary Smith, Sewing Helpers - Helen Nuttall and Elaine Nipper, Set Building - Carl Salter, Musical Direction/Keyboard - Lauren Good, Per-
cussion - Glynn Rattenbury, Bass - Peter Yates, Stage Manager - Michaela Ellis, Stage Crew - Alan Ellis, Jane Tappin, Mike Tappin, Robert Harris, Jayne Hutchings, Millie Hutchings and Aaron rawlins, Prompt - Ann Yates, Lighting & Sound - Seventh Wave Audio, Makeup & Hair Trina Taylor and Claire Wootton, Props - Jane Tappin, Front of House and Raffle Kathy Smith, Claire Wootton, Kate Wootton, Annette Denning and valued friends of Lyme Regis Pantomime Society.
calibre of comic actors, from cheesy jokes from the three rather overaged Lost ‘Boys’ – Slightly (Mick Redston), Nibs (Harvey Causley) and Tootles (Dave Street) – to full-on slapstick humour from pirates Smee (Thomas Miller), Sinker (Amanda Rattenbury) and Line (Louise Rawlins). Now very practised in the role of the dame, Daniel Edwards had the audience in stitches as the colourful Nana (not a dog!), and Jon Doody was every inch the panto villain as Captain Hook. Kudos to Hilary Smith in wardrobe design for these two characters in particular! Excellent support performances came from John Tassell as the Chief and Irina Pratt as his wife Nagging Battle Axe, along with their desperate-to-marry daughters Sioux (Lorraine Knowles) and Shy-Anne (Tanya Rattenbury). Experienced stage performer Jodie Glover (pictured inset) stood out and showed off her strong vocals with a solo as Tiger Lily, while newcomer Daisy Taylor gave a confident debut performance as the sassy Tinker Bell. Cabaret-style seating in the Woodmead Halls al-
lowed for more space on the floor for the large cast and chorus to take part in plenty of energetic song and dance numbers, choreographed by Amanda Rattenbury and producer/director Sarah Causley with musical direction from Lauren Good. Youngsters from the Lyme School of Ballet also added an ‘aww’ factor to the show. A favourite scene of mine had to be the demonstration of true ‘girl power’ as the Spice Girlsstyled mermaids sang ‘Wannabe’ in the lagoon, which had me singing along to every word. As always with panto, the performance was topped off with plenty of audience participation and local references, including jibes at the town council and an excellent aerial video of Lyme Regis seafront to depict the flying scene. J.M. Barrie gifted the rights of ‘Peter Pan’ to the Great Ormond Street Hospital in 1929 and donations made during the run of Lyme Regis Pantomime’s production raised just over £300 for the hospital. For those who missed out on tickets to ‘Peter Pan’, the society is planning to stage a cinema-style screening of the show on Sunday, March 6, also in the Woodmead Halls from 3pm. The committee hope to make this just like a regular show, with cabaret-style seating and programmes, a raffle and refreshments available. Tickets for the screening are available at www.ticketsource.co.uk/lymeregispanto, priced at £5 for adults and £3 for children.
Imogen Hawkins as Wendy with brothers John (Jacob denning) and Michael (Freddie Street)
John Tassell as Chief and Irina Pratt as his wife Nagging Battle Axe
‘PETER PAN’
Lyme Regis Pantomime Society Performed at Woodmead Halls
Review by Francesca Evans
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Clockwise from top left, Daniel Edwards as panto dame Nana holds court on stage; a confident debut performance from Daisy Taylor as Tinker Bell; the Spice Girls-style mermaids; The Lost Boys, played by Harvey Causley, Dave Street and Mick Redston; one of the pirate-theme dance numbers by the chorus; pirates Smee, Sinker and Line played by Thomas Miller, Amanda Rattenbury and Louise Rawlins; and above, again with Captain Hook, played by Jon Doody
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Our needs are not identical – compromise is needed on dog free beach and dining ■ IT is vital a point that should be made, regarding the letter in last publication (LymeOnline, February 18) related to assistance dogs for both adults and children to access areas normally not allowed for dogs. Am I right to think both children and adults have an official card in order that it avoids any misunderstanding, so that enjoyment can be had by all? If a simple proof of identity is provided then it stops those who abuse these rights from people who clearly need them. One example is the car permits people carry in their cars. It is clear many visitors come in to Lyme Regis purely to walk their dogs. For those who do not find the terrain easily accessible, it may be an easier option to approach a more userfriendly, less hilly access. One example can be Seaton, however, let’s acknowledge the landscape is natural and access can be challenging to all levels of fitness, in numerous parts of the UK. Instead of an unhealthy, and sometimes a frightening experience, to be able to walk the beach for those dog free humans, there has indeed been a good compromise made. That is, for owners and their pet dogs (on leads) to be allowed on the beach at certain times of the year in a way that everyone can enjoy a beach walk at any time.
I for one enjoy that total freedom of walking the beach without fear of someone’s pet dog bounding towards me in a threatening way. I too can now re-enjoy the pleasure of a beach walk. I am thankful for this simple pleasure. Sadly, this freedom is not there in most eateries where there can be several dogs lying along between tables, or sitting on their owner’s lap, sometimes on the table. I need not amplify this issue as I am sure most of your readers will have experienced some of these unhygienic actions of both pets and their owners. This type of scenario is now avoided by many who do not enjoy dining out in such an environment. Perhaps a specific time slot or set days could work for those with their pets to enjoy their meals out together. Then again, a specific time slot for those dog-free customers who enjoy a relaxed meal out, without someone’s pet dog lying alongside or mooching around, munching leftovers and so on. Let’s face it, everyone needs a break from cooking, but we have to accept all our needs are not identical. It would be appreciated by dog-free customers if café and restaurant owners give some consideration to the above suggestion. Name and address supplied
Email 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. Please note, the views expressed in letters published are those of the author and not necessarily of LymeOnline. Publication of all letters is at the editor’s discretion. Letters sent to us for publication may be subject to minor amendments to correct spelling and grammatical errors, or to ensure they are not libellous or defamatory.
'World Heritage: what went wrong for Lyme Regis?' THE geologist Richard Edmonds gives a talk entitled 'World Heritage: What went wrong for Lyme Regis?' for The Lyme Regis Society on Tuesday, March 15. Richard (pictured) will question how some of the huge sum of money spent in the name of the Jurassic Coast “has been wasted”. He said: “After 20 years of World Heritage status and some £37million spent on capital projects associated with the World Heritage Site, there is still no facility suitable to do justice to what the local fossil collectors have found over the last 30 years or more, while projects such as Seaton Jurassic have failed. “That funding should have gone towards a world class facility for the fossils recovered around Lyme Regis and Charmouth, one of the most famous places in the world for fossils. “Is it too late? Quite possibly; this would be a hard project to deliver if all of the players were on the same page, which they are not because management has fractured rather than united ambition. “Although we have an excellent, and recently improved museum in Lyme Regis, it does not and simply cannot do justice to the astounding fossil heritage for which the locality is rightly famous. “Those fossils are the jewel in the crown for the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site but how did this astounding designation fail to deliver what the site really needs and what it should be offering? “Come and find out how the massive sums invested locally should have been spent and consider how our greatest fossil treasures from the cliffs and shores that surround Lyme Regis and Charmouth might have been
showcased for everyone to enjoy.” The talk will be held at the Woodmead Halls at 2.30pm on Tuesday, March 15 and all are welcome. For more details or to join The Lyme Regis Society, visit www.lymeregissociety.org.uk
Talk on 1920s Lyme to celebrate museum’s anniversary LYME Regis resident Ken Gollop will give another of his popular talks on local history on Sunday, March 13. This will be a repeat of a talk he gave last November, which was not widely advertised because of the coronavirus pandemic. It will celebrate the opening of Lyme Regis Museum 100 years ago, with Ken talking about the town in the 1920s with more than 50 photos to share. It was a time when Lyme was expanding. It was a popular seaside resort and needed to tidy itself up and refurbish many of its older buildings. A new council estate was planned at Col-
way Mead and the town had a many new public buildings – a hospital in Pound Road, a post office, a museum, police station in Hill Road and a grammar school on the site of the Woodmead Halls. The railway brought many visitors to town and there were many hotels, guest houses and B&Bs. By 1930 Lyme had 15 hotels, and 91 B&Bs and apartments. The talk will be held at Woodmead Halls on Sunday, March 13 from 2.30pm, with admission costing £3 with proceeds going towards the museum.
Cobb Gate before the removal of the Assembly Rooms. Below, launching the lifeboat in the 1920s and, left, the museum opened in 1921
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Monkton Wyld business wins gold at tourism awards THE Monkton Wyld Holiday Park, near Lyme Regis, was delighted to recently have been awarded the top accolade of Gold in the Dorset Tourism Awards’ Caravan and Camping Park of the Year category. A spokesperson for the park said: “This reflects the commitment of all the staff to provide outstanding customer service in the beautiful surroundings of the park, where the pitches are designed to specifically allow our visitors to never feel part of a crowd and thus enjoy a relaxing holiday in our wonderful county.” The park was first developed from green fields in 1991 and over the past 30 years it has grown into a favourite destination welcoming returning and new visitors, often on recommendation, alike. The owners and staff are proud that they have consistently been awarded the David Bellamy Gold standard for the natural envi-
ronment over many years. The site contains award-winning shower blocks, extensive play equipment, visiting food vans, comprehensive tourist information, dedicated walk and cycle routes from the site, two dog walking areas, fun nature quizzes and a nature trail. The spokesperson added: “In 2015 a report was commissioned that qualified long held assumptions that waking up to the great outdoors and fresh air is a joyful event that brings families together in shared experiences which generate togetherness and well being. “We appreciate all our visitors, as to us, each and every one is special. Our ethos is to ensure that everyone enjoys their visit to this club park.” Monkton Wyld Holiday Park is ready to extend a warm welcome to everyone. To book, call 01297 631131, or visit the website at www.monktonwyld.co.uk
Photo by Max Redwood
Print or online advertising? Chef Tom Robinson (pictured front centre) and his staff at seafront restaurant Tom’s
AA Rosette for Lyme restaurant Tom’s just one year after opening
THE team at seafront restaurant Tom’s in Lyme Regis are celebrating after being awarded an AA Rosette after just over a year of trading. Chef Tom Robinson opened his restaurant on Marine Parade in December 2020, not long before the UK was hit by the coronavirus pandemic. Restrictions over the following months mean that Tom’s has actually offered full restaurant service for less than a year, having operated as a takeaway during lockdowns. But it has not taken Tom and his dedicated team long to make their mark on Lyme Regis and its growing reputation as a foodie destination. After being visited by an anonymous inspector, the restaurant has now been awarded an AA Rosette and is set to feature in the next AA Rosette guide. The inspector visited to try the Sunday set lunch menu and another is expected to try the a la carte menu sometime in the future.
Tom has thanked his hard-working and enthusiastic team for their help in reaching this achievement. His two sous-chefs were so excited with the new that they have both since got AA Rosette tattoos! As a finalist in the prestigious Trencherman’s Awards, the team from will be heading to an awards ceremony in Truro this weekend to see if they have won the Best Newcomer and Best Front of House categories. Tom’s serves classic dishes with a modern twist, focussing on seasonal ingredients and served in a relaxed atmosphere with refined by welcoming service from the well-trained staff. The restaurant is currently Wednesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner with the a la carte and set lunch menu available, plus Sunday lunches when a prime cut roast options is available. Summer opening hours will start on April 18. For more details or to book, visit www.tomslymeregis.com/
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Note sound comes to the Marine TRUMPETER Lee Morgan was one of the pioneers of a soulful and bluesy style which became known as ‘hard bop’. Sam Massey will be performing some of his best known pieces such as ‘The Sidewinder’ at the next Jazz in the Bar night at the Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis, as well as many associated with Morgan over his career, such as ‘I Remember Clifford’ and even the Beatles’ ‘Yesterday’. Massey has been hailed as a “fine trumpet player” by The Guardian and he will also be playing flugelhorn to add a contrasting mellow timbre for some of the tunes, accompanied by Philip Clouts at the piano. Lee Morgan came to prominence in his late teens, playing in Dizzy Gillespie’s Big Band, and recording on John Coltrane’s ‘Blue Train’ album in 1957. He became a key musician with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers and was featured on many of their albums including ‘Moanin”, which is one of the band’s bestknown recordings. Morgan left that band to pursue a solo career, and his song ‘The Sidewinder’ became a surprise crossover hit on the pop and R&B charts in 1964. Following this, the famous Blue Note record label encouraged its other artists to emulate the tune’s ‘boogaloo’ beat. Morgan continued to work prolifically as both a leader, and a sideman with the likes of
Hank Mobley and Wayne Shorter, becoming a cornerstone of the Blue Note label. Sam Massey has performed with top-class musicians from across the UK, including the legendary Devon-based bandleader Mike Westbrook and Radio 2 favourite Clare Teal. As a performer and composer, he and his music have been broadcast on numerous BBC, Jazz FM and RAI (Italy) programmes, and is found on critically acclaimed albums by artists such as American soul singer PP Arnold and ska band The Simmertones. Performing with ensembles across the UK and Europe, Sam has performed to sell-out crowds at the Welsh Millennium Centre, Kings Place Hall One, Gaz Arte (Athens) and St Ives Jazz Club. His own jazz projects include a seven-piece ensemble featuring his own compositions and arrangements, and a six-piece crossover wind ensemble ‘Superlocrian’. The Marine Theatre audience can expect a wide variety of enjoyable tunes ranging from the funky to the lyrical, all reflecting the incredible talent of the great Lee Morgan. Jazz in the Bar with Sam Massey will be held on Sunday, March 13 with doors opening at 7pm for an 8pm start. Tickets cost £20 in advance or £12 on the door, available at www.marinetheatre.com
Times columnist and radio broadcaster brings political stand-up to Lyme Regis
THE BIG BREAKFAST IS BACK!
in aid of
Saturday April 2nd, 8am ‐ 1pm Woodmead Halls, Lyme Regis Full English Breakfast of orange juice, tea/coffee, bacon, sausage, hash brown, fried egg, tomato, baked beans, and toast with marmalade ‐ £7 Or bacon and sausage sandwiches ‐ £4 To order takeaways/deliveries, call 07796 951 991
MATT Chorley has spent the past 17 years in Westminster seeing up close how politics works, or doesn’t. After the sell-out success of his first tour ‘This Is Not Normal’, the award-winning Times columnist and Times Radio presenter is back with an hilarious new show exploring who really calls the shots. Is the Prime Minister actually in charge, or at the mercy of the opposition, backbenchers, lobbyists, the media, spin doctors, his wife, or the Queen? A sell-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2005 with the sketch group Big Day Out led to a 14year break from comedy before Matt Chorley’s debut stand-up ‘This Is Not Normal’ in 2019, during which somebody called an election. His new show, ‘Who Is In Charge Here?’, is more election-proof as a result! Matt says: “Look, I know everyone is really excited about the idea of a change at the top, but for the purposes of my tour it would be great if everyone could just stay in their jobs until Easter, so each show isn't actually just a live news report of the day's insanity. “If you have ever looked at politics and wondered 'why are they doing that?', 'why does
that happen?' or 'how big was the suitcase of wine?' I will at least try to answer your questions at what will definitely be considered a work event.” Somerset-born Matt Chorley has been a Westminsterbased political journalist since 2005, when politics was boring, and it has gradually got madder as he worked his way through the Press Association, Western Morning News, Independent on Sunday, MailOnline and The Times, where he the Red Box daily email and now writes a column on Saturdays. Since June 2020, Chorley has presented the mid-morning show on Times Radio, Monday to Friday 10am to 1pm, including features like ‘PMQs Unpacked’, ‘If I Ruled The World’ and the hugely popular quiz, ‘Can You Get To No10?’ He was fourth best radio broadcaster in 2020, behind Clara Amfo, Frank Skinner and Emma Barnett. Matt will be bringing his show to the Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis on Friday, March 18 with doors opening at 7pm for an 8pm start. Tickets starting from £22.50 are now available at www.marinetheatre.com
Friday, February 18 2022 15
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MARINE THEATRE LYME REGIS
DEARLY BELOVED – CHARLIE BICKNELL & LOU UISE INNES SATURDAY 5 MARCH £15.00 advance
MATT CHORLE EY: WHO IS IN CHAR H GE HERE? FRIDAY 18 MA ARCH £22.50 advance
CHRIS WOOD THURSDAY 10 MARCH £14.00 advance
LYME REGIS COMEDY CLUB WITH SEAN MCLOUGHLIN SATURDAY 19 MARCH £12.00 advance
CL AIRE MARTIN OBE SATURDAY 12 MARCH £25.00 advance
JOHN SMITH FRIDAY 25 MA ARCH £16.00 advance
TICKETS: BRIDPORT TOUR RIST INFORMATION CENTRE, MARINETHEA THEATRE.COM, 0333 666 3366 AND THE MARINE M THEATRE ON MONDAY OR FR RIDAY MORNING . Booking fee may apply. 10% off for members.
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16 Friday, March 4 2022
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What’s on Friday, March 4
The Old School House Cafe The Hub, 9am - 1pm Community café open at The Hub in Church Street every Thursday and Friday morning, affordable food and drink, free wifi.
Saturday, March 5
‘Dearly Beloved’ Charlie Bicknell & Louise Innes Marine Theatre, 7pm Performer Charlie Bicknell is joined by opera singer Louise Innes and pianist David Harrod for a hilarious night of comic cabaret. Doors open 7pm for 8pm start, tickets from £15 available at www.marinetheatre.com Live Music Night The Nag’s Head, 9pm Weekly live music at The Nag’s Head, free entry.
Tuesday, March 8
LRTC Planning Guildhall, 7pm Members of the public are welcome to attend town council meetings and speak for up to three minutes in the public forum. For agendas visit the website lymeregistowncouncil.gov.uk
Wednesday, March 9
LRTC Tourism, Community & Publicity, Guildhall, 7pm Members of the public are welcome to attend town council meetings and speak for up to three minutes in the public forum. For agendas visit the website lymeregistowncouncil.gov.uk
Thursday, March 10
The Old School House Cafe The Hub, 9am - 1pm Community café open at The Hub in Church Street every Thursday and Friday morning, affordable food and drink, free wifi. Live Music: Chris Wood Marine Theatre, 7pm Chris Wood is an uncompromising folk singer songwriter whose music reveals his love for the un-official history of the English speaking people. With gentle intelligence he weaves the tradition with his own contemporary parables. Doors open 7pm for 8pm start, tickets from £14 available at marinetheatre.com Lyme Regis Community Bingo Woodmead Halls, 8pm Bingo night every Thursday, raising funds for local organisations which are members of Lyme Regis Community Bingo Association. Doors open 7.30pm, eyes down 8pm.
Friday, March 11
The Old School House Cafe The Hub, 9am - 1pm Community café open at The Hub in Church Street every Thursday and Friday morning, affordable food and drink, free
Send your diary dates to francesca@lyme-online.co.uk Visit: www.lyme-online.co.uk/events
wifi. Virtual Tour of Mapperton House via Zoom, 11am This month’s Zoom meeting for Lyme Regis U3A will include a live, virtual tour of Mapperton House, near Beaminster, the home of the Earl and Countess of Sandwich. Visit www.lymeregisu3a.org for details of membership and how to access this tour.
Saturday, March 12
Live Music: Claire Martin OBE Marine Theatre, 7pm The Marine is delighted to welcome vocalist Claire Martin OBE, and pianist extraordinaire David Newton – two of the most acclaimed jazz artists on the UK music scene. Doors open at 7pm for 8pm start, tickets from £25 available from marinetheatre.com Live Music Night The Nag’s Head, 9pm Weekly live music at The Nag’s Head, free entry.
Sunday, March 13
Young Performer & Band Mentoring Session, Marine Theatre, 12noon B Sharp are offering free mentoring sessions with professional musicians to help you develop your sound. Suitable for young people aged 16 – 25, either solo performers or bands. To book a session email info@bsharp.org.uk Talk: ‘Lyme in the 1920s’ Woodmead Halls, 2.30pm Lyme Regis resident Ken Gollop repeats his talk on 1920s Lyme Regis with more than 50 photos to share, celebrating the 100th anniversary of Lyme Regis Museum. Entry costs £3. Young Creatives Sunday Sessions, Marine Theatre, 3pm An open mic session for 16-25 year olds, supported by a professional music leader. Sessions are relaxed and friendly and suitable for first time performers and those that have performed before. To book a performance slot email info@bsharp.org.uk Jazz in the Bar Marine Theatre, 7pm Sam Massey plays the music of trumpeter Lee Morgan, one of the pioneers of ‘hard bop’, such as ‘The Sidewinder’. Doors open 7pm for 8pm start, tickets from £10 available at marinetheatre.com
Monday, March 14
Soup & Ploughman’s Lunch Alexandra Hotel, 12noon The Rotary Club of Lyme Regis host their annual soup and ploughman’s lunch at The Alexandra Hotel, this year raising funds for WaterAid. Tickets cost £10 and must be booked in advance, available from local Rotarians or call 01297
561696.
Tuesday, March 15
Talk: ‘World Heritage: What went wrong for Lyme Regis?’ Woodmead Halls, 2.30pm The Lyme Regis Society present this talk by geologist by Richard Edmunds on how World Heritage Status for the Jurassic Coast failed to deliver what is needed in Lyme Regis and Charmouth. Entry is free for members or £3 for visitors. Jurassic Trust Dinner The Oyster & Fish House, 7pm The Oyster & Fish House in Lyme Regis hosts a special dinner to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Jurassic Coast being made a World Heritage Site, with guest speaker, Olympic sailor Sarah Ayton OBE. Tickets cost £60 and are available at h t t p s : / / t h e o y s t e r a n d fi s h house.co.uk/
Wednesday, March 16
LRTC Environment Guildhall, 7pm Members of the public are welcome to attend town council meetings and speak for up to three minutes in the public forum. For agendas visit the website lymeregistowncouncil.gov.uk
Thursday, March 17
The Old School House Cafe The Hub, 9am - 1pm Community café open at The Hub in Church Street every Thursday and Friday morning, affordable food and drink, free wifi. Lyme Regis Community Bingo Woodmead Halls, 8pm Bingo night every Thursday, raising funds for local organisations which are members of Lyme Regis Community Bingo Association. Doors open 7.30pm, eyes down 8pm.
Friday, March 18
The Old School House Cafe The Hub, 9am - 1pm Community café open at The Hub in Church Street every Thursday and Friday morning, affordable food and drink, free wifi. Matt Chrorley: ‘Who is in Charge Here?’, Marine Theatre, 7pm the award-winning Times columnist and Times Radio presenter is back with an hilarious new show exploring who really calls the shots. Is the Prime Minister actually in charge, or at the mercy of the opposition, backbenchers, lobbyists, the media, spin doctors, his wife, or the Queen? Doors open 7pm for 8pm start, tickets from £22.50 available from marinetheatre.com
Christine Allison working on one of her tree paintings
Local artist to celebrate trees with new exhibition at museum WELL-KNOWN local artist Christine Allison will pay tribute to the planet’s most important and often undervalued resource – trees – in an exhibition at Lyme Regis Museum. The exhibition ‘Every Breath We Take’ will be held in the museum’s Rotunda Gallery from March 8 to April 24. Christine said: “Now more than ever we need to take notice of the trees we have around us. These wonderful growing organisms are our second pair of lungs, our ventilators and our lifesavers.” Christine started to prepare for this exhibition last year by going out with her sketchbook and drawing trees wherever she went, preparing for the large oil paintings she had in her head and her heart. “Last Christmas, with the help of the Na-
tional Trust, I planted 50 trees, one for every friend and family member on my Christmas present list,” she said. “Now I am celebrating the trees around me in my paintings and drawings. I want people to wake up and notice our trees, to pay attention and care for those we have and plant more everywhere. “This Easter I pledge to plant even more trees from the sales of paintings in this exhibition.” For more details and opening times of ‘Every Breath We Take’, visit www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk, for donations to the National Trust visit the website www.nationaltrust.org.uk/plant-a-tree, and for more information on Christine’s work, go to www.christineallison.com
Friday, March 4 2022 17
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NEWS FROM AXMINSTER | SEATON | COLYTON | BEER Axminster man found guilty of abusing three-year-old girl A 29-year-old Axminster man has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a three-year-old girl – one of the youngest witnesses to ever give evidence at a criminal trial. Robert Grimshaw, of Foxhill, Axminster, denied two counts of sexual assault at Exeter Crown Court but was unanimously found guilty after a videotape of the young girl giving evidence was played during the trial. The three-year-old told police how Grimshaw had come into her room in the middle of the night on January 9 2020, having turned up at her parents’ home unexpectedly following an argument with his girlfriend. She used body maps to show police officers what he had done to her. The girl had woken her mother up in the middle of the night to ask her to turn ‘Toy Story’ off of the television, which Grimshaw had put on as he abused her. She then revealed the abuse to her mother the next day. The toddler's pyjamas were sent for forensic examination and Grimshaw’s DNA was found on the inside. Her parents told the court that their child had been so disturbed by the incident that they had to re-arrange her bedroom before she would sleep in it again, and that she had set up ‘trip wires’ to prevent intruders from getting to her bed. She also would no longer watch the film ‘Toy Story’ and was about to start counselling. Grimshaw will be sentenced this month.
East Devon increases council tax and car parking charges amid rising cost of living A £5 council tax rise and a controversial hike in fees for prime location car parks have now been agreed by East Devon District Council (EDDC). At a full council meeting, members voted in favour of the measures which have been the subject of fierce debate in recent weeks, amid a nationwide rise in the cost of living. The 3.3 per cent rise in council tax agreed by councillors means residents in an average, band D, property would see their annual payment to EDDC rise by £5 to £156.76. The tax paid for district council services is separate from the money residents pay to Devon County Council, which provides services such as children’s and adult social care. It is the maximum rise allowed by the government without holding a referendum and follows similar increases proposed by other local authorities in Devon, in light of rising inflation and reduced revenues because of the pandemic. With increases for EDDC, parish and town councils, Devon County Council, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue and the Police and Crime Commissioner, the average band D resident will be paying just over £67 more in council tax over the 2022/23 financial year, which begins in April. New parking fees will also be in place from April. Car parking charges will rise to £2 in all 21 of the council's seaside car parks – including
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The proposals have also irked East Devon MP Simon Jupp who in a recent article wrote: “These new increases will make East Devon’s town and high streets some of the most expensive to park in coastal Devon, Dorset and Cornwall. “I am really concerned by the impact on local shops, jobs, and tourism. So are my Conservative colleagues on the council.” The hike, the council’s first for almost 12 years, also drew criticism from some members of the public. A petition by Sidmouth Chamber of Commerce calling for a smaller rise of 20 per cent has received more than 580 signatures. The change.org petition says EDDC has not expressed “any concern for the impact upon residents who shop in our town centres, or for the beleaguered traders, who have suffered a lot recently and did so much to support their customers during the pandemic". The monthly option for parking permits of £10 per month works out at £2.31 a week which the council believes “is a very competitive option to park in our car parks". Speaking at a recent EDDC cabinet meeting, Cllr Paul Millar (Labour, Democratic Alliance Group, Exmouth Halsdon) said he was originally against the rise but decided it was justified and would take parking prices in prime locations to levels seen in many other parts of Devon.
Cllr Millar said: “We’re faced with a very difficult decision but one I think we have to take. It’s a decision about whether this council wants to be an austerity council or whether it wants to be a council that invests in its services for its residents. “If Exeter, Teignbridge and Mid Devon are doing that by increasing their charges then why aren’t we?” The move would allow the council to restructure its revenue budget, putting an extra £737,000 into staffing. This includes money for its contractor Streetscene, which cleans and maintains public spaces in East Devon including parks, public gardens and council-owned toilets. The revenue boost also allows the council to put £50,000 into a ‘tree strategy,’ without eating into its climate change budget. A further £159,000 will go into funding the council’s recycling and refuse service. Additional funds will also go into hiring more staff for ‘development management,’ which is struggling to stay on top of record numbers of planning requests. Under the plans, two new members of staff will be hired at Manor Pavilion, Sidmouth. The council’s chief executive, Mark Williams, said: “There’s no logic why we should be so behind the curve in terms of the way we approach our charging policy for car parks compared to our neighbours.” He said that with the increase “the council will be on a much better footing to achieve what it wants to achieve.” Ahead of the final vote on the budget Conservative members at EDDC rallied against the measures one last time. In a surprise turn, Cllr Ian Hall (Conservatives, Axminster) stood up brandishing a car parking ticket and called on fellow members to introduce an amendment so that councillors would have to pay their own parking fees while on council duties. “I believe we need to share the pain that the high streets are feeling,” he announced. Cllr Hall was told by council chair Ian Thomas that such a measure was not within the scope of the budget meeting and was reminded that any councillor could choose to waive their right to free parking while on council duties if they wished. The budget went through with 29 votes in favour, 12 against and no abstentions. Speaking after the meeting, leader of the council Paul Arnott (Democratic Alliance Group, Coly Valley) said: “I think that the majority of councillors are very disappointed that the Conservatives sought to wreck the budget by opposing it. Fortunately, they lost very clearly.”
THE Community Waffle House in Axminster has put out an appeal after some of its media equipment worth £3,500 was stolen from its premises in Trinity House. The theft took place on Saturday, February 19 when a man came into Waffle during opening hours, went into a private office and took a backpack containing some of the media equipment belonging to Waffle House volunteer Dan, who uses it to create videos for Waffle’s YouTube channel and to host live events. A spokesperson from the Waffle House said: “This media equipment has really helped us reached many people with videos about lone-
liness and isolation that we are trying our hardest to tackle in our area.” An appeal was put out for the man to return the stolen items anonymously but this has not been successful. The Waffle House has since launched a crowdfunding appeal to help replace the equipment. This has already raised more than £1,000 and donations can still be made online at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/waffle-mediatheft The Waffle House has been unable to claim for the stolen items on insurance as it wasn't a violent/forcible entry into the building.
Local Democracy Reporter most in Seaton and Beer – and to £1.50 in six other ‘prime locations’ in a bid to bolster the council’s finances by raising an extra £1.1 million. The council says parking charges have been benchmarked with other providers around Devon and Dorset with a maximum tariff of £8 per day agreed by a cross-party group of councillors on the overview and scrutiny committee. Local residents will be able to buy permits for £10 per month. A £2 a day winter parking offer will continue between October and March each year. The changes will see charges at the Jurassic Long Stay and The Underfleet Long Stay car parks in Seaton increase to £2 an hour, and at the Orchard Short Stay car park to £1.50 an hour. In Beer, the Central Long Stay, Fore Street Short Stay and Cliff Top Long Stay will all increase to £2 an hour. It comes after East Devon District Council faced heavy criticism from Seaton residents for proposing closure of public toilets, particularly at Harbour Road, with some calling for the increase revenue from car parking to be spent on keeping the facilities open.
Concern from East Devon MP
Media equipment stolen from Waffle House
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NEWS FROM AXMINSTER | SEATON | COLYTON | BEER
Get ready for the Grizzly! THE 34th Grizzly Race will take place on Sunday, March 6, with about 2,000 runners and their families set to descend on Seaton during the weekend. The main events – the Grizzly and Cub races start from Seaton Esplanade on Sunday morning with five-time Olympian and local Devon athlete, Jo Pavey, welcoming runners and officially starting the races at 10.30am. She will also present the prizes to the top three male and top three female finishers in each race. The challenging 20-mile Grizzly race – one of the biggest multi-terrain races in Europe – sees the runners tackle Seaton’s pebble beach before heading up Castle Hill and over to Beer. There they go off road and over Beer Head before descending into Branscombe. Then things get really tough, with hills, trails, mud, a river and at least two bogs to negotiate before they head back along Branscombe beach to the notorious ‘stairway to heaven’ and, return via Beer to Seaton Esplanade where they are welcomed by thousands of spectators. More than 1,400 runners are expected to complete in the main Grizzly Race.
Another several hundred will enjoy the shorter cub race, about nine miles long, which starts with the Grizzly but turns at Branscombe mouth. But don't think this as an easy option – Cub runners still have to negotiate river crossings, miles of pebbles and the 'stairway to heaven'. Race director, Tony Smith, said: “The Grizzly is what it is because of the community and friendliness of everyone involved, from the runners to the marshals to all the community groups that make it possible. "The whole area has a real buzz when it takes place and I think that is why people come back time and time again. "We would like to thank everyone who makes it possible especially the landowners and our sponsors.” The event returns this year after being called off in 2021 due to the pandemic. Since it began in 1988, with just 27 runners, the Grizzly has been able to raise thousands of pounds for local, national and international charities and good causes with donations of more than £457,000. The whole of East Devon will come alive over the Grizzly weekend. On Sat-
urday, March 5 the weekly Seaton parkrun will have a Grizzly feel to it with many old Grizzly T-shirts on show and tourists taking part. This will be followed in the afternoon with Grizfest – a series of short races for children along the Esplanade and seafront in the town. At race HQ, The Gateway, Saturday evening features a Grizzly quiz, already sold-out, and many shops, cafes and restaurants have Grizzly-based window dressing, offers and activities available. The whole event is organised by Axe Valley Runners and supported by hundreds of volunteers and community groups who do a sterling job marshalling the course, providing refreshments and giving great support to the runners. Local landowners support the event too, by allowing the race to go across some of their land and sponsorship is very kindly provided by East Devon Sports Therapy Centre, who also provide free post race massage, and Lyme Bay Winery who have donated miniature bottles of “lugger rum” for all finishers this year.
Campaign to save village shop and post office JUST three weeks into an eight-week campaign and residents of the tiny parish of Chardstock, near Axminster, have reached the halfway point in an effort to raise a quarter of a million pounds to save their village shop. When the current owners of Chardstock Shop and Post Office announced their retirement, and that the shop and post office would close, a committee was formed to attempt a rescue mission. With 40 per cent of residents retired and often lonely or housebound, and many parents with young children virtually trapped at home during the day, the shop is the beating heart of the village. Having lost its only pub two years ago, the committee realised they needed to act swiftly in order for this vital amenity not to follow the growing trend of village shop closures around the rural community. An ambitious eight-week campaign was launched at the start of February to raise £240,000 in order to acquire the shop and run it as a community enterprise staffed entirely by volunteers. Just three weeks in and the campaign has already generated half their target. But time is running out and a huge push is now needed to get over the line. The committee is urging all residents, indeed non-residents too, to come forward with their financial support. “The campaign is unusual in that it is seeking
a combination of three forms of support in one package- donations, subscriptions for community shares and interest free loans”, said treasurer Rob Wheeler, “but time was our enemy and we needed to act fast.” Committee chairman Paul Spearing added: "We know it’s a big ask and it’s up to the parish to decide how much it wants to keep our shop. "It’s a vital amenity which, if lost, will leave many residents isolated and lonely and we’ll become yet another anonymous commuter village without a heart and soul.” A surgery is being held at the village hall on Saturday, February 26 to update residents, answer questions and encourage many more parishioners to come forward with their financial support. "We can do this if the village really, really wants to preserve the shop”, said committee member Angie Huskisson. “It’s completely up to them, but the response so far has been tremendous. We just need a big push now.”
Axminster Rotary donates £2,600 to charities THE Rotary Club of Axminster has been busy in recent month, holding collections at supermarkets and events to raise funds for both local and international charities. Recent donations from the Rotary have included £751 for Young Lives vs Cancer, £500 for the Flamingo Pool, £200 for both End Polio Now and Light Up Axminster, and £100 each for Axminster Community Shed and Axminster Care Service. A further £760 will also be donated to the Rotary Foundation, which funds large scale pro-
jects both nationally and internationally. You can find out more about these projects at www.rotary.org/en/about-rotary/rotary-foundation A spokesperson for Axminster Rotary said: "We thank everyone who stopped to chat to learn more of what we do as well as all those who generously donated to all our good causes. "We will be out again soon so please come and say hello! "If you are interested in becoming a member please get in touch, everybody is welcome."
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Tales from behind the lens of our award-winning photographer
■ THE late Liz Smith posed up for a picture hanging out her washing at the Chelsea Flower Show, moments before she asked me to help her lift a lady in a wheelchair over a muddy patch, who I then realised was Dame Thora Hird. Liz Smith was mostly known as the grandmother in the TV hit ‘The Royle Family’. I found her chatty and easy to talk to, especially about her closeness with Dame Thora, who appeared in more than 100 film and television roles during her lifetime. Liz Smith – real name Betty Gleadle – died in 2016 aged 95, and Dame Thora in 2003, aged 91 – two institutions of the British entertainment industry.
You can view all of award-winning photographer Richard Austin’s previous ‘Flashbacks’ columns at lyme-online.co.uk/blogs
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Fantastic opportunities are coming up at The Oyster & Fish House in Lyme Regis, working closely with renowned chef and restaurateur Mark Hix We like to think of our team as a family. We have a long-standing team and seasonal team members that return year after year. We are currently looking for all positions front and back of house as we enter the spring/summer season. This is an amazing opportunity to work with an experienced and friendly team, with plenty to learn along the way. If you have good initiative, strong people skills, and are ready to work in a busy-fast paced restaurant serving the best of local seasonal produce, get in touch. Full and part-time positions are available. Serving locally caught fish and seafood, seasonal cocktails and Dorset oysters, the menu changes daily depending on the fishermen’s catch. With our new outdoor deck you can expect to serve around 200 covers a day in the summer season. It’s busy, it’s fun, and there is plenty of room for developing your role within the business if you are looking for a career in hospitality. If you have a passion for food, drink and hospitality and looking for your next role, then The Oyster & Fish House could be for you. Front of House positions
manager@theoysterandfishhouse.co.uk Restaurant Manager Supervisor
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Waiting staff | Runner | Bartender
Kitchen positions
chef@theoysterandfishhouse.co.uk
KEYBOARD, Yamaha PSR 150, with stand, £10 - 01297 792957.
ITEMS FOR SALE
WINE RACK, holds 48 bottles, £5 - 01297 792957.
MANGAR BATH CUSHION, raises and lowers electronically, as new, cost £500, selling for £75 - 01297 442772.
BED/SETEE, IKEA 3/bed setee, two seater, blue check, £40 - 07590 928 821. SHEEPSKIN FLYING JACKET, brown, WWII replica, rare RFC badge, size XL, £150 or very nearest offer - 07870 603 345. FLAT SACK TRUCK, £10 - 07870 603 345. ROWING MACHINE, Johnson W7000, old, mechanically sound but electronic display broken, 2.7m long but can be separated into two parts for transport, £10 (proceeds to charity) – 01297 442904. TRACTOR TRAILER, solid iron, body measures 6’ long x 3’6” wide, nice condition and has leaf springs plus spare wheel, £59 or very nearest offer - 01297 678602. STAIR GATE, Lindam, £10 - 01297 443930. DUVETS, 2 x 13.5 tog, £10 - 01297 443930. WOMEN’S JEANS, Marks & Spencer, size 8, new/unworn, £10 - 01297 443930. TENNIS RACQUET, Dunlop, £10 - 01297 443930. BREAD CROCKS, vintage enamel, one cream, one white, £10 each - 01297 443930.
Sous Chef
WALL TILES, 160+ various shapes and sizes, £10 - 01297 443729.
Kitchen Porters
WHEELCHAIR, with pressure cushion, £30 01297 442772.
Chef de Partie | Commis Chef
Apply online: theoysterandfishhouse.co.uk/careers @theoysterandfishhouse The Oyster & Fish House, Cobb Road, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3JP T: 01297 446910 E: reservations@theoysterandfishhouse.co.uk
CAT WILLOW CARRIER BASKET, large, hardly used, £20 - 07870 603 345. MASSAGING FOOT SLIPPER, M&S massaging Cosy big slipper with remote control and soft fleece lining, still in box, unwanted gift, bargain at £15 - 01297 442198. THE BOOK OF LYME REGIS, by Rodney Legg, Halsgrove, 2003 first edition, as new condition, a very scarce book, £34. - 01297 442627. THE BOOK OF SEATON, by Ted Gosling, Halsgrove, 2002 first edition, as new condition, £34 - 01297 442627. THE BOOK OF AXMINSTER WITH KILMINGTON, by Ted Gosling, Halsgrove, 2003 first edition, near new condition, very scarce book, £34 - 01297 442627. INTERNAL DOORS, some panelled pine, some flush, all fully furnished with locks and hinges, offers welcome - 01297 442773. SHEEPSKIN COAT, grey, size 10, worn twice, £85 - 01297 560742. LEATHER JACKET, gentleman’s soft leather jacket, brown, nearly new, 42”-44”, £85 01297 560742.
Submit your Items for Sale listings - free for any item up to £200 by emailing edit@lyme-online.co.uk or post them to LymeOnline, Unit 5 Uplyme Business Centre, Uplyme Road, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3LS
Vacancies For Front of House and Kitchen Full and Part Time This is your opportunity to join a friendly and supportive team at the highly acclaimed Tom’s Lyme Regis. We opened in December 2020 and we have recently received our first AA Rosette. We are looking to expand our team both full time and for the summer season. As an employer we pride ourselves on supporting, training and are committed to development for the right person. We are a part of the apprenticeship placements scheme at Exeter catering college.
As a member of the team you will receive:
• Training and individual development • Meals on duty • Staff uniform • 28 days holiday a year, plus 5 days during our Christmas shutdown • The opportunity to work with family friendly rotas where appropriate
Please send your CV to jobs@tomslymeregis.com or drop by in person
Friday, March 4 2022 23
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LymeOnline Sport
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football
Reserves recover from poor cup result to take all three points at University YOU always know when going to play a university team that you are going to be up against a young, athletic side who want to play a more possession based game. And that’s exactly what Lyme Regis Reserves faced against University of Exeter 5th X1 yesterday. So manager Matt Preece made a decision to call on the club’s own youth, bringing Zak Harrison and Matt Bradley into the starting line-up. He also made a change of goalkeeper. Rob Harp has been fantastic at times this season, but it was felt that Will Meech, now fit to play in goal again after a hand injury in pre-season, deserved a chance between the sticks. The game started at a fast pace, end-to-end but with neither team creating any clear-cut chances. What was evident from the first whistle was that Lyme were really determined to compete all over the pitch, to try and put right a poor performance two weeks ago when they were knocked out of the Bill Slee Cup by Tipton St John in a division below them. Playing with the wind, their most dangerous moments came from Ben Bowditch’s long throws and some great set-piece deliveries from Toby Fowler and Jake Bearpark. Going the other way, it was evident that the Uni side were going to threaten on the break with some lighting quick players and an impressive playmaker in the middle of the park, who looked dangerous every time the ball went near him. Unfortunately, Bowditch, who had been struggling in the week, needed to come off with a tight chest on the half hour mark, so on came Louis Rinaldi, back from an ankle injury that had been plaguing him for months. He immediately made an impact, putting in some great challenges, chasing down a tough opponent and creating a threat with a nutmeg
on the left back before trying to find Steve Batey at the back post with a cross. Half-time came with the scores level but the breakthrough after the break came when Bearpark, who has fought his way back into the team brilliantly since the turn of the year, and who was superb both defensively and going forward on the day, won the ball high up, played a one-two with Batey and then drove a left-footed cross into the box where Cam Fowler managed to get something on it and nudge it home for a deserved lead. Uni fought back and started to really use the conditions to their advantage with balls over the top and long-range shots, but Meech, who had be really safe all game, had to come alive and was all action, sweeping in behind the back line, catching everything that came at him and using his personality and experience to make sure the clock ran down. Manger Preece commented after the game: “The team reacted brilliantly to our last performance and the energy and competitiveness we showed all over the pitch was excellent, Bearpark was fantastic all game, but in the last 20 minutes the three points was definitely won by the great performance by Meech in goal, so he gets my vote for manor-the-match on the day.” Squad: Will Meech; Robbie Fowler, Zak Harrison, Wallace Blackmore, Toby Fowler; Jake Bearpark, Jon Davies, Cam Fowler, Ben Bowditch; Matt Bradley, Steve Batey. Subs Louis Rinaldi, Shaun Vallely, Fred Thomson. This victory sees Lyme Reserves in fifth place in the Devon and Exeter League Division Three and tomorrrow (Saturday) they should be able to maintain their progress into the top four with a home game against bottom side Exeter United.
cribbage
New Inn top the table NEW Inn, Kilmington is leading the Lyme Regis Winter Cribbage League with a twopoint advantage over the Volunteer, Lyme Regis, with 17 games played with the season drawing to a close. In the Beer Leg teams - Colyton Club, and the Gerrard Arms are vying for the top spot, both on 28 points, Colyton Club having a game in hand. Results (Monday, February 21) : Colyton Club 3, Dolphin Beer 2 (Beer Leg 3-0); Volunteer Lyme 3, Castle Inn Axminster 2 (B/L 2-1); Gerrard Arms Colyton 2, Axminster Con Club 3 (B/L 3-0); New Inn Kilmington 4, The Hind Musbury 1 (B/L 1-2); Volly Rejects 4, Lamb Swans 0. Fixtures for Monday, March 7: Volunteer Lyme v Colyton Club, Castle Inn Axminster v Axminster Con Cub, The Hind Musbury v Gerrard Arms Colyton, Dolphin Beer v Volley Rejects.
LEAGUE P W L New Inn Kil 17 12 5 Volunteer Lyme 17 12 5 Lamb Swans 17 9 8 Castle Inn, Ax 16 8 8 Ax Con Club 17 8 9 G/Arms Col 17 5 12 Volly Rejects 16 8 8 Hind Musbury 17 7 9 Dolphin Beer 16 6 10 Colyton Club G/Arms, Col Hind Musbury Castle Inn Ax Volly Rejects Volunteer Lyme Lamb Swans Ax Con Club New Inn, Kil Dolphin Beer
BEER LEG 16 10 6 17 10 7 17 10 7 16 9 7 16 6 10 17 8 9 17 8 9 17 7 10 17 7 10 16 8 8
F 50 48 47 44 42 40 37 36 36 28 28 26 26 26 25 24 24 22 20
A 35 37 38 36 43 45 43 49 44 20 23 25 22 22 26 27 27 29 28
Pts 50 48 47 44 42 40 37 36 36 28 26 26 26 26 25 24 24 22 20
Disappointing day for The Swallows UPLYME had a very disappointing Saturday, with both the first team and Reserves losing. A young Reserves team went down 4 – 0 to a much more experienced Combe A, while the 1sts suffered a very disappointing 2 – 0 loss to Falcons in Division Six of the Devon and Exeter League. The firsts went into half-time at 0 – 0, but failed to put any real quality together in the second half, succumbing to two simple goals. The management team were not impressed, saying: “We had a number of regulars missing, but should have had enough quality in our starting 11 to play much better. “We were second to everything, failed to put together any great football and, instead, got involved in constant arguments and squabbles which affected the whole team. We need a response against a good team, next week, if want to look at promotion.” Uplyme 1sts retain their third position
HEADS-UP: action from Uplyme Reserves’4-0 defeat against the experienced Combe A in Division Six and this coming Saturday are at home to Buckleigh who are four places below them in the table.
Charmouth need just one point to win promotion AFTER losing the first game in the double header against Perry Street Division Two topof-the-table opponents, Charmouth were out to prove a point on Saturday. The game may not have been the goal-fest of the previous week when the Robins lost 5-3, but some great football was played. Charmouth started the match shooting down the hill and put the pressure on from the off. The first half was a cagey affair with both teams creating chances, but the spongey pitch did not help the quality of football. It was a good first half but neither team could break the 0-0 deadlock. The second half saw Charmouth have to work up the slope but while soaking up the pressure from Drimpton they still were creating chances of their own. The breakthrough eventually came in the 60th minute when the Charmouth keeper
skittles
AFTER four games five teams are vying for top spot in the Lyme Regis and District Skittles League - Anthill Mob, Flyers, Hopes Wrecked, Marksmen and Roadrunners Results from week-ending February 26: Hot Gossips 306, Alleytwits 343; Skittso’s 315, Flyers 334; Marksmen 352, Roadrunners 379; Anthill Mob v Pin Pals (game given); Wootton Wobblers 268, Clueless 315; Rousdon Rebels 362, Hopes Wrecked 370,President’s Men 353, British Legion 331. High Scores, Neil Hampton-Rumbold 76, Peter Grinter 74,Terry Tozer 71, Alf Rattenbury 70.
rushed out to collect the ball but was caught in no-man’s land. It wouldn't have normally been an issue but the ball fell to Drimpton out wide and an excellent curling lob found the back of the net to put Drimpton 1-0 up. With Charmouth attacking up the hill, they pressed hard and found the equaliser when Mark Vaughan made a great run forward from defence and found himself on the edge of the box from where calmly curled the ball in the top right corner on 70 minutes. The remainder of the game saw Drimpton press but the Robins put in a great effort to see out the game. Man of the match went to Sam Dibling who had a great game in the middle of the park. This leaves Charmouth needing a single point to confirm promotion. No fixture this weekend but an away trip to Chard United Res awaits them on the March 12 in the cup.
P Anthill Mob 4 Flyers 4 Hopes Wrecked 4 Marksmen 4 Roadrunners 4 Alleytwits 4 British Legion 4 President’s Men 4 Rousdon Rebels 4 Clueless 4 Hot Gossips 4 Pin Pals 4 Skittso’s 4 Wootton Wobblers4
W 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1
D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
L 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3
Pts 6 6 6 6 6 4 4 4 4 2 2 2 2 2
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LymeOnline Sport
Lyme Reserves v Exeter United kick-off 3pm
football
weekend football
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March 4 2022
Seasiders move into fifth place in Premier division LYME Regis first team moved into the top five of the Devon and Exeter League Premier division with a sold 32 victory over Okehampton Argyle 2nds yesterday.
Conditions underfoot were not ideal for fastflowing football, but the visitors had no antidote to the Seasiders inter-passing play, especially in the first half when they failed to convert numerous chances. Lyme went straight on the attack right from the kick-off and could have opened their account within the first minute when the Oke defence managed to clear a goalmouth scramble. It was all Lyme in the opening exchanges, although keeper Chris Higgs was called on to make a diving save in a rare attack on the home goal. The inevitable opener came in the 20th minute from a superb inter-passing movement down the right which started with a Higgs clearance and ended in a clinical finish from ace striker Joe Bond netting his 230th goal for the Seasiders. With the Davey Fort pitch deteriorating into no more than a mud patch in places, Lyme were still able to put together flowing movements which created scoring opportunities. In particular Mark Bailey’s sorties down the left put the Okehampton defence under continual pressure. Another good passing movement ended in Bailey skying the ball high over the goal and Fred Parsons side-footed the ball wide with the goal at his mercy after Bailey and Bond combined well to provide the chance. In a rare attack from Okehampton the ball was cleared from the Lyme goal line but rebounded off a defender and cannoned into the net, giving Higgs no chance, to make it 1-1, much against the run of play. After a long-range shot from Bailey was parried by the keeper and cleared, the Lyme players returned to the dressing room wondering why they weren’t at least four goals to the good. The Seasiders continued to dominate in the second half although an early chance went to Okehampton with a shot that forced a diving save from Higgs. The breakthrough came in the 50th minute when a glorious corner from Rob Fellingham was met by Ben Turner who out jumped the Oke defence to head home and make it 2-1. Harvey Brimicombe came close from a Cal-
FEATURED GAME By PHILIP EVANS lum Garrett cross, but at the other end Alex Rowe brought down an Okehampton attacker in the box enabling them to equalise from the penalty spot in the 67th minute. Lyme pulled out all the stops to secure the winner in a game they deserved to win and it came in the 82nd minute. A long throw-in from substitute Jack Lamb-Wilson was headed across the goal by Josh Daines for Bond to nod home. Minutes later it could have been 4-2 when the bar came to the rescue with scorching successive shots from Turner and Parsons ricocheting off the woodwork. Credit must go to Okehampton who although outplayed for much of the time never gave up and made the most of their rare breakaways. It’s been a strange season for all clubs with COVID interruptions causing postponements and sides fielding below-par teams, but Lyme seem to be settling into a well organised outfit who are always dangerous in dead-ball situations with Fellingham’s corners and free-kicks always a threat. Rikki Sargent’s speed is being used to good use in the central back position and Alex Rowe, normally the Reserve team’s captain, looks more than capable of keeping the rightback spot. Squad: Chris Higgs; Alex Rowe, Rikki Sargent, Kingsley Wellman, Rob Fellingham; Mark Bailey, Callum Garrett, Ben Turner, Fred Parsons; Harvey Brimicombe, Joe Bond: Subs: Josh Daines, Jack Lamb-Wilson, Gary Knight.
AT THE DAVEY FORT THIS SATURDAY
Lyme to push for 4th spot SATURDAY’S hard-fought 3-2 victory over Okehampton Argyle left the Lyme Regis first team ideally placed to push for a top four place in the Devon and Exeter Premier division. Last season Lyme finished top of the Premier East Division which was reduced to just five teams due to COVID-19, but then lost to Lapford in the play-off for the Premier proper title. The first half of the season was badly affected by the epidemic with a number of fixtures having to be called off and the Seasiders also suffering with a number of injuries to key players. This season East and West sides have been amalgamated into one division making it far more competitive. As Lyme has found out to their detriment, there are no poor sides in the Premier division this season. It is only in recent games that manager Julien Simier has been able to field a settled side coupled with a return to form of some of his key players. Three teams have dominated this season’s Premier - leaders Lapford, Thorverton in second place and Beer Albion in third. Kentisbeare are in fourth spot but they have a nine-point lead over Lyme but having played one more game. The two sides are due to meet at the Davey For ton March 19 when three points are a must for the Seasiders. The first team have no game this weekend but then travel to Lapford on March 12 in the East Devon Senior Cup. Lyme Regis Reserves are at home Exeter United tomorrow but with rain all week there’s every possibility the game will be postponed.
SKITTLES - Page 23 CRIBBAGE - PAGE 3
More emphasis on youth structure
MEMBERS of Lyme Regis Football Club’s youth section are acting as ball boys at all home games at the Davey Fort. Two of them - Will West and Marley Rawlins - are pictured above at a recent game with first team manager Julien Simier. The Seasiders management team are fo-
Friday, March 4 2022 22
cussing more of the development of the youth section with Simier refereeing a lot of their games and the main club committee trying to give more support to the youth section which runs teams for under 8s, under 10s, under 12s and under 14s.
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