LymeOnline Digital Edition - February 4 2022

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Lyme Regis lifeboat sent away for refit VOLUNTEERS who operate the RNLI lifeboat in Lyme Regis took delivery of a new lifeboat on Monday.

But it will only be on duty from the town’s lifeboat station for a few weeks while their permanent vessel, Spirit of Loch Fyne, undergoes a routine refit. The temporary replacement means the crew’s 24/7 rescue service will not be interrupted.

REPORT, PAGE 8

Traders asked to get behind ‘Fiver Fest’

FIVER Fest is returning to Lyme Regis next month and local traders are being asked to sign up. The event sees shops and businesses offer customers special £5 deals in an effort to boost the local high street.

REPORT, PAGE 2

Woodroffe students plant fruit orchard STAFF and students from a gardening club at The Woodroffe School in Lyme Regis have planted a fruit orchard on the school grounds, as part of a series of activities funded

by Uplyme & Lyme Regis Horticultural Society. See page 3 for full story.

Abuse will not be tolerated

PUBLIC BACKING FOR COUNCIL STAFF AFTER ‘ABUSE FROM DOG OWNERS’ LYME Regis residents have offered their support to town council workers, who said they have been subjected to abuse and aggressive behaviour from some dog owners.

Lyme Regis Town Council reported last month that its enforcement officers had been subjected to verbal abuse, shouted and sworn at, called obscene names, accused of targeting lone females, and derided on social media.

FRANCESCA EVANS

francesca@lyme-online.co.uk It comes after the introduction of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in January 2021, which means dogs must remain on leads on the main sand and Cobb Gate shingle beach in Lyme Regis in the winter months.

Since Lyme Regis Town Council reported the abusive behaviour, saying it “would not be tolerated”, Charmouth Parish Council has come

forward to say its staff have also received abuse when trying to enforce the village’s own PSPO. In Charmouth, dogs are allowed to be off leads on both beaches during the winter, but they should still be on leads all year round when in the car parks and surrounding footpaths for safety and hygiene purposes.

Parish clerk Lisa Tuck said: “Unfortunately, people are not following these rules and this is causing parish council staff to suffer abuse when

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

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

Unit 5 Uplyme Business Park, Uplyme Road, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3LS www.lyme-online.co.uk edit@lyme-online.co.uk Facebook: facebook.com/LymeOnlineUK Twitter: twitter.com/LymeOnlineUK Instagram: instagram.com/lymeonline Editor: Francesca Evans francesca@lyme-online.co.uk 07810 221 420 Managing Director: Philip Evans MBE philip@lyme-online.co.uk Contributors Richard Austin edit@lyme-online.co.uk Production: Jackie Evans jackie@lyme-online.co.uk

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Fiver Fest returning to our high street THE Totally Locally Fiver Fest will be returning to Lyme Regis next month and local traders are being asked to back the campaign.

Now held twice a year in towns up and down the country, Fiver Fest offers businesses the opportunity to use their collective power to encourage shoppers and customers back to the local high street.

Shops and businesses are asked to offer customers a special £5 deal as a thank you for supporting them during the challenging times of the coronavirus pandemic, and to prove once again that the small guys can compete with the online giants and supermarkets.

In fact, they beat them hands down in many ways, but most of all with their contribution to our local economies.

For every £10 spent in a local shop, almost £50 goes into the local economy, according to new research by The New Economics Foundation. This is because most shop keepers have many other local suppliers and the money circulates round and round.

Led by town councillor Belinda Bawden, the campaign in Lyme Regis promote all the independent businesses in the town that wish to participate by offering a £5 for the twoweek period of March 12 to 26.

Last year, bargains ranged from sustainablyproduced, locally printed T-shirts from Boylos; to Hammam beach towels in Ryder and Hope; Christmas surprise gift bags from Persuasion; Town Mill tours with experts; the signature salt beef sandwich at the Goof Food Café and Deli; coffee and cake at Amid Giant and Idols; and cream teas at the Galley Café and the Pilot Boat.

Those interested in taking part next month should contact Belinda by emailing belindabawden@gmail.com

Fiver fest organiser Belinda Bawden pictured during last year’s campaign with local businessman Leo Markham, who owns sweet shop Lyme Rocks, and below with Petrina Muscroft of the Town Mill

DEATH NOTICE

Cox, Felicity Anne

Passed away peacefully at Joseph Weld Hospice on 29th January 2022 aged 79 years.!Beloved wife of David and much loved mum to Alison and Paul and Granny to Max, Oscar, Jasper and Emmanuel.

Felicity will be greatly missed by all her family and friends.

Funeral service will take place at East Devon Crematorium on Wednesday 16th!February 2022 at 2:30pm. Family flowers only please but donations if desired to Weldmar Hospicecare by retiring collection or c/o AJ Wakely & Sons, 7a Silver Street, Lyme Regis, DT7 3HR.

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Charmouth council joins Lyme in reporting Woodroffe School pupils plant orchard abusive behaviour from some dog owners with help from local horticultural society CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE they try to enforce them as well as a big increase in dog fouling.

“Parish council staff are able to enforce the rules by the issue of a fixed penalty notice and, although this is the last resort, and none have yet to be issued in Charmouth, we will have no choice for this to be the next course of action with repeat offenders.”

Dorset Council introduced the PSPOs in both Lyme Regis and Charmouth, but town and parish council officers enforce them on a day-today basis.

Many dog owners have made it clear they disagree with the on-lead rule in Lyme Regis, with some continuously campaigning to see it reversed.

However, both dog owners and those without pets have spoken out against the abusive behaviour and defended the enforcement officers for simply doing their job.

One dog owner commented: “This is disgusting behaviour from dog owners. It’s as bad as not picking up after their dogs. As a dog owner I fully support dogs on leads and clean up after them!”

Another resident commented: “Its disgusting how much abuse some of the officials have been given for doing their job and enforcing the rules.

I completely agree with the rules; dogs should be kept on a lead on the beach. It’s a place for children to play and be safe!”

Others suggested that the signs outlining rules regarding dogs on the beach should be bigger and made more noticeable, which could help to prevent some “misunderstanding and bad feeling”.

However, on one local dog-related Facebook page, members questioned a “lack of evidence” of the reported abusive behaviour.

A statement from Lyme Regis Town Council said: “The council has a zero tolerance policy to this kind of behaviour towards its staff and will not hesitate in reporting incidents to the police.

“Since the introduction of the new dog-related PSPO in January 2021, our officers have found it increasingly difficult to do their job in advising

dog owners of the rules.

“Although dogs continue to be allowed on front beach between October 1 and April 30, the PSPO introduced a new rule that they must be kept on a lead.

“While some dog owners are genuinely unaware of the changes and are happy to put their dogs on a lead when asked by our enforcement officers, there are others who are less willing.

“Our officers have been subjected to verbal abuse, shouted and sworn at, called obscene names, accused of targeting lone females, and derided on social media – just for doing their job.

“The enforcement officers deserve to be treated courteously and with respect for the work they are doing to make Lyme Regis a safe and pleasant place.

“The officers come to work to do their job to the best of their ability and one of their roles is to effectively enforce the PSPO – they are not paid to tolerate abuse and aggressive behaviour from people who disagree with the rules.

“The most unfortunate part of this is that these people are local dog owners who are well aware of the rules but choose to ignore them to prove a point.

“Up until now our enforcement officers have taken a ‘softly softly’ approach and rather than issuing fines, they have tried to educate dog owners on the new rules.

“To be very clear, allowing a dog to be off a lead on front beach between October 1 and April 30 is a criminal offence and failing to provide an enforcement officer with a name and address when asked is a further criminal offence.

“Our position has the full backing of Dorset Council, which introduced the new PSPO, and our enforcement officers are authorised under the order to issue fines.”

The town council also recently agreed it would respond to anyone complaining about the rules regarding dogs on beaches with the same standard reply, outlining its firm position in favour of the current PSPO, as writing individual responses was taking up too much officer time.

THE Woodroffe School Gardening Club this week planted a dozen fruit trees as part of a series of activities funded by the Uplyme & Lyme Regis Horticultural Society that will improve the school’s outside area.

The planting was carried out by mainly Year 7 and 8 students, supported by sixth formers who are working on the garden as part of their Duke of Edinburgh Award.

They were also helped by school groundsman Jim Johnson-Hills, who liaised with the horticultural society, organises and leads the Gardening Club each week, and worked tirelessly to prepare the site.

The heritage fruit trees will help the Gardening Club in its ambition to grow more food crops, supplementing vegetables and herbs that are being grown in a formerly waste area in the school grounds.

The school’s Gardening Club was set up at the end of 2019 not long before COVID-19 hit.

The aim was to clear a derelict area at the top of the school grounds which had not been touched for around 18 years and create a forest garden.

This uses trees, shrubs and perennials to mimic the structure of a natural forest and is designed to be biologically sustainable, productive and low maintenance.

Justin Loveland, head of humanities, who spearheads the Gardening Club, said: “We always wanted a really practical project for students to work on. They’re creating a usable space that we hope our well-being team will be able to use in due course.”

Not surprisingly, COVID has disrupted the

club’s plans, but students have now been able to clear a sizeable area of bramble and dense undergrowth and install terracing.

Last year pupils started growing crops – pumpkins and squashes, beans, herbs, strawberries and raspberries.

Late in 2021, the club approached the Uplyme & Lyme Regis Horticultural Society to see if they could help in any way with funding.

The society decided to donate £500 to the Gardening Club, recognising the importance of engaging young people with horticulture early in life.

The society’s donation has made a big difference to the club.

Mr Loveland said: “It’s made the whole project feel more real. We’ve been able to buy tools and gardening kit that mean we can get the students involved in a more hands-on way.

“This has proved valuable in developing these students’ self-esteem and communication skills.”

To date, the funding has been used on a mix of gardening ‘hardware’ and plants. Forks, spades and trowels, wellies, safety gloves and watering cans mean the students can all get active and join in.

A 4.5m polytunnel purchased with the funds will give more growing area and get plants off to a good start.

The fruit trees recently planted, together with spring bulbs such as alliums and scilla, seeds, and dahlias for late summer colour will all help turn the reclaimed area into a productive and beautiful garden.

If you have a story for LymeOnline, contact editor Francesca Evans on 07810 221 420 or email francesca@lyme-online.co.uk

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A round-up of news from the LymeOnline website visit www.lyme-online.co.uk for full stories

Historic ‘Wonka’ steam drifter now offering excursions at sea

THE 1930s steam drifter Lydia Eva attracted much attention when it was moored in Lyme Regis in October 2021 for the filming of the new ‘Wonka’ movie.

The historic boat was moored off the Cobb and covered in fake snow for filming of scenes starring Timothée Chalamet.

Now those who admired the boat can book a ‘Steam Drifter Experience’ with trips running from Great Yarmouth, in Norfolk, throughout the spring and summer.

Built in 1930 and based in Great Yarmouth, Lydia Eva is now the last coal-fired steam drifter in the world.

Two captured climbing up active landslide

Art society says farewell to long-serving president

TWO people were captured climbing metres up an active landslide between Lyme Regis and Charmouth this week, ignoring signage warning of the dangers.

The photo was taken by LymeOnline Mark Blow, who was keen to deter others from taking similar risks.

Regular landslips have been seen in the area between Lyme Regis and Charmouth in recent months, but as a popular site for fossil hunting people are often seen climbing the crumbling cliffs, despite repeated warnings against this from the coastguard.

LYME Regis Art Society’s Tuesday demonstration marked the end of an era for honorary president Terry Whitworth.

After a 40-year career as an artist, Terry has decided to retire. He became president of the society in 1990 and has always taken an active interest in its activities through demonstrations and workshops, as well as judging the society’s annual exhibition at the Town Mill.

To mark his retirement as president, Terry treated members to a talk about his life and career as an artist.

‘Radical alternative’ to creating Local Plan

MP welcomes clamp down on tax loopholes for holiday lets

THE leader of Dorset Council says he is seeking to reform the way Local Plans are made, to focus more on sustainable development rather than chasing government housing targets.

Cllr Spencer Flower has been in discussion with Michael Gove MP, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, to offer a “constructive, bold and ambitious alternative for the way we develop our new Local Plan – one that is right for Dorset”.

He said: “Local Plans are a key component of the planning system. They shape how land use and places will change and develop in the future.

WEST Dorset MP Chris Loder recently met with Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, to lobby him for a clamp down on absentee landlords who exploit tax loopholes for holiday lets.

The government responded by announcing last month a crack down on those who avoid paying their fair share of taxes to support local services.

Complaints about Dorset Council on the rise COMPLAINTS about Dorset Council services have continued to increase, by more than 70 per cent a year, but the authority says it is also reporting a rise in compliments, up by over 110 per cent.

Councillors have been told that it was originally thought the rise in complaints might have been sparked by COVID-19 with more residents finding they had extra time on their hands, while at the same time feeling aggrieved by lockdown and other restrictions.

Senior assurance officer Antony Bygrave said that, with complaints continuing at the same high level over more than two years, this initial

Town councillors consider more seagull deterrents TOWN councillors have once again considered measures to deter seagulls, which have become an increasing nuisance in Lyme Regis in recent years.

Having trialled using birds of prey to scare the gulls in 2019, councillors were asked to consider this option again, as well as using bird repellent gels and bird spikes, high-pitched audio bird scarers, and a ‘dummy fishing boat’ offshore to draw the gulls away from the beach.

Concerns were raised about the cost and effectiveness of all options, so councillors asked instead for more seagull-proof bins on the seafront.

“In my dialogue with Michael Gove, I have been arguing that the current national planning framework is not providing councils with the means to promote sustainable development through their Local Plans but is instead about chasing housing targets.

“I am seeking reform of this framework and proposing that Dorset could be a pilot for a new way of creating Local Plans, based on sustainability and local needs over the next 30 years, that also recognises the ambitions of our Climate and Ecological Emergency Strategy.”

Fortuneswell Cancer Trust funds new equipment for Dorset nurses

theory may not be correct.

He told councillors that, at times, staff had struggled to keep up with the volume of complaints, which often centred on visible activities, such as planning and problems with neighbours, rather than the work of social services which tended to be mostly invisible to the general public.

There were a handful of residents considered to be persistent complainers.

However, compliments to the council also rose to 633 during the same period – up by 112 per cent.

THREE new high-quality stethoscopes, funded by donations to the Fortuneswell Cancer Trust, have been presented to the cancer nurses at Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester.

The nurses have recently successfully completed a course in physical examination skills.

They are Becky Membury (chemotherapy unit), Tanja Vepsalainen (palliative care) and Lucy Netherway (haematology).

The presentations were made by Abigail Orchard, lead cancer nurse and nurse practitioner at Dorset County Hospital.

Horticultural society to host coffee morning UPLYME & Lyme Regis Horticultural Society will host a coffee morning on Saturday, February 5, from 10am to 12noon at Uplyme Village Hall.

This will be an opportunity for existing members to get together, and for anyone interested in joining the society.

Potatoes tubers to grow on for the society’s ‘Potato in a Bucket’ competition will be available at the event for £3 each.

This is always an extremely popular part of the society’s Summer Flower and Produce Fair, which will be held on Saturday, July 9 this year.

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Friday, February 4 2022 5

Carbon literacy training delivered Volunteer to help Lyme Regis to local councillors and officers residents combat climate change

LYME Regis town councillor and environmental activist Belinda Bawden delivered free carbon literacy training as part of a pilot toolkit for town and parish councillors in October and January, with the support of Caz Dennett and Julie Booker from Dorset Action.

Councillors from several local town and parish councils, alongside members of community groups, attended the all-day workshops, one held in Lyme Regis and one run online.

Participants completed their submissions for accreditation by the Carbon Literacy Project assessors by explaining one individual and one group action which will reduce their carbon impact.

A further two half day workshops were run online for Lyme Regis town council officers in January, with a few other councillors and officers attending from other areas, adding to the lively discussions and sharing of ideas and local challenges.

Examples of the feedback were as follows: “Better informed is better equipped and the day was a good opportunity to meet others with the same interest in tackling this huge climate challenge.”

“I went to the meeting slightly naïve regarding the urgency of the need to change our attitude to climate change, I came out at the end of the meeting convinced of the need to react

now and not tomorrow.”

“I agree it is very useful information and helped to motivate. I am thinking of extra ways to make a difference.”

“Interesting, relevant and informative.”

“This is a training in enabling community action on climate change – its more than just telling people about carbon.”

“Having an organisation sign up to this training gives more confidence to speak out about these issues within an organisation because the organisation has clearly demonstrated its commitment to these issues.”

Lyme’s town council has pledged to seek accreditation as a Carbon Literate Organisation.

Reaching silver level requires eight town councillors to achieve accreditation so it is hoped that all those trained will be successful.

As the training is part of the pilot for a national town and parish toolkit, Lyme could be one of the first town councils to be recognised as carbon literate.

Undergoing the training and achieving accreditation enables learners to gain the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to address the climate and ecological crisis, the need to adapt to forecast changes, to transition to net zero and to engage the community in building future resilience for the town and its people.

BY allocating £75,000 for climate and environment emergency action planning over the remaining three years of the current council term, Lyme Regis councillors agreed to pro-active engagement in the town to adapt to climate change and the need to reduce our impact on the environment.

Residents in Lyme Regis and Charmouth areas have been offered the opportunity to train as Volunteer Community Energy Champions who give energy advice to their friends, neighbours and others in their community to help them be more energy efficient and reduce their carbon emissions, save on their bills and keep warm.

The Centre for Sustainable Energy in Bridport will be running the online training with Bridport Town Council from January for six months and volunteers from Lyme Regis and Charmouth have been invited to join the scheme.

There are two places left on the training scheme, so if you would like to become a Community Energy Champion and encourage others to be more energy efficient, develop new knowledge and skills on energy efficiency, fuel poverty and the support and services available to help, as well as about retrofitting opportunities, contact Belinda Bawden on belindabawden@gmail.com.

Volunteers are also sought to train as facilitators to help run a series of community engagement events with Lyme Regis Development

Trust to build on the ‘Future Town’ research, undertaken by the Royal College of Art (RCA) in 2020.

Open events will be held in different locations and different times to gather the hopes, visions and challenges of the residents of Lyme Regis and the surrounding areas.

The residents’ views will also be sought through an online Climate Heatmapping toolkit with Commonplace and it is hoped that the RCA’s Intelligent Mobility Design Centre will create visual images of people’s ideas of what Lyme Regis should look like in a carbon-free world.

The residents’ priorities and the capacity of the community groups and councils to deliver the projects desired will form the basis of a plan to guide Lyme Regis through the transition to a zero-carbon future.

The open events will start in March and will include a day at the Fossil Festival, to be held from from Friday, April 29 to Sunday, May 1, which this year has the theme of climate change and will include local young people in creative initiatives, as well as expert talks and demonstrations.

Joining the team of facilitators offers free training online and useful experience for anyone interested in community work or environmental and climate action planning.

For more information or to get involved, email Belinda Bawden on belindabawden@gmail.com

COMING SOON THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO DORSET’S MOST POPULAR RESORT

Free seasonal magazine returning in March 2022 To advertise call Francesca Evans on 07810 221 420

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

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Looking for answers over dinner A

ccompanied by my wife Jackie, I spent a pleasant couple of hours at the golf club on Saturday evening at the annual dinner of the LymeRegis-St George’s Twinning Association, being a life-member.

Having exchanged pleasantries with those on our table the subject got around - as it often does when we attend such functions - to what the headlines were likely to be in the next LymeOnline.

Francesca was on holiday at the time and I had no idea to be truthful.

So the discussion moved to my thoughts on some of the issues that face Lyme in the coming years.

“What’s the latest on the Regent Cinema?,” they asked.

I wish I knew. The last public statement was that an unnamed local businessman who was negotiating to buy The Regent had asked for patience as discussions with the owners continued.

Whilst there are numerous rumours about the property having been sold, which we believe to be correct, there has been no further public announcement.

The big fear is, of course, that the property will be converted into flats but again we have no conformation on that.

What we did agree upon was that the Regent site was deteriorating badly and was not a good image for the main street.

Which brought us quickly to the

subject of the status of the Palmer’s Brewery plans to convert the Three Cups a bit further down the street.

Again, the last official statement from Palmer’s was that their plans had been put on hold during COVID and it was their intention to revive them once the economic climate improved.

We all agreed that the fabric of the Three Cups building was continuing to deteriorate and that the council should be putting pressure on the owners to smarten the place up.

Having two iconic buildings within 100 yards of each other in such a prime position in the main street is not good for the trading reputation of Lyme Regis.

The other and more challenging topic facing Lyme which we discussed was the town’s increasing traffic issues, a thorny subject which has been on the council agenda for 40 years or more.

We all agreed that Lyme had reached saturation point when it comes to attracting visitors and whilst traders naturally want as much business as possible during the summer months, you have to wonder whether our parking problems and traffic congestion issues put off more people coming to the town.

A couple from Seaton who are keen members of the twinning association said they never visited Lyme during the summer months because of the parking problems.

It may be that the council will have to consider a more radical solution to

the traffic issue but there doesn’t seem to be a strategic proposal in the offing.

One area which I believe is a continuing problem is the behaviour of some councillors in Lyme. I didn’t want to stray into this as one member of our table was one of the more sensible councillors, who does not court publicity and it would have been unfair to put him in such a position.

The people of Lyme have lost faith in the council which is a pity for those who work behind the scenes. The unacceptable shenanigans we have witnessed in the past couple of years masks some of the good things the council has achieved during a very difficult time.

There seems a reluctance by some councillors to recognise that all members have a view which should be respected and that they have a right to express that view without being derided and abused.

I think it was John F. Kennedy who is his best selling book, ‘Profiles in Courage’, penned when he was a young senator, wrote of his fellow politicians who championed “the old adage that no one has a monopoly on truth”. We need a council that respects the views of others. Is that too much to ask for?

In the reader survey we are currently carrying out (see page 12) about which stories our readers enjoy most, the town council performs very poorly.

Is it any wonder?

THE Regent Cinema - now becoming a second blot on the landscape alongside the Three Cups in Broad Street

And so it’s goodbye from me! advantage digital print

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IT IS with a heavy heart that I have to inform you, dear reader, that this will be my last Lyme Matters column.

I’ve written an opinion column for one paper or another for 22 years and the time has come to put away my reporter’s notebook.

I can hear the cheers from the Guildhall ringing in my ears!

Very few local papers have opinion columns any more, mainly because they are manned by young journalists who are not experienced enough or encouraged to do so.

My daughter Francesca, who edits LymeOnline, writes a very readable ‘All Over The Town’ column every week (except this week as she was on holiday!) and the fact that I don’t cover any public meetings any more because of deteriorating hearing, finding relevant subject matters to write about gets more difficult as the years pass.

This doesn’t mean that I am retiring after a long and interesting career going back 55 years.

Francesca has had sole charge of content in LymeOnline for some time now and does a brilliant job. I will continue to stand in for her when she takes a break and look after the commercial side of the business. I will continue to write the sport content and will, no doubt, write a nostalgia or comment piece occasionally should a subject matter arise.

I am a firm believer that those in public office should be held to account and LymeOnline will continue to keep a close interest in the affairs of Lyme Regis Town Council which in recent years has brought shame on the town.

So those councillors who think “Thank God, we’ve got rid of him at last” will be severely disappointed.

If you put your head above the parapet in journalism you must accept that it’s

going to be shot off. And I’ve had mine blown away many times.

I make no apology, as a locally born resident who has tried to do the best for my hometown, for rocking the boat but I think if you went back over all the columns I have written, the number of critical ones are far outweighed by those that praise the town and its inhabitants.

Columnists are never going to win a ‘Mr Popularity’ contest and should never attempt to do so. In a small town, however, you meet your readers regularly and I’ve become immune to the amount of stick I have taken over the years.

I consider it a privilege to have been able to express my view and to promote all that is best about Lyme and would like to thank all of you for your support over the past few years.

It’s been a blast!

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PROMOTED CONTENT

Lyme Regis success story B! Health & Fitness takes next step in opening 24/7 IN 2015 B! Health and Fitness opened their first gym and class studio on Uplyme Road in Lyme Regis.

These fitness facilities were well received by the local community with many members still regularly attending the gym and exercise classes some eight years later.

Following the success of the Lyme Regis club, founder and CEO Craig Bernhardt opened a second larger club in Honiton, Devon.

When asked the reason for this success, Craig said: “After 30 years of training in gyms of all sizes in all parts of the UK the one common factor was that so many had no sense of community or support.

“We were determined that our brand would build a thriving and loyal membership base, with our full time staff supporting, motivating and encouraging members to achieve their fitness goals.

“In addition, it has been amazing for us to see how many members have built their confidence, developed friendships and now motivate, support and inspire one another.”

Following on from the effects of COVID-19 on the leisure sector, the business embarked on a number of initiatives to adjust and adapt its operating model to fit the changing requirements of their members.

One of the most significant adjustments was the move to be open for members 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

The concept of making facilities 24/7 is nothing new within the fitness industry but there is a vast difference in doing it and doing it properly explains Craig.

“Member safety is central to our decision making processes as a business, and if we cannot do something that is fundamentally beneficial while at the same time safe, then we won’t venture into that space,” he said.

After obtaining planning permission from local authorities, months of thorough planning culminated in the installation of a comprehensive access control suite.

This ensures that the team is able to man-

age member attendance and access for the times when the club is unstaffed.

Following three months of observing the systems in place at Honiton, the team are now excited to be introducing the same systems to the club at Lyme Regis. Works have already commenced with a final completion date expected in two weeks time on February 14.

As Craig explained: “The investment required to professionally take a club fully 24/7 is significant, but worth every penny to know

that you have done the best you can to protect both your members and your business and that you are working within your own Operational Commitment.

“All of the same systems and installation teams who worked on the Honiton facility are being used at the Lyme Regis club, so we can be certain of achieving the same quality.”

When asked what was meant by the phrase ‘Operational Commitment’, Craig added: “We believe that in an industry which, although ‘controlled’ in some areas, still re-

Friday, February 4 2022 7

mains largely unregulated, it is important to set ourselves some basic principles on which the business can build.

“This we do via what we term our Operational Commitment.”

If you are interested in being part of the growing community of membership at B! Health & Fitness, you can start the conversation by emailing bmemberships@gmail.com, by calling 01297259059 or find further details at www.bhealthandfitness.co.uk

Find out more about what B! Health & Fitness has to offer on page 24

8 Friday, February 4 2022

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COVID-19: The latest on local coronavirus figures

After seeing significant decreases, COVID cases rise again in Dorset THE significant fall in COVID-19 cases across Dorset seen in recent weeks has now tailed off, and the latest figures show another small increase in infections.

As of January 27 there were 3,668 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Dorset Council area, an increase of 617 from the previous week, and 4,464 in the Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole (BCP) area, up 687 on the previous week.

This means the case rate per 100,000 people was 965.8 in the Dorset Council area, compared to 664.6 on January 21, and 1,124.5 in the BCP area, up from 768.0.

This compares to the current national average of 1,033 per 100,000 people.

There were 61 COVID-19 patients in the Dorset Council area as of January 28, a slight drop from 68 the previous week.

A spokesperson for Public Health Dorset said: “The significant fall in case rates that we have seen over the past few weeks has now tailed off and infection rates have started to rise again since last week’s update.

“However, case rates for Dorset Council and BCP Council remain below the national and regional averages. Case rates are highest amongst children across both council areas.

“There are currently 61 people in Dorset hospitals with COVID-19 – much lower than this time last year. We know the vaccine helps to prevent serious illness and death caused by the virus, so we continue to encourage anyone who hasn’t yet had theirs to book an appoint or find a walk-in clinic.

“Plan B measures have come to an end this

week but it is important to remember that we are still living with the virus – case rates are high locally so there is still a risk you could catch COVID-19.

“Consider the risks and follow public health advice to keep yourself and your loved ones safe and healthy. Testing, isolation, ventilation and hygiene measures are all key ways you can help stop the spread.”

In a similar picture to Dorset, COVID-19 cases in the Lyme Regis area have also started rising again, according to the latest figures.

In the seven-day period up until January 27, there were 57 recorded cases of COVID19 in the Lyme Regis, Charmouth & Marshwood Vale area, an increase of 29 on the previous week.

This means the case rate per 100,000 people was 785.8 – below the Dorset Council area figure of 965.8 and national average of 1,033.

Case numbers have also increased in most surrounding areas.

Figures for neighbouring areas as of January 27 were as follows: Uplyme, Kilmington & Colyton – 59 (increase of 21); Seaton – 51 (increase of 21); Axminster – 77 (increase of 10); Burton Bradstock & Chideock – 58 (increase of 11); Bridport South & West Bay – 23 (increase of 3); Bridport North – 38 (decrease of 16); Beaminster, Maiden Newton & Halstock – 103 (increase of 54).

You can find out more details on COVID case numbers in your local area at https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/

The

Woodmead Halls YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY HALL

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Thursday, February 17th at 6.30pm

Matters to be discussed include:

Election of new trustees, officers and committee members

Lifeboat taken away for refit, but 24/7 service will continue VOLUNTEERS who operate the RNLI lifeboat in Lyme Regis took delivery of a new lifeboat on Monday.

But it will only be on duty from the town’s lifeboat station for a few weeks while their permanent vessel, Spirit of Loch Fyne, undergoes a routine refit.

The replacement boat, named Dylan Rotchell, is brand new and was immediately trialled by the Lyme Regis crew.

Lifeboat operations manager Nick Marks said: “The crew were very happy with the replacement vessel, and while our permanent boat is away we will continue to operate our 24/7 service. It was a very smooth transfer.”

Spirit of Loch Fyne has been on duty In Lyme Regis since 2012 and its last refit was

in 2017. It is expected that the current refit, at the RNLI’s Inshore Lifeboat Centre in the Isle of Wight, will take about six weeks.

Friday, February 4 2022 9

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BREAKFAST IS BACK! at 9am to 11am - 7 days a week

Cocktail Wednesdays 2 cocktails for £12 6-9pm

Thursday 8pm

Limited tables must be booked in advance

Fizzy Fridays

P rosecco

4-8pm

Sunday Roast

from £20 a bottle

12-3pm – Tables must be booked in advance Pop in or contact us on 01297 443157 or email info@thepilotboat.co.uk 1 Bridge Street Lyme Regis DT7 3QA

10 Friday, February 4 2022

www.lyme-online.co.uk ■ A SOUP and pudding lunch hosted

by The Pilot Boat in Lyme Regis raised more than £500 for the local branch of Save the Children.

The well-attended event was the first fundraiser the branch had been able to hold in two years due to the coronavirus pandemic, with all food and proceeds being donated by The Pilot Boat to the charity. The bar and restaurant also hosted a pizza night for the Lyme Regis branch of cancer Research this week, which raised just over £1,000. Organisers of both events would like to thank the Collyns family and their staff at The Pilot Boat for their generosity and support.

Town band award winner praised for keeping morale high during the pandemic

TOWN band musical director David Tozer (centre) receives the Gordon Broom Award from Stuart Broom (right), watched by band president Owen Lovell.

Below, Mr Lovell presents principal cornet player Kathy Smith with a new cornet

LYME Regis Town Band held its annual general meeting at the Woodmead Halls this week, chaired by president Owen Lovell.

The meeting was well attended by band members and its two trustees, John Evans and Derek Hallett.

During the meeting, officers and committee members were appointed for the ensuing year, with Ellis Holt taking over as chairman.

Ellis will also continue as conductor and musical director for the training band.

Adrian Pearson continues as treasurer and Gilly Warr as secretary. Committee members included Kathy Smith, John Hallett, Catherine Poulton and Geoff Poulton – all long standing members of the band.

John Warr will continue in the role of band librarian, in charge of the band’s extensive catalogue of music.

David Tozer remains musical director for the main band and he was also the recipient of The Gordon Broom Award.

Gordon was a founder member of the band and members decide which of their number receive it, basing their decision on who they feel has contributed the most to the smooth running of the band during the previous year.

This was presented to David by Gordon’s son, Stuart Broom, on behalf of his family.

This popular choice paid tribute to David’s efforts to keep the band together throughout the recent periods of lockdown and for generally maintaining band morale during these difficult times. Mr Broom highlighted the importance of organisations such as the band, which are an important part of the fabric of society, and he pointed out that many groups struggled to keep going during lockdown and have subsequently disbanded. He congratulated David on receiving the Award and he wished the band every success as is starts to prepare for what will hopefully be a busy season entertaining holidaymakers and supporting other local organisations in their fund raising efforts.

The band has also recently purchased a new cornet for Kathy Smith, its principal cornet player, which was presented to her by Mr Lovell.

He then brought the annual general meeting to a close by wishing the band well for the coming year, hopefully with things now starting to return to normal following the coronavirus pandemic.

To this end, the committee is now hard at work planning a full programme of concerts and other events for the forthcoming year.

Recycle your stamps for air ambulance LYME Regis residents can now recycle their used stamps and old mobile phones to raised funds for the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance.

The collection point for used stamps and old mobile phones at Martin Diplock Estate Agents in Broad Street has now reopened following the easing of COVID restrictions, and Lyme Regis Library has also offered to act as a second collection point.

Ideally, stamps should be cut with a 1/2” margin, but any will be accepted.

The Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance can no longer take printer cartridges fro recycling, but the Rotary Club of Lyme Regis will accept these, as well as foreign or out of date currency, to raise funds for their international charities. You can arrange collection of these by contacting Rotarian Richard Main on ramain1@aol.com

Friday, February 4 2022 11

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Row yourself to fitness A NEW training programme has been launched in Lyme Regis and if the initial response is any indicator it could become the area’s new fitness trend.

Performance coach Gary Sutherland explains how the league system works to the Mayor, Cllr Brian Larcombe, and Marcus Dixon, chairman of Lyme Regis Gig Club. Below: the Mayor tests is fitness of one of the rowing machines

The Indoor Rowing Centre is being operated initially as a pilot programme using two of the bays in the Jubilee Pavilion on Marine Parade.

Lyme Regis Town Council has granted permission for the rowing centre to use the pavilion for free months but the man behind the initiative, performance coach Garry Sutherland, is hoping for a longer term arrangement.

Since launching a couple of weeks ago, 51 enthusiasts have already signed up and Mr Sutherland is hoping to increase this to around 200.

Lyme Regis Gig Club and Uplyme Cricket Club are already using the facility for training purposes and Mr Sutherland is hoping to attract more local sporting clubs to form a group league.

Mr Sutherland told LymeOnline: “If successful I would like to develop the programme further and engage with local young people, who are currently underrepresented in the rowing community.

“In collaboration with Lyme Regis Gig Club, I would like to provide training days for secondary school children and summer camps for 12 to 16 year olds from the local community.

“I am passionate about indoor rowing and coaching. My ambition is to transform Lyme Regis into a rowing Centre of Excellence.”

Mr Sutherland relocated to West Dorset in February 2021 and lives near Uplyme with his wife and three children.

He previously served in the military for 23 years and studied to become a physical training

PHILIP EVANS

philip@lyme-online.co.uk instructor and earned the coveted Green Beret.

He also represented the Army in athletics.

Also interest in mountaineering, at 17 he summitted Mont Blanc as part of an Army expedition. He spent ten years at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and organised two expeditions to Mount Kilimanjaro for diplomatic staff and trekked to Everest Base Camp to raise money for a terminally ill children’s charity.

Mr Sutherland is an English and British Indoor rowing champion at the 500 metre sprint and set the British championship record in 2017.

He competed in the 2020 European Championships in Prague and World Championships in Paris. As a coach he has guided athletes to 18 gold medals.

The Mayor of Lyme Regis, Cllr Brian Larcombe MBE, visited the centre this week and tried out one of the rowing machines.

Afterwards he commented: “ The facility adds something new to the town and will hopefully be regularly used by residents who want to keep their levels of fitness up, and perhaps add something extra for those who visit Lyme for a week or two's holiday.

“It's good to have the extensive experience Gary can bring to advise on safe and appropriate exertion aimed at keeping healthy with this form of exercise.

“It seems to be able to accommodate people of all ages and levels of fitness; whether never having used it before or entirely familiar with the kit, all appear to be welcomed. I wish it well.”

For more details email gorow7@gmail.com

Print or online advertising?

Pizza night raises £1,000 for Cancer Research A PIZZA night at the Pilot Boat in Lyme Regis on Tuesday evening raised more than £1,000 for the local branch of Cancer Research UK. The evening was attended by around 50 guests who enjoyed a pizza and glass of wine generously provided by the Collyns family, who run the Pilot.

Branch chairman Philip Evans MBE

Get the best of both worlds with LymeOnline

commented: “We are very grateful to the Collyns family and the staff at the Pilot Boat for supporting us yet again.

“This was the first of a number of events being planned for Cancer Research this year.”

The next event will be the Big Breakfast in March, the date to be confirmed.

Your chance to WIN £100 eating out voucher at the Pilot Boat - see page 12

For every advert booked in our 221 printed Call Francesca Evans on 07810 420 to discuss our get competitive advertising edition, you’ll a free advert on our options, online and in print popularboth community website!

C

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LymeOnline Reader Survey 2022 For your chance to win a £100 voucher to spend at The Pilot Boat in Lyme Regis, simply complete this survey, which will help us to learn more about our readers and improve the LymeOnline newspaper and website.

SECTION 1: Reader Information 1) Please select your age group: Under 18 18 to 24 25 to 34 35 to 44 45 to 54 55 to 64 65 to 74 75 or over 2) Please select your gender: Female Male Other Prefer not to answer 3) What is your main interest in the Lyme Regis area?

Full-time resident Part-time resident Live nearby Previously lived locally SECTION 2: LymeOnline Newspaper 15) How often do you read the LymeOnline newspaper?

Always Usually Sometimes Rarely Never 16) Where do you usually pick up your copy or do you get it delivered? ....................................................... .......................................................

17) How easy is it to find a copy of the LymeOnline newspaper?

SECTION 3: LymeOnline Website 24) How regularly do you visit the LymeOnline website?

Every day Most days Once or twice a week Less than once a week A few times a month Once a month Only occasionally 25) How do you usually access the LymeOnline website?

The website is saved to my bookmarks or frequently visited websites Directly - by typing in the URL (www.lyme-online.co.uk) By searching on Google or another search engine By clicking on a link on Facebook By clicking on a link on Twitter Via Instagram By clicking on a link in the LymeOnline email newsletter

Work in the local area Visitor Other (please specify): .......................................................

4) If a local resident, which town/village do you live in? .......................................................

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6) On average, how often do you use Lyme Regis shops and businesses?

Every day A few times a week About once a week A few times a month About once a month Less than once a month 7) On average, how often do Very easy Easy Neither easy nor difficult Difficult Very difficult Please elaborate if you have any further comments on this: ....................................................... .......................................................

18) When reading the newspaper what are you most interested in?

(Please tick all that apply) General News Local Events Coronavirus News Entertainment/Arts News Environmental News School News 26) How easy do you find it to use the LymeOnline website?

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General News Local Events/What's On Coronavirus News Entertainment/Arts News Eating Out News & Reviews Environmental News School News Business News Local Council Reports Local Club & Societies Breaking News, i.e. accidents

you eat or drink in Lyme Regis restaurants and pubs?

Every day A few times a week About once a week A few times a month About once a month Less than once a month 8) On average, how often do you visit Lyme Regis attractions, e.g.

Marine Theatre, Museum, etc.

Every day A few times a week About once a week A few times a month About once a month Less than once a month 9) On average, how often do you attend Lyme Regis events and festivals, e.g. Lifeboat Week, Carnival Week, Christmas Lights Switch-On, etc.

Business News Local Council Reports Local Club & Societies Local History/Nostalgia Opinion/Personal Columns Readers' Letters Sports News Other (please specify): ....................................................... .......................................................

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Yes No 30) Do you watch LymeOnline’s

Always Usually Sometimes Rarely Never 10) How interested are you in town and county council matters?

Extremely interested Very interested Somewhat interested Not so interested Not at all interested 11) Other than LymeOnline, do you read any other local media, either online or in print?

Bridport & Lyme Regis News Midweek Herald Western Morning News Western Gazette Dorset Echo Dorset/Devon/Somerset Live websites 20) In terms of writing style and design, how easy do you find it to read the LymeOnline newspaper?

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Or none of the above 13) How did you first hear of or come across LymeOnline? ....................................................... .......................................................

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Alternatively, you can also complete this survey online - visit lyme-online.co.uk for details

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35) Do you have any additional comments or suggestions you would like to make about the LymeOnline website? ....................................................... ....................................................... ....................................................... ....................................................... ....................................................... .......................................................

For your chance to win a £100 voucher for The Pilot Boat, please fill out the following contact details: Name: .................................................

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These will not be used for any other purpose and will not be passed to any third party.

Please return your completed survey to: LymeOnline, Unit 5 Uplyme Business Park, Uplyme Road, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3LS by the closing date of Monday, February 21 2022.

You may add additional comments on an extra piece of paper if needed.

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Nothing too much LymeOnline Letters trouble for our Send your letters to francesca@lyme-online.co.uk town bus drivers Let’s keep Cobb beach for the kids GET INVOLVED WITH YOUR COMMUNIT Y PAPER

■ I UNDERSTAND that a complaint has been raised against Damory Coaches who operate the Lyme Regis town bus service, in my opinion totally unjustified.

Since the road closure of Bridge Street, the two regular drivers, David and Paul, operating the buses have done their utmost to provide the service that we had got used to over the years; nothing is ever too much trouble.

They both found a way to operate the service to maintain the best way of dealing with the current situation; older people neither understand or like changes so their routine was not disrupted.

I understand now until the end of the road closure there is a new timetable. I received one on Wednesday, January 26 dated January 4. Using the new times will mean that the customers without the relevant information will be hanging around in the wet and cold wondering if or when the bus is arriving.

I am a regular user of the town service, at least three out of five days, twice a day. Over the last two days I have made a point of asking users, around 20 in all, what they thought.

Without exception they all said that they appreciated the existing service and could not understand the complaint.

I was told that the drivers in question might face some sort of disciplinary action; we the customers cannot see any justification if this is implemented.

I imagine that the complaint was raised by someone not using the service on a regular basis and got upset by by what might be an isolated incident.

Arthur Neil Cornelius, Clappentail Lane, Lyme Regis

■ HOW ironic that this week we get more hot air from activist dog owners in LymeOnline (January 21 2022), in the same edition as you publish details of aggressive behaviour from nasty dog owners against council officials.

I note that dog owning households are about one in four of all UK households. Is it not time, therefore, for the voice of the silent majority to be heard at least equally, maybe three times more often? Well, at least once would be good, so here is my view.

There is always a problem for silent majorities.

We are, by definition, reluctant to be as noisy and bullying as minority interest groups are.

I like dogs, I get on with well with them. I prefer cats but I like all animals. It is the humans that are sometimes the problem.

Maybe other minority interests could use the small sandy beach we have in Lyme Regis. Cyclists doing wheelies on the sand? Sea bathing for horses could be good. Aquatic Morris dancing perhaps? OK, I will stop before I get too silly, but a bit of humour is needed to counteract the whining tone we are getting from dog-act.

Dog owners have to take their place alongside other interests, not override them. Some places are simply less suited to dog access than others – or other people have a better claim to a limited resource. Cobb sandy beach is such a case.

It seems to me that our small sandy beach is best suited to families with small children, to do what children have always loved to do. I don’t think they should have to consider the presence of other people’s dogs, and their urine all over

the sand – plus the traces of faeces that get left behind.

Dogs on leads do have access to our small beach – a dog off the lead is always a risk to others one way or another in a confined area.I feel the regulations that have been set are fair as can be to all.

My view is that dogs should be excluded from this beach for the sake of small children. I have dog-owning friends who agree with me. We reluctantly accept the compromise.

There are hundreds of acres of land around West Dorset where dogs can be exercised. If the sea is a must, and you cannot manage some steps or pebbles, then please stay in Weymouth where you have a vast, flat sandy beach with flat car parking close by. Our shopkeepers will not miss you.

Lyme does, in fact, have two long, wild and partly sandy beaches to the east and the west of the town. These are great for dog exercising – I see them every week having a great time running free. These beaches are in fact nearer to the main car parks on Charmouth Road and Monmouth Beach.

Another silent majority – of dog owning families who don’t whine on or bully anybody – try to get on with life without expecting everyone else to give way to them. Could it now be time to show some respect for the majority, and maybe some much needed goodwill all round in these trying times?

Let us agree to keep Cobb beach for the kiddies.

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.

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM CONTINUING our series commemorating the anniversaries of the deaths of all Lyme Regis those who gave their lives in the Second World War, this week we remember William Cook and Frank Moore. With thanks to Vernon Rattenbury of the Royal British Legion for the research.

WILLIAM CHARLES HENRY COOK

Private, 4th Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment, Service No. 5725268 Born 1905 and died February 3 1942 in the United Kingdom At the time of William Cooks death the 4th Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment, were serving in a home defence role for the south coast of England. He was 37 years old when he died.

Son of William and Mary Cook of Lyme Regis and husband of Maud Cook, also of Lyme Regis, he is buried in Lyme Regis cemetery, section D, grave 41.A. He is commemorated on the Lyme Regis town memorial and on the memorial in the parish church.

FRANK ARTHUR MOORE

Aircraftman, Royal Airforce Volunteer Reserve Service No. 925396 Born 1911 and died February 16 1942, at sea Frank Moore was reported missing at sea during the evacuation of Singapore, aged 31. It is believed that he was serving with the Marine Air Sea Rescue Unit at the time. Singapore had fallen to Japanese forces the previous day.

Son of James and Elizabeth Moore of Lyme Regis, and husband of Margot Moore of Burnham on Sea, he is commemorated on the Singapore War Memorial, column 420 and also on the Lyme Regis town memorial and on the memorial in the parish church.

Valentine’s Day at the Harbour Inn Enjoy a romantic three-course dinner just a stone’s throw from Lyme Regis beach

Monday, February 14th - Evening Menu – £34 inclusive

To Start

Main Course

Sweets

Cream of asparagus soup Finished with white wine truffle oil, croutons and asparagus flakes

Devonshire fillet steak Mushroom, tomato, onion and smoked bacon hash, Burgundy red wine sauce, confit potato Roast half guinea fowl Pan roasted breast presented on the slow roasted leg with wild mushroom sauce, root vegetable dauphinoise and vegetables of the day Panko crumbed Cornish monkfish Crab and garlic butter stuffing, roasted new potatoes. Mediterranean vegetable salad, shellfish vinaigrette dressing Pan roasted fillet of hake.

Served on lobster macaroni cheese with lobster and cheese sauce

Raspberry crème brulee Baked white chocolate and hazelnut cheese cake, praline and chocolate sauce

Little ‘hot crust pastry’ fish pie Smoked haddock, Lyme Bay scallops, and pollock rosemary beurre blanc Southern fried chicken goujons Matchstick chips, roast chicken gravy Harbour Inn seafood platter Lobster avocado cocktail, tuna ceviche, smoked mackerel arancini, beetroot gravadlax

Sticky toffee pudding Toffee sauce and clotted cream Strawberry pavlova Coconut ice and strawberry syrup Selection of West Country cheese and biscuits

BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL Call us on 01297 442299 or visit our website where you can now book online harbourinnlymeregis.co.uk

timeoutinLyme

14 Friday, February 4 2022

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

Line-up announced for jubilee jazz fest JAZZ Jurassica has unveiled a bumper music line-up and ticket details for this year’s festival over the Platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday in Lyme Regis.

Headlining the weekend is the legendary James Taylor Quartet (pictured left) who vow to shake up the room with their electrifying acid jazz.

The festival also features funkateer Ashton Jones; the salsa sounds of Dockside Latin Orchestra; award-winning blues singer Elles Bailey (right); former Communards singer and soul diva, Sarah Jane Morris; boogiewoogie sensation, Tom Seals; an exclusive preview of Matt Carter Septet’s debut album; Neil Maya Quartet’s tribute to cartoon jazz; and vintage blues duo, Veronica and Max, and many more.

The festival will this year run from Thursday, June 2 to Sunday, June 5 and will include free concerts on the seafront and other events celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, organised by Lyme Regis Town Council – the grand finale of which will be a performance from the BBC Big Band Orchestra on a stage to be erected on the beach and a firework display.

Julie Sheppard of Jazz Jurassica said: “We’re thrilled with this year’s line-up. It’s packed with award-winners and knock out

shows. As one of the few independent music festivals along the Jurassic Coast we think our programme lives up to our stunning Lyme Bay location.

“We say - come and celebrate the Platinum Jubilee with us, you won’t be disappointed!”.

For full line-up details and tickets, visit www.jazzjurassica.co.uk

Sounds of Art Pepper and the West Coast jazz scene come to Lyme Regis

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you’ll help develop long-term research that will save lives across the UK. Find out how you can write a gift in your Will at cruk/WriteAn End or call 0800 707 6006

WE WILL BEAT CANCER SOONER

A TRIBUTE to Art Pepper, recognised as one of the major jazz stars to emerge out of the West Coast jazz scene of the 1950s, will be held at the Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis on Sunday, February 13.

Continuing the Marine’s regular Jazz in the Bar nights, saxophonist Will Paley will be presenting Art Pepper’s music accompanied by Philip Clouts at the piano.

Art Pepper was born in Gardena, California. A gifted soloist by his teens, he initially drew attention touring as a member Stan Kenton’s band before launching his solo career.

He achieved almost instant acclaim, famously finishing second behind Charlie Parker as best alto saxophonist in the 1952 DownBeat magazine readers’ poll.

Along with artists like Chet Baker, Gerry Mulligan and Lee Konitz, Pepper became synonymous – perhaps due more to geography than playing style – with the laid-back West Coast jazz sound.

He was a virtuosic performer, issuing albums like 1959’s ‘Plus Eleven’ and 1960’s ‘Intensity’.

After entering the Synanon drug rehabilitation program in the late 60s, Pepper managed to resurrect his career.

Working alongside his wife and manager Laurie Pepper, he recorded a series of comeback albums including 1975’s ‘Living Legend’ and 1980’s ‘Straight Life’, which found him embracing a more muscular sound influenced by John Coltrane.

It was at the height of his comeback that Pepper died of a stroke on June 15, 1982 in Los Angeles at the age of 56.

Art Pepper had interesting reflections on playing jazz. In the sleeve notes to one of Pepper’s albums, Leonard Feather quoted him as saying:”The way a man walks, the way he talks, the timbre of his voice, the cadences of his speech, his little variations in phrasing and thought — all have so much to do with individuality.

“The same thing is true of a man’s playing in jazz… his tone, the way his sound moves, his feeling for time. That’s why jazz is consistently fascinating.

“You could ask six guys to play an identical solo, but when you heard the results, you’d hear six different solos.”

Will Paley is a highly sought after saxophonist based in Exeter. He performs regularly around the UK and has played at some of the country’s most prestigious venues including The Barbican Centre, The Vortex, The 100 Club, Ronnie Scotts, Westminster Abbey and 10 Downing Street.

Art Pepper was both a composer and a wonderful interpreter of jazz standards, so alongside his original tunes like ‘Chili Pepper’ expect to hear his versions of pieces like ‘Over the Rainbow’ and ‘You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To’.

Doors open at 7pm for an 8pm start on Sunday, February 13. Tickets cost £10 in advance or £12 on the door, available via the website www.marinetheatre.com

Friday, February 4 2022 15

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MARINE THEATRE LYME REGIS

THE PASADENA ROOF ORCHESTRA FRIDAY 11 FEBRUARY £25 00 advance £25.00

NUBIYAN T WIST SATURDAY 19 FEBRUARY From £15.00

PAUL FOOT: SWAN POWER R SATURDAY 12 FEBRUARY £16.00 advance

THE ADDAMS S FAMILY 2 TUESDAY 22 FEBR F UARY £4.00 advance

YOUNG CREATIVES SUNDAY SESSIONS SUNDAY 13 FEBRUARY Free event - no tickets

BL AZIN’ FIDD DLES SATURDAY 26 6 FEBRUARY £18.00 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.

timeoutinLyme

16 Friday, February 4 2022

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

What’s on Friday, February 4

Lyme Regis Comedy Club Marine Theatre, 7pm Lyme Regis Comedy Club favourite Suzy Bennett is back due to popular demand from the regular crowd. Support comes from Leroy Brito and Christian Russell-Pollock, and local comedian Tom Glover is resident compere. Tickets from £12 available at marinetheatre.com

Saturday, February 5

Uplyme & Lyme Regis Horticultural Society coffee morning Uplyme Village Hall, 10am An informal social event for exisitng and potential new members - find out more about the upcoming 2022 programme of events.

Benjamin Francis Leftwich Marine Theatre, 7pm An exceptional English singer-songwriter from York, Leftwich released his first album Last Smoke Before the Snowstorm in 2011 which peaked at #35 on the UK charts. He visits Lyme as part of a tour for his new album ‘To Carry A Whale’.

Tickets from £14 at marinetheatre.com Live Music Night The Nag’s Head, 9pm Weekly live music nights at The Nag’s Head.

Tuesday, February 8

LRTC Planning Committee Virutal meeting via Zoom, 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, February 10

The Shanty Sessions Marine Theatre, 7.30pm Local group The Chantry Buoys sing traditional sea shanties and other well known songs. Join them alongside special guests in the Marine Theatre bar.

Entry is free.

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, February 11

The Pasadena Roof Orchestra Marine Theatre, 7pm With an unparalleled repu-

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

tation across the UK, Europe and beyond, for over 50 years the Pasadena Roof Orchestra have been re-creating the sounds of a golden era of music from the 1920s and 1930s to widespread acclaim. Tickets from £25 available at marinetheatre.com

Saturday, February 12

Paul Foot: Swan Power Marine Theatre, 6.30pm The multi-award winning comedian presents his brand new show. Tickets from £16 available at marinetheatre.com Valentine’s Supper Lyme Regis Golf Club Sumptuous three-course dinner with a glass of prosecco, guest singer and DJ. Come as a couple or bring a group of friends. Tickets £37.50 - call 01297 442963 or email admin@lymeregisgolfclub.co.uk Live Music Night The Nag’s Head, 9pm Weekly live music nights at The Nag’s Head.

Sunday, February 13

Young Performer & Band Mentoring Sessions Marine Theatre, 12noon B Sharp offer 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 Young Creatives Sunday Session, Marine Theatre, 3pm If you are a young musician aged 16 – 25, and would like the opportunity to perform at the Marine Theatre, come and take part in one of the Young Creatives open-mic sessions, supported by a professional music leader. To book a performance slot email info@bsharp.org.uk Jazz in the Bar Marine Theatre, 7pm Saxophonist Will Paley and pianist Philip Clouts peform the music of Art Pepper, recognised as one of the major jazz stars to emerge from the West Coast jazz scene of the 1950s. Tickets from £10 available at marinetheatre.com

Monday, February 14

Young Performer & Band Mentoring Sessions Marine Theatre, 6pm B Sharp offer free mentor-

ing 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

Tuesday, February 15

Talk: ‘History of Salt Panning in Ax and Lim River Valleys’ Woodmead Halls, 2pm The Lyme Regis Society host this talk by Colyton historian Colin Pady. Entry is free for members or £3 for visitors.

Wednesday, February 16

LRTC Full Council, Lyme Regis Baptist Church, 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, February 17

‘The Book of Dust - La Belle Sauvage’, Marine Theatre, 6pm A National Theatre Live screening. Set 12 years before the epic ‘His Dark Materials’ trilogy, this gripping adaptation revisits Philip Pullman’s fantastical world in which waters are rising and storms are brewing.

Advance tickets cost £14 or £6 for under 18s, available at marinetheatre.com ‘Done to Death, by Jove!’, Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall, 7pm Holmes and Watson meet Poirot and Miss Marple in ‘Done to Death, By Jove!’, a spoof homage to the British detective genre by Company Gavin Robertson, hosted by Arstreach. For tickets call 01297 560948 or visit artsreach.co.uk 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, February 18

Lau Marine Theatre, 7pm For the first time in over a decade, Lau present an entirely acoustic tour. The pioneering Scottish folk trio have always experimented with sound and form; the results have always been complex and thrilling. Tickets £18.50 available at marinetheatre.com

Multi-award-winning comedian brings new show to the Marine THE multi-award-winning comedian paul Foot will be bringing his brand new show ‘Swan Power’ to the Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis this month.

Tired of the goose? ‘Swan Power’ is here.

Paul opens his beak and explores topics including Nanna on the rack, murdering Santas and interfering ambulance drivers, plus Billy Zane’s Valuable Diamond (c/o RMS Titanic). Live by the swan, fly by the swan.

Paul Foot has made numerous television and radio appearances, the most recent of which include ‘8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown’ on Channel 4, ABC Australia's ‘Melbourne Gala’, ‘Breaking The News’ on BBC Radio Scotland, and ‘Dave News’ for TV channel Dave at the 2019 Edinburgh Fringe.

In 2019 he also made a triumphant debut at Glastonbury and played the comedy tents of many of the UK’s most prestigious summer festivals.

Excerpts of his many much-loved appearances on ‘Never Mind The Buzzcocks’ have garnered over a million views on YouTube.

A BBC New Comedy Award and Daily Telegraph Open Mic winner, Paul has been nominated twice for the Barry Award at The Melbourne Comedy Festival and has been voted Best of The Fest International and Best International Act at the Sydney and Perth Comedy Festivals respectively.

He will be appearing at the Marine Theatre on Saturday, February 12 with tickets from £16 available at www.marinetheatre.com

Jools Holland stars coming to Lyme TEN-piece band Nubiyan Twist bring their unique blend of jazz, hip hop, afrobeat, Latin, soul, reggae and dance music to the Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis on Saturday, February 19.

The celebrated festival band recently played on ‘Later… with Jools Holland’, and released their album ‘Freedom Fables’ on Strut Records in March, the follow-up to the acclaimed ‘Jungle Run’ of spring 2019.

The band’s leader Tom Excell said: “‘Freedom Fables’ reflects on the power of narratives.

Each vocalist on this, record explores their own memoirs, a freedom of expression underpinning our belief that music is the ultimate

narrative for unity.”

Since their debut’s release, they have amassed an army of high-profile fans including Mary Ann Hobbs, Gilles Peterson, Huey Morgan, David Rodigan, Craig Charles and David Byrne.

Tickets are now available from £15 at www.marinetheatre.com

Friday, February 4 2022 17

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axminsternews

18 Friday, February 4 2022

Dalwood postmaster retires but weekly outreach service to be introduced this month

THE postmaster in Dalwood, near Axminster, has retired and the branch at the village's community shop closed last week.

However, a weekly outreach post office is to be reintroduced this month to restore services to Dalwood.

A 'hosted outreach' post office service will commence on Friday, February 11. This will be provided at the current premises by the Postmaster for Churchinford.

This service will be provided every Friday from 10am to 12 noon.

Until the new outreach service begins alternative branches include: • Membury Post Office, Membury Village Hall, Membury, Axminster, EX13 7AF • Axminster Post Office, West Street, Axminster, EX13 5NU • Colyton Post Office, Market Place, Colyton, Devon, EX24 6JR

Fire crew resuces baby locked in car

FIREFIGHTERS escued a one-year-old trapped in a locked car - with the help of the baby.

An Axminster crew was called shortly after 12.20pm on Thursday, January 28 to a mum whose daughter had managed to lock herself inside the car.

They made their way quickly to the scene and started to gain entry to the car using break-in tools.

A spokesman for Axminster Fire Station said: “With assistance from the one-year-old child who was trapped within the car, crews managed to get hold of the keys using their tools.

“They were then able to unlock the car and hand over the girl to a very relieved mum.”

www.lyme-online.co.uk

Community Shed opens doors for first time

THE new Axminster Community Shed opened its doors for the first time on Saturday, January 29 with both men and women now welcome to try its special brand of ‘chatting, connecting, creating and contributing.’

As founding member and secretary Colin Hayward puts it: “It’s really a big version of a garden shed, but the difference is you can make new friends, learn new skills or share the ones you already have with others. Or you can just come for a chat and a cuppa in great company.”

The ‘Shed’ also aims to play a useful role in Axminster by contributing its members’ skills to socially beneficial projects. While following the well-established formula of Men’s Sheds that exists right across the UK, the local group decided that women should also be welcomed and chose a name to demonstrate inclusivity. And while sheds typically attract people in retirement, Axminster’s will be for people of all ages.

The team behind the initiative believes the initiative could have an important role in helping to overcome loneliness and isolation, especially amongst retired people.

Surveys from mental health charities have found that millions of people at that stage in their lives report feeling lonely on a daily basis.

With nearly 30 per cent of men in East Devon aged over 65, it is thought that many of them would benefit from involvement in ‘shedding’.

The idea for the Axminster Community Shed was hatched in the shed of chairman Roy Oaten over coffee with Colin Hayward and mutual friend John Froud just weeks ago.

“We never believed it would take off in quite the way that it has and that we would enjoy so

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

Visit our new websites at

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

much support in such a short time,” says Roy. “We have had a lot of early interest from potential members and from women as well as men - the need for it is very clear.”

The first massive injection of assistance came from local estate agent Shane Morgan of Morgan York, who offered the use of an empty shop right next door to his own premises in Victoria Place as a ‘Shed’.

Over the past six weeks, the team has painted it and erected shelving and a series of work benches that will accommodate woodworking, metalworking, upholstery/needlework and a variety of other crafts.

Meanwhile, offers of used tools came from all directions, and grants were forthcoming to help fund new tools and other costs.

“We are still very much in need of funds to sustain us through what we hope will be a very busy first year,” says Colin.

“But we do now have a basis on which to build something really worthwhile.”

Following its grand opening last weekend, the

shed has now settled into a weekly routine, with potential members able to drop in any time between 11am and 4pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Membership will cost £12 a year.

While members don’t have to be practical, there will be opportunities learn new skills if they wish to under the helpful eye of specialists who have long experience. All machinery will be operated within strict health and safety disciplines.

During its build up to going live, the group has already made colourful display boards used in Axminster’s Christmas lights ceremony. It is also now partnering with Totally Locally Axminster, with lady members busy sewing the fabric from which new street banners will appear in the months ahead. A new nature garden is also planned for the Axminster Primary Academy.

“There is much we can do that will make a difference to Axminster while also making a difference to our members,” says Colin.

For further information visit www.axminstercommunityshed.co.uk

Giggle at the Guildhall - A Lorra Lorra Laughs!

Comedy night review by Ellis Holt WHEN we first heard that Axminster Guildhall was going to run a comedy night, we were not convinced.

Then we saw it was to be hosted by local comedic legend Tom Glover (pictured) and we figured it was worth trying out once and boy, are we glad we did! A sell-out performance!

Guildhall manager Leigh Conley has recently come into the role and has booked some huge comedy names to perform over the next 12 months, including Omid Djalili ('Mamma Mia 2', 'Little Britain', 'Pirates of the Caribbean'), one-line genius Gary Delaney ('Mock the Week', Double Sony Award Winner), and the hilariously funny Dom Joly ('Trigger Happy TV').

But first it was the turn of Axminster-based funny man Tom Glover to host what will become his own monthly comedy night at the Guildhall.

Tom started the show with a bit of audience participation, finding out about his crowd and making some laugh-out-loud remarks about them in a subtle and non-abusive way. A very clever and quick-witted man.

He brought with him two local comedians from Plymouth – Christian Russell-Pollock and Suzy Bennett. Both of these were abso-

lutely brilliant with the audience howling with laughter throughout their sets.

Bringing in local comedy meant that the audience could whole-heartedly relate to their amusing anecdotes and titillating tales!

The Guildhall in Axminster is running comedy nights on Tuesdays towards the end of each month until June and are looking to extend this indefinitely. If you didn’t go to the first one, you absolutely have to get tickets for the next one on February 22 before they run out, which I am certain they will!

Tickets are just £7 for three comedians, or if you book the April-June dates together, it’s just £5 per night, an absolute steal if you ask me! I’m booked for the next five months and I’m already excited about going back.

www.lyme-online.co.uk

Friday, February 4 2022 19

FLASHBACKS with Richard Austin

Tales from behind the lens of our award-winning photographer

Not your everyday springtime picture BACK to the 1980s and springtime at Cricket St Thomas, in Somerset. I was commissioned to come up with an unusual spring picture.

When national newspapers start ringing known photographers to come up with a cracking pic, it means that the best or most unusual picture will make it into the paper.

Having great contacts, like the animal manager at the wildlife park, always helps. He had a great partnership with Toto the elephant, as did his young daughter Tessa.

The photo was well published.

How many snappers could come up with a spring picture of a little girl, an elephant, all in a bright yellow coloured field of daffodils?

You can view all of award winning Richard Austin’s previous columns on the Blogs section of our website!

20 Friday, February 4 2022

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HEALTHCARE

Lyme Bay Ear Clinic Ear Wax Microsuction Removal

Tel: 07392 793 472

Clinics at Lyme Regis and Bridport www.lymebayearclinic.co.uk or email: admin@lymebayearclinic.co.uk John Collins GN, ON, MHN, BSC Over 35 years of nursing experience

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

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classifieds&jobs

Friday, February 4 2022 21

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ITEMS FOR SALE

WALL TILES, 160+ various shapes and sizes, £10 - 01297 443729.

BED SETTEE, two seater, blue check material, - 07590 928 821.

WHEELCHAIR, with pressure cushion, £30 01297 442772.

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.

ENCYCLOPEDIA, Collier's volumes 1-24 plus 1967/8 Year Book and International Standard Dictionary x 2, very good condition, offers considered - 01297 561512.

FLYING JACKET, brown, SWW replica, rare RFC badge, size XXL, £150 or very nearest offer - 07870 603 345.

MANGAR BATH CUSHION, raises and lowers electronically, as new, cost £500, selling for £75 - 01297 442772.

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.

You can advertise items for sale up to £200 free by sending them to LymeOnline, Unit 5 Uplyme Business Park, Uplyme Road, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3LS or email francesca@lyme-online.co.uk. Please note, this service is for private sellers only, not for commercial items. Please include a brief description, the cost and a phone number.

ADMINISTRATOR for a care home in Lyme Regis

Maternity cover, part-time General office and computer skills Healthcare background preferable but not essential Five days a week 5/6 hours (negotiable) Competitive rate of pay Contact 07973 726 192

Fairfield House are now recruiting for the following position:

Night carer 24 hours a week Competitive rates of pay depending on experience, friendly place to work For a Job Description/Application Form please contact us on 01297 443513 or email: admin@fairfieldhouse.co.uk PUBLIC NOTICE LICENSING ACT 2003 Notice is given that Thomas William Robinson has applied to Dorset Council for a Variation of a premises licence in respect of Tom’s Lyme Regis, Marine Parade, Lyme Regis DT7 3JQ for the addition of off sales of alcohol, generally between the hours of 10:00am and 23:59pm.

Any interested party or responsible authority may make representations by emailing licensingteamb@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or writing to, Licensing, Dorset Council, County Hall, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1XJ within 28 days from the date of this notice.

The licensing register and details of this application may be inspected by contacting the licensing Section during normal office hours.

It is an offence under Section 158 of the Licensing Act 2003 to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application, the maximum fine on summary conviction for the offence is unlimited.

27th January 2022

LYME REGIS TOWN COUNCIL COMMUNITY GRANTS TO LOCAL ORGANISATIONS The town council has £15,000 available to meet grant requests for capital projects that help and support the community Organisations are invited to submit proposals for funding of up to £1,000 for the 2022/23 year

We are looking for experienced front of house and kitchen staff to join our team at our family-run business Full time or part time positions available Please contact Melissa on info@harbourinnlymeregis.co.uk with your CV or cover letter Harbour Inn, 23 Marine Parade, Lyme Regis | harbourinnlymeregis.co.uk | 01297 442299

Grants can be used for the purchase of materials and equipment, or the provision of a service that makes Lyme Regis a better place to live, work and play Applications will only be considered from non-profit making organisations who do not provide grants or donate monies to others, and funding cannot be used for retrospective expenditure Grant guidelines and application forms are available from admin@lymeregistowncouncil.gov.uk Tel: 01297 445175 Or download a pack from www.lymeregistowncouncil.gov.uk/grants Applications must be returned by 5pm on Monday 28 February 2022 Applications will be considered by the council on Wednesday 30 March 2022

LymeOnline Sport

22 Friday, February 4 2022

February 4 2022

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AT THE DAVEY FORT THIS SATURDAY

Lyme Regis 1sts v Axminster Town Reserves Kick-off 3pm football

Big crowd expected at local derby

LYME Regis first team line up before their home game against Ottery St Mary Reserves. Back row (from the left): Julien Simier (manager), Jack Lamb-Wilson, Kingsley Wellman, Fred Parsons, Chris Higgs, Dan Rendell, Ben Turner, Gary Knight, Harvey Brimicombe, Tom Kilcoyne. Front row (from the left): Zach Harrison, Mark Bailey, Callum Garrett, Rob Fellingham, Joe Bond, Cam Fowler, Kevin Turner (assistant manager).

See page 23 for match report

Seasiders withdraw Rovers from Perry Street League

LYME Regis Football Club have announced that, regrettably, they are withdrawing their third eleven, Lyme Rovers, from the Perry Street League.

Although they had 70 players signed on at the beginning of the season, like many other clubs the Seasiders have found it difficult to fulfil fixtures for their three teams and have come to the conclusion that they have no option but to withdraw Lyme Rovers from Division One. Local football has been badly affected by COVID-19 and Lyme is one of a number of clubs to have withdrawn a team from competitive football.

As one of the Perry Street’s longest members, Lyme hope it will be possible to rejoin the league in future years.

The league was informed of the decision yesterday by team secre-

By PHILIP EVANS tary Rob Thom. In a letter to the league management committee he said: “It is with great sadness that I have to inform you that Lyme Regis FC has made the difficult decision to withdraw Lyme Regis Rovers from the Perry Street League Division One with immediate effect.

“As you know we have been struggling to field teams for a while now and this has affected our other two teams in our attempts to fulfil our fixtures.

“Our manager, Stef Taylor, has worked so hard trying to get players to make themselves available and to bring in new players but with unavailability, injuries and commitment across the whole club we feel this is the right decision for the club to take.

“It will mean that unfortunately it will end Lyme Regis FC’s long

standing association with the PSDL and we will review our position in time for next season if we feel we can recruit and attract players with the commitment to play regularly.

“We wish to thank the PSDL committee for their continued hard work to ensure grass root football is played in the local area.”

League secretary Chris Ware replied: “It very much saddened me to hear this. I appreciate that this season has been exceptionally difficult for you all and if this decision makes the remainder of the season less fraught then it is truly the right decision.

“Everyone associated with the club work so hard to make football happen for your players and I wish, on behalf of the league, to express my heartfelt gratitude to you.

“Whilst I have only been League Secretary for five years, throughout that time I have witnessed how much of an anchor the club is for football in the region and you have

consistently been a valued member of the league.

“Lyme Regis as a club has always been one that I have delighted in visiting and I hope we can still run the Tommy Tabberer Cup at your venue if and when the full league cup programme allows.”

Lyme has a proud record in the Perry Street League having won the Premier division on six occasions and the two main cup competitions, the Challenge Cup (six times) and the Coronation Cup (nine times).

At one time the club ran a fourth senior eleven and a ladies’ team, the Lyme Lazers, but the lack of local pitches made it impossible to continue.

Lyme’s first team and Reserves moved to the Devon and Exeter League a number of years ago to provide a higher standard of football with the first team having progressed to the Premier division, the highest standard at which they have played in the club’s long history.

A BIG crowd is expected at the Davey Fort tomorrow (Saturday) for the local derby between Lyme Regis 1st team and Axminster Town Reserves (kick-off 3pm).

Previous fixtures between the two sides going back many years have always been-ultra-competitive and tomorrow’s game is unlikely to be any different.

With the Tigers first team now playing in a higher standard of football in the South West Peninsular League, the two clubs have not met competitively for a number of years.

The reformed Axminster Reserves side won promotion last season to the Devon and Exeter League Premier division in which the Seasiders also compete.

Neither side has lived up to expectations this season with Lyme in eighth place with 18 points from 14 games, two places higher than Axminster (12 points from 13 games).

Adding a little spice to the fixture is that three of the Lyme squad Gary Knight Ben Turner and Callum Garrett - are all former Axminster players.

Lyme go into the fixture on the back of a disappointing 4-2 defeat against bottom club Ottery St Mary 2nds whilst Axminster won a place in the quarter finals of the East Devon Senior Cup after a 4-1 win over Newtown.

Lyme Reserves are enjoying a better season, lying in fourth place in Division Three but have no fixture this weekend.

Following their 3-1 away victory over Devon Yeoman last Saturday, Uplyme 1st were due to play Bickleigh but the game has been called off.

Charmouth, flying high in Perry Street Division Two, are away to neighbours Thorncombe (kick-off 2.30pm).

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Beaten by bottom team ...or were they?

THERE was much conjecture about the comings and goings at Ottery St Mary before Lyme Regis 1st team’s home fixture with the bottom club in the Devon and Exeter Premier division.

With a new manager, Rikki Pitter, having taken over The Otters’ second eleven, the Lyme boss, Julien Simier, was taking little notice of Ottery’s league position and was sure the Seasiders had a difficult task on their hands.

And so it proved with Ottery opening the scoring within a minute with the ball being placed wide of keeper Chris Higgs after a breakaway attack which caught the home defence napping.

With Ottery quick on the ball and fierce in the tackle, Lyme soon realised that this was a different side siting bottom of the table with no wins out of 13 games.

Another breakaway movement down the left saw the visitors increase their lead to 2-0 in the 14th minute and before half an hour was up they were 3-0 ahead.

Whilst they were overrun by Ottery for most of the half, Lyme did have their chances. Joe Bond blazed over the bar from close range and a Fellingham free-kick was headed over

By PHILIP EVANS

by bar by Fred Parsons (pitured). Harvey Brimicombe also blasted over the bar from a good position.

Lyme were slightly unfortunate when a Joe Bond effort was kicked off the line and they might have got a penalty when Mark Bailey was sent tumbling in the box.

But the Seasiders looked dejected when they trundled off the pitch at half time with a 3-0 deficit.

Lyme did show more commitment after the break but their heads went down again in the 54th minute after a fine Higgs’ save was turned round the post before a corner bounced off the bar and was smashed home from close range to give Ottery a 4-0 advantage.

Lyme fought their way back into the game with two brilliant volleys from Fred Parsons in the 68th and 85th minute, but it was a disappointing display, following two good performances against Beer Albion and Tipton St John and this weekend’s local derby against old rivals Axminster Town Reserves requiring the Seasiders to be at their very best.

It would be difficult to pick out a man-ofthe-match in such a inept performance but the accolade should probably go to Fred Parsons (pictured) for his two scintillating vollies.

Whilst Ottery 2nds were chalking up their first victory of the season, their first team were losing 13-0 at home to Torpoint.

While the first team continue to struggle for consistency, Lyme Regis Reserves kept pace with the front runners in Devon and Ex-

eter Division Three with a comfortable 4-1 victory over bottom side Exeter United.

The Ressies took an early lead through Steve Batey but United soon equalised to square matters. Lyme were soon back in front, however, when Batey headed across goals for Fred Thompson to place it into an empty net.

After the break, Lyme moved Ben Bowditch into midfield and reverted to a 4-3-3 formation. This produced dividends and United were penned in their own half for most of the second half with further goals from Ryan Fifer and a second for Steve Batey.

Manager Matt Preece commented after the game: “The conditions made the game a challenge for us, as we couldn’t get the ball down and play as much as usual, but we created lot of dangerous opportunities and that’s what won it for us on the day.

“Three players stood out, Ryan Fifer was a danger out wide, Ben Bowditch’s work rate and energy were superb and he changed the game when he came inside, but my man-ofthe-match was Steve Batey. He worked hard all game, putting their back line under pressure, got two goals and an assist and could have had a few more on another day.”

Uplyme move into third place after Charmouth still on grinding out another three points course for promotion UPLYME 1sts travelled to Exeter to play Devon Yeoman and it proved a game of attrition against a home side bolstered by a number of their 1st team players.

Tricky conditions on a poor pitch didn't help Uplyme's usual passing style, but midway through the half Uplyme were awarded a penalty, dispatched by Wes Holmes despite the efforts of the home crowd to deter him.

Yeoman pulled level minutes later and at half time was all square. It stayed that way for the majority of the second half, with the home team throwing everything into their defence and physicality.

Undeterred by the tactics, Uplyme kept pressing and Alex Jones drove into the box, turned on his left foot brilliantly and drilled the ball under the keeper.

Uplyme defended the next 10 minutes with real resolu-

tion until Fin Mclean put it beyond doubt with a clinical finish after great hold-up play from Oli Alner. The whole team celebrated it, a signal of the camaraderie there is in the squad.

"We ground it out," said joint-manager Pete Blandamer, "and all credit goes to that young squad for standing up to tactics clearly designed to rattle them.

"They had a number of very good first-teamers turned out, but it goes to show how good we can be and how we could do higher up the leagues.

"With James "Scholesy" Beddows was in goal once again, so no recognised keeper now for weeks, it could have been very tough. However , he was brilliant and made a save with his face at a crucial time!"

This victory saw Uplyme move into third spot in the Devon and Exeter League Division Six.

Bowditch hat-trick as Uplyme bang in nine goals UPLYME 1sts ran out 9-1 winners against a Witheridge team that started out well and disrupted the home team's usual smooth passing style.

It was a very frustrating first 10 minutes, which was made worse when skipper Wes Holmes jumped for a header in his own box and was adjudged to have fouled the defender. It was dispatched past makeshift keeper Alex Jones.

This, however, merely served to jolt Uplyme who then woke up and took control of the game. Holmes scored a penalty to level - and redeem his error - and was quickly joined on the score sheet by Jonnie Harris and Cody Bowditch.

As Uplyme clicked through the gears in the second half, Bowditch helped himself to a hat-trick, Dan Huggins got a double, Marcus Symonds scored a screamer from 25 yards and there was even time for

the manager to come on and grab a goal.

Manager Steve Gillan said: "We were actually pretty average in places, today. The score flattered us but we took most of our chances.

“Wes takes more bookings than Thomas Cook, but he provides an energy that can kick-start any game.

We need to stay focused and continue this form.

“Conor Newns at centre back impressed again."

CHARMOUTH travelled to Crewkerne to continue their Perry Street Division Two promotion prospects with a 8-1 victory.

The Robins started well and dominated for most the game and it took just five minutes for Ty Allen to set up Russ Oldbury to make it 1-0.

The team moved the ball well and looked calm and confident.

Then on 14 minutes Brin Seward doubled the lead ro make it 2-0.

On 30 minutes Dave Bridges provide the crucial ball Seward to score his second goal, putting Charmouth in a strong position at 3-0.

Just before half time Seward was the provider for Johnny Vaughan to tuck the ball home after a rampaging run from centre back on his first full 90 minutes after breaking a wrist.

Charmouth were happily in control at half time, possibly a little too comfortable when in the 52nd minute Crewkerne pulled one back to make it 4-1.

But this sparked Charmouth to pick up the play again and on 55 minutes Sam Dibling made it 51 after he headed home a Ty Allen shot which rebounded off

the bar. Charmouth created chance after chance with multiple shots hitting the woodwork and the Crewkerne keeper making some great saves.

Charmouth wrapped up the game with Sam Dibling's free kick dipping over the wall for 61. Then Ashley Williams found the net in the 88th minute to make it 7-1 before Ty Allen wrapped up the scoring in the 90th minute to complete the final for 8-1 scoreline.

This was another great team performance from Charmouth but all credit to Crewkerne who never gave up and played with great spirit considering the scoreline.

Some great debuts from Haydn Lewis who joined Charmouth after making the commitment to transfer from Millwey FC. Noah Al-Sedani had a great debut on the right and Sam Borthwick had a commanding performance between the posts.

Many of the team could have grabbed man-of-the match but a true captain’s performance from Adzy Whitehouse gave him the decision.

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