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FOR LYME REGIS, UPLYME, CHARMOUTH & AXMINSTER ● FORTNIGHTLY ● JANUARY 21 2022
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Sea swimmers send out clear message over water pollution CAMPAIGNERS have sent out a clear message that sewage overflows into our rivers and seas and a lack of year-round water quality monitoring should no longer be tolerated. Dozens of regular sea swimmers gathered on Lyme Regis beach this week to literally spell out their ‘No More Poo’ campaign in the sand. REPORT, PAGE 8
MP embarrassed by Number 10 parties
WEST Dorset MP Chris Loder said he is “deeply embarrassed” by revelations of Downing Street parties being held during the coronavirus pandemic, and says he wants to restore “decency, honour and trust” in the government. The Prime Minister has admitted to attending one of several reported events at Downing Street, which he considered to be a “work event”. REPORT, PAGE 3
Seasiders back on form COUNCILLOR Stan Williams, pictured in Lyme Regis Guildhall were he served as a town councillor for more than 50 years, with his name on the mayoral board behind him Photo by Richard Austin
Town mourns former mayor
LYME Regis Football Club’s first team finally discovered the form they have been seeking all season in their first game of 2022, with a scintillating 4-3 victory over Jurassic Coast rivals Beer Albion, who sit in third place of the Devon & exeter League Premier Division. REPORT, PAGE 24
HONOURARY FREEMAN OF THE TOWN, STAN WILLIAMS, DIES AGED 87 FORMER Mayor of Lyme Regis and the town’s longest-serving councillor, Stan Williams, has died at the age of 87.
Mr Williams’ daughter Anita confirmed that her father “slipped away peacefully” on Sunday morning in a care home in Seaton, where he had lived in recent months. Anita and her partner Paul, with whom Mr
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Williams had lived for many years in Uplyme, were able to be at his side, and he had been able to talk to his other daughter Chrissie, who lives in Germany, via video chat shortly before passing away. Mr Williams was taken ill shortly after being made an Honourary Freeman of Lyme Regis
in August 2021, recognising more than half a century of service to the community. He first joined what was then known as Lyme Regis Borough Council in 1969 and played an instrumental part in the local government reorganisation of 1974. It was thanks to Mr Williams’ determination and resolve that Lyme Regis Town Council enjoys much of the financial independence it CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
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‘His was truly a life lived well’ PROUD DAUGHTER PAYS TRIBUTE TO VETERAN COUNCILLOR STAN CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE has today; as chairman of the Recreation Committee he fought long and hard to retain income-generating assets. Over the years he continued to make his mark, becoming mayor from 1997 to 1999, also serving as deputy mayor and chairman and vice-chairman of several committees and working groups. He remained passionate about land and property related issues, particularly the Monmouth Beach area, and he wasn’t afraid to put up a fight against the district and county councils. Although he had not been able to attend meetings for several months, Mr Williams remained a serving town councillor. Mr Williams attended St Gilda’s Catholic School in the town, before going on to Lyme Regis Grammar School. After serving two years in the Royal Air Force, he ran various businesses in Lyme Regis, including the Beachcomber Restaurant – where the Blue Lias Gallery is now sited – where many local young people experienced their first taste of the working world as he gave them their first jobs. He also played a significant part in the community outside of the council chamber, including in the development of the Woodmead Halls, of which he was life president. In his younger days, Stan played for Lyme
Pizza night for Cancer Research THE Lyme Regis branch of Cancer Research UK will started their 2022 fundraising programme with a pizza night, hosted by The Pilot Boat. The event will be held on Tuesday, February 1 at 7pm with the Pilot serving a choice from two pizzas and a glass of wine for £15. All proceeds will go to Cancer Research UK and tickets should be booked in advance by calling Philip Evans MBE, chairman of the Lyme Regis branch, on 07796 951 991. The branch is hoping to host a fundraising event in every month of 2022 following a difficult two years during the coronavirus pandemic. DEATH NOTICE Councillor Stan Williams Williams, Stanley. Freeman and former Mayor of Lyme Regis, peacefully in The Check House, Seaton, on 16th January 2022 aged 87. Much loved Dad of Chris and Anita. Grandpa to Lisa and Johann, Great Grandpa to Hugo, Haylie, Lukas and Lily. Twin to the late Pete, much loved father-in-law, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and family member. A supporter of many groups in Lyme Regis, he will be much missed by his family, many friends and colleagues.
Regis Football Club and served on Lyme Regis lifeboat crew. He was a member of Lyme Regis Sailing Club and the Royal British Legion, and served as a Citizens Advice Bureau trustee and on the Axe Valley Ring and Ride Committee and Lyme Regis/St George’s Twinning Committee. Anita said: “We are proud of his achievements and the man that he was; it was truly a life lived well and we are grateful for that and also that he is now at peace.” Tribute from the mayor - see page 13
There will be a funeral service in St Michael's Church, Lyme Regis on Monday 7th February at 11.00 am followed by a cremation at East Devon Crematorium, Whimple at 4.00 pm. The family respectfully request that face masks are worn inside the Church and the Crematorium. Family flowers only please but donations if desired to The Lyme Regis RNLI Crew Fund or Alzheimer's Society by retiring collection, online at ajwakely.com or c/o AJ Wakely & Sons, 7a Silver Street, Lyme Regis, DT7 3HR.
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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 Emmanuel Newton of Charmouth. With thanks to Vernon Rattenbury of the Royal British Legion for the research.
FRANCIS ALBERT SMITH
Private, 1st Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment Service No. 5723854 Born 1917 and died January 23 1942, Malta Albert Smith, as he was known in the town, was killed in action during an air raid on the Grand Harbour in Malta. He was acting as an anti aircraft gunner onboard the War Department dredger Lord Plumer. Seven German bombers with a fighter escort attacked the harbour area in late afternoon. HMS Abingdon and the Lord Plumer were strafed by ME109 fighters and it was during this action that Albert was killed. Son of William and Mary Smith of Lyme Regis, he is buried in Pembroke Military Cemetery, Malta, grave 1.4.13, and is also commemorated on the town and St Michael’s Parish Church war memorials.
KENNETH GRANVILLE BLACKMORE
Staff Sergeant, Royal Army Ordnance Corps Service No. 7618592 Born 1916 and died January 24 1942, Egypt Kenneth Blackmore was attached to the Royal Engineers at the time of his death in North Africa. He was 25 years old. Son of Samuel and Alice Blackmore of Lyme Regis, and husband of Elsie Blackmore, also of Lyme Regis, he is buried in Suez War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt, grave 1.F.1,!and is also commemorated on the town and St Michael’s Parish Church war memorials.
Friday, January 21 2022 3
West Dorset MP ‘deeply embarrassed’ by Downing Street party revelations WEST Dorset MP Chris Loder said he is “deeply embarrassed” by revelations of Downing Street parties being held during the coronavirus pandemic, and says he wants to restore “decency, honour and trust” in the government. National headlines have been dominated by revelations of several parties being held at Number 10, contravening COVID-19 restrictions, with an increasing number of MPs, including several Conservatives, calling for Prime Minister Boris Johnson to resign. Mr Johnson apologised in the House of Commons last week, admitting he had attended one event at Downing Street which he considered to be a “work event”. he then said that none of his staff had advised him that the gathering was breaking COVID restrictions – a statement that has been highly criticised by opposition MPs and in the national press. An investigation into the alleged parties is now being led by senior civil servant Sue Gray. Mr Loder has not gone as far as to call for the PM’s resignation, instead saying he wants to see him succeed, but in a column published in The Telegraph he accepted that Boris’ apology “was not enough”. The West Dorset MP has issued the following statement: “With revelations concerning Downing Street parties over the last two years at its height, I’d like you to know that I and most of my colleagues feel deeply embarrassed and humiliated by such revelations. “And whilst we might not be plastered all over the television saying such things, the government knows how I and many of you feel about this, having been to see the Prime Minister personally, just before Christmas to tell him directly. “There are two things that stand out. Firstly, that whilst we were at home respecting the rules, it is becoming clearer and clearer that this was not the case in Number 10. What irks so much about this is that I know the pain and trauma so
FRANCESCA EVANS
francesca@lyme-online.co.uk many of us went through because they could not be with their family members during this horrible time. “I myself had to stay in London for Christmas 2020 because of these restrictions and know only too well that sadness. And that was even worse for those who died on their own or were not able to attend a funeral. “Secondly, the law doesn’t stop at the garden wall of Number 10 and if some of these advisors didn’t think these rules were needed, we should not have had them imposed, but the reality is that they were required and should have been adhered to. “I know you put your trust in me as your MP and, by default, the Prime Minister as well. I know that, regardless of political view, the most important thing is to be able to trust the person who holds the highest elected office in the land. “I am fully understanding of that and I want to re-assure you that I shall continue to ensure that decency and honour are integral at the heart of our government. “With no fewer than seven events in the spotlight at the moment, I’m not convinced that the evolving narrative from the Prime Minister, most recently in the House of Commons yesterday is acceptable. “The investigation taking place will bring the facts to light and I will expect to see it in the House of Commons shortly.” In his column in The Telegraph, Mr Loder said he received more than 100 emails from constituents regarding ‘partygate’ in just one evening. He wrote: “The backbenches have broadly three groups at the moment. Those who are joyous of these developments because they’ve hated Boris for a long time. Those who are absolute die-hard supporters, whatever development is uncovered.
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And those of us, including me, who was Boris to be successful, who believe in him, but are saddened and embarrassed by these continual revelations – and are coming to the realisation that this situation is now badly affecting the Conservative Party’s prospects of achieving our full potential – on top of what has been a stonking record of success so far with delivering Brexit, levelling up and the vaccination programme. “Making rash decisions and assumptions without having the full facts to have, even thought there’s a media storm, is not my style. “I am clear that the apology made by the Prime Minister in the House of Commons last week was not enough. I have told my government whip on Friday that an investigation with no timeline is not on and we want the ‘Grey Report’ for scrutiny in the House of Commons urgently. “But my mission, and that of my colleagues, is now to make sure decency and honour and trust are restored at the heart of our government. That is why, once this report is available, we will consider the full facts and actions needed.” See Chris Loder’s latest column for LymeOnline page 7
Lym Tai Chi A friendly group who meet for gentle exercise of both body and mind New classes in Lyme on Thursday evenings and Friday mornings with registered TCUGB instructor No experience necessary, all welcome Call Ann on 07840 004 014 or email lymtaichi@gmail.com
4 Friday, January 21 2022
NEWS IN BRIEF Temporary timetable sees trains cut
TRAINS between Exeter and London Waterloo, which pass through Axminster, have become less frequent following the launch of a temporary timetable on Monday. The temporary South Western Railway (SWR) timetable is said to be designed to “ensure reliability for customers and cater to key workers, school pupils and those who cannot work from home”. The emergence of Omicron has necessitated the need for a new temporary timetable, with staff shortages across SWR having led to unavoidable short-notice cancellations.
SWR says Rigorous planning has gone into developing this timetable to deliver the right level of service for the current situation, but the train line will continue to monitor its services to ensure that they continue to deliver for its customers. Trains between Exeter St Davids and London Waterloo will run about every two hours for most of the day except during peak early evening time. Passengers will likely have to change at Salisbury. Check your journey before travelling at www.southwesternrailway.com
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A round-up of news from the LymeOnline website visit www.lyme-online.co.uk for full stories
Businesses invited to meeting on ‘going green’
TURN Lyme Green is inviting local businesses to an open discussion to explore the practicalities and benefits of ‘going green’. Businesses are increasingly concerned about the impact they are making on the environment and are looking for ways to make their business more sustainable. Any type of business is welcome to attend this free meeting on Thursday, February 17 at the Driftwood Café in Lyme Regis Baptist Church, opening at 6.45pm for a 7pm start.
Foodbank keeping busy as cost of living rises
Three new recruits for volunteer lifeboat crew
LYME Regis Foodbank has been helping an increasing number of clients since the end of October, with fuel bills, rising food costs and financial insecurity resulting from a lack of seasonal work and the need to isolate adding to the demand. LymeForward, which runs the food bank, has also relaunched its Carers Café, held on the third Thursday of every month at Lyme Regis Baptist Church, from 11am to 1pm. If you would like to volunteer email enquiries@lymeforward.co.uk or call 07742 053 736.
LYME Regis lifeboat crew has recently welcomed three new recruits. Joe Street, 42, a mother of three, runs aqua therapy sessions in Axminster. She joins her husband Brian on the crew, who has served as a volunteer for 24 years. Cris Cadby, 51, has joined as a deputy launching authority. He runs an educational IT company with 60 staff serving 500 schools throughout the UK. The third new recruit, Andrew Barker, 42, is a primary school teacher at Sidbury, Devon.
Free devices for Dorset’s digitally excluded
Scouts raise £300 collecting trees
RESIDENTS across the Dorset Council area that are in digital need can now apply for a free device and data. The council has been awarded £20,000 for its new Digital Doorway scheme, which will see it issue about 60 tablets and laptops with up to two years’ worth of data, to people who are currently digitally excluded. In addition to the devices and data, each recipient will be offered free training and support from one of Dorset Council’s volunteer digital champions. Digital exclusion covers anyone who cannot
THE Powder Monkey Explorer Sea Scouts, based in Uplyme, raised more than £300 for their unit from through a Christmas tree collection last weekend, collecting 45 trees from the local area. Trees that were collected by the 15 Explorers were mostly chipped, though some were kept for firewood to be used at a later date.
Grants to help improve wellbeing of Dorset GROUPS in Dorset are to receive a £50,000 boost to improve the wellbeing of the county’s residents through nature, art and movement. The year-long Nature, Art and Wellbeing Community Fund opened this week and will provide grants to projects which tackle inequalities, enable groups to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of their local area and increase engagement with nature, art and movement. The fund particularly encourages projects which improve the wellbeing of people living with long-term health conditions, learning disabilities, low mental health, long-term unem-
RNLI on the lookout for new South West lifesavers
THE Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has launched its search for new lifeguards to start their career on some of the South West’s most popular beaches, as applications open for 2022. Recruitment for this season’s team of RNLI beach lifesavers has opened nationally, ready for the summer season. As well as rescuing those in difficulty, the RNLI’s beach lifeguards promote safe behaviour so visitors can return home safely. Find out more and apply to be part of the RNLI’s lifesaving team at rnli.org/BeALifeguard
easily access everything they need online. Anyone who feels they have been digitally excluded can now apply to Digital Doorway for a new device. All applicants must be aged over 18 and live in the Dorset Council area. To apply for a device, or to refer someone for a device, go to the council’s online application form www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/digital-doorway-application-form Anyone who needs helping filling-in, or accessing the form, can call the Digital Hotline on 01305 221048.
Mark Hix to open art and vintage kitchenalia pop-up
ployment, carer roles, accessing day opportunities, or who are from marginalised backgrounds. The programme has been made available through a partnership between Stepping into Nature, Dorset Council, The Arts Development Company, Active Dorset and Help & Care with support from The National Lottery Community Fund, National Academy of Social Prescribing Thriving Communities Fund and Contain Outbreak Management Fund. To find out more visit the website www.dorsetaonb.org.uk/resource/nature-art-and-wellbeing-community-fund
LYME Regis chef and restaurateur Mark Hix’s name is synonymous with food and art so it’s perhaps no surprise to see him opening his own ‘Hix Art Pop Up’ on the site of The Oyster & Fish House this year. While the Lyme Regis restaurant is closed on a Monday and Tuesday until the February half term, Mark has decided to bring collections of art, vintage lighting, furniture and ‘kitchenalia’ to the restaurant for customers to purchase. HIX ART Pop Up will be open weekly from Monday, January 24 from 10.30am to 2.30pm.
Teacher, doctors and dentists to skydive THE headteacher of The Woodroffe School in Lyme Regis, as well as a group of local doctors and dentists, are all planning skydives to raise funds for Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support. Headteacher Dan Watts (pictured) will be completing a 15,000ft skydive at Dunkeswell Airfield and is hoping to raise £1,000 for the charity. Also taking part will be Axminster Medical Practice GP Dr Nick Hodges, his wife and anaesthetist Alice Hodges, and brother Sandy Hodges and his parter Jess Waite, who are both local dentists.
Friday, January 21 2022 5
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ALL OVER THE TOWN
with LymeOnline
editor Francesca Evans
The perfect time to enjoy these quieter months in Lyme IT was an early start for me last weekend, as I joined dozens of sea swimmers on the beach – not for a dip myself, but for a photo call. The swimmers are campaigning against sewage overflows being permitted in rivers and seas around the coast, and a lack of water quality monitoring here in Lyme Regis outside of the summer months. Marketing guru Sonia Rai, a relatively new resident of Lyme Regis, came up with the clever idea of having the swimmers literally spell out their message to the water companies in the sand – ‘No More Poo’. She called on her fellow sea swimmers to come along and the turn out was great. The swimmers feel so passionately about
this issue and, after listening to some of the stark statistics on the quality of our rivers and seas, it’s no surprise. What really stood out to me was how little has been done to address the issue in my entire lifetime. Since privatisation in 1989 – the year I was born – South West Water has spent £100million on improving storm water storage. That may seem like a large sum, but campaigners have described it as a pittance compared to the company’s huge profits and salaries. I covered the event along with photographer and videographer Max Redwood, who sent his drone up to get some aerial shots and we were really pleased with the results, which have garnered the attention of regional media that can
hopefully give an extra boost to the campaign. As well as the eye-catching photo on page 8, you can watch the full video coverage of the event on the LymeOnline website and there will also be clips in my weekly video news bulletin, out today. After the photos were taken, the swimmers headed out for a dip while I did my own kind of ‘swimming’ – that is heading straight into the SWIM bar and restaurant to warm up with a hot chocolate and a pastry! After a dreary start to January the weather had thankfully perked up and I thought it was the perfect time to make the most of these quieter months in Lyme Regis, so I finished my morning with a winter walk from one end of the seafront to the other. Back in the office on Monday, our week
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EAST Kitchen & Bar opened just before Christmas in the former premises of Tierra Kitchen in Coombe Street. The combined effort of Natalie McCarthy from Red Panda and Keian Gillet from The Galley Cafe, this new eatery serves up East Asian cuisine, including gyoza dumplings, ramen, noodles and rice dishes.
THE Pilot Boat will be serving up pizzas on Tuesday, February 1 in aid of the Lyme Regis branch of Cancer Research UK. This will be the branch’s first fundraiser of 2022 following a challenging two years during the pandemic. See page 2 or advertisement on page 14 for full details.
FROM those who just like to dip their toes in to full-blown mermaids of the sea, the stark facts and figures regarding the water quality here in Lyme Bay should be of interest to all. Following last weekend’s photo call on the beach, take a look at our full report on the campaign to clear up our waters on page 8.
started with the very sad news of the death of veteran councillor Stan Williams. Stan had been a constant throughout my career in local journalism – always smartly dressed at council meetings and civic events, proudly wearing his past mayor and honoured citizen badges, never scared to stand his ground when fighting for what he believed was best for Lyme Regis, and always great for a headline or two! He was a good friend to LymeOnline and we will miss him. Later in the week I attended the inaugural Axminster Business Awards, following on from the success of the first Lyme Regis Business Awards held in the summer. After the trials of the coronavirus pandemic, Axminster seems to be enjoying something of a renaissance with a renewed enthusiasm for the local high street, community events and initiatives. The town centre’s flagship Trinity House has been restored to its former glory, thanks to Axminster Property, joint winners of Business of the Year along with their main tenant, the Community Waffle House; new shops and businesses are making names for themselves; and the Totally Locally group are always coming up with imaginative ideas to help independent traders. Lyme Regis can always fall back on its sheer natural beauty to pull in the crowds, but in Axminster the focus is placed more on community. Perhaps we could even learn a thing or two from our East Devon neighbours?
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LYME MATTERS with Philip Evans Essential reading for all those with Lyme at heart
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There will never be another Stan T
HE first council election in Lyme Regis I covered as a young reporter was in 1969 when an eager young man in his 30s, brimming with energy and ideas, won a seat on what was then the Borough Council.
And so began a life of public service lasting more than 50 years for Stan Williams, Lyme born and bred, who would soon establish himself as a bit of a firebrand in a Guildhall that had seen plenty of controversy over the years. That life ended peacefully in a care home in Seaton on Sunday with his family around him, still a member of Lyme Regis Town Council, which he had served with pride for so long. He had been taken ill the day after the honour of being made a Freeman of Lyme Regis was bestowed upon him for his service to the town. From day one, Stan was definitely a firm believer in the old newspaper adage: “There’s no such thing as bad publicity” – the notion being that all mentions in the media aid a person’s cause, even if it shows them in a bad light. Stan provided those who have occupied the press bench in the Guildhall with thousands of column inches of copy, never steering away from difficult issues, even if he knew they would be unpopular. You don’t spend 50 years in local government without rattling a cage or two, or upsetting a few parishioners, but Stan would stick to his principles come what may and would always put Lyme and its people first, especially after the local government reorganisation in 1974 when Lyme lost much of
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its responsibility to the newly-created West Dorset District Council. When I joined the town council in the early 1980s Stan was well-established as one of the hardest working councillors with a reputation for getting things done. Replacing him as the youngest councillor, I learned a great deal from Stan and admired his passion for all things Lyme and his commitment to doing the best for the town. The relationship between the town council and West Dorset was extremely fragile and when I served as mayor for one year in 1984 I attempted to improve this. But it was a near impossible task with the district council chaired by the highly-experienced Headly Hayward, reluctant for Lyme to become more than a parish council with me knowing full well that Stan would never accept Lyme being run from Dorchester.
Stan had many an argument in the council chamber, some of which got quite heated, but unlike the infantile antics of some of our present councillors, Stan never carried a grudge. When the meeting was over, that was the end of the matter and they would all go off to the pub. He had no time for cliques within the council. I don’t think Stan ever really accepted that Lyme was subservient to West Dorset and fought many a battle throughout the years without conceding an inch. At times it made things difficult but Stan was insistent that Lyme should always come first. I have one abiding memory of Stan when I was mayor. In those days the town council was really strapped for cash. I remember going down to Monmouth Beach early on Good Friday morning, where Stan was painting the white lines for the car park because we could not afford to have the work done. At the time Stan was chairman of the Recreations Committee which covered all matters to do with the seafront and the Cobb. He held that post for several years and was responsible for building recreation revenues which kept the town council solvent. Stan had many an argument in the council chamber, some of which got quite heated, but unlike the infantile antics of some of our present councillors, Stan never carried
STAN Williams pictured in the Guildhall in front of the honours board which contains his name as a former mayor with daughter Anita, her partner Paul Oakley, and sister-in-law Shirley Williams who was married to Stan’s twin brother Peter
a grudge. When the meeting was over, that was the end of the matter and they would all go off to the pub. He had no time for cliques within the council. Stan went on to hold most senior posts in the council and was proud to serve as mayor for two years in the 1990s, carrying out his duties in exemplary fashion. But there was more to Stan than just council work. Outside the council chamber he had many interests. I first got to know him through football but our paths crossed frequently with his support for the sailing club, lifeboat, twinning association, Royal British Legion and Woodmead Halls. One of his greatest achievements was putting the Woodmead Halls on a firm financial footing. When he took over the running of the halls, then known as Lyme Regis Leisure Centre, it was in danger of folding and had been dormant for some time. He formed a committee of willing helpers and set about making it one of the best community centres in Dorset. I took over as chairman when Stan was made life president of the Woodmead Halls Management Committee, a role which I am relinquishing in a few weeks. Had it not been for Stan and his happy band of volunteers, the Woodmead Halls would not be in the strong financial position that it is today. After being made president, Stan still visited the halls most days of the week to assist the voluntary maintenance team and on one occasion, not so long ago, we found
him on top of the flat roof wearing just Crocs sandals. We had a bit of a problem getting him down and thought for one moment we might have to call the fire brigade. This was a man well into his 80s! I will also remember Stan for his happy disposition. He led a lively social life and I have many happy memories of the time when he ran the Beachcomer Cafe in Coombe Street. In those days stag nights were usually a tour of all the pubs before ending up at the Beachcomber in the early hours for steak and chips. They were riotous occasions. No one will ever match Stan’s 50 years as a councillor. For me, his greatest quality was his passion for his hometown - his desire to see the town prosper - and his zest for life. When Stan was made a Freeman of Lyme many thought he would retire from the council. But that was never going to happen and he was adamant that he would return to the council chamber despite his illness. His death means there will now be another vacancy on the council. Not enough council taxpayers requested an election to fill the last vacancy, which was filled by co-option instead, but I believe there will be sufficient interest for an election to be called this time, if for no other reason than to prevent the cliques extending their numbers. Following in Stan’s footsteps, however, will not be an easy task. We shall miss him greatly.
Friday, January 21 2022 7
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COVID-19: The latest on local coronavirus figures Significant drop in coronavirus cases across Dorset HAVING peaked at their highest level since the pandemic began earlier this month, COVID-19 cases across Dorset have now significantly dropped. As of January 13, there were 2,633 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Dorset Council area, a decrease of 2,162 from the previous week, and 3,231 in the Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole (BCP) area, a decrease of 2,518. This means the case rate per 100,000 people was 693.3 in the Dorset Council area, compared to 1,159.3 the previous week, and 813.9 in the BCP area, compared to 1,350.7. This compares to the current national average of 986 cases per 100,000. The number of COVID-19 patients in hospitals across Dorset has also dropped from 94 to 77. Sam Crowe, director of Public Health for Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, said: “It’s good news that we’ve seen cases fall quickly and far fewer people are in our hospitals with the virus than we’ve seen during previous waves of the pandemic. “This shows we’ve made great progress on COVID-19 thanks to improved treatments, vaccination and the hard work of our communities. Although the government has announced the easing of Plan B measures, it’s important to remember that we’re still living with COVID-19 – the virus hasn’t gone away. “Though infection levels have fallen, case rates remain high locally. There are still lots of people across Dorset catching COVID-19 every day and becoming unwell. “We should still keep doing anything we can to prevent transmission of the virus. Remember that health and care services are still extremely busy so we need to do all we can to protect essential frontline services, as well as our friends and loved ones.
“Testing regularly is key and it was great to see so many people doing this over the Christmas and New Year period when meeting friends and family, so please continue to take a lateral flow test before mixing with others. “Whenever you can, meet people outdoors where fresh air disperses virus particles, and if you’re unable to be outside, keep doors and windows open indoors. It’s still sensible to wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces where you’re coming into contact with other people. “Self-isolation remains an important measure to stop infectious people spreading the virus on to others, so if you develop symptoms or test positive on a lateral flow test, please self-isolate immediately and follow the guidance. “The data shows that the majority of people needing treatment in intensive care are unvaccinated, and the vast majority haven’t had a booster jab. “If you haven’t had your jabs yet, there are plenty of opportunities to get them in Dorset so book your appointments online or find a walk“in clinic. Overall, the current trends are positive but we should all continue to be vigilant and remain prepared to respond to any further waves of COVID-19.” COVID-19 cases in the Lyme Regis area have also significantly dropped, according to the latest government figures. In the seven-day period up until January 13, there were 32 recorded cases of COVID-19 in the Lyme Regis, Charmouth & Marshwood Vale area, decrease of 44 on the previous week. This means the case rate per 100,000 people was 441.1 – below the Dorset Council area figure of 693.3 and the national average of 986. Case numbers have also started to decrease in every surrounding area. Figures for neighbouring areas as of January
newsfromwestminster
A monthly column by West Dorset MP Chris Loder
SOUTH Western Railway has launched a new timetable on Monday which is completely unacceptable for us in West Dorset. On Friday, I wrote to South Western Railway alongside several colleagues to make it clear, in the strongest possible terms, that the timetable changes that came into effect this Monday until further notice cuts off Dorset from any direct trains to/from London and slashes the frequency by half anywhere west of Bournemouth and west of Salisbury, including Dorchester, Sherborne, Yeovil Junction, Crewkerne and Axminster. With Axminster in particular being the station of choice for many in Lyme Regis, this will no doubt cause unacceptable difficulty for many people which I intend to push back against. This forthcoming change, in the fashion this has been introduced and the extent that services are being reduced goes a long way to show the company’s total lack of concern for the needs of local people in Dorset and my colleagues and I are challenging this ‘until further notice’ timetable change’. South Western Railway has also removed onboard catering from our trains. They have refurbished trains to make them less comfortable. They have totally pulled out of the line from Yeovil to Weymouth, through Maiden Newton and Dorchester West (the Heart of Wessex line), and now, our county town will not have a train arriving in London before 9.23am. The company’s lack of strategic intent for our area is equally palpable. And yet at the same time, their sister company Great Western Railway tells us that the Exeter line through Castle Cary is the busiest and most crowded on their entire network. This drives a
concern of First Group protecting and enhancing GWR and their higher ticket prices over the West of England line. It appears to me that South Western Railway has no interest in Dorset. If anything, it is now trying to damage our economy with such drastic measures. I have requested that they urgently review this proposed timetable and that, as an absolute minimum, direct services are restored between London and Weymouth/Exeter and an earlier train will run from Weymouth/Dorchester to London. We have been in touch with the Rail Minister and are anticipating meeting next week where similar views will be shared. As always, please do not hesitate to contact me at hello@chrisloder.co.uk if there is anything I can help you with, and visit my website www.chrisloder.co.uk for updates.
Visit www.chrisloder.co.uk for links to my social media channels and news, or email hello@chrisloder.co.uk if you are interested in a face-to-face meeting at one of my surgeries
13 were as follows: Uplyme, Kilmington & Colyton – 31 (decrease of 55); Seaton – 29 (decrease of 61); Axminster – 51 (decrease of 41); Burton Bradstock & Chideock – 39 (decrease of 34); Bridport South & West Bay – 28 (decrease of 25); Bridport North – 25 (decrease of 34); Beaminster, Maiden Newton & Halstock – 47 (decrease of 37). You can find out more details on COVID case numbers in your local area at https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/
Vaccination take-up dropping
COVID vaccination rates in Dorset may have dropped dramatically because many people believe that the pandemic is over, writes Local Democracy Reporter Trevor Bevins. The county’s director of public health, Sam Crowe, said there is evidence that many in the 18 to 39 age group are reluctant to come forward for vaccinations. He told a meeting on Monday evening that a similar trend was being shown by those even younger, some of which will only come for jabs if there was little inconvenience for them and they did not have to travel far. Mr Crowe said the reluctance in younger age groups to get vaccinated seemed to be based on the belief that they were unlikely to be infected and, if they were, the symptoms would be relatively mild. “There are fairly large numbers in affluent areas of Dorset who are not coming forward and are just getting on with their lives – but it is still important to get vaccinated,” he said. “We may have had a near-miss with this variation.” Vaccinations rates in the county have declined from 15,000 a day to just 1,500 on some days – with 83 per cent of the county’s adult population
now having had one or two jabs, a figure which he described as “a huge achievement.” The programme is now concentrating on second doses for 12 to 15 year olds and vaccines for vulnerable 5 to 11 year olds, with vaccinations also underway on second boosters for clinically vulnerable older people. Mr Crowe said that with the slow down many of those working in the vaccination programme are now returning to their normal jobs with teams starting to work out how to deliver future vaccine programmes in a more sustainable way. The public health director said that, although the signs are positive that the latest COVID-19 variant is less deadly, the pandemic is still with us and continues, with other winter pressures, to keep the NHS across Dorset working at full stretch with virtually no vacant hospital beds. Infection rates have dropped significantly according to the latest data, with figures as of January 13 showing that there were 2,633 confirmed cases in the Dorset Council area, a massive decrease of 2,162 compared to the previous week, and the area now has an infection rate of 693.3 per 100,000 people. There are currently 77 COVID-19 patients in local hospitals across Dorset. There continues to be outbreaks of COVID-19 across the county with schools and care settings keeping public health staff busy in offering advice and guidance on how to minimise infections. Mr Crowe said that with fewer PCR tests now being carried out, following changes in government advice, there was, effectively, less monitoring of changes in COVID-19 variants, although he said he was confident that any future changes would still be picked up through sampling programmes and scrutinising other data.
OBITUARY: Margaret Hercock
Marriage music played at funeral LYME Regis has been greatly saddened this week by the death of former resident Margaret Hercock who played a major role in the community life of the town for many years, supporting a number of local causes. Mrs Hercock, aged 90, lived in Exeter and died at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital after being admitted on December 23. She was the wife of the late Ron Hercock and is survived by her two sons, David, who lives in America, and Andrew. The family lived in Jericho for many years. A funeral service was held at Exeter Crematorium on Wednesday at which the eulogy was delivered by her son, David. Mrs Hercock was born in Stalbridge in Dorset and lived in Milborne Port. She went to the local school where she nurtured her love for music, especially singing. As a young woman Mrs Hercock contracted tuberculosis and was sent to recuperate in the healthy sea air at Eastbourne in Sussex. At the same time, also for TB reasons, her future husband, an ex-Royal Navy Petty Officer, was staying in Eastbourne where they met. The couple were married in 1953 and moved to Lyme Regis, renting a small flat in Ozone Terrace before moving to Summerhill Road and then to a new three-bedroom bungalow in Jericho. They were married for 62 years. Mr Hercock worked for Lloyds Bank and the couple soon immersed themselves in the community life of Lyme Regis, becoming members of Lyme Regis Operatic Society, among others, with Mr Hercock acting as treasurer for several local organisations.
Margaret Hercock They were both cast members of ‘The Golden Revenge’, which the operatic society staged at the Northcott Theatre in Exeter, as well as in Lyme Regis, to celebrate its 50th anniversary The same piece of music that Mrs Hercock walked down the aisle at her wedding was played at the funeral service.
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Photo by Max Redwood
Campaigners against sea pollution ‘spell it out’ for water companies CAMPAIGNERS have sent a clear message to water companies, that sewage overflows in our rivers and seas should no longer be tolerated.
Dozens of regular sea swimmers gathered on Lyme Regis beach last Saturday to literally spell out their message in the sand – ‘No More Poo’. They are campaigning against water companies being permitted to allow sewage overflows in rivers and seas in stormy weather, and are calling for all-year-round water quality monitoring in Lyme Regis. This is currently only carried out by the Environment Agency during what is considered the main bathing season in the summer, but Lyme Bay is becoming increasingly popular with water sports enthusiasts throughout the year, including many swimming groups such as the Lyme Regis Blue Tits. Group member Beverley Glock said: “We swim everyday, at least once a day, sometimes four or five times a day all year round, and we have to combat raw sewage that is going into our sea. “The monitoring station is turned off at the beginning of September, as I assume the Environment Agency thinks nobody swims after then, and in any bad weather all the overflow from the sewage from the restaurant and bars all along the seafront go straight into the sea. “The sewers haven’t been ungraded since Victorian times and no investment has been put into the infrastructure since 1989 and it’s just ridiculous. “The water companies are making money and they need to invest in the water quality that we are swimming in. We do not want to swim in poo; we are fed up of swimming in poo.” In its Storm Overflows Event and Duration Monitoring 2020 document, South West Water said: “Storm overflows are legal discharges from the wastewater collection network that occur in very wet weather to prevent flooding of homes and businesses. “Over the last 20 years, investment by water companies has dealt with most of those storm discharges where the Environment Agency had identified environmental problems. But we recognise there is more to do, which is why the sector is planning to invest £51 billion over the next four years to further address storm discharges. “In 2013, Defra set a requirement on water com-
FRANCESCA EVANS
francesca@lyme-online.co.uk panies to be able to monitor the performance of the ‘vast majority’ of storm overflows by 2020. To achieve this, we fitted large numbers of event and duration monitors to our storm discharges. “We use this data to make sure our network is still operating correctly and capable of meeting the new, more extreme weather we see from climate change. “Over the years we have worked with the Environment Agency to identify any discharges that weren’t providing enough protection for rivers and coastal waters. “This has led to considerable investments in additional wastewater treatment and stormwater storage capacity, and has played a part in delivering vastly improved environmental water quality in the South West. “We, like all water companies, are committed to protecting rivers from pollution. This has included extensive upgrades to Wastewater Treatment Works and removing the raw sewage discharges that used to go into the sea around the South West coast. “At privatisation we inherited a system where wastewater from around 40 per cent of the population discharged into the sea untreated. “For storm overflows we have improved over 298 stormwater overflows to bathing waters and 382 to shellfish waters since 1989, by adding more than 222,100 cubic metres of additional stormwater storage built at a cost of over £100million.” But campaigners have argued that the investment since privatisation in 1989 is actually a “pittance” compared to the amount water companies are making, pointing out that in 2020 South West Water made nearly £140million in profit, aftertax, and distributed nearly £250million in dividends. South West Water is also the worst rates water company in the charity Surfers Against Sewage’s league table. In October 2020, Surfers Against Sewage reported: “Today, the Environment Agency reported that the performance of water and sewage companies continues to decline for a second year in a row. "We continue to see water companies putting the profits of their shareholders above their duty
to protect precious river and ocean habitats so vital for our health, wellbeing, and the restoration of nature. “Four out of the nine water companies in England now rate as poor, the worst results since 2011 – South West Water, Southern Water, Anglian Water and Northumbrian Water received a rating of just two stars with the number of serious pollution incidences plateauing rather than reducing. “The total number of pollution incidences was the highest since 2014 with Southern Water more than doubling the reported number of incidences in 2019 compared to 2018. Only Wessex Water and Seven Trent Water achieved the highest level of performance. “The report comes just days after it was released that only 16 per cent of rivers currently meet Good Ecological Status with no rivers passing chemical tests, suggesting continued issues with the discharge of sewage into water ways. “The UK ranks just 25th out of 30 European counties for the state of its coastal bathing waters. Results released today provide little evidence that the health of rivers and coastal waters are improving at all." The House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee released the Water Quality in Rivers report last week, and The Rivers Trust has said that the government “can no longer ignore the routine pollution of our rivers to suit commercial interests”, as the report highlights “a myriad of failures across the public and private sectors, and the fact that river pollution has become dangerously institutionalised”. The report found that the processes used to monitor river pollution are outdated and inadequate; relying on water companies to monitor their own pollution incidents is fundamentally flawed; and the current state of our rivers is the result of decades of underinvestment into sewage works. It called for rapid action from the government to fight back against pollution. In Lyme Regis, the community are taking matters into their own hands with volunteers from Turn Lyme Green starting regular monitoring of water quality in the River Lim, following the erection of signage along the river last summer warning of potential pollution risks.
The joys of cold water swimming by Olivia Chuter JANUARY, sand cold underfoot, sea temperature a balmy 9° but still a gaggle of adults chatter while slipping into swimwear that should be more accustomed to June not January. The sense of community amongst cold water swimmers is evident the buzz is palpable, almost returning individuals to carefree schoolgirls. The shared challenge of dipping one’s shoulders into the chilly winter water draws people together whether they are known or not known to each other. The sea feels silky against your skin as you glide silently through the water. Your breathing settles and for a short while you are transported to another world in which worries or stress float away with each stroke. Once away from land thoughts can be digested or a moment to reflect can be yours or personal conversations can be held. It is clear to see why cold water swimming is gaining in popularity, more and more research is currently being done to understand the benefits. Cold water adaptation does occur in regular outdoor swimmers making you less reactive to the shock of the cold water, research is now looking into whether this could make you less reactive to other everyday stresses. Articles linking the benefits of cold water swimming on treating depression, delaying dementia and boosting your immune system through an increased production of white blood cells have also been documented. Clearly you have to know your limits and it’s advisable not to swim alone but I personally wouldn’t be without this activity. It’s addictive in a positive way, it offers companionship, humour, peace and exhilaration. How lucky we are to live in or around Lyme Regis. It is so important that we highlight the need to protect our amazing and diverse coastline for us and for future generations.
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First look at Mary Anning statue as it’s prepared to be cast in bronze THE full-scale statue of fossil hunter Mary Anning has been unveiled for the first time as it’s prepared to be cast in bronze.
The organisation Mary Anning Rocks, which raised £100,000 for the statue to be erected in Lyme Regis, revealed photos as artist Denise Dutton completed the statue in clay. It will now be cast in bronze, ready to be erected on Gun Cliff Walk and unveiled on May 21 – 223 years after Mary Anning’s birth. The statue depicts Mary in full stride, carrying an ammonite and her tools, with her dog Tray at her feet. The campaign for the statue was led by Dorset schoolgirl Evie Swire who set about fundraising with her mother, Anya Pearson, and was given the backing of high-profile supporters such as author Tracey Chevalier, who wrote ‘Remarkable Creatures’ based on Mary Anning’s life, and broadcaster and natural historian Sir David Attenborough. When Evie started campaigning in 2018 she was just 10 years old. Evie and her mother travelled to Denise’s studio in Stoke on Trent to see the statue revealed for the first time.
Anya said: “A long curtain sectioned off the studio to keep the cold out, and the anticipation as Denise drew back that curtain to reveal what can only be described as a masterpiece was electrifying. I cannot tell you the feeling Evie, and I had at finally looking into the face of Mary Anning. “The sculpture is stunning, and after a few tears and several cups of sweet tea, we clicked through to our trustees and committee sign off meeting on Zoom. Everyone agreed – she is beautiful, and Mary can now go off to be cast in bronze. “One or two areas like Tray’s coat and tail and the base need finishing off, and all the fossils adding, but overall, she is pretty much how she will look once cast in bronze. “It’s fascinating how soft clay can turn into something so powerful and solid that will last for hundreds of years. At some point, Evie and I will be driving up to the foundry in Wales to see the casting in bronze happen.”
Tales From Lyme’s Past
A glimpse of our history with Peter Lacey
Lyme in the 20th Century, Part VI THE impact of the 1914-18 World War was to have long lasting social and economic consequences. Residents who crowded into St Michael’s Parish Church on August 9 1914 (the first Sunday following the declaration of war) took part in what was a national day of prayer ‘for the safety of the British Empire’. They had no con- The HMS Formidable funeral procession in Church Street, January 1915 cept of what the next four years would have on their lives; there nationwide had volunteered. The town council would be hardship and a lasting sadness over made it clear that such men would be given the number of the townsmen who died in the employment preference when the war ended. In 1916 the council published a Roll of Honconflict. Women wearing black clothes and men our, it listed just over 250 men serving in the wearing mourning armbands became a com- forces. Men who failed to enlist were often mon sight; many families were left devastated. treated with contempt and accused of cowAfter the war a memorial window in the ardice. A shaming symbol was a white feather parish church was unveiled on April 21 1921 given mainly by women to such men. In the autumn of 1914, a small number of as a testament to those who died serving their Belgium refugees were taken in by the town. country, a plaque lists the 55 men. Six seamen, the youngest aged 17 years, They brought with them accounts of German from the battleship HMS Formidable torpe- war crimes described as ‘appalling savagery’. As the number of casualties increased so did doed in Lyme Bay by a German submarine on January 1 1915 were given a civic funeral. The the need for military hospitals. In March 1917 the Bridport News reported that A.J. event was a sombre overflowing of the town’s Woodroffe, the town’s mayor, at his own expublic grief. Buried together in the town’s pense had converted his Rhode Hill mansion graveyard (the council charging the cost to the and made it available to the Red Cross. It was Admiralty) their resting place is marked with a able to accommodate almost 80 patients and Celtic-Cross. had both medical and recreational facilities. Survivors from the sinking, whose boat was The extensive grounds with sea views must washed ashore on Cobb Gate beach, pre- have been blissful after the horror of trench sented the town with a mounted badge of the warfare. Formidable in gratitude for the care they had Soldiers in hospital wore a uniform of ‘Conreceived. It hangs in the Guildhall, the inscrip- valescent Blues’. It was made of blue flannel tion marks a stirring event in the town’s his- and worn with a white shirt and a red tie; it tory. identified a wounded soldier as a ‘Returning Patriotic fever was sweeping the country; Hero’. The convalescing soldiers became a young men were being encouraged to join the common sight in the town. armed forces. Lyme, like other towns, posted To be continued... lists of men who had volunteered and by the Peter Lacey middle of September 1914 some 450,000 men Local historian and author
The statue of Mary Anning and her dog Tray, pictured below with artists Denise Dutton, partner Richard and dog Willow
Who was Mary Anning? MARY was born in Lyme Regis in 1799 to a poor working class family and lived on the site of Lyme Regis Museum, which includes a wing named after the fossil hunter. She collected and sold fossils from the Lyme Regis and Charmouth area from a young age, and her discoveries included the first correctly identified ichthyosaur skeleton; the first two nearly complete plesiosaur skeletons; the first pterosaur skeleton located outside of Germany; and fish fossils. During her lifetime she was not fully accepted in the scientific community because of her gender and class, but Mary is now known as one of the most influential women in the history of science. Mary died in 1847, aged 47, of breast cancer. A beach hut on Lyme Regis seafront – managed by Axminster and Lyme Regis Cancer Support for the sole use of those affected by cancer – was named after Mary in 2020. Mary’s grave can be found in the churchyard at St Michael’s Parish Church in Lyme Regis. She was recently depicted by Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet in the movie ‘Ammonite’, filmed partially in Lyme Regis and Charmouth in March 2019.
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New footpath makes for safer and shorter route between Lyme Regis and Charmouth A NEW footpath through Lyme Regis Golf Club, making the route between Lyme Regis and Charmouth safer for walkers, has now been completed. The erection of a fence along a new route has created a safe, relatively flat and much shorter path into Charmouth. This has now been completed and the path adopted by Dorset Council with no objections. The path along the side of the course and the steep wooded slope was, in fact, been laid some years ago but has until now been partially blocked by a discouraging wooden barrier at each end. With the new fence and the adoption by Dorset Council, walkers are now encouraged to use this new route as it is safer and shorter. After completing the crossing of the golf course near to the clubhouse, walkers will reach the wooden
barrier, which has not yet been removed. Instead of turning left and negotiating the tricky drop down the hill to the left, and onto the road, one now can walk round the barrier and proceed along the woodland track. This will take you past the new safety fence and on to Old Lyme Road, straight down into Charmouth without going near the A4052 or A35. On the right, just before you reach the
old roadway, there is access to a small field with splendid views along the cliffs and landslip areas. Caution is needed to avoid the edge and a steep drop. Allan Swannell, who deals with footpath matters for the Lyme Regis Society, said: “All credit must be given to Lyme Regis Golf Club for providing the safety fence. This path will from now on be a welcome improvement on the previous arrangement.”
New Multiple Sclerosis Group to cover Dorset
Pictured top, new fencing provides a safer route for walkers and, left, a wooden barrier is still in place but walkers can go around this
Charmouth resident objects to proposal to reroute public footpath through garden A CHARMOUTH resident is objecting to a proposed modification to Dorset Council’s definitive map of the area, which will see a public footpath routed through his garden. Neil Mattingly has disputed the route of the footpath for some four years, but said his Christmas was ruined after he received a letter from Dorset Council’s definitive map technical officer, Sue Phillips, on Christmas Eve, regarding a proposal to correct a “drafting error” on the map, which would see a public footpath routed through Mr Mattingly’s garden in Higher Sea Lane. The issue surrounds Footpath 12, which connects Higher Sea Lane to the beach. Currently, walkers use the footpath just outside Mr Mattingly’s boundary, but the proposal would see it rerouted through his garden. Mr Mattingly said: “I have been trying for the last four years for them to see sense and reroute it to the west of my garden where it is already being used, but without any success. “I have had terrific support from many villagers who feel it very unjust, especially as it would require the lowering of a six foot bank to allow access.” Dorset Council said that an initial investigation suggested the path had been “incorrectly recorded” and it had a legal duty to assess the available evidence and decide whether to change the definitive map. In her letter, Ms Phillips wrote: “Our investigations will evaluate the evidence, from users of the route and from historical documents, and make a recommendation in a report which will be considered by senior managers/officers at the earliest opportunity. In addition, the evidence may lead the council to make another type of order from that proposed. “The decision will have to be based solely on the evidence. The desirability, suitability or necessity of modifying the route are not matters that can be taken into account under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and information on these points is not required.”
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Charmouth resident Neil Mattingly points to the six foot bank that would have to be lowered if the public footpath were to be rerouted through his garden In his response, Mr Mattingly said there was no record of the footpath ever existing on maps dating back to 1864 to the present and the deeds to his house, built in 1922, show no footpaths. He continued: “During the 14 years I have lived here no one has ever wanted to walk along this non-existent path. This is unsuitable terrain as there is a large drop of six feet and a ditch linking it to the main path as well as established trees. “I would not have purchased my house had the searches from Dorset Council shown the existence of a footpath through the garden.” Mr Mattingly also argued that there was an existing route linking Higher Sea Lane with the beach, part of which runs along the eastern boundary of his garden which he has maintained for the past 14 years. Having researched much local history, he said that Footpath 12 had evolved over the years from 1898, when John James Coulton made a failed attempt to create a housing estate in the area with the idea that the path would create a road to three of the plots, but this never materialised.
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15 Years Ago: Looking back at the Napoli shipwreck IT was 15 years ago - January 18 2007 - that the MSC Napoli came into trouble in the English Channel, later being run aground in Lyme Bay resulting in national headlines as hundreds headed to the beach to scavenge its cargo. The cargo ship developed a hull breach in rough seas and was deliberately run aground off Branscombe to avoid an environmental disaster. Of the 41,773 tonnes of cargo on board, 1,684 tonnes were products classified as dangerous by the International Maritime Organisation. More than 100 containers fell into the sea and oil spilled for five miles, which affected some sea birds. After containers from the wreck began washing up at Branscombe, hundreds of people descended onto the beach to scavenge the goods, despite warnings from the police that they could risk fines. Items taken included everything from BMW motorcycles and car parts to perfume and nappies. By January 23 the beach was closed by police to stop what they described as a "despicable" free-for-all and the public were told that any goods taken had to be reported to the 'Receiver of Wreck'. Over the next week, attempts were made to remove the oil and other hazardous materials from MSC Napoli and a local salvage firm was appointed to clear up the beach and remove the containers and flotsam. It was years before the ship was eventually removed from Lyme Bay. On July 9 2007 the Napoli was re-floated but immediately re-beached as a crack measuring three metres was found in the vessel's hull. The ship was eventually broken up after several attempts at controlled explosions. Local photojournalist Richard Austin, who covered the story for months as it unfolded, recalled: "I was there on a daily basis watching the wreckers come and go with bizarre choices of souvenirs – the larger stuff such as motorbikes were long gone.
"People were arriving from all over the country and soon the inevitable happened; local houses in the village were being robbed with one farmer losing all his chainsaws in a night time break-in. "Scavengers is a good word for some of them. Thankfully the police closed the beach for the official clear-up, which took months. "As the dust settled on the wreck of the Napoli, the decision was taken that the ship had to be broken up in order to being removed from the shore. "High explosives were to be used, so a date was set, the media informed, and members of the public came along to witness the spectacular event. "The media count was high with TV and newspaper representatives, and a number of photographers had hidden themselves in the cliff face hoping for a picture that nobody else had. "Unfortunately for them the police had other ideas as to where the safety line should be drawn, and we were all moved so far away you may be forgiven for wondering if they were going to nuke the ship. "Eventually someone counted down from 10 and a muffled bang with lots of smoke was witnessed. "As the smoke cleared it became obvious it was a total failure, meaning that we would all be back again for another go at splitting the ship." In August 2007, the bow section of the ship's hull was taken to the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast for disposal and recycling. A plan to tow the stern section to Harland and Wolff was abandoned in March 2008 in favour of cutting it up in situ and removing the pieces separately. Work was completed in July 2009 – more than two years after the Napoli was initially run aground. The Napoli's 13,500kg anchor was presented to the people of Branscombe and was unveiled at Branscombe Mouth in July 2008.
Hundreds descended on Branscombe beach to look through the washed up containers after the MSC Napoli was run aground in Lyme Bay (above). Below, the shop was eventually broken up after several attempts at controlled explosions Photos by Richard Austin
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LYME REGIS TOWN COUNCIL The end of an era for the town council THIS week marks the end of an era at Lyme Regis Town Council as we said goodbye to veteran councillor and former mayor, Cllr Stan Williams. Cllr Williams died aged 87 on Sunday, January 16. He served this town and the council for over half a century, having been elected in 1969 to the then Lyme Regis Borough Council. We are pleased we were able to recognise this exceptional service to the town last year by granting Cllr Williams the Honorary Freedom of the Town of Lyme Regis, the highest honour the town council can bestow. The following is the official commemorative wording for the Freedom of the Town which encapsulates the contribution that was formally recognised: “The council gives its full support to awarding Stanley Williams The Honorary Freedom of the Town. “Lyme Regis Town Council grant you this highest honour we can bestow for the exceptional and devoted service you have given to the community and town council over the last 50 years.
“You have shown a tireless commitment to the prosperity and well-being of Lyme Regis, its economy, groups and facilities, residents and local good causes. “Having been elected to serve on the council since 1969 you have held the positions of mayor and chair of many committees, in which you have brought considerable experience and genuine passion in representing the interests of those within a locality which has always been at the core of what you do and have done. “It’s been a remarkable period that has presented challenges and difficulties which have become successes; Lyme is indebted to your selfless determination and service. “A truly merited recognition to a Lyme man who has given a lifetime to his hometown and whom the town now honours with its freedom. Thank you Stan.” The mayor, Cllr Brian Larcombe MBE, has led to the tributes to Cllr Williams. He said: “Stan was passionate about Lyme. He committed his whole life to the interests of the town and its residents. He served on
Council staff subjected to abuse from dog owners OUR enforcement officers have recently been subjected to abusive and aggressive behaviour from dog owners and this will not be tolerated. 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 Public Space Protection Order (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 1 October and 31 April 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. Cllr Laura Miller, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for Customer and Community Services said: “Abusive behaviour toward enforcement officers is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. “Regardless of how people feel about the rules regarding keeping dogs on leads on the beach during the winter months, officers are merely trying to do their job under challenging circumstances. “They certainly do not deserve to be sworn or shouted at, or targeted via social media or vexatious complaints. “The PSPO has been put in place to protect the public when using public spaces; both from the point of view of public health – the use of the sand as a toileting area – and to prevent dogs interfering with beach users. “At present, officers are trying to verbally inform and educate those who are knowingly or unwittingly breaking the rules, and they haven’t issued any fines to date. However, if this behaviour continues we will not hesitate to crack down harder on repeat offenders by fining them and even taking further action if we feel it’s appropriate. “The current PSPO will be reviewed in two years’ time and will be subject to a public consultation so local residents can politely express their views. “But, in the meantime, abuse of officers on patrol does not serve any purpose other than to cause upset and damage the morale of frontline workers who do not make the rules.”
the council for over 50 years, bringing to it a special insight and experience of the town he knew so well. “He was awarded the Freedom of the Town last year to mark the significance of his service and contribution to Lyme Regis and its council. “He was very much his own person and true to his beliefs. He would often bring a thought or idea to council that had eluded others and with it a solution or level of sense that might otherwise have escaped the debate. “Incisive and so often right if not always immediately appreciated – some simply needed a bit longer to ‘get there’. We’ll miss Stan for this; along with the time and support he gave to local groups and charity fundraising over the years. “I will personally miss his friendship, support, determination, ability and humour, and the personality that was Stan. Wendy and I offer our sympathy and condolences to Anita, Paul, Shirley and family.”
Trees to mark Queen’s jubilee
THE mayoress has planted the first tree in the new arboretum to mark The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Mayoress Wendy Larcombe was joined by the mayor, Cllr Brian Larcombe for the historic occasion as she planted a strawberry tree in the Langmoor Gardens. It is one of 70 new trees which will be planted in Lyme Regis to mark The Queen’s seven decades of service to the country and Commonwealth in June 2022. Communities are being encouraged to mark the historic occasion by ‘Planting a Tree for the Jubilee’, in a scheme called the Queen’s
Green Canopy. The arboretum is being created at the top of the seafront gardens, where we felled a number of diseased, dying or dangerous trees to make way for 15 new specimen trees. Mrs Larcombe had the honour of planting the first tree and a commemorative plaque will now mark the occasion. Timber from the felled trees will be available free of charge to local residents to collect from Strawberry Field on Saturday, January 29 between 8am and 11am. Strawberry Field is off Charmouth Road, opposite the park and ride site.
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ARTS | MUSIC | THEATRE | WHAT’S ON | COMPETITIONS
Queen’s favourite band coming to Lyme FOR more than 50 years, the Pasadena Roof Orchestra have been re-creating the magical sounds of a golden era of music from the 1920s and 1930s to widespread acclaim. On Friday, February 11, they’ll be performing at the Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis, when you can expect an evening of beautifully arranged songs from Irving Berlin, Ray Noble, Cole Porter and their contemporaries, as well as electrifying hot jazz from Fletcher Henderson and Duke Ellington. In the roaring twenties and thirties, many hotels had roof gardens with their own orchestras – hence the name Pasadena Roof Orchestra.
The orchestra has existed since 1969 and are famously the Queen’s favourite band. They have performed in most of the major concert houses in Europe, toured the USA four times, recorded more than 40 albums, and provided sound tracks for films like ‘Just a Gigolo’, starring David Bowie and Marlene Dietrich. In 2010 the orchestra was the star turn at the Buckingham Palace Christmas Party. This very special show at the Marine Theatre will be presented by band leader Duncan Galloway. The show starts at 8pm and tickets costing £25 are now available at marinetheatre.com
Community play script delights cast
Tuesday, February 1st, 7pm Choose one of two pizzas and a glass of wine for £15 All proceeds to Cancer Research UK Tickets must be booked in advance by calling Philip Evans on 07796 951 991
PREPARATIONS for Lyme Regis' new community play continued last weekend with a fruitful first read through of the script at St Michael's Parish Church Hall. This was the first time all the cast and crew met following many auditions and meetings at the end of last year. ‘Lyme and the Sea’ is written by Andy Rattenbury, a successful screenwriter who grew up here in Lyme Regis, and will follow his previous successful community plays ‘The Tempest’, ‘Monmouth’ and ‘Are You Going to the Marine?’. The cast and crew are equally local, with more than 40 actors from across the community happily meeting together after the challenges of 2021. Perhaps the popularity of the production owes to the subject matter. Andy uses Lyme's enduring relationship with the sea – sometimes good, and sometimes devastating – to tell a story of the town from the year
774 to the present day. During the read-through, musical director Declan Duffy revealed the dozens of pieces of music that will feature in the play to a rapturous reception. Community co-ordinator Tracey Blech said: "We're delighted with the turnout and interest that Lyme and the Sea has generated. It promises to be a play that all the community can come together to enjoy whether it's to take part or watch. “The first read-through felt like a special moment for everyone involved and we look forward to rehearsals." Rehearsals take place every Sunday until March 20 at St Michael's Parish Church Hall, after which they move to the Marine Theatre. Lyme and the Sea will be staged at the Marine Theatre in June this year with tickets going on sale in the spring.
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ARTS | MUSIC | THEATRE | WHAT’S ON | COMPETITIONS
Theatre, music, dance and more across rural Dorset! ARTSREACH continues to bring professional performances to village halls, pubs and other community spaces right across Dorset in 2022 with the launch of its brand new and exciting spring programme, featuring 24 artists and companies set to perform 49 live dates in 40 rural communities. With the support of the Arts Council England and Dorset Council, plus local solicitors Blanchards Bailey, rural venues across the county will host a variety of live music, theatre, dance, storytelling, poetry, family shows and more right in the heart of their communities. Music lovers can enjoy a real medley of styles and genres from both national and international musicians, including The Tim Kliphuis Trio, award-winning Welsh folk group Alaw, the Loshn Klezmer Band, acclaimed world folk and klezmer band Moishe’s Bagel, and FiFi La Mer with a journey into French music. Artsreach will also continue their partnership with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, bringing the professional disabled-led ensemble BSO Resound to rural venues across the county, plus a chamber ensemble performing music from Handel and Mendelsohn to the Beatles and Adele in a nautical musical journey for audiences of all ages. For theatregoers, Devon-based Multi Story Theatre present ‘Hefted’, a play told through nine stories embedded in the landscape, history, and psyche of rural life. Utilising spoken word, puppetry and a fully working time machine, H.G Wells’ classic Victorian sci-fi ‘The Time Machine’ is transformed into a neon-electro adventure for the entire family by The Keeper’s Daughter. 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. ‘Pepper and Honey’ by Not Now Collective is a heart-warming and poignant play that intertwines live baking with a story about two women questioning the meaning of home. Utopia Theatre’s acclaimed play ‘Here’s What She Said to Me’ combines drama with music, poetry and movement to tell an emotive story of daughters and mothers in the world of migrations and shifting identities. Finally, Townsend Productions use their trademark blend of live music and powerful storytelling in ‘Yes! Yes! U.C.S!’, a celebration of the community solidarity and collective resistance inspired and led by Upper Clyde Shipbuilders in the 1970s. Loaded with current affairs, childhood nostalgias and one hit wonders, ‘A Real Fiction’ by aKa Dance is an energetic new show created with and for rural communities.
Acclaimed storytellers The Devil’s Violin presents ‘The Beast In Me’, a charming, chilling and thrilling evening’s entertainment featuring a masterfully woven tapestry of stories from long ago. Following a sell-out tour with the ‘Alzheimer’s Who Dunnit’, Rob Gee is back with ‘Kevin, King of Egypt’, an award-winning show depicting the story of an unlikely friendship between an escaped mental health patient and a lost child. The Ridgeway Singers & Band invites you to join them for ‘Tea with William Barnes’, a musical celebration of the Dorset poet’s birthday served alongside a Dorset Cream tea. Acclaimed comedian George Egg presents his unique and utterly absurd comedy show, packed with ingenious live cooking; expect power tools, gardening equipment and office supplies to be re-purposed and abused in ‘George Egg: DIY Chef’. Acclaimed soundscapers Minima provide a live musical sound score to one of the silent-film era’s masterpieces, the 1922 horror ‘Nosferatu’. Finally, Artsreach continue its series of Inn Crowd performances specifically designed for rural pubs; ‘The Regulars’ by Teatro Vivo is a celebration of the outlandish, sometimes incredible stories you hear over a pint. Part stand up, part storytelling, ‘366 Days of Kindness’ charts an amazing year in which Bernadette Russell embarked on a reckless mission to be kind to a stranger every single day for a year. Grab a bar stool, pull up a pint and enjoy these fantastic bespoke performances. There’s plenty for families to see too, with two brilliant productions touring Dorset during February half term. Theatre Fideri Fidera present ‘Oskar’s Amazing Adventure’, an original play for young children using a rich mix of storytelling, physical theatre, clowning, puppetry and music and song to tell the tale of a puppy’s search for friendship in the wilderness of the Alps.
Then the acclaimed Norwich Puppet Theatre invite you to join ‘Pinocchio’ on a journey packed with hints of danger and slapstick humour in their highly visual new show, featuring puppetry and illusion, plus a lively soundtrack… and a very big fish! This is just a taster of everything happening around Dorset with Artsreach this spring. Full details and tickets are available from www.artsreach.co.uk and outlets where you can pick up a copy of the programme include libraries and tourist information centres. You can also find Artsreach on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with the latest rural touring news.
What’s on Friday, January 21
Martin & Eliza Carthy Marine Theatre, 7pm The good Doctor Martin Carthy and his twice Mercury nominated daughter Eliza Carthy, join forces to perform songs. Tickets from £20 are available via the website marinetheatre.com
Saturday, January 22
Suntou Susso Band Marine Theatre, 7pm Suntou Susso is a multi-instrumentalist: Kora player, percussionist, singer and composer from The Gambia. Join him with his full band for a very special concert. Tickets from £12 available at marinetheatre.com Live Music Night The Nag’s Head, 9pm Weekly live music nights at The Nag’s Head, this week with Relics.
Wednesday, January 26
LRTC Environment 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, January 27
National Theatre Live: Leopoldstadt, Marine Theatre, 6pm Tom Stoppard’s Olivier Award-winning new play Leopoldstadt is a passionate drama of love, family and endurance – screened live to the Marine Theatre from London’s West End. Tickets from £14 or £6 for under 18s available at marinetheatre.com Lyme Regis Community Bingo Woodmead Halls, 8pm Bingo night every Thursday, raising funds for local organisations which are members of Lyme Regis Community Bingo Association. Doors open 7.30pm, eyes down 8pm.
Saturday, January 29
Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band, Marine Theatre, 7pm
Send your diary dates to francesca@lyme-online.co.uk Visit: www.lyme-online.co.uk/events This R&B and soul legend arrived in the 1960s as part of the US Air Force. He caused a sensation singing with R&B acts Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames and Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band at the legendary Flamingo Club in Soho. His live shows were immortalised in two of the biggest selling albums of the 60s. Tickets from £20 available at marinetheatre.com Live Music Night The Nag’s Head, 9pm Weekly live music nights at The Nag’s Head, this week with Guilty Pleasure.
Sunday, January 30
The Sunday Sessions Marine Theatre, 2.30pm This regular free entry event is the Marine’s dedicated time to promote quality live music—our post-roast music session. Enjoy local drinks and the best musicians. If you’d like to play, just turn up! Live Music Sundays The Nag’s Head, 3pm Monthly live music afternoons at The Nag’s Head,
this week with Leonie Prater.
Wednesday, February 2
LRTC Strategy & Finance 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 3
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 4
Lyme Regis Comedy Club Marine Theatre, 7pm 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.
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Proposed government ruling could see those in their 60s pay for prescriptions ■ A PROPOSED government ruling this April could see millions of us in England being charged for prescriptions we currently get for free. I’m just back from standing in a long line at the Lyme Regis Medical Centre’s Lloyds Chemist and I was struck by how many of us are going to be affected by this new change. Its not been widely publicised, but the government is planning to raise the qualifying age for free medical prescriptions from 60 to 66 in April, which means people aged 60 to 65 will have to start paying for their antibiotics, medical treatments and more. Prescriptions for the majority of adults in England currently cost £9.35 per item, although exemptions are allowed for those who require urgent assistance – but the price is also expected to rise with inflation in the spring. The change is expected to affect 2.4 million people, costing them on average £100 or more a year. This proposed change will impact, particularly, in communities like Lyme Regis which has a
population of 3,708 - 23 per cent of whom are categorised by Dorset Council as being in fair, bad or very bad health. The town has a significant number of residents who are aged between 60 and 65 and many are receiving prescriptions to manage and treat medical conditions. If the change goes ahead, those in the 60 to 65 age bracket may still qualify for free prescriptions if they are on low incomes, qualify for other benefits or obtain medical exemption. For many of us, financial alarm bells are ringing at the rapidly and apparently uncontrolled increases in the cost of living that sees energy bills rising by an estimated 30 per cent in April, inflation climbing to 5.1 per cent, increase in cost of food and other essentials and an additional 1.5 per cent due in national insurance contribution. I think it would be good to flag this proposed increase in prescription charges so that local people can prepare themselves for what lies ahead. Marcus Dixon, Uplyme
Ring & Ride bus can help you get out of the house ■ MY name is Sandra Ward and I am chairman of the Axe Valley and West Dorset Ring and Ride. To all our past and present passengers and to all the wonderful councils like Lyme Regis who support us and so many individuals, who donate – Happy New Year. The bus is now running every day to do the shopping trips, to places like Bridport, but we are missing a few of the regular passengers we used to carry before this dreadful COVID happened. We miss you. We still carry quite a few people (everyone is masked, etc) and they are missing you to. I, like many, because of health, have been inside for a long time now but on Tuesday I went out on the bus. Sitting up high I could see so much of the countryside and, though I did only
a small amount of shopping, I throughly enjoyed being able to make choices and treated myself to some daffodils. I am sure there are many old and new customers who would also benefit for just a short while out and about, so please give us a call and book a seat if you have difficulty in assessing a public bus service due to age, etc. We collect and bring you back on a door-to-door basis. I do hope you will try our service and look forward to seeing on the bus. A warm welcome awaits you from our friendly drivers. For more details please ring Jane, our co-ordinator, in normal office hours on 07510 255 965.Thank you for reading this. Sandra Ward (by email)
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Stopping questions about dogs on the beach ‘against free speech’ ■ COULD Mr Mayor provide the residents and visitors with the evidence used to request dogs on leads on Lyme Regis sandy beach and why does Lyme Regis Council feel dog owners should no longer ask questions (LymeOnline, January 7)? He was presented with a petition when he was asking for a complete ban on the beaches all year, and why did he present a letter to be read out at the council meeting when the consultation showed people wanted the same restrictions on all beaches in Dorset? When questions have been asked at council meeting by dog owners the answers have been unsatisfactory. Unfortunately, saying publicly they don't want their residents or visitors to ask ques-
tions I feel goes against freedom of speech and to decisions made which target a particular group, see guidance from DEFRA. The Kennel Club wrote to Dorset Council in a press release to ask them to correct information they claimed supported the original Public Space Protection Order on dogs in public spaces and the needs of family dogs, those who have hidden disabilities and assistance dogs, which shows they are unaware they indirectly discriminate by not providing a safe and accessible beach, as shown on Dorset Council’s website when they laid a temporary disabled ramp that had to be relaid and is removed during out of season. Linda Stevenson Southfield Avenue, Weymouth
■ I WOULD like to ask the mayor the following question: will you review the current restrictions for dogs on Lyme Regis beaches? Our children simply want to play with their best friend digging holes, wave jumping and playing football. This can only be done on a sandy beach and now you do not allow dogs off leads, even in the winter, to do so. Subsequently, we have to travel much further to do this, but sadly also we now do not fre-
quent the toy shops, coffee shops, ice cream vendors or the pubs in Lyme Regis. This simple amendment would surely greeted by all the local traders and dog owners alike. We would all benefit. Lyme Regis has suffered badly in trade and reputation.
Lyme Regis ‘suffering badly in trade and reputation’
Haidee Pine (by email)
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.
NEWS FROM CITIZENS ADVICE BRDIPORT & District Citizens Advice is seeking volunteers to join the local office. We have 61 volunteer staff and eight volunteer trustees who are essential to delivering our Bridport-based advice service, which has outreaches in Lyme Regis and Beaminster. Over the past 12 months we have helped nearly 4,000 clients with 10,000 separate issues. We work with some of the most vulnerable people in the community, many of whom require in-depth help and have multiple problems. Our volunteers have widely-differing backgrounds and life experiences and our volunteer roles are varied, challenging and rewarding. We need people who want to train for the adviser role as well as key support roles such as administration and reception. The pandemic has seen a big increase in food bank and charitable support issues as well as housing and employment queries. Overall, benefits and debt problems account for 44 per cent of our work; we have a local specialist welfare benefits team dealing with Universal Credit, amongst other things. Over the past two years we have adapted such that we now offer advice remotely via telephone and provide digital support as well as doing face to face interviews with clients. Catherine joined Citizens Advice having been a client. She said: “My sister first went to Citizens Advice with a debt issue and then we went as a family when our elderly parents needed help with their finances and care options. Citizens Advice provided invaluable support and helped to resolve our problems. “I began volunteering with Bridport & District Citizens Advice in 2016 on reception which was a great way to understand how the service works. I was given on-the-job and initial formal training which was vital, as it gave me the confidence to be the first point of contact when people came in with their problems. “The volunteers work alongside a small group of paid staff. Volunteers are required to commit
to one day a week; this enables a rota to be drawn up for forward planning. “I later decided to start an adviser course which focussed on different specialisms such as benefits, housing, etc, as well as interview techniques. “The course took place once a week for several months and was followed by mentoring with a final assessment before working with clients. Training is ongoing because of constant changes to the world around us and quality control systems are built into everything we do to ensure the best possible advice is given. “This might sound intimidating but in practice the office environment is incredibly supportive and friendly. Each weekday an experienced supervisor has overall responsibility for the work we do and there are specialist advisers on hand so all advice is checked and thought-through to help clients find a way forward. Daily supervision is also available for those advisers who work from home. “We can all face problems that seem complicated and it can be difficult and stressful trying to work things out alone. At the same time it takes courage for people to acknowledge they have a problem and to reach out to Citizens Advice. I’ve learnt so much from clients and colleagues and would strongly recommend volunteering with Citizens Advice.’’ We are actively seeking new volunteers. We strive to be a diverse and inclusive organisation, so particularly encourage applications from traditionally under-represented groups. You can find out more by visiting our website www.bridportca.org.uk/volunteering The next Citizens Advice training course begins third week of February. If you are interested in applying or would like more information, email advice@bridport-cab.org.uk. telephone 01308 456594 or call into our office 45 South Street, Bridport.
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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
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FREE Seafront security a ‘waste of money’ says councillor
The Volly’s back i n b usi ness ! WEST Dorset MP Chris Loder was among the patrons at The Volunteer Inn - Lyme Regis’ smallest pub - as it reopened doors for the first time since lockdown on Monday. Mr Loder (left), who has been keen to support the tourism and hospitality sector in West Dorset, is pictured behind the bar with Volunteer staff, including manager Matt Puddy (far right). See ‘Lyme Matters’ on page 6.
Mary’s letter lost FOSSIL HUNTER’S LETTER SELLS FOR MORE THAN £100K
LYME Regis lost out on bringing an historic letter by famous fossil hunter Mary Anning home this week, as it sold at auction for a staggering £100,800.
An ambitious online appeal launched by the Jurassic Coast
FRANCESCA EVANS
francesca@lyme-online.co.uk
Trust and Lyme Regis Museum raised more than £21,500 in just 24 hours, but it was not enough to secure the artefact as bids soared in the last few minutes. The unpublished letter, written
by Lyme Regis’ most famous daughter, was sold by auction on the Sotheby’s website on Tuesday afternoon. It was expected to reach between £8,000 and £12,000, but eventually sold for more than eight times this amount. The Jurassic Coast Trust and
Lyme Regis Museum hoped the letter could be “brought home” and put on permanent display in the museum, which is based on the site of the former home of fossil hunter Mary Anning. An online fundraising appeal was CONTINUED ON PAGE 7
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LYME Regis has welcomed its first Guide Dog after resident Lizzie Wiscombe qualified as Guide Dog Healey willan owner. help Lizzie, who is partially sighted, to walk around the town, including from Lyme Regis Museum to and she now volunteers with where her new best friend. REPORT, PAGE 3
‘Difficult decisions’ ahead for council
ECO-GROUP Turn Lyme hoping to make the town Green is plastic free. The organisation has initial support from the been given town counci and it is now hoped Lyme Regis can join 180 other coastal towns working towards the ‘plastic free’ title. REPORT, PAGE 7
The council had expected to see its reserves drop to £67,000 by the end of the financial year but this figure has now risen to £200,000. REPORT, PAGE 7
Another ton for Tyler
UPLYME & Lyme Regis cricketer Tyler Wellman has put himself in the club’s history books, scoring centuries for two consecutive weeks. REPORT, PAGE 32
Climb every mountain YME Regis resident Louise
Powell is preparing to climb
Mount Kilimanjaro in memory
of her dad Derek, to raise
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hike of Kilimanjaro in memory
of dad
She said: “This is a francesca@lyme-online.co.u very personal their k trip to me and is in memory of my help mental illnesses and there is dad who suffered from out there.” dent, who is currently mental illin Speaking about her chosen at Southampton Solenther first year nesses for many years, and charity, last year Louise added: said the challenge wouldUniversity, committed suicide. “In England, one in six be a “very people report “This trip to Mount personal trip”, as it Kilimanjaro mon mental experiencing a comwas something was she and her dad had wanted something my dad and I had anxiety and health problem (such as to do to- planned gether. depression) in any given to do together and is very week. important to me. As Louise is also hoping well as raising to scatter her much-needed “The charity I am fundraising father’s ashes at the funds for for top of Kilimancharity, I want to also this amazing Mind. This charity offers support is jaro, in Tanzania, as raise aware- many people for he had always ness wanted to visit. across the UK who are about mental health people that they don't and inform battling mental health problems. have to hide TURN TO PAGE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 2
up Mount Kilimanjaro to raise unds a mental health charity in memory of her father.
Louise Powell, who grew up in Lyme Regis and attended The Woodroffe School, is hoping to raise £3,500 for the charity Mind, after her father Derek committed suicide arlier this year. The 21-year-old social work stu-
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Petition launched for lifeguard hut
A LYME Regis resident has launched a petition, asking the town council to reconsider its refusal for an improved hut to be set up on the lifeguard beach. Councillors turned down a proposal for the raised grounds that it would hut, on the much space and was take up too unnecessary. REPORT, PAGE 20
Seasiders clinging to promotion
LYME Regis FC 1st team are still clinging to their hopes promotion to the Devonof winning & Exeter Premier Division. Recent poor weather out much of the local has washed programme in the pastfootball but the Seasiders are few weeks place in Division 1. still in second REPORT, PAGE 24
PIP PICKS UP MBE AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE PAGE 6
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Council to go over budget by £339k
Pink sky at night...
to be LYME Regis Town Council is expected of the fi£339,000 over budget by the end £1.4milnancial year - but still has more than
lion in reserves. expenThe council budgeted for an overall financial diture of £1,573,402 for the 2018-19 year and an income of £1,478,884. up - foreWhile takings are expected to be March 2019 cast at £1,597,905 by the end of a total of - the council is expected to spend budget. £1,937,084, which is £339,179 over REPORT, PAGE 3
Ambulance response times ‘unacceptable’
write to the LYME Regis Town Council will to comSouth Western Ambulance Service replain about “unacceptable” emergency sponse times in the area. said that A draft letter considered last week and the council was concerned that residents to visitors of Lyme Regis were “vulnerable loto our delays in emergency response due service cation, combined with the ambulance policy on use of fire co-responders”. REPORT, PAGE 7
Plans for Lyme to go plastic free
THE town council’s financial forecast has started to improve following the reopening of more facilities in Lyme Regis, but the town clerk has still warned there will be “difficult decisions” ahead.
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Meet Lyme’s first Guide Dog
LYME Regis Town Council's unprecedented decision to employ security guards to patrol the seafront was not supported by all members, it has been revealed, with one describing it as "a waste of money". The council took the decision last month to employ security guards to patrol the seafront on a nightly basis, following increased reports of anti-social behaviour in Langmoor and Lister gardens. The guards started patrols on July 17 and will continue to patrol nightly through the main summer season, for a total cost of REPORT, PAGE 3 £10,080.
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HARRY’S IN TOWN! PAGE
to glorious weather and visitors to Lyme Regis were treated the end of British Summer Time, residents by Richard Austin BEFORE the clocks went back signalling and sunrises, with the photo above captured break and some stunning autumn sunsets
during the half term
COUNCIL AT WAR FEELINGS ‘EXPLOSIVE’ MEETING HIGHLIGHTS ILL EVANS COUNCILLORS have been PHILIP philip@lyme-online.co.uk warned over their ‘unacceptthem able behaviour’ after a war write to all members warning their behaviour on social broke out on social media about and asking them to “respect media this week. each other”. After town clerk John Wright warned councillors that personal disputes were bringing the council nto disrepute, the mayor, Councilor Michaela Ellis, was forced to
Mr Wright, in a report to councillors, said personal conflicts between members was damaging the council’s reputation.
YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
After Wednesday’s meeting when a number of allegations were made Cheryl Councillor against Reynolds, her brother, Daryl Turner, district and county councillor for Lyme Regis, posted on Facebook that it was the most “explosive” council meeting he had ever attended, adding: “If this does I not get into the national papers, don’t know what will.”
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other Reynold’s Councillor brother, Virgil Turner, station commander at Lyme Regis Fire Station, used the pubic forum to draw attention to an allegation by his sister that he planted drugs that were found by his son in the Anning Road playing field to strengthen the case for the removal of the teen shelter. The council had previously CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
Reserves win a place in cup’s second round
booked LYME Regis Football Club Reserves Dorset Ina place in the second round of the have termediate Cup, a trophy the Seasiders past, in the won no fewer than nine times Sports 3-2 when they beat Merley Cobham after extra time at the Davey Fort. REPORT, PAGE 24
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axminsternews First awards ceremony celebrates
20 Friday, January 21 2022
Five-year-old girl dies after tragic A35 crash
A FIVE-year-old girl has died after a car crash on the A35 near between Axminster and Honiton, police have said. The crash took place at around 2.35pm on Sunday, January 16 and involved two cars, a Land Rover and a BMW, despite earlier reports of more vehicles being involved. The driver of the Land Rover, a woman in her 50s, was taken to hospital with injuries 'not believed to be life-threatening'. A family of four from Cornwall was in the BMW. A male driver and female passenger in their 30s were both taken to hospital with injuries 'not believed to be serious'. An eight-year-old girl remains in hospital with serious injuries 'not thought to be lifethreatening'. A five-year-old girl died following the crash. A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Police, fire and the ambulance service attended a serious collision on the A35 at Fern Lane, Wilmington, near Honiton, which took place at around 2:35pm on Sunday, January 16. "Road closures were put in place including at White Cross, Tower Cross and Greystone, these remained in place until around 10pm. "Police are appealing for witnesses and would like to hear from anyone who saw either vehicle prior to the incident or witnessed the collision itself. "We would also like to hear from anyone who may have dashcam footage that could assist with the investigation. "Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101@dc.police.uk quoting log number 465 16 January.”
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the best of Axminster businesses AXMINSTER is a thriving and vibrant place to work – that was the message shared at the first Axminster Business Awards held on Tuesday afternoon. The event was staged by marketing and events company Marketing West and hosted at the Community Waffle House. Welcoming guests to the lunchtime ceremony, the Mayor of Axminster, Cllr Jill Farrow, said: "This is all about Axminster – such a vibrant community in this tiny town of 7,000 which has so many fabulous business people providing a fantastic place for all of us to live. "Axminster is known as the 'home of community spirit' and all these businesses provide a place for us to be. "We are so lucky to live in this town which has so many people working for its good as well as their own. May they thrive and may this town thrive. I am really proud to be a small part of it." In presenting the awards, many of the sponsors also spoke about Axminster's thriving independent businesses and the resurgence of the local high street following the pandemic. A total of 129 entries were received for the first Axminster Business Awards. Coming out on top as joint winners of Overall Business of the Year was the popular Community Waffle House and Axminster Property. Having worked closely together on the refurbishment of the town's flagship Trinity
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All the winners at the first Axminster Business Awards House building, it was apt that the two businesses were able to celebrate together. The Community Waffle House also won the Community Support Award, jointly with Axminster Care Service, and Axminster Property took home the Axminster Regeneration Award and Independent Business of the Year, jointly with local funeral director W.G Potter. Restaurant Ric's Kitchen also took home two awards for Hospitality Business of the Year – sponsored by Axminster Nub News and presented by editor Francesca Evans – as well as Excellence in Customer Service. Axminster gym Oliver Joseph was also a double winner, taking home the Health, Beauty & Fitness Award and Best Place to Work, while the Archway Bookshop – having recently moved to a new location in Trinity House – received the Digital Innovation Award and Retail Business of
the Year, jointly with Axminster Printing. Green Eco Business of the Year went to Total Renewable Solutions and Start Up Business of the Year was won by South West Removals. Tourism Business of the Year was won jointly by Axe Valley Wildlife Park and Jurassic Glamping. Thomas Westcott Accountants was named Service Provider of the Year and Axminster Cider won the award for Artisan/Local Produce Provider. Sponsors of the awards were as follows: Thomas Westcott Accountants, Axminster Nub News, Higos Insurance, Gavin Dixon Finance Services, NFU Mutal (West Dorset), Axminster Tools & Machinery, Advantedge Commercial Finance, Community Waffle House, Wessex Video and Totally Locally Axminster.
A holiday they’ll never forget! Mum unexpectedly delivers baby at Hawkchurch resort ALMOST everyone has a funny holiday story; missing luggage, ending up somewhere unexpected, even getting lost. But for one family from Somerset, an unexpected arrival earlier this month has given them a memory far more rewarding than that. Staying at Hawkchurch Resort and Spa by Darwin Escapes, near Axminster, heavily pregnant Katie Fortt, 30, was seeking some muchneeded rest and relaxation two weeks before the due date of her second child, only to awake in shock on the second morning of the holiday to find herself having contractions. A rushed phone call to emergency services confirmed that the ambulance would be arriving too late, so Katie’s mother, Lisa, jumped into action with the 999 operative talking her through the incredible process of delivering the baby. Just a couple of hours later and her new daughter – Indigo – was born, the ambulance reaching the site shortly after, pleased to find mother and baby both well and healthy in their holiday lodge. As annual visitors to the Hawkchurch resort, Katie, her husband, her first daughter and her parents, Lisa and Rob Vaughn, will now have an even stronger connection to the area, hoping to return next year on the anniversary of Indigo’s
exciting, if nerve-racking birth. “The staff were excellent,” said Rob, Katie’s father, who also helped with the delivery. “The second we realised we would not be able to get Katie to Dorchester hospital, we phoned 999 and the operator talked my wife, Lisa through the process. “We have been visiting Hawkchurch for more than six years so this just makes the place even more memorable! “It’s certainly been an experience!” The Hawkchurch Resort and Spa is one of two resorts in Devon by Darwin Escapes, perfectly complementing the stunning countryside near Axminister to create a relaxing atmosphere and just a stone’s throw from the stunning Jurassic Coastline and its sandy beaches. Carla Guppy, general manager of Hawkchurch Resort and Spa, said: “When we heard about the new arrival, we were absolutely thrilled, not least because it is the very first Hawkchurch site baby! “The staff all did a fantastic job, and we were delighted to hear that both mother and baby are doing well and that the whole family will be continuing to visit us for their yearly holiday – we look forward to welcoming them again!”
Friday, January 21 2022 21
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FLASHBACKS with Richard Austin
Tales from behind the lens of our award-winning photographer
■ SMILE for the camera... the Kingfisher is by far the royalty of British birds – beautiful colours, including iridescent blue feathers, and a unique way of catching food on our waterways The East Devon River Axe group of qualified British Trust for Ornithology bird ringers are active on the Seaton Marshes. Bird ringing aims to monitor survival rates of birds and collect information about their movements. This information provides vital support for conservation efforts, as it helps to understand how these processes influence population sizes over time; identifying the mechanisms is the first step in reversing declines. This kingfisher, just like most of them, goes into a trance when held, until he realises, and then he is off in a shot back to the East Devon waterways
Turn Lyme Green launches seed swap TURN Lyme Green will launch the first Lyme Regis Seed Swap on Saturday, January 29 to support and celebrate National Seed Swap Day. The seed swap will take place from 11.30am to 1pm at The Driftwood Café at Lyme Regis Baptist Church. Many people have developed an interest in gardening or growing vegetables and plants during the pandemic, and keen gardeners are aware of the importance of seed swaps helping to maintain heritage varieties that might otherwise become unavailable. Whether you are growing on a windowsill, in pots or in a garden the aim is to distribute
open-pollinated seeds freely to local gardeners to preserve local and regional varieties. “The seed swap is free, and you don’t have to bring seeds to swap,” said Suzy Gallina from Turn Lyme Green. “We hope to encourage growers to save seed from them and return with them to the seed swap the following year. “We want as many people as possible to grow food and to get into gardening generally. Money should be no barrier to doing so.” Turn Lyme Green has received a large donation of seeds from Cultivating Change,
which is a donation initiative with seed raided by a pioneering company, CN Seeds. Their aim is to use seed in a positive way, building a community of growers from a variety of backgrounds, whose lives will be improved either mentally, socially or physically by the scheme. These seeds from Cultivating Change will be available on the Seed Swap day to anyone attending. Suzy added: “We will be asking those who have these seeds if they would like to register with Cultivator for Change and become part of their community and post pics of their successes or failures on social media.”
You can view all of award-winning photographer Richard Austin’s ‘Flashbacks’ columns at lyme-online.co.uk
22 Friday, January 21 2022
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ITEMS FOR SALE
FLYING JACKET, brown, SWW replica, rare RFC badge, size XXL, £150 or very nearest offer - 07870 603 345. 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. 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.
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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,
Goods Vehicle Operator’s Licence
Mr Neil Christopher Spurdle, trading as N & G Groundwords Ltd. of Unit 1C Uplyme Business Park, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3LS is applying for a licence to use Unit 1C Uplyme Business Park, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3LS as an operating centre for 1 goods vehicles and 0 trailers. Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre(s) who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 6NF, stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representation to the applicant at the given address at the top of this notice. A Guide to Making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s office. 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.
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January 21 2022
Seasiders triumph in the big Jurassic battle LYME Regis first team finally discovered the form they have been seeking all season with a scintillating 4-3 victory over Jurassic rivals Beer Albion.
The Fisherman are riding high in the Devon and Exeter League Premier division, sitting in third place with 30 points from 14 games, chasing leaders Lapford and Thorverton. With a slick operation behind the scenes, Beer looks like a club with ambition and an eye on Devon League football in the not too distant future. By contrast, Lyme has struggled this season to field a settled side for a number of reasons, including injuries and COVID withdrawals. In fact, Saturday’s game at Furzebrake was the first time this season that Lyme has been able to field anywhere near their strongest eleven. The Seasiders have shown glimpses of their capabilities of competing with those in the top half
PHILIP EVANS
philip@lyme-online.co.uk of the league but have giving away too many goals late in the game. On three occasions this season they have lost 4-3 after taking the lead. Those nine points would have seen them in the top five. However, after losing five of their 13 games, they sit in eighth position with 18 points and are unlikely to finish within a top four position. But it was different at Furzebrake on Saturday. Before a large crowd the Seasiders stormed into a 3-0 lead within 20 minutes with goals from Ben Turner, Tyler Wellman and Joe Bond, the first coming after just three minutes when Turner unleashed a well-placed left footer from 18 yards into the corner of the net after a driving run forward. Six minutes later the Fishermen found themselves 2-0 down. Under pressure from Lyme bodies in the penalty box, Beer could only partially clear the danger and a shot from the edge of the penalty was
deflected home by Wellman from close range. There seemed no way back for Beer when Bond headed home a well-delivered corner on 21 minutes, but the Fishermen reduced the arrears to 3-1 on 23 minutes when Josh French flicked a near-post corner into the path of centre back Joe Adkin, who side-footed home from close range.
BEN TURNER - voted man-of-the-match by the Beer sponsors
Ollie’s ‘super-goal’ keeps Uplyme in promotion race UPLYME 1sts travelled to face Central 2nds in a sixpointer with the Exeter team one place and three points behind the Swallows in the Devon and Exeter Division Six.
Central 1sts had no game and there was a good crowd to cheer on the home team. However, they were silenced within two minutes when Cody Bowditch slid a pass down the wing for Ollie Alner who, from a tight angle outside the box, struck his shot first-time over the keeper and into the top corner for a super goal. Central had plenty of possession and pressed for most of the remaining half, but couldn’t get in behind a resolute Uplyme defence
marshalled by Conor Newns. James Beddows, stand-in keeper, produced a brilliant double-save just before half time to keep the Swallows ahead. The second half was more of the same, with Central pressing through their excellent wingers, but Uplyme defending deeper and counter-attacking through Alner, who should have grabbed a second but shot wildly over the bar when he should have at least tested the keeper. The game ended with the single goal being the difference and Uplyme solidified their place in the league. “We needed to be resolute,” said manager Steve Gillan. “They were a good team when we played them at home and it
was clear they had further improved their 11 with some of their eligible first team, especially two excellent, young wide players. “Our early goal gave us the platform we needed and set us up with our tactics: hold what we have and punish them on the break. “The team was a great unit and I can’t praise them enough. James ‘Scholesy’ Beddows was brilliant as a make-do keeper and Conor Newns and Josh Lawrence worked incredibly hard at the centre of the defence. Time for us to move on with confidence, this season.” This coming Saturday Uplyme are home to Witheridge, third from bottom in the table (kick-off 2.15pm).
Beer imposed themselves on the game more in the second half, although the Seasiders created more chances with the home keeper Elliott Driver pulling off two great saves to keep his side in the mix. Beer pulled one back after 61 minutes but were lucky not to have gone further behind when Fred Parsons’ unleashed a thundering drive against the upright. Beer levelled the scores from the penalty spot and the Lyme supporters had visions of yet another late capitulation. But Lyme soaked up the pressure and snatched the winner in the 75th minute when a free-kick from the left was steered in by Mark Bailey from an acute angle at the far post. After that hammer blow, Beer tended to over hit long balls in a desperate attempt to force the issue. Although a Keiron Daniels cross-shot drew a fine save from the Lyme keeper Chris Higgs on 75 minutes, the Lyme defence held on to their 43 advantage until the final whistle. It would have been difficult to pick out a star man for the Seasiders with the whole squad playing out of their skins but the Beer sponsors selected midfielder Ben Turner as their manof-the-match. After such a topsy-turvy season, Lyme’s travelling contingent were delighted to see their side competing so well against one of the top Premier division side. One regular supporter told me he thought it was Lyme’s best performance for many years. ■ With Lyme Reserves’ home match having been called off due to a waterlogged pitch, the club’s third X1, Lyme Rovers, were able to field a strong side for their Perry Street Division One match against Waytown Hounds. It resulted in the Rovers winning their first game of the season with Steve Batey notching a hat-trick with Jake Bearpark, Matt Bradley and an own goal completing the scoreline.
Friday, January 21 2022 24
AT THE DAVEY FORT THIS SATURDAY
East Devon Senior Cup Lyme Regis 1st v Tipton St John Kick-off 1.45pm
football
Lyme at home in East Devon Senior Cup AFTER last Saturday’s brilliant performance away to Beer Albion, Lyme Regis first team will be hoping for similar form tomorrow in a bid to advance in the East Devon Senior Cup – a trophy which the Seasiders have never won. Lyme have been drawn at home to Tipton St John, who play in the Devon and Exeter League, two divisions below the Seasiders. If they go through to round two Lyme have been drawn away to Premier division leaders Lapford. Tipton sit in eighth place in Division Two, having won five of their 12 games, so on league position alone this is a game that should see Lyme progress in the competition. Lyme Reserves, who were without a game last weekend because the Davey Fort was waterlogged, have no league fixture this weekend. Lyme Rovers, who with a strengthened side won their first game of the season in Perry Street Division One last Saturday, are at home (Woodroffe top pitch) to Dowlish Wake and Donyatt (kickoff 2pm), who are fourth in the table. Uplyme first team, who continue to impress in their first season in Devon and Exeter football, are at home to Witheridge 2nds, who have won only two of their 14 games this season. Uplyme Reserves are away to Perry Street Division Three leaders Kingsbury Episcopi. Charmouth, who are riding high in Perry Street Division Two, travel to Shepton Beauchamp Reserves where three points will strengthen their bid for promotion. At the moment they sit in second place, two points behind leaders Drimpton.
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