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From the top of the tower
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Ten fire engines tackle blaze at Rousdon bakery
UP to 10 fire engines tackled a blaze at the Rousdon Village Bakery on Tuesday morning.
Crews from Lyme Regis, Colyton, Axminster, Bridport and Sidmouth were among those to tackle the blaze, which damaged the popular bakery, adjoining garage workshop and two flats above. The fire started in a fuse box and was accidental. No one was harmed but the bakery is expected to be closed for some time and those living in the flats above lost many possessions. REPORT, PAGE 3
Father and daughter meet for first time
A FATHER and daughter chose Lyme Regis as the destination for their very first meeting in 56 years. Karen Harris, from Penryn, was adopted at birth but eventually managed to contact her birth father Trevor Sinden, aged 72 from Kent, on Facebook in November. They chose Lyme Regis for their first ever meeting this last week. REPORT, PAGE 12
A LARGELY unseen view of Lyme Regis from the very top of the tower at St Michael’s Parish Church. The tower has been encased in scaffolding for five months and this photo was taken as a major repair and refurbishment project comes to an end, with the scaffolding expected to come down by the end of the month. See page 9 for full report.
Cheryl’s back!
FORMER TOWN COUNCILLOR RETURNS TO THE GUILDHALL CHERYL Reynolds will make a return to the council chamber in Lyme Regis, after standing for election uncontested. Mrs Reynolds previously served on Lyme Regis Town Council for
FRANCESCA EVANS
francesca@lyme-online.co.uk
five years. Despite being one of the most popular councillors with the local electorate, coming second in the poll when she was re-elected in
May 2019, she resigned just a week later. She walked out of a meeting and resigned with immediate effect after Brian Larcombe MBE and Jeff Scowen were elected mayor and deputy mayor respectively.
At the time, Mrs Reynolds said she was unable to work with them following a long-running dispute. She has since said that another reason for stepping down was due to ill health, from which she has CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
LymeOnline launches video news bulletins
THE LymeOnline website has launched its own news bulletin broadcasts. Video news bulletins will now be uploaded to the website every Friday, bringing you the top stories of the past seven days, as well as special broadcasts for ‘breaking news’ events. REPORT, PAGE 7
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Published by Lyme Regis Media Limited Hyper-local website and fortnightly newspaper serving the communities of Lyme Regis, Uplyme & Charmouth. Unit 5 Uplyme Business Park, Uplyme Road, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3LS www.lyme-online.co.uk edit@lyme-online.co.uk Facebook: facebook.com/LymeOnlineUK Twitter: twitter.com/LymeOnlineUK Instagram: instagram.com/lymeonline Editor: Francesca Evans francesca@lyme-online.co.uk 07810 221 420 Contributors: Philip Evans philip@lyme-online.co.uk Richard Austin edit@lyme-online.co.uk Regular Columnists: Sophia Moseley, Marine Theatre Mark Vandeweyer, Citizens Advice Peter Lacey, Tales of Lyme’s Past Production: Jackie Evans jackie@lyme-online.co.uk
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Cheryl returns to town council uncontested CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE now recovered. Mr Scowen resigned from the council in December having decided to move to north Wales to be closer to family, and Mrs Reynolds now takes his seat after it was announced last week that she had stood uncontested. She had already prepared an election leaflet in case the town did go to the polls, printed in full here: “I am standing once more for election to Lyme Regis Town Council, as I am now fit and well again. “One of the reasons why I had to resign from the council last year was because I had serious health problems that needed to be addressed. But I have been treated wonderfully at Poole Hospital for cancer and now I need no further treatment. “I have so missed being on the town council and being able to help in some small way. Lyme Regis and all the people in it, regardless or their political persuasion, are my life and I hope you will give me the opportunity to represent you again. I promise to do my very best. “In view of the short time before the election I am unsure if I will be able to get around to everyone. So, if you would like a face-to-face meeting I am more than happy to see you.” After it was announced that she had stood uncontested and would therefore automatically join the
council, Mrs Reynolds said she was “over the moon” to be returning. She added: “I feel like I’ve been without my left arm not being on the council, so I am really pleased. “I would like to thank everyone for their amazing support over the last nine months and for their wonderful messages regarding the election that was uncontested. “My offer of a face to face meeting still stands and I would be happy for anyone to contact me. I look forward to working hard for everyone in Lyme Regis.” Mrs Reynolds is a keen community fundraiser, having given her support in particular to the skatepark project, the refurbishment of Anning Road play park and other projects for young people. She also previously represented Lyme Regis and Charmouth on West Dorset District Council.
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Retrospective application submitted after bell turret removed from chapel
THE Alexandra Hotel in Lyme Regis has submitted a retrospective planning application after removing the bell turret from its chapel for health and safety reasons. The Alexandra Hotel recently carried out a full refurbishment of its grade II listed adjoining chapel, also known as Poulett Hall, and it is now a popular venue for weddings and events. When refurbishment started in 2014, an assesment of the bell turret was carried out and “grave concerns” were expressed about its safety. However, an application for listed building consent to carry out the refurbishment delayed work until 2016, when it was agreed that the bell turret was now in too poor a condition to be repaired in-situ. A decision was made to remove the turret under a planning law
which makes unauthorised works to a listed building defensible from prosecution on the grounds of safety and health. A retrospective application for the removal of the turret has now been submitted to Dorset Council, which comments: “It is not possible to return the upper section of the bell cote to the Poulett Hall as it no longer exists as a structure with any integrity. “The supporting legs were completely rotten and no longer exist. It is a structure that has failed and is beyond repair further to over 100 years of exposure to severe coastal weather.” Poulett Hall, a former private chapel, was built in the late 19th century from a mid-18th century stable block. The full application can be viewed online at https://bit.ly/3aBvTbS
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Blaze at village bakery FRANCESCA EVANS
francesca@lyme-online.co.uk
UP to 10 fire engines tackled a blaze at the Rousdon Village Bakery on Tuesday morning. Devon & Somerset Fire Service were called to a fuse box on fire at the property at 8.40am. Engines from Lyme Regis, Colyton and Axminster attended, as well as an aerial ladder platform from Danes Castle and a supporting officer. On arrival crews confirmed the consumer unit involved in the fire and got to work with two breathing apparatus and a CO2 extinguisher. One person who was inside the bakery managed to escape unharmed before the crews arrived on scene. At 9.14am, back up was requested and another three engines attended from Sidmouth and Bridport, as well as various supporting appliances and officers. The fire was extinguished using eight breathing apparatus, four hose reel jets, two main jets, ceiling hook, triple extension ladder, gas monitors, reciprocating saws and small tools used. The cause of the fire was accidental. The A3052 through Rousdon was closed in both directions for several hours to allow emergency services to deal with the incident and did not fully re-open until 4pm. The fire involved a three-storey building including the bakery, garage workshop next door and two flats above. The fire service reported that the bakery was 20 per cent damaged by fire and 80 per cent by smoke; the workshop 20 per cent by fire and 50 per cent by smoke; and the two flats were also damaged by fire and smoke. A woman and two children – a three-yearold boy and seven-year-old girl – who lived in one of the flats above have lost their home and possessions. Anyone wanting to donate clothes, etc.
PLUMES of smoke could be seen over Rousdon on Tuesday morning Photo by Nicola Down should get in touch with LymeOnline for the side grill’ on the forecourt of the former petrol appropriate contact details. station. Owner Clive Cobb released images of The Rousdon Village Bakery is a popular the damage on his Instagram account, thankeatery and a lot of refurbishment work had re- ing the fire service and saying the bakery cently been carried out to open its new ‘road- would be “closed for a while”.
UP to ten fire engines were on the scene at one point Photo by Bridport Fire Station
ROUSDON Village Bakery owner Clive Cobb shared this photo on Instagram showing the damage
Town mourns local fundraiser who changed lives through her charity LOCAL fundraiser Josephine Enright has died at the age of 72 following a long respiratory illness. Known as Jo, she ran the LymZim Link charity which saw people in Lyme Regis raise more than £160,000 for good causes in Zimbabwe between 2003 and 2020. During its first seven years, Lyme-Zim supported the Westwood Cheshire Home for disabled children in the Zimbabwean capital Harare, raising funds to equip the home’s bare physiotherapy room and, later, to build an entirely new residential block. The funds raised helped to transform the home into one of the best facilities in the country for disabled children. In recent years, the charity supported girls at Emerald Hill School for the Deaf, covering fees for impoverished children who might otherwise be unable to receive an education. It also helped to improve the living conditions for deaf children at the Pedro Arrupe Centre, a home for 25 children with hearing impairments in rural Musami, paying to install water and electricity at the home and replace the thatched roofs of various buildings. Jo’s funeral will take place at St Michael & St George’s Catholic Church in Lyme Regis on Friday, January 31 followed by a celebration of her life. In lieu of flowers, Jo’s family is kindly asking for donations to be made to the Lym-Zim Link via the church, following which the charity will close. Cheques should be made payable to PRCDTR Lym Zim Link Lyme Regis. Those wishing to continue supporting the work of Lyme-Zim can do so by contacting the Zimbabwe Dominican Sisters. Jo is survived by her three sons, Nathaniel, 43, Jacob, 42, and Sebastian Gordon, 38, and her seven grandchildren.
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NEWS ONLINE: Catch up with A round-up of the top stories from our website
Derelict Art Deco house up for sale for £400,000 A DERELICT Art Deco house in Lyme Regis has been put on the market after standing empty for several years. The prominent house at the top of Charmouth Road is currently up for sale with Chesters Commercial for £400,000. A listing for the property on the estate agent’s website says: “The dwelling would benefit from complete renovation and refurbishment or alternatively may be demolished offering the potential for wholesale redevelopment.”
Local company buys Trinity House FORMER department store Trinity House, in Axminster, has been bought by a local property company and will be split into several retail units. Axminster Property Ltd, owned by local businessman Ian Styles, confirmed that it had purchased the town centre building on January 13. The department store and café closed down last year and there were fears that this prominent building would be left empty for some time, but a spokesperson for Axminster Property said it had already received a “great deal of interest” for the new units.
Two rescued after falling from high wall of Cobb EMERGENCY services were called out on Saturday after a man fell off the high wall of the Cobb in Lyme Regis into the water. Coastguards and the lifeboat crew were called to assist 65year-old David Crabtree, from Sidmouth, at 3.20pm on Saturday, January 18. Mr Crabtree and is wife Debbie were walking their dog when he slipped and fell off the high wall into shallow water. He was picked up by two paddleboarders who took him to Monmouth Beach. Another couple who witnessed the incident called the emergency services. Mr Crabtree (pictured right) was attended to by lifeboat volunteers, coastguard and ambulance crew. He then joined the crew in the lifeboat station to warm up before heading back to Sidmouth. His wife commented: “It all happened so quickly and luckily there was another couple there who contacted the coastguard and were able to
get the attention of the paddleboarders to rescue David. The lifeboat crew have been fantastic and so helpful with looking after David.” As this incident taking place, another man also fell from the high wall onto the lower harbour wall. The second casualty was attended to by the ambulance crew and coastguards after complaining of severe back pain and extreme cold. He was taken to Dorset County Hospital. Nick Marks, lifeboat operations manager, said: “The high wall of the Cobb is particularly slippery, the harbour master has temporarily advised members of the public not to access the top of the wall due to large amounts of algae making hazardous walking conditions.” Lyme Regis Coastguard also urge all visitors to the harbour and the Cobb to be very careful, mindful of the weather conditions and heed all safety advice.
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Run Jurassic returns to Dorset coast SEPTEMBER 2020 will see the return of Run Jurassic, a weekend-long running festival in Dorset. Organised by White Star Running in collaboration with the Jurassic Coast Trust, the three-day event is the official Jurassic Coast Running Festival, with a percentage of income from the event supporting the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. Featuring an ultra marathon, marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 3K kids’ race, Run Jurassic takes place from September 25 to 27 at Freshwater Beach Holiday Park, near Bridport. For details see jurassiccoast.org/support/run-jurassic-2020/
Friday, January 24 2020 5
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the latest from Lyme Regis
FROM LYME’S OW N COMMUNIT Y WEBSITE
Stay up to date at www.lyme-online.co.uk - 24/7 news | sport | community Lights, camera, action in the LymeOnline office
Could tax discounts encourage more to go energy efficient?
Storm Brendan batters Lyme Regis beaches
A GOVERNMENT-funded research project is underway in East Devon to see if discounts on council tax and business rates might incentivise residents and businesses to improve the energy efficiency of their buildings. A sample of households and businesses in East Devon are being asked about the people in their homes and buildings and their attitudes to energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Dead dolphins washed up on Dorset beaches DORSET Wildlife Trust (DWT) has received reports that a number of dead dolphins and porpoises have been washed up on Dorset’s beaches this winter. The trust has been receiving information about sightings since November 7. The cause of death is unknown, although higher numbers are often recorded at this time of year with stronger winds, bigger swells and larger waves.
LYME Regis beaches have taken a battering in this week’s stormy weather conditions. Having recently been re-levelled, another steep ridge was left on the town’s main sandy beach after being hit by Storm Brendan on January 14. The stone jetty at Church Cliff Beach also collapsed in the stormy weather and the beach was temporarily cordoned off to the public. Photo by Daryl Turner
Local MP to present Private Members’ Bill WEST Dorset’s newly-elected MP Chris Loder will have the opportunity to present a Private Members’ Bill on a subject of his choice to the House of Commons. Conservative Mr Loder was the fifth MP selected in a Private Members’ Bill Ballot this month, meaning he can now present a bill to his colleagues with a chance of it becoming law. Mr Loder invited constituents to make suggestions on the bill via his website. Private Members’ Bills are Public Bills introduced by MPs and Lords who are not government ministers.
Half term family fun theatre WITH captivating storytelling, live music and stunning puppets – plus a chance to get hands on with recycled puppet-making workshops – three family productions will be visiting venues across Dorset this February half term. The Last Baguette present a madcap and touching show following Henry the Heron and Sally the House Sparrow, who embark on a zany journey to become friends while facing ecological threats to their habitat. Hosted by Arstreach, ‘The Bird Show’ will be held at Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall, near Charmouth, on Wednesday, February 19 - call 01297 560948 for tickets.
THERE was a buzz of excitement in the LymeOnline office last week as we launched our first video news bulletin. This was step forward into multimedia journalism and probably our biggest development since launching our community news website two years ago. Having discussed the idea for some time we finally decided to take the plunge and, having written the script, I arrived at work early last Friday morning to record my first weekly bulletin in our makeshift studio at the LymeOnline office. I was a little nervous to go in front of the camera; having spent the past 12 years photographing all the events in Lyme Regis, I’m far more used to being behind the lens than in front of it (I say that while realising my photo does appear in this week’s issue no less than six times - sorry about that!). Putting together the videos has also been a learning curve and we hope to improve some of the technical aspects as we get more practised and develop the concept. But the positive response we have received so far has been really encouraging, so thanks to all those who have been so supportive. Dad jokes that I’ll be war correspondent in no time... but I think royal correspondent is more up my street!
The video news bulletins will be released on our website every Friday, rounding up the top stories from the previous seven days, and we’ll also be producing special bulletins for breaking news stories - our first of these went live on Tuesday evening following the major fire at Rousdon Village Bakery (see page 3). As part of the new LymeOnline Sights & Sounds channel on our website, we’ll also be uploading video coverage of all the major events and regular podcasts with local residents and people of interest. Lyme Regis certainly is stepping into the digital age and the town will even have its own online radio station soon (see page 10). It’s a community-minded town and residents have a real thirst for local news and information. As we mark our 50th printed issue today, we remain committed to bringing you reliable news you can trust across all our platforms in print, online and now on screen too!
Francesca Evans, Editor
NE W LOOK
LYME RE G I S
Lyme Regis Pantomime Society presents
19th - 22nd February
Nightly 7.30pm and Saturday Matinee 2.30pm Tickets in advance from Lyme Regis Tourist Information Centre
Fitness that’s ‘Strictly’ Fun Fun, Fab, Dance Based Fitness Join Sarah on Tuesday mornings from 10-11am - 1st session free Call 07788 946 427 for more information
Other regular events include Ballet, Yoga, Pilates, Bingo and Town Band Rehearsals
To book the Woodmead Halls telephone Michaela Ellis on 07856 630975 Follow us on Twitter @WoodmeadHalls and Facebook at www.facebook.com/woodmeadhalls
6 Friday, January 24 2020
LYME MATTERS with Philip Evans Essential reading for all those with Lyme at heart
www.lyme-online.co.uk
philip@lyme-online.co.uk
50 issues hot off the press T
HIS week in the LymeOnline office (more like a cupboard, actually) we celebrated a minor achievement - our 50th edition.
As celebrations go, it was a modest occasion, unlike the night we launched the paper and website when the good and the great of Lyme joined us in raising a glass or three to this new venture. It turned out to be quite a riotous night. It was in February 2018 that we launched - a unique concept of publishing a hyper-local community newspaper and website of the same name. Following the demise of the View From series in January 2018, we were inundated with people asking: “What are we going to do without our View?” There was no doubt the town wanted a community newspaper but the dilemma was how to make it pay with falling advertising revenues sending dozens of local papers up and down the country to the wall in recent years. We came up
with the idea of making the project a community non-for-profit exercise and set about how we could cover our direct costs. I sent my daughter Francesca, who worked as a sub-editor/reporter on the View From covering Lyme Regis, out to Galway in Ireland where my eldest daughter lives to build the website which they completed within two weeks. Four weeks later we launched the paper version of LymeOnline and set up a distribution operation which necessitated us initially delivering the paper door-to-door to 2,200 homes in Lyme, Uplyme and Charmouth, with a further 1,800 copies available via bulk drops at pick-up points. After launching the paper, a number of businesses came forward and said they would support the project financially, helping to cover our direct costs because they wanted to see the paper succeed. We recruited some youngsters to deliver the paper to the estates, paying for their services, and a number of people volunteered to deliver
the paper to the houses in the roads in which they lived. Only last week we received a letter in the post enclosing a cheque for £100 to help us cover costs. Francesca and I are both passionate about community journalism and I have spent a long career launching and managing newspapers. In all, I suppose I have launched more than 60 titles but LymeOnline is undoubtedly the most popular. Every issue we publish more than 50 local stories and dozens of photographs covering virtually every event in Lyme, Uplyme and Charmouth. I would venture to suggest that there are very few, if any, communities as small as Lyme which get better or more comprehensive press coverage. Because I walk around in smart suits most of the time, some people think we make a fortune from LymeOnline. As a family we don’t take a penny out of and if anyone doubts this I would be quite happy for them to visit our office so I
can show them our profit and loss accounts. We subsidise the costs from editing newspapers for other publishers, a business run by my wife Jackie. The 64,000 dollar question, of course, is: can it continue to survive? Well, as long as we can attract sponsorship on an ongoing basis, and our readership stays strong, there is no reason why it cannot. The LymeOnline website is also extremely popular attracting thousands of hits every week. And recognising that the digital media is the future, we have recently introduced a new Sights & Sounds platform for video coverage of local events, podcasts and photo galleries, and from last week we introduced our first News Bulletin which Francesca presents (see page 7) which represents a great step forward for us. So as we approach our second anniversary, a warm thank you to all those who support us our sponsors, advertisers, deliverers and of course our readers.
A great way to start our fundraising year I’VE written many times in this column about the generosity of the people in Lyme Regis who give such marvellous support to charities and good causes in this town. Although we shall never know, it would be interesting to find out how much is actually raised in the course of a year. I suspect the figures would run into many thousands. As chairman of the Lyme Regis branch of Cancer Research UK, I’m always gobsmacked about how kind and supportive people are. I appreciate of course there are few, if any, families who are not affected by this terrible disease at some time in their life. Last Saturday we kicked off our 2020 fundraising campaign by holding soup and sweet lunch at the Woodmead Halls. In the past, this event has always raised around £250. On this occasion we col-
lected a whopping £624, getting our New Year off to a wonderful start. My thanks also to the members of my small committee who prepared the lunch and sold the raffle tickets. Last year we raised about £7,000 in total and we have set a target for £10,000 in 2020. If we achieve that our small branch, formed in 2008, will have topped the £180,000 mark. So to all of you who supported the lunch, and especially the lady who made a donation of £100, a heartfelt thanks and a reminder that our next major event will be The Big Breakfast at the Woodmead Halls on Friday, March 27. It’s research that will finally find a cure for cancer so it’s important that our work continues. Your continued support is making a real difference and as I have written many times in this column - Lyme never stops giving.
FLASHBACK to February 2018 when experienced journalists Tim Dixon, Geoff Baker and Richard Austin helped Francesca and I to celebrate the launch of LymeOnline
How I spent the mayor’s allowance in one day! advantage digital print
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IT won’t be long before town councillors will decide who the mayor will be next year. Tradition dictates that the current incumbent should be invited to serve for a second term, but after our current first citizen, Brian Larcombe MBE, was installed there was some that thought he might only serve for one year. I think it is almost certain, however, that he will retain the mayoral chains for another year. I certainly hope so. The next year is going to be a challenging one for Lyme Regis Town Council with a programme of works scheduled likely to run into seven figures. So it needs a steady and experienced hand on the tiller to steer the council through what could well be a very bumpy ride. With several new councillors still learning the ropes, Brian is the man for that job.
Those were the days... Councillors can serve more than two years if there are no other nominations for the position. The late Henry Broom and Barbara Austin MBE were two of the longest serving mayors, as was Sally Holman in recent times. If my memory serves me correctly, only three mayors in the last 30 odd years served for just one year - Stuart Case, me and Ken Whetlor. Disgracefully in my opinion, tradition was abandoned when Ken Whetlor was only elected to serve for one year, but for Stuart it was a personal choice to do just the single term.
I became the youngest mayor at the age of 34 in the 1980s when I was editor of the Sidmouth Herald and not earning a fortune. But I was lucky to have a good friend in my deputy, the late Ivor Curtis. In those days the mayor’s allowance for the year was a paltry £350. I followed in the footsteps of the late John Broderick and it was custom in those days to hold the post mayor making party at the Royal Lion. I went up to the Lion the following morning to pay the bill. And it came to £355! All other entertaining expenses during the year had to come from my own pocket and one of these was quite expensive as I had to entertain the Devon & Dorset Regiment on a visit to the town which meant I had to buy all the squaddies a beer or two. During the year I ran up an unau-
thorised overdraft at the then Midland Bank whose manager clearly turned a blind eye, presumably because I was the mayor. But he wasted no time to contacting me as soon as I stood down. The day after I handed the chains to Ivor Curtis, I received a letter from the bank asking how I intended to clear my overdraft. That was the moment I decided I ought to concentrate on my career and it wasn’t too long after that I moved to London to take over the running of a newspaper group in the East End. I have no idea what the mayor’s allowance is today, a few grand I suspect, but I doubt whether that it covers what a mayor will spend during his or her term of office. However, I’m pretty sure it would not be spent on their first day in office!
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LymeOnline launches video news bulletins
Exceptional ballet examination results for Lyme School of Ballet LymeOnline editor Francesca Evans presents the first video news bulletin THE LymeOnline website has launched its own news bulletin broadcasts. Video news bulletins will now be uploaded to the website every Friday, bringing you the top stories of the past seven days, as well as special broadcasts for ‘breaking news’ events. They will be presented by LymeOnline editor Francesca Evans, with some contributions from managing director Philip Evans MBE. The initiative comes as part of LymeOnline’s recently-launched Sights & Sounds channel, a multi-media platform bringing your local news to life. As well as the regular news bulletins, the new channel includes video coverage of events and podcasts with local residents. Miss Evans said the channel was a step forward for LymeOnline, which celebrates its second anniversary next week. She commented: “At LymeOnline we recognise the community’s desire for their local news to be presented in both the traditional printed format,
as well as online embracing more modern technologies. “We are committed to the continued publication of our popular, fortnightly printed newspaper as well as uploading the latest news articles to read on our website and developing our social media channels. “But as we celebrate our second anniversary, this new multi-media channel is another step forward, bringing original video and audio content to an even wider audience. “We’ve been delighted with the reception that both the LymeOnline website and newspaper has received from the local community over the past two years, and with the success of its growing readership. “Thank you to all our sponsors, advertisers, readers – and now our viewers – for your continued support, and we look forward to more exciting developments in the future.” For news bulletins, videos and podcasts visit lyme-online.co.uk/lyme-sights-sounds
PUPILS from Lyme School of Ballet (pictured above) have been working very hard towards their Royal Academy of Dance Ballet qualifications, and have once again been extremely successful. The RAD examination results are as follows: Primary in Dance passed with merit by Madi Apps, Freya Harp and Elodie Hide. Grade One passed with merit by Arabella Newton. Grade Four passed with merit by Daisy Merrett, Daisy O’Leary, Lucie Sivier-Voller, Daisy Smith, Klara Smith and Cody Wootton, and with distinction by Esme Skevington. Grade Five passed with merit by Sophie Cuthbert, Phoebe Holmes-Simeon, Rayya Nawal, Bethan Rogers, and with distinction by Esme Skevington. Grade 6 passed with merit by Valentine Bourdaud-Bosser, Daisy Brett, Anthony Duncan, Natasha Dower, Katie Hutchings, Freya Morgan, Olivia Whitaker, and with distinction by Chloe Duncan. Grade 8 passed
with merit by Katie Norman and Emily Rudolph, and with distinction by Katy Roy. Intermediate Foundation pointe work examination passed with distinction by Chloe Duncan. Lyme School of Ballet would like to send huge congratulations to all the boys and girls who took examinations and have been so successful. The school’s principal and teacher, Miss Freya RAD RTS, has completed a Level 4 Certificate in Higher Education, and Level 5 Diploma in Dance Education with the RAD. She is also a fully registered RAD RTS teacher and a Silver Swans Licensee, enabling the school to offer classical ballet classes for adults. For enquiries regarding Lyme School of Ballet, please contact Miss Freya on 07535 432379 or visit their website: www.lymeschoolofballet.com.
C Curry Club Menu Crab curry y,, p y pheasant keema, red onion pakora p a and d poppad dums d served d with i h mango chutney _________________________ Forde Abbey pheasant and butternut squash curry or Tandoori mackerel _________________________ Served with steamed teamed basmati rice and a chappati _________________________
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Late Christmas celebrations in Charmouth SENIOR citizens of Charmouth enjoyed a late Christmas celebration last week. The Charmouth Senior Citizens Committee hosted their annual festive lunch for more than 60 guests in St Andrew’s Community Hall. A traditional Christmas lunch, including roast turkey with all the trimmings, was prepared and served by committee members and volunteers. Residents also enjoyed taking part in a quiz and bingo, and entertainment was provided by the choir from Charmouth Primary School. Charmouth Senior Citizens Committee hosts a late Christmas lunch every January, as well as organising day trips and fundraisers during the year.
Scouts open doors at newly-extended headquarters MEMBERS of the 1st Lym Valley Scout Group opened doors at their newly-extended headquarters in Uplyme last week, welcoming friends, family and supporters. The troop celebrated the completion of the extension, which includes new unisex toilets, a shower and additional storage space at the headquarters in Rhode Lane, first opened in 1948. Guests were welcomed by chairman of the 1st Lym Valley Scout Group, John Wyon-Brown, who gave a brief history of the troop and thanked all their supporters.
The Mayor of Lyme Regis, Councillor Brian Larcombe MBE, then spoke about the importance of Scouting and the life skills it teaches young people, as well as praising the community spirit in Uplyme. Group contact Karen Yelland thanked builder Mark Harris, architect Richard Stratton, parents, leaders, members and all those who had supported the extension project, including Lyme Regis Town Council. Guests enjoyed refreshments and displays of photos and memorabilia from Scouting events through the years.
MEMBERS and leaders of the 1st Lym Valley Scout Group pictured in the new extension. Left, a photo from the initial opening of the Scout hut in Rhode Lane in 1948
Friday, January 24 2020 9
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Church tower repairs almost complete AN EXTENSIVE project to repair and refurbish the tower at St Michael’s Parish Church in Lyme Regis is almost complete. Scaffolding which has been in place for five months is expected to come down at the
end of this month, after work was carried out by contractors Ellis & Co to stop water ingress in the tower. The pebble dash exterior of the tower has been removed and replaced with new lime mortar render. Repairs have
From left, Tim Bacon of St Michael’s Parochial Church Council, architect XX and XX of contractors Ellis & Co
also been made to the parapet stonework and the church clock has been cleaned, serviced and replacement mechanism parts will be fitted in February to complete the project. The project was initially estimated to cost £150,000, with Lyme Regis Town Council donating £40,000, but this has now risen to almost £170,000 due to a number of unexpected costs. The biggest issue was a layer of bitumen discovered when the pebble dash was removed from the south and west walls of the tower, much of which had to be chiseled off by hand. Tim Bacon, who has been overseeing the project on behalf of the Parochial Church Council (PCC), said the bitumen issue was “very costly and completely overwhelmed contingency and provisional sums”. He added: “The stair turret stonework required a great deal of work. Fittings holding the bottom of the clock face had rusted away completely and required replacement with stainless steel. “Four rotten timber lintels holding up the south wall of the tower were discovered in an ancient void and required immediate replacement. These and other items have increased the total project cost by £20,000 to very nearly £170,000.” The work is now almost complete with contractors making final touchers. Mr Bacon said: “Although often very windy, weather conditions were ideal for applying the new lime mortar
render. When the contractors packed up for their Christmas break, they had completed all three layers of lime mortar, which is now drying out well. “Remaining works to repair parapet stonework, external painting and other minor tasks are being carried out this week. The internal repairs are progressing well and will be completed within two or three weeks. “We hope that by the end of January our band of ringers will be given the go ahead to resume bell ringing. “The church architect will carry out final inspections this week and, as soon as any finishing touches have been finalised, the scaffolding will be removed. “After the removal of scaffolding, Ellis & Co will reinstate the pillar and coping stones damaged at the beginning of the work and have a big tidy up. We should be completely finished and ready to welcome our new team rector, the Reverend Chris Martin, at the end of February. “Funds raised up until the end of November were about £137,000, leaving a shortfall of approximately £33,000. Although further grants may yet be possible, the majority of this extra cost will need to come from donations and fundraising.” Donations to Lyme Regis PCC towards the tower and clock repairs will be very welcome and can be made subject to Gift Aid - for more details call church treasurer, Dawn Baker on 01297 443478.
Climbing to the top of the church tower LIVING opposite St Michael’s Church, I’ve keenly watched the progress of the tower refurbishment over the past four or five months, but last week I was invited to take an even closer look. Climbing to the top of the church tower is something only a handful of residents can say they have done, so I snapped up the one-off opportunity to scale the scaffolding before it comes down at the end of this month. Accompanied by Tim Bacon, who has overseen the project on behalf of the Parochial Church Council, I was given the full tour starting inside by climbing a narrow, stone spiral staircase into the bell tower. It was up another two ladders to get right to the top where the 12 bells hang - heard by all but seen by very few. The bells have fallen silent over the past few months to allow the refurbishment to be carried out. With the tower now sealed and dry once again, I’m actually quite looking forward to hearing that familiar peal as I wake up on Sunday mornings. Hard hat on and it was time to head outside. I followed Tim as we clambered up five levels of scaffolding to the very top of the 58-feet tower, taking in breathtaking views across the whole of Lyme Regis and the Jurassic Coast. And it wasn’t just the views that were spectacular. The tour offered a close-up look at the exceptional craftsmanship carried out by the team from Ellis & Co. They have worked through the gale force winds and pouring rain of winter to bring this weatherworn church back to its full glory (luckily it was dry and sunny when I visited!), even hand-chiseling off
the unexpected layer of bitumen found underneath the pebble dash render. The church clock may look modest from ground level but up close it’s rather imposing at six feet tall. Its gilded hands have just been replaced by the Cumbria Clock Co. and new internal mechanism parts and chimes will finish off the project in February. I don’t think I ever noticed how much St Michael’s dominates the Lyme Regis landscape until it was encased in scaffolding in September, making it even more noticeable from just about everywhere you looked in town. It will certainly look different now its pebble dash has been replaced with lime mortar render, and perhaps it might take a bit of getting used to, but there’s no doubt this extensive project will help preserve one of Lyme’s most significant historical and architectural gems for years to come. Francesca Evans Editor, LymeOnline
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Lyme Bay Radio (almost) on air Talk on history of RAF in Lyme
THE studio has been built, the equipment is being configured, the songs are being loaded onto the system and the ‘On Air’ sign will soon be ready to light up: all that’s needed now is a talented crew. Local residents Chris Tipping and Simon West are the backbone behind new community radio station Lyme Bay Radio. They’ve worked tirelessly over the past 18 months to raise funds to get the station out of the starting blocks and it’s nearly time to go live. All being well, the first broadcast will be on Sunday, March 1 at 12noon. A solid crew of trained volunteers will be needed to present programmes and do outside broadcasts during Lifeboat Week, Regatta & Carnival and, of course, at Lyme’s many musical and food festivals. Simon and Chris are looking for an engaging selection of voices to present shows, but equally important are the back office team of technical support engineers, show producers, researchers, admin assistants keen to do designing and fundraising, and event organisers too. Two meetings have been set up for people keen to volunteer on Tuesday, January 28 from 12noon to 2pm and Friday, January 31 from 5om to 7pm at St Michael’s Business Centre off Church Street. If you’d like to be part of the team, visit the news page at LymeBayRadio.com and fill in the online Volunteer Application Form, then ‘buy’ a free ticket to the relevant meeting to secure your place at either event. If you’re unable to do this but would still like to apply and attend one of the meetings, email simon.west@LymeBayRadio.com or call 07896 884 114. The station has been set up as part of local charity, Lyme Regis Development Trust, strengthening its remit to serve the wider community of Lyme Regis. Its success will be dependent upon finding and training a talented team who are prepared to learn the ropes. Simon used to be a trainer and chairman at Apple FM, a community station broadcasting in Musgrove Park Hospital and out to the wider community of Taunton Deane. Apple’s current
chairman, Jason Freeman, has kindly gifted the station’s music library to Lyme Bay Radio, which means the station will go live on day one with a phenomenal, diverse back catalogue of music. Lyme Bay Radio is gearing itself up to provide a considerable amount of live content from homegrown presenters and perhaps a few syndicated shows too. It’ll be a vibrant and informative channel, serving locals and visitors to the area alike. They’re hoping to find presenters with passions for all genres and the content will be woven together with hot off the press news from local and national media outlets. Station manager Simon commented: “It’s time to breathe life into the station with a team who are as excited as we are to get on air! Providing our recruitment drive goes well, we’ll be playing our first track in six weeks. We’ll deliver the shows digitally via computers, tablets and smartphones.” Newly appointed CEO of Lyme Regis Development Trust, Chris Tipping, added: “It has been great to watch an unused space at the back of The Hub transform into a radio station. I’ve always loved radio, it has an incredible ability to reach people in the community who might otherwise struggle to get out and see what’s going on.” Thanks to kind financial assistance from the National Lottery Awards for All, the Rotary Club of Lyme Regis and Palmers Brewery, Simon and Chris are building a state of the art station. For radio buffs, they’re using Broadcast Radio’s Myriad 5 system and sound mixer. Lyme Bay Radio will be led by the community to meet the needs of the community. It has a couple of show sponsors lined up who will help get the not-for-profit station off to a fine start. The station is also seeking sponsors for features such as the weather, traffic and surf reports. They will run tasteful and appropriate adverts for local businesses too, which will keep the station selfsufficient and boost its ability to deliver even better content to the listeners. For more details visit LymeBayRadio.com or see their pages on Facebook and Twitter.
LOCAL history buff Ken Gollop will give a talk on the Royal Air Force’s connection with Lyme Regis from 1937 to 1964. Organised by the Friends of Lyme Regis Museum, Mr Gollop - well known locally for his popular series of ‘Under Shady Tree’ nostalgia talks - will host the event at the THE RAF unit pictured in Lyme Regis in 1942 Woodmead Halls on and undertaking various duties including Thursday, February 6 starting at 2.30pm. standing by off the French coast on D-Day. Here he gives a snippet of what to expect: “At the end of the war there were plans to “With the likelihood of war in the near future, the Air Ministry established practice bombing close the base but these were suddenly and firing ranges in several areas around the dropped and a radar station established on country. One of these was off the Chesil Bank Stonebarow. The ranges continued to be and the eastern half of Lyme Bay in 1937. used for aircraft and flying research and were “A base was established in Lyme Regis to serviced by the RAF boats at Lyme. service the ranges, with moorings for sea“However, in 1964 finances forced the cloplane tenders, a large concrete slipway to sure of the base and naval helicopters took service the boats, plus barracks and work- over rescue duties. The range safety duties shops on the site of the old cement works were put out to tender. (now the Boat Building Academy) on what is “My brother and I were lucky to get the connow called Monmouth Beach. tract and for the next 10 years worked part“Prior to the building of the barracks the ser- time duties for the radar station and vicemen were billeted with local families and Boscombe Down Experimental Establishfrom the start relationships were always ment. This worked well for both parties, the good. Air Ministry only paying us when they needed “Over the next 27 years there were many us and in the meantime we could carry on marriages with local girls and many of their descendants still live in town. Initially a few of fishing and tripping. “There are still a few in Lyme who can rethe gentry objected to servicemen wearing member the RAF in its heyday, with boats layuniform in town as it ‘lowered the tone’. “Starting off with a couple of seaplane ten- ing at their moorings outside the harbour, the ders and a small complement of men, during odd launch breaking away and being the war years there were up to five air sea res- wrecked on the beach, airmen helping save furniture from the houses wrecked in the landcue boats and up to 60 personnel. “The war years were very active for the unit, slip, and helping at the big traffic accident in saving both British and German pilots, exper- Broad Street, and of course the Brylcreem imenting with various equipment and aircraft Boys who stole all our local girls.”
To book call 01297 442299 - harbourinnlymeregis.co.uk Harbour Inn Burns Night Supper
Harbour Inn Valentines Evening
Scotch Broth A Lighter Version of this Traditional Soup Confit Duck Leg Dundee Marmalade Dumpling - Orange Sauce Griddled Crab Cakes Crispy Greens, Shellfish, Mayonnaise
To Start Asparagus Soup - Finished with white truffle oil croutons and asparagus flakes Seared Lyme Bay Scallops - Sugar snap and spring onion katsu Carpaccio of Local Venison - Sea salt and spice rub, blackcurrant, ginger salsa KF Cod - Southern Fried Cod and tartar slaw Main Course Devonshire Fillet Steak Rossini Fois Gras crouton, truffle, mushroom gravy and hand-cut chips Parma Ham Wrapped Roasted Chicken Stuffed with Gruyere cheese and served on a roasted new potato and vegetable salad with our own Caesar dressing Medallion of Cornish Monkfish Lobster, potato gratin. Harbour Inn Thermidore Sauce Pan Roasted Fillet of Local Hake Root vegetable fagliatelle, Fowey mussel cream sauce with leeks and Pernod
Sunday 26 January 7pm for 7.30pm
Haggis, Neeps and Tatties Medallion of Local Venison Little Game and Potato Scotch Pie, Red Wine & Thyme Gravy Fillet of Hake Smoked Salmon Gratin and Cream Sauce Steamed Cock-A-Leekie Pudding Chicken and Leeks in Suet Pastry, Roast Potato, White Wine & Leek Gravy Fresh Raspberry Meringue with Raspberry Coulis Lemon Possit with Shortbread Biscuits Treacle Tart and Clotted Cream Filter Coffee £28.00 inclusive
Friday 14 February
Desserts Cherry Meringue - Kirsch sauce Dark Chocolate Roulade - Fresh raspberry and raspberry sorbet Sticky Toffee Pudding - Toffee sauce and clotted cream Selection of West Country Cheese and Biscuits £30 inclusive
Friday, January 24 2020 11
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Telephone: 01297 445622 Website: www.royallionhotel.com
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Father and daughter choose Lyme for first ever meeting
■ MEMBERS of Lyme Regis/St George’s Twinning Association got together for their annual post-Christmas dinner earlier this month. Guests enjoyed a two-course dinner at the Royal Lion Hotel and were given an update on the association’s latest activities. Pictured above, twinning association chairman John Dover and his wife Jan; the Mayor of Lyme Regis, Councillor Brian Larcombe MBE, and mayoress Wendy; and the chairman of Dorset Council and the Dorset Twinning Association, Pauline Bathurst, and her consort Edward.
■ THE Lyme Regis branch of Cancer Research UK’s first fundraiser of the year was a resounding success. A soup and sweet lunch, held at the Woodmead Halls on Saturday, raised £624, including a generous £100 donation. The branch’s next event will be a pizza night hosted by the Pilot Boat in February, with the date to be announced shortly. The branch is hoping to raise £10,000 this year, which will bring its total to £180,000 raised since 2008.
A FATHER and daughter chose Lyme Regis as the destination for their very first meeting in 56 years. Karen Harris was adopted at birth as her teenage parents felt unable to keep her at the time. But she eventually managed to contact her biological father, Trevor Sinden, aged 72, via Facebook in November last year. They have been chatting online ever since and, on Christmas Eve, Karen surprised her dad by booking a trip to Lyme Regis for their first ever meeting. As Trevor lives in Lenham, near Maidstone in Kent, and Karen is from Penryn in Cornwall, they decided on Lyme Regis as a halfway point.
Trevor and Karen, accompanied by her husband Mark, spent five days at a holiday home in Ozone Terrace. Karen said the emotions were high and she was “overwhelmingly excited” as they met for the first time at the harbour. The trip also gave her the opportunity to meet her cousins from Charmouth and Southampton. “It’s been an amazing time with many new memories,” she said. “Belonging is something that I grew up not knowing, I was loved but missing pieces of being connected. But now that I have experienced it finding my dad, I would never trade it for the world.”
If you have a story for LymeOnline call Francesca Evans on 1297 442781 or email edit @lyme-online.co.uk
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LYME REGIS TOWN COUNCIL
Councillors meet with new MP to discuss local issues
WEST Dorset MP Chris Loder (third from left) pictured with the Mayor of Lyme Regis, Councillor Brian Larcombe MBE, and fellow councillors John Broom, Michaela Ellis, David Ruffle, Gillian Stammers and Rob Smith NEW relationships were forged with the West Dorset MP when he met with us recently to discuss local, regional and national issues. Chris Loder was invited to meet with the council after taking office in December to get to know councillors and officers, to hear about life from the council’s perspective, and to share his views on topical issues. We discussed local matters including the tourist information centre, the closure of the preschool and second homes, regional issues such as the proposed Dorset National Park, and national issues like the need for more investment in the south west. Mr Loder, who lives in Sherborne, also revealed his love for Lyme Regis and said he is in the town around once every 10 days. “I have spent more time in Lyme Regis outside of my own town than I have any other town in the constituency so far,” he said. “I have to say, it is lovely and I have fallen in love with the place.” As a newly-elected MP, he asked for the council’s patience while he settled into life at Westminster. He said: “I’m not an experienced politician. I was a district councillor for two years, I spent my 20-year career with the railways. What I ask of you, because I’m new and I’m undoubtedly going to make a wrong step or two in the next year, is for your understanding but also your feedback.” We told Mr Loder about the major projects we are planning and he was particularly interested to hear the council had declared a climate and environmental emergency. He said: “In the election campaign I made some commitments about the environment, and I don’t mean manifesto headlines, I mean specifics. “I committed that we would establish a West Dorset Environment Forum, which gives the opportunity for others to share their input, experience and views, and it also gives me the opportunity to hear those suggestions and ini-
tiatives which we can then package together with a view for me to go back to a government organisation and say ‘we are on the front foot in west Dorset, this is what we would like’.” Mr Loder said in his election campaign he made a commitment about the preschool and he had since been working closely with the local group trying to re-establish this facility. He said he would be writing to the chairman of the governors and headteacher at St Michael’s Primary School with a ‘view to hopefully find a way forward’ but added: “I can’t guarantee anything at the moment.” We discussed the lack of development land in Lyme Regis and the need for improved connectivity, which led Mr Loder to share his concerns about second homes. He said: “When I walked around the streets of Lyme Regis twice during the election campaign, I was surprised by how many houses it appeared to me to be not actively lived in. “I’m finding the same in Sydling St Nicholas, Beaminster and Sherborne – it’s come to the point where this is the trend. “It’s one of the reasons that as a point of principle I don’t support the concept of mass housing developments, one of the reasons being is it feels to me they are not in the community’s interest. The Community Land Trust initiative at Garmans Field is a good example and we need many more of those.” Mr Loder asked about the tourist information centre and whether there was the possibility of the town council working with Dorset Council to provide that service. We explained how we would like to work with Dorset Council to discuss the way services and assets are managed in Lyme Regis, but not to the detriment of local taxpayers. Mr Loder said he had met with Dorset Council earlier that day and felt there needed to be more energy and focus on the west of the county.
“We talked about some of their financial pressures and the issues and challenges they’re facing,” he said. “It’s fair to say it’s not going to get any better in the immediate term. “However, a lot of the commitments that have been made in the election we haven’t seen yet how they are going to pan out.” On a more regional scale, Mr Loder said he felt there needed to be greater investment in the south west and he was looking to redress this. He said: “I have a meeting with all the other MPs in the south western region. The reason I have asked for that is because we now have a situation where the impression is all the excitement, all the investment and all the money is going into the northern belt.” But one thing he believes will be a ‘disaster’ for the area is the proposed Dorset National Park, which he said he was ‘absolutely opposed to’. “I feel like we are sleep-walking into it,” he said. “Whilst I’m not suggesting the climate emergency is any less important, the thing that is absolutely immediate in terms of community impact is that the Dorset National Park will be a disaster for west Dorset, it will make it a museum piece. “It is quite shocking we have just gone through some sort of streamlining exercise of our (Dorset) councils, now to have a proposal that’s going to create a quasi-judicial organisation that has planning laws.” Mr Loder was encouraged to hear the town council would be holding a public meeting about the proposed national park, with speakers both for and against the idea. He said he would ‘welcome a balanced debate and discussion’ as there didn’t seem to be anyone championing the case against it. “As it stands today, I think the Dorset National park will happen unless we do something about it,” he said.
Guildhall given makeover THE Guildhall tower has been restored to its former glory. The tower of the Grade II-listed building was looking a bit tired, so we took advantage of the recent road closure to carry out some improvements. Our team fixed the iron guttering and lead flashing, and perhaps most noticeably, removed the flaking paint from the stone
reveals of the stain glass windows. We also had the overhanging Guildhall window repaired, after being hit at least four times by large vehicles in the past year. We’re really pleased with how it looks and feel the tower of one of the town’s most prominent and historic buildings has been given a new lease of life.
Watch your speed! HAVE you seen our new speed indicator device (SID) on your way into the town? The solar-powered SID will be moved around regularly, telling drivers their speed if they are travelling at over 30mph, or displaying a ‘thank you’ if they’re on or under the speed limit. The locations have been agreed with Dorset Council’s road safety team, which carried out a survey of traffic speeds and chose sites which would best protect the residents of the town.
Getting ready for colder weather A NEW community grit bin has been installed in Roman Road. The town council has 20 grit bins around the town, filled by Dorset Council, to help keep the town moving during ice and snow. The major routes are gritted by Dorset Council and the town council will grit key areas such as outside schools and medical centres, but residents are also encouraged to help themselves to the grit to make pavements and pathways safe. As a new bin has been installed in
Roman Road, the bin that used to be located between Haye Close and St Georges Hill has now been moved to the corner of Haye Lane. The council’s emergency planning procedure includes the locations of all the community grit bins, as well as useful contacts and organisations that can assist in an emergency. The procedure can be found on the council’s website at www.lymeregistowncouncil.gov.uk/policies
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ART | MUSIC | THEATRE | WHAT’S ON | COMPETITIONS
What’s on
Friday, January 24
Knit & Knatter Lyme Regis Library, 2.30pm A friendly group who meet weekly to chat and knit over a cup of tea - all welcome. Lyme Regis Comedy Club Marine Theatre, 7pm Four comedians on the bill with headliner Jonny Pelham. Tickets £10 in advance or £12 on the door - call 01297 442138 or visit marinetheatre.com. Bar opens 7pm for 8pm start. Friday @ The Pilot The Pilot Boat, 9pm Weekly live music nights at the Pilot Boat.
Saturday, January 25
Military Veterans Breakfast Club, The Greyhound, Bridport, 9.30am The Royal Air Force Association, Royal Naval Association and Royal British Legion have come together to form a Military Veterans Breakfast Club for Bridport, Lyme Regis and surrounding areas. No joining fees, just come along for breakfast and banter! Music: Ninebarrow Marine Theatre, 7pm The multi-award winning duo, otherwise known as Jon Whitley and Jay LaBouchardiere, perform at the Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis. Tickets £14 in advance/£16.50 on the door – call 01297 442138 or visit www.marinetheatre.com. Bar opens 7pm for 8pm start. Live DJs @ SWIM SWIM, 9pm DJ Tomjuno and friends perform every Saturday night at SWIM on Marine Parade.
Sunday, January 26
Sunday Craft Market The Pilot Boat, 10am A weekly Sunday craft market at the Pilot Boat Inn, Lyme Regis. Call 01297 443157 to book a stall. Live DJs @ SWIM SWIM, 12noon DJ James Baker and friends perform a chilled out set every Sunday afternoon at SWIM on Marine Parade. Creative Writing Workshop Lyme Regis Museum, 2pm Creative writing workshops inspired by the museum’s collections, with poet Sarah Acton. Entry £5.95 - call 01297 443370. The Sunday Sessions Marine Theatre, 3pm This regular free entry event is the Marine Theatre’s dedicated time to promote quality live music. Enjoy local drinks and the best musicians in the bar overlooking the Cobb. If you’d like to play, just turn up!
Music: Trio Simbora Marine Theatre, 7pm This exciting band takes a journey through the exuberant sounds and rhythms found in Brazil. Tickets £8 in advance/£12 on the door – call 01297 442138 or visit www.marinetheatre.com. Bar opens 7pm for 8pm start. Sequence Dancing Woodmead Halls, 8pm Lyme Regis Sequence Dancing Club meets every Sunday at 7.45pm for an 8pm start. The friendly, welcoming group enjoys popular sequence dances and visitors are welcome.
Tuesday, January 28
The Old School House Café The Hub, 9am Community café run by LymeForward, open every Tuesday morning at The Hub in Church Street. Hot drinks, homemade cakes and toast available – just pay what you can, if you can.
Wednesday, January 29
Exhibition on Screen: Lucian Freud, Marine Theatre, 2pm A screening of the Royal Academy of Arts’ exhibition of Lucian Freud’s selfportraits, intertwined with artist biographies and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage from the galleries. Tickets £10 advance (includes cup of tea), £12 on the door or £25 combined ticket for three events (Lucian Freud, Frida Kahlo, Easter in Art) – call 01297 442138 or visit www.marinetheatre.com. Bar opens 2pm for 3pm screening. LRTC Tourism, Community & Publicity, Guildhall, 7pm For agendas see www.lymeregistowncouncil.gov.uk
Thursday, January 30
Cinema: ‘Blinded by the Light’ (12A), Marine Theatre, 6.30pm An uplifting British comedy-drama. In 1987, a teenager from an Asian family learns to live his life through the music of American rock star Bruce Springsteen. Tickets £6 in advance/£7.50 on the door – call 01297 442138 or visit marinetheatre.com. Bar opens 6.30pm for 7.30pm screening. Lyme Regis Community Bingo Woodmead Halls, 8pm Bingo night every Thursday at the Woodmead Halls, raising funds for local organisations which are members of Lyme Regis Community Bingo Association. Pilot Boat Quiz Night Pilot Boat, 8pm Weekly quiz night at the Pilot Boat for teams of two or more with cash prize for the winner plus £100 jackpot prize!
Send your diary dates to francesca@lyme-online.co.uk www.lyme-online.co.uk/events Live Music @ SWIM SWIM, 8pm Weekly live music night every Thursday at SWIM on Marine Parade.
Friday, January 31
Knit & Knatter Lyme Regis Library, 2.30pm A friendly group who meet weekly to chat and knit over a cup of tea - all welcome. Friday @ The Pilot The Pilot Boat, 9pm Weekly live music nights at the Pilot Boat.
Saturday, February 1
Cinema: ‘Bait’ (15) Marine Theatre, 6.30pm Modern-day Cornish fisherman Martin (Edward Rowe) is struggling to buy a boat while coping with family rivalry and the influx of London money, Airbnb and stag parties to his harbour village. Tickets £6 in advance/£7.50 on the door – call 01297 442138 or visit marinetheatre.com. Bar opens 6.30pm for 7.30pm screening. Live DJs @ SWIM SWIM, 9pm DJ Tomjuno and friends perform every Saturday night at SWIM on Marine Parade.
Sunday, February 2
Sunday Craft Market The Pilot Boat, 10am A weekly Sunday craft market at the Pilot Boat Inn, Lyme Regis. Call 01297 443157 to book a stall. Live DJs @ SWIM SWIM, 12noon DJ James Baker and friends perform a chilled out set every Sunday afternoon at SWIM on Marine Parade. Creative Writing Workshop Lyme Regis Museum, 2pm Creative writing workshops inspired by the museum’s collections, with poet Sarah Acton. Entry £5.95 - call 01297 443370. Sequence Dancing Woodmead Halls, 8pm Lyme Regis Sequence Dancing Club meets every Sunday at 7.45pm for an 8pm start. The friendly, welcoming group enjoys popular sequence dances and visitors are welcome.
Monday, February 3
Rotary Club Soup & Ploughman’s Alexandra Hotel, 12noon The Rotary Club of Lyme Regis hosts its annual soup and ploughman’s lunch in aid of Water Survival Box. Tickets £10 for vegetarian soup, ploughman’s and coffee available from local Rotarians. Axminster & Lyme Cancer Support Drop-In, Lyme Regis Football Club, 2pm Drop-in for those by affected by cancer and
looking for support and advice. For details call 01297 279663.
Tuesday, February 4
The Old School House Café The Hub, 9am Community café run by LymeForward, open every Tuesday morning at The Hub in Church Street. Hot drinks, homemade cakes and toast available – just pay what you can, if you can. Lyme Regis Society Coffee Morning, Alexandra Hotel, 10.30am The Lyme Regis Society host their annual coffee morning, with a chance to meet members, enjoy refreshments and cakes for sale. Free entry.
Wednesday, February 5
LRTC Strategy & Finance Guildhall, 7pm For agendas see www.lymeregistowncouncil.gov.uk
Thursday, February 6
Talk: The RAF in Lyme Regis 1937-1964’, Woodmead Halls, 2.30pm A talk by local historian Ken Gollop, well known over many years for his popular ‘Under Shady Tree’ nostalgia talks. Organised by the Friends of Lyme Regis Museum. Lyme Regis Community Bingo Woodmead Halls, 8pm Bingo night every Thursday at the Woodmead Halls, raising funds for local organisations which are members of Lyme Regis Community Bingo Association. Pilot Boat Quiz Night Pilot Boat, 8pm Weekly quiz night at the Pilot Boat for teams of two or more with cash prize for the winner plus £100 jackpot prize! Live Music @ SWIM SWIM, 8pm Weekly live music night every Thursday at SWIM on Marine Parade.
Friday, February 6
Knit & Knatter Lyme Regis Library, 2.30pm A friendly group who meet weekly to chat and knit over a cup of tea - all welcome. Cinema: ‘Downton Abbey’ (PG) Marine Theatre, 6.30pm The smash hit programme goes to the big screen with a continuing story of the Crawley family. Tickets £6 in advance/£7.50 on the door – call 01297 442138 or visit www.marinetheatre.com. Bar opens 6.30pm for 7.30pm screening. Friday @ The Pilot The Pilot Boat, 9pm Weekly live music nights at the Pilot Boat.
Reggae superstars visit from Bristol ONE of the country’s leading reggae bands is visiting Lyme Regis in March for a special gig at the Marine Theatre. With inspiration from ska and reggae, Laid Blak’s influences are broad and represent sounds that define Bristol music, from dancehall to soul, hip hop, funk and jazz, and their jungle heritage. Their song ‘My Eyes are Red’ has nearly four million plays on YouTube Laid Blak represent the quintessential Bristol music story, formed from the partnership of Bristol producer DJ Bunjy and MC Joe Peng. Two legends of the Jungle scene, the pair spent the 1990s performing for the era defining party brands. Building on their successful partnership, the pair began to look for a new musical di-
rection and like many of Bristol’s most loved musical exports, they drew inspiration from the city, which of course has Reggae and Soundsystem culture at its core. What began as a studio project, found them seeking out some of the most impressive musicians the city has to offer and Laid Blak was formed. On their journey to becoming one of Bristol’s most exciting and loved live bands, the duo brought in an array of talented musicians to complement and augment their ideas. They will appear at the Marine Theatre on Saturday, March 7. Tickets cost £13.50 in advance or £16 on the door - call 01297 442138 or visit www.marinetheatre.com to book.
COMING UP AT THE TOWN MILL ■ CREATIVITY abounds as family and friends host a varied exhibition titled ‘The Forest of Paradoxes’ at the Town Mill Malthouse from February 1 to 13. Alison Tutcher is well-known locally for her work on millinery but she is also an accomplished poet, writer and story-teller. She will be joined in this exhibition by her brother Jacques Tutcher, a talented photographer with an eye for the quirky, and her son Barnaby, who will be displaying his amazing pen and ink drawings. Jessica Easter, a prize-winning artist who relocated to Lyme Regis from Kent to concentrate on writing her first novel, and Chris Brannick, an accomplished musician, composer, writer and performer with an international following, complete the line-up. Expect painting, photography, multimedia, spoken word, music and... hats. The Forest of Paradoxes will be open daily from 10am to 7pm with a preview evening on Saturday, February 1 from 6pm to 8pm, to which all are welcome.
■ PRINTMAKERS and photographers are being invited to enter two open competitions and exhibitions hosted by the Town Mill in Lyme Regis. The Town Mill Galleries will be hosting a photography exhibition entitled ‘Embracing Life, A Positive Negative’ from February 16 to 29 and all are invited to submit work. Work in photography, graphics and digitally-worked images relating to the theme will be considered for exhibition, and a £25 cash prize is up for grabs with the winner to be selected by Town Mill volunteers. Printmakers are also invited to submit work for an open exhibition to be held from March 3 to 17, with another £25 cash prize up for grabs. Depending on the number of pieces of work for submission, there are three options for entry to both exhibitions, costing between £15 and £35. For full details visit the Town Mill website www.townmill.org.uk, or email petrinatownmill@gmail.com
The Harbour Inn - celebrating 16 years in Lyme Regis!
timeoutinLyme
Friday, January 10 2020 15
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ART | MUSIC | THEATRE | WHAT’S ON | COMPETITIONS
Bill Bailey gig sold Simply Red tribute coming to Lyme out within the hour
FANS of Mick Hucknall are in for a treat this Valentine’s Day, as the UK’s leading celebration of his chart-topping band are set to perform in Lyme Regis. With more than 30 Top 40 singles and several of the best-selling albums of the last four decades to choose from, Simply Rered recreates every slick groove and perfect melody from Mick Hucknall’s remarkable global career, guaranteed to keep the audience singing and dancing all night. Music-lovers can expect to hear all the hits, such as ‘Money’s Too Tight To Mention’, ‘Stars’, and ‘If You Don’t Know Me By Now’. Simply Rered will appear at the Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis on Friday, February 14. Tickets cost £16 early bird, £18 in advance or £21 on the door - call 01297 442138 or visit marinetheatre.com to book.
THE comedian and multi-instrumentalist Bill Bailey is heading to Lyme Regis on February 7 for a special ‘work in progress’ show. Tickets went on sale for the show at the Marine Theatre on January 17, selling out within an hour. Bailey has spent the last few years touring his ‘Lark In Transit’ show, so this performance will be previewing new material. The comedian, musician and keen standup paddle-boarder known for his live shows such as ‘Part Troll’, ‘Tinselworm’, ‘Qualmpeddler’ and ‘Limboland’. He became a household name after his work on the television programmes ‘Black Books’, ‘Never Mind the Buzzcocks’ and ‘QI’. Last year he starred alongside Idris Elba in his new series ‘In The Long Run’. Gabby Rabbits, director of the Marine Theatre, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Bill to Lyme. We’ve been working hard to secure big name comedians following the success of the Lyme Regis Comedy Club and the results of our audience survey, which asked for more comedy. “He joins a spring line-up that includes Geoff Norcott, Mark Thomas and Suzi Ruffell.”
LYME RE REGIS, GISS, PUT YO YOUURR
Join us for food, craft beer and cocktails. Music kicks offf around 8.30pm
Marine Parade, Lyme Regi g s, Dorset, DT7 3JH Follow us on social media @swimlyme | 01297 442668 | info@weswim.co.uk
Organ society continues Bach Vespers concerts
THE South Wessex Organ Society (SWOS) has a treat for lovers of Baroque music as it presents another in its ongoing series of Bach Vespers services. The event will take place on Sunday, February 2 at 4pm at St Swithun’s Church, North Allington, Bridport, which is a new venue for the society. The service is based around Bach’s cantata ’Ich habe genug’ (‘I have enough’), written for the Feast of the Purification (Candlemas) in 1727. Other music will include the Concerto in A for oboe d’amore, strings and continuo, also by Bach, and the motet ‘When to the Temple Mary Went’ by Johannes Eccard. The service is modelled on that devised for use at the Lutheran Church in London. It was prepared in 1982 by the pastor, the Reverend Ronald Englund, and the cantor, Peter Lea-Cox, in consultation with Robin A. Leaver, the worldrenowned expert on liturgical life in Leipzig at the time of J.S. Bach. Peter Lea-Cox is now the artistic director of SWOS and the musical director for this series of events. The soloists will be Jim Wills (bass) and Nicki Woods (oboe d’amore), and there will be a choir of mainly local singers and a small orchestra of professional musicians. Lyme Regis-based musician Alex Davies will play the organ, and the Reverend Dan Shackell will lead the service. SWOS has received a grant from the George Eyre Charitable Trust to help pay professional musicians for these events. Everyone is welcome and the service is free, although there will be a retiring collection.
16 Friday, January 24 2020
thegreenpage
Calling all environmentalists (and everyone else too!) ONE of the most frequent questions I am asked when I talk about the many councils who have declared a climate emergency is, "But what are they actually going to do?". It's a very good question - making a declaration is all well and good, but if it is done cynically, just to improve a council's appearance to the voting public, then it's not going to help reduce the problem. It is obvious to me that councils cannot have all the answers, nor do we want them spending vast amounts of money on employing consultants to tell them what, collectively, we already know. That’s why One Planet Working Group exists - to find the good ideas many of us have, filter them to ensure that they have more than just a vague thought behind them, and then get them in front of the appropriate people who can actually make changes. It was heartening to see that Dorset Council has launched a county-wide consultation, calling for all of us living in Dorset to submit our suggestions for their consideration. The ideas gathered in this way will be passed to a panel of councillors and officers, who will evaluate the feasibility and impact of each one and se-
lect those which are most likely to succeed. Councillor Peter Wharf, deputy leader of the council said: “Climate Change is something that affects us all, so we wanted to tap into the wealth of knowledge and ideas that Dorset residents may have in how we could tackle this emergency.” The first deadline, which was for ideas that will be presented to the Climate Change and Ecological Emergency Executive Advisory Panel, just passed on January 16. The final deadline for ideas is February 28 2020. To read more and complete the survey, visit https://opwg.org.uk/dcsurvey More locally still and with just ten years to go until our stated deadline, if you have a great idea for how to make Lyme Regis more sustainable or to hit the target of becoming carbon neutral by 2030, visit https://opwg.org.uk/ideas/ and let us know! Finally, the team at One Planet Working Group would like to wish you all a very Happy and Sustainable New Year. Simon West, Lyme Regis One Planet Working Group
Six months in and making progress! IT is nearly nine months since I was honoured to be one of six candidates newly elected to Lyme Regis Town Council, and six months since my motion declaring a climate and environmental emergency was passed unanimously, so it is time to take stock. Last May, I said that as there was “growing public engagement worldwide in the need for urgent action to prevent catastrophic climate change, Lyme Regis should use its position as the ‘birthplace of palaeontology’ and centre of the Jurassic Coast to set the standard for public engagement in environmental sciences and public policy to develop more sustainable ways to live, work and thrive together while protecting the planet for future generations." I said: “If elected, I would campaign for Lyme to join other councils in declaring a ‘climate emergency’ and work with Turn Lyme Green, Plastic Free Lyme and others to develop net zero-carbon activities and achieve the transition needed towards a more sustainable, better quality of life for everyone.” Since then, both the town council and the One Planet Working Group, set up as part of the emergency declaration to co-ordinate town council and community efforts to move towards our goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, have agreed a range of policies, aims and plans. The council bought its first electric works vehicle, has banned the use of glyphosate weed killer and has started planting trees, in Word Forest's ‘Tree-Mend-Us’ campaign to plant a tree for every resident of Lyme. Specifying environmental expectations into lease agreements, providing drinking water points on the seafront and investing in electric charging points are next. Fantastic progress. Environmental policies proved popular in the town council’s public consultation at the Woodmead Halls in November and through Lyme Voice. Several groups and individuals continue to develop Lyme's reputation as an environmental pioneer in the South West. Plastic Free Lyme launched the amazing Boomerang Bags scheme and was one of three communities to reach the final of the UK Plas-
tic Free Towns Award. The Eco-Church accredited Baptist Church hosted screenings of David Attenborough’s documentaries and this week a sell-out audience was inspired by Charles Dowding’s presentation of ‘No Dig Gardening’ to nourish soil without chemicals and grow food crops all year round. Other initiatives currently underway are the February Fiver Fest, a Totally Locally campaign in the last two weeks of February to encourage spending £5 in local independent shops and cafes to support Lyme’s local economy and a public workshop on renewable energy options and energy efficiency advice, including potential grants available, organised by the One Planet Working Group. I have attended several climate action and Green New Deal workshops and have established links with other town and parish councils to collaborate and share best practice, aiming to 'scale up' together for larger scale projects. Longer term aspirations include investigating co-car and co-bike schemes; considering car-free days with market stalls; reviewing street lighting; identifying tree and wildflower planting possibilities; considering community gardening and cookery skill-sharing options; and projects to research the potential for solar power, the feasibility of marine source heat pumps and to investigate the viability of a learning and community sports and well-being centre. Community engagement is absolutely vital if Lyme Regis is to make any progress in its ambitious quest to be net carbon neutral and to prepare for increased climate chaos. David Attenborough made it plain enough this week: “The moment of crisis has come. We can no longer prevaricate. We have to change.” We need your help! Please join the One Planet Working Group by visiting https://opwg.org.uk/ or email me on secretary@opwg.org.uk Belinda Bawden Lyme Regis Town Council and One Planet Working Group
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New year solutions for plastic sea pollution
LOTS of ‘Heave Ho!’ weather, strong tides and winds have bought up many things from our oceans, including some of the plastic littered in it. Possibly due to people having a bit more time over the holiday period, or being more aware, many have noticed and, quite rightly, have been concerned about the number of small pieces of plastic on the beach. What are all these sorts of plastic? Some of the plastic is nurdles – smooth and can be round or oblong in shape. Those who have seen the Blue Planet know that these are the tiny beads of different coloured raw plastic that are used to make plastic goods. They often look like and are mistaken by birds and fish as fish eggs. We’ve all seen the heartbreaking images of dead young birds who have been fed a diet of these. To find out more go to www.nurdlehunt.org.uk/the-problem.html There are small, round pieces of plastic called bio beads, rough in texture with wrinkly edges and used by water industries to filter and aerate water before putting it back in the sea. These often escape through faulty mesh filters into the sea instead. Despite the huge profits water companies make for their shareholders, they don’t seem as concerned as they should be about finding a different method or replacement, nor ensuring that these beads don’t escape. Then there is plastic that has been broken down over time – marine plastic from the fishing industry and rubbish discarded by us. Some so tiny that it is now being ingested by plankton, which fish and some other sea life eat. Many of these plastics attract and carry nasty chemicals and bacteria, which can be passed on to our sea life and ourselves by eating fish that’s eaten it or by picking them up. What can we do to help? A little goes a long way. Any help or change has been shown to make a difference. Can you spare two minutes on your walk to work, school or just out stretching your legs? Pick up any plastic you see (always wear a glove) and pop it in the nearest bin. If everyone did this, it would make a huge difference. Dog owners can follow our local Paws on Plastic & Rubbish’s excellent example (find them on Facebook or out and about). They spend a few
minutes or more picking up plastic as well as their dog’s poo when out and about on our coastline or countryside. Turn Lyme Green visit sewage plants to try and check that filters are in place and raise awareness. Join them and see if there are other ways of helping. Plastic Free Lyme Regis is organising a beach clean on Sunday, January 26 on the sandy beach and Monmouth Beach in Lyme Regis. Meet at the slipway by the RNLI shop at 12.20pm for a 12.30pm start. Litter pickers and rubbish bags provided, but please bring gloves, appropriate footwear and waterproofs (just in case!). Lobby your MP to actually do something to change how we treat our seas and to put pressure on the plastics industry. Reduce the amount of plastic that you use, especially single use. Lyme Regis won a Plastic Free Communities Award from Surfers against Sewage – this is ongoing award not just a one off. Let our local council, who have been very supportive in achieving this award, know if you have any ideas or would like any further changes. Learn more from Plastic Free Lyme Regis Film Nights and events throughout the year and from the annual talks at Sea What’s There in October at the Marine Theatre. More information at www.plasticfreelyme.uk. This is the decade where we have to try to reverse the awful damage we have done to our oceans. By supporting and helping with this work – in any way – helps sustain them for our future. Karen Durham-Diggins Plastic Free Lyme Regis
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Lyme Regis is proud to be a leading town in eco-friendly initiatives
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LymeOnline Letters
Send your letters to francesca@lyme-online.co.uk
GET INVOLVED WITH YOUR COMMUNIT Y PAPER
Dog ban will drive away tourists and close down local businesses ■ I WAS very disheartened to read the comments by J.F.D in the recent LymeOnline paper (January 10). The majority of dog owners respect the beach and clear up after their dogs. Shame this couldn’t be said of the majority of people using the beach! The amount of rubbish and plastic continues to astonish me. If it weren’t for the likes of Debbie Conibere and other dog walkers it would be even worse! Every day Debbie walks her dog on the beach and
every day she makes a point of picking up litter. From plastic bottles to fishing line and plastic nurdles - the list of items is endless. Mr ‘J.F.D.’ and his wife shouldn’t be so namby pamby. The majority of the public have no issue with dogs enjoying the beach, just a few town councillors and himself. Many businesses are very worried at the recent dog hatred ‘trend’. Just a short walk up the high street and you can see how many shops have a ‘Dogs
Is it too late to stop crossing? ■ IS it too late? I understand it is planned to install a modern pedestrian crossing in the middle of Broad Street this year. I think this would be a mistake. Might there be a more appropriate alternative? Can I suggest consideration be given to introducing a pedestrian phase to the existing lights at the junction of Bridge Street and Coombe Street and this be complemented by the installation of two traditional zebra crossings at the bottom of Silver Street and Pound Street. The advantages of this alternative
would be to create safe crossings at the top and bottom of our main shopping street, to facilitate pedestrian movement from the old town to Cobb Gate and from Sherborne Lane to Langmoor Gardens, to avoid the loss of parking spaces and to avoid the installation of an inappropriately modern visual and aural intrusion in to the heart of the town. Might common sense prevail? Christopher Fisher (by email)
The views expressed in letters are those of the author and not necessarily of this newspaper
Welcome’ sticker in their windows. Most have come to realise what a difference being dog friendly has made to their businesses turnover. A ban of dogs from the beaches will drive away tourists, dog walkers, and close businesses. Come on Residents of Lyme! Live and let live! Rex Orr Combpyne Road, Musbury ■ I WAS hoping the readers of LymeOnline could point me in the right direction as I seek information about Gladys Male, who lived and taught in Lyme Regis. I am currently researching the Male family from Bridport and Gladys would have been a cousin of my grandfathers, Archie Male, who went to Australia. I know little about Gladys other than that she was a teacher and never married. She taught at the grammar school, now known as Woodroffe School, and I believe she lived in a house called ‘Vancouver’ on the Charmouth Road. I was hoping someone in Lyme Regis might remember something about her - if so, please get in touch via the email address below. Sue Boughton Canberra, Australia susanboughton@hotmail.com
Congratulations to magazine’s Christmas competition winner LYME Regis resident Lynda Bass received an early Christmas present after winning a competition in LymeOnline’s sister publication - the Lyme Life Magazine. The winter issue of the seasonal magazine, which came out at the end of November, included a competition to win a hamper of Christmas goodies worth £100. The LymeOnline office was inundated with entries and Lynda was chosen as the lucky winner. She was one of many who correctly answered ‘Hickory Dickory Dock’ when asked what this year’s Lyme Regis Pantomime Society production would be, which was featured in the magazine. Her prize was delivered just before Christmas by LymeOnline and Lyme Life Magazine editor Francesca Evans (pictured above). Look out for the next issue of the Lyme Life Magazine coming out in March. For full details on advertising in this issue, or to read previous editions online, visit lyme-online.co.uk/lyme-lifemagazine/
If you have a story for LymeOnline call 01297 442781 or email edit @lyme-online.co.uk
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Eider duck makes harbour his home
www.lyme-online.co.uk IT was two years ago this male eider duck flew into Lyme Regis and he has stayed ever since. He was still in his immature colours of mainly black at the time, but since then duck watchers have seen him develop his adult plumage and turn into a handsome eider duck in black and white, a hint of pink and a touch of olive green feathers. Even being tangled in fishing line and having to be cut free has not put him off hanging out in the harbour. Eider ducks are not particularly rare but they normally hang out in a flock so it is unusual for him to be on his own for two years.
Eider ducks dive for crustaceans and molluscs, with mussels being a favoured food. The eider will eat mussels by swallowing them whole; the shells are then crushed in their gizzard and excreted. When eating a crab, the eider will remove all of its claws and legs, and then eat the body in a similar fashion. His favourite hang-out is in the harbour, diving down and catching small crabs and other crustaceans. He is becoming a bit of a celebrity and the subject for enthusiastic photographers. Photos and words by Richard Austin
Tales From Lyme’s Past
A glimpse of our history with Peter Lacey The Duke of Monmouth, Part I MOST readers will know of Monmouth Beach, Monmouth Street and Monmouth House, but how many know the history that relates to The Duke whose name they proclaim? He was James, the illegitimate son of Charles II, born on April 9 1649. Charles sired him during his continental exile when he became romantically involved with Lucy Walter, also exiled, her father being the Lord of Roache Castle in Pembrokeshire and a confirmed Royalist. Charles and Lucy lived for short time as man and wife; she always maintained that they had been married in Liege by the Archbishop of Canterbury. Charles denied the marriage ever took place and although he discarded Lucy, he fully acknowledged the boy as his son. Lucy died when James was eight years old. Brought to England from France in 1662, he was installed at court as a favourite of the King, who had been restored to the throne in 1660. He became the Duke of Monmouth in 1663 when his father bestowed upon the 14-yearold boy several titles and a considerable fortune with which to maintain himself and a wife. Marriage to Anna, Countess of Buccleuch in the same year, gained him yet more titles and money from his wife. In honour of his wife he adopted her surname and became James Scott Duke of Monmouth. At the age of 16 Monmouth was introduced to military duties as was expected of a man of rank. He went to sea with the King’s brother (his uncle), the Duke of York, and took part in the battle of Lowestoft against a Dutch fleet. Evidently he showed courage when under fire and proved himself ready for a military career. In 1668, aged 19, he was commissioned as Colonel of the Horse Guards, this senior military appointment made him responsible for the safety of the King. When the Duke of Albemarle died in 1670 he became the most senior officer in the army. A military alliance with France saw him commanding some 6,000 soldiers, fighting the Dutch army under William of Orange in the Low Countries. Once again he distinguished himself in battle and became something of a hero in the eyes of his countrymen. It was during this period that he became as-
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sociated with Captain John Churchill, companions in arms they were later to face each other as adversaries at the Battle of Sedgemoor in 1685. Religion became a prime factor in Monmouth’s destiny, as did the question of who should succeed Charles and inherit the throne. The King made it clear that the only legitimate heir was his bother, the Duke of York. Plot and counter plot saw both contenders being exiled for being suspected of plotting to assassinate the King. Charles died in February 1685 and his Catholic brother became James II. Monmouth was a threat to the new monarch, the more so because he had converted to the Protestant faith. A rumour suggested that Charles had been poisoned by his brother. Monmouth was in no doubt that his father had been murdered. When he was approached by English and Scottish exiles in Holland to lead an invasion, he saw it as a chance to claim his rightful inheritance and save England from a Popish ruler. On June 11 1685 he stepped ashore on the beach that bears his name, the Monmouth/Western Rebellion had begun. Peter Lacey, Local historian and author
‘Night at the Museum’ to welcome potential volunteers Wednesday 12 February 4pm - 6pm Have you ever wondered how our Museum runs? Come along for an evening of information, interest and local intrigue with some refreshments. Find out what volunteering here is all about. Discover ‘behind the scenes’ at the Museum and how you can join in, contribute, know the benefits and support our work. Sign up to volunteer and help welcome visitors to the Museum,
Contact Cara Jenkins: cjenkins@lymeregismuseum.co.uk
Phone 01297 443370
Friday, January 24 2020 19
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20 Friday, January 24 2020
FLASHBACKS with Richard Austin
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Tales from behind the lens of our award-winning photographer
THE Duchess of Cambridge, more affectionally known as Kate, shows us all just how it’s done as she delights a young girl in a wheelchair in West London. It was obvious that Kate was talking babies with the little girl as she touched her bump a few times sending the visible excitement of reporters into overdrive. I was part of the Royal Rota press corps for this royal visit and, at the time, it was well known that the Duchess was carrying her second child, who we now know was a little princess called Charlotte. At the time, the name and sex of the new baby was still very much a secret and the army of reporters were chomping at the bit to ask the young girl if Kate had let slip using words such as him or her or even a name, but she didn’t and kept the nation guessing until after the baby was born. Let’s hope the Duchess avoids having her workload doubled now that Harry and Megan have fled the royal nest.
Friday, January 24 2020 21
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22 Friday, January 24 2020
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ITEMS FOR SALE
chest, very good condition, originally cost £140, selling for £30 ono - 01297 445788.
PURPLE RUG, IKEA ‘Stoense’ low pile, 133 x 195cm, in perfect condition, £15 - 07395 206 365.
GOLFING JACKET & TROUSERS, Ping brand, waterproof, black, 42 inch chest, very good condition, £20 - 01297 445788.
MEN’S SHIRTS, brand new from Marks & Spencer, pure cotton, green checked, XXL, paid £19.50, selling for £12 - 07973 349 717.
CHRIS GREEN SHOOTING VIDEOS, ideal Christmas present, ‘Wildfowling’ 3 volumes (£25), New Fowling Adventures’ 3 volumes (£25), ‘Pigeon Shooting: The Whole Story’ 3 volumes (£25), or buy all nine for £60 - 01297 443419.
MEN’S SHIRTS, new from Marks & Spencer, 15½ regular fit, ideal Christmas presents, half price - 07973 349 717. WROUGHT IRON HANDRAIL, 41” length, £7 ono - 07768 901 443. GREY TROUSERS, 32” waist, 29” length, new with tags from F&F, cost £14 new but selling for £10 - 01297 443930. ARTIFICIAL CHRISTMAS TREE, 5ft, spruce looking, all lights included, £10 - 01297 445788. CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS, including ornaments and baubles, £10 for all - 01297 445788. BABYLISS HAIR STYLING WAND, used once, boxed and in perfect condition, £5 01297 445724. BASKET WEAVE COMMODE CHAIR, cream/beige, very attractive chair, excellent condition, as new, height 31”, width 23”, depth 20”, £79 - 07828 172 375 (Ottery St Mary). LADIES TAP SHOES, black, size 6½, as new, £10 for quick sale - 01297 442198. MEN’S COAT, long black winter coat, wool/cashmere mix, size medium, 40 inch
SHOWER SCREENS, 8mm glass, measuirng 2,000 x 640 and 2,000 x 720 with fittings, only £10 for quick sale - 01297 444104.
ITEMS TO SELL?
You can advertise items for sale up to £200 free by filling in the form below or emailing francesca@lyme-online.co.uk
Please note this service is only for private sellers, not for commercial items, tradespeople or vehicles. Please include a brief description of your item, the cost and a telephone number where a buyer may contact you. If you wish to advertise an item over £200 your advertisement will cost 10p per word, please email or phone us to arrange payment. Please also include your name and address, although this will not be published.
ESPRESSO CUPS & SAUCERS, Colport, four cups, six saucers, bone china, £19 - 07768 901 443. RUCKSACK, unused Katmadu rucksuck, ideal for backpacking, £100 ono - 07768 901 443. BREAD MAKER, Panasonic model SD-254, excellent condition as hardly used. complete with manual, £38 - 01297 560402. ROOF TILES, approximately 60 including 10 round edge ridge tiles, surplus to requirements, £30, buyer to collect - 01297 445108.
Your name: .......................................................................................................................
DENBY CHINA, ‘Cotswold’ collection, including 1 pint tea pot, 1½ pint coffee/water pot, ½ pint milk jug, sugar basin with lid, salt and pepper pots, all in excellent condition, £20 - 07828 172 375 (Ottery St Mary).
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Please note, items for sale will move down the list each issue as we receive new listings, or will be removed earlier if we are contacted to confirm they have been sold.
LYME REGIS TOWN COUNCIL
Finance Manager
37 hours per week Salary scale SCP 25-28 £28,785 - £31,371 Lyme Regis Town Council is a major stakeholder in the town and local tourist economy, managing the seafront, car parks and gardens. Its activities are supported by an extensive property portfolio which generates an annual income in excess of £1million. The town council is seeking to appoint a forward-thinking finance manager to manage its finances. The ideal candidate will be AAT qualified or CCAB part-qualified. They should also be a good communicator with a ‘can do’ attitude. If you think you meet these requirements, we’d like to hear from you. The duties of the post require occasional evening and weekend work. For further information and an application pack, contact: Adrianne Mullins, Lyme Regis Town Council, Guildhall Cottage, Church Street, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3BS Tel: 01297 445175, Email: admin@lymeregistowncouncil.gov.uk Or download an application pack from www.lymeregistowncouncil.gov.uk/job-vacancies The closing date for applications is midday on Monday 3 February Interviews will be held on Monday 10 February
Your address: ..................................................................................................................
Telephone number: .........................................................................................................
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Friday, January 24 2020 23
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LymeOnline Sport
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football
Relegation threat for Reserves PHILIP EVANS
FEATURED GAME
philip@lyme-online.co.uk DESPERATELY looking for three points at home to fellow Devon & Exeter League Division Three strugglers Axmouth United, Lyme Regis Reserves put in another inept performance and conceded a point late in the game through some sloppy defending. Axmouth are sitting a place below Lyme at the foot of the table and this win puts them just behind the Seasiders but with two games in hand. So the threat of relegation is now a real possibility unless Lyme can find some form to lift them up the table in the second half of the season. Despite an experienced side, many of whom have played first team football, the Reserves have now lost five of their last six and are struggling to gel as a cohesive unit. Conditions at the Davey Fort were far from conducive to playing attractive football but Axmouth seemed to adjust to the muddy condi-
tions better than the Seasiders. Lyme started off strongly enough but it was Axmouth who went closest in the early stages when the ball was lobbed over the bar from close range with Lyme keeper Rob Harp stranded. The Reserves got the ball in the back of the net in the 26th minute from a Wally Blackmore header but he was ruled offside. Soon after, Alfie Jacques had a good effort on goal minutes later but placed the ball wide. A long shot from Mark Bailey was headed off the line with the keeper floundering and a cross from Sam Pollard-Jones was met by Steve Batey whose header rebounded off the bar. Axmouth grabbed the advantage just before half-time after a mix-up in the home defence and Lyme had two efforts cleared off the line in the dying seconds of the first half. As the game wore on the conditions took their
toll on Lyme who ran out of energy and endeavour after the break. Hard working Nathan Womersley fired high over the bar from a long Batey throw-in and the Seasiders dragged themselves back in the game in the 55th minute when Sam Pollard-Jones rifled the ball home after a goal-bound short from Bailey was blocked. Lyme failed to capitalise on this and conceded the winner in the 82nd minute with the defence in sixes and sevens. This was certainly not the response manager Dominic Rowe was looking for after losing 8-3 to Halwill 2nds the previous week. The Reserves have a massive mountain to climb at home to league leaders North Tawton tomorrow (Saturday). Squad: Rob Harp; Ben Bowditch, Wallace Blackmore, Alfie Jacques, Josh Rawlins, Nathan Womersley, Alex Rowe, Sam Pollard-Jones, Mark Bailey, Matt White, Steve Batey. Subs: Shane Featherstone, Julien Simier, Daley Holmes.
Rovers going for promotion again LYME Rovers consolidated their bid for promotion from the Perry Street Division Two with a solid and dominant 5 -1 win over Netherbury. With no First Team or Reserves’ game, a crowd of around 30 made their way to the Woodroffe School pitch to support the Seasiders’ third X1. The Rovers came out of the blocks at an excellent pace and were 1-0 up within two minutes, Matt White nodding home an inswinging corner from Darius Pickering. White then made it
2-0 on 15 minutes, hooking in a leftfooted volley from Harvey Brimicombe’s flick-on. Daley Holmes made it 3-0 on 30 minutes, latching on to a long diagonal pass from Rob Larcombe, before firing in a cross/shot that deceived the Netherbury keeper. Against the run of play, the visitors were handed a lifeline, as a long clearance wasn’t dealt with, and keeper Chris Higgs and full-back Imran Chowdhury collided, leaving
the Netherbury forward an empty net, with 10 minutes of the half to play. The second half began at a slower pace, but the balance tipped back to the Rovers just before the hour, as Holmes fed a low through ball to Julien Simier, who duly slotted home from 10 yards. The scoring was wrapped up in the 75th minute, Scott Meyers smashing home a left-footed shot, with Brimicombe again providing the assist.
Two-goal Matt White was man-ofthe match for an excellent display, aside from the goals, and Imran Chowdhury impressed again at full back. This victory strengthens the Rovers’ bid for Division Two honours and the possibility of promotion two seasons in a row. They lie in third place in the table behind Combe St Nicholas Reserves and Dowlish Wake and Donyatt but with two games in hand on both.
Normandy here we come!
SEASIDERS ON TOUR: The Lyme Regis Football team pictured on board the ferry to Normandy to meet their twin club, US Creully Commes in 2018
FROM PAGE 24 years later we would still be crossing the English Channel to match our footballing skills against our French counterparts. During that time many great friendships have been formed with families from both communities regularly visiting one another and sharing in their celebrations. And so this coming June a party of about 30 players and officials from Lyme will board the ferry at Portsmouth and head for the French coast to celebrate the 40th anniversary of this unique twinning arrangement. We will be staying with families we have grown to know and will enjoy the wonderful hospitality for which the French, especially in Normandy, are renowned. We will also place a wreath on the war memorial to those who lost their lives liberating the village. We agreed to do so every time we visited when we met up with members of the Royal Dragoon Guards Regimental Association during the 50th anniversary of the D-Day landings. And next year, the Creully club, including some of the founder members, will be making a journey across the channel to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their first visit to Lyme.
That’s more like it Uplyme AFTER last week’s disappointment, Uplyme manager Stu Wooster was looking for a more positive performance – and he certainly got that despite losing 2-1. Joe Cleere made a welcome return in goal and the Swallows started the game well, competing all over the park. Matt Young was putting in some good runs down the right along with Oscar Sladen on the left and Uplyme were much stronger in midfield. However, Shepton took the lead after 18 minutes despite a double save from Cleere with the rebound being tapped in. The rest of the half was dominated by Uplyme with a series of corners and freekicks seeing them camped in the Shepton area. Good chances fell to Young, Alex Jones and Toby Barnes and a header from Sladen but they couldn’t find the target. Uplyme we were playing some attractive football at a really high tempo. But they started the second half a little off the pace to start and had to defend some quick breaks and gradually grew into the game. Chances were coming thick and fast and eventually a corner from the left was headed home by James Beddows to level things up. The game continued in the same frame with Shepton looking dangerous on the break. Uplyme missed a couple more clear chances and then seven minutes from time, a quick break from Shepton resulted in a decent cross and a volley finish into the top corner giving Cleere no chance. Despite pressing hard Uplyme couldn’t find the equaliser and eventually lost 2-1. Afterwards the Uplyme manager commented: “Despite the loss so many there. were several positives, not least the work ethic and application from the whole team. We were solid in defence, competitive in midfield and a real threat up front.”
cribbage LYME REGIS LEAGUE P Lamb Swans 17 New Inn Kil A 16 Dolphin Beer 17 Volunteer Lyme 16 Royal Standard 16 Talbot Uplyme 17 Gerrard Colyton 17 The Hind Musbury17 Colyton Club 16 Ax Con Club 16 Stepps 17 New Inn Kil B 16
W L 12 5 11 5 10 7 9 7 9 7 8 9 5 12 9 8 7 9 7 9 6 11 6 10
Pts 50 44 44 44 43 41 41 40 40 38 37 33
BEER LEG Hind Musbury Ax Con Club Dolphin Beer Volunteer Lyme Royal Standard New Inn Kil A Lamb Swans Stepps Talbot Upyme Colyton Club Gerrard Colyton New Inn Kilm B
P 17 16 16 16 16 16 17 17 17 16 17 16
W L 12 5 10 6 9 8 8 8 10 6 10 6 8 9 9 8 7 10 7 9 5 12 4 12
Pts 32 30 28 27 26 25 25 24 24 22 18 16
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LymeOnline Sport
Saturday, January 25 Lyme Regis Reserves v North Tawton k-o 2.15pm
40 years a friendship through football
Seasiders look to bounce back
24 Friday, January 24 2020
January 24 2020
By PHILIP EVANS WAY back in 1980 I was one of a party of 12 who crossed the English Channel to play a game of football against a team from the village of Creully in Normandy. After the game we enjoyed a barbecue, got of first taste of French hospitality and got drunk - very drunk - on Normandy’s most famous tipple, Calvados. The trip was organised by the then Seasiders manager, David Cozens MBE. I never got to kick a ball as I had broken my ankle the week before in the Axminster Hospital Cup. For many it was their first trip abroad - and our first insight into how Creully became one of the first Normandy villages to be liberated by the Allied troops on D-Day. Although the Second World War had been over by 35 years, memories were still very raw in the village where the BBC based their coverage of
THE triumphant team which last year won the annual match between Lyme Regis FC and their twin club, US Creully Commes the Battle for Normandy. The villagers had never forgotten the sacrifice of British and Canadian soldiers who liberated them from the Nazi jackboot. For some of us, especially the
older ones, we were in awe of their bravery and many years later we discovered that ten men from Lyme died within ten kilometres of Creully, including Fred Gratton who played football for
Lyme. In a very emotional experience, we placed crosses at their war graves. None of us on that first trip could have imagined that 40 Turn to page 23
KO’d by set pieces SEASIDERS GO 2-0 UP AND THEN CONCEDE THREE HEADERS PHILIP EVANS
philip@lyme-online.co.uk
TWO goals up in 17 minutes, Lyme Regis 1st team looked well on the road to their tenth Premier division victory of the season against University of Exeter 2nds – but then conceded three set-piece goals to leave manager Gerard Hitchcock the most frustrated man in the Devon & Exeter League.
FRED Parsons - another goal and another man-of-the-match accolade
It’s never easy against the young and fit Uni team but this was a game Lyme needed to win to maintain their second place in the Premier Division. The Seasiders were all over the shop in the opening exchanges but they soon settled down and stormed into a two-goal lead
within 17 minutes courtesy of strikes from Joe Bond and Ben Vine. In fact, Lyme should have increased their lead to 3-0 when Ben Turner failed to convert a good chance and had that happened the three points would have been sewn up. But five minutes before the break University pulled one back with a free header from a corner and within ten minutes of the restart the Seasiders found themselves trailing 3-2 after two more headers from set play. Lyme fought hard to get back on terms and dominated the last 20 minutes of the game when a number of chances went begging, the best falling late in the game to substitute Brad Rowe who failed to put the ball away from just three yards out. Hitchcock was not disappointed
with his side’s overall performance but added: “Three goals from set play should just not happen. We played quite well, created a number of chances but came away with a loss.” The Lyme manager picked out Joe Bond, who was sin-binned for part of the game, and Fred Parsons as his two star men. The defeat saw the Seasiders drop to third place in the Premier division, behind Feniton and leaders Okehampton Argyle, points they could ill afford to lose with a number of sides behind them with games in hand. Squad: Brett Garner, Alex Rockett, Kingsley Wellman, Cam Fowler, Mike Knight, Gary Knight, Craig Every, Fred Parsons, Ben Turner, Rob Fellingham, Cody Bowditch, Ben Vine, Joe Bond, Brad Rowe.
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NOW IN THE DEVON & EXETER PREMIER LEAGUE
AFTER a disappointing result in their last game, Lyme Regis 1st team have the chance of regaining some pride tomorrow (Saturday) when they make the long journey to Hatherleigh in a bid to retake second place position in the Devon & Exeter Premier Division. The Seasiders dropped into third place when they lost 3-2 away to University of Exeter 2nds after going two goals up in 17 minutes. Lyme surrendered their lead by failing to deal with three set pieces, all three University goals coming from headers inside the six-yard box. Defending has been the Dorset side’s strength this year, but their ability to deal with the set plays disappointed manager Gerard Hitchcock who thought his side played well. Lyme’s home game against the much fancied Exeter Cronies was called off last Saturday due to a waterlogged pitch. The trip to Hatherleigh, however, will not be quite as testing with the North Devon side still looking for their first victory of the season. Lyme Reserves, hovering dangerously near the relegation zone in Devon & Exeter Division Three, have a tougher task with a home fixture against league leader North Tawton (kick-off 2.15pm). The big success story at the Davey Fort this season is the performance of Lyme’s third X1, the Rovers. They were the only team to play last week, beating Netherbury 5-1. The Rovers are pushing hard for promotion from Division Two of the Perry Street League, having gone up from Division Three last season. They are currently lying in third place behind leaders Combe St Nicholas Reserves and second placed Dowlish Wake & Donyatt, but they have two games in hand on both. Tomorrow they are away to Ilminster Town A who are in seventh place in the table. Uplyme are one of the youngest teams in the Perry Street League with several teenagers playing regularly. But they been plagued this season by the lack of a recognised goalkeeper. Although they have won just one of their ten games this season, manager Stu Wooster has been impressed with their sprit and being to compete in most of their games. Last week’s defeat by Shepton Beauchamp was no exception. Tomorrow, they meet Crewkerne Rangers, going well in Division One, in the Arthur Gage Cup. The following week they meet neighbours Charmouth in a crunch league match with both sides desperate for points.
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