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FOR LYME REGIS, UPLYME & CHARMOUTH ● FORTNIGHTLY ● JULY 10 2020 ● www.lyme-online.co.uk
US flag ripped from building A FLAGPOLE displaying the American flag was ripped off a building in Lyme Regis on Saturday, as the USA marked Independence Day. The flagpole was erected on Woodville, on the junction of Silver Street and Woodmead Road, in honour of American GIs who were based in the building before D-Day. The incident sparked outrage on social media and the flag was later returned. REPORT, PAGE 3
Mary’s beach hut opens on seafront
Grow your own initiative is a hit AN initiative to get Lyme Regis growing its own fruit and vegetables has hit the ground running during lockdown, with more than 500 members already taking part on Facebook. Rikey Austin and her husband Paddy Howe, who set up Lyme Garden Growers, eventually plan to sell their house and set up a community garden to grow local produce available for free to all. See page 14 for full story
Trouble in the gardens POLICE RECEIVE REPEATED REPORTS OF ‘UNACCEPTABLE’ BEHAVIOUR
POLICE have obtained additional powers to move people on from Langmoor and Lister Gardens in Lyme Regis following repeated reports of anti-social behaviour.
FRANCESCA EVANS
francesca@lyme-online.co.uk Dorset Police has received a number of reports from residents in the area over recent weeks relating to young people gathering in large groups and playing loud music, often late into the night.
Officers have now obtained section 35 dispersal powers for the gardens, which means they can order people to leave the area and they are liable to be arrested if they return within a designated period. There will continue to be an increased police presence in the vicinity to deter any future anti-so-
cial behaviour and officers will take enforcement action when required. Neighbourhood Inspector Darren Stanton said: “This inconsiderate behaviour has understandably caused a great deal of nuisance to residents in the area, with some
CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
AXMINSTER and Lyme Regis Cancer Support have officially opened Mary Anning’s Beach Hut on the seafront, for exclusive use by cancer sufferers and their families. The beach hut has been named after the town’s most famous fossil hunter, Mary Anning, who died of breast cancer. REPORT, PAGE 12
Mayor addresses ‘lack of democracy’
THE Mayor of Lyme Regis has issued an open letter to residents, addressing some concerns about a “lack of democracy” within the town council. The issue was raised last month, when the council held its first public virtual meeting since lockdown restrictions were first introduced. REPORT, PAGE 5
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Published by Lyme Regis Media Limited Hyper-local website and fortnightly newspaper serving the communities of Lyme Regis, Uplyme & Charmouth. Unit 5 Uplyme Business Park, Uplyme Road, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3LS www.lyme-online.co.uk edit@lyme-online.co.uk Facebook: facebook.com/LymeOnlineUK Twitter: twitter.com/LymeOnlineUK Instagram: instagram.com/lymeonline Editor: Francesca Evans francesca@lyme-online.co.uk 07810 221 420 Contributors: Philip Evans philip@lyme-online.co.uk Richard Austin edit@lyme-online.co.uk Regular Columnists: Sophia Moseley, Marine Theatre Peter Lacey, Tales of Lyme’s Past Production: Jackie Evans jackie@lyme-online.co.uk
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High tides see emergency services Residents having to called on two consecutive nights ‘sleep elsewhere’ EMERGENCY services were called to assist people cut off by the tide between Lyme Regis and Charmouth on two consecutive nights this week. On Saturday evening, coastguards from Lyme Regis and West Bay, and Lyme Regis lifeboat crew, were called at about 6pm to assist a young man from Kent cut off by the tide near Black Ven. The Coastguard Helicopter Rescue 187 was also scrambled from St THE coastguard helicopter from St Athan in Wales Athan in south Wales. arrives on scene on Saturday and, inset, a full The lifeboat put two lifeboat heads back to the harbour crew members ashore Photos by Daryl Turner using their inflatable ‘X-boat’ to check on the condition of the casualty were no further sightings. After two hours and and to assist with the rescue. without any further information, the search was Due to the prevailing sea and weather condi- stood down. tions, the decision was taken to winch the casuA spokesperson for the coastguards said: “The alty to safety using the helicopter. coastguard team and the lifeboat crew will always Despite the casualty’s request to be set down at want to make sure that the casualty is safe and is Charmouth, the helicopter was landed at Lyme also in a place of safety. Regis Football Club. He was then given a welfare “If you believe that the emergency services may check and found to be safe and well. have been sent to help you, please do not hide. On Sunday evening at 6.15pm coastguards and Make contact and let us know that all is okay. We the lifeboat crew were called back to the same can return to base knowing that the initial call area to reported of another man cut off by the was a false alarm with good intent.” tide. This week has seen high spring tides with ‘high However, as soon as he was spotted by the water’ in the morning and evening. Please check emergency services the man started climbing the the tide times and plan your activities accordcliff and deliberately hid. ingly. As the area was inaccessible, searches of all the If you get into difficulty on the coast, call 999 surrounding areas were continued but there and ask for the coastguard.
to escape anti-social behaviour in gardens CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE even reporting that they had to go and stay elsewhere at the weekend simply to get some sleep. “We cannot tolerate anti-social behaviour of this nature having such a detrimental impact on those who live nearby and we are working with partners including Lyme Regis Town Council to ensure we have a robust plan in place to deal with those responsible. “People also need to be reminded that we are still in a public health crisis and large gatherings are prohibited to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. “We would continue to urge anyone with information about anti-social behaviour in the area to report it to Dorset Police at the time when it is occurring.” You can report anti-social behaviour via the police website www.dorset.police.uk, by emailing 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or call 101. Town clerk John Wright commented: “The council is concerned about the anti-social behaviour which has recently been taking place in Langmoor Gardens and we are keen to work with the police to address the issue. “The stress this is causing residents who live in the area is unacceptable, especially at a time when people’s mental health and wellbeing may already be suffering due to the ongoing health crisis. “It is reassuring to know the police now have powers to disperse people from the gardens. “The council will be supporting this by having an increased staff presence on the seafront and in the gardens later into the evening, which will hopefully deter people from causing a nuisance.”
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US flag ripped down on Independence Day A FLAGPOLE displaying the American flag was ripped off a building in Lyme Regis on Saturday, as the USA marked Independence Day. The flagpole was erected on Woodville, on the junction of Silver Street and Woodmead Road, in honour of American GIs who were based in the building before D-Day. The Lyme Regis Society, which aims to preserve the architecture and history of the town, is responsible for the flagpole and recently erected the American flag to mark Independence Day on July 4 – a national holiday in America commemorating the Declaration of Independence of the United States in 1776. The metal flagpole was completely ripped from the wall of the building on Saturday night, with one resident saying they heard a group of people singing the United States national anthem as it was pulled off. A photo of a group of young people carrying what appeared to be the flag and flagpole further along Uplyme Road, near the medical centre, was posted on Facebook this morning but promptly deleted. One of the culprits later came forward with his mother, returned the flag and flagpole and offered to pay for repairs. The exterior of Woodville has recently been refurbished and has been damaged with a square hole where the flagpole was removed. In 1944, Woodville was home to ‘C’ company of the 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st United States Infantry Division. ‘C’ company, commanded by Captain Victor H Briggs, was part of the assault force led by Lieutenant General Omar Bradley on Omaha beach on D-Day on June 6 1944 in Normandy, France. A commemorative plaque to the right of the front door has been erected in memory of the American Allies’ contribution to the D-Day push.
The Americans suffered 2,400 casualties at Omaha on June 6, but by the end of the day they had landed 34,000 troops whilst under heavy fire. The American flag is flown on the building every year for Independence Day and the Royal British Legion also place poppy wreaths at the site every year for Remembrance. Commenting on Saturday night’s incident, Peter Coe, chairman of the Lyme Regis Society, said “We are saddened to see a tribute to our American allies during the war damaged so needlessly. The American Flag is raised on the building at the top of Woodmead in recognition of the American soldiers that fought alongside British troops in the second world war.” Major Ian Marshall, chairman of the Lyme Regis branch of the Royal British Legion, commented: “We were sadden to learn of the wilful desecration of the flag of the United States of America which was being flown as a mark of respect for our greatest ally’s celebration of their day of independence from the United Kingdom. “It was perhaps more that this unfortunate display of mindlessness occurred at a time when, as a nation, we too are beginning to emerge from the global COVID-19 pandemic. “We also recently laid a wreath to honour our American allies who were billeted in the town and surrounding area in preparation for the D-Day landings, and the fact that this year marked the 75th anniversary of the cessation of World War II and their significant role in achieving that outcome makes this incident even more regrettable.” The incident sparked outrage on social media and the owner of the building later announced on Facebook that one of culprits and his mother had come forward. The owner described the incident as “upsetting and frustrating” but said it was most
THE flagpole was completely ripped from the wall, leaving a square hole above the plaque in memory of American soldiers. Below, the flag was raised by Paul Mellor of the Lyme Regis Society just before Independence Day
likely a “drunken prank which went a little too far, rather than a premeditated attack on the memory of the brave men of ‘C’ Company”.
Theatre group may fold after 100th anniversary LYME Regis Musical Theatre, formerly the operatic society, were looking forward to celebrating their 100th anniversary this year. The society staged a centenary dinner at the Royal Lion in March and were due to perform the block-buster musical ‘Chicago’ in May, which was later postponed. They were also planning a concert version of ‘The Mikado’, their first-ever show at the Marine Theatre in 1921. But a question mark now hangs over whether to society will continue to operate. A statement about the future of LRMT was issued to members this week by chairman Johanna Hopkins. The statement said: “Over the last week or so, the committee together with our three artistic directors, have decided that because of the continued social distancing caused by the COVID-19 virus, we are going to have to cancel ‘Chicago’. We are all truly devastated by this decision, but sadly it is the right and only one. “The Woodmead Halls closed in March and we were advised that because the venue had closed on us, we should be able to claim back all expenses to date. “It has been decided to put the society into dormancy until September 2021. Some of the existing committee will help to kick start LRMT again then, and it is hoped that new people will come forward to form a new committee. “The existing committee will be happy to set them on the right path using their past experience, and when things are up and running, will step away. “If no one comes forward we will disband the society.”
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PHOTOS OF THE WEEK 4 Friday, July 10 2020
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VIEWS OF LYME REGIS TO KEEP YOUR SPIRITS HIGH!
CLOUDS gather over the Jurassic Coast, taken from East Cliff Beach by Ash Roy
A MOODY shot of the Cobb taken by Tony Papadakis
GARY Davies from Jurassic Footgolf captured this amazing sunset picture as he was preparing the course for reopening
BOGDAN Tudor captures Lyme Regis harbour in the evening light
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FISHING nets on the Cobb, taken by Liz Fitzpatrick
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Mayor addresses ‘lack of democracy’ claims in open letter to Lyme residents THE Mayor of Lyme Regis has issued an open letter to residents, addressing some concerns about a “lack of democracy” within the town council. The issue was raised last month, when the council held its first public virtual meeting since lockdown restrictions were first introduced. Some councillors raised concerns about the way the council was operating during lockdown and that the mayor had not been formally elected due to lockdown restrictions, and they called for improved democracy. The mayor, Councillor Brian Larcombe MBE, has now addressed these concerns, describing the last three months as an “exceptional time” for our town. An open letter from the mayor: On the March 18 Lyme Regis Town Council debated and agreed that it should go into special delegated measures following the government’s ‘lockdown’ and the restrictions it placed on daily lives and the ways of working. Members agreed to the way the council would continue to function as described in the proposition and in-keeping with other councils, as all introduced the delegation needed to enable day-to-day decisions to be made and issues to be addressed in the absence of regular council meetings, in line with government legislation. In Lyme Regis Town Council’s case, we have also provided daily update reports to all members on everything conducted; members have been able to provide comments, ideas and suggestions on any matters they wish to put forward, and formal responses have been sought on significant issues during the period of lockdown. Throughout this period the town clerk and the mayor have been available to members and the public, and have received calls and correspondence throughout. The chairs of committees, the deputy mayor and mayor have all remained for a second term in order to minimise disruption at this vital time, which is in-keeping with other councils. The level of engagement has been as good as, and possibly better than, could be expected of any town council. It is therefore surprising that there has been some suggestion of lack of democracy when interaction has been maintained throughout the virus lockdown, and the way of working it necessitated of all councils was democratically voted on at the last physical meeting in March. It was always intended, and was stated at lockdown and the March meeting, that the delegated way of working would be reviewed when the government’s COVID-19 restrictions eased to enable a return to something more approaching normality. This is where we now are and further progress in combating this virus and subsequent easing will hopefully allow us to return to holding physical meetings before too long. There have been challenges throughout the last 14 weeks since lockdown, and the clerk and I have given a huge amount of personal time to them. It has been a seven day a week, full-time undertaking ranging from responding to matters affecting Lyme Regis; problems and concerns residents have raised; the issues local groups and businesses have raised; council staff’s daily working, whether at work or working remotely; interacting with other local councils, Dorset Council, Chris Loder MP and Daryl Turner, our Dorset ward member. All have been focussed and working to
condition and all signage is in place to advise visitors of the COVID requirements and guidelines to be respected. We do need these to be respected and self-responsibility exercised by everyone whether on Lyme’s beaches and open spaces or other urban towns we travel to or from. The impact on income and livelihoods may ease but damage has been done and things will be difficult but Lyme, like anywhere else, will continue to combat the effects and overcome this. Lyme has a level of resilience and options many others don’t have. With level heads and careful management, we will come through this. Lyme has had many significant events in its long history and
this is but one chapter to add to it. It has certainly shown me a side of Lyme and the way some have responded to a situation that doesn’t discriminate in its impact; it has brought the very best out of some and whether it’s been the quiet, under-the-radar neighbourly deed and support to those in the same street, or looking to keep the fabric of the town working. All are a very valued contribution and a credit to this small Dorset town we all care about. Thank you to all who have given their support in the ways you have and do. All the very best, and keep well. Yours sincerely, Brian Larcombe
TV presenter Kate Humble spotted in town the same end and best interests of their area. The actions and decisions taken have been carefully considered to comply with government requirements and guidelines; within the parameters of discretionary areas, and in concert with Dorset Council’s own initiatives. I pay tribute to the clerk and all the council staff who have dealt with the kind of issues I know from first-hand experience and involvement, have not been easy. I also pay tribute to all others who have worked hard for those they represent. This has been an exceptional time and the consequences of this virus pandemic will remain with us in different ways to different degrees. There is the obvious financial impact everyone across the country will face – we all will as individuals one way or another, and our council is not exempt from it. The totally unpredictable loss of income in the three spring months from April to June that immediately followed an inherited a once in a generation spend on the large expanse seafront shelters roof, an essential 50-year maintenance legacy and huge cost, both conspired to create a perfect storm for the council’s finances. There has also been an impact on the town; its residents, businesses, livelihoods, and local groups and societies, which we have tried to support through this period. We are a small West Country town council, we are not the principal local authority or government, we have limited means and limited influence, but we do have a local focus; we are a close-knit town and we have all, in my view, done as much as possible to counter the effects of this awful pandemic virus and its impact on Lyme Regis. We have reached the second phase of restriction-easing and an approaching summer that will invite a sense that we are to some degree back to normal. However, the pandemic hasn’t been eradicated and caution must remain. Holidaymaker income is important to the town’s economy and has an impact on local employment and the town’s facilities and upkeep. Local businesses have applied the required measures and guidelines, and have also used the lockdown period to improve their premises – full credit to them for the investment they’ve made. The beach and seafront areas are in good
TV presenter Kate Humble was spotted in Lyme Regis this week. The broadcaster, who specialises in wildlife and science programmes, was snapped by local photographer Richard Austin while filming on Lyme’s historic Cobb. It is thought she was in Lyme Regis to film a TV programme about Britain's most scenic coastal walks for Channel 5, including a walk from Beer in East Devon to Golden Cap.
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6 Friday, July 10 2020
LYME MATTERS with Philip Evans Essential reading for all those with Lyme at heart
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Welcome to the new normal
B
ORIS Johnson described it as “Super Saturday” the day that pubs and cafés were allowed to reopen after the easing of lockdown.
columns as the weeks progressed. Having overdosed on the politics of the crisis, and depressed by the national 24-hour coverage, I bailed out after 76 days. I tried hard to take a positive view and support the government, thinking it was important that we all got behind the Prime Minister and his senior ministers trying to deal with an unparalleled situation. But I have to admit that as the days and weeks passed I became ever more frustrated by the daily press conferences from Downing Street, the often pathetic questioning from the national press and the government’s inability or refusal to answer the awkward questions. In became difficult to support some of the government decisions and left me concerned about our ability to get on top of this terrible disease. It is encouraging, however, to see that COVID-19 is in retreat with the numbers of deaths declining on a daily basis.
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son for his behaviour. That was the right thing to do. The keyboard warriors who waded into me wondered whether I ever got in trouble when I was a kid. Now whilst this might not be in the same league as Theresa May’s innocuous misbehaving, I did get a clip around the ear and a visit from the police after cutting down a tree for a firework night bonfire. I am pleased to see that police have upped their patrols in Lyme after pressure from the town council and will now have the power to disperse groups who are misbehaving in our public gardens. Not before time.
The day when we could pop down the pub again or dine out, sticking to the social distancing restrictions of course. In fact, what has now become known as “the new norm”. I must admit, I rather liked the old norm but, like everyone else, I took that for granted. Never again. Our way of life in such idyllic surroundings will probably never be the same. Being in that bracket of being over 70 with ongoing health issues, I stuck religiously to the lockdown advice. To try and stay focussed I started a daily blog, writing 1,000 words every morning on matters relating to coronavirus and how Lyme Regis was dealing with the crisis, much of which was repeated in the THE dictionary definition of yob is “a rude, noisy and aggressive young person”. I’m repeating this in defence of me using the word in this column last week to describe gangs of young people who were causing mayhem, especially in our public gardens. This was followed late on Saturday night when a group of lads who pulled down the flagpole which commemorates the American GIs who stayed in Lyme before D-Day (page 3). On this occasion, at least one of the mothers of the culprits returned the flag and apologised on behalf of her
We are so lucky that we live in this part of the world where the number of cases and deaths from coronavirus has been the lowest in the country. So I understand those who are concerned about easing restrictions too soon, although I was critical of how some second-homers were treated. As a businessman I also understand the necessity to get Britain back to work and so I was looking forward to Saturday when we could start to live normally once again. There were fears that our town would be inundated with day trippers and holiday visitors and that our beach would become a mini-Bournemouth. Fortunately, the weather prevented this happening and whilst the town was much more busy than in recent weeks, it was by no means overflowing with those seeking a bit of R & R in our town. We took a stroll along the seafront in the morning where it seemed to me most people were observing social distancing. Under overcast skies, the beach was by no means packed, although it did get busier when the sun came out later in the day. We enjoyed a coffee and one of the lovely doughnuts in SWIM where every precaution was taken to adhere to government restrictions. I understand the pubs and cafés that did open, whilst much quieter than they would have been at this time of the year, were relieved to be back in business. It seemed to me that all of them had gone to enormous lengths to conform with government instructions and all in all the weekend went off without too many dramas. So the new normal was not as strange as I envisaged. We can only hope that this time next year the old normal will at least be on the horizon.
OPEN AGAIN: George Symonds, proprietor of the Amusement Arcade on Marine Parade, opened his doors after lockdown on Saturday with detailed instructions for his customers
This accolade is just the tonic we need I HAVE to admit there have been times in the past three months when I wondered whether LymeOnline would survive coronavirus. We lost 90 per cent of our advertising revenue but it was essential that we kept working, not only to provide a news service on our website throughout the crisis but also to maintain our editing contract with another publisher which helps to finance LymeOnline. In doing so we missed out on the more lucrative government grants but were fortunate to get some financial support from the Google Journalism Emergency Fund and a discretionary grant from Dorset Council with great support from our MP Chris Loder to whom I’m hugely grateful., We also decided to produce a fortnightly LymeOnline Extra for those
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people who were unable to access our digital edition on our website and delivered it to their door. Another LymeOnline Extra is out today and we will be publishing one more before the full printed version of LymeOnline will return on Friday, August 7. Hopefully by this time some of our regular advertisers will start advertising again and we can return to the new normal. At the same time we have moved into a new larger office in St George’s House in Uplyme Road, formerly occupied by B Sharp. And then, out of the blue, we were informed that the LymeOnline website had been commended in the national newsawards 2020, the judges describing us as “a great example of home grown local journalism” (see page 12). If I was a football manager I would
be saying we were “over the moon” and it was just the boost we needed after the uncertainty of the past few weeks. The accolade is a massive feather in my daughter Francesca’s cap, having built the website with her sister Zoe when we launched two years ago and managing it from day one, which is pretty much a seven day a week job. Francesca was also nominated for the Young Achiever of the Year award but this was not judged because of lockdown. Next year perhaps? We were also amused to hear that we had won another “industry” award last week as the “family most likely to succeed”, organised by blogger and global journalist Alan Geere as a bit of fun. He commented on the father daughter duo behind LymeOnline,
saying we looked “very well”on it. We’re not sure whether he meant we looked healthy - or fat! But you know what they say - “any publicity is good publicity”. Had the newsawards 2020 gone ahead, I would have had to book a table at the posh awards ceremony in London which would have cost a couple of grand. When I worked in London I used to attend many of these sort of events, as does my son Darren who works for the company that publishes the Daily Mirror and Daily Express. It would have been worth the expense had Francesca and LymeOnline been in line for the any of other awards for which we entered, seeing her called to the podium among journalism’s elite. Thank you to all of those of you who sent messages of congratulations.
Friday, July 10 2020 7
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Mark Hix ‘looks to the future’ with new restaurant
CELEBRITY chef Mark Hix is back in business in Lyme Regis. He will open The Oyster & Fish House on July 27 on the site that was formerly HIX Oyster & Fish House, in Lister Gardens. HIX Oyster & Fish House ceased trading in April when the board of the company which owned it, WSH Limited, made the decision to put all of HIX restaurants into administration, a decision that was not supported by Mark himself, who was a minor shareholder in the business. Born and bred in nearby West Bay, chef, restaurateur and food writer Mark was keen to secure the former HIX property to open another restaurant once lockdown was lifted and diners were able to begin eating out again within the government’s guidelines. Mark told LymeOnline: “The Fish House has always been a very important restaurant to me and was the second restaurant I opened in 2008. “I was devastated by the decision made by WSH but sadly it was out of my hands. Now it’s time to look to the future and new beginnings. “I am looking forward to opening a fish and seafood restaurant again, despite the challenges all restaurateurs are facing at the moment. I have been overwhelmed by the support of locals and previous HIX regulars, so I am looking forward to welcoming them all to the restaurant when I open the doors later this month.” The restaurant will be very similar to its predecessor, serving seasonal local produce and fish and seafood caught in Lyme Bay and along the Dorset coast. The Oyster and Fish House will be open all day, seven days a week and available for private hire and weddings, once regulations permit. The menu will feature old HIX favourites such as Cobb-smoked salmon which is cured
and smoked on the premises, Fish House pie, Dorset oysters and whole fish caught locally and served simply, on the bone. Mark said: “This restaurant means a lot to me. It’s like going back to the good old days – no investors, just me and my team.” Mark is known for his original take on British gastronomy, being frequently lauded as one of London’s most eminent restaurateurs with an unrivalled knowledge of ingredients with provenance. He is the author of a number of cookbooks on British cuisine, including Mark Hix on Baking, Hix Oyster & Chop House, British Regional Food, which received a Guild of Food Writers’ Award and the Simon the André Simon Book Award – Special Commendation, British Seasonal Food, which was named The Guild of Food Writers’ Cookery Book of the Year in 2009, and his latest book Hooked. Between 2008 and 2020 he had a number of restaurants including HIX Oyster & Chop House, Hixter, Tramshed and HIX Soho in London and HIX Oyster & Fish House in his native Dorset. The restaurants went into administration in April 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mark received an MBE for services to hospitality in the 2017 New Year’s Honours 2017 list. He launched HIX Oyster & Fish Truck in Morcombelake in June 2020, selling wet fish and seafood from Lyme Bay Reserve fishermen. He has also recently been appointed as director of food and drink at city stalwart 1 Lombard Street.
THE landmark restaurant, perched in Lister Gardens with stunning views across Lyme Bay, will be reopened by Mark Hix (inset) later this month Mark has recruited the former manager and head chef of the HIX Oyster and Fish House and a spokesperson confirmed that they were
hoping to revive the hugely successful Food Rocks festival in Lyme Regis, which ran for seven years. “It’s something close to our hearts so it would be great to set it up again,” said Mark.
And there’s more positive news from local traders on the new LymeOnline Business Page, launched as part of our ‘Shop Local’ campaign - see page 8
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Good Food expands offering as My first restaurant experience in it welcomes back customers months in Lyme’s latest pop up By Francesca Evans
THE Good Food team are pleased to be welcoming back customers and are now offering a cheese selection in store (pictured below) THE Good Food Store in Lyme Regis has been given a complete revamp and is ready to welcome back customers as lockdown restrictions are eased. Jackie and Andy Cawthorne bought the cafe and deli in Broad Street last June and carried out a complete refurbishment of the premises after their first summer season. The couple were excited to show off the business’ new-look but, just as they reopened, the coronavirus outbreak struck the UK and they were forced to close the doors again Andy and Jackie will be working alongside their daughters, as well as part-time manager Diane Earle and familiar face behind the counter, Lewis Grattan. The team have used their time during lockdown to perfect their offering of locally-sourced, homemade food and drink. They also offered bread deliveries during lockdown and have now reopened as a takeaway outlet, with customers able to eat in from Saturday, July 4. A new cheese selection is now available at the Good Food Deli Good Food launched its new cheese range on Saturday, which proved a hit with customers. The deli will be offering a range of 20 local and organic cheeses, as well as some more unusual international products, vegetarian and vegan options. The selection will be regularly changed and will fill a gap created by the closure of the popular Town Mill Cheesemonger in 2015, with former owner Justin Tunstall offering his expert advice to Jackie and Andy.
ANYONE that knows the Evans family knows there’s nothing we love more than getting together for a great meal out. Dining out has always been one of our favourite pastimes so we’ve missed not being able to visit pubs and restaurants over the past few months. But finally, as lockdown restrictions were eased over the weekend, I was able to sample Lyme’s foodie delights once again, and where better to start than the latest restaurant to ‘pop up’ in town? Focussing mainly on fresh, locally-sourced seafood dishes and refreshing cocktails, Toms is the latest business to open at The Pop Up Kitchen in Broad Street. Run by Tom Robinson, a former chef at London’s renowned East India Club, and his partner Chelsie, the pop up will be open for takeaway and limited numbers to eat inside throughout July and August while they look for a permanent premises. I was invited along to a taster evening before the pop-up opened to the public and expected a drink and canapé or two, but was delighted to be served a sumptuous four-courses showing off some of the menu’s highlights, including crab croquetas with a romesco sauce, mussels with West Country cider, leeks and crusty bread, fritto misto with saffron aioli and breaded fish goujons and chips to finish. My first restaurant meal in months so it was go big or go home. Needless to say I was stuffed! The Pop Up Kitchen, run by Ali McLoughlin of Dottie Kitchen, has built a reputation in recent month as a launch-pad for quality food and drink businesses. Others currently sharing the space include Spongbakes, The Strawberry Tree, Tartisan and The Good & Badger.
TOM and Chelsie Robinson pictured on their launch night at The Pop Up Kitchen in Lyme Regis. Right, the fritto misto, which translates as mixed fried fish Meanwhile, previous pop ups the Monmouth Table and Robin Wylde are busy preparing to open their own businesses - the Monmouth Table are opening a traditional pantry next door to the Pop Up Kitchen and Robin Wylde is expected to open its own restaurant just a few yards away in Silver Street. For more information and the latest dates, visit www.thepopup.kitchen/
Gallery launches rent-a-BBQ scheme Alongside a range of local produce for sale in the deli, the cafe serves breakfasts with Good Food’s speciality bubble and squeak, traditional and artisan sandwiches made to order, bread from Leakers and Paul’s Bakery, Tom’s Pies, Chunk of Devon pasties and a menu of dishes made in house, including the popular Mediterranean quiche. Freshly-roasted coffee is from The Coffee Factory, based at Seaton Junction, and a selection of plant-based smoothies and shakes have proved popular on warmer days Customers can takeaway or make the most of the recently-renovated interior and eat in from July 4. The refurbishment included uncovering an original fireplace and installation of customer toilets. There will be fewer table and chairs than normal to meet social distancing guidelines and all other necessary measures are being followed for the staff and customer’s safety.
If you have a local business story, call Francesca Evans on 07810 221 420 or email edit@lyme-online.co.uk
THE Rent-a-BBQ scheme is now up and running at Blue Lias Gallery THE Blue Lias Gallery in Lyme Regis has come up with an innovative idea to tackle the environmental issues caused by disposable barbecues. The gallery, on the corner of Coombe Street and Bridge Street, has launched a rent-a-barbecue scheme, offering beach-goers reusable tin barbecues complete with locally-made charcoal and kindling. Large barbecues are available for £20 for 24 hours and small ones for £15, and the best part... you don’t even have to clean it yourself. Simply return it to the Blue Lias Gallery and staff will clean it out and sanitise it so it’s safe for the next users.
As well as tackling the environmental issues caused by non-recyclable disposable barbecues often found on the beach, the scheme also promotes the use of locally-made, sustainable and chemical free charcoal made in Dorset by Ben Short. Ben’s partner Holly, who runs the gallery, said the scheme had already received a great response and very positive feedback. “I think that people are starting to understand that there are better options for barbecues, and it’s a great thing for visitors to be able to do on the beach, especially after a mackerel fishing trip.”
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RICHARD AUSTIN’S PHOTO FILE
According to Wikipedia the old saying of “a dog is man’s best friend” was first recorded as a phrase by Frederick The Great of Prussia and popularised by it’s use in a poem by Ogden Nash… me neither! What would we do without dogs? They are used in working environments such as sniffer dogs at custom ports, police dogs, tracker dogs and some have had fantastic careers in TV and big screen movies (Lassie). And they’ve become one of the most
talked about subjects in Lyme Regis in recent years as the debate over dogs on the beach rumbles on. I’ve spent 35 years photographing dogs for the newspaper industry seeking out the funny, clever and working dogs not forgetting the cute and cuddly puppies. This small collection is from dozens of images all with a small story to go with them, most reinforce the old saying that a picture paints a thousand words.
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RICHARD AUSTIN’S PHOTO FILE
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12 Friday, July 10 2020
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LymeOnline website commended in newsawards 2020 THE LymeOnline website has been commended in the national newsawards 2020, celebrating the best in news media print, technology and business innovation. The Lyme Regis-based website was listed as commended in the Independent Community News Network (ICNN) Community Website of the Year category, with judges describing the site as “a great example of home grown local journalism”. The winner of the category was Birmingham Updates with the Island Echo, based in the Isle of Wight, being highly commended, and LymeOnline commended along with Brighton and Hove News, Dorset Biz News and The Lincolnite The LymeOnline website (www.lyme-online.co.uk) was launched by Lyme Regis Media Ltd. in January 2018, with editor Francesca Evans creating the site and continuing to manage and update it on a daily basis, along with her father and veteran local journalist Philip Evans MBE. Attracting about 8,000 users a week, the site offers the most comprehensive news coverage of the Lyme Regis area, with traditional news, sport and entertainment articles accompanied by weekly video news bulletins, podcasts, photo galleries, blogs on a wide variety of subjects, local history and information, a local business directory and more. The website launched a special coronavirus platform in March to bring readers the latest information on the virus and where they can
find support. It also publishes a digital version of the LymeOnline newspaper – the printed version of which has been temporarily put on hold due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, but is due to relaunch in August. Editor Francesca Evans commented: “I had very limited experience in website design and management before we launched LymeOnline in January 2018, so the past two and a half years have been a huge learning curve but something I’ve really enjoyed. “We have put a great deal of work into developing the site and building up our audience figures, so being commended in the newsawards 2020 is such a great reward for all the hard work. “In particular, this is a very welcome boost for us after the challenges of the past three months. Thanks to the support of our readers and grants from Dorset Council and the Google News Initiative, we are hopeful we have made it through the worst of the crisis. “We are now looking forward to returning to our new and improved office later this week and our printed newspaper relaunching in August.” LymeOnline also entered the ICNN Community Newspaper of the Year category and Francesca was nominated for Young Achiever of the Year, but these categories were among those not judged due to lockdown restrictions being implemented shortly after applications closed.
EDITOR Francesca Evans pictured launching the LymeOnline website in January 2018 Winners of the five categories which were judged will be invited to collect their awards at next year’s ceremony in London, as this year’s was cancelled. You can find out more about the newsawards and view all winners on the website
www.newsawards.co.uk and to view the LymeOnline website, updated on a daily basis, visit www.lyme-online.co.uk. You can also sign up to our weekly email newsletter on the website, so the latest top stories are sent straight to your inbox.
Mary Anning’s beach hut opens for cancer sufferers AXMINSTER and Lyme Regis Cancer Support have officially opened Mary Anning’s Beach Hut on the seafront, for exclusive use by cancer sufferers and their families. The beach hut on the Cart Road in Lyme Regis, has been named after the town’s most famous fossil hunter, Mary Anning, and is available to book by anyone going through cancer or their family members. The idea for the beach hut came from local couple Karen and Nigel Ball, and has been made possible by Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support and the town council. Initially, the charity will be trialling the facility with the local clients in the area offering them up to three days until the end of October. After Karen went through her own cancer treatment, the couple attended the funeral at St Michael’s Parish Church of a family friend who had died following a battle with breast cancer. Whilst leaving the church they saw an information board about Mary Anning and discovered that she too had died from breast cancer, with limited treatment and support available at the time.
They then heard that Fossil Films Ltd. – producers of the film ‘Ammonite’ which contained scenes shot in Lyme Regis and is about the story of Mary Anning’s life – had given the town £15,000 for local causes, and they thought a beach hut seemed a perfect. The idea won the support of the town council, along with an appeal to erect a statue of Mary Anning in Lyme Regis and a scholarship fund inspired by the fossil hunter to encourage more young women to go into science. The three projects received £5,00 each from the film funding. Mr and Mrs Ball officially opened the beach hut on Monday morning and those who have been through, or who are battling against cancer, are now welcome to relax by the sea and enjoy their own little bit of Lyme. Anyone wishing to know more about the charity, or offer their help and support, should contact Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support or donate via https://axminsterandlymecancersupport.co.uk/ Pictured right, Karen and Nigel Ball officially open Mary Anning’s Beach Hut on Lyme Regis seafront
Phased reopening planned for Dorset libraries - but no date given yet for Lyme
FOLLOWING the government’s recent announcement, libraries managed by Dorset Council started a phased a re-opening this week. The initial re-opening plans, focussed on the safety of customers and library employees, will provide existing users with an order and collect service. People will be able to order their preferred categories of books and other items to collect at an allocated time from 22 of Dorset’s 23 libraries. Books are now available to order online at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/libraries by simply completing a short form about reading preferences. For those without online access, an order can be made by phoning 01305 228400. The service is available for all ages – for adults, young people and children. There will be a bag of up to 10 books and other items such as talking books or DVDs waiting for collection. These will be based on the type of books people normally
select for themselves such as romance or crime. The items can be borrowed for up to four weeks. The collections and returns process will be contactless and pre-arranged time slots mean the number of people visiting at any one time can be managed. All books will be quarantined in line with national guidance. Readers can now return books and other items currently on loan via library letterboxes, except for at Beaminster Library. All current loans that would have been due back during the lockdown period have been extended to the end of August. Any overdue charges that customers might have incurred as a result of library closures due to COVID-19 have been waived. Later in July, further services will be available at nine Dorset libraries. These are: Blandford, Bridport, Dorchester, Ferndown, Gillingham, Sherborne, Wareham, Weymouth and Wim-
borne. Initially, opening hours will be reduced and a limited number of visitors will be allowed in the buildings at any one time. There will be the opportunity for people to browse the books and reserve use of the public access computers. Activities and events, such as rhyme time and reading groups, which have been highly popular online during lockdown, will continue to be internet-based for the time being. The increased number of e-books and publications, including newspapers and magazines, will also continue to be available online. Councillor Tony Alford, Customer, Community and Regulatory Services portfolio holder for Dorset Council said: “During lockdown, our library teams worked hard to minimise the disruption to customers by offering a range of fun and informative services via the internet. “We saw a tremendous increase in new online
subscribers during lockdown. However, I know many people missed the human interaction a visit to the library can give. “Although libraries are going to look and feel very different as they re-open with limited services on offer, I am sure customers will be pleased to physically access their local library again and have a much-needed refresh of their reading material. “The library teams are excited about returning to some normality too, although things will obviously be very different for a while!” Plans to extend the services of Dorset’s remaining 14 council-managed will be developed based on the learning and experience of opening the initial 9 libraries, putting the health and safety of customers and employees first at all times. The council is also liaising with the eight independent community managed libraries about their plans for re-opening.
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What will be open in Lyme this summer? LYME Regis Town Council has agreed how it intends to “reopen the town” following the coronavirus lockdown, with many amenities having opened last weekend. Pay parks, mini golf and the Monmouth Beach chalet and caravan park were among the facilities to be given the green light to open this month by councillors, who recently met via video conferencing app Zoom. But decisions also included keeping the park and ride closed for the remainder of the year and events such as concerts will not go ahead in the Marine Parade shelters. Despite its current financial concerns, the council also agreed a £100 discount for holiday accommodation parking permits, used by visitors to holiday lets, bed and breakfasts and guest houses, and a 20 per cent discount on annual rent charged for chalets and caravans at Monmouth Beach. Chalet and caravan park Town clerk John Wright reported that the council had received more than 50 complaints from owners from chalets and caravans at Monmouth Beach, after it was agreed to charge them a full year’s rent despite the site being closed for overnight stays since April. He said some of these complaints had come from those who were “historically supportive of the council” and many had suggested a 25 per cent discount. Mr Wright advised that if the council agreed to a discount, it should not apply to those who already owed back payments to the council. In previously agreeing to charge 100 per cent rent, the council gave owners up until June 2021 to pay, but if a discount was to be offered, Mr Wright said the payment should instead be made by the end of the financial year in March 2021. The Mayor of Lyme Regis, Councillor Brian Larcombe, said he had sympathy with chalet and caravans owners, and if a discount was offered he hoped they would return the gesture by paying quickly. However, Councillor Ellis said the decision to close the Monmouth Beach site was not down to the council but to government restrictions on overnight stays and visiting second homes. Councillor Graham Turner pointed out that some chalets were used as holiday lets and owners had already received a £10,000 grant from the government for loss of income. Councillor Rob Smith was also concerned that giving a discount would set a precedent if there was a second wave of coronavirus or any other reason to close the park. However, it was eventually agreed to offer a 20 per cent discount, with the chalet and caravan park having reopened for overnight stays last weekend. Amenities Other amenities which reopened on Saturday, July 4 included Anning Road and Henry’s Way play parks, and the mini golf and table tennis in Lister Gardens will open from July 13. Alfresco eating areas on town council land will be allowed to operate, coinciding with the reopening of many pubs and restaurants. Watersports concessions such as the kayak hire can now operate and the hair braiding stall usually found on the Cart Road will operate from the Marine Parade shelters. Concessions for the trampolines and deckchair hire will not open at this time. The United Beach Mission group, which runs children’s games and activities on the beach, will not be coming to Lyme Regis this year. The beach showers will not be installed this year due to the high frequency touch points. Beach huts can also reopen on the condition that the Cart Road is kept clear and beach hut-users should set up chairs, etc. on the pebble beach opposite and not directly outside their huts.
Attractions The Dinosaurland Fossil Museum and Marine Aquarium on the Cobb are now open. Lyme Regis Museum will be reopening in September and no date has yet been given for the reopening of the Marine Theatre. Toilets The Marine Parade, Monmouth Beach and Woodmead Halls public toilets reopened several weeks ago. The town council has now agreed to reopen the Candles on the Cobb Pavilion toilets in the Anning Road playing field and Dorset Council opened its remaining toilets in the town – including Broad Street, Charmouth Road and Holmbush car parks, and outside the Cobb Arms on Marine Parade – on Tuesday. Parking The park and ride service in Charmouth Road will remain closed for the rest of the year, as councillors felt this was not financially viable due to social distancing restrictions on the buses. Members were told that the service could cost “tens of thousands” if it were to operate, and they felt this was not prudent considering the council’s current financial situation. All car parks in Lyme Regis are now open. Dorset Council has announced that free parking in council-run car parks will no longer be available for key workers. The Cart Road in Lyme Regis has been closed to traffic to allow for more social distancing space (see right). Drivers are encouraged to pay by card in car parks wherever possible. Holiday accommodation parking permits Commenting on the parking permits at the virtual council meeting, holiday let owner David Boggan said it was unfair for the council to charge to full amount of £670 for the year when the car parks had been closed for two months. He suggested a fair price would be £502. Councillor Cheryl Reynolds said she thought this suggestion was fair, adding that people couldn’t be expected to pay for parking when there was nowhere to park. Councillor Michaela Ellis said that holiday accommodation owners were already getting a large discount by purchasing a permit, as it would cost about £2,600 to pay for a similar period via the meter. She added that, despite being closed to the general public, Woodmead Halls car park had remained open to permit holders throughout the lockdown. It was agreed to charge £570 for the remainder of the year. Events All major events and festivals scheduled for the summer months, including Lifeboat Week and Regatta & Carnival Week, have now been cancelled. The market area of the Marine Parade shelters as already been reopened and bookings are now being taken for stalls, etc. However, bigger events such as the weekly town band concerts usually held on the seafront through summer will not go ahead as the council does not want to encourage crowds to congregate. Shops, pubs and restaurants For the latest list of Lyme Regis businesses now open or reopening in the coming days, visit the Shop Local page at www.lyme-online.co.uk Council offices and meetings The council is also preparing to reopen its offices at Guildhall Cottage to the public, with a target date of July 13. Only some staff will return to the office, with the rest continuing to work from home, and safety precautions will include a queueing and doorbell system outside, perspex screens over desks and hand sanitisers on entrances.
Virtual full council meetings will now be held every four weeks, with the next meeting scheduled for Wednesday, July 29, and the first virtual Planning Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 5.
Weddings and burials In line with government guidelines, weddings for up to 30 people will be permitted in the Guildhall and restrictions on numbers at burials in the cemetery remain in place.
THE Cart Road in Lyme Regis has been temporarily closed to drivers to allow space for social distancing. The new measures mean that disabled blue badge holders cannot currently park on the seafront, but four new disabled spaces have been opened in Cobb Gate car park in addition to the one that was already in place. Dorset Council has introduced measures across the county to ensure high streets and busy areas can reopen safely and successfully following the easing of lockdown restrictions. The council was given a £335,000 portion of the government’s £50million Reopening High Streets Safely Fund, used to introduce a range of safety measures in a move to kick-start local economies, get people back to work and customers back to the shops. Cllr Gary Suttle, Dorset Council portfolio holder for Economic Growth and Skills, said: “Dorset Council has been working hard to implement various measures on the county’s high streets, designed to help shoppers stay safe.” These measures have included: Stencilled markings and signs around busy areas, including bus stops, helping people to observe social-distancing Widening footways and cycleways by temporarily closing parking bays and cutting back vegetation Scheduled partial road closures to provide more space for pedestrians, especially around food huts and vans Creating additional cycle parking and new cycle routes In the longer-term, pedestrianising busy areas
with large numbers of cafes, restaurants, pubs and bars This work is ongoing, so spend is not yet finalised, but rough estimates of how the funding has been spent are currently as follows: £140k – highways work (as outlined above) £50k – economic development work, in conjunction with town councils £50k – communications and marketing (‘Stay Local, Shop Local’ campaign) £100k – allocated for work related to the reopening of the hospitality sector in early July In Lyme Regis, as well as closing the Cart Road to drivers, the town council has been offered street dressing assets as part of a ‘Stay Local, Shop Local’ campaign launched by Dorset Council. However, the decision to close the Cart Road to drivers has not proved universally popular. One resident wrote to LymeOnline, commenting: “Are we seriously stopping 20 disabled drivers, their carers, their family members from enjoying the seafront free for a couple of hours and asking them to pay for the now only five total disabled spaces in the car park? “This must be an error made by people who are not disabled or do not know how the disabled struggle. Suggestions it’s to allow social distancing on Marine Parade is flawed as you are now going to funnel people through the barriers closing off the access – ridiculous. “If this is a new, quietly pushed through council policy it’s a case of discrimination and needs to be escalated.”
Cart Road closed to drivers
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‘More masks than jellyfish!’ Write to your MP to ensure our environment is a priority
DID you see this headline recently in the national newspaper. Is it true? Has somebody been counting all the masks in the oceans? Or indeed all the jellyfish! What we do know is that single-use plastic has been essential in the fight against COVID-19. In a myriad of medical applications, single-use plastic has been at the forefront of controlling infection and saving lives throughout the world. In our hospitals and other medical facilities, all waste is disposed of appropriately but what about the masses of gloves, masks, etc. that are disposed of by the public following use whilst out and about? And what about the medical single use plastic used elsewhere in the world in places that perhaps don’t have such advanced disposal facilities as we do in the UK? I guess we’ll never know. But there are reports of disposable gloves and masks disposed of inappropriately, being washed up on our shores and blowing down the streets. It’s probably inevitable with the huge increase in consumption of single-use plastics during the pandemic. But there have also been instances where people have felt it safer to use a single-use product where it has now been proved unnecessary and we can revert back to our earlier, more environmentally-friendly ways. One example is people preferring to buy prewrapped fruit and vegetables rather than selecting their own. A recent World Health
Organisation (WHO) report concludes that there is no increase in risk in choosing loose fruit and vegetables. WHO states that there have been no known cases of transmission of COVID-19 through food or food packaging. You can read more about this by clicking here. Similarly, I don’t know if you remember at the beginning of this pandemic, big coffee chains such as Costa and Starbucks said that they would no longer be able to allow ‘keep-cups’ and would only serve take away drinks in their disposable cups? The concern was that staff could contract COVID-19 from the customer cup. #ContactlessCoffee have now worked out how people can use their ‘keep-cup’ without danger of cross infection between the barista/staff and customers. You can find out more about this at www.citytosea.org.uk/contactless-coffee/ The Whole Hog, Galley Café and the Good Food Café & Deli in Lyme Regis all allow ‘keep cups’ for their hot drinks. As we start to feel our way to what might be the new normal, let’s hope that we can continue to be mindful and creative and find ways not just reverting to unnecessary single use plastic to overcome the fear of infection. Now who wants to join me for a snorkel expedition counting jellyfish? Grenville Barr Chairman, Plastic Free Lyme Regis
TO address the environmental crisis, to keep global warming within 1.5C, to safeguard millions of lives in this and future generations, we need to green investment – improving energy efficiency, replacing fossil fuels with renewables, providing cleaner transport alternatives. With the economy decimated by coronavirus, the government plans an investment program modelled on Roosevelt’s New Deal, which lifted America from the Great Depression by creating jobs in infrastructure, and by financial reforms. Our world needs a Green New Deal – creating sustainable jobs, achieving our carbon neutral targets, and supporting the environment on which our lives depend. This is why I am urging my MP Chris Loder to make sure the government makes the environment a priority in their New Deal investment. I suggest you write to your MP too. You can find your local MP’s email address on the UK Parliament site or you can use contact your MP via www.theyworkforyou.com , which keeps reports on MPs’ activities, and records if they reply to you or not. You might like to highlight the following topics to your MP: Improving energy efficiency of buildings Switching to renewable energy, energy stor-
age schemes and improving the electricity transmission infrastructure Improving the options for walking, cycling and active transport Encouraging the switch to electric vehicles with financial support and improved charging infrastructure Developing a circular economy where products have a long life and are designed for reuse, repair and recycling Developing green spaces for people and wildlife I’m sure you have ideas of your own. You can view my own letter to Chris Loder on the LymeOnline website under ‘Blogs’ as a starting point. Rob Smith, Turn Lyme Green
Garden growers creating sustainable future for us all
L
YME Regis residents have been busy learning to ‘grow their own’ during lockdown, thanks to a new community initiative that is inclusive of all.
Lyme Garden Growers was founded by former town councillor and local businesswoman Rikey Austin. She came up with the idea last November after meeting a young woman who needed help from the local foodbank but said she felt embarrassed due to the social stigma that can sometimes be placed on those asking for help. Rikey suggested the woman grow her own fruit and vegetables but she was unable to afford plants and did not have a garden. The conversation struck a chord with Rikey and she and her husband Paddy made a lifechanging decision to sell their home in Silver Street and buy a piece of land where they could run a community garden, teaching people how to grow their own and providing locally-grown produce free of charge for all. Rikey and Paddy put their house on the market in January and have had offers, but they are still looking for a suitable piece of land to buy preferably in Lyme Regis, about half an acre in size with space for living accommodation on site or very close by. Selling the house and finding suitable land for the project may have been slowed down by the coronavirus pandemic, but Rikey has already got the Lyme Garden Growers organisation off the ground. She planted everything in her large collection of seeds and set up a Facebook group which now has more than 500 members. She also invited gardner and author Charles Dowding to Lyme Regis for a public talk in January. Residents were quick to get on board during lockdown and have also been learning to grow their own fruit, vegetables and herbs and then donating or swapping plants depending on the local need.
Plants are dropped off every week at St Michael’s Business Centre, where Rikey also runs the renowned Alice’s Bear Shop, and are then distributed to those who have made requests. The Facebook group members have also taken part in regular growing challenges and shared gardening tips and advice. Now that many of the plants are starting to be harvested, some of the produce is being donated to the foodbank and Lyme Garden Growers are also holding weekly markets every Wednesday at the Town Mill, where produce is available very cheap or free for those in need using a discreet token system, meaning no one will know who is receiving free produce. The group also plans to carry out a survey of the town’s soil health and has also been bulkbuying compost to save money for residents and local organisations. Eventually, when the community garden is up and running, they hope to create their own compost for free community use. The garden will offer free local produce for all, as well as a variety of classes and workshops, and a ‘tool library’ for those who don’t have gardening equipment such as lawn mowers. Rikey hopes to eventually make the organisation a community interest company so it will remain for the benefit of the community in perpetuity. She commented: “Paddy and I have agreed this is what we want to do with our retirement. Everyone deserves good, local food whether they can afford it or not and making it free for everyone means there will be no stigma attached for those in need. “It will create a sustainable food source for our community, teach new skills and working with nature can also help with mental health. “So far we have not had to pay for anything; we have given away thousands of seeds and plants during lockdown and they have all been swapped or donated and plant pots have been
RIKEY Austin and Paddy Howe of Lyme Garden Growers with Jevan Hampton Rumbold and his handmade planter for communal use in Summerhill Road donated by local tips. As well as planters he has started making chil“Some have suggested we apply for grants but dren’s benches with sandpits or storage areas inwe really don’t need it at the moment, maybe in side and other bespoke items. Anyone interested the future but not at the moment. If anyone in Jevan’s work can get in touch by calling 07969 wants to help and support us, we’d ask that they 337 393 or email nrumbold@sky.com The Garden Growers are also in discussion do so by growing plants to swap or donate.” Lyme Garden Growers are currently setting up with other organisations, such as Magna Houscommunal herb and berry gardens around Lyme ing, the Woodland Trust and town council to Regis, including outside the Baptist Church, St make use of areas of land for community growMichael’s Business Centre and in Summerhill ing. For more details or to start growing and sharRoad, where a large wooden planter has been built specially by local teenager Jevan Hampton ing plants, visit the Facebook page www.faceor Rumbold, who has developed an interest in book.com/groups/486481328566802/ contact Rikey Austin at Alice’s Bear Shop. woodwork during lockdown.
local services
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PLANTS, cuttings for sale, all very reasonable, on corner of Gore Lane and Cuckoo Lane, Uplyme - 01297 443930.
CORDLESS HEDGE TRIMMER, Bosch 41ACCU, without battery or charger, 14.4v, blade length 41cm, £14 - 07947 918 335. ‘BEAUTIFUL HOMELAND’, set of 6 books, first edition, 1920, illustrated in colour, by E.W. Haslehurst, £180 or £35 each - 01297 506707. RYOBI electric sucker/blower, almost new, £30 - 01297 445376. TACK LIFE electric submersible water pump, £25 - 01297 445376. GARDEN GROOM PRO safety hedge cutter, shreds and collects, £30 - 01297 445376. AL-KO petrol mower, £60 - 01297 445376. ASH Hoover, £15 - 01297 445376. CONFIDENCE FITNESS Power Plus Treadmill, £60 - 01297 445376.
ITEMS FOR SALE
solid wood, offers welcome - 01297 561512. BOOKCASE, veneer rosewood, 94cm length x 90cm width x 28cm depth, buyer collects from Charmouth, offers welcome - 01297 561512. LOCAL BOOK, ‘Branch Line to Lyme Regis, Mitchell & Smith, Middleton Press 1993, in new condition, £12 01297 442627. LOCAL BOOK, ‘Lyme Worthies’ by John Fowles, portraits by Gavin Bird, limited issue of 1,000 copies, beautiful condition, £6 - 01297 442627.
BURBERRY MEN’S MACKINTOSH, full length, burberry beige colour, chest 44”, little used, £30 ono - 01297 444698. ANYA HINDMARCH HANDBAG, genuine leather with protective storage bag, used but in excellent condition, £40 ono - 01297 444698
LOCAL BOOK, ‘A History of Axminster to 1910’, Geoffrey Chapman, 1998, like new and scarce, £15 01297 442627.
YAK BUOYANCY JACKETS, two jackets coloured red and yellow respectively, £10 for the pair or £8 each ono - 01297 444698.
PURPLE RUG, IKEA ‘Stoense’ low pile, 133cm x 195cm, in perfect condition, £15 - 07397 206 365.
GAS COOKER, Stoves 4 ring gas cooker, buyer collects from Lyme Regis, £75 - 01297 445091.
NEST OF 3 TABLES, Queen Ann style, legs
Please note this service is only for private sellers, not for commercial items, tradespeople or vehicles. Please include a brief description of your item, the cost and a telephone number where a buyer may contact you. If you wish to advertise an item over £200 your advertisement will cost 10p per word, please email or phone us to arrange payment. Please also include your name and address, although this will not be published.
WOODEN FUTON BED BASE, without mattress, 4’ 6” wide, buyer collects from Lyme Regis, £30 - 01297 444698.
LADDERS, various sizes and prices - 01297 445376.
VENETIAN BLIND, Marco wooden venetian blind, 180cm width x 160cm depth, basswood natural colour, new and still in box, £20 - 01297 443461.
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Your name: ....................................................................................................................... Your address: .................................................................................................................. ...........................................................................................................................................
MEN’S SHIRTS, brand new from Marks & Spencer, pure cotton, green checked, XXL, paid £19.50, selling for £12 - 07973 349 717.
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MEN’S SHIRTS, new from Marks & Spencer, 15½ regular fit, ideal Christmas presents, half price - 07973 349 717.
Send this form to: Items For Sale, LymeOnline, Unit 5, Uplyme Business Centre, Uplyme Road, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3LS
PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is given that Coastal Marks Ltd T/A The Oyster and Fish House has applied to Dorset Council for a new premises licence in respect of The Oyster and Fish House, Cobb Road, Lyme Regis DT7 3JP for the provision of alcohol generally between the hours of 10:30 and 23:30 Monday to Sunday. Any interested party or responsible authority may make representations in writing to, The Licensing Section, Dorset Council, South Walks House, South Walks Road, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1UZ within 28 days from the date of this notice. The licensing register and details of this application may be inspected during normal office hours at the above address. It is an offence under Section 158 of the Licensing Act 2003 to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application and the maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary conviction for the offence is a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale (£5000). DATE: 02/07/2020
Timber Hill, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3HQ 01297 442963
Admin Assistant Job Vacancy 12 Hours a week over 3 days a week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday to include 1 Saturday per month) The du!es are to: ‐ Dealing with members and general enquiries in person, by telephone or by email ‐ Manage and monitor the annual Club diary, which requires liaison with members, reciprocals, matches, socie!es and visitors regarding bookings for golf ‐ The prepara!on of all the informa!on necessary for the annual publica!on of the clubs fixture book and arranging publica!on, checking proofs and the subsequent distribu!on of copies to members ‐ Manage and monitor the course bookings diary including liaison with members and visitors including enquires, bookings, alloca!ng tee !mes, catering arrangements and subsequent correspondence ‐ Assis!ng with all Club compe!!ons including the pos!ng of no!ces, draws and on the day administra!on of certain Open/Board compe!!on, processing payment ‐ Assist in maintaining an up‐to‐date record of membership profiles in accordance with GDPR ‐ To manage projects as directed ‐ Ensure sta!onary and office supplies are kept in stock The successful candidate will be able to display the following a$ributes which will be considered essen!al for this appointment: ‐ Ability to work in a calm and controlled manner in a busy environment ‐ Ability to show ini!a!ve to operate without supervision ‐ Ability to plan and schedule work to maximise efficiency ‐ Basic IT skills, especially Microso% Office
To apply, candidates should send a covering le!er and an up‐to‐date CV to admin@lymeregisgolfclub.co.uk or phone 01297 442963 op#on 5 for more informa#on Applica#on Deadline: Sunday 9th August 2020
Friday, July 10 2020 17
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My cricketing memories – Part Four
The day I lost a cup final
By PHILIP EVANS
N
O matter how good a cricketer you are - or think you are - cricket has a way of bringing you down to earth.
I never considered myself a great cricketer; strictly a second elevener. But I had my moments, including a diving catch fielding a leg slip at Tipton St John of the bowling of Dave Chambers. But any cricketing ego I might have had was lost on the day Uplyme & Lyme Regis lost in the final of the Bartlett Cup against Honiton at Seaton Cricket Club. First of all, I got run out without scoring when opening the batting with Martin Rowe, our skipper for the night. Martin ran me out and apologised, saying it was his fault. It was not. I was a good deal
slower between the wickets than Martin. If that wasn’t bad enough, a piece of unbelievably arrogant fielding cost us taking the trophy back to Uplyme. I was fielding deep in the gulley with the light fading quickly. It was the last ball of the game and Honiton needed four runs to win. The ball was skied and, in the fading light, I did not pick it up quickly enough. As the ball cascaded out of my hands, all I had to do was pick the ball up and throw it back to the wicketkeeper. We would have won the game by three runs. But oh no, for some reason - why I have never been able to understand - as the ball was falling to the ground I could see Rodney Rowe running towards me so I decided to volley it into his hands. It was the sweetest volley I have ever executed, better than any when I played football. The ball sailed over Rodney’s head and was
Paul’s partner June Martin pictured on the memorial bench with Jim Thomas, secretary of the King George V playing field (left), and Derek Wellman, secretary of Uplyme & Lyme Regis Cricket Club
Seat in memory of former chairman UPLYME & Lyme Regis Cricket Club have unveiled a new bench in memory of a former chairman. The new seat at the King George V playing field has been dedicated to Paul Messer, donated by June Martin, his partner of 41 years . Situated on the boundary, near the entrance to the field, the seat has a plaque which simply says “please sit, enjoy the cricket and think of Paul”. Paul, who died in 2018 aged 72, was a cricketing fanatic and with June enjoyed ten tours following the England test teat around the world. June has continued her interest in
cricket, have been on two more tours since his death and regularly supporting Uplyme. Jim Thomas, the secretary and trust member of the King George V playing field and who assisted June in getting the seat, was in attendance at the unveiling, along with was Derek Wellman, secretary of Uplyme and Lyme Regis Cricket Club which was served so well by Paul during his chairmanship. Paul was also the founding member of the Uplyme and Lyme Regis Sports Trust which helps young enthusiasts to achieve their sporting potential.
still going up as it crossed the boundary, giving Honiton the victory. John Stamp was fielding out on the boundary somewhere and was never slow in coming forward if someone had fouled up in the field. As I hung my head in shame I heard his dulcet tones calling out “you t**t”. I was distraught and no one spoke to me in the dressing room. I didn’t stay for a drink and drove straight home. Later that evening, with the rest of the team clearly drowning my sorrows and their disappointed, Martin Rowe knocked on my flat door and said: “Come on Evs, forget about it. It happens to all of us,” or some such soothing words. But I just could not face it and went to bed nursing my total embarrassment. This might have been my most embarrassing moment - but it was not my most disappointing cricketing memory. My last game for Uplyme That came in what turned out to be my last official game for Uplyme and Lyme Regis Cricket Club. I came out of retirement at the age of 55 to make up the numbers for a 2nd XI match at home. The visiting team were short of one player so we loaned them the services of 15-year-old Steve Batey, a very talented young cricketer who now just happens to be the club chairman. It was always a great disappointment to me that I had never scored a century during the 20-odd years I played cricket. My highest score as my career came to an end was 74. I opened the batting on this occasion, the last time I would ever do so. Unusually, I was seeing the ball well and got off to a storming start. But my tardiness between the wickets forced me to dive in the crease to avoid yet another run out. I was 15 stone at the time and I hit the deck like a Sunderland flying boat landing. In doing so, I thought I had pulled a groin muscle and told the umpire it was my intention to retire but before doing so I wanted to try and get a half century. However, my confidence perked up a bit when I hit a dozen or so runs off the next over and decided to try and better my previous best of 74.
Somehow I found myself on 94 but was limping badly. So I decided to go for broke and see if I could hit a six for my first ever ton. The bowler kindly delivered a full toss and I middled it perfectly and was pretty sure a six was definitely on. But I forget about young Batey patrolling the boundary and he pulled off a diving catch that Ben Stokes would have been proud of. I trudged forlornly, head bowed, back to the dressing room, out for 99, one short of a maiden century after all those years. I was disconsolate and my mood did not get better when I was having a drink with my family after the game and my eldest daughter Zoe said: “Don’t worry Dad, it’s only a game.” Steve Batey has taken many fabulous catches since those days - but none which has generated such disappointment in my last ever competitive game of cricket. Now as John Malcolm Stamp chose to abuse me so cruelly when I lost the cup final for the club, I thought I might attempt to get my own back by relating a story about his own cricketing pursuits. To be honest, there are many stories I could tell about Stomper who kept us in fits of laughter with his ability to come up with a suitable nickname for every player. Mine was Eagle - not because I soared through the air taking a catch but because I was losing my hair - Bald Headed Eagle. Stomper was batting at Dorchester against a bowler who was more than a bit lively. The first ball his him of the inside of his thigh. Always painful. The second ball hit his other thigh. I was down the other end and heard his wince. He gave the bowler one of his most evil looks and said: “Why don’t you bowl at the bloody wickets?” The third ball demolished all three stumps. Stomper tucked the bat under his arm and as he passed the bowler, he uttered: “That’s the ball I meant”. That note brings to a conclusion this four part series on my cricketing days. They bring back so many happy days and I have friendships this day which were made on the King George V cricket field, friendships which I know will last until we take our last breath. Thank you to all for the kind words about this series.
League cricket returns this month LEAGUE cricket is expected to start again on Saturday, July 25. An announcement from the Devon Cricket League to confirm this is expected any day. Uplyme and Lyme Regis Cricket Club has moved quickly to get in four games before the 2020 season gets going. Tomorow (Saturday, July 11) they meet
Kilmington in a 35 overs game, starting at 1pm. On Sunday (July 12) the club has arranged a friendly 35-over game against Devon Medics (start 2.30pm) at the KG5. This will be followed with a T20 game at home to Crewkerne on Wednesday, July 15 (start 6pm) and a 35-over game at home to Seaton on Saturday, July 18 (start 2pm).
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