LymeOnline Digital Edition - July 19 2019

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PA GE 13

Four candidates for by-election

Scouts make a splash for leader’s last event THE 1st Lym Valley Scouts hosted their second annual cardboard boat regatta on Wednesday evening. Members of the Uplyme-based troop were challenged to create boats out of just cardboard, glue, tape and paint and then attempted to float them in Victoria Pool off the Cobb in Lyme Regis. The event brought this year’s Scouting programme to a close before the summer break, and was also the final event overseen by Scout leader Bruce Kahn (pictured above with members), who is stepping down after 13 years with the troop and nine as leader. Scouts from Axminster and Charmouth were also invited to join in.

Photo by Philip Evans

Pre-school to close PARENTS TOLD EARLY YEARS FACILITY IS NO LONGER VIABLE

PARENTS from St Michael’s Pre-School in Lyme Regis have been told the educational facility will close down next week.

The pre-school, run in affiliation with St Michael’s Primary School in King’s Way, will close on Tuesday, July 23, leaving Lyme Regis without an early years educational facility.

Parents were told the pre-school had been running at a deficit since

FRANCESCA EVANS

francesca@lyme-online.co.uk it first opened and the total income received from fees, grants and fundraising had not been enough to cover even the basic cost of staffing.

The predicted deficit for the current year was £20,000, which was an increase on last year and this was expected to continue to rise if the pre-school remained open.

A letter from school headteacher Nick Kiddle and chairman of the

governors, Michaela Ellis, said it was with “great sadness and deep regret” that the difficult decision had been made to close, but the pre-school had become “unviable” and there was no other choice.

The letter stated: “Added to a falling school budget, and cuts made across the whole school, a substantial rolling pre-school deficit is too heavy a burden to maintain.

“Even an increase in fees for all those parents already paying would

not make it possible to sustain the current provision.

“Unfortunately, this reflects a national problem: early years funding and provision is a national concern.”

The letter added that pre-school staff had “worked tirelessly” to promote the pre-school and increase the number of children attending, but they were unable to shrink the deficit.

The school governors have been in

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

FOUR candidates have put themselves forward for election to Lyme Regis Town Council.

Following the resignation of Cheryl Reynolds, a by-election has been called to fill the vacancy on Thursday, August 8.

Candidates have now been announced.

They include former Mayor of Lyme Regis Owen Lovell, from View Road, and former deputy mayor Steve Miller, from Woodroffe Meadow.

Also standing is Paul Edmonds, from Sidmouth Road, treasurer of Lyme Arts Community Trust, which runs the Marine Theatre, and who previously served on a large parish council in Hampshire.

The fourth candidate is Green Party candidate Rob Smith, from Blue Waters Drive, who recently stood for election to Dorset Council.

Mr Lovell, who also served for a number of years as a West Dorset district councillor, and Mr Miller both sat on Lyme Regis Town Council until May this year.

Mr Lovell spoke publicly about his disappointment at not being able to stand in the May elections, due to an administrative error with his nomination form, and Mr Miller was one of two councillors to lose their seats in the vote.

For those not already on the electoral roll, the deadline to register to vote in this byelection is midnight on Tuesday, July 23 and you can register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

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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 Production: Jackie Evans jackie@lyme-online.co.uk Regular Columnists: Sophia Moseley, Marine Theatre Mark Vandeweyer, Citizens Advice Peter Lacey, Tales of Lyme’s Past

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Local organisations invited to bid for £15k film funding LOCAL organisations will be invited to bid for the £15,000 donated to Lyme Regis from the production company of Mary Anning film ‘Ammonite’.

Fossil Films Ltd spent several weeks in Lyme Regis - the hometown of famed palaeontologist Mary Anning - earlier this year filming scenes for the movie, which will star award-winning actresses Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan.

The town council negotiated the compensation fee for allowing them to transform areas of the town into an 1840s set, including Bell Cliff, Coombe Street, the Cobb and Monmouth Beach.

In formally announcing the figure, the Mayor of Lyme Regis, Councillor Brian Larcombe MBE, said the money will be used to create a "beneficial legacy" for Lyme Regis.

There has been much discussion locally on how the money should be spent, with suggestions including donating it to a local youth charity; to help Lyme’s most vulnerable by making a contribution to a cause such as the food bank; or towards the Mary Anning Rocks campaign, which aims to erect a statue of the fossil hunter in Lyme Regis.

Speaking at last week’s Strategy & Finance Committee meeting, former councillor Cheryl Reynolds, who is chairman of the Mary Anning Rocks campaign, made a plea for the council to spend the money on a statue.

She said: “I cannot think of a more lasting legacy than a statue for Mary, one of Lyme’s greatest women and ambassadors for the town.

The last council agreed this was a worthwhile project and gave us their full support to continue.

“The beautiful cleaning of Mary’s grave has been admired by many and even Mary’s relatives, who I have had the pleasure of corresponding with, have been impressed.

“To launch the crowdfunding for the statue we

FRANCESCA EVANS

francesca@lyme-online.co.uk need £19,000 in our account and we already have £4,000. A donation from this council would enable us to pursue the crowdfunding to build the statue.

“We also have full approval from the ‘Ammonite’ film company, who I have been in contact with and who assure me this is more than acceptable to them.

“I am asking this council on behalf of the Mary Anning statue committee but, most importantly, on behalf of Lyme Regis and the people of this town. Please consider this request for the town, which will provide lasting legacy.”

Mrs Reynolds also read a statement from fellow Mary Anning Rocks committee member Lizzie Wiscombe, which said: “The money should go towards the statue because it’s high time Lyme had a fitting tribute to a remarkable woman.

“If we want to do her justice we need to hire a highly-skilled sculptor and this will cost a considerable amount. After all, we don’t want to hire a sub-standard sculptor that produces a statue that is not worthy of our incredible Mary. If we want quality I’m afraid that costs. This money will go towards engaging the best we can afford.

“I volunteer at the museum; last year we had just under 33,000 come to the museum, both national and international visitors, all with a reason for being in Lyme because of Mary’s story. Many ask why we don’t have statue.

“Mary is part of our economy and the town should recognise this with a fitting tribute of a beautiful bronze statue for today and for future generations. The reason the film crew was here was to tell Mary’s story and any money donated should go in memory of Mary.

“Her statue is the best thing we can do in her memory and when the film is released it will

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cause even more interest.

“From observing local social media pages, there seems to be overwhelming support for the money to be donated towards the establishment of a statue for Mary.”

However, when councillors came to discuss the matter they decided it would be fair to allow all local organisations the opportunity to bid for the money.

Councillor Jeff Scowen said: “I believe that we should offer any interested parties the opportunity to present their case. I don’t think now is the time to choose the statue or a specific charity.”

Councillor Michaela Ellis warned members to think “long and hard” about how they wanted to spend the money.

She said that when the production company of ‘The French Lieutenant’s Woman’, filmed in Lyme in the 1980s, gave the town a compensation fee of £8,000 - the equivalent of about £34,000 today - it was given to Lyme Regis Junior Band to buy instruments.

The band folded several years later and Councillor Ellis commented: “To this day, no one knows what happened to those instruments.”

She added: “I would like to see the money go towards something thats going to be around forever.”

Councillor John Broom said he hoped the £15,000 would not get “diluted down” by inviting all organisations to apply for it.

The Mayor of Lyme Regis, Councillor Brian Larcombe MBE, said the council could decide to split it between several organisations or give it all to one, based on the merits of their applications.

However, he warned: “£15,000 can be spent very quickly, it won’t go far.”

It was agreed to invite local organisations to apply for the funding, in a similar way to the council’s existing grants scheme, and details of this are expected to be advertised soon.

Friday, July 19 2019 3

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New mayor asked to share out top jobs THE new Mayor of Lyme Regis, Councillor Brian Larcombe MBE, has been told it is “unhealthy” for him to be taking on so many of the lead roles within the town council.

Councillor Larcombe’s predecessor, Councillor Michaela Ellis, made a plea for him to share more of the top jobs with other members, as she lost a bid to become chairman of the influential Strategy & Finance Committee.

Both Councillors Larcombe and Ellis were nominated for chairman at last week’s meeting. Before the vote was taken, Councillor Ellis pointed out that Councillor Larcombe already chaired full council as mayor and had recently been elected chairman of the Human Resources (HR) Committee and vice-chairman of the Planning Committee.

“I believe it would be very unhealthy for you to take on the chairmanship of this committee,” she commented.

“You should be allowing other people to be taking up roles on the council, otherwise you as mayor and your deputy mayor have leading roles in every committee and I don’t think that’s healthy.”

Deputy mayor Councillor Jeff Scowen, who was recently elected chairman of the Tourism, Community & Publicity Committee, said Councillor Larcombe was the “best and most experienced person for the job”.

“The fact that he has Human Resources, a minor committee, as chairman is neither here nor there,” he added.

“I also point out to Councillor Ellis; talk about sharing things around, she has been mayor four times.”

Councillor Larcombe said chairing the HR Committee was “part of the undertaking as mayor”, which he said Councillor Ellis had acknowledged herself when she nominated him for the post.

He added that he only took on the vice-chairmanship of planning to help Councillor Graham Turner in his first role as chairman, and because no one else stood for the position.

He said he planned to step down from this role when the opportunity arose.

Councillor Ellis replied: “When I was proposed for vice-chairman of Strategy & Finance last year, Councillor Stan Williams questioned the fact that the mayor should be taking on so many roles on committees, and I only had one role to do besides

FRANCESCA EVANS

that. For Councillor Scowen to say I’ve done four years as mayor; I’ve done two terms of two years and there were eight years in between them. I don’t see that as a factor to do with this.”

Councillor Larcombe commented: “I do agree we have to look to succession on this council.

Only half the councillors have been on the council before so it’s a matter of helping people into positions rather than having them dropped into a chairmanship fairly raw.

“The vice-chairmanship of planning I only took because no one else stood, and chairmanship of HR is part and parcel of the mayor’s role, so the only pure committee left and the one I’m really interested in is this one.

“I think it fits hand in glove with the kind of things I have ideas on and I hope the committee will come with me on these, to help the future re-

lationship between the town council, Dorset Council, and a number of other strategic and financial issues.”

Councillor Stan Williams added: “I really think it’s absolutely vital at this stage we have the councillors who can do the job in the best way and I really believe that Brian is the one for this job.

Half of the council is new and we need the people with the most experience taking on lead jobs.”

Councillor Larcombe said that Councillor Richard Doney had also expressed an interest in standing as chairman of Strategy & Finance and proposed him for the role. However, as Councillor Doney was absent from the meeting, the town clerk said he could not accept the nomination.

Councillor Larcombe then won the vote against Councillor Ellis, eight votes to four.

Councillor Ellis then stood against Councillor John Broom for vice-chairman, but also lost this vote.

A LYME Regis councillor has been accused of launching a “personal attack” on the town clerk.

Councillor Stan Williams has raised a number of complaints about town clerk John Wright in public meetings over the past few months, culminating at last week’s Strategy & Finance Committee when he was told his behaviour “has to stop”.

The issue arose last week when the council was reviewing its Information Policy, which states that requests for information from the council office should be dealt with within 20 working days.

Councillor Williams said he had made several requests for information from the town clerk and never even received an acknowledgement.

This followed several comments made throughout the meeting and at earlier meetings, in which Councillor Williams accused Mr Wright of not responding to requests for information and acting without permission of the council.

On each occasion, Mr Wright has firmly argued that he always follows council instruction.

Following the latest comments, the Mayor of Lyme Regis, Councillor Brian Larcombe MBE, said: “If any councillor has an issue about the ef-

fectiveness and running of the council offices, there’s a way of dealing with that.

“We have had repeats of this kind of comment and I would encourage you to follow it up in a formal way.

Councillor Williams replied: “I will, I’m appalled at what’s going on.”

Mr Wright responded: “The questions from Councillor Williams have been a personal attack on me since the beginning of this meeting. It has got to stop.

“If Councillor Williams has an issue with me he should go and see the mayor. What you shouldn’t do is bring the office of the town clerk into disrepute and it’s got to stop, it is entirely unacceptable.”

Councillor Jeff Scowen added: “It reflects badly on us all, not only the officers but members as well. It makes us look dysfunctional, which we are not.”

Mr Wright continued: “I have stated this on a number of occasions and training sessions, it’s not been heeded and it’s got to stop.”

francesca@lyme-online.co.uk

Councillor accused of launching ‘personal attack’ on town clerk

Pre-school set to close CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE contact with Dorset Council and the local Family Partnership Zone team to seek help, support and guidance for all families affected by the closure.

The letter concluded: “Over the years we have been fortunate enough to work with so many supportive parents and families: we are grateful for all your encouragement and help.

Thank you.

“We would also like to thank Caroline, Kathy and Amanda [pre-school staff] for all their hard work and their dedicated attention to every child in their care. Their development of provision for early years learning has been inspirational. Thank you to them.”

Disappointed parents and family members of the 20-plus children that attended the preschool have taken to social media this week to express their concern, including that their children will not be prepared to attend primary school without a pre-school facility.

Several have expressed disappointment that they were not given more than a week’s notice of the closure, and have called on both Dorset Council and Lyme Regis Town Council to provide additional funding for the facility.

Dorset Council confirmed that the pre-school was a governor-managed pre-school, meaning it was managed by St Michael’s Primary School.

A statement said: “Dorset Council was not involved in the decision to close the preschool.

Any decision to close would have come from the school.

“The Family Information Service (FIS), run by Dorset Council, offers a brokerage service for parents to help them find alternative childcare provision.”

Uplyme currently has a pre-school based at the village hall and Charmouth Primary School is in the process of setting up a nursery, which will be run alongside its reception class.

Look out for our next issue - a Lifeboat Week special - on August 2!

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NEWS ONLINE: Catch up with A round-up of the top stories from our website

Another close shave for rescued Archie!

A 14-year-old schoolboy, rescued by Lyme Regis lifeboat crew after being swept out to sea from the River Axe, has had another close shave. Archie Woollacott, from Fishpond, Dorset, had his hair shaved off last week to raise funds for the RNLI volunteers from Lyme Regis, who saved him and his friend Bo. He is thought to have raised some £300 with his haircut and the school also received donations for the RNLI on its non-uniform day.

Archie is pictured above with lifeboat crew members Tim Edwards and Murray Saunders before undergoing the clippers.

New additions to River Lim path VISITORS to the River Lim path between Lyme Regis and Uplyme may have noticed some new additions popping up in recent weeks. Dorset-based furniture designer and maker, Alice Blogg, has recently completed and installed creative seating and animal homes at three locations along the path.

Lifeguards begin peak season patrols at Dorset beaches RNLI lifeguards returned to Lyme Regis, West Bay and Greenhill beaches on Saturday, July 6 to run daily patrols until September.

The date marked the beginning of the lifeguards’ peak season this year, when the warm weather and summer holidays draw many people to the beaches.

To keep beach-goers safe along the Jurassic Coast, RNLI lifeguards will patrol Lyme Regis, West Bay and Greenhill from 10am to 6pm every day until the peak season ends on Sunday, September 1. On Weymouth main beach, where RNLI lifeguard patrols began on Saturday, May 4, the number of lifeguards on duty will increase from four to five for the peak season.

The RNLI lifeguards patrol the beaches to offer advice, supervise those in the sea, and rescue people who find themselves in difficulty. To keep yourself safe and informed, it is always recommended that you speak to a lifeguard on arrival at the beach to find out about the conditions and hazards on that particular day.

Alice Higgins, RNLI lead lifeguard supervisor for the area, said: “It is great to see people outside and en-

joying the Dorset coastline in the summer months but it is also important that people stay safe while doing so.

“Whether you are local or visiting on holiday, we always urge beach-goers to visit an RNLI lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags so that they are supervised while in the water. RNLI lifeguards also keep people safe on the shore by responding to first aid incidents and helping lost children.

“One particular danger to be aware of is using inflatables at the beach. These become very popular in the summer months but they are normally designed for pools rather than sea conditions. If you do use them at the beach, make sure that you remain close to the shore and that children are closely supervised. Never use inflatables when the orange windsock is flying or when the wind is blowing offshore as these conditions could drag them out to sea.”

For more information and to find your nearest lifeguarded beach visit rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches

Follow LymeOnline on social media to stay up to date 24/7 facebook.com/ LymeOnlineUK twitter.com/ LymeOnlineUK instagram.com/ lymeonline

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Town Mill launches refurbished galleries THE Town Mill in Lyme Regis has announced its programme of upcoming events at its newly-refurbished art galleries. Artists are invited to participate in the Town Mill Galleries Open Exhibition. The aim of the event is to celebrate the work of established and emerging artists and officially launch the newly-refurbished art galleries. Work in the following media will be considered for exhibiting: painting, original prints, drawings, sculpture, ceramics, textiles and photography, with the closing date for entries being August 2 (see advertisement on page 13).

Friday, July 19 2019 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 Sporting spirit sweeps the nation

LymeForward prepares for expected funding cuts LYMEFORWARD is putting together a new business plan as it hopes to overcome potential funding cuts in the future. LymeForward has previously received grants from Lyme Regis Town Council and the now-defunct West Dorset District Council, with the new Dorset Council continuing this funding commitment until March 2020. However, the move to the new unitary authority has left a question mark over future funding streams for the community interest company.

B Sharp announced as Farmfest charity partner LYME Regis-based music organisation B Sharp is delighted to have been selected as one of the two charity partners for Farmfest 2019. Held at Bruton in Somerset from July 25 to 27, the festival promises an incredible mix of music from emerging talents, cult heroes and local gems, bolstered by inspiring arts activities, dedicated family spaces, amazing charities and great local produce.

WITH the Women’s World Cup, Wimbledon and Cricket World Cup dominating our TV screens and headlines over the past few weeks, it’s been difficult not to get in the sporting mood - and that’s not something I say regularly!

I headed out to Uplyme & Lyme Regis Cricket Club on Sunday to watch a friendly against the Big Hammer touring side with some friends. With England taking on New Zealand in the World Cup final, I think more eyes were glued to their phone screens than on the field in front of them - mine included!

When the game finished we had just enough time to dash across the road to the Talbot Arms to watch the tense super over on the big screen. I’m sure it’ll go down as one of those “where were you?” moments and I heard the Wimbledon final was edge of your seat stuff too.

Even I’ve been inspired to up my health and fitness. Over the past couple of weeks I’ve started running for the first time in probably 10 years, I’ve tried out the new Jurassic Footgolf at Strawberry Field (see page 6) and I’ve upped my swimming.

It seems like lots of you have been making the most of the warmer weather and taking to the water for some sport and recreation... and a few have got a little more than they bargained for.

After Lyme’s resident seal delighted visitors in spring as he sun-

bathed on the harbour pontoons, we’ve received several reports of rare sightings out in the bay this week.

A few were lucky enough to spot of a pod of dolphins playing with the boats, and stunning video footage of them leaping out of the water stormed social media.

Other creatures spotted this week - and ones I’m less keen on catching a glimpse of - include a large basking shark just outside the harbour and a huge barrel jellyfish.

Not much mackerel though, local fishermen have reported. Could that be a sign of climate change and our oceans warming up?

I won’t pretend to be an expert on the subject, but I was pleased to see Lyme Regis Town Council unanimously agree to declare a climate emergency last week (see page 7).

It might be difficult to see what a small town council can do to help tackle such a huge global issue, but as campaigners speaking in the public forum of last week’s meeting put it - we all need to do our bit, and by taking a leading role, the town council can encourage our community to play its part.

Francesca Evans, Editor

NE W LOOK

Former police officer Cyclist takes on penny publishes second book farthing challenge FORMER police officer Simon Herfet has released the second in his series of spiritual ‘Awakening to Love’ books. Simon released his first book in November and has now published the follow-up, ‘Awakening to Love Part II’, which offers advice on how to trust in love and relinquish fear to help humanity live in global unity.

LYME Regis resident Seb Cope is in training for a gruelling 55-mile charity cycle ride on his penny farthing. Seb will complete the iconic London to Brighton Cycle Ride in September, raising funds for charity PSPA. To sponsor him visit https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SebastianCope

T.Rex tribute heading to the Marine GLAM-rock fans have the chance to see the official live tribute band dedicated to T.Rex - T.Rextasy - endorsed and approved by Marc Bolan’s family, estate, and original members of the band.

Expect all the big hits including ‘Jeepster’, ‘I Love to Boogie’, and ‘20th Century Boy’.

The concert will be held at the Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis on Friday, August 9.

Tickets cost £23.50 in advance or £27 on the door and are available by calling 01297 442138 or visit www.marinetheatre.com

LYME RE G I S

Sunday Sequence Every evening 8-10pm Dancing Fitness that’s ‘Strictly’ Fun New dancers welcome

Fun, Fab, Dance Based Fitness Join Sarah on Tuesday mornings from 10-11am for 1st session free Call 07788 946 427 for more information Other regular events include Ballet, Yoga, Pilates, Bingo and Short Mat Bowls

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, July 19 2019

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

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philip@lyme-online.co.uk

Is pre-school closure the sign of more cuts to come?

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OUNG mothers in Lyme Regis were understandably distraught this week when they heard that the pre-school, operated by St Michael’s Primary School, was closing down.

That was bad enough, but the fact they were only given one week’s notice was strongly criticised, especially as it meant it may result in some children not being prepared for primary school when the new term starts in September.

Parents were informed in a letter, jointly signed by headteacher Nick Kiddle, and Michaela Ellis, chairman of the school governors. saying the pre-school had become financially “unviable” and there was no other choice.

Apparently, the pre-school, with declining numbers, has been operating at a loss for some time and the deficit for the current year stood at £20,000. At the moment there are 20 funded children.

The letter to parents stated that the deficit was too heavy a burden to maintain, despite cuts made across the whole school in a bid to keep it open.

Of course, when such unpopular decisions are made, there is no good time to make the announcement, but concerned parents were soon on social media questioning the short notice they were given and called on the new Dorset Council and Lyme Regis Town Council to provide additional funding.

It is rumoured that Dorset Council is budgeting for a £15.5m deficit in its first year, so it is unlikely further funding from Dorchester will be forthcoming.

Lyme Regis Town Council is cash rich and could find £20,000, although it is not the function of a parish authority to finance eduction.

But the council has just sanctioned a grant of £25,000 towards the crumbling church tower and parents of the pre-school toddlers will be looking to town councillors for support.

I fear this is not the only cut on the horizon as far as Dorset Council is concerned . Town coun-

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cillors are already concerned about the future of the Tourist Information Centre, accommodated in the town council office building, and there is expectation that if this function is to continue Lyme will have to take on its annual running costs, rumoured to be around £70,000.

Public toilets could be next on the list, an expensive operation fraught with problems as the town council has discovered on a number of occasions in the past.

The Lyme authority has been hugely generous in supporting local organisations, but this too could be impossible to maintain in future years.

With reduced government funding, small towns like Lyme will have to accept, if they want to maintain facilities, they will have to pay for them.

The council is being urged in some quarters to support the proposed Mary Anning statue project, estimated to cost £175,000, by donating the £15,000 disturbance money from the ‘Ammonite’, film starring Kate Winslet, to honour one of Lyme’s most famous names from the past.

PR supremo Geoff Baker had agreed to handle the publicity for this project but withdrew his services after examining his conscience and coming to the conclusion that he could not warrant helping to raise such a large amount on a statue when there were families in the town relying on the food bank to survive.

Here’s an idea. To give the school the chance of examining all options for further funding, the town council could use £10,000 from the film money, together with a £10,000 grant, which they could afford, with the remaining £5,000 reserved for the Mary Anning statue should the rest of the money be found.

Maybe this could finance the pre-school for another year whilst alternative arrangements can be investigated, both for fundraising and for parents to find an alternative, if necessary, for early years education.

A well supported and excellently run preschool is operated in Uplyme and a new nursery is about to be launched to run alongside the reception class at Charmouth Primary School.

Concern has also been expressed on social media that if Lyme toddlers attend a pre-school in either Charmouth or Uplyme, this could have a knock-on effect on numbers attending St Michael’s in the future.

I spoke to Mayor Brian Larcombe MBE this week and he was unaware that the pre-school was closing but made it clear the council would look into the situation.

IT’S good to see there are four candidates for the forthcoming Lyme Regis byelection, caused by the surprise resignation of the people’s champion, Cheryl Reynolds.

These include two former councillors, former mayor and long-time district councillor Owen Lovell, who failed to stand at the last election due to a mix-up in the administration process, and former deputy mayor Steve Miller, who also chaired the council’s most influential committee, Strategy and Finance.

The other two candidates are Rob Smith, a Green candidate in the recent Dorset Council election, and Paul Edmonds, a trustee at the Marine Theatre and former parish councillor in Hampshire.

Polling day will be on August 8, my birthday.

Please note (especially the town council staff), my name is not among them!

READY to tee-off, or should that be kick- off? Let the father and daughter battle commence...

Football (of sorts) on the Strawberry Field at last!

ONE of the great regrets of my sporting life was the failure to deliver a new home for Lyme Regis Football Club at the Strawberry Field in Charmouth Road.

The £1.2million project was comprehensively rejected by a West Dorset planning officer who even refused to meet with us to discuss his concerns, following opposition from a handful of people in Uplyme and the surrounding parishes, some of whom could not even see the site, opposite the park and ride, from the village.

The development included a multi-use games area which would have provided facilities for other sports, not just football, especially tennis, fulfilling an undertaking by Lyme Regis Town Council to replace the old courts at the Woodmead Halls.

Lyme must be the only seaside town on the south coast without tennis facilities.

The ironic thing is, had the planning application been submitted today, it would probably have been approved with the emphasis now much more on sporting facilities for young people, the legacy of the wonderful sporting achievements in this country over the last ten years.

But that opportunity has passed and the Strawberry Field will never become a sporting complex with the cost having probably rocketed

to around £5million today.

Had the new football pitches become a reality it was always my ambition to pull on a Lyme shirt again and play, perhaps for ten minutes or so, in the opening game at the Strawberry Field.

Well, that dream came true last week, to a degree, when I was able to kick a ball around the Strawberry Field with the opening of Jurassic Footgolf, a cross between golf and soccer.

My competitive streak well and truly came to the fore when I challenged my daughter Francesca - not known for her sporting prowess - to nine holes at Lyme’s latest sporting craze.

Obviously, I emerged as the victor by five points, but Francesca did much better than I thought and got the hang of it by the ninth hole which she parred.

The Strawberry Field was acquired by the town council for sporting and recreational use, so I’m pleased to see that it is being put to that use at long last, albeit in a less ambitious manner.

Good luck to Seaton businessman Gary Davies who has launched the new sporting facility. It’s good fun, ideal for kids’ parties and family gatherings - and sports-mad old gits like me!

Cricket, wonderful cricket...

AND there was me thinking the 1966 World Cup victory by the England football team would be the most exciting sporting event of my life.

It had nothing on Sunday’s World Cup cricket final which exceeded all expectations. There are no superlatives to do justice to England’s nailbiting win over New Zealand.

Within minutes of the trophy being raised aloft by Eion Morgan, I went on Twitter and expressed the view that I hope such a marvellous sporting feat would reignite interest in grass roots cricket. It was a theme that was shared in most of the national press the following day.

The fact is that village cricket has

been in decline for years.

Last summer my old club, Uplyme & Lyme Regis, for whom I was a mediocre player but chairman for several years, nearly went to the wall. The club where I made so many lifelong friends.

The community rallied round and the club took the wise decision to reduce to one side.

The revival, both on and off the pitch, has been a credit to all and Uplyme are now experiencing some of their best results for many a moon.

But getting enough players is still an issue. Despite their improved form, Uplyme have fielded just ten men on two occasions.

School cricket is virtually extinct in this area and that doesn’t help.

When I was a kid, after every good win by the England Test X1 we would be out on the playing field, cutting a strip with our dad’s lawnmower and putting in the stumps. I took a look on Sunday afternoon.

Even after that marvellous demonstration of how exciting cricket can be (yes girls, it can), there were no kids trying to emulate our new cricketing heroes. Just a few teenagers, behaving themselves, smoking fags and listening to the beat boxes blaring out rap music.

Nothing wrong with that, but I just wonder what they are missing.

Friday, July 19 2019 7

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Town council declares climate emergency LYME Regis Town Council has unanimously agreed to declare a climate emergency and commit itself to tackling environmental issues.

Following a call from Lyme Regis resident and keen environmentalist Simon West, new councillor Belinda Bawden put forward the proposal to declare a climate and environmental emergency and the issue was discussed at last week’s Strategy & Finance Committee meeting.

Several residents spoke passionately in favour of the proposal during the public forum, including Mr West, who explained that he was in the process of setting up the Lyme Regis One Planet working group, bringing together local people and organisations to create a co-ordinated approach to tackle climate change, based on the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.

He commented: “I cannot solve climate change, Lyme Regis cannot solve climate change, it’s going to take everybody and by you voting to declare a climate emergency you will be sending a clear signal that you are part of the solution.

“I realise it may be difficult to see exactly what the council can do and there may be things that are way beyond the remit of the council. However, I am prepared to put my efforts into this and have started to put together a One Planet working group, which will bring together all of the existing groups within Lyme Regis who are working to help solve some of the issues of climate change, and make sure the people of Lyme Regis are involved in this; not just looking to the council to solve everything but to be a part of it.”

Mr West’s wife, Tracey West, who is CEO of reforestation charity The Word Forest Organisation, added: “There are so many stories from around the world, not just from this country, of new councils declaring a climate emergency. We can lead the way for coastal communities – we need the sea in the bay more than anybody. We

FRANCESCA EVANS

francesca@lyme-online.co.uk could lead the way as a tiny town with a very big attitude.”

Rob Smith, who is standing in the upcoming town council by-election as a Green Party candidate (see front page), said: “Lyme Regis can feel a small and insignificant town but we have a reputation around the world; we’re known as the birthplace of palaeontology and other sciences and because of our visitors we are known globally.

“The UK sparked the industrial revolution and it’s our duty to help repair some of this damage and lead the world in a de-carbonised economy.

Lyme Regis can play an important part; we are a small community but people do look at us for leadership and we do have a reputation.

Time to take action “As a coastal town we are also particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels, and if you read some of the predictions if we don’t achieve the reduced carbon levels proposed, we may see catastrophic sea level rises which would seriously affect the town. Therefore I would like the town council to do everything they can in being a leader, tackling climate change and CO2 emissions.”

Former town councillor Rikey Austin added: “I cannot imagine for a moment that this council won’t support the motion for declaring a climate emergency with so many people in the community talking about it and councils across the country taking this action… but I hope that this council doesn’t just pay lip service to this idea and actually gets behind the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and really takes action for the best of this community and your residents.”

Councillor Bawden said Lyme Regis was at the “forefront” of environmental issues, having been the first town in Dorset and 24th in the UK to achieve plastic-free status. She said that businesses were recognising the advantages of

“going green” and many local organisations, including Lyme Regis Development Trust, LymeForward and the Lyme Regis Society, were keen to work with the new One Planet group to create a co-ordinated community effort.

Councillor Bawden encouraged fellow members to support the proposal and sign up to the ‘Be The Change’ initiative in partnership with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, which include: no poverty; zero hunger; good health and wellbeing; quality education; gender equality; clean water and sanitation; affordable and clean energy; decent work and economic growth; industry, innovation and infrastructure; reduced inequalities; sustainable cities and communities; responsible production and consumption; climate action; life below water; life on land; peace justice and strong institutions; partnerships for the goals.

She said the council would be the first town council in the South West to sign up to this initiative, and possibly the first in the south of England, with the exception of London.

Deputy mayor Jeff Scowen also gave his backing to the proposal, and said that not supporting it would “set us back when we’re in the vanguard of green issues”.

The Mayor of Lyme Regis, Councillor Brian Larcombe MBE, spoke in favour of several of the proposed initiatives the council could take forward to help tackle climate change, saying that several of them tied in with existing projects.

The proposed initiatives included: ● Migration to an electric fleet of vehicles ● Solar panels on the roof of the council-owned former cadet hut, behind Anning Road ● Installation of water points on the seafront Free use of the town bus for Gateway Card holders ● A review of water consumption ● The purchase of green utilities ● The ethical investment of reserves and surpluses

The introduction of car recharging points Green tourism initiatives, such as a parking levy to be invested in growing more trees in the tropics ● A move towards an electronic, paper-free office ● Sustainable and eco-friendly cemetery and gardens ● A energy efficient and eco-friendly office refurbishment Councillor Stan Williams also suggested that conditions could be placed on the council’s seafront concessions, preventing them from using single-use plastic products.

Town clerk John Wright commented: “Let’s not just make a statement, let’s start by having a list of things we can practically do to get the ball rolling.”

He said that several of the initiatives would not take a long time to get going, were relatively cheap and simple, while others would have to be programmed for future years.

Councillor Scowen commented: “What I really like about this is the community involvement. It involves the council with the community and we need to do more things like that. This is tailor made for getting everybody involved.”

It was unanimously agreed to declare a climate and environmental emergency, with Councillors Belinda Bawden, Kelsey Ellis and Leon Howe chosen to join the One Planet working group.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr West commented: “I am delighted that LRTC voted unanimously to declare a climate and environmental emergency, and that three councillors have asked to join the One Planet Working Group.

“I am certain that Lyme Regis can not only play its part in combatting climate change and biodiversity loss, but can lead the way amongst coastal communities in meeting early targets to become fully carbon neutral.”

Anyone interested in joining the One Planet group or looking for more details can email Mr West on simon@swandev.co.uk ● ●

Church receives £25,000 boost for tower appeal LYME Regis Town Council has agreed to grant £25,000 to the ongoing tower appeal at St Michael’s Parish Church.

The church’s bell tower is currently suffering from water ingress, causing damage inside the historic building, and a full refurbishment is expected to cost almost £150,000.

The church has raised £76,260 through special events, grants and from its reserves, but it requires 80 per cent of the total cost before work can begin.

In June 2018, the town council agreed to underwrite the cost of the project to a maximum sum of £66,770.50, on the condition that the church’s £50,000 Coastal Revival Funding application was successful, but the bid was rejected and the council’s money was therefore not forthcoming.

Councillors were asked again to consider granting funds towards the project at last week’s Strategy & Finance Committee meeting.

Newly-elected councillor David Sarson started the discussion by proposing that the council make a £25,000 donation, describing the church as “an historical building of great importance to the people of this town”.

Councillor Jeff Scowen agreed, pointing out it was the only Grade I listed building in the town - the Cobb being classed as a structure, not a building.

He added that, while some may argue the Church of England could afford the repairs, the fact was the town had to raise the funds itself. “Unless we help it could fall down,” he commented.

“Let’s show that we value the church, a beautiful building, and we must not let it deteriorate.”

Councillor Michaela Ellis confirmed that

the church belonged to the congregation and it was up to them to raise the funds and look after the building, with only a set amount of money being received from the Church of England each year.

The Mayor of Lyme Regis, Councillor Brian Larcombe MBE, described the church as one of the principal buildings of the town that dominated the landscape, and said its connection with residents was very deep.

Councillor Ellis said residents expected the church to be there for weddings, funerals and christenings, and the mayor of the town had always used St Michael’s for civic events.

She added that the council had never donated any money towards the structure of the building before, and proposed they grant the church £50,000.

However, Councillor Stan Williams argued that St Michael’s had not always been the church of choice for the mayor - it depended on their religion. He raised concerns that donating funds to St Michael’s would leave them open to requests from other churches in the town.

Some concerns were also raised about whether the council was actually allowed to donate money to the church, as the Local Government Act of 1984 states that local councils’ powers, duties and liabilities do not include the affairs and property of the church and those held for an ecclesiastical charity.

It was unclear whether the prohibition still applied or whether it was overridden by legislation made since the 1984 act.

Advice of the National Association of Local Councils was to act “prudently” on the matter, and the council’s solicitor advised members to act “cautiously”.

Town clerk John Wright told members that

SUPPORTERS of St Michael’s Parish Church held their annual beach stall at the Marine Parade shelters last week. The successful event included a tombola, homemade cakes, books and bric-a-brac, raising a total of £1,171 to further boost its ongoing tower appeal they would be taking a risk if they agreed to make a grant to the church, but suggested this should be a “considered risk” and they should think the issues through before making a decision.

When coming to the vote, Councillor Ellis’ proposal to grant £50,000 failed to win enough support but councillors agreed on the initial proposal to grant £25,000.

Church members have emphasised the importance of raising the necessary funds and starting work as soon as possible, as plaster on the walls inside the baptistry has now started falling down, meaning the main entrance to the church has had to be locked

for safety reasons.

Church-goers are instead being asked to use the north entrance.

Speaking recently to LymeOnline, Heidi Merrett, lay-chairman of the Parochial Church Council, said: “The church is there for people to take comfort in and help them through crisis. It’s open everyday but we have to keep it safe, we’d hate to see it closed.”

Anyone who is interested in helping the fundraising campaign or has any ideas for events should contact Heidi on 07706 058 676.

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Village hosts 90th horticultural show UPLYME & Lyme Regis Horticultural Society hosted its 90th annual Summer Show and Country Fayre on Saturday.

Held at the King George V playing field, the event included a family dog show, games, stalls and entertainment alongside the traditional horticultural show, which this year celebrated the potato.

Neil Croton came out on top, winning the RHS Banksian Medal Supreme Award, as well as two trophies for flowers and foliage, one for floral art and a prize for blackcurrants.

Results for most points were as follows: Woodroffe Challenge Cup for flowers & foliage - Neil Croton; Ian Stobo Trophy for flowers & foliage (best points score by anyone who has not previously won a points competition) - Neil Croton; Williams Challenge Cup for fruit & vegetables - Megan Tipping; Dorothy & Fred Stevens Memorial Cup for fruit & vegetables (best points score by anyone who has not previously won a points competition) - Megan Tipping; Winemaker’s Cup for wine - Rob Harvey; Mary Fring’s Challenge Cup for preserves - Pauline Croxford and Alan Finch; Morrish Challenge Cup for home produce - Pauline Croxford; Cartwright Challenge Cup for craft - Anita Routley; Mrs Rex Woodroffe Challenge Cup for floral art - Neil Croton; Shilton Cup for photography - Max Trafford; Wilson Cup for junior (Year 2 and below) - Matty; Lindsey Jenkin-Carter Cup for junior (Years 3 to 6) - Zach; De La Mare Cup for family dog show Clare and Gary Heath with Hercules; RHS Banksian Medal Supreme Award for highest points in horticultural classes - Neil Croton.

Results for best exhibits were as follows: Seamark Cup for flowers & foliage - Roy Keeley; Mrs J. Thomas Cup for flowers & foliage (junior

PRIZEWINNERS and their trophies, pictured with horticultural society president Pam Corbin entrants in adult classes) - Horatio Lawrence; Worshipful Company of Gardeners Diploma for best flowering plant - Richard Wells; McLeod Innes Cup for specimen rose - Tony Cook; J & F.J. Baker Cup for fruit & vegetables - Bill Howarth; Bullock Cup for fruit & vegetables (junior entrant in adult classes) - Mrs Ethelston’s School Gardening Club; Thompson Tankard for wine - Rob Harvey; Cakemaker’s Cup for set recipe - Jo Neave; Diamond Jubilee Cup for craft - Megan Tipping; Llewellyn White Shield for novice floral art - Claire Wilding; Diana Bridges Cup for floral exhibit - Claire Wilding; Leslie Bretherick Cup for photography - Chris Bartlett;

Junior Photo Cup for photography - Horatio Lawrence; Raff Bint Cup for best trick in dog show - Sue Drinkwater with Hollie.

Results for sponsored special awards: Uplyme Post Office Award for mixed flowers Valerie Maddison; Westcrete Award for fuchsia plant/nemesia - Gill Wells; Groves Nurseries Awad for blackcurrants - Neil Croton; Talbot Arms Award for tomatoes - Alan Finch; River Cottage Award for potato in a bucket - Ann Keeley and Amy McLean; Beviss & Beckingsale Award for potato in a bucket (junior) - Mrs Ethelston’s reception class.

Father and son take on cycling challenge for air ambulance

FATHER and son Justin and Orlando Migliari will be cycling to Scotland this August

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WE WILL BEAT CANCER SOONER

FATHER and son cycling team Justin and Orlando Migliari, from Uplyme, will be taking on a 450-mile challenge this August in aid of Devon Air Ambulance.

Justin, who works at Holyrood Academy in Chard, and 11-year-old Orlando, who attends Mrs Ethelston’s Primary School, will be cycling from Lyme Regis to Gretna Green in Scotland over five days next month. They will be wild camping along the route and will be carrying all of their own equipment.

Both father and son are experienced cyclists, with Orlando and younger brother Enzo having already joined their parents on several longdistance rides.

Orlando has completed rides around Paris twice, covered 180 miles in Germany and joined dad Justin on a charity cycle from Lyme Regis to Minehead last December.

He also regularly cycles to school but it is his passion for gymnastics, as a keen member of Honiton Gymnastics Club, that really keeps his fitness levels up.

The pair decided to raise funds for Devon Air Ambulance after watching the helicopter attend a recent emergency in the village, when they were able to chat to some of the crew.

They are hoping to raise £500.

Justin said friends and colleagues have already been very generous, and Mrs Ethelston’s held a collection to boost their funds at its recent school play.

Colyton Cycles is also supporting the team, by offering a full check and service on their bikes.

To sponsor Justin and Orlando online, visit www.justgiving.com and search ‘Migliari’.

thecharmouthpage

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All invited to enter annual Summer Show

Record year for Charmouth Challenge THE annual Charmouth Challenge race attracted a record number of entries when it was held for the 36th year on Saturday, July 6.

More than 450 runners took part in the eightmile fell run, which is quickly becoming one of the most popular in the region, taking in stunning coastal scenery and a gruelling hike up Golden Cap - the highest point on the south coast.

The event is the biggest fundraiser of the year for Charmouth Primary School, with many pupils also taking part in the shorter two-mile fun run up Stonebarrow Hill.

Stalls and refreshments were also set up in the school grounds to help boost funds.

Organisers would like to thank all those who supported the event, including local businesses who sponsored Charmouth Challenge, as well as the village community for helping and being patient in dealing with road closures and other inconveniences.

Results were as follows: Male Runners - 1st James Baker (Chichester Runners & AC), 52mins; 2nd Chris McMillan (Weston Athletic Club), 53mins; 3rd Simon Fox

(Petts Wood Runners), 53mins. Female Runners - 22nd Helen Wallington (Totton Running Club), 1hr, 5mins; 25th Susan Duncan (Weston Athletic Club), 1hr 7mins; 36th Suzanne Spiller (Honiton Running Club), 1hr, 10mins.

ENTRIES are now being invited for Charmouth Gardeners’ Summer Show, to be held on Saturday, August 10.

The traditional horticultural show will this year include several new classes to encourage more people to ‘give it a go’. Classes include flowers, fruit and vegetables, home produce and handicrafts with this year’s theme being ‘Doorways’ and ‘Seaside’, plus a new section for a drawing in any medium on the set themes.

Photography classes are also very popular and this year’s subjects are ‘The Colour Blue’, ‘Trunks’, ‘Best Friends’, ‘Shadows’, ‘Games’ and ‘Garden Creatures’.

There are also several classes for children to enter and a Children’s Cup to take home and keep for the best child’s exhibit.

A free programme and entry form, listing full details and all the categories, is available from Fortnam Smith & Banwell Estate Agents in Charmouth and the deadline for entry is Wednesday, August 7. Entering the competition is free.

The event itself will be held on Saturday, August 10 from 2.30pm, with displays in both Charmouth Village Hall on Wesley Close and St Andrew’s Community Hall on Lower Sea Lane.

Entry costs £1 for adults (covers both halls) and accompanied children go free.

Refreshments and home-cooked cakes will be available throughout the afternoon and prizes will be presented in the community hall at 4.30pm.

CHARMOUTH Girl Guides Emma Thatcher and Molly Bolton show off their awards with fellow members and leaders

Top award for Girl Guides

Photos by Richard Austin

TWO members of the 1st Charmouth Guides have received the prestigious Baden Powell Award.

The award, named after the founder of the Scouting and Girl Guides movement, is one that few members will receive and takes a great deal of effort and commitment to achieve.

Emma Thatcher and Molly Bolton, both aged 14 and from Tatworth, near Chard, had to complete many challenges for the award, such as teach others first aid, write reports on events that they have been to and organise charity events.

They also taught the other guides to have disability awarenesss and attended a residential adventure weekend with other Guides from all over the south, to Brownsea Island, the home of Scouts and Guides.

Members of the 1st Charmouth Guides held a special party night to celebrate Emma and Molly’s success.

Debbie Thatcher from Charmouth Guides said: “We are all very proud of the girls and their journey through the guiding movement.”

10 Friday, July 19 2019

Petition to bring back Big Issue seller PHILIP EVANS

philip@lyme-online.co.uk A PETITION has been launched to bring back the Big Issue vendor who has operated outside Tesco in Broad Street, Lyme Regis, for several years.

Complaints are thought to have been made to the magazine by a number of people about her persistent sales technique, and she was then removed from the pitch by Big Issue bosses, who said she was “subjected to verbal and physical abuse”.

This newspaper understands that the seller, named Mirella, is now operating in Lace Walk, Honiton.

Derek Sharples, UK Sales and Operations Manager at The Big Issue, said: “Big Issue vendors are vulnerable individuals facing a variety of challenges in their lives, working not begging, to earn a legitimate income.

They are out in all weathers, in local communities and rely wholly on the support of local people “It is hugely disappointing and disconcerting that this individual has been subjected to verbal and physical abuse whilst working at her pitch in Lyme Regis.

“We take the safety of vendors extremely seriously and, therefore, upon learning of the said abuse, we took immediate action and provided the vendor in question with a new pitch.

“We do recognise that the majority of the community has shown support for the vendor and thank those individuals for their care and concern.”

After learning that Mirella was no longer operating outside Tesco, former Lyme Regis town councillor Rikey Austin launched a petition on Facebook calling for her return.

At the time of going to press more than 40 people had signed the petition.

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Fun and games for all the family as Regatta & Carnival Week returns LYME Regis Regatta & Carnival has been one of the most popular events on the local calendar for more than 70 years.

Visiting families return to the town year after year especially for the event, and residents also love to join in with this busy week of seaside fun.

The Regatta & Carnival Committee has been busy working on this summer’s programme since last October, with a packed week of more than 50 events set to take place from Saturday, August 3 to Sunday, August 11.

The events will raise funds for local good causes, with the Regatta & Carnival Committee last year giving away £14,250 in donations to 26 different groups - a record for just one year.

The week will kick off with a spectacular fireworks display on Saturday, August 3, jointly organised with Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week. Other favourite events set to return include the torchlight procession on Thursday, August 8, open air cinema nights in Lister Gardens, showing ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Wallace & Gromit’, and the grand duck race.

New to this year will be the first Lyme Regis Welly Wanging Championship and, making a welcome return, the popular Golf Ball Derby will also feature on the programme.

On the water, the local sailing and gig rowing clubs will be hosting their annual regattas, while Lyme Splash will be holding a water polo championship off the harbour pontoons - it is the only sea water polo championship to be held in the UK and attracts teams from all over the country.

There will be plenty to keep the children entertained throughout the week, with the programme including many games and competitions, as well as the traditional sand sports and pavement art.

Local organisations such as Lyme Regis Majorettes and Lyme Regis Taekwondo Club will be entertaining audiences with displays and there will also be plenty of live music.

The busy week will be topped off with the grand carnival procession on the evening of Saturday, August 10 and residents, visitors, local busi-

nesses and organisations are encouraged to dress up and get into the carnival spirit.

Regatta and Carnival Committee secretary, Alan Vian, said: “We are so looking forward to seeing everyone take part in the events designed for all the family. We hope to add to the enjoyment of those on holiday here in Lyme Regis as well as raising funds for so many worthy local

good causes.

“Have a great week, come and see us and help us to help you enjoy our very special seaside town – Lyme Regis.”

For full details of all Lyme Regis Regatta & Carnival Week events, don’t forget to buy your programme, now available in local outlets or to download from www.lymeregiscarnival.co.uk

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THE campaign to preserve local post offices has been stepped up.

Citizens Advice is concerned at the number of local post offices that have recently closed in this area and has called on the government to continue to provide extra funding to help protect village community branches and has said that unless this is done it is almost certain that more of these will disappear.

The post office in Charmouth closed in May and the efforts to find a permanent replacement have not so far been successful.

Citizens Advice is also concerned about the increasing proportion of post office branches that are becoming part-time outreach offices, which is currently the situation in Charmouth where a temporary service is now operating on Thursdays from the village’s library.

Bridport and District Citizens Advice, which covers Lyme Regis, Charmouth and Uplyme, held its annual meeting earlier this month when it was reported that more than 2,500 sought its help during the year ending March 31 2019, which is an increase of more than 400 compared to the previous year.

One of the major reasons for this were problems with Universal Credit, the new social security system replacing six means-tested benefits and tax credits with a single monthly payment, with over 250 people needing help with their claims.

Significant problem areas for claimants include the date of claim and backdating, high levels of deductions from payments, delays in medical assessments to assess incapacity for work, overpayments and incorrect calculation of benefit entitlement (underpayments) for those in and out of work.

Sir Oliver Letwin, West Dorset’s MP, commented: “The work Citizens Advice do locally is completely invaluable for many vulnerable citizens in West Dorset, as I know from the many occasions on which they and I have worked together to resolve problems and to seek adjustments in the way the benefits sys-

tem is administered.”

At the annual meeting, Tony Rogers, the chairman, thanked the community for their financial support without which, as a charity, it would not be able to continue. This included grants from Lyme Regis Town Council and the parish councils at Charmouth and Uplyme.

Mr Rogers said: “Our local councils understand and value our work, and we look forward to continued support from the new Dorset Council. With all aspects of public, charitable, volunteer and private enterprises working together, we can truly address the needs of the most vulnerable members of our community and ensure they enjoy the most of what is available and to which they are entitled.”

He also paid tribute to the wide range of experience and enthusiasm of its more than 70 volunteers which make it possible to help so many local people. Most of these volunteers contribute a day a week of their time.

Help from Citizens Advice is free, confidential and impartial and it holds two advice sessions in Lyme Regis each week. They are on Mondays between 10am and 12noon at the Medical Centre in Uplyme Road, DT7 3LS and on Wednesdays from 10am to 3pm at the St Michael's Business Centre, DT7 3DB, in the centre of the town. No appointment is required.

Anyone is also welcome to seek help at its offices in South Street, Bridport, DT6 3NY every weekday between 10am and 3pm or can contact Citizens Advice by email on advice@bridport-cab.org.uk or by telephone on 03442-451291, which gets you through to the Dorset AdviceLine.

For people just wanting help with Universal Credit claims they can contact Citizens Advice on a national freephone number which is 0800144-8-444 and a webchat support service is available through its website.

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Telephone: 01297 445622 Website: www.royallionhotel.com

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Community Land Trust reconsiders Woodmead Halls site for affordable housing development LYME Regis Community Land Trust (CLT) will carry out a feasibility study into the possibility of providing affordable homes to rent at Woodmead Halls car park.

The car park on Hill Road, owned by Lyme Regis Town Council, has been suggested for affordable housing before, with the council having pushed for a development in previous years, but it was met with several planning issues and never got off the ground.

Members of the CLT, which has already successfully developed 15 affordable rental homes at the new Garmans Field estate, off Timber Hill, said they had “dumped” previous plans for the Woodmead Halls car park and had started again with a clean slate.

Speaking at last week’s town council meeting, CLT chairman Keith Jenkin said: “Lyme Regis CLT was formed some seven years ago.

At an early meeting the late Councillor Barbara Austin MBE said in this chamber, ‘What you want to do is provide affordable rental housing for local people in perpetuity.’ We certainly didn’t realise the full impact of what she said but we took it on board and it became our mission statement.

“Since then, we have developed 15 affordable units of various sizes at Garmans Field, all of which are tenanted by people with a confirmed local connection. We have also won the People Powered Award of the Year and have been shortlisted for the National Affordable Housing Scheme of the Year.

“We have seemingly built a reputation in housing association circles and were asked to

FRANCESCA EVANS

francesca@lyme-online.co.uk

lead a workshop at the CLT national conference a few months ago.

“At the onset there was a massive need for affordable housing for people in Lyme Regis.

This was evidenced by the fact that when our 15 units became available, 258 bids were made. Some considerable sifting then took place and we eventually got the number down to 45 - an oversubscription of 300 per cent.

“That need still remains and with this in mind we ask the council for permission to undertake a feasibility study of the Woodmead Halls car park area.”

Mr Jenkin’s wife and fellow CLT member, Lorna Jenkin, then gave further details on the project.

Mrs Jenkin was a town councillor when the previous housing scheme for Woodmead Halls car park was put forward, so she said she understood what councillors’ concerns would be.

“It became unwieldy and planners at West Dorset warned it would not be accepted,” she commented.

“The CLT has dumped those plans into past history and started again with a clean slate.”

Mrs Jenkin explained that the CLT was now focussing on an area of land behind the Emergency Services Centre, adjacent to the town council’s car park, which was currently owned by the ambulance trust and Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service. The land is not currently used and Mrs Jenkin said it was “surprising how big the space is”.

Tales From Lyme’s Past

A glimpse of our history by Peter Lacey

THE YANKS ARE COMING THE above became a reality in November 1943 when the 1st Rifle Battalion of the 16th Infantry Regiment came to the town direct from active service in North Africa and Sicily.

They were billeted in the town, in Uplyme and in the vacated Spittles coastal battery site, several of the foundations are still visible today. There was also a tented encampment in what is now Anning Road.

These battle-hardened troops underwent further intensive training in preparation for the D-Day landings. As part of the 1st Division they landed on the well-defended Omaha Beach and suffered extremely high casualties before establishing a beach-head and moving inland.

One landing craft helmsman stated that “not one soldier from my craft made it to the shore, they were all slaughtered as they ran down the ramp”.

Prior to D-Day the American GIs enjoyed the hospitality of the townsfolk, one soldier recalled “their good grace and patience despite the American military almost taking over the community”. It must have been a culture shock for the GIs and the residents, knowledge of Americans being limited to films.

They also found it difficult to understand why the US Army was segregated in wartime.

A transport unit of black GIs (black soldiers were mainly confined to support roles) were camped at the Timber Vale Caravan Site.

After one was stabbed in the town square, action was taken by the military to resolve the situation.

The Americans found Lyme agreeable; popular venues were the Regent Cinema, the NAAFI (army canteen) in the Marine Theatre and of course the pubs, which at times ran dry. James Cagney, a famous American film

star came to Lyme to entertain his countrymen, his visit caused a great deal of local excitement.

The British culinary delight unknown to the GIs was fish and chips (the only food not to be rationed during the war) - it was soon in great demand. There was, however, a public protest when the GIs were monopolising the bakery in Broad Street and buying much of the freshly baked bread and cakes. An order was made putting the bakery out of bounds.

British soldiers were inclined to envy the GIs, anyone asking “what is wrong with the Americans?”, may have been humorously told “they are overpaid and over here”. A popular greeting to the GIs from children was “got any gum chum”? The soldiers were very generous in dispensing sweets and chocolate (which were rationed in England) to the delighted youngsters.

The Battalion left Lyme on May 28 on route to Weymouth, their D-Day embarkation port.

Veterans have in past years revisited Lyme, on one such occasion a commemorative plaque was placed on the house at the junction of Silver Street and Woodmead Road, the site of C Company headquarters.

The 1st Division, to which the 1st Rifle Battalion belonged, had casualty figures of 124 killed, 431 missing in action and 1,083 wounded, a total of 1,638. One soldier from the 1st Battalion (who was wounded five times) wrote that “the Battalion was more or less completely wiped out, it was a total sacrifice”.

Whenever I walk in the tranquil Spittles it is impossible not to remember all those young Americans, who spent their last days there and then died for our freedom.

Peter Lacey, Local author and historian

Mrs Jenkin said the fire and ambulance services were “fully behind our idea” and had agreed to make the land available for affordable housing.

She said: “We know from those 250-odd applications that the need for affordable housing exists and we are now thinking of compact maisonette or studio flat-type housing for singles and couples seeking one-bedroom accommodation, not families. There are currently 38 eligible applicants for this size home on the Dorset Home Choice housing list for Lyme Regis.

“We know that housing associations will rehouse any tenants with babies and small children into more suitable accommodation elsewhere in the town.

“Our broad idea is to commission a feasibility study by experts in the field of CLTs and affordable housing to look a way of incorporating a few units on the grass or elsewhere, which will protect the council’s income and fit into the landscape.

“We know that the income from the car park is essential to the council and we envisage no loss of parking spaces and hope there may even be an increase. We will insist that you and the wider public are given an opportunity to contribute to the study.

“We have considered the idea of incorporat-

ing into the study a professional look at the whole of the car park area to see if re-jigging the layout will increase spaces; if it doesn’t then we will leave well alone.

“The cost of the study will come from CLT sources and any re-jigging and access costs will form part of the overall development cost of the project; nothing will be asked of the council’s budget. We are asking to give your blessing to this feasibility study, not to commit to anything further at this time.”

Despite Mrs Jenkin’s assurances over parking spaces, Councillor Michaela Ellis raised some reservations.

She commented: “The conflict that this raised between residents and parking, and the impact of the development on the character of the area, is something we really need to consider. But the biggest issue is the parking spaces that could be lost… we need every paring space in this town for residents and visitors.”

Councillor Ellis, who declared a personal interest in the matter as her house backs onto the Woodmead Halls car park, then left the chamber and did not take part in the debate.

Members agreed to give permission for the feasibility study to be carried out with very little further discussion.

LYME Regis Town Council has agreed to scrap any future plans to continue using the Sidmouth Road park and ride site.

The land off Sidmouth Road, just across the county border in East Devon, was first used as a park and ride in 2005 to make up for spaces lost in town centre car parks while the coastal protection works were being carried out.

When the works were finished, the town council continued to operate the park and ride until September 2016. The site was subject to several controversial planning applications for its continued use during this period, with the latest refused by East Devon District Council in May 2018 on the basis of lack of evidence submitted with the application to justify the need for the facility, and the harmful impact it would have on the surrounding Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Lyme Regis Town Council then commissioned a £25,000 traffic and parking survey by engineering company Hydrock to support a future case for the park and ride. However, having recently received the initial results of the survey, the vehicle numbers did not show that the park and ride would have any substantial benefit on Lyme Regis’ traffic issues.

Councillors were asked to consider whether they wished to pursue the park and ride site any further at last week’s Strategy & Finance Committee.

Councillor Graham Turner commented: “I think the park and ride at Sidmouth Road should be forgotten altogether because when the Charmouth Road one is full up and the car parks are full up, Lyme is full up.”

Councillor Michaela Ellis agreed, adding: “We do not need that park and ride. We have extended the number of spaces at Charmouth Road and we need to forget it and concentrate on those areas we can concentrate on.”

However, Councillor John Broom suggested the council keep the site - which the council has been paying rent for despite not using the land - on the “back burner” for another year until it was clear whether they would be successful in introducing signage, as suggested in the Hydrock report, on the A35 directing traffic to use the Charmouth Road entrance to Lyme Regis, rather than coming through Uplyme.

“If we don’t get the suggested signage we will still need something to deal with traffic coming in from Devon,” he said.

Deputy town clerk Mark Green said the council was “between a rock and hard place”, as the re-

port had not provided enough information to substantiate another planning application for the park and ride, but if they continued not to use the land they were required to carry out remedial works to return it to its former condition.

He commented: “Our planning permission has obviously expired. There was a condition of it that required remedial works to be undertaken by a certain date. We are past that date already and I think it is unlikely we will be allowed to continue and not carry out those works for another year or more.”

Councillor Ellis commented: “We have to remember why that park and ride was opened. It was because Charmouth Road car park was closed for the coastal protection works to cover all the spaces lost there.

“We were lucky enough to have it and we hoped to keep it going, but because we have extended Charmouth Road park and ride I don’t think we can keep spending money up at Sidmouth Road.”

The Mayor of Lyme Regis, Councillor Brian Larcombe MBE, added: “I would not support the retention of the park and ride site at Sidmouth Road or another planning application for its future use. The Hydrock report says the numbers don’t stack up and we have ideas on how to make the Charmouth Road park and ride more effective, but even that isn’t full on days when you would expect it to be.

“The numbers in the Sidmouth Road park and ride were relatively small. I firmly believe that the proposed signage will make a real difference to the amount of traffic that comes through Uplyme looking for a park and ride.”

Councillor Jeff Scowen said this should be made clear to local residents, who were still regularly asking why the park and ride was not up and running and said the town council was “letting them down”.

He continued: “It’s only because people don’t have the information that it’s been proved not necessary, and certainly with the signage which is going to happen. We must let the public know because they do not understand why we’re not chasing it up and they mistakenly still feel it was useful and we need it, when we don’t.”

Councillor Larcombe added that even if the town council decided to pursue a further planning application, he thought it was unlikely East Devon would approve it.

It was agreed not to pursue the Sidmouth Road park and ride any further.

Sidmouth Road park and ride site scrapped by town council

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Sausage & Cider Festival breaks football club fundraising record

LYME Regis Football Club has announced that its popular Sausage & Cider Festival, held on Saturday, July 6, was its most successful single fundraising event to date, raising £9,500.

The club hosted the annual event at its Davey Fort ground in Charmouth Road, which was packed with an estimated 800-plus festivalgoers soaking up the sunshine.

The event was officially opened by town crier Alan Vian and offered a full programme of live music, with performers including the Lyme Luggers ukulele group, local singer and musician Harvey Causley, Honiton-based band Dark Matter, and Lyme Regis favourites DeltaTango7 taking the headline spot.

A menu of 24 ciders was sponsored by local businesses and individuals, and a variety of Colyton Butchers’ award-winning sausages were cooked on the barbecue.

A raffle to win a ‘wheelbarrow of booze’ also proved popular with the crowds, while a bouncy

castle organised by Lyme Regis Kids Club kept the children busy.

Volunteers from the football club were rushed off their feet all day, with the event attracting a significantly larger crowd than in previous years.

The club also made a £100 donation to Lyme Regis lifeboat crew for use of their barbecue.

Francesca Evans, a member of the organising committee, said: “This was the third time we have hosted the Sausage & Cider Festival and we are overwhelmed with how popular it has become.

“It was definitely the busiest so far, raising almost twice as much as in previous years, and was the most successful single fundraiser in Lyme Regis Football Club’s history!

“We would like to thank all those who supported the event, volunteered or helped in any way, especially our sponsors including main sponsor Advantage Digital Print.

“We are already making plans on how to make

the festival even better next year!”

Commenting on the funds raised, Miss Evans continued: “Lyme Regis Football Club costs about £12,000 a year to run and we aim to raise a further £12,000 each year to secure grant funding from Lyme Regis Town Council for our ongoing development scheme to improve the ground and clubhouse for our players and supporters.

“This has included a kitchen extension which has proved invaluable for catering at home games and during special events such as the Sausage & Cider Festival, and has also made the club a more desirable venue for private events and other local organisations.

“The next phase of the project will be the construction of a 63-seat grandstand on the south bank, for which planning permission has just been received (see page 24).

“Next year, we will be focussing on improving the drainage on the pitch, as well as resurfacing

our car park and replacing the perimeter fencing.

“We host a full programme of fundraising events during the year, including regular Sunday lunches and our popular Christmas auction, so keep an eye out for details!”

Sausage & Cider Festival sponsors were as follows: Advantage Digital Print, Jurassic Coast Developments Ltd, Sparkles of Lyme, Philip Evans. Andrew ‘Percy’ Peadon Painting & Decorating, Alex Levan, Larx Gardening Services, Roly’s Fudge Pantry, Old Forge Fossil Shop, Evergreen Renewable Energy, Gerard Hitchcock, Wessex Star Disco, Kelly Murray’s Pool & Spa Services, Axe Skip Hire, Serendip, Portcullis Alarms, A. Daughtry Plumbing & Heating, Larx Nest, Bridport Tyres & Auto Repair Specialists, RBS Scaffolding, Lyme Rocks, Millers Farm Shop, Re-flow, Colyton Butchers, SWK Lyme Regis.

Registered charity: 104 16 14

OPEN EXHIBITION

7th August - 23rd August Submissions from £15 Artwork will be displayed at in Lyme Regis, Dorset Paintings, Original Prints, Drawings, Sculpture, Ceramics, Textiles, Photography Closing date: 2nd August 2019 our studio Artists are invited to view the galleries and - 7pm 5pm st, Augu 2nd on ing during an open even

VOLUNTEER STEWARDS ALSO REQUIRED For details on all the above visit www.townmill.org.uk or e-mail petrinatownmill@gmail.com

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MUSIC | THEATRE | WHAT’S ON | COMPETITIONS

A memorable night in Marine’s history LEGENDARY ACTOR IAN MCKELLEN ENTHRALS AUDIENCES IN SELL-OUT THEATRE FUNDRAISER JULY 3 2019 will go down as one of the most memorable nights in the Marine Theatre’s 125-year history.

Marking the venue’s anniversary year, as well as his own 80th birthday, legendary actor Sir Ian McKellen took to the stage for his oneman show.

Members of the community shared the memorable evening alongside special guests, including playwright and screenwriter Sir Tom Stoppard and Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan, who is a patron of the Marine.

The show included readings of poetry and Tolkien, scenes from Shakespeare, and fasci-

nating anecdotes from the much-loved actor’s career.

On stage, Sir Ian produced Glamdring - the sword from the famous ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy, used by Gandalf, one of his signature film roles. A young member of the audience was invited on stage for a playful selfie with the prop.

After the show, Sir Ian shared a drink and conversations with audience members in the bar.

One of the aims of the evening was to raise money for the Marine Theatre. Sir Ian took no fee and the money raised will be used to re-

This month at the Marine Catch up with Lyme’s Little Theatre by the Sea

AND breathe… When I read ‘Mediterranean sex’ in the random notes and anecdotes I keep in my diary to remind me what goes on here at the Marine as reference for this column, it will give you a rough idea as to the exhausting but extremely satisfying few weeks we have enjoyed.

But before any eyebrows are raised or looks of disapproval given, I misread one of my rapidly scrawled notes that actually said ‘Mediterranean sea’, such was the perfect blue of the sky and sea earlier this month.

But what a month it has been starting with our latest programme launch party that saw eight of our new local councillors enjoying a drink alongside our volunteers, friends and trustees. Unfortunately they arrived just as we were tidying up in the wake of our new lighting install so the Henry hoover and some empty boxes were littering the bar, but within seconds we were good to go and it was a lovely evening.

Our revue shows were brilliant, capturing the essence of the local performers. The ballerinas of the Lyme School of Ballet just melted our hearts, whilst Lyme Regis Pantomime Society had people literally rolling in the aisles. I did a couple of the welcome intros that I managed to sandwich between Fizz Friday at the Pilot Boat.

We had two work experience pupils from the Woodroffe School who enjoyed seeing what goes on behind the scenes and how a show goes from its initial pitch to a performance. They both had to muck in but also enjoyed an impromptu birthday party for PR manager John Puckey when we sampled a bottle of the Furleigh Estate’s Classic Cuvee. Carol Maund supplied an enormous

slab of The Galley Café’s lemon drizzle cake and Ruth Cohen from B Sharp just happened to be here so it was cake and Cuvee all round.

And of course we enjoyed what will go down as one of the most memorable occasions in the Marine’s history, a night with Sir Ian McKellen. What an incredible man he is and the way he retains line after line of past characters is nothing short of remarkable.

Local businesses have been overwhelming in their support giving a selection of wonderful gifts to create a birthday hamper for Ian and we were told that he was visibly moved when he went into the dressing room and saw the filled hamper awaiting him.

With a medley of music, comedy, screenings and private hires, there hasn’t been a day without something going on. I met a few people the day after The Dhol Foundation performance, many of them recovering from their Bollywood dance routine; ‘throwing a frisby’ and ‘screwing in a lightbulb’ were just two of the moves we were shown.

Now the fabulous summer sunshine has arrived along with the holidaymakers, and Claudia and I can enjoy the best view in the world from our office window looking out at the Mediterranean blue of the sea, I did something I haven’t done in all the years I have been here, went for a lunchtime swim.

With all this talk of sunshine, sea and no sex, it worked a treat and cooled me down nicely.

Sophia Moseley

Theatre manager

launch a youth theatre project and to restore the Marine’s dressing rooms, which may have some of the best views in the world, but are in need of rejuvenation.

Theatre director Gabby Rabbitts said: “Sir Ian’s performance will not be forgotten - his talent, generosity, and friendliness are moving. It was a reminder that one of the reasons to visit the theatre is to watch superb acting.

“Thanks to all the local businesses who helped with the event or sent gifts to Sir Ian, in particular Simon Emmett, the Royal Lion Hotel, Kathrens Knitwear, Dorset Cereals and Groves Nurseries.”

Sir Ian commented: “Live theatre has always been thrilling to me, as an actor and in the audience... I’m delighted to be making my debut in Lyme Regis as part of the UK tour celebrating my 80th birthday.

“I’m pleased that all profits will support the youth theatre and help update the Marine’s dressing rooms.”

SIR Ian McKellen pictured outside the Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis (photo by Simon Emmett)

Trio of world class actors star in ‘The Lehman Trilogy’

‘THE Lehman Trilogy’ is a story of a family and a company that changed the world, told in three parts on a single evening broadcast from The West End to the Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis.

Academy Award-winner Sam Mendes (‘Skyfall’, ‘The Ferryman’) directs Simon Russell Beale, Adam Godley and Ben Miles who play the Lehman Brothers, their sons and grandsons.

On a cold September morning in 1844 a young man from Bavaria stands on a New York dockside, dreaming of a new life in the new world. He is joined by his two brothers and an American epic begins.

Over 160 years later, the firm they establish – Lehman Brothers – spectacularly collapses into bankruptcy, and triggers the largest financial crisis in history.

This critically acclaimed and five-time Olivier Award nominated play features stunning set design from Es Devlin and will be broadcast live from London’s West End on Thursday, July 25 as part of National Theatre Live’s 10th birthday season.

The bar at the Marine Theatre will open at 6pm for a 7pm screening. Tickets cost £11 in advance, £13.50 on the door or £5 for under 18s. To book, call 01297 442138 or visit www.marinetheatre.com

The Harbour Inn - celebrating 15 years in Lyme!

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MUSIC | THEATRE | WHAT’S ON | COMPETITIONS

What’s on...

Friday, July 19

Friday @ The Pilot The Pilot Boat, 9pm Weekly live music nights at the Pilot Boat, this week with Adam Sweet and Ian Jennings.

Saturday, July 20

Live DJs @ SWIM SWIM, 8pm Resident DJs Tom Juno, James Baker & Friends play every Saturday night and Sunday afternoon at SWIM on Marine Parade.

Sunday, July 21

RENOWNED organist Andrew Millington pictured in St Michael’s Parish Church

Andrew Millington to play Lyme’s mighty Škrabl organ

WORLD-class organist Andrew Millington will visit Lyme Regis on Tuesday, July 23 to give a recital on the splendid Škrabl organ in St Michael’s Parish Church.

The programme will include ‘Sonata Eroica’ by Jongen; three chorale preludes from ‘The Eighteen’ by JS Bach; variations on ‘King Jesus Hath a Garden’ by Flor Peeters; and pieces by Mozart, Handel, Max Reger and Alexandre Guilmant.

Andrew was director of music at Exeter Cathedral from 1999 to 2015, and his work with the cathedral choir included broadcasts, recordings and tours of Russia, France, Norway and the USA. Previously he held the same position at Guildford Cathedral.

He is well known as a recitalist, having played in most major UK venues, and his recordings as an organ soloist include a highly acclaimed DVD on the organ of Exeter Cathedral.

From 2003 to 2017 he was director of music of Exeter Philharmonic Choir, and he is also an active composer of church music.

Andrew has a close association with music in Lyme Regis. Over the last few years he has worked regularly with Lyme Bay Chorale as guest conductor, rehearsal director and concert accompanist.

He took part in the recent premiere of ‘Go, Goliath!’ by local composer Nicholas Brown and librettist Simon Ford, and the Devon County

Junior Choir performed his ‘Sequence for Devon’ song cycle at the same event.

Organised by the South Wessex Organ Society, the recital begins at 7.30pm on Tuesday, July 23 and tickets are £10 on the door. Refreshments will be available in the interval.

The South Wessex Organ Society was founded in 2017 and aims to encourage organ playing and the appreciation of sacred and secular organ music across the region. It works towards this purpose both through recitals and concerts and through practical courses that encourage existing organists on their musical path.

The society grew out of the Lyme Regis Organ School and is continuing the annual winter course that has been a valuable learning experience for organists of all ages over the last decade.

Membership of the society is open to all, organists and non-organists alike. Annual membership is £15 single and £25 for a couple.

Members’ subscriptions provide a vital source of income, but equally important is their involvement in helping the society to achieve its aims.

The benefits of membership include special members’ events and a twice-yearly newsletter.

Members also take part in electing the board of trustees who manage and direct the society.

For further details visit the website www.sworgansociety.org/

‘Never Mind the Buzzcocks’ star headlines Lyme Comedy Club JULY’S edition of Lyme Regis Comedy Club will be headlined by a regular from television panel shows ‘Mock the Week’ and ‘Never Mind The Buzzcocks’.

Ben Norris is also a regular warm-up act for many television programmes. He will be joined

by Tom Taylor, Graham Wilkes and Dan Triscott on the bill, along with resident compere Tom Glover.

Ben is a highly-experienced and hugely well respected stand-up. He’s been performing comedy since 1993 and has developed a relaxed stage persona with an innate ability to improvise and deliver sharply crafted material.

As a result, he’s a regular headliner on the UK

comedy circuit and has performed around the world.

Ben has performed at comedy festivals the world over and has a wealth of experience in the art of TV warm-up. You may have heard Ben’s voice on advertisements for Carling and Emirates.

Lyme Regis Comedy Club will be held at the Marine Theatre on Saturday, July 27, with the bar opening at 7pm for an 8pm start.

Tickets cost £8 advance or £10 on the door, with a 10 per cent discount for theatre members. To book, call 01297 442138 or visit www.marinetheatre.com

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 Resident DJs Tom Juno, James Baker & Friends play every Saturday night and Sunday afternoon at SWIM on Marine Parade.

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, July 23

LRTC Planning Committee Guildhall, 7pm For agendas see www.lymeregistowncouncil.gov.uk Organ Recital St Michael’s Parish Church, 7.30pm Recital with Andrew Millington playing the Skrabl organ. Tickets £10 on the door, refreshments available.

Music By The Sea Marine Parade shelters, 8pm Weekly summer concerts with Lyme Regis Town Band.

Wednesday, July 24

Somers Day Parade Leaving Pound Street, 11.15am A parade in commemoration of former Mayor of Lyme Regis, Admiral Sir George Somers, who colonised Bermuda, with visitors from Lyme’s twin town of St George’s, Bermuda. The parade will be led down Broad Street, along Marine Parade and onto the Cobb for a flag raising ceremony.

LRTC Full Council Guildhall, 7pm For agendas see www.lymeregistowncouncil.gov.uk Wednesday @ The Pilot The Pilot Boat, 8.30pm Weekly live music nights at the Pilot Boat.

Thursday, July 25

Live Screening: ‘The Lehman Trilogy’ Marine Theatre, 6pm Broadcast from the West End, this is a story of a family and a company that changed the world, told in three parts on a single evening. Tickets £11 in advance, £13.50 on the door or £5 for under 18s - call 01297 442138 or visit www.marinetheatre.com. Bar opens 6pm for 7pm screening.

Lyme Regis Community Bingo Woodmead Halls, 8pm

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

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!

Friday, July 26

Friday @ The Pilot The Pilot Boat, 9pm Weekly live music nights at the Pilot Boat, this week with Elijah Wolf.

Saturday, July 27

Bethany Chapel Coffee Morning Bethany Chapel, 10.30am Free monthly coffee morning at Bethany Chapel, Coombe Street, with donations welcome for the RNLI and Dorset Air Ambulance.

Lyme Regis Comedy Club Marine Theatre, 7pm Headlined by ‘Mock the Week’ and ‘Never Mind The Buzzcocks’ regular Ben Norris, with resident compere Tom Glover and two other acts on the bill.

Tickets £8 in advance or £10 on the door - call 01297 442138 or visit marinetheatre.com. Bar opens 7pm for 8pm start.

Live DJs @ SWIM SWIM, 8pm Resident DJs Tom Juno, James Baker & Friends play every Saturday night and Sunday afternoon at SWIM on Marine Parade.

Saturday, July 27 Friday, August 2

Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week Events all week at various venues An action-packed week of fundraising events, competitions and thrilling displays to raise funds for the RNLI. Full details in Lifeboat Week programmes available from local outlets or tow download from lymeregislifeboatweek.co.uk

Sunday, July 28

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 Resident DJs Tom Juno, James Baker & Friends play every Saturday night and Sunday afternoon at SWIM on Marine Parade.

Music: Dave Holdsworth’s New Brew Marine Theatre, 7pm The well-known trumpeter performs with an excellent quintet.

Tickets £8 in advance or £12 on the door - call 01297 442138 or visit 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, July 30

Cinema: ‘The African Queen’ (PG) Marine Theatre, 6.30pm Charlie Allnutt, a hard-drinking riverboat owner, reluctantly teams up with a spinster (Hepburn) who is determined to avenge her brother’s death at the hands of German troops.

Tickets £6 in advance or £7.50 on the door - call 01297 442138 or visit marinetheatre.com. Bar opens 6.30pm for 7.30pm screening.

Music By The Sea Marine Parade shelters, 8pm Weekly summer concerts with Lyme Regis Town Band.

Wednesday, July 31

Live Screening: ‘Measure for Measure’, Marine Theatre, 6pm Gregory Doran directs this new production of the Shakespeare play, broadcast live from Stratford-Upon-Avon. Tickets £11 in advance, £13.50 on the door or £5 for under 18s - call 01297 442138 or visit www.marinetheatre.com. Bar opens 6pm for 7pm screening.

‘Close Encounters of the Raptor Kind’ Uplyme Village Hall, 7.30pm Xtreme Falconry will give a talk and display of owls, falcons, hawks and an eagle, organised

by Uplyme & Lyme Regis Horticultural Society as part of Lifeboat Week. Tickets £3 from Uplyme Post Office and Lyme Regis RNLI Shop.

Wednesday @ The Pilot The Pilot Boat, 8.30pm Weekly live music nights at the Pilot Boat.

Thursday, August 1

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!

Friday, August 2

Music: DJ Food Marine Theatre, 8pm The Ninja Tune and Solid Steel legend presents a show that takes Kraftwerk's various eras, looks, and line ups and combines them into a 90 minute collage of electro and techno.

With support from DJ James Baker. Tickets £15 in advance or £17 on the door - call 01297 442138 or visit www.marinetheatre.com Friday @ The Pilot The Pilot Boat, 9pm Weekly live music nights at the Pilot Boat.

Saturday, August 3 - Sunday, August 11

Lyme Regis Regatta & Carnival Week Events all week at various venues A busy week of special events, games and competitions for the all the family, raising funds for local good causes. Full details in Regatta & Carnival programmes available from local outlets or tow download from lymeregiscarnival.co.uk

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Vandals target gardens Council to improve disabled and cut public wi-fi cable access on Cobb Gate beach VANDALS recently targeted Langmoor Gardens in Lyme Regis, snapping a lamppost in half, stealing a CCTV camera and cutting off the public wi-fi system.

Dorset Police are appealing for witnesses following the incident of theft and vandalism in the seafront gardens at approximately 11pm on Friday, June 28.

A CCTV camera attached to a lamppost was stolen and the ammonite lamppost was also snapped in two. A secure box at a nearby location was also broken into and wires including those for the public wi-fi system on the seafront were cut.

Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact Dorset Police on the non-emergency 101 number, quoting occurrence number 55190102701, or report it by using the online facility on the Dorset Police website.

TOWN councillors are hoping to improve disabled access on the beach in Lyme Regis.

Members of the Town Management & Highways Committee have agreed to introduce rubber matting on Cobb Gate pebble beach, to provide easier access to the shoreline, and will hire out wheelchairs for use on the seafront.

The suggestion came form the council’s seafront attendant, having seen the success of the council’s two beach wheelchairs and flotation wheelchair which are currently available for hire.

Councillor Richard Doney, who has advocated improved disabled access around the town, spoke in favour of the proposals. He said that other some beaches, including Beer in East Devon, provided similar rubber matting to the shoreline made from pre-owned conveyor belts, which he described as robust and easy to get hold of.

Councillor Stan Williams said there used to be similar matting on the pebble beach in Lyme, which was provided from a quarry.

Councillor Jeff Scowen added: “It’s inexpensive and it provides access for wheelchairs; it’s a no brainer.”

Councillor Michaela Ellis said rubber matting

FRANCESCA EVANS

francesca@lyme-online.co.uk would not only benefit the disabled but parents with pushchairs.

However, her suggestion that the matting should not be restricted to the pebble beach and should also be provided on the sand was met with criticism from other councillors.

She commented: “We need to do something with the sandy beach because it has been raised by some people that it’s hard to get their buggies on there. We have to think about parents with young children, as well as disabled people.

Let’s be inclusive shall we?”

Councillor Scowen replied: “Come on, we don’t want black rubber matting on the sand.

Why don’t we just concrete it all over? I’m sorry Michaela, no. Two or three over the pebbles, like they have at Beer, is perfect but please, not on the sand.”

It was agreed to approach quarries to find suitable black matting and to purchase two normal wheelchairs for use on the seafront, to add to the council’s existing beach wheelchairs and floatation chair.

Help shape future health and wellbeing services YOUR local NHS and councils are planning how to improve health and wellbeing in Dorset.

This is being done in line with the NHS Long-Term Plan and continues from the five-year plans that have shaped services up until now.

This round of planning provides an opportunity to build on the work to date and think of more innovative ways to meet the needs of communities.

It won’t just focus on health services, it will look at a variety of things that affect our health such as stopping smoking and doing more exercise, living in healthy communities and making the most of our natural environment.

You are invited to share your views on the main priority areas for improvement being considered for Dorset.

The six priority areas include

individuals, communities, living well, wellbeing, workforce and digital innovation.

How important is each priority to you and what do you think needs to be considered when thinking of each priority?

For more information and to take part in the survey visit https://bit.ly/2XVgX0y The closing date of the survey is August 18.

SUMMER ISSUE OUT NOW! THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO DORSET’S MOST POPULAR RESORT TH LYME REGIS & CHARMOU

lifeboat week

2019 July 27th - August 3rd day, August 3rd. one of the country’s A FAMOUS face from will officially open Lyme For full details of all most beloved sitcoms Week summer.

Lifeboat Regis Lifeboat Week this events, don’t forBoycie in ‘Only Fools get to buy your John Challis, who played off the annual fundrais- p r o g r a m m e , and Horses’, will kick RNLI. The opening cer- available in ing week in aid of the Lyme Regis lifeboat local outemony will be held at Cobb harbour, at many including lets station, based at the historic 27th. the RNLI shop 1.30pm on Saturday, July by a welcome dis- on the Cobb or The event will be followed 85 ‘Spirit of Loch download a copy play by Lyme Regis’ Atlantic hope to be joined from the website crew Fyne’ lifeboat, and the w w w. l y m e r e g i s class lifeboat.

by Exmouth’s Shannon lifeboatweek.co.uk of events will ensue in A packed programme highlights the of one with the following week, the Army’s Red Devils set to be a visit from who will be landing parachute display team, Thursday, August 1st. on the sandy beach on returning this be will events Many favourite bathtub race, the year, including the popular mouth, the yard tug o’ war across the harbour Cobb Arms and the of ale competition outside the illuminated boats. features heavily in this Music to suit all tastes performances schedyear’s programme, with Youth Band, shanty uled from the Greenwich Buoys and Harsinging groups The Chantry local band DeltaTango7 bour Voices, popular Swing Band. and the Three Counties of sporting events, There will also be plenty run. Golf enthusiasts including the annual fun Hole in One compecan try their hand at the and you can cheer on tition off the North Wall take on a side from the lifeboat crew as they Uplyme Football Club. will keep the children activities Family-friendly programme including busy all week, with the pavement art and sand sports, treasure hunts, a teddy bear’s picnic. off with a firework The week will be topped Lyme Regis Regatta display, held jointly with pages 6 & 7) on Satur& Carnival Week (see

BELMONT HOUS

REGATTA&CAR NIVA L popular has been one of the most Visiting famYME Regis Regatta & Carnival for more than 70 years. events on the local calendar after year especially for the event, year ilies return to the town week of seaside fun. to join in with this busy and residents also love busy working on this Committee has been a packed week of The Regatta & Carnival since last October, with summer’s programme 3rd to Saturday, August from Saturday, August events set to take place

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10th.

with the Regatta & for local good causes, The events will raise funds giving away £14,250 in donations to 26 year Carnival Committee last for just one year! different groups - a record display, jointly orwith a spectacular fireworks 4 & 5). Other The week will kick off Lifeboat Week (see pages procession, open ganised with Lyme Regis return include the torchlight favourite events set to and duck race. air cinema in Lister Gardens clubs will be hosting sailing and gig rowing On the water, the local be holding a water polo while Lyme Splash will sea water polo their annual regattas, pontoons - it is the only championship off the harbourthe UK and attracts teams from all over in championship to be held

the country. throughout the keep the children entertained and competitions, There will be plenty to including many games art. week, with the programme sand sports and pavement as well as the traditional and Lyme Regis as Lyme Regis Majorettes with displays and Local organisations such be entertaining audiences Taekwondo Club will of live music. there will also be plenty carnival procession topped off with the grand visitors, local The busy week will be August 10th and residents, on the evening of Saturday, are encouraged to dress up and get into businesses and organisations

the carnival spirit! for the Replans for this year, a spokespersonseems to litCommenting on their said: “Every year the processtry very hard gatta & Carnival Committee do and we form-filling we have to tle harder with all the committee is determinimum. But our small enjoy your to keep our costs to a businesses and holidaymakers mined to help residents, Regatta & Carnival Week. time here in Lyme during as an environmentallysupporting Lyme Regis facilities next “We are committed to that you will use our recyclingwater refills for friendly town and hope our free well as making use of to the carnival kiosk as your water bottles. to help you enjoy and see us and help us “Have a great week, come town – Lyme Regis.” our very special seaside Week events, don’t Regis Regatta & Carnival For full details of all Lyme 7. page see forget to buy your programme

or us f Jo iinn lyy f u n m iil f am

Sam Manning m: 07732 455370 t: 01297 631883 e: sam@th-room.co.uk 4

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an architectural and literar y legacy

BY GUEST WRITER “…the feel of the house, SOPHIA MOSELEY almost gratitude…it old whore, with its has a kind of female can sit and enjoy splendid façade and the exact same view feel…a bit of an all the mess that lies overlooking the Cobb extra tall windows Said John Fowles behind…” onto the balcony of Belmont House overlooking the harbour. or step through the in ‘The Journals Vol. it has a splendid façade Many thought it was 2’ and whilst and when I visited was in a mess, but it during the renovations, I can agree very British dry sensethe observatory tower where John ‘an old whore’? I went to write; with of humour he would it certainly cereal prefer to think of grand old lady of his collect packets and place this lovely property some breeding. them around the windowsthe small toy dinosaurs from as a think that’s where he worked. in the tower, making I recently returned to people mark Trust had added Belmont to see if the renovations carried But Belmont has its own to or detracted from out by the Landher grandeur. cessful lawyer, wanted story to tell starting in 1774 when Lyme Regis has much Simon reason to be grateful hill overlooking Lyme ‘to take the sea air’ so he built a seaside Bunter, a sucthe success of the Regis harbour and property on the ‘The French Lieutenant’sto John Fowles, having dined out called it Bunter’s on years later that Eleanor Coade’s hoping to feed into Castle. It was just uncle gave her the his literary inspiration Woman’ for years and now anyone 10 house. pen to paper. can sit in the very room where he put Eleanor Coade (1733-1821) was a very successful businesswoman Coades’ Artificial For it is in the first Stone Manufactory who owned the floor sitting room in Lambeth. where John wrote One of her his famous novel and you ones with most popular schemes was turning plain buildings into classically designed more elaborate porches and statues.

Keystones above windows

RICHARD A USTIN AWA RD WINNIN G PHOTOGR A

richardaustinimages.com

Lyyme Reggis

val Week tta AND Carnivva Regaatta 3rd - 10th August 2019

Sat 3 August Fireworks Display Weed 7 August Tue 6 & W Tu Open Air Cinema Thur 8 August o chlight Procession Tor Sat 10 August ocession Regatta & Carnival Pr meC rnival @LLymeCa

. o.uk va .c w.lymeregiscarnival www.l

nivall e ovver 50 events including to discovveer morre! ng Boat Rides and much Fishin from ra Prrogramme Show Fossil Polishing Download Full P o etition Family Dog P Comp ater Polo Wa Race W Ta o Drummers Duck Ta Taik Tano meRe i C r ymeRegisCar ac b k com/LLy facebook.com/

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The new summer issue of the Lyme Life Magazine is now available to pick up from local outlets in and around Lyme Regis Or read it online at www.lyme-online.co.uk

Friday, July 19 2019 17

www.lyme-online.co.uk

Council has failed LymeOnline letters to invest in public Send your letters to francesca@lyme-online.co.uk gardens for 12 years Town council should listen to

GET INVOLVE WITH YO D COMMU UR NITY PAPER

■ I WOULD like to comment on your 'disgraceful' gardens article in LymeOnline (July 5).

Lyme Regis Town Council has a garden maintenance team of five, with one of the team newly-recruited in the last month.

Following the departure of the head gardener in 2018, the council were unable to recruit a replacement because they would not pay the market salary and were surprised when they didn't attract the right candidates.

The current team has two qualified horticulturists and three qualified grounds maintenance team.

Since 2018, the council has decided to appoint all new staff on a seasonal contract, which reflects the tourist season and not the gardening year. Consequently, during the autumn and winter months leading up to spring, at the busiest time of the gardening year when tasks such as preparing beds, mulching, cutting back and digging out should be undertaken, the gardens only have 2.5 men at work.

Since autumn 2019, the garden team has been focusing on the main garden. For example the rose garden was pruned for the first time and, as a result, it has been in beautiful flower this year.

One bed has been cleared, dug out and mulched ready for planting; the beds are weeded and mulched to improve the condition of the soil, as the soil in the garden is completely spent.

The garden team has moved 20 tonnes of mulch by hand up the incline to the beds as the trucks cannot get there. This is back-breaking work but they have carried out the work with passion as they want to be proud of the gardens they work in.

In the cemetery the gardening team has recommended repeatedly to the council that it would be better to mulch the grass. Again, the council did not buy the equipment they needed but altered existing machinery which doesn't work as it should.

I am at a loss to why the councillors felt it necessary to seek advice from a third party, Nigel Ball, when they have all the specialists inhouse.

Mr Ball comments that the morale of the grounds maintenance team is low, but is it any surprise when the councillors repeatedly ignore their qualifications, knowledge and experience, do not buy the equipment that they request and, despite repeated requests, have never attended a walk around in the gardens, or met the team or listened to their advice?

The honest reason why the gardens are a ‘disgrace’ is because the councillors have not made the investment required in the gardens for the last 12 years and are unable to make the investment now due to the large sums involved.

They seem to be under the impression that within three weeks, 12 years of neglect can be reversed by banning all gardening work with the exception of weeding. The ground is like concrete due to the lack of maintenance, which makes the task very slow.

Has it not occurred to them that in three weeks the grass will be so long in the cemetery that the hard work that has been invested in mulching the grass will be wasted and the grass will have to be cut by hand and strimmed? This will probably take three weeks alone and then in that time the gardens will be back to the state they were at the start.

The only person who seems to recognise the effort the gardening team make and the knowledge within the team is Pete Williams.

Thank you for your understanding.

I strongly support Pete Williams’ request for the councillors to carry out a supervised site visit and then they stand a chance of making realistic decisions!

Amanda Watmore (by email)

■ LAST week’s headline (LymeOnline, July 5) claimed that the Langmoor Gardens were a disgrace.

According to Jeff Scowen, “it’s all weeds and thistles”.

I walk in the gardens all the time and I was only commenting to a friend recently about how very lucky we are to have Langmoor Gardens.

I’m no horticultural expert but wherever you turn, there are different varieties of domestic and exotic plants with an array of colour and smell which are a delight. I was watching one section of plants recently where there must have been 20 to 30 bees pollinating it.

The views from the gardens are, for me, among the best in the world especially when you have the sea in the background and the likes of pampas grass in the foreground.

Please do not do away with this

variety of plants for an area of lawn.

If it’s a shortage of labour that is the issue, would it not be possible to create a Friends of Langmoor Gardens group to assist with basic maintenance, either through fundraising or physical help?

Ian Mouland, Silver Street, Lyme Regis

Lucky to have Langmoor Gardens

■ I HAD visitors staying a few days before the story hit LymeOnline that the gardens where a disgrace (July 5).

This is certainly not an opinion that I share, or the many visitors, friends and family we have visiting us. All without exception think our town gardens are wonderful and the staff who keep them so.

Chris Burgess (by email)

ideas of residents and visitors

■ I DO hope you do not mind an outsider writing to your very informative paper, which I picked up on my recent visit to Lyme Regis.

My husband and I live in Somerset and decided to have a day trip to Lyme Regis, as we have never been and seeing that it is only about an hour and 20 minutes away it is within easy reach.

I have to say we were delighted with the place and so much to see and do; we simply ran out of energy and plan to return one day next week and we feel it will be a place we can nip to now and again.

Firstly, may I say how wonderfully friendly everyone was, lovely smiles and everyone seemingly so genuine and eager to help with any enquiries. It is clear that the people who live and work in the area are passionate about Lyme Regis and eager to keep the place alive and kicking whilst making sure visitors like ourselves would likely one day return, and why not?

Given the above statement it is why I am perplexed by two of the main stories dominating the paper dated July 5.

Firstly, the gardens, which we have yet to see and, secondly, the recent film that was made with a gifting of £15,000 to the local council for the privilege of filming in the area.

A statue is a nice idea but, on the other hand, £15,000 is a lot of money to spend on something not really needed if funds are so low that the gardens are suffering through lack of funds! I fully intend to visit the gardens and will be interested to see the state of them for myself as a keen gardener.

As for the question of not using the chemical based Roundup, which has caused so much controversy over recent times, there are a lot of natural solutions that can be used.

I myself will not use any chemicals in my own garden and have found not only a chemical-free but cheap weed killer is

quite simply white vinegar, salt and washing up liquid. Quantities can be found online at various sites and once made up put into a spray bottle and off you go! Within minutes you will see the offending weed begin to wilt; give it a day or two to completely brown off and pull up. It is a green solution but above all it is cheap!

The gardens are more likely to attract tourists than a statue, I have to say, and locally it is a place for people to go to for their lunch break and is very important to make sure it is not left to become overgrown and is kept in a good condition, surely?

On the subject of keeping the gardens up to scratch and not having enough funds to pay gardeners, why not ask for volunteers to help out? In such a place with so many passionate residents I am sure a local agricultural society or college would welcome the opportunity to help make a difference while on the job training if asked.

Even a small donation to a society from the £15,000 gift the town has been given could be used as an incentive perhaps? I think you may find there are plenty of willing people out there who would love to help out. Pensioners with time on their hands or people who have no garden but love to garden.

Why not ask the garden centres in the area if they would like to help? They could donate plants with an advertisement of where they have come from. This will not only be good for their business but also helping out the park and surrounding areas too.

The proposed ideas put in place to help this situation are seemingly good and should at least be listened to instead of this argumentative stance the council seem to be taking.

The same statement above can also be applied to another big story with the traffic situation, ideas are coming forth and

Let wild flowers grow to encourage pollinators ■ I READ with interest the recent article on concerns over the state of the Langmoor & Lister Gardens (LymeOnline, July 5) and the challenges faced by the town council to maintain all areas under its control, particularly during the peak growing season.

Something which I believe should be explored is whether there are areas of ground which could be gradually transformed into the equivalent of meadowland i.e. free growing grasses with increasing numbers of wild flowers which were allowed to mature and seed through the growing season, with minimal need for attention. Such areas are known to be beneficial to pollinators and other wildlife and could form part of Lyme’s green agenda.

This year, inspired by neighbours, we have allowed the lawn at the back of our property to remain uncut, apart from a pathway to the garden seating area. This has resulted in insects benefiting from the clover flowers which have appeared and more recently the local gang of sparrows feasting off the grass seed heads – something we have not seen before.

When we first set out on this garden experiment, the key psychological challenge was to ignore the apparent “untidiness” of the grassed area which previously we had kept well mown. This could understandably be a concern to the town council, particularly if areas were identified for ‘mini meadows’ that were public or tourist hot spots.

However, I believe that with suit-

lines, etc. but the North Wall has become increasingly littered over the last two years.

Could we not persuade the rubbish to be removed? I have collected as much as I can carry on many occasions but often it is such a large quantity this is not possible.

Joanne Matthews (by email)

able signage explaining what was going on, this would both alleviate concerns and help promote the benefits of these areas to insects and birds – for others to potentially replicate.

Our next challenge is to try and introduce more colour into our back garden grassland. This we hope to do through selective wildflower planting, focused initially on species which are able to successfully compete with the relatively fast growing grasses.

In the meantime we will enjoy the increased attention that our free growing grassland has generated for wildlife before we cut it back later in the summer.

David Farrier (by email)

‘Ammonite’ funding should help residents Comments on older people out of food poverty

North Wall needs clearing of litter ‘patronising and insulting’

■ THE North Wall seems a popular spot with our young generation as an after-school meeting place.

What a great shame so much litter is left, including chip boxes, plastic and glass bottles, all unfortunately will find their way into the harbour.

We are keenly persuading a greener Lyme, including the great addition of containers for fishing

obviously not being listened to. You need places for people to park and for coach parties it is a main tourism feature that is an absolute must.

We parked up by the police station and, yes, a bit steep going back up, but both my husband and I agreed that upon our return we would not even attempt to park in the town area as the small streets are not even wide enough to accommodate even the smallest car.

We had to get out of the way so many times for traffic trying to back up or move forward. it was bad enough as pedestrians let alone with a car. No thank you, I’ll suffer the palpitations from the walk back up!

Park and ride would seem the obvious answer here with scheduled timetables in place to stop so much going on all at once.

As an outsider and tourist, to me it all seems perfectly simple to sort out. Anyone can surely see that there are enough ideas out there if only the people in so called charge will only listen to reason and stop faffing about with needless worries over what to do with a £15,000 donation, isn’t it obvious?

No point having a big fancy statue erected but nowhere for people to park who want to come and see it or have a nice park to go and sit whilst eating their packed lunch overlooking the wonderful town that Lyme Regis obviously is.

Come on Lyme Regis Town Council, pull your brains out and start thinking of ideas to help keep Lyme Regis’ head above water here, otherwise given a few years’ time, it will no longer be a nice place to visit and become a downtrodden wilderness nobody wants to come to, like so many other once lovely places have suffered across the UK. P.S. I will be returning again soon shall I bring my spray bottle with me?

Jackie Messenger (by email)

■ READING Geoff Baker’s letter (LymeOnline, July 5) regarding older people in his view “incapable of driving a large vehicle” and various other remarks, comes across as patronising and insulting.

If these comments were aimed at someone’s gender or race there would be hell to pay, but older people are constantly in the firing line for anyone who wants a cheap laugh

and their five minutes of glory.

Mr Baker is churning out that parrot phrase of the moment - ‘climate change’. Let’s blame the motorist, shall we, to showcase our opinions?

Mr Baker, don’t bother to reply to this letter through the newspaper. If there is such a thing as ‘carbon footprint’ mine is minuscule, is yours?

Diana Hunt (by email)

■ I WOULD like to applaud Geoff Baker’s suggestion in the last issue of LymeOnline (July 5), that the donation from the filmmakers of ‘Ammonite’ should go to the town foodbank.

There are a number of worthy causes in our town and I would suggest the town council make this money available to benefit those people who I feel Mary Anning would like to have helped.

I'm not entirely sure what the filmmakers are suggesting by leaving a "legacy", but surely helping to lift some of our residents out of food poverty would be a good and worthy start?

William Tidyman (by email)

18 Friday, July 19 2019

www.lyme-online.co.uk

Charity ball raises £3,000 for dementia groups

LOCAL band Area 52 entertained the crowds. Below left, B! Health & Fitness owner Craig Bernhardt has his legs waxed (photos by Fergal Jasper Photography)

A CHARITY ball and auction hosted by a local health club raised £3,000 for dementia support groups in Lyme Regis and Honiton.

B! Health & Fitness, which has branches in both towns, said its biennial charity event at Stockland Village Hall was a great success.

B! Health & Fitness owner, Craig Bernhardt, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the support of local companies who donated prizes and their services to help the evening run smoothly.

“The auction prizes were superb and we can’t thank our guests enough for their generosity.”

All 120 tickets for the party were sold out. The evening included live music from local band Area 52, food cooked by chef Hugo Shuttleworth of Old Dairy Catering and a raffle, auction and, finally, Craig and his team Duncan, Scott and Joshua took to the stage while guests bid to see the quartet have

their legs waxed, before turning the tables on Craig who also ended up getting his chest waxed! He said the pain was worth it as the waxing alone raised £800.

Choosing a charity this year was very easy, Craig explained.

“With a growing population that is also living longer, conditions such as dementia will only increase,” he said.

“Organisations such as the Honiton Admiral Nurse and Lyme Memory Café are vitally important to ensure support is on hand for those families affected.

“It is just unimaginable to think that a loved one whom you have been close to all your life can suddenly no longer recognise you, or where they are.

“The emotional anguish must be awful and so we wanted to try and raise some funds to help support these important groups in our local communities.”

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20 Friday, July 19 2019

FLASHBACKS with Richard Austin

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Tales from behind the lens of our award-winning photographer

IN September of 2002 a massive gathering by the pro-hunting lobby on the streets of central London was said to have been the largest ever protest in the city.

One million people were said to have marched that day, attempting to sway the upcoming House of Commons vote on the ban on hunting with dogs.

There were people on the streets from all walks of country life - fishing, shooting, fox hunting, stag hunting, and much more. The march through London was peaceful and the mes-

sage was clear, ‘Leave the Countyside Alone’.

That message fell on deaf ears because the motion against hunting was successful and a date for the end of hunting was set.

Before the motion was passed there were several violent clashes between pro hunters and the police in Parliament Square and in Brighton and Exeter, with the demo in London on the day the motion was passed being the most violent.

The police had, in my opinion, underestimated the mood

and determination of the pro-hunters hemmed in on Parliament Square.

There were several breeches of the police line as individuals tried to make it to the House of Commons. Police reinforcements were summoned and many protesters had bloody wounds to the head. In return some of the protesters threw solid metal grips used to hold the fencing together with police and photographers in the firing line; this could have been lethal had it struck anyone in the head.

Council office refurbishment plans ‘a long way off’ LYME Regis councillors have called for target dates to be set for completion of their office refurbishment project, after being told they are a “long way away” from seeing the plans.

After discussing the possibility of moving to new offices last year, town councillors agreed in December to focus their efforts on their existing office in Guildhall Cottage, Bridge Street, with a full refurbishment.

This would include taking back occupancy of the ground floor and serving notice on the Tourist Information Centre (TIC), previously run by West Dorset District Council and now taken over by the new Dorset Council.

Speaking at last week’s Town Management & Highways Committee meeting, the Mayor of Lyme Regis, Councillor Brian Larcombe MBE, asked if the notice for the TIC had been drafted.

Deputy town clerk Mark Green said this was with the council’s solicitors and would be served by the required date of September 1.

Councillor Larcombe then asked when the council were likely to see plans for the refurbishment.

Mr Green replied: “I think we’re a long way away from that stage. There is so much more that we need to discuss with you before we can actually decide what those plans look like, not least of which is the future of the TIC. “We cannot make any decisions until we have a clear view on whether any kind of tourist information service will be provided in future.”

The mayor responded: “We decided that we would claim the

ground floor, to provide public access to the council offices without having to navigate the stairs.

“Our objective has been, and I think it still is hence serving the notice, reclaiming our ground floor. The TIC is not our question, it’s a question for Dorset Council.”

Committee chairman Councillor John Broom added: “I agree, but we did say when we do reclaim it that we would have some sort of information centre there as well. I have always presumed we would have small information centre.”

Councillor Larcombe suggested this could be sited in the Jubilee Pavilion on Marine Parade, rather than in Guildhall Cottage, an idea that has been discussed several times before.

Councillor Michaela Ellis commented: “The council agreed that we would serve notice but we were still waiting to hear whether the tourist information would be moved somewhere else. If it’s not going to be and Dorset Council are just going to completely close it down, we said that we may well be able to provide some sort of information service from our front desk.

“We did talk about maybe there being a chance we would move it down to the seafront, but we would have to look at costings and everything else.”

Councillor Larcombe said the ground floor arrangement at Guildhall Cottage would not be changed if it were used for a council office or TIC, so he questioned why this would delay the plans.

Councillor Jeff Scowen said: “We do need a target date on this. I would like to see it on a future agenda - what are we

going to do with the TIC? Personally, I would love to see it in the Jubilee Pavilion but we have to vacate and be clear that we are going to have the ground floor for what is used upstairs at the moment.

“Forget the TIC for the moment. Let’s not muddy the waters, otherwise we will be looking at this for years. We need to do it and we need to know when it can be done.”

Councillor Ellis argued that the council could not set any target dates until they had all the relevant information. This would include plans for where the staff would work while the refurbishment was being carried out, as she felt they would be unable to stay in Guildhall Cottage.

Councillor Broom said they could still set target dates for several elements of the project.

Councillor Ellis replied: “This is not the only job that this council is doing that our officers have to deal with. They have other things that we’re chucking at them as well, so there has to be a bit of leniency about getting all these things together.

Councillor Larcombe commented: “We are serving notice by September 1 so they can vacate by March, so it gives us time to make those offices what they need to be for the public, and a functional office because they’re just not working at the moment.

“The TIC is not a town council function, that’s a different decision that we will have to make and, in the first instance, it’s not our decision, it will be a Dorset Council decision. The TIC is a distraction which you can work out separately. It should not muddy the waters on getting things done.”

Friday, July 19 2019 21

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classifieds&jobs

22 Friday, July 19 2019

ITEMS TO SELL? You can advertise items for sale up to £200 for free by posting details to LymeOnline, Unit 5 Uplyme Business Park, Uplyme Road, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3LS or email francesca@ lyme-online.co.uk

Please note this service is 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 on 01297 442781 to arrange payment.

Please also include your name and address, although this will not be published.

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CHURCH PEW, stripped pine, 6ft long, can email photo, £100 - 01297 561280.

ITEMS FOR SALE

LEATHER SOFA, two-seater, excellent condition, choice of two, can email photo, £50 each - 01297 561280.

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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 if we are contacted to say they have been sold.

WANTED: ADVOCATE/ PERSONAL ASSISTANT

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RECEPTIONIST This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic individual to join our reception team.

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Friday, July 19 2019 23

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LymeOnline Sport

email your sports reports to edit@lyme-online.co.uk

skittles - Lyme Regis Skittles League presentation night

bowls

Stunning cup win for the Lyme ladies

DI and John Rickard, winners of the Lyme Regis Skittles League Mixed Pairs receive their trophies at the league presentation night

ROADRUNNERS had a successful season as winners of the Men's Palmer Cup and runners-up in the Division 1 George Nomination Cup

LANDLORD Dean Herbert from The George presented the Marksmen with the Division 1 Beer Leg Winners Cup

GEORGE team Skittso's won the Ladies League Beer Leg trophy and came runners-up in the Bob Sweetland Cup

IN the leagues Lyme Regis Bowling Club ladies achieved a 6-4 win away at Broadstone Wessex and the following day chalked up a stunning win in the June Culpin game against the same opponents.

The men in the championship division again came up short again away to Poole Park. Now firmly rooted at the bottom of the table, it will take some sort of miracle to avoid relegation.

In the two friendlies, Lyme came second in both against Honiton and Ilminster.

Results Dorset Men’s Championship: Lyme 50; Poole Park 54.

M Heneghan, G Clode, C Barber, P Moffitt 1418; B Driscoll, B Parsons, S Pomeroy, B Rattenbury 24-15; T Allman, A Nabarro, A Weech, S Chant 12-21.

Dorset Ladies Division 1 Lyme 63; Broadstone Wessex 61 A Allman, N Driscoll, A Darvill, P Weech 15-24; J Moffitt, J Parsons, P Knight, S Rowe 17-18; H Dowling, C Pomeroy, L Broom, C Barber 31-19.

June Culin Trophy Lyme 52; Broadstone Wessex 18.

H Dowling, J Moffitt, L Broom, C Barber 26-13; A Allman, A Darvill, P Knight, S Rowe 26-5.

Friendlies Lyme 81.5; Honiton 103.

M Heneghan, J Bishop, P Weech 12-20; L Young, R Bishop, J Lewis, B Moon 16-19; M Knight, R Gale, A Preece, A Weech 30-10; B Smith, T Young, N Benson, P Knight 16-20; J Moon, N Solomon, A Darvill 7.5-34.

Lyme 68; Ilminster 75 B Smith, A Allman, A Preece, T Allman 18-16; L Young, J Parsons, P Stephens, A Weech 22-16; R Bishop, J Kesteron, G Clode, B Parsons 1224; J Bishop, T Young, A Nabarro, A Darvill 1619.

golf

Exceptional scores in Coronation Cup

By Richard Jackman THE Coronation Cup at Lyme Regis Golf Club was open to all members, attracting a large number of entrants producing some exceptionally good scores.

The best of these was Stuart ‘Ted’ Scott who romped round the course scoring many pars and three gross birdies as he finished the round off in style with one of the birdies to finish on nett 64.

The next 12 players all broke par, with Stephen Pitt and Graham Pickard both on nett 67, but it was Pitt who had a wonderful back nine finishing with two gross birdies on the last two holes to take second

place, while Pickard picked up a very worthy third .

The midweek stableford saw James Phillips return to the podium with a scintillating round of golf as he levelled gross par on the front nine to take top spot with 40 points, while James Wilson was only a point behind on 39 despite two blobs, with club captain Gareth Williams upping his game on the back nine to take third on 37.

Another achievement for Melissa McMahon

THE ladies 36-hole championships, played in one day provides a physical and mental test as four trophies are ‘up for grabs’.

WINNING ladies (left to right): Jane Dixon - Morning Cup; Sarah Kilcoyne , most Improved; Amy Mudford, - Nett Champion; Kathy Briggs, ladies captain; Melissa McMahon, club champion

Melissa McMahon showed the way by coming in one under gross par on the morning round to set the bar very high.

In the afternoon McMahon sealed her victory, taking the top prize to become ladies’ club champion with a gross total of 150, another wonderful achievement.

Jane Dixon was second with Caroline Baker third. The nett championship prize went to Amy Mudford who, despite a setback on the 27th hole of the day, showed strength of character to persevere and come in

with a nett score of 148, demonstrating the continued improvement in her game.

Second on countback was Melissa McMahon, just one shot ahead of Jane Dixon in third place. The Morning Cup for the best nett a.m.round went to Jane Dixon who gross birdied the tricky 10th hole as part of the winning score of nett 70.

Sarah Kilcoyne upped her game in the afternoon to win the Most Improved by bettering her morning round by eight shots.

THE Lyme Regis Golf Club Championship was held over a weekend with several contenders in the running, including defending champion David Lyon.

In round one, Lyon came in with in with a 73, two behind the leader Steven Mudford. Scott Love and Mike Mudford were tied on 78 with a cluster of players in the early 80s.

For round two it was all about keeping one’s nerve, but Steven Mudford had big trouble on the first hole notching up a seven which allowed Lyon to temporarily take control. However this blip meant Mudford refocussed his attention and he steadily improved to

come in with a gross round of 72, meaning he was three under par for the last 17 holes.

Meanwhile Scott Love came in with the best round two score of 71.

Lyon, so often the master of his destiny, could not produce the goods this time and came in with a 78. This meant that this year’s club champion is Steven Mudford on 143 with Scott Love second on 149 and David Lyon third on 151. Ian Mudford, James Phillips and Mike Mudford all improved on their second rounds and came in fourth, fifth and sixth respectively.

Steve Mudford is club champion

CLUB champion Steven Mudford, right, receives his cup from vice captain Arthur Daines

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LymeOnline Sport

24 Friday, July 5 2019

July 19 2019

football

New team on parade

LYME Regis Football Club is celebrating its most successful financial season ever.

At the recent annual meeting, treasurer Nicky Leven reported cash assets of about £23,000, the most ever in the club’s 164 years of history.

The amount includes £12,500 set aside for match funding towards stage two of Project Fortify - the club development programme - which will see the erection of a 63-seat grandstand.

Planning permission was recently granted by Dorset Council and the stand, which includes three spaces for wheelchairs, should be in place early in the new season.

Project Fortify has received generous grant support from Lyme Regis Town Council of £100,000 over four years with the club contributing £12,500 per year.

The first phase was the erection of a new kitchen which has enabled the club to attract more bookings for the Davey Fort clubhouse. The final stage will see much needed drainage improvements to the ground and the erection of perimeter fencing and tarmacing of the car park.

Speaking at the annual meeting, club president Philip Evans MBE told members the club was in the healthiest financial position since formation and praised all those, especially the ladies committee and fundraising committee, for their efforts.

He also congratulated the players and club committee, led by Howard Larcombe, for their success on the field of play last season which saw both senior teams finish fifth in their respective Devon & Exeter Leagues.

Officers elected were: president Philip Evans; chairman - Howard Larcombe; vice-chairman - Gerard Hitchcock; secretary - Robert Thom; treasurer - Nicky Levan; minutes secretary - Francesca Evans; membership secretary - Shelley Larcombe; bookings secretary - Nicky Levan.

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Uplyme & Lyme Regis Cricket Club Saturday, July 20 Uplyme & Lyme Regis v Sidmouth CC 3rd X1 King George V Playing Field 1.30pm start

Now Luke wins place in world championships FRESH from his success in the European championships, Lyme Regisborn triathlete Luke Reed has qualified for the world championships which will be held in Edmonton, Canada, in August 2020.

Luke, 39, finished 15th in his age group at the European championships in Holland earlier this year.

He recently competed in the Cardiff triathlon, which was a world championship qualification race - a 750 meter swim, 20k bike ride and 5k run.

He finished 37th overall and took the fourth qualification spot for the world championships, another impressive achievement.

THE Seasiders’ management team for the season 2019-2020 (from the left) - Rob Larcombe, Rovers’ manager, sharing the role with Niall Davis; first team manager Gerard Hitchcock; new Reserves team manager Dominic Rowe and club coach Julien Simier

THE new grandstand with 63 seats soon to be erected on the Davey Fort football ground

cricket

Uplyme victory after biggest ever run chase UPLYME and Lyme Regis Cricket Club recorded their seventh victory of the season with a fantastic batting performance at Bradninch on Saturday.

The home team won the toss and set Uplyme a challenging target of 277 to win the game.

Star bowler for Uplyme was Mark Batey with figures of 3 for 25 off four overs with Jibu Varghese claiming two victims for 54 off nine offers.

In reply, opener Rob Thom fell to a golden duck, but the in-form number two Steve Batey got stuck into the Bradninch attack, carrying his back for 77 runs.

In an impressive all-round batting performance, good scores also came from Harvey Brimicombe (50), Bruce Maltby (49), Tyler Wellman (25), Ewan Pedder (16) and Mark Batey (15) to help Uplyme across the line in the very last over with 277 runs, the club’s biggest

every run chase. The 19-point victory keeps them in third place in the Devon Cricket League Division E East, nine points ahead of nearest rivals, Topsham St James.

This was one of Uplyme’s best performances, despite the fact that they travelled with just ten men after a late withdrawal from the selected side.

This coming Saturday Uplyme will be tested by second place Sidmouth 3rd X1 STEVE BATEY who have won nine of their 11 games

LUKE Reed competing in the European championships in Holland earlier this year

LymeOnline is published by Lyme Regis Media Limited Unit 5, Uplyme Business Park, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3LS Printed by Newsquest, Weymouth

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