LymeOnline Digital Edition - July 23 2021

Lyme Regis gears up for Lifeboat Week

SEE PAGE 7 FO R LIFEBOAT WEEK PREVIEW

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Lyme celebrates annual Somers Day VISITORS from Lyme Regis’ twin town of St George’s in Bermuda were among those to take part in the annual Somers Day celebrations this week.

The day commemorates Admiral Sir George Somers, a former Mayor of Lyme Regis who founded Bermuda in 1609 after being shipwrecked on the islands.

REPORT, PAGE 6

Resident honoured for dedication to Guides

Heatwave brings dolphins to the bay ■ AS temperatures soared this week, a pod of dolphins was spotted in the bay off Lyme Regis. This photo was captured by Steve Postles, skipper of the Neptune fishing trip boat, whose passengers were delighted as the dolphins played in the water around them. This week’s high temperatures saw huge crowds flock to Lyme Regis beach, as the Met Office issued its first ever extreme heat warning for a large area of England.

See page 8

Council meeting walk out

LYME Regis resident Shirley Williams was surprised with a presentation to mark her 50-plus years of service to the Girl Guiding movement, having first become involved in 1969 when she took over leadership of the 1st Lyme Regis Guides.

REPORT, PAGE 3

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MAYOR AND THREE OTHERS WALK OUT OF MEETING AMID EXPLOSIVE ARGUMENT

THE Mayor of Lyme Regis and three other town councillors last week walked out of one of the most explosive public meetings seen in recent years.

Mayor Brian Larcombe and Cllrs John Broom, Belinda Bawden and Stan Williams all walked out of last week’s Strategy & Finance Committee meeting – the first eight minutes of which descended into a heated row between several

FRANCESCA EVANS

francesca@lyme-online.co.uk elected members.

The four have cited different reasons for walking out, but it followed what has been described as “intolerable” behaviour and the election of Cllr Michaela Ellis as new chairman of the committee, taking over from the mayor.

The walk-out follows weeks of increasing ten-

sion in the council chamber, with the mayor having recently made a statement saying he will no longer tolerate disrespectful behaviour between members at meetings.

His message came after a public spat with new councillor Tara Webb, who openly called the mayor “a joke”. You can read te mayor’s statement in full on page 2.

The mayor initially made the statement at a

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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Mayor and town councillors walk out of explosive meeting CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE Tourism, Community & Publicity Committee meeting but several members were absent so he repeated it at the start of last week’s Strategy & Finance, where all councillors were present.

After repeating his statement on Wednesday, Cllr Cheryl Reynolds replied: “I do find it completely offensive that you’ve tarred everybody with the same brush. I find that totally offensive and I shall not be listening to anything you’ve just said because I think it’s unfair and completely out of order.”

In response, the mayor pointed out that Cllr Reynolds was the person who had asked him to repeat his statement when all councillors were present, after he first read it at the recent Tourism, Community & Publicity Committee meeting.

She replied: “I wanted to see if you were plying it to every single one of us and you obviously are and I find that very offensive.”

Cllr Larcombe said his statement did use the word “some” and did not refer to all.

Cllr Reynolds replied: “Sorry but I don’t like it.”

The meeting then moved to the election of chairman of the Strategy & Finance Committee, with both existing chairman Cllr Larcombe and Cllr Michaela Ellis nominated.

Cllr Ellis won the vote seven to six with Cllr Larcombe choosing not to use his casting vote as mayor to give himself the position*.

Cllr John Broom then announced he was leaving the meeting.

When asked why he said it was because Cllr Ellis was one of two members who voted in favour of the council taking a £600,000 loan last year when they had been discussing how to recover its finances after the first national lockdown.

The majority voted against this and the council did not take out a loan.

Members then started shouting over one another, with Cllr Ellis attempting to respond and Cllr Reynolds saying she had told Cllr Larcombe weeks ago that she would only vote to re-elect him as mayor if he did not stand for any committee chairmanships.

Cllr Stan Williams urged the mayor to stop the arguing.

Cllr Ellis said she would always support the decisions of the council even if they didn’t go her way and she accepted that the suggestion of a loan had been turned down, adding: “I really don’t understand why you need to leave.”

Cllr Broom replied: “Because I cannot see how you can be chair of finance when you do things like that, I’m sorry, goodbye, I shan’t be attending the meeting.”

As he left the room he said “I’m doing a Richard Doney on it”, implying that Cllr Richard Doney did not regularly attend meetings.

“Oh that is disrespectful after what the mayor has just said,” Cllr Ellis argued.

Cllr Larcombe pointed out to other members that he did not use his casting vote to elect himself as chairman.

One member of the council muttered “good”, to which Cllr Larcombe looked up and Cllr Tara Webb said: “I didn’t say that, don’t you dare look at me.”

Cllr Webb added that she did not agree that the mayor should be given a casting vote.

“That is the rules,” replied the mayor.

Cllr Webb retorted: “I know that’s the rules but I don’t agree with the rules and I’d like to know how we go about changing them?”

Cllr Larcombe said he was “naturally disappointed” not to be elected chairman as he felt the council could not have an effective mayor without them also being chairman of Strategy & Finance as the two positions were “intertwined”.

“I feel now that I’m impeded,” he said.

Councillors started shouting over one another again, with Cllr Ellis saying she took disrespect from Cllr Larcombe’s comments as she had not been chair of Strategy & Finance when she served as mayor.

Cllr Belinda Bawden then announced she was leaving the meeting, followed by Cllr Larcombe

and Cllr Stan Williams.

Cllr Ellis said: “If this is going to cause problems I will stand down.”

Cllr Webb replied: “It’s been voted on, that’s not right. Is it right? I don’t know. Hell no.”

She then shouted “goodbye” as Cllrs Larcombe, Bawden and Williams left the meeting.

Cllr Ellis then took the chair, adding that members would have to take another vote if they wanted her to stand down.

“I don’t like doing things when it’s this controversial and I take on board Brian’s point that a mayor cannot be effective without being chair of Strategy & Finance,” she commented.

Cllr Webb interjected: “I’m not sure he can be effective when he’s left the meeting, Michaela.”

Cllr Ellis continued: “But I did not chair Strategy & Finance when I was mayor; I did not chair any committee meetings.”

Cllr Reynolds said that no mayor had chaired Strategy & Finance before Cllr Larcombe.

The remaining members eventually continued with the business of the meeting.

Speaking to LymeOnline after the meeting, Cllr Larcombe said he had left the meeting due to the behaviour of some members and not to do so would have contradicted what he said in his statement.

Cllr Bawden, who previously said she felt “distressed, embarrassed and unsafe” at meetings, said she had also walked out due to the “intolerable” behaviour displayed by some councillors, adding: “I have made my position clear on this matter on multiple occasions and will not tolerate this rude and intimidating behaviour in council meetings.” ● Listen to an audio recording of the meeting at lyme-online.co.uk ● Share your views by sending a letter to the editor on edit@lyme-online.co.uk

THE MAYOR’S FULL STATEMENT ON COUNCILLORS’ BEHAVIOUR

“We begin every meeting with the standing statement concerning audio recording, public and member input, and specific reference to the expected standards of behaviour.

“This has been read out for ages and yet there has still been disrespect shown towards other councillor members, with increased grandstanding and attempts at petty point-scoring, which is in itself pointless, counterproductive, and not in the interests of the town we represent.

“It’s been going on for the last five years; it stopped for a year or so when this new council was elected, so much so that the improvement was formally recorded in the internal audit, then it came back again and has got even worse in the last few weeks. It has to stop.

“All councils have their differences; Lyme’s seem more engrained and at times very personal.

It’s no good simply talking about ‘working together’ – if you say it, mean it, do it.

“The meeting that follows must be the first of the improvement I want to see from here on. I will not tolerate any more of the unacceptable behaviour we’ve had, particularly in the last year.

“This council has some good members who commit a lot of their time and effort to the interests of Lyme. And we have done some remarkable things in the last two years, which is all the more remarkable given the particular challenges COVID has presented.

“Some of these things will continue to have real and lasting benefit to Lyme. COVID is still with us, and there are other things in progress; some will be visible and others less obvious, that will bring added benefit in the next few years.

“I will not have what we’ve done, and continue to do, masked and detracted by the kind of disrespect, petty point-scoring and grandstanding, and basic bad manners of some towards other council members and staff, by members who feel it’s okay to behave in this way.

“It’s gone on too long – no more, it stops now.”

newsfromwestminster

A monthly column by West Dorset MP Chris Loder

SIR George Somers was an extraordinary man.

Born in 1554, the early years of Mary I’s reign of terror, in Lyme Regis, George Somers led an incredible life, becoming mayor and Member of Parliament for Lyme Regis and going on to found Bermuda, an Island in the Atlantic ocean with a population of 75% of that here in West Dorset.

As one of George Somers’ successors as MP, I was honoured to attend Lyme Regis’ annual Somers Day celebration on Wednesday, marking the life of a man who helped shape the world as we know it. And I was particularly honoured to jointly host the Mayor of St George’s in Bermuda, along with the town crier and others.

In more recent times, particularly last year, Sir George’s statue was the target of vandalism and accusations from people who think they knew better and who were intent on making political points in relation to George Somers’ role in historic colonies and oppressions.

But for many years now, the Somers Day parade has celebrated the continued strength of our strong relationship with the island of Bermuda and one where elected representatives are always keen to visit us on this day.

The Mayor of St George’s speech was moving and from the heart. He told us that these celebrations underscored how important it is that we learn from our history and to be always in the pursuit of truth, rather than what we are first told.

And I think it is important to hear from those who are much closer to historical issues like this rather than those who like to be the voice of others without a mandate.

We take for granted today our ability to search

on our phones or computers any information we want to know about this world in an instant. It is important to remember that sometimes what we first read might not be accurate and we have a responsibility ourselves to validate what we read too.

For those who were simply visiting Lyme Regis and observing from a distance without an indepth understanding about Somers on Wednesday it would be difficult for anyone to have left the town that day without a greater appreciation of our past, watching the flags fly and the bells ringing out and the fact that along with the likes of Mary Anning and her fossil discoveries, people of Lyme Regis have contributed enormously to the world as we know it today.

Visit www.chrisloder.co.uk for links to my social media channels and news, or email hello@chrisloder.co.uk if you are interested in a face-to-face meeting at one of my surgeries

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Lyme Regis resident honoured for more than 50 years of service in Girl Guiding LYME Regis resident Shirley Williams was surprised with a presentation to mark her 50plus years of service to the Girl Guiding movement.

Mrs Williams attended a meeting of the West Dorset Division Guiding Finance Committee, of which she is chairman, earlier this month in Broadwindsor and was surprised with a certificate and brooch to recognise her long service, presented by the County Commissioner.

The Division Commissioner and other members had also arranged a small party with cakes and a bouquet of flowers for Shirley.

Mrs Williams first became involved with Girl Guiding in 1969, taking over the 1st Lyme Regis Guides from Felicity Charles, the Reverend Charles’ wife, having been her assistant for just over a year.

She said: “I was ‘Captain’ for 17 years having great fun doing all the things Guides did; no health and safety rules then just common sense.

“During this time I became District Commissioner, Camp and Brownie Pack Holiday Advisors. I was then appointed a Division Commissioner followed by Assistant County Commissioner.

“I joined the Dorset-wide Trefoil Guild where I soon became chairman and I highly recommend Trefoil Guiding. Three years ago l had the honour of becoming President of

Torchlight procession to fire up Regatta & Carnival Week Dorset County Trefoil.

“My life in Guiding has given me experiences and taken me to places in the world l would never have seen or experienced. All this with thanks for the support and sometimes involvement of my family and late husband Peter.”

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

LANGMOOR and Lister Gardens will flow with a river of light for the magical torchlight procession, which will provide a spectacular start to Lyme Regis Regatta & Carnival Week on Saturday, August 7.

At 9pm participants will walk with flaming torches through the gardens down onto the sandy beach where a giant circle of light will be formed.

Other events throughout the week include a duck race, ‘Candles Down the River’, various entertainment in the Marine Parade shelters and lots of fun family activities on the beach including welly wanging, egg catching, beach sports and a treasure hunt.

The week culminates with the grand carnival procession which takes place on the evening of Saturday, August 14.

Lyme’s Regatta & Carnival Committee are hoping as many participants join in this year's

FROM SUNRISE

TO SUNSET

Marine Parade, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3JH Follow us on social media @swimlyme | 01297 442668 | info@we eswim.co.uk

procession with organiser Rob James commenting: “We'd love to see as many entries as possible in this year's procession. We want it to be a fun community event showcasing the best of Lyme Regis.

“So, whether you are thinking of entering your children, entering as an individual, family, group of friends, local organisation or business, please get involved.

“There is no theme so you can be as creative as you want. You can message us via social media or email info@lymeregiscarnival.co.uk to let us know you're planning to enter, or you can just turn up by 7pm in Holmbush car park on Saturday 14.”

Full details of all events can be found on Lyme Regis Regatta and Carnival website at lymeregiscarnival.co.uk where you can sign up to take part in the torchlight procession.

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NEWS ONLINE: Catch up with A round-up of the top Maria’s art gallery puts RNLI crew stories from our website in the frame for Lifeboat Week

Lyme Regis swimmer promotes positive power of the sport ROBERTA Greenslade, aged 86, a regular visitor to Lyme Regis, is highlighting the positive power of swimming for individuals and charities by urging people sign up for the Swimathon Festival 2021. Roberta is a lifelong swimmer and has recently just got back in the water following treatment for breast cancer.

Enjoy your freedom but be responsible, says Dorset PoDORSET Police is reminding everyone to enjoy their freedom this summer, behave responsibly and look after each other to prevent violent crime in the county. The force is launching its summer violent crime campaign – ‘Don’t Regret Your Night Out’ – as the country eases restrictions and reopens the night-time economy following the COVID-19 pandemic.

PROFESSIONAL artist Maria Barbashina is applying the final touches to portraits of 25 members of the RNLI crew of Lyme Regis lifeboat – just in time for the town’s Lifeboat Week.

The portraits will be hanging in the boathouse at the lifeboat station on the Cobb.

Russian-born Maria has just one more portrait to complete before Lifeboat Week which starts this Saturday (July 24).

She said: “The crew were all very patient during each sitting which took around 90 minutes and I am delighted with the result.”

Since starting the portrait project, Maria, 38, has joined the lifeboat team herself as shore crew and has ambitions to progress to a sea-going member of the volunteer crew.

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Last chance to sign up for Charmouth Challenge THERE is still time to enter this year’s virtual version of the Charmouth Challenge. Runners are being invited to take part virtually this month, and can either run, walk, skip or hop eight miles anywhere during July for a £10 donation to Charmouth Primary School PTFA, or you can take on the smaller two-mile challenge for £5. Permissions have not been granted from various landowners to use the traditional route, which takes in a gruelling climb of Golden Cap – the highest peak on the south coast – so participants can carry out their own challenges anywhere. For details visit www.eventrac.co.uk/e/virtual-charmouth-challenge-and-fun-run-7022

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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 Heatwave and a hectic diary - it must be summer!

Dorset Council over Figures for May show 35 crimes in Lyme budget by £8.3m A REPORT is due to go before Dorset Council Cabinet next week, outlining the council’s financial position at the end of the first quarter. The council is currently forecasting to exceed its budget by £8.3m. The report emphasises that 2021/22 continues to be an extremely challenging time for the council due to COVID-19.

THE latest crime figures released by police show there were 35 reported crimes in the Lyme Regis area during May 2021. These figures compare to 41 crimes the previous month and 42 during the same month last year. From the 35 recorded incidents, 17 took place in Lyme Regis, nine in Charmouth, six in Uplyme, two in Wootton Fitzpaine and one in Fishpond Bottom.

WITH barely any events to cover last year, I had almost forgotten what the hectic summer months in Lyme Regis felt like.

But there’s definitely no escaping them now as Lyme braces itself for the peak summer season.

After getting used to a laid-back life in lockdown, this week has come as a bit of a shock to the system. I’ve quickly had to get back in the swing of juggling deadline week, covering events and meetings, organising the upcoming Lyme Regis Sausage & Cider Festival (see page 14) and attempting to maintain some sort of social life.

No complaints here, though, keeping busy is just how I like it and it’s been great to get back to ‘normal’ events, which this week have included a preview evening at the stylish new wine bar Lilac, soon to open in Broad Street, and the annual Somers Day celebrations (see page 6) including a delicious lunch at Lyme Regis Golf Club.

It was also great to see students from The Woodroffe School in Lyme Regis dressed up for their prom night, this year held at Lyme Regis Football Club which stepped in last minute after the initial event was cancelled due to COVID restrictions (see page 18).

After such a challenging school year, which has seen their GCSE exams cancelled, the students were able to let their hair down and even kicked off their heels to play football on the pitch!

There will be no let up in my diary for a few week’s yet. Lifeboat Week gets underway to-

morrow (see page 7) and I have about six places to be at once! What a shame, then, that the amazing weather we have enjoyed over the past week is set to break – although the sweltering 30 degree temperatures in our office has not been ideal.

I have managed to cool off with a few dips in the sea between jobs this week, although I’ve not been lucky enough to spot the dolphins pictured on our front page.

Fortunately, after the weekend the forecast is set to improve – not quite back to heatwave temperatures but, after a over a year of being cooped up I am sure that, rain or shine, everyone will be keen to enjoy all their favourite Lifeboat Week events once again.

LymeOnline will be offering its usual unrivalled photo coverage of events during Lifeboat Week, as well as special video coverage of the opening day tomorrow (Saturday) – keep an eye on our website and social media.

The LymeOnline team will also be outside the lifeboat station on Saturday morning handing out free copies of our newspaper and we’re always happy to meet our readers, so please come along and say hello!

Francesca Evans, Editor

The

Woodmead Halls Tourism Minister visits West Dorset

YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY HALL

WEST Dorset MP Chris Loder recently welcomed Tourism Minister Nigel Huddleston to his constituency in a day hailed by Mr Loder as a “turning point for tourism in West Dorset with the first time the Tourism Minister has visited us in decades”. Sherborne Abbey, the Cerne Abbas Giant and the Jurassic Coast were among the attractions visited with Mr Loder saying he wanted to ensure the government had West Dorset at the top of its agenda.

Wedding Venue | Corporate Events Clubs & Organisations | Children’s Parties Fitness Classes | Concerts & Shows

East Devon artist to exhibit at Town Mill OTTERY St Mary artist Richard Kaye will be exhibiting his ‘bold and distinctive’ work at an exhibition in the Town Mill Malthouse Gallery in Lyme Regis next month. The exhibition will be held from Wednesday, August 11 to Tuesday, August 24, open every day from 10.30am to 4.30pm.

The perfect venue for every occasion!

For further details or to get in touch, vist woodmeadhalls.co.uk

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LYMEMatters Bermudian visitors bring sunshine

By Philip Evans

Lyme is becoming a laughing stock

T

HE egregious behaviour of town councillors is rapidly making Lyme Regis into a laughing stock.

Wherever I go, people - usually with a big grin on their face - ask me: “What is the matter with your council?”

For too many years Lyme has been plagued by the crass behaviour of successive councils.

Many are starting to ask whether Lyme Regis Town Council is fit for purpose.

Those of you who listened to the recording of last week’s council meeting on the LymeOnline website would say that it is not.

Those of you who have not listened to it, I advise you to do so.

I was not at the council meeting but when I listened to the recording afterwards I was flabbergasted that such behaviour was still going on in the chamber after the Mayor, Cllr Brian Larcombe asked - pleaded - with them to desist.

Some people found it amusing. My first feeling was one of embarrassment.

There are some good people on the council. And there are the others...

The fact is that Lyme deserves better.

The town is one of the most popular resorts along the south coast. Families visit our town year after year. Some yearn to live in such a beautiful place; it’s their life’s dream.

It’s not an exaggeration to say that sheer hatred exists in the Guildhall.

The distressing thing is that there would seem to be no way of dealing with such behaviour; no recourse to law.

The council has come through this pandemic - a hugely difficult time for the mayor and town clerk John Wright - with flying colours and more than a million pounds in reserves.

Financially, they are the envy of many other local authorities, none of whom would swap bank accounts if they had to take on Lyme’s reputation.

Such shenanigans in the Guildhall make life very difficult for council staff, especially the senior officers. Who would want to work in such an a toxic environment? It is important that council staff don’t get sucked in to supporting one faction against the other.

It greatly impacts, also on the good work that the council does - and there are many examples if you look close enough.

As per usual, there are a few misguided individuals who blame LymeOnline for providing the oxygen of publicity that feeds those who court notoriety, accusing us of being “muckrakers”. That’s not the actual word they use but you will get my drift.

No other newspaper takes any interest in Lyme council. The Bridport News rarely sends anyone to cover council meetings and the Midweek Herald reporters (what’s left of them) are like the Olympic torch - they never go out.

Can you imagine how some councillors might act if our reporter was not present? I can assure you, however, we will continue reporting council meetings and hope matters improve.

I confess I have no quick solution to the problem. We can only hope that our councillors see sense, bury their animosities and start representing the people of Lyme Regis with dignity and pride.

to Lyme for Somers Day celebrations FRANCESCA EVANS

francesca@lyme-online.co.uk

VISITORS from Lyme Regis’ twin town of St George’s in Bermuda were among those to take part in the annual Somers Day celebrations this week – and the weather had them feeling right at home.

The day commemorates former Mayor of Lyme Regis, Admiral Sir George Somers, who founded Bermuda after being shipwrecked on the islands in 1609, during a voyage to the new English colony of Jamestown, Virginia.

The event has been marked in Lyme Regis for more than 40 years, and the town was officially twinned with St George’s in Bermuda in the 1990s.

Events on Wednesday began with town crier Alan Vian giving a proclamation at the statue of Sir George in Langmoor Gardens.

Members of the Lyme Regis/St George’s Twinning Committee were then refreshed with coffee at the Alexandra Hotel before a parade through the gardens and along the seafront and Cobb.

A flag-raising ceremony was held at the end of the Cobb, where the Mayor of Lyme Regis, Cllr Brian Larcombe MBE, and the visiting Mayor of St George’s, George Dowling III JP, both spoke of the friendship between the two communities which had remained strong during the coronavirus pandemic.

Guests enjoyed a two-course lunch at Lyme Regis Golf Club, where they toasted with a Bermudian dark and stormy cocktail.

A church service was then held at Whitchurch Canonicorum, hometown of Sir George, followed by afternoon tea.

LYME’S civic party and visitors from Bermuda pictured in Langmoor Gardens. Below, the Mayor of St George’s, George Dowling III JP, makes a speech at the end of the Cobb

THE parade was led by town criers of Lyme Regis, Alan Vian, and of Hamilton – Bermuda’s capital – Ed Christopher. Below, the flags of Bermuda and England were carried in the procession

WEST Dorset MP Chris Loder and former Mayor of Lyme Regis, Cllr Michaela Ellis, pictured in the procession ■ AUTHOR Margaret Rice was among those taking part in the Somers Day celebrations, having recently released her book on Henry Bagwell – one of the passengers aboard Sir George Somers’ flagship Sea Venture.

Ten years ago, Margaret set out to research the history of the Chappell family, who were merchants and mayors of Exeter, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Thomas Chappell was Mayor of Exeter in 1588, and is Margaret’s direct ancestor.

One of Thomas’ grandsons, Henry Bagwell, was a passenger on the Sea Venture and among the first residents of Bermuda, eventually continuing his trip on to Jamestown.

You can find out more at www.marice.info

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Summer holidays as it should be – Lifeboat Week returns with a bang!

WITH the town having missed all its major events last year during the coronavirus pandemic, Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week makes a welcome return as the main summer season gets underway this weekend.

Organisers from the Lyme Regis Lifeboat Supporters have worked hard to deliver a packed programme, with highlights set to include a parachute display by the Army’s Red Devils team at 3pm on Thursday, July 29.

Although the lifeboat crew will be taking on Uplyme & Lyme Regis Cricket Club in a friendly match tonight (Friday), things really get underway on Saturday, July 24 with the official opening of Lifeboat Week to be carried out by star fundraiser,

Joshua Denning, aged 17, who enjoys helping at all local events and who collected no less than £1,000 for the RNLI during Lifeboat Week 2019.

The opening ceremony will be held at 1.30pm outside the lifeboat station on the Cobb.

Other events on the opening day will include belly dancing, shanty signing, a swimming challenge and welcome display by lifeboat crews from Lyme Regis and Exmouth in the bay at 6.30pm.

Festivities will continue during the opening weekend, with other highlights to include the popular fun run and bathtub race and illuminated boats on Sunday, July 25, as well as a

barbecue and live music at the Nag’s Head.

Children will be kept entertained throughout the week with events to include pavement art, beach treasure hunts and races, crab fishing and a teddy bear’s picnic.

Meanwhile, grown ups may like to try their hand at the challenging hole-in-one competition, striking a golf ball off the North Wall to the floating hole, or the famous Yard of Ale competition to be held outside the Cobb Arms on Wednesday evening from 8pm.

There will also be demonstrations from Lyme Regis fire crew and Lyme Regis coastguards, as well as live entertainment from Mariners Away, Lyme

Regis Town Band, Wylde Morris, HiDDeN and Lyme Morris, Romney Marsh Morris and The Chantry Buoys.

Don’t forget to also pop down to the lifeboat station for their book stalls, breakfast baps, hot dogs and competitions, and to buy a ticket for the Irene Roper Duck Race, named after one of the former leading organisers of Lifeboat Week, to be held at 12noon on Friday, July 30.

For dates, times and full details of all events, buy a Lifeboat Week programme in local outlets including at the lifeboat station, or search for the Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week app on the App Store or Google Play.

Look out for our video and photo coverage throughout the week on the LymeOnline website and social media channels

■ AS temperatures soared and crowds flocked to the beach last weekend, Lyme Morris and visiting sides from across the region kept everyone entertained on the seafront. Performances were held on Marine Parade throughout the day as part of the annual Lyme Day of Morris, with collections being donated to local good causes.

Photos by Rob James

COVID-19: The latest on local coronavirus figures ALTHOUGH England’s remaining coronavirus restrictions were eased on what was dubbed ‘Freedom Day’ on Monday, cases are continuing to rise across Dorset.

In the latest figures released on Friday, July 16, there were 581 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the Dorset Council area, compared to 365 the previous week, and 979 in the Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole (BCP) area, compared to 936 on July 9.

This means the case rate per 100,000 people is currently 153.4 in the Dorset Council area, compared to 96.4 the previous week, and 257.6 in the BCP area, compared to 236.8.

There are currently 17 COVID-19 patients in hospitals across Dorset, compared to 14 on July 9.

Up to 11 July, 1,034,599 doses of COVID vaccinations had been administered to people in Dorset.

A spokesperson for Public Health Dorset

said: “Cases of COVID-19 continue to rise across the county, although the rate of increase in the BCP Council area has slowed with a smaller increase that we have seen in recent weeks.

“Case rates in both the Dorset Council and BCP Council areas are below the average rates for the South West and England. We are seeing cases increase across all age groups, but the majority of infections continue to be amongst younger people.

“The number of people in hospital with COVID-19 in Dorset has been slowly by steadily rising over the past few weeks, although numbers currently remain low compared to previous waves.

“Restrictions were lifted on July 19 but this does not mean that the pandemic is over, and the recent rise in cases locally is a reminder of that.

“With COVID-19 circulating in our commu-

nities, getting vaccinated is the best way you can protect yourself from serious illness caused by the virus.

“Everyone can access free rapid tests and by doing these twice a week you can also protect people around you by regularly checking you aren’t infectious.

“The risks from COVID-19 have not disappeared so it’s important to consider situations carefully and make informed choices about the things we can all do to keep ourselves and others safe.

“Hands, face, space and fresh air remain critical to preventing the spread of the virus, and you should also consider individual risks like clinical vulnerabilities and vaccination status.

“Finally, if you experience any symptoms of COVID-19, even if they’re mild you must book a PCR test and self-isolate whilst you wait for the result. Self-isolation rules remain in place

so if you are a close contact of a positive case you must continue to isolate for the full period.”

In line with Dorset, coronavirus cases are also increasing in the Lyme Regis area.

In the seven-day period up until July 13, 14 cases were recorded in Lyme Regis, Charmouth & the Marshwood Vale, an increase from eight.

The latest figures for surrounding areas are as follows: Uplyme, Kilmington & Colyton – 21 (increase of 7); Seaton – 27 (same as previous week); Axminster – 19 (and increase of 7); Burton Bradstock & Chideock – 16 (increase of 6); Bridport South & West Bay – 10 (decrease of 5); Bridport North – 9 (decrease of 15).

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

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Exploring the history of British cuisine

THE Lyme Regis branch of the U3A will be hosting an online talk called ‘Food Glorious Food: a UK Love Affair’, presented by David Dury on Friday, August 13 at 11am.

The talk will be held via Zoom and will feature the history of British classics, from fish and chips, to curry and roast dinners, to cooked breakfasts, afternoon teas and comforting desserts.

David also examines the complete change in dining habits within a generation and the growth of Michelin star restaurants and street food markets, as well as looking at the classic pubs and traditional cafes.

The presentation concludes with some of London’s more unusual dining experiences, from eating in the dark to dining in the 16th century Middle Temple Hall to experiencing fine dining in a prison.

Visit www.lymeregisu3a.org for details on how to join the meeting.

Get Together Club disbands after 72 years

A LYME Regis organisation which was first set up in 1949 has disbanded and given its remaining funds to other local good causes.

The Get Together Club hosted many social occasions, regular coffee morning and coach trips for the town’s senior citizens but it has now been disbanded.

The chairman and committee have agreed to allocate it remaining funds to Lyme Regis Christmas Lights, Lyme Regis Over 70s Christmas Dinner Committee, St Michael’s Church Hall and St Michael’s Primary School.

The chairman and committee would like to thank all members for their support in the past.

Lyme resident to shave head for charity

LYME Regis resident Nigel Ball will be shaving his head for the second time in aid of Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support.

The head shave will take place at 5.45pm today (Friday) at the charity’s own beach hut on Marine Parade, which is used exclusively for those affected by cancer.

Nigel and his son Ashley previously shaved their heads for the charity in October 2020.

You can make a donation online at https://localgiving.org/charity/axminster-and-lyme-cancer-support/

Heatwave brings the crowds to Lyme ■ LYME Regis beach has been packed throughout the week as a heatwave swept across the UK. The soaring temperatures has seen huge crowds flock to Lyme Regis, as the Met Office issued its first ever extreme heat warning for a large section of England, including the South West. The warning was put in place from Monday evening when highs were expected to reach 30 degrees, and is expected to end today (Friday) with temperatures having slightly cooled ahead of the weekend. It’s not likely to get any quieter though, with Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week officially kicking off tomorrow (Saturday) - see page 7 for details. The warmer weather has also seen some very special visitors arrive in town – a pod of dolphins has been spotted several times out in the bay by fishing boats and those cooling down on the water.

Photo above by Richard Austin and, right, by Francesca Evans

EXPLORING 100 YEARS AT LYME REGIS MUSEUM

WE’RE LOOKING TO RECRUIT VOLUNTEERS! To find out how you can support our town’s wonderful museum, please email director@lymeregismuseum.co.uk Lyme Regis Museum ‐ Where Mary Anning Lived

Patience, By George!

THE only attributed portrait of former Mayor of Lyme Regis, Admiral Sir George Somers, hangs in our museum.

Known as the ‘Eastnor Castle Portrait’, it has been kindly loaned to us

by James HerveyBathhurst.

Lyme’s links with Bermuda stretches back to 1609 when a hurricane blew Somers’ Virginia-bound fleet of seven ships ashore on the ‘Isle of Devils’.

Sir George’s ignominious arrival on the isle is commemorated on the opening panel of the ‘Hall of History Mural’ in the Commissioners’ House at the National Museum of Bermuda.

Island artist Graham Foster dedicated 7,000 hours and over three years to research and create the rich and colourful work, which was unveiled by the Queen in 2009. Follow the link https://hullfilm.com/projects/nmb/360tour/ to discover more.

Sir George’s own ship, ‘Sea Venture’ was salvaged and on the mural you see his crew rebuilding her as two ships; the ‘Patience’ and the ‘Deliverance’.

They sailed onto Virginia and returned to the island for supplies to sustain the starving colony in Jamestown.

Sadly Sir George died soon after in 1610 "of a surfeit in eating of a pig". His heart was

buried in St George’s and his preserved remains were transported aboard the ‘Patience’ back to Lyme Regis.

A volley of muskets and cannon saluted him on his last journey to the church at Whitchurch Canonicorum where his body is buried.

As the museum celebrates its centenary, perhaps the transformed Pillared Hall in Bermuda may inspire an artist to consider the interior of the rotunda at Lyme Regis Museum as a candidate for transformation and inevitably their own exercise in patience?

Jacqueline Horsfield, chair of the Museum Centenary and a museum trustee Jacqueline is a Bermudian now living in UK. She was part of the Capital Campaign to restore Commissioners House, which was the first residential building to use a cast iron frame. The restoration won RICS building conservation award and the house re opened in 2000.

Lyme Regis celebrated its connection with Bermuda with Somers Day on Wednesday – see page 6.

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Relax and dine with us CHARMOUTH BAKERY MINI LOAF £3 | VG Rapeseed oil balsamic vinegar or salted butter/vegan spread

OLIVES £3 | VG

GARLIC PIZZA BREAD £6 | VG Add cheese or plant based cheese

HUMMUS & FLAT BREAD £6 | VG Mixed leaves

SMALL OR LARGE PLATES PILOT BOAT SALAD £7 | £12 | VG

Mixed leaves, sundried tomatoes, olives, sour dough croutons, red onion Add cajun chicken, crayfish tails, smoked salmon seitan

Chorizo, salami, prosciutto, cheddar cheese, cornichons, olives, walnuts, remoulade, bread

SALT & PEPPER SQUID £7 | £14 paprika mayonnaise, mixed leaves

HERBY NEW POTATO SALAD £7 | £12 Spring onions, olives, chicory, asparagus, pine nuts, herbs, lemon garlic oil Add cajun chicken, crayfish tails, smoked salmon seitan

FISH GRILLED CORNISH HAKE £17 Buttered new potatoes, seasonal greens, lemon butter PALMERS ALE BATTERED COD £8 | £16

◆ ◆

Thick cut chips, crushed peas, tartare sauce

◆

BRODET £16

◆

Today’s market fish, potato, tomato and parsley stew, bread

TODAY’S LOCAL CAUGHT GRILLED FISH £18 Please ask for today’s choice

WE LOVE LOCAL

CHARCUTERIE BOARD £10 | £18

PILOT BOAT KEBAB £7 | £14 | VG Flatbread, remoulade, onion, chilli sauce, red cabbage, garlic mayo Choose seitan or chicken Large portion with fries WHOLE TAILED BREADED SCAMPI £7 | £14 Tartare sauce, mixed leaves Large portion with thick cut chips

Tables 1 metre apart One-way system Table service throughout Continuing to keep our guests and staff safe and secure

Charmouth Bakery - Charmouth Kingfisher - Brixham West Country Catch - Weymouth Complete Meats - Axminster Foots Eggs - Sherbourne RD Johns - Newton Abbot Last Course Patisserie - Cullompton West Country Veg - Newton Abbot Crab Man - Beer

GRILLS PILOT BOAT BURGER £14 Brioche bun, tomato relish, gherkin, gem lettuce, skinny fries PLANT BURGER £14 | VG Brioche bun, plant based patty, tomato relish, gherkin, gem lettuce, skinny fries Moving Mountains @Burger TM CAJUN CHICKEN BURGER £14 Brioche bun, mayonnaise, gherkin, gem lettuce, skinny fries CHICKEN FREE ‘CHICKEN’ BURGER £14 | VG

Brioche bun, seitan chicken patty, spicy mayonnaise gherkin, gem lettuce, skinny fries Add to your burger cheddar, Dorset blue, goats, plant based cheese, bacon, plant-based bacon, caramelised onions £1.50 each

WEST COUNTRY 8oz SIRLOIN STEAK £24

PLEASE BE PATIENT - ALL OUR FOOD IS COOKED FRESH TO ORDER

Thick cut chips, Diane sauce, mixed leaves

12” PIZZAS PLANT BASED CHEESE AND GLUTEN FREE BASES AVAILABLE MARGHERITA £11 | V

Mozarella, basil, tomato sauce

MEDITERRANEAN £14 | V Mozarella, tomato sauce, olives, capers, red onion, sun-dried tomato, artichoke

PEPPERONI £13 Mozarella, tomato sauce

WALNUT, CARAMELISED RED ONION & GOATS CHEESE £14 | V

SPICED BEEF £14 Mozarella, chillis, spring onions, tomato sauce

TODAY’S SPECIAL PIZZA

DORSET HAM & MUSHROOM £13 Mozarella, tomato sauce

SIDES THICK CUT CHIPS £4 SKINNY FRIES £4 BABY MIXED LEAVES £4 BUTTERED NEW POTATOES £4 NEW POTATO SALAD £4 SEASONAL GREENS £4 REMOULADE £4

Mozarella, tomato sauce

CRAYFISH £14 Mozarella, tomato sauce, olives, spring onions, crayfish tails CRAB £16 Mozarella, garlic butter base, local crab, parmesan, chillis, spring onions, rocket

Please ask for today’s choice

ADD EXTRA TOPPINGS

DORSET HAM £7

ADD DIPS

SANDWICHES

Tomato chutney, Charmouth Bakery bread

SOMERSET CHEDDAR CHEESE £7 | V Tomato chutney, Charmouth Bakery bread

CAJUN CHICKEN & BACON £8

Lightly spiced chicken, bacon, sweetcorn, mayo, Charmouth Bakery bread

SEITAN £14 | V Mozarella, tomato sauce, seitan, sweetcorn, red onion

HUMMUS & ROASTED PEPPER £7 | VG Charmouth Bakery bread

HANDPICKED LOCAL CRAB £12 Charmouth Bakery bread

SMOKED SALMON & CREME FRAICHE £7 Charmouth Bakery bread

Booking essential - www.thepilotboat.co.uk or email - reservations@thepilotboat.co.uk

1 Bridge Street, Lyme Regis DT7 3QA – 01297 443157

theuplymepage

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Sun comes out just in time for Uplyme’s summer show UPLYME & Lyme Regis Horticultural Society’s Summer Flower and Produce Fair attracted about 1,000 visitors earlier this month and was considered a well-deserved success, with several short-notice changes having to be made due to the extension of COVID restrictions.

After a wet start to the day, the weather turned in the organisers’ favour so that visitors could enjoy all the attractions of the fair in sunshine.

Submissions for the competitive classes in the marquee were well subscribed and even though there were few separate junior classes this year, the under 16s did well in winning cups and trophies in the main classes.

Meanwhile visitors were kept busy with stalls set up around the King George V playing field, refreshments and a dog show.

Robin Britton, chair of the Uplyme & Lyme Regis Horticultural Society, said: “I believe that under the circumstances, with regulations changing almost by the week over the past few months, we did a remarkable job to put on a good show.

“My thanks to our organising committee for seeing it through so enthusiastically, even when we had to make adjustments at a late stage.

“The takeaway food service was very popular and the team worked very hard there as elsewhere on the field.

“We were pleased to see so many visitors

and hope that next year’s show can be back to normal, though I am sure we have learnt lessons about how we can manage change, whatever rules apply by then.”

RHS Banksian Medal Supreme Award for best in show went to Margaret Yelland.

Best exhibit prizes were awarded as follows: Seamark Cup for flowers/foliage Neil Croton; W.C.G. Diploma for flowering plant - Bill Howarth; J & F.J. Baker Cup for fruit/vegetables - Neil Croton; McLeod Innes Cup for specimen rose - Sylvia Rickard; Cakemaker’s Cup for set recipe cake - Sara O’Toole; Junior Photo Cup for photography - Horatio Lawrence; Leslie Bretherick Cup for photography - Anita Routley; Tony Cook Tankard for sweet peas - Peter Rowley; Bullock Cup for best junior exhibit - Horatio Lawrence; Mrs Thomas Cup for best flowers/foliage junior exhibit - Clyde Steele; Dahlia Trophy for show theme - Maryanne Steele.

Prizes for most points were awarded as follows: Woodroffe Challenge Cup for flowers/foliage - Neil Croton; Williams Challenge Cup for fruit/vegetables - Bill Howarth; Morrish Challenge Cup for home produce - Neil Croton; Shilton Cup for photography - Anita Routley; Mary Frings Challenge Cup for preserves Henriette Wood; Stobo Memorial Cup (newcomers award) for flowers/foliage - Tricia Boyd; Stevens Memorial Cup (newcomers award) for fruit/vegetables - Horatio Lawrence.

PRIZEWINNERS at the Uplyme & Lyme Regis Summer Flower and Produce Fair. Below, society chair Robin Britton hands out awards and visitors look around the exhibits

Donations allow Scouts to invest in archery equipment THE 1st Lym Valley Scout Group, based in Uplyme, has been able to start offering archery as part of its varied programme thanks for a grant from Lyme Regis Town Council and a donation from the Lyme Regis Bowls Club.

“We’re extremely fortunate to be part of a community that not only values its young people but is willing to invest in its young people as well,” said Scout leader Karen Yelland.

“The donations and grants from the bowls club and the council, combined with our own funds, have allowed us to offer archery for the first time inhouse.

“Helping us not only cut down on the cost of putting archery for our members, but also allowing us to offer it more often, to even more young people.”

For members of the 1st Lym

Valley Scout Group, the opportunity to do archery is just one of many exciting activities on offer as the group returns to ‘normality’ after being under COVID restrictions for over a year.

So far this summer, members have been out and about rafting, shooting, hiking, pioneering, and had a go at high ropes, to name just a few activities the group has been enjoying in recent months.

When asked how it’s possible to put all these activities on, Karen said: “It’s our volunteers!

They’re brilliant at making it all happen.

“Whether it’s helping to run our sessions for the Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers, or keeping our hut together - it makes all the difference.”

www.lyme-online.co.uk

L

YME 1 Hotel is the beautiful and imposing eight-bedroom Grade II listed Georgian townhouse, next door to the old cinema and at the top of Langmoor gardens at number 1 Pound Street.

The new owners, Terry and Jinling Lewis, have fully renovated the building, putting their own spin on the decor with the use of colour and texture.

Their mission was to create a ‘home from home’ with luxurious touches in an informal but wholly comfortable setting.

The couple actually live next door to the hotel and had dreamed of owning it since buying their house more than 30 years ago.

They are excited that both houses are finally back under one roof, as they believe they would have been 100 plus years ago when it was all one property.

Each of the two suites and six rooms they have created is totally unique in order to enhance its individual features and the views.

The rooms at the front have a view over the top of the town, while guests can watch the sunrise from the bedrooms or terrace at the back.

The rooms all have familiar names – the Cobb Suite has a rich interior with a gorgeous iron king size bed, ensuite and a sit-

ting room. The Sherbourne Room is hidden away at the back of the house, and is a quiet and cosy hideaway with a bright interior and double doors leading out onto a little courtyard. The Anning Room has a more traditional feel, while the Fossil Room is styled with an eclectic mix of traditional and modern furnishings in soft pinks and greys, which accentuate the stunning metal panelled ceiling. As the sun shines in, it reflects, creating beautiful shades of colour throughout the room. The Monmouth Room has a coastal feel and cabin style doors that open onto a picturesque terrace. The Philpot Room named after Thomas Philpot, who built Lyme Regis Museum in 1900 in memory of his sister, has lovely views across the town, while the Ammonite Room is beautifully airy, with coastal tones.

At the top of the hotel is the Langmoor Suite with views over the gardens to the sea.

Every room has comfortable beds with Egyptian cotton bedlinen and many of the beds are unusual in design, from the nau-

LYME 1 HOTEL VISIT WWW.LYME1HOTEL.COM OR CALL US ON 01297 690001 FOR MORE INFORMATION

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Friday, July 23 2021 11

tical themed knotted bedposts in the Monmouth room to the leather look metal frame in the Cobb Suite.

Terry and Jinling have created a super friendly and relaxed vibe.

Guests can self check-in, but the managers are often around or a quick call or text message away to offer tips or help book restaurants or activities.

Breakfast baskets are left outside visitors’ bedroom doors each morning and are filled with their choice of local and seasonal food from the breakfast menu.

Terry said: “Feedback from the guests has been brilliant, so far, and we are are booked up throughout the summer season even though booking only opened at the end of May. “We want the hotel to be a relaxing a home from home, without the sterile feel that many hotels have these days. We are delighted to be able to keep the hotel in local ownership, to employ local people and support local businesses in the heart of town.”

◆ For more information about Lyme 1 Hotel visit www.lyme1hotel.com or call 01297 690001.

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timeoutinLyme

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

Local performers to stage ‘Curtain Up’ variety show A GROUP of local performers want to bring some positivity and hope to Lyme Regis following a challenging 18 months during the coronavirus pandemic.

With most shows and events cancelled last year, a group of keen performers got together virtually last autumn to discuss the possibility of staging a variety show once it was safe to do so.

'Curtain Up' is the result of much brainstorming, with the group encouraged to put forward their own ideas and rehearse either individually or socially distanced.

As a result, they have put together a fantastic programme of diverse acts – singing, dancing, comedy, instrumentalists and more.

The core group will be joined by some guest performers, including the Lyme Regis Majorettes and young saxophone quartet 'The Tootin' Hoodlums'.

Organiser Sarah Causley said: “We are aware that many people may still be nervous of going out and attending events which is why we will have decided on a max of 80 persons in the audience and they will be seated in a cabaret style, with a relaxed, spacious feel.

“Orders for the bar and refreshments will be taken at the table, and served to you, by our fabulous front of house team.

“It will be an evening with some reflection on the past difficult year, but with the emphasis on positivity and hope.

“We guarantee you will laugh, possibly cry, but most definitely leave feeling warm and fuzzy inside.

“We are hoping the community of Lyme Regis and surrounding areas will join with us to celebrate the long awaited return of live theatre.”

The show will take place at The Woodmead Halls, on Thursday, August 12 and Friday, August 13 to coincide with Regatta & Carnival Week.

Tickets are available now from the Ticket Source website www.ticketsource.co.uk/lymecurtainup, priced £8.50 for adults & £5.50 for children - Alternatively, you can book tickets by calling Sarah Causley on 07788 946 427.

Any profits made will go directly back to community groups.

THE core group behind the ‘Curtain Up’ variety show to be staged next month

‘Sea-ciders’ prepare for major festival

EST. 2020

LYME BAY

RADIO

HAVING postponed the event for three weeks due to the extensions of coronavirus restrictions, Lyme Regis Football Club is now making final preparations for its Sausage & Cider Festival on Saturday, July 31.

The festival, backed by main sponsors Advantage Digital Print and Devon Carpets, has quickly grown in popularity having been launched in 2017, but was called off last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

It is now returning on Saturday, July 31 from 2pm to 11pm at the Davey Fort – home of the Seasiders. Entry is by purchase of £2 reusable festival cup, sponsored by Litter Free Dorset, which you can then use at the outdoor bars, where a wide selection of local ciders will be available.

The event will also include fully-stocked indoor and outdoor bars, a Pimm’s tent sponsored by LymeOnline, award-winning sausages from Lyme Regis Butchers on the barbecue and vegetarian options and other snacks from the kitchen.

A full programme of live music will be held throughout the day on the RBS Scaffolding stage, including performances from, Lyme

Morris, Lyme Luggers Ukulele Group, Dorset Phil, Guilty Pleasure and culminating with headliners Dark Matter – back by popular demand having won over crowds when the festival was last held in 2019.

There will also be an ice cream truck and bouncy castle to keep the kids entertained.

Festival organiser Francesca Evans said: “We’re really excited to welcome everyone back to the Davey Fort football ground for a big celebration after what has been a hugely challenging year for everyone.

“As well as being a great day out, the festival is Lyme Regis Football Club’s biggest fundraiser of the year. This is more needed than ever as our clubhouse has been largely closed during a year when we have nearcompleted a major programme of improvements to the pitch and social facilities.”

Those attending the festival are reminded to bring cash as card payment facilities will be limited on the day and several stands and the gate will be accepting cash only.

For more details visit www.lymeregisciderfestival.co.uk

Town band scales back summer programme AFTER announcing its summer concerts, Lyme Regis Town Band has regretfully had to scale back its programme due to restrictions on rehearsals and with several members unavailable due to personal or health reasons.

The band had hoped to go ahead with a full programme of seafront concerts on Marine Parade over the coming weeks.

However, under the current circumstances, it has now decided to confine its efforts to providing support for the RNLI and Regatta & Carnival Committee, and therefore its only performances this summer will be on the fol-

lowing dates: ● Sunday, July 25 - RNLI Songs of Praise, 2.30pm on Marine Parade ● Tuesday, July 27 - Lifeboat Week Concert, 8pm on Marine Parade ● Sunday, August 1 - RNLI Blessing the Boats, 2.30pm at the Lifeboat Station ● Tuesday, August 10 - Carnival Week Concert - 8pm on Marine Parade A spokesperson for the band said: “We are sorry to disappoint our loyal band of friends and supporters but we look forward to seeing everyone on the above dates.”

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MARINE THEATRE WELCOM ME BACK

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16 Friday, July 23 2021

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Adding a splash of colour to Lyme Regis ART students from The Woodroffe School in Lyme Regis have added a splash of colour to Langmoor Gardens.

The A-level students have spruced up the tatty boarding around the side of the derelict Regent Cinema with a colourful mural, which will go towards their final grade with exams having been cancelled due to the pandemic.

The mural features several different themes with each student designing their own section along a wave of octopus tentacles.

The project was organised by town councillor Cheryl Reynolds and art teacher Richard Vine, with the entire cost sponsored by businesses and individuals.

Cllr Reynolds said: “It was wonderful iand such a privilege working with

the students, Richard Vine, Mary and Pete on the Langmoor Gardens wall.

“The footfall in the gardens is huge and I was there all day, everyday with not one adverse comment.

“It has been indeed one of the most pleasurable experiences I have ever been part of. The students were faultless, hard working and their confidence flourished as the day went on.”

Working Lyme to Five

By writing a gift in your Will to Cancer Research UK

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

WE WILL BEAT CANCER SOONER

DO you believe in ghosts? I do. But when you’ve worked in some of Lyme’s oldest buildings and heard stories about housemaids committing suicide or actors who took a permanent stage right, you kind of get swept along with the whole spooks and spectres thing.

But before I tell you about things that go bump in the night, let me give you my latest news, unless you already know because you’ve been keeping up with my socials – yep, I have another job.

It’s like that bit in ‘Playschool’ (remember Big Ted, Little Ted and Jemima?), when Floella asked which window you were going through; the round one, the square one, etc.

I was pretty good at guessing which one it was going to be, but I reckon you’ll be hardpressed to work out which window you’ll next see me through. It might still be the Coombe Street Gallery one, but you may also see me through the Alexandra Hotel window because that is where I now also work.

But what of the Lyme Regis Bookshop, I hear you ask? Well, it was a very busy month with loads of author visits including Colette Hillier, Rosanna Ley and all the way from Aberfeldy, Mark Bridgeman. It really has become the hub of author visits.

Meanwhile, when I told my sister about the latest line at the wonderful Coombe Street Gallery, she was straight onto it buying a set of mini beach huts to decorate her Christmas tree.

I know, it’s only July, but you’d be amazed at the number of people who are now starting to buy gifts for those hard-to-buy family members and friends.

Anyway, if, you’re thinking of having a seaside themed tree this year, look no further because you can not only buy a set of huts but tins of sardines and a small flock of seagulls!

Not only will the huts not set you back the £75k someone (who has more money than sense) paid recently for one of those garden sheds on Monmouth Beach, but I guarantee our gulls will not so much as eye up your prawn starter or dive bomb you for your plum pudding.

Did you know I’ve always been a bit of a feminist on the side, so when I overheard this conversation in the gallery, I was ready with my bra-burning, handcuff-me-to-the-nearestlamppost alter ego, “You’re the woman, it’s for the kitchen,” said the husband as his wife asked his opinion on some salad servers, but she laughed and gave him a look which was enough to tell me he’d be spoken to later, so I stood my Emily Pankhurst moment down.

Another regular asked me “where’s the big bear? The big resin bear, it was definitely here last time I came.”

“When was that?” I asked, “oh, a few years ago, but I loved that bear.”

Sadly, like the spirits, I think this could be a bear of gallery past, which is what got me thinking about one of the departing guests at the Alexandra who told me they would love to stay another night but they have just moved into a big old house and their daughter, who they had left behind, was getting spooked by the knocks and bangs she kept hearing which is when I heard the stories of strange goingson going on in one of the hotel corridors.

I’m hoping it’s a friendly sort or I may have to resort to my other alter ego, the ghostbusting one.

Sophia Mosley

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Friday, July 23 2021 17

PROMOTED CONTENT

LYME REGIS TOWN COUNCIL New lease of life for historic Guildhall as revamp continues THE historic Guildhall has been given a new lease of life and further plans to protect it for generations to come are now underway.

During May and June we carried out extensive repairs to the frontage of the Grade-II listed building, which included repairing and strengthening the entrance porch, including the roof, keystone and associated stonework, and repairs to the stonework of the mayor’s parlour window.

The third and most major part of the work is yet to come and will involve works to the roadside window, which is regularly struck by large, articulated lorries, most of which had no need whatsoever to be on that section of road.

There have been more than 10 strikes in the last three years, some of which have caused considerable damage to the building.

Because the Guildhall is an important Grade-II listed building, something had to be done to prevent this damage from recurring.

We have long been working to find a solution – we have spoken with the highways’ authority, the police and others but we couldn’t get support for additional traffic resolution or enforcement measures to prevent large vehicles using this very narrow section of road.

The only way forward was physical works to the building and we’re delighted to have been granted planning permission to reduce the amount the oriel window protrudes from the building.

These works cannot be undertaken without scaffolding, which in turn, means the road must be closed for the duration of the works.

We have been liaising with Dorset Council to agree the best time for the road closure, which is now confirmed as 5 January to 18 February 2022.

Every effort has been made to keep the length of the closure to a minimum, to ensure the closure takes place during the least disruptive period and to use the opportunity to carry out as much work as possible during the one closure.

During this period, the works to the Guildhall will be completed, as will some essential repairs and maintenance to the town coun-

Normal service resumes following ‘Freedom Day’ NORMAL service has resumed at the council following so-called ‘Freedom Day’ on July 19.

After almost 18 months of disrupted service, we’re now operating as usual – or perhaps even better than usual.

The pandemic has led us to find new and more efficient ways of working, which means most of our services are now available on our website, by email or phone.

The office has re-opened this week for the first time since September 2020 but our reception area is now on the ground floor.

This has made us much more accessible to the public, given us more space and allowed staff to work socially-distanced.

cil’s office building.

Dorset Council will also be carrying out essential works to improve the function and reliability of the traffic lights in Church Street.

The mayor, Cllr Brian Larcombe said: “We've continued to invest in our public assets and the Guildhall and offices are an important part of that.

“The Guildhall is an iconic feature of Lyme's built environment and I was keen that in carrying out essential repair, that we restored the exterior stonework to its original appearance.

“I'm delighted that we have restored the integrity of the building and an appearance not seen for many years and is now in a better state for ongoing maintenance.

“I'm delighted too that the ground floor of the council office is now open, having been renovated and able to provide a much better ground floor public access. Something I've been keen to have for a number of years to make the facility more accessible to everyone.

“Thank you to all those involved in its delivery.

“We've still essential maintenance work to do to the exterior of the offices and this requires road closure so is scheduled for the quieter out of season winter period. I'm sure the improvement will be valued as much for the public use as the appearance it provides in this special sector of the town.”

■ DOZENS of jars helping to keep the memories of loved ones shining bright are currently glowing in the seafront gardens.

Weldmar Hospicecare Trust has created a new installation in the Lister Gardens to allow people to remember those they have loved and lost.

When night falls, the memory jars are lit up and shine throughout the night at the three locations in Dorset, which also includes Weymouth and Sherborne.

The jars will remain in place in Lister Gardens, near the mini golf, until Sunday 25 July.

In future years, Weldmar plans to hold a service of remembrance at each location but due to ongoing restrictions, this year’s service is virtual.

The virtual service features a poem read by the mayor, Cllr Brian Larcombe and can be found on the Weldmar website at www.weld-hospice.org.uk/memory-jars/

Park and ride reopening

PARK and ride will resume this weekend – and not a moment too soon!

The good weather has brought visitors to the town in their droves, with Monmouth Beach car park full by 7am last weekend.

The park and ride service on Charmouth Road will open on Saturday, running with three buses at weekends and two on weekdays.

The service will operate between 10am and 7pm each day from this weekend until Sunday 5 September.

With the town likely to be busy during the summer period, we would encourage everyone to use the service as it’s reliable, regular and often cheaper than town centre car parks.

It will also benefit residents, as it keeps vehicles out of the town centre and away from the residential streets and reduces congestion.

We have a screen at the reception desk to protect both the staff and public, hand sanitiser at the entrance, and we would ask the public to consider wearing a face covering if they can.

For our outside staff, we would also ask the public to continue giving them space to work safely.

Council meetings will return to the Guildhall from next week after two months at Lyme Regis Baptist Church.

We’re now hiring out rooms again, such as the Guildhall and mayor’s parlour, and have put the showers back on the beach.

Weddings can take place at the Guildhall at full capacity, as can funeral services at the cemetery chapel.

Citizens Advice moves to council offices

THE Citizens’ Advice Bureau’s (CAB) outreach service has started this week from its new location at the council offices.

Thanks to us now having the downstairs office, we have been able to make available a small meeting room for the CAB to run their weekly session in Lyme Regis.

The drop-in advice sessions are from 10am to midday and no appointment is necessary.

The CAB has been unable to run its outreach sessions in Lyme during the pandemic, although phone lines have been open throughout, so it’s a welcome return to the town.

The council already supports the CAB with an annual grant as it’s such an essential service to residents, and making an office available is just another way we can support them and ensure our residents can access their services locally.

Refill your water bottles on seafront

WE’RE helping to cut down on single-use plastic waste by installing two Refill taps on the seafront.

The taps will be located outside the Marine Parade toilets and Boylo’s, where people can refill their reusable water bottles for free.

We will be joining over 25 businesses in Lyme Regis who are already signed up to the scheme by offering free water refills to the public on request.

By downloading the free Refill app, you can find places all over the world which are part of the scheme – incredibly, there are more than 274,000 places worldwide offering free drinking water!

The content on this page is promoted and provided by Lyme Regis Town Council

18 Friday, July 23 2021

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Woodroffe students celebrate ‘Freedom Day’ prom WHEN coronavirus restrictions were extended for an extra month back in June, students from The Woodroffe School in Lyme Regis were left disappointed when their prom, set to take place at Symondsbury Estate, had to be cancelled.

But Lyme Regis Football Club stepped in to allow a more laidback affair to go ahead on Monday – dubbed ‘Freedom Day’ – as restrictions were finally eased.

The Year 11 pupils still donned their suits and party dresses for

the occasion, and arrived at the Davey Fort in everything from vintage cars to tractors.

They enjoyed non-alcoholic Pimm’s and lawn games, and then kicked off their heels for a kick around on the football pitch.

Staff said it was great to see the students get together and have fun after what has been a hugely challenging school year, which saw their GCSE exams cancelled due to the pandemic.

Photos by Brian Neesam

axminsternews Axminster remembers war dead

Friday, July 23 2021 19

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in rededication of war memorial THE 86 men of Axminster who gave their lives in two world wars were remembered when the Axminster branch of the Royal British Legion staged a procession through the town, followed by a rededication of the war memorial on the Minster Green on the occasion of its 100th anniversary.

The procession of Royal British Legion members and civic dignitaries were led through the town centre by the Exmouth Town Pipe Band.

Among those taking part in the procession were the Mayor of Axminster, Cllr Jill Farrow; MP Neil Parish; Ken Jefferies, the Royal British Legion's Devon county chairman; and Vice-Admiral Tim Lowe CBE RN (Ret).

The Hon Sarah Lopes, the Legion's Devon County President and granddaughter of Earl Haig, who founded the British Legion, was unable to be present due to COVID isolation.

The salute was taken by the Deputy Lieutenant of Devon, Mr Robin Barlow, representing the Lord Lieutenant, who later addressed the gather on the Minster Green.

The service of rededication of the war memorial was conducted by the Axminster branch chaplain, the Revered Geoffrey Welsh.

After a welcome by Mervyn Symes, chairman of the Axminster branch, who organised the proceedings, the Reverend Walsh told the audience: "This morning we stand together with those who stood here 100 years ago in 1921 and have come together to celebrate the centenary of our Royal British Legion branch,

to rededicate our War Memorial, remembering all those from this community and elsewhere who were caught up in the conflicts of war.

"We remember not only those killed in action but also the bereaved, the families whose lives were and are changed forever and those who are unable to. speak of their memories of war."

A Bible reading was delivered by Mrs THE Rector of Axminster, the Reverend Clive Sedgewick, rededicates the war memoLeslie Frankau, chair- rial, assisted by the assistant curate, the Reverend Tracey Voysey man of the Axminster branch Women's Sec- Deputy Lieutenant, Mr Symes and Mrs tion.

Frankau.

The rededication of the war memorial was After the service refreshments were served carried out by the Rector of Axminster, the Reverend Clive Sedgwick, assisted by the Rev- on the Minster Green and many took the operend Tracey Voisey who conducted prayers. portunity of visiting the flower festival inside The Exhortation was delivered by Mr Ken the church to commemorate the 100th anBrake, chairman of the Axminster branch.

The names of the 68 men in the First World niversary.

War and the 16 in the Second World War were read by Mr Symes. The Last Post and Reveille was sounded by Andrew Star and the Kohima Epitaph was read by John Glanville-Smith.

Wreaths were laid on the memorial by the

■ AXMINSTER Community Emergency Response (ACER) has been disbanded as residents get used to living life with COVID-19.

The group was formed in early 2020 to provide focused support to the Axminster community during the pandemic, but volunteers say now the time has come to say goodbye with the town in a far more "resilient position".

A statement from ACER read: "As a nation, we now have 18 months of knowledge regarding coronavirus and its virility, and a greater understanding of how to continue our lives in a COVID-safe way.

"As a community, we have strengthened our networks and made positive new connections.

As individuals, we have adapted, and most people who need ongoing support have made personal arrangements with loved ones, friends, neighbours and community groups.

"So whilst the pandemic still continues, Axminster is in a much more resilient position.”

■ A WOMEN-only friendly chat group is being set up in Axminster to help combat loneliness.

The group will meet for the first time in The Waffle House, Trinity Square, at 11 am on July 27.

The aim of the new grip is to have a weekly meeting place, especially for women of any age group, to make new friends and help combat loneliness within the community.

Future events will possibly include day trips which will be up for discussion at the first meeting.

Further details can be obtained by sending a private message to Lorna Blencowe on Facebook.

The idea has been welcomed on Facebook with more than 60 likes and a number of messages of support.

A national network of h hyperlocal news websites, now covering the Axminster & Seatton areas THE Royal British Legion and Mayor of Axminster, Cllr Jill Farrow, parade through Axminster town centre led by the Exmouth Pipe Band. Below, the standards are lowered at the war memorial for the two minute silence

With editorial content provided by the team from Ly Lym meOnline

Visit our new websites at

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

20 Friday, July 23 2021

FLASHBACKS with Richard Austin

www.lyme-online.co.uk

Tales from behind the lens of our award-winning photographer ■ A VERY good friend and workmate of mine was the late Mark Clough, a reporter on the Western Morning News and one who had a great sense of humour along with great writing ability.

There are many things for which to remember Mark and one of the funniest was when he was granted an interview with the famous distance runner David Bedford. As he was running along with him, Mark had to keep up with him as he fired away with his well-rehearsed questions.

David Bedford’s face gave his feelings away and he did well not to burst out in laughter.

Mark got his interview and this picture I took whist briefly running backwards made the front page on the Morning News the following day.

The next news story I covered with Mark was at a nudist colony near Barnstable; he was told he couldn’t come in if he was fully clothed, so he took his clothes off.

Luckily they had a no cameras policy which let me off the hook!

The next time Mark and I worked together was on a double murder near Ilminster where a mother and child were shot. It shows that, in the world of journalism, it can be upbeat one minute and way down the next with a story so wicked it reduced hardened professionals to tears.

A few years later, four journalists on the Western Morning News won the Lottery. Mark was one of them and this gave him the opportunity to do what he had always wanted, and that was to set up his own olive oil business in Greece.

This lasted a few years and then heartbreak as Mark was told he had terminal cancer.

I have some great memories of great man, especially the day he interviewed an Olympic champion as he was running alongside. Five star memories of Mark.

Friday, July 23 2021 21

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22 Friday, July 23 2021

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LymeOnline Sport

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

football

What a night for Uplyme players SUNDAY, July 11 was a packed day for Uplyme Football Club.

After an entertaining inter-club match in the afternoon, players and officials made their way to the Talbot Arms for food, drink and the presentation of awards, followed by the Euros final.

Awards

Managers’ Player: Firsts - Fin Mclean; Reserves - Jamie Murray; Most Improved - Nate Gillan; Most Committed - Jonnie Harris; Golden Boot - Ollie Alner and Marcus Symonds (tied on nine goals); Bowditch Trophy (young player) - Rhys Hulbert.

Players’ Player: Firsts - Oscar Sladen; Reserves - Marcus Symonds; Clubman Trophy Debbie Prosser.

A great evening was had by all (apart from the Euros final), and the club’s thanks go to landlords Steve and Wendy Gardner for their hospitality and continued support.

FIRST team Players’ Player - Oscar Sladen

RESERVES Players’ Player - Marcus Symonds

GOLDEN Boot - Ollie Alner and Marcus Symonds (nine goals each)

RESERVES Manager’s Player - Jamie Murray

BOWDITCH Trophy for Young Player of the Year - Rhys Hulbert

CLUBMAN of the Year - Debbie Prosser

FIRST team Players’ Player - Oscar Sladen

MOST improved player - Nate Gillan

MOST committed player - Jonnie Harris

Uplyme cope with strong Beer!

Uplyme 2 Beer Albion Reserves 2 ON AN unbearably hot evening Uplyme entertained Beer Albion Reserves in a preseason friendly.

Following the decision to enter the first team into the Devon and Exeter League for the upcoming season, it was interesting to see how the Swallows faired against a much higher placed team, Beer being in Division 1 and Upyme competing in Division 6.

Uplyme set their team up to play to their attacking strengths, with three at the back and two wing-backs, and started brightly, matching their opponents, but fell behind inside five minutes to a slick Beer move.

Undeterred, Uplyme pressed for an equaliser and midway through the half a ball pulled back on the far side fell to Daley Holmes whose whipped-in delivery beat the keeper to level things up.

More pressure led to Holmes’ second, a clever curling finish from outside the box,

making it 2-1 at half-time.

Beer piled on the pressure in the second half as Uplyme started to lose the midfield battle so they changed formation to counter.

Beer had a few chances, denied by the excellent Bayley Alner, making his debut in goal. Chances still came Uplyme’s way with three strong shouts for penalties and Ollie Alner almost scored direct from a corner, just clipping the bar.

Beer eventually equalised with a goal that showed their quality, a one-two putting their player through to clip it over the advancing Alner.

This proved to be a great work-out in searing heat for Uplyme against a side five divisions higher.

Manager Pete Blandamer thought his side played well from front to back with a special mention for Bayley Alner in goal. Man-ofthe-match was Daley Holmes for his allround contribution and work rate, capped with two goals.

Follow The Swallows in LymeOnline throughout the coming season

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Friday, July 23 2021 24

July 23 2021

cricket

All to play for as Uplyme pile on pressure at the top UPLYME and Lyme Regis kept the pressure on the two teams above them in the Devon Cricket League Division D East with a comprehensive 10wicket victory over Chardstock.

Another 20-point haul keeps Uplyme in third place, but there is now only five points between them and the front runners – Alphington and Countess Wear and North Devon. Alphington lost their first game of the season to Sampford Peverell and Tiverton.

Chardstock won the toss and

By PHILIP

EVANS

elected to bat. After losing opening Robbie Hutching with just two runs on the board, Gary Larcombe (31) and Alex Watson (36) steadied the ship. James Rockett also contributed a useful 30, but a blistering spell from Uplyme’s Tyler Wellman, who took five wickets at a cost of 42 runs in eight overs, saw the visitors all out for 163.

Openers Mark Batey and Harvey Brimicombe played them-

selves in and gave a lesson in controlled batting, steering Uplyme to a victory score of 165 in 29 overs without losing their wickets.

Brimicombe scored 72 not out whilst Batey carried his bat for 69.

ON TOUR

The Uplyme players are currently enjoying the sunshine in Cornwall on their first tour for 25 years. At Perranporth’s stunning ground Uplyme scored 250-7 with Joe Elsworth (60), Tyler Wellman (51), Steve Batey (33) and Sam Farrow (31) top scoring. Perranporth were all out for 163, the

main wicket-takers being Charlie Moss (4 for 9), Steve Batey (3 for 23) and Mark Batey (2-11).

Upyme’s second tour match was at the picturesque Pencarrow Arrows ground and they managed to win by just one run.

Uplyme batted first for 224-6, the top scorers being Sam Farrow (54), Jack Lamb-Wilson (46) and Mark Batey (37).

Pencarrow were bowled out for 223, needing just two wins to secure a victory.

Harvey Brimicombe (2 for 14) and J. Thomas (2-15).

football

Seasiders show promise in first friendly of the season against old rivals Axminster

LYME Regis kicked off their preseason friendlies on Tuesday evening in preparation for the start of the new Devon and Exeter League on August 21.

The Seasiders travelled over the border to meet old rivals Axminster Town. The Tigers were due to play Gillingham but they pulled out because of a COVID scare.

Axminster, who will commence their South West Peninsular Premier East season under new manager Dan Prettejohn on August 7, have played a number of friendlies, including an excellent 2-1 win over Willand.

This was the Seasiders’ first of a number of friendlies which will include a double header at the Davey Fort tomorrow (Saturday) against Bridport, the first team match kicking off at 1pm and the Reserves at 3pm, followed by a barbecue.

Other friendlies will include a home fixture with Devon and Exeter Premier competitors, Colyton.

Against Axminster, a side that play

PHILIP EVANS

philip@lyme-online.co.uk at two levels above the Seasiders, Lyme fielded a combination of first and Reserve team players who, despite losing 3-1, gave a good account of themselves against the Tigers who are looking forward to the season under a new management set-up.

The Lyme side included two former Axminster players - midfielder Callum Garrett and defender Cameron Vere.

Their experience will strengthen Lyme’s determination to hold on their Premier division title.

Garrett will undoubtedly add bite to Lyme’s midfield and, on Tuesday, Vere demonstrated why he is one of the most sought-after players in the area.

He was simply outstanding against his old club and looks like being one of the best signings Lyme have pulled off for many years.

Axminster started lively on Tues-

day evening with fast-flowing football and took the lead after ten minutes when Charlie Wilson, looking as dangerous as ever, cut inside and slotted the ball home.

But Lyme were back on terms two minutes later when impressive teenager Josh Daines equalised after good work down the right flank.

Daines emerged on the scene last season, scoring his first hat-trick for the Seasiders, and looks like he will be challenging for a regular first team place.

The Tigers were back in the lead after 16 minutes when Lyme-standin keeper Lee Cleal fluffed a throwout clearance, pounced on by Marcus Fanson who made no mistake slamming the ball home.

Lyme battled well to get back on terms but didn’t test the Axminster keeper on too many occasions.

Ben Turner, another former Axminster player now at Lyme, was red carded by referee Mark Burrough after receiving two yellows for

golf

Steve is club champion THE second round of the Lyme Regis Golf Club championship was won by Steve Mudford, seen here receiving the trophy from captain Arthur Danies.

Steve won the gross competition with a score of 148, with Jason Lindley coming second on 152 and Ian Mudford, Steve’s brother, taking third place with 153.

The net score competition was won

by Jason Lindley with a score of 138, with Ali Rattenbury (141) second and Reece McGinley (142) third.

The final day was played in glorious sunshine and the players would like to thank the green keepers for presenting the golf course in fantastic condition.

cricket

Uplyme on tour

UPLYME and Lyme Regis cricketers are currently in Cornwall, enjoying their first tour in 25 years.

The Uplyme players set off for Newquay on Saturday after chalking up another convincing win against local rivals Chardstock in their challenge for the Devon Cricket league Division. D East title. They are playing three friendlies at some of Cornwall’s most picturesque cricket grounds.

See story above CAMERON VERE - star man for Lyme against his old club Axminster Town wayward tackles.

Axminster completed the scoring just a minute later when Cleal was penalised in the box with Jamie Girton converting from the spot.

All in all an enjoyable game to watch played in the right spirit, not always the case in past encounters between these two rivals.

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