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FOR LYME REGIS, UPLYME & CHARMOUTH ● FORTNIGHTLY ● JULY 24 2020 ● www.lyme-online.co.uk
Cost of COVID a ‘real concern’ DORSET Council has said there will be “difficult decisions ahead” as it reveals the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic has reached £60million. The government urged councils across the country to do “whatever it takes” to support residents and businesses through the pandemic, and has helped Dorset Council with two rounds of funding totalling £21million. But the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on Dorset Council’s finances has been described as “very significant”, totalling £60million. REPORT, PAGE 3
Tributes pour in for popular vicar
Drama on the cliffs
LYME Regis is mourning the loss of one of the biggest characters of the church and wider community, the Reverend Keith Vivian. Tributes have been pouring in for the Reverend Vivian, who moved to Lyme Regis from Somerset in the 1980s with wife Audrey, and played a big part in community life. REPORT, PAGE 5
Lyme named 21st top seaside town
ARMED police, coastguards and a helicopter carried out a major search operation in Lyme Regis on Tuesday evening after receiving concerning reports about a man in possession of a knife. The search centered around the Charmouth Road area and cliffs to the east of the town. See page 2 for full story. Photos by Richard Austin
Guards on the seafront
COUNCIL EMPLOYS SECURITY GUARDS TO TACKLE ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
SECURITY guards will patrol Lyme Regis gardens and seafront to tackle anti-social behaviour late at night.
Lyme Regis Town Council has taken the radical action in a bid to prevent groups of people gathering and causing a nuisance to nearby
FRANCESCA EVANS
francesca@lyme-online.co.uk residents. It comes as Dorset Police has also stepped up patrols to tackle antisocial behaviour in the area and utilised section 35 dispersal powers, meaning they can move on
groups of people and have power to make arrests if they return within a set period. The town council has been working closely and sharing information with Dorset Police as the number of reports has increased in recent weeks. The security guards will start pa-
trolling on the night of Friday, July 17, focusing on the beach, seafront and gardens but also keeping an eye on other known trouble areas in the town. The guards will be wearing body cameras and any relevant footage
CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
LYME Regis has been ranked the 21st top seaside town in the UK, according to a new survey by consumer watchdog magazine ‘Which?’, in which St Mawes in Cornwall was placed as number one. REPORT, PAGE 7
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Published by Lyme Regis Media Limited Hyper-local website and fortnightly newspaper serving the communities of Lyme Regis, Uplyme & Charmouth. Unit 5 Uplyme Business Park, Uplyme Road, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3LS www.lyme-online.co.uk edit@lyme-online.co.uk Facebook: facebook.com/LymeOnlineUK Twitter: twitter.com/LymeOnlineUK Instagram: instagram.com/lymeonline Editor: Francesca Evans francesca@lyme-online.co.uk 07810 221 420 Contributors: Philip Evans philip@lyme-online.co.uk Richard Austin edit@lyme-online.co.uk Regular Columnists: Sophia Moseley, Marine Theatre Peter Lacey, Tales of Lyme’s Past Production: Jackie Evans jackie@lyme-online.co.uk
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Seafront anti-social behaviour having ‘detrimental impact’ on residents’ lives CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE will be passed to police. Town clerk John Wright said: “The level of anti-social behaviour has now reached such a point that the council decided it needed to take action and employ a security company to support the increased police efforts. “Not only is the behaviour having a detrimental impact on the lives of residents who live nearby, but it’s also intimidating for people who are passing by and feel they need to avoid an area where a group is gathered. “As we are now approaching the school summer holidays and the weather is improving, lots of families will be staying on the beach later into the evening and the last thing we want is for people to feel they have to leave because of the behaviour of a minority. “Hopefully the presence of security guards will not only discourage anti-social behaviour, but also reassure the public that the town remains a safe and welcoming place for both residents and visitors.” The security guard patrols will be held every night for eight weeks, covering the whole of the summer holidays and costing £1,260 per week, totalling £10,080. This will come as an unwelcome additional expense at a time when the council is trying to improve its financial outlook, which is currently expecting to lose more than £900,000 in reserves over the next year.
The news of increased patrols in Lyme Regis comes as Dorset’s Police and Crime Commissioner launches a survey asking residents about their experiences of anti-social behaviour. The survey asks residents whether they have been victims of anti-social behaviour, how much of a problem they think it is in their area and whether they believe it’s got worse or better in recent years. Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill hopes to gain a broader understanding of the issue across Dorset and how it affects residents’ lives. To complete the survey, visit www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/DorsetASBsurvey Mr Underhill said: “Anti-social behaviour can make people’s day to day lives a misery and can have a devastating impact on individuals and communities. “I’ve heard many stories about people’s lives being ruined by incidents of nuisance and disorder, so I’m launching the survey to understand the problem in more detail.” The survey will also look into what types of anti-social behaviour residents think Dorset Police should prioritise, as well as whether people who have experienced problems have reported them to the police and other agencies. The police take responsibility for certain kinds of anti social behaviour – such as threatening or drunken behaviour and buying drugs on the street – with organisations such as local author-
ities and housing associations dealing with a range of other incidents, such as barking dogs and noisy neighbours. The survey will also look into people’s understanding of which organisations they should contact when reporting different types of anti social behaviour. Findings will be used to plan future strategies helping the police work with organisations to tackle the problem as well as to brief the county’s next Police and Crime Commissioner after forthcoming elections. Mr Underhill previously announced he would not stand in the elections, which were originally supposed to take place in May but were postponed until May 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic. He said: “We’re trying to get responses from as wide a range of people as possible – including people who have been victims of anti social behaviour as well as those who may have been perpetrators. “It’s also important that we get the views of younger people, as they are often affected by many of these problems." Despite the recent increase in reports on antisocial behaviour in Lyme Regis, Dorset Police has seen a drop in crime rates over the past year, making the area one of the safest to live in the UK - see page 7 for full story.
Armed police search for man with knife LymeOnline and the Environment
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ARMED police carried out a major search operation in Lyme Regis on Tuesday evening, after receiving concerning reports about a man in possession of a knife. Police received a report raising concern for the welfare of a man at 5.04pm, later hearing that he was in possession of a knife. A major search operation was launched, involving firearms officers, the National Police Air Service helicopter and coastguards, who provided technical support for any potential rope and water rescue of the man. Lyme Regis lifeboat crew were also put on standby but did not launch.
The search centered around the Charmouth Road area and cliffs to the east of the town. One eyewitness said they saw armed police officers run through a field below Spittles. Another said they saw the man attempting to hide under a van parked in Charmouth Road car park before running down the steps from the car park towards the seafront. Police eventually arrested the man at about 7pm on suspicion of possessing a knife blade or sharp pointed article in a public place. He is currently assisting police with enquiries.
ARMED police officers and coastguards carried out searches in the Charmouth Road area Photos by Richard Austin
Friday, July 24 2020 3
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Financial impact of coronavirus ‘a real concern’ for Dorset as it reaches £60m DORSET Council has said there will be “difficult decisions ahead” as it reveals the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic has reached £60million. The government urged councils across the country to do “whatever it takes” to support residents and businesses through the pandemic, and has helped Dorset Council with two rounds of funding totalling £21million. But the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on Dorset Council’s finances has been described as “very significant”, totalling £60million. This is a result of additional spending to
Dine in style this August with eating out scheme
RESIDENTS and visitors to West Dorset and East Devon will be dining out in style next month, as a number of local restaurants, pubs and cafés take part in the government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme. In a bid to boost the hospitality industry following the coronavirus lockdown, the unprecedented government scheme will allow people who dine out from Monday to Wednesday during August to benefit from 50 per cent off the price of their meals, up to the value of £10 a head, with the government reimbursing the restaurant the remaining 50 per cent. Many West Dorset and East Devon establishments have signed up to take part in the scheme, in a bid to boost numbers coming through the doors. An extensive list of local pubs, restaurants and cafés taking part in the scheme can be found on the LymeOnline website - www.lymeonline.co.uk - and is being promoted via our social media channels as part of our ongoing ‘Shop Local’ campaign.
meet increased demand for social care for adults and children, extra PPE for employees, support for people who were shielding, etc. as well as lost income from the suspension of car parking charges, closure of leisure centres and other commercial services, and lower than anticipated income from business rates and council tax. The government recently announced a third round of £500m funding for local government in England, but Dorset Council has not yet received the full detail of its share of this financial support. It will consist of grant funding (Dorset Council will receive £2.7million), an income support scheme with details to be confirmed, and support for collection funds. However, it is highly unlikely that this will fully address the current year’s budget gap which is now forecast at £43.1million. The council’s current financial position will be considered by Cabinet on July 28, when they receive a Quarter One Financial Management Report. Unless additional government funding becomes available, Dorset Council will have to manage this forecast budget gap using its reserves. The General Fund reserve of £28million combined with other previously earmarked reserves are sufficient to enable the council to continue to operate throughout 2020/21. Cllr Tony Ferrari, portfolio holder for Finance, Commercial and Assets, said: “While Dorset Council has sufficient reserves to survive this financial year, our overall financial position as a result of COVID-19 is of real concern.
“It will be unsustainable to take this continued level of expenditure into the next financial year, 2021-22. However, we will continue to explain the financial reality of the situation to government and seek additional funding to reduce the impact. “We will also need to enter into a really challenging budget setting round for next year and future years. This will identify tactical savings and will involve developing a transformation programme which enables the council to meet the needs of Dorset’s residents within the funding available. “There are difficult decisions ahead.” Dorset Council set a net budget of £304millon for the financial year 2020-21. This outlined projected income, expenditure and savings in balance to avoid any overspend by the end of the year. The size and scale of the COVID-19 pandemic was not known at this point so was not budgeted for. The financial outturn for last financial year, 2019-20, was a total overspend of just under £5million. Dorset Council said that by combining the former district, borough and county councils into the new unitary authority had created significant budget savings and without these the financial position at year end would have been worse. The coronavirus has also had a significant impact on the finances of Lyme Regis Town Council, which is currently expected to see its reserves drop by more than £900,000 over the next year. The council is currently holding discussions on measures it can take to improve its financial outlook.
Coastguards promote app to pinpoint exact locations COASTGUARDS are encouraging walkers and those enjoying the coast to use the ‘What3Words’ app so they can be easily found in the event of an emergency. The app can be used on smartphones and will hep coastguards locate casualties as quickly as possible, within three metres of their position. The advice to use the app comes as coastguards from Lyme Regis and Beer were called out on Saturday, July 18 to assist the ambulance service. A walker on the Undercliff path between Lyme Regis and Seaton had been stung by a wasp and suffered immediate anaphylactic shock, which can be very serious if note treated quickly. On arrival, coastguards found the ambulance but no crew and started heading west to the grid reference which had been provided. After an unsuccessful, extensive search to the west, the ambulance crew and the casualty were eventually located to the east. After treatment, the casualty was able to return home. Coastguards commented: “In this instance, the time taken to reach the casualty by the emergency services would have been dramatically reduced by the use of the smartphone app What3Words (W3W). “We would encourage everybody to download What3Words and this will help us find you quickly as it will indicate your position to within three metres.” Stay safe this summer – anyone in trouble on the coast, cliffs, beaches or tidal rivers should dial 999 and cask for the coastguards. For more details on the What3Words app visit https://what3words.com/
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PHOTOS OF THE WEEK 4 Friday, July 24 2020
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VIEWS OF LYME REGIS TO KEEP YOUR SPIRITS HIGH!
PHILIP Evans captured this sunny shot of Lyme Regis harbour
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A BUSY bee outside Lyme Regis Brewery, taken by David Nott
COLOURFUL boats in the harbour, taken by Bogdan Tudor
LOOKING across back beach to the cloudy cliffs, by Gillian Tattershall
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POPPIES in full bloom in Langmoor Gardens, captured by Jeanette Goodridge
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Tributes pour in for ‘a real Lyme legend’ T
HE word “legend” is one of the most overused in the English language. Its dictionary meaning is someone who is “very famous and admired, usually because of an ability in a particular area”.
If ever there was a man who deserved such a description it was Keith Vivian - the Reverend Keith Vivian. Not for being “famous”. Fame would not interest Keith - but no man has been more universally admired in our town. There is no corner of our community that has not benefited from his kindly and sympathetic counselling. It also seems trite to describe this rugby-playing cleric “a man of the people” because he was so much more than that to the people of Lyme. From the time that he and his indefatigable wife Audrey retired to Lyme in 1997, (they had already had a holiday home here since 1985), Keith Vivian emersed himself in the community of our town in so many ways that his contribution can never be measured. Keith was born in Beacon, Cornwall, and educated at Truro School where he was captain of rugby and cricket. He went to Cambridge, where he met Audrey, and started out in life teaching at Christ’s Hospital boarding school. He was already playing rugby for Cornwall and, on moving to London, joined Harlequins in the days when rugby was still very much an amateur game but with a few shillings stuffed into the
Philip Evans pays his own personal tribute to the Reverend Keith Vivian players’ boots. His rugby career included captaining Warwickshire and playing for Sussex. Keith and Audrey were married at Ponteland in Newcastle upon Tyne. With Keith being a junior housemaster, Christ’s became their first home. They moved on to Rugby School where Keith secured another junior housemaster’s position, teaching maths and physics, before getting his first headmastership in Herefordshire. Keith was ordained in Hereford Cathedral and got his first job in the church as a priest and then Rural Dean of Chew Magna in Somerset, a post he held until retirement. There are few organisations in Lyme which did not benefit, one way or another, from Keith’s wise counsel and generosity. These included the Woodroffe School, where he was a governor; the Rotary Club both in Chelwood Bridge and Lyme Regis; the twinning association of which he was a founding member; the Monmouth Club; the University of the Third Age; and of course St Michael’s Parish Church where he continued to conduct services until a few weeks before his death. At the age of 93, Keith’s health had been declining for some time but that did not hinder or interrupt his support of his church duties. During the interregnum between the appoint-
...and here’s what others have written Members of Lyme Regis Town Council have been speaking of the Reverend Vivian’s “fabulous sense of humour”, his “generous disposition”, and how he “always had a smile”. They have also paid tribute to his commitment and support to the town, describing him as a “real Lyme legend”. In a personal tribute, the mayor Cllr Brian Larcombe said: “Keith was an important member of Lyme’s community, as reverend of St Michael’s and the support he gave to everyone in the town. “He had a special way with people and always had time for everyone. I will miss his quiet influence and the way he would impart a guidance or a view that was never forced, always inviting, and conveyed with gravity and humour in equal measure. He will be sorely missed. “A very sad loss to Audrey and family, and loss to the people of Lyme.” Lyme Regis resident Keith Jenkin, who knew the Reverend Vivian from his rugby-playing days in the 1950s, said: “I first met Keith in Lyme Regis the 1980s but I knew of him well over 30 years before that. “He and James, my big brother, locked the Cornwall rugby scrum on a number of occasions during the early 1950s and his name was frequently mentioned at our post match Sunday morning breakfast table. He was invariably referred to as ‘a good forward’ and in our rugbymad family, no further accolade was needed. “I remembered the name after some 30-odd years and made myself known to him. He recalled the connection and we enjoyed a good number of nostalgic conversations over the years. You know, the sort that start with ‘Do you remember’ and go on to embrace many occasions, people, and happenings. “He once told me that the last game of rugby he played in Cornwall was against the South African tourists, and asked ‘Did you play in that game?’ I then had great delight in telling him that, at the time, I was a member of the Humphrey Davey School Under Fifteen side and we had been given an afternoon off school to watch the game. “Opinion that Keith was a good forward was passed in the 1950s. To my mind it remained apt until the present day.” The Rotary Club of Lyme Regis, where Keith was a member for over 20 years, released the following statement: “Keith joined the Lyme Regis Rotary Club in 1997 and had been a valued
member for over 23 years. He was formerly with the Chelwood Bridge and Leominster clubs for over 20 years and was president of both. Keith was able to bring all that experience to the great benefit of the Lyme Regis Rotary Club. “Keith will be greatly missed by all his fellow Rotarians not only for his considerable community and charity work but for his wonderful disposition and friendship.” John Dover, chairman of the Lyme Regis/St George’s Twinning Association, of which Keith was a life-member, commented: “I feel privileged to have known Keith during the last 20 years that we have lived in Lyme. I first met him as a trustee of the museum and then as a longstanding committee member of the Lyme Regis/St Georges’ Twinning Association. “His constancy in offering sound and considered advice when needed was always valued by his colleagues. Although a man of few words you learned quickly to listen and take heed of what he said. He also had a cheeky wit. “I was pleased, on behalf of and during the 20th anniversary year of the twinning association, to bestow Keith with life membership for his support and encouragement over the years. “I counted Keith as a good friend and mentor. Together, with his good friends in Bermuda, our condolences go out to Audrey. Keith will be sorely missed.” Commenting on his connection with the church, Philip and Anne Sankey of St Michael’s Parish Church commented: “Keith had been ordained towards the end of his time as a headmaster and had then served as Rector of a group of Somerset parishes. “In Lyme he continued his ministry alongside the full-time clergy. He would regularly read the Gospel on a Sunday morning and take his turn at leading the service or preaching. “Right up to the lockdown he was one of the clergy who took turns to lead the mid-week Communion on a Wednesday morning. “He became known to generations of children at St Michael’s School taking part in the Communion Services that were held at the school. As he became well known in the town, he conducted many funerals of people who had come to know him. “Although he became physically less mobile, his leading of services, reading of lessons and sermons continued in his strong clear voice and we benefitted from his wisdom.”
ment of clergy for the town, it was Keith who invariably stood in, conducting the Sunday services, civic occasions, weddings and funerals. Keith was rushed to the Dorset County Hospital with a serious complaint for which he had previously been treated several years before. Given his age, it was thought he might not survive another serious operation. Audrey was with him when he passed away and he was able to see his two children, Jennifer and Jonathan, and all his five grandchildren before meeting his maker. He did not wish to die alone and Audrey made sure of that. Keith will be buried after a family-only cremation service and a thanksgiving service will be held at St Michael’s Parish Church at a time when the people can of Lyme pay their respects to one of the town’s most respected and loved citizens. I have one distinct memory of Keith. He was conducting the funeral service for the late muchrespected Ron Baker. His eulogy was being delivered by his son Geoff. It was the most irreverent but hilarious speech I had ever heard in a church and I wondered what the reaction would have been had the vicar of the time been conducting the service. Keith may not have totally approved of the colourful language but he recognised here was a touching tribute from son to father. And, of course, Keith being an ex-rugby player of some standing, there was nothing that could shock him ever again. Sometimes he would tease me for being a lapsed member of the St Michael’s congregation and warned me of which direction I would be heading when my time came, and on one occasion he stood in for me replying to the toast to the press at mayor-making, which he delivered with great humour when I was persona-non-grata with the town council. We will miss that magnificent stentorian voice, so loud and powerful and so appropriate for a priest. The likes of Keith Vivian we shall never see again.
THE Reverend Keith officiates at the Blessing of the Boats service at Lyme Regis lifeboat station
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LYME MATTERS with Philip Evans Essential reading for all those with Lyme at heart
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Lyme - a resort for all tastes
T
HERE are so many awards around these days, it’s difficult to take them seriously.
If somebody reads an article in a magazine stating that Lyme Regis serves the best fish and chips in the West Country, does anyone actually respond by saying: “Oh good, let’s go there this weekend?” But it’s nice to be recognised in any sphere of life and when the survey is carried out by the much relied upon ‘Which?’ consumer magazine, I think people do sit up and take notice. Which brings me to the news this
week that Lyme Regis has been placed in 21st position out of 105 best seaside towns in the UK with an overall rating of 77 per cent. Good but could do better, one might well say. The survey of a sample of 3,750 potential holidaymakers revealed that the average cost of an hotel room in Lyme is £135. For our beach we were rated 4/5; for attractions 4/5; scenery 5/5; peace and quiet 3/5; value for money 4/5. Lyme was beaten by the fishing village of Beer, placed in a creditable tenth place, and snooty Sidmouth in 18th spot.
NO ONE would ever imagine that one day we would see security guards patrolling the seafront and public gardens in Lyme Regis - but such has been the amount of anti-social behaviour, drunkenness and drug taking in the town’s open space, I don’t think the council had any other choice. The council, and the Mayor Brian Larcombe in particular, have been inundated with complaints about the noise coming from groups of young people in the gardens, sometimes well into the early hours of the morning. The problem became so bad that one resident moved out of their seafront home in a bid to get a good night’s sleep. The police did step up their late-night patrols in Lyme but whether we like it or not, Lyme is never going to get the police coverage that we think the town requires.
The town council is doing everything it can at the moment to avoid unnecessary expenditure with a severe decline in their reserves caused by the coronavirus, but they have been forced to spend £10,080 for security guards to patrol the Marine Parade and gardens for the next primetime eight weeks. There has always been a bit of rowdy behaviour in the gardens, especially in the early summer, but few can remember it being so bad as has been experienced this year. And it’s not all local kids with reports of yobs descending on the town from outside the area. Had it continued for much longer there were rumours of a vigilante group being formed and that could have ended in disaster.
The survey was carried out before lockdown (I’m not sure how long before) and it seems we were marked down a bit by only scoring a three of out five for peace and quiet. Note we scored 5/5 for scenery. Now that will be interesting to a number of people in Lyme. A question is often asked: does Lyme really have a brand? Are we a “kiss me quick” resort, or do people come to what was previously known as the “Pearl of Dorset “for our sheer beauty and peace and quiet? I suppose the answer to that is: both. For the two prime months of July and August, during which the two main attractions - Lifeboat Week and the Regatta and Carnival (not this year, of course) are held Lyme is always going to be a bucket and spade resort because of the safety of our beach and abundance of eating out and takeaway outlets. In the shoulder months, Lyme is the favourite destination for those who love a stroll along the prom and a peaceful siesta in the gardens. And isn’t that the charm of the place, that we appeal to both? Do we have to be one or the other. Lyme’s reduced summer season is building quite nicely and an Indian summer might just provide some compensation for those lost early weeks.
ONE of the iconic shots of Lyme Regis - pleasure boats moored into the harbour with Golden Cap in the distance Photo by RICHARD AUSTIN
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ALTHOUGH we continued to work right through the lockdown period, keeping the LymeOnline website up to date and producing a digital version of the paper, life has been very different these past few months, as it has for us all. Some of our readers who are not au fait with this digital age told us how much they missed the paper so we produced a printed abridged version called LymeOnline Extra containing all the main news stories and delivered it to their doors for a minimal subscription fee. But now we are virtually back in the old routine and we are looking forward to the return of our full printed version on Friday, August 7. Our last edition was at the end of March, just before lockdown, and contained one of best advertising totals since our launch two years
ago. With no printed paper we immediately lost 90 per cent of our advertising revenue and 50 per cent of our sponsorship. It’s too soon so say how many advertisers will return for our August 7 issue as every business is looking to save money. It’s been quite a challenge filling our digital edition with no council meetings or local events taking place, but Lyme is slowly returning to somewhere near normality, so fingers crossed. With no fossil festival, jazz festival, Lifeboat Week and Regatta and Carnival this summer, we have had to rely on more feature material to fill our columns. To keep the wolf from the door, we have taken on some additional editorial duties during lockdown, having been appointed editorial content providers for new websites
in Axminster and Seaton, two of a network of more than 40 sites all over the country called Nub News. The man behind this project is Lyme Regis Golf Club member Karl Hancock, a former City of London banker who lives at Branscombe who is passionate about the importance of local news. This has meant me returning to full-time employment but I am enjoying it immensely, back in my old East Devon patch reporting all the news. So it is our intention to keep doing this as well as running LymeOnline. The current crisis meant we have had to abandoned our popular quarterly magazine Lyme Life through the summer months, but we are planning to bring it back with a bumper Christmas edition and to continue publishing it next year when we also hope to introduce one more publication which
will focus on Lyme’s burgeoning foodie reputation. There will be one change to the LymeOnline operation when the printed version returns next month. Until we know exactly how much advertising support we will win back, we have had to suspend the door-to-door delivery of the paper. Those roads coverered by volunteers will continue to get their paper through the door and we wil extend the number of pick-up points (see page 17). This gives me the opportunity to say thank you to the boys and girls who have been delivering LymeOnline to more than 2,000 homes in Lyme, Uplyme and Charmouth. We sincerely hope we can use their services again if our adverting support returns to the level we were experiencing before we were forced to cease printing.
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New crime figures put Dorset among the safest places to live DORSET Police has seen a 2.3 per cent drop in recorded crime, according to new figures released last week. Data released by the Office for National Statistics, shows the force has reversed a previous rise in crime in just six months. Following a crime reduction of 2.3 per cent during the 12 months to the end of March 2020, Dorset now has the eighth lowest crime rate in England and Wales. This decrease comes against a national rise of 1.4 per cent and marks an improved turnaround from similar figures last September, which showed a rise of two per cent in recorded crime. Deputy Chief Constable David Lewis said Dorset continues to be one of the safest counties in the country to live and visit. He continued: “This improvement reflects outstanding work done by all our officers and staff to reduce crime and keep our communities safe. “We have made good progress, but we know that every crime matters to our communities so we will continue to focus on driving down crime and providing an outstanding service to the people of Dorset, particularly the most vulnerable members of our communities. “Crime figures are important of course, but they are only one area of performance we measure. I hope this will help to reassure communities that we are working with them and
our local partners to reduce crime and help people to feel safe.” The total number of crimes reduced from 55,265 to 54,016 over the 12month period, a reduction of 1,249 (2.3 per cent) or 1.6 crimes per 1,000 people. Victim-based crime dropped from 49,213 to 48,272 or 62.6 per 1,000 people, a reduction of 941 (-1.9 per cent). This makes Dorset the eighth safest police force area in terms of crime per 1,000 people, compared to ninth previously. Burglary dropped 10.3 per cent overall with residential offences decreasing by 11.9 per cent, set against a national average drop of 9.1 and 9.2 per cent respectively. Violence against the person rose 2.9 per cent, compared to a 6.7 per cent rise nationally, while violence with injury dropped 3.7 per cent, better than the national average, which was down 1.2 per cent. Vehicle offences were up 10.7 per cent (national decrease 0.2 per cent) while theft offences dropped nine per cent (national decrease 4.3 per cent). Deputy Chief Constable David Lewis continued: “This 10.7 per cent rise in vehicle offences equates to an increase of 433 theft from vehicle offences. “We actively monitor crime data to identify any crimes series and local officers will continue to carry out regular proactive patrols at vehicle crime
hotspots, including rural car parks and beauty spots. “As has always been the case, a proportion of vehicles that were targeted by thieves were left insecure or had valuables on display. “We would urge motorists to make sure they take a number of simple steps to help prevent themselves becoming a victim of vehicle crime. Please don’t make life easy for thieves.” Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill said: “These figures represent an extraordinary turnaround for the Force and I want to praise every officer and member of staff who has worked so hard to make this incredible reduction happen. “Dorset residents should be reassured that not only do they live in one of the safest parts of the country, but that their county also has a falling crime rate. I will be continuing to work closely with senior officers during my remaining time in office to make sure that wherever possible we can capitalise on this reduction and ensure the trend continues.” The news of a reduced crime rate comes as police step up their presence in Lyme Regis to tackle an increase in reported anti-social behaviour. Lyme Regis Town Council has also employed security guards to patrol the seafront and gardens in the evenings.
And we’re among the top seaside towns too! LYME Regis has been ranked the 21st top seaside town in the UK, according to a new survey by consumer magazine ‘Which?’ The poll, which surveyed 3,700 people, named St Mawes in Cornwall as the top seaside town with Dartmouth and Southwold in Suffolk in second and third places respectively. The survey was conducted before the coronavirus pandemic and each town was rated on its beach, attractions, scenery, peace and quiet and value for money. Lyme Regis was placed 21st out of 105 towns, receiving an overall score of 77 per cent with its statistics listed as follows: ● Average hotel rate £135 ● Beach – 4/5 ● Attractions – 4/5 ● Scenery – 5/5 ● Peace and quiet – 3/5 ● Value for money 4/5 Lyme Regis was pipped to the post by neighbouring East Devon village Beer, which was placed 10th with a score of 80 per cent, and Sidmouth, which came 18th
with a score of 78 per cent. A spokesperson from consumer watchdog magazine ‘Which?’ said: “A week away in the UK, with warm sun on your back and the splash of the sea at your feet, is just what we need right now to blow away the stuck-inside-for-too-long cobwebs. “Fortunately this survey, conducted before coronavirus struck, saw you telling us that your favourite seaside destinations were those with a bit of space and some peace and quiet away from the crowds. “Visitors named St Mawes, in Cornwall, the best place in the UK for a seaside break this year, handing it five stars for peace and quiet. Smaller town, such as Southwold, and less touristy villages, like Tynemouth, were rated better than classic favourites such as St Ives or Salcombe.” For the full list of the UK’s best seaside towns, visit the website www.which.co.uk/reviews/destinations/article/the-uks-best-seasidetowns
Ever fancied a paper route? LymeOnline is looking for more volunteers to deliver newspapers in their own street or area Due to the financial effects of COVID-19, we’ll be changing the way we distribute our free, fortnightly newspaper when it is relaunched on August 7th and we are now looking for more volunteers
WHY VOLUNTEER? Catch up with all the latest local news Get to know your neighbours Enjoy some regular exercise Help support this non-profit community newspaper
If you would be interested in volunteering, call Francesca Evans on 07810 221 420 for more details
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LymeOnline website welcomes record visitor numbers in 2020 THE LymeOnline website has gone from strength to strength during 2020, with the coronavirus pandemic bringing more readers than ever to the community site. While publication of the fortnightly LymeOnline newspaper was temporarily suspended during lockdown – now set to return on Friday, August 7 – the website has continued to be updated daily with the latest local news. A digital version of the newspaper has also been uploaded fortnightly, as well as weekly video news bulletins presented by LymeOnline editor Francesca Evans, and a special page for all coronavirus-related news has been launched. The site was recently commended in the ‘Community Website of the Year’ category for the 2020 newsawards. Half-year figures for the LymeOnline website have just been revealed, with 156,930 people visiting the site from January 2020 to the end of June – that’s an increase of more than 36,000 on the same period last year. While figures have steadily increased since the website launched in January 2018, editor Francesca Evans believes this year’s increase is partially down to the coronavirus pandemic, with more people keen to find out how the outbreak is affecting the local area. This has been particularly evident since shops, businesses and amenities started to reopen, with LymeOnline running a ‘Shop Local’ campaign
A SCREEN shot of the LymeOnline website, recently commended for Community Website of the Year in the national newsawards
offering free promotion to businesses as they got back on their feet. As the town began to reopen, the LymeOnline website saw two of its most successful months since launching, with visitor figures for May and June 2020 both over 33,000. These figures were topped only by March 2019 when the website’s numbers peaked as Kate Winslet visited Lyme Regis to film scenes for Mary Anning biopic ‘Ammonite’. June 2020 also saw a number of major stories that were unrelated to coronavirus, including the arrest of three young people on Monmouth Beach, the temporarily closure of the beach for dredging and re-profiling, and Lyme’s Sir George Somers statue being targeted amid anti-racism protests. The most-read story of 2020 was a
report on the major fire at the Rousdon Village Bakery back in January, which had almost 5,000 hits. Despite the positive figures, the LymeOnline website is run as a not-forprofit community venture and does not bring in enough money on its own to cover its costs. Advertising spaces on the website are available for as little as £5 per fortnight, but most of LymeOnline’s advertising revenue came from its printed newspaper, which was put on hold at the end of March due to the effects of the pandemic. In the meantime, the business has relied on grants from the Google News Initiative, Dorset Council and generous donations from readers, as well as editing contracts with other publications and websites. Donations can still be made via PayPal by clicking the yellow ‘Donate’ button on the website homepage. The free, fortnightly LymeOnline newspaper – with a distribution of 4,000 – will be relaunched on Friday, August 7 with advertising opportunities starting from as little at £8 per issue. All those advertising in the printed newspaper will also receive a free advert on the website. For more details visit the Advertising page or get in touch by calling Francesca Evans on 07810 221 420 or email francesca@lyme-online.co.uk
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LymeOnline’s most read stories since launching in January 2018 There’s no doubting it, celebrity news always steals the limelight! LymeOnline’s hits went through the roof when Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan arrived in town to film Mary Anning biopic ‘Ammonite’, making March 2019 the most successful month for our website to date. One article alone on the filming was read more than 11,000 times. In January 2018, Rousdon residents looked on in horror as their much-loved village bakery went up in flames. Up to 10 engines tackled the blaze after reports of a fuse box on fire. No one was injured but the fire caused significant damage to the bakery, neighbouring workshop and two flats above. The story was read by almost 5,000 people. As Lyme Regis prepared to open up to visitors in June following the easing of lockdown restrictions, large sections of the beach were closed to allow for dredging work and re-profiling. As the work coincided with one of the hottest weekends of the year, the article attracted a huge number of readers keen to find out when they could get back to the beach. As Black Lives Matter protests were held across the UK and the globe following the death of George Floyd in America, Lyme Regis was pulled into this international story as the statue of former mayor, Admiral Sir George Somers, was vandalised with the work “murderer”. The story was one of our most read in the busy month of June 2020.
Take a look at the latest news at lyme-online.co.uk
newsfromwestminster
A monthly column by West Dorset MP Chris Loder
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IN recent weeks, I’ve been keeping in touch with businesses in retail, hospitality and tourism, in particular in West Dorset’s coastal areas, to see how they are doing since reopening and to offer my ongoing support. Last weekend I was in Lyme Regis, where it was good to see the town so busy on a sunny Saturday. Through its Reopening High Streets Safely Fund, with £50m distributed to councils throughout England, government has supported town centres such as Lyme Regis get back to business; and it is reassuring to see the various measures in place, to encourage us all to shop safely and locally. I visited the Alexandra Hotel, which was looking resplendent, to meet owner Kathryn Haskins. I was pleased to hear that business has come back strongly for her since reopening, although the future is not without its concerns and hospitality recruitment continues to be challenging across the sector. I then called into the relaunched Rock Point Inn to meet manager David Putt and his enthusiastic team. New owners, St Austell Brewery, have very sympathetically restored this wonderful building, its first site in Dorset, which now incorporates nine rooms with views of our wonderful Jurassic Coast, right by The Cobb. My only regret was that I couldn't stay longer to enjoy fish and chips - but I will definitely return! I’m also looking forward to visiting Broad Street’s Volunteer Inn again soon, which Matt Puddy tells me he’s hoping to reopen on August 3. In Westminster, last week I voted in the House of Commons on the Chancellor's short-
ENJOYING sunny Lyme Regis on the terrace of the new Rock Point Inn term measures on stamp duty, on the all-important lavatory duty for town councils (a key issue for Lyme Regis!) and on the Parliamentary Constituencies Bill. This week we have had the third reading of the Trade Bill and, to be clear on where I stand; I believe it is not the job of parliament, nor me, to ratify trade deals, it is the job of government. It is then my responsibility, on behalf of us all here in West Dorset, to hold the Government to account through questions and debates. Finally, there has been much debate on the subject of TV licences for the over 75s. I have co-signed a letter, along with more than 60 fellow Conservative MPs, to warn the BBC's Director General that the corporation's plans to end free television licences for most over-75s demonstrates how detached it has become from its viewers, to find out more visit www.chrisloder.co.uk/bbc
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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LOOKING BACK AT LIFEBOAT WEEK
Seaside fun we’ll all be missing this week F
OR the first time in almost 50 years, Lyme Regis will not be hosting Lifeboat Week - one of the most popular events of summer. The annual week of thrills and spills on the seafront was set to get underway tomorrow (Saturday) but, due to the coronavirus pandemic and social distancing guidelines, organisers from Lyme Regis & Charmouth Lifeboat Supporters Group were forced to pull this year’s event. Instead of LymeOnline’s usual extensive photo coverage of all the fun and games, we’re looking back at Lifeboat Week’s gone by - including the very first in 1972, which turned out to be a little more dramatic than organisers had bargained for. Lyme Regis had hosted a Lifeboat Day since 1965 but organisers soon realised it had potential for much bigger things. The
FRANCESCA EVANS
francesca@lyme-online.co.uk town’s three-times world champion town crier and lifeboat crew member of 15 years, Richard Fox, played an instrumental role in organising the first Lifeboat Week, bringing some of the most spectacular attractions to town, including helicopter display teams. On July 19 1972 crowds packed the beach to watch a lifeboat demonstration with the Royal Navy helicopter from HMS Osprey at Portland. The exercise went well and to mark the end of the demonstration, the helicopter flew eastwards across the harbour towards the lifeboat, where it was due to release a streamer as a farewell signal. But it soon became apparent all was not well, as a slight change of note was heard in one of the helicopter’s engines. Lifeboat helmsman Peter Gill immediately slammed down the throttle and seconds later the helicopter pancaked into the sea, throwing up great clouds of spray as the rotor arms thrashed in the water. The lifeboat crew rescued two airmen from the water and another two from the cabin, leaving the captain on board still at the controls. None of the crew were injured. The helicopter, now sinking, was towed some 200m to the beach by the lifeboat, and the crew were later praised by the Royal Navy and RNLI for their prompt action. Despite the rocky start, lifeboat and helicopter displays have become a staple of Lifeboat Week and thankfully none have since ended in such dramatic fashion. Other events during that first Lifeboat Week included a film show, canoeing and waterskiing demonstrations, a souvenir stall at the lifeboat station, along with hot dogs, pease pudding and faggots. In more recent years, favourite events have included displays by the Red Arrows, Red Devils and RAF Falcons, the infamous conger cuddling which was cancelled in 2006, open air discos, the bathtub race, tug o’ war across the harbour mouth, yard of ale, fun run, duck race and children’s games. Lifeboat Week has gone from strength to strength since those early days, attracting thousands of visitors every year and raising a record £40,000 for the RNLI in 2019. The event will be hugely missed this year, not just by the lifeboat crew and supporters, but by residents and visitors across the town.
A LEADING light in the early days of Lifeboat Week, town crier Richard Fox, pictured in 1985 by Ken Gollop. Above, the Royal Navy helicopter which ditched into the sea during the first Lifeboat Week in 1972. Left, more recent helicopter displays have fortunately not ended in such dramatic fashion (photo by Richard Austin). Top, the Red Arrows became synonymous with Lifeboat Week until 2016 when they started charging for all displays (photo by Richard Horobin). They did appear in Lyme Regis again in 2017 and 2018, but not part of Lifeboat Week, thanks to a local fundraising appeal
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LOOKING BACK AT LIFEBOAT WEEK
ABOVE left and right, the bathtub race is always a highlight of Lifeboat Week (photos by Richard Austin) and, below, hundreds of children take part in seaside games and competitions, such as the treasure hunt, every year (photo by Francesca Evans)
DISPLAYS by the RAF Falcons and Red Devils parachute display teams have been among the most popular events on the Lifeboat Week programme in recent years. Photos above and below by Richard Austin
Above left, the annual fun run; above right, the lifeboat crew make a splash in the tug o’ war; right, actor John Challis pictured with the lifeboat crew after officially opening Lifeboat Week 2019; and left, a Lifeboat Week supporter with RNLI mascot Stormy Sam. Photos by Richard Horobin and Francesca Evans
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Lifeboat launched to ‘drifting kayak’ LYME Regis lifeboat crew was launched on Sunday, July 12 at 7.30pm to a report of a lady with her two children on a kayak drifting out to sea. The husband contacted the coastguard who was concerned that they were drifting out to sea, she was reported to be approximately half a mile south of Golden Cap. The lifeboat crew were on scene 10 minutes after launching and contacted the lady who was not in any trouble. The lifeboat offered to stay with her to see that she arrived safely, but she declined the request. The lifeboat crew were stood down and returned to Lyme Regis harbour at 8pm.
Handbag stolen from car A HANDBAG and its contents were stolen from a parked car in Roman Road, Lyme Regis, on Sunday, July 12. The incident took place sometime between 1.30pm and 3pm, with the rear passenger window of the blue Renault Captur smashed to gain entry. Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 using occurrence number 55200101501.
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Scaled back Somers Day celebrations LYME Regis’ twinning links with Bermuda were celebrated this week despite coronavirus putting a stop to the usual events. Lyme Regis has been twinned with St George’s in Bermuda since 1997 and every year a party from the island visits Lyme Regis for Somers Day in July. Somers Day celebrates Admiral Sir George Somers, a former mayor of Lyme Regis who founded Bermuda after being shipwrecked on the island in 1609, on his way to the new English colony of Jamestowne in America. Events usually include a parade through the town, flag raising ceremony on the end of the Cobb, a lunch and church service at Whitchurch Canonicorum, which
was Somers’ hometown. Due to coronavirus restrictions, the party from Bermuda could not visit Lyme Regis this year and the usual events were cancelled. But flags were still raised at the end of the Cobb and members of the twinning association gathered at the statue of Sir George in Langmoor Gardens for a short speech by chairman John Dover. They then gathered at the Woodmead Halls for a sociallydistanced cream tea and virtual link-up to friends in Bermuda, shown on the big screen, during which both the mayors of St George’s and Lyme Regis made speeches extolling the importance of continued friendship between the two towns.
MEMBERS of Lyme Regis/St George’s Twinning Association gather at the statue of Sir George Somers. Below, they then enjoyed a socially-distanced cream tea at the Woodmead Halls
Woodmead Halls to reopen WOODMEAD Halls in Lyme Regis will be reopening for bookings from August 1 with full social distancing measures being adhered to. Numbers are being restricted to a maximum of 10 in the small hall and 30 in the large hall. All booking enquiries should be made to the halls caretaker Michaela Ellis on 07856 630 975.
THE Mayor of Lyme Regis addresses friends in Bermuda during a virtual link-up
NEWS FROM CITIZENS ADVICE CITIZENS Advice throughout Dorset has put special measures in place so that local people can continue to get help during the coronavirus crisis and as lockdown eases. The service is now preparing to give additional support to help local residents begin to get back to normal. In the first phase of the pandemic, following government guidelines, volunteers quickly adapted to the change in their working environment from no longer offering face to face appointments to working from home, whilst providing phone and digital advice. This resulted in many people and advisers having to learn new skills and taking on new roles. Since the start of lockdown on March 23 until June 1, Citizens Advice across Dorset helped over 2000 people with over 6000 issues. The type of issues include supporting vulnerable residents who are shielding; providing employment and benefits advice to employees now on furlough or at risk of redundancy; guidance for returning to work; family and relationship advice and much more. In recent weeks Citizens Advice has seen a big increase in the number of people using the service to seek help for key subjects such as Universal Credit and employment, and expects demand to grow considerably across all subject areas as lockdown eases and government schemes come to an end. Citizens Advice is now focused on the recovery phase and is working to anticipate high demand as the lockdown eases and the government support schemes scale back. Rovarn Wickremasinghe, chief officer, Bridport & District said: “At the moment the best way to contact us locally is by leaving
a telephone message or by sending an email – see details below. We will then contact people promptly by phone to help them find a way forward. “Additionally, from Tuesday, July 21 we will be offering a limited drop-in service for people who are unable to leave a message or need to come in to see us. Sessions will be held at 45 South Street, Bridport, DT6 3NY, Monday to Friday from 10am and will follow government social-distancing guidelines. “We are an independent charity and never before has it been so critical for us to secure additional funding to allow us to continue to meet demand. We are extremely grateful for the financial support we receive from Lyme Regis Town Council and parish councils in the area. “At the same time, responding to the crisis is an opportunity to build upon existing partnerships and form new ones for the benefit of local people, including working with LymeForward, Lyme Regis Food Bank, Lyme Regis Medical Centre and the Town Council.’’ Clients can contact Citizens Advice by calling 01308 456594 or the Dorset Advice Line on 03444 111 444 or by sending an email to advice@bridport-cab.org.uk. People having problems with Universal Credit can contact Citizens Advice on a national freephone number which is 0800144-8444. There is also a Universal Credit webchat support service available through the website www.citizensadvice.org.uk which in itself is a rich resource full of information. Citizens Advice help is always free, confidential, independent and impartial.
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LymeOnline Letters Mum raises funds for teachers to take Autism Awareness course Lack of toilet facilities Send your letters to francesca@lyme-online.co.uk
A LOCAL mum has raised £535 through a crowdfunding campaign to allow staff at Mrs Ethelston’s Primary School in Uplyme to take an Autism Awareness course. Zishan Adamson-Drage, who lives in Raymonds Hill, said that autism awareness was a subject close to her heart, as her son Jacob, who attends Mrs Ethelston’s, is autistic. Mrs Adamson-Drage said that behavioural signs of autism can sometimes go unrecognised and be put down to “being naughty”. She said it took a long time to get an official diagnosis for her son Jacob, which has allowed them to receive more support, and she hoped the funding would help others in the same way. She commented: “Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects over one in every 100 people. Whilst common, it often goes undiagnosed. For children of primary school age, this can mean difficulty in learning, inability to focus and behavioural challenges. “As mum to a son on the spectrum, it is so important these kids do not fall through the gap. But as we know, schools lack the resources and funding – this money will help fund teacher training in ASD awareness and give staff a practical toolkit to aid
causing a health hazard
■ OVER recent weeks, having witnessed a queue of about 40 people long standing in line for the LRTC Marine Parade public toilets at 7pm one evening (when LRTC loos were then open til 8pm, now open til 10pm), I’ve been relentlessly contacting the MP, Cllr Daryl Turner, the mayor and LRTC who in turn have been on to Dorset Council. We were told a few weeks ago that the Dorset Council public toilets would stay open till 8pm. And at this time of writing this very essential issue has still not been resolved and their public toilets are still shutting at 5pm. I’ve heard the words “contractor issues”, but surely Dorset Council could have been better prepared to ZISHAN Adamson-Drage and son Jacob present a cheque to Miss Lyons of Mrs Ethelston’s Priget the public toilets open at reamary School sonable times for after lockdown? teaching methods, so that ASD kids kind donation of £535 to Mrs Ethel- I’ve been complaining for weeks! can reach their full potential. We’re ston’s to add to our ASD resources As you can imagine the visitors are resorting to all sorts after and support our staff training. so thankful to those who donated!” “We are always grateful for any 5pm. I’ve had people piddle on the Mrs Adamson-Drage is deputy town clerk of Axminster Town Coun- fundraising that takes place on behalf side my beach hut when I’m in it! I’m appalled at the whole situacil and her husband Matt is opera- of our school to enhance the chiltions manager at Lyme Regis Town dren’s experiences with us. Anything tion, brought about be a lack of basic facilities for the visitors. Council. Along with Jacob, they pre- that can add to the effective educaLRTC Marine Parade loos are sented a giant cheque to head- tion we provide to all of our pupils is now open until 10pm but those are teacher of Mrs Ethelston’s, Miss always gratefully received. simply not enough for the whole “We are looking forward to putting seafront area. Visitors will no Lyons, last week.
Miss Lyons commented: “Thank you to Mrs Adamson-Drage for their
it to great use in the new academic year.”
Rotary president hands chains to successor THE Rotary Club of Lyme Regis’ presidential chain has been handed over to a new incumbent in a much more low key affair than usual. Outgoing president John Berry handed over the chain to his successor, Richard Main, at a garden party for just six club members due to COVID-19 restrictions. In previous years, the handover has been a very social occasion, where many members, friends and supporters of the club have gathered to witness the handing over of the chain of office, which is embellished with the names of all the previous presidents from the formation of the club in 1950. This event has previously been held on boat trips down the River Exe, at garden parties and was this year supposed to involve a tram ride in Seaton, but had to be a much more low key affair due to restrictions on large gatherings. However, other club members were able to join in the proceedings via a virtual meeting on a screen erected outside. President elect Chris Buckingham (left) and new president Richard Main While Mr Main took over as president, it was announced that Chris Buckingham would become president-elect, preparing to take the lead role in 2021/2022. Also in attendance was club secretary Jim Moseley and treasurer Bill Taylor. Under the direction of retiring president Mr Berry, the club had a very successful year despite having to operate under trying circumstances due to the pandemic. A total of £20,000 was raised for good causes in the community and internationally. New president Mr Main said that the club would continue to operate with meetings via video link and it was planned, subject to government guide-
THE new president of the Rotary Club of Lyme Regis, Richard Main (right) pictured with his predecessor John Berry lines, to carry on with the major events versity project in the region. Mr Fortnam said: “We were made very in the town that the Lyme Regis Rotary Club have become so well known for, in- welcome and they took time to show us cluding Carols Around the Tree in De- various projects they were undertaking cember and the Lyme Lunge on New and also some of the city of Koto Kinabalu , the capital of Sabah province in Year’s Day. An international example of Rotary northern Borneo part of Malaysia.” Since the visit the two clubs have kept friendship A unique event took place this week in contact, exchanging various informawhen the Rotary Club of Lyme Regis tion about each other. Mr Fortnam met Kenneth Tan, the was invited to attend the virtual installation of the new president of the Rotary newly-elected president of the Rotary Club of Luyang for the year 2020/2021, Club of Luyang in northern Borneo. Seven members of the Lyme Regis and members said they were delighted club joined the meeting on Saturday, to be able to take part in what turned out to be a truly international example of July 11 via video link. It was a truly international meeting Rotary friendship throughout the world. Rotary is a global organisation in more with Rotary Club members joining in from Taiwan, Singapore, Shanghai in than 200 countries, of more than 1.2 China, Bali, Manila in the Philippines, million men and women who work for peace and goodwill locally, nationally Australia and Lyme Regis. The invite was as a result of a visit and internationally. To find out more about the Rotary made by Rotarian Peter Fortnam and his wife Lynne to Borneo last March, Club of Lyme Regis, visit www.lymeregwhen visiting their son Matthew and his isrotary.org or call Peter Fortnam 01297 family who had been working on a uni- 443145.
doubt try to use the pub loos, unfairly stretching their COVID safe cleaning resources and facilities. I would like to report Dorset Council to their own Environmental Health Department for being irresponsible in allowing this situation to develop. We know there are more visitors around as they cannot travel abroad and if denied these basic humanitarian facilities, risk spreading disease by relieving themselves in public places. Local workers have terrible tales to report of what they’ve found and seen! And the visitors’ over reaching memory of Lyme Regis will be a lack of loos! I am beyond appalled and thoroughly exasperated with Dorset Council letting this situation occur in the first place. Joy Raymond Hunters Lodge
EDITOR’S NOTE: LymeOnline contacted Dorset Council to enquire whether toilet opening hours would be extended over summer. The council did not response but Mrs Raymond confirmed that Monmouth Beach toilets were open until 8pm on Monday.
A chance to have your say on Charmouth Neighbourhood Plan
A NEW consultation period for Charmouth’s Neighbourhood Plan will get underway at the end of the month, having been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The village’s draft Neighbourhood Plan was ready for public viewing from early April for a six week consultation period, but due to the COVID-19 outbreak this had to be postponed. Following some changes to the way the draft plan will be communicated, consultation has now been rearranged to start on Friday, July 31 for a six-week period. Over the past four years a dedicated team of local volunteers, working on behalf of the Charmouth Parish Council, have been developing the draft Neighbourhood Plan for Charmouth reflecting the wishes of the people who live and work here and is now ready for public consultation. People who live, work or run businesses in Charmouth parish will have the opportunity to comment on the plan, including certain statutory bodies. The plan will be available for viewing and making comments from 9am on Friday, July 31 to 5pm on Friday, September 11 online at www.charmouthparishcouncil.gov.uk/charmouth-nhp with an online response form at www.charmouthparishcouncil.go v.uk/np-consultation. Alternatively, a paper copy of the draft plan can delivered to those Charmouth residents without internet access.
Residents who would like to borrow a copy are requested to telephone 01297 561024 and arrangements will be made for a loan paper copy (with comments form) to be delivered to and collected from your home address during the consultation period. All paper copies of the plan will be quarantined beforehand so will be safe to handle. All comments will need to be returned either online or collected within the timescales above. All responses received by the above date will be considered by Charmouth Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group and may be utilised to amend the draft Neighbourhood Plan. Following this, a Consultation Statement including a summary of all comments received and how these were considered will be made available for viewing along with the amended Neighbourhood Plan. This Neighbourhood Plan sets out planning policies for Charmouth parish. It will be used by Dorset Council when making decisions on planning applications. The plan includes 22 draft policies, covering Heritage and History, Assets and Amenities, Natural Environment, Local Economy, Housing, Getting Around and Energy Efficiency and Coastal Change. If you would like to find out more about Charmouth’s Neighbourhood Plan, visit the website www.charmouthparishcouncil.go v.uk/charmouth-nhp
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Marine Theatre has no Panto society keeping busy date for reopening yet THE Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis will not be reopening its doors just yet, despite the government giving the go-ahead for non-live performances. The theatre closed at the end of March as coronavirus restrictions were implemented and, while pubs, shops, and cinemas are now reopening, live entertainment is still not possible indoors under current rules. To keep in touch with its audience during lockdown, the Marine has staged online events such as its Sunday Sessions and a screening of the community play written to celebrate its 125th anniversary last year. It is also looking at whether a few outdoor performances are safe and viable this summer, but it will not be opening for non-live indoor performances just yet. It is possible that socially-distanced live events may be allowed in the medium term. However, even at one metre distance, the capacity of the arts venue would be reduced by two-thirds, which is unlikely to make most performances financially possible. As a result, the Marine is reviewing costs and raising money, while looking forward to the lifting of restrictions that will make live performances
more viable in the historic building. The Marine has been able to weather the crisis so far through its small reserves, generous public donations, and grants. Members of the public have been donating to a reopening fund, details of which are on the website www.marinetheatre.com/reopen-the-marine-theatre-fund/. So far, just over £5,000 has been raised towards the theatre’s target of £21,000. Theatre director Gabby Rabbitts said: “We are working hard to raise funds and reduce costs, so we are confident that we will open again in the coming months. “Like everyone, we are in an evolving situation where public safety is a priority and restrictions are out of our control. That makes it hard to predict a reopening date. “I’d like to personally thank all those that have donated to our reopening fund, which is really helping us. “Better times will come when we can welcome our volunteers and audiences back to enjoy music, comedy, and other performances, along with all the wonderful socialising that comes with those things.”
Lyme tour guide published book of local ghost stories LYME Regis historian and tour guide Chris Lovejoy has written a book of chilling ghost stories based on moments in the town’s history. ‘The Cobb Ghoul’ contains 16 tales, some rooted in fact and others more fanciful, set in familiar local locations, from the Pilot Boat and Angel pubs to the Old Monmouth hotel and the Marine Theatre, as well as taking in the Horn Bridge, St Michael’s Church and the Cobb. The book is named after the story of a young lad who died in wrongful captivity in a building on the Cobb, and is now said to haunt the harbour. Other stories include ‘Little Gypsy Rose’, about a young flower seller who died under the wheels of a carriage, and ‘The Vampire’, featuring a priest who visits patients at the leper hospital with not-entirely-charitable intentions. And, of course, the Pilot Boat’s famous Lassie dog makes a ghostly appearance too. Chris is well known in Lyme Regis through his popular history walks and ghost tours, for which he wears a distinctive stovepipe hat and black cloak. Originally from Berkshire, he grew up in Kent and London and has also spent time living abroad, including several years at an ashram in India. He has worked in the law, the creative arts and teaching, and moved to Lyme in 1997. ‘The Cobb Ghoul’ is Chris’ first published book of stories, although he has enjoyed writing fiction for some years and has been a member of the Black Dog writing group in Uplyme.
LYME Regis Pantomime Society has been busy during lockdown thinking of imaginative ways to raise funds for its next production, despite the COVID-19 restrictions. The pantomime society is a volunteer-led, notfor-profit group and it costs between £10,000 and £12,000 to stage its annual productions in February. Producer and director Sarah Causley commented: “As is the case with all our local groups and societies, the impact of COVID-19 and the lockdown has really affected our fundraising efforts. “We have remained positive and are already planning auditions, casting and rehearsals for September following all the guidelines given with regard to COVID-19. “However, it was actually questionable as to whether, presuming we are allowed, we would be able to afford to stage our show in February 2021. Fortunately though, tough times like these bring out the best in people, and we have actually managed a number of fundraising events.” The society has already hosted two virtual
bingo nights raising more than £250, and a Body Shop hamper raffle, tickets for which are still available and will be drawn at the end of the month. Pantomime supporter Joshua Denning and his mum Annette have also raised about £100 by selling homemade baked-goods. A special thanks has also been given to wardrobe mistress Hilary Smith who has been busy during lockdown making and selling face masks, with a percentage of the proceeds going to the pantomime society, totalling £250. Sarah added: “Hilary is an amazing lady and I feel so fortunate to have her, and our other wonderful members working hard to make sure the show can go on. “I just wanted to say a personal thank you to everyone who has worked hard to raise funds or who has contributed to our society by supporting events. “We are looking forward to staging ‘Peter Pan’ for our local community in February 2021, or whenever it is safe to do so.”
Lyme Regis musician releases lockdown album
The supernatural is one of the subjects in which he feels most at home. “Ghost stories excite us because they take the reader to the extremes of human experience,” he said. “They bring the hidden, the unexpressed, to the fore and lead us into a mysterious, dangerous world – but we know we can return safely to our everyday life. We can feel the chills without catching a cold.” The book contains illustrations by Alan Dodson, who lives in Charmouth, and has been designed and published by Olivia Daly, also of Charmouth. It is now in stock at Serendip bookshop in Broad Street, Lyme Regis, for £10.
AN album created during lockdown by a Lyme Regis musician has been reviewed in the prestigious ‘Electronic Sound’ magazine. Local musician Andrew Ward decided to keep himself busy during lockdown by coming up with 19 songs in just 19 days. He named the impromptu album ‘The Lockdown Sessions’ and released the music via the website Bandcamp at https://arpquadra.bandcamp.com/album/thelockdown-sessions The album has now been reviewed by ‘Electronic Sound’, described by Andrew as “the four-weekly Bible of what’s what in electronic and synthesizer music”. The review read: “The title sets the context for these 19 instrumental vignettes, all started and finished by Lyme Regis synth freak Andrew Ward in the space of 19 days. “There’s an undertow of melancholy throughout, most pointedly on ‘Those We’ve Lost’, but there’s humour in ‘I Have No Idea What Day It Is’ and When It’s Over’ is a rave thumper. “No matter that some track would benefit from more development. Getting everything perfect isn’t the aim of this impulsive and im-
mediate response to the odd times we’ve been living through.” Commenting on the album himself, Andrew said: “‘The Lockdown Sessions’ was written, recorded and produced at home during the first weeks of the COVID-19 lockdown, reflecting the state of our time. “Nineteen song ideas in 19 days, quickly capturing the emotions, thoughts and feelings as each day unfolded. Whether it was panic, uncertainty, urgency, loss, loneliness or hope, everything was channelled into the music. “The pieces are generally short and immediate, totally of their time, showing that although we’ve been locked down, creativity wasn’t locked out.” He said that the album was dedicated to his family – his wife Mary, children Benedict and Evangeline, and mum Ann – for their continued support, as well as his nephew JP Sutcliffe for helping with production. Andrew, aged 56, has been playing music since a young age but released his first EP earlier this year. He also made the news after contributing to the world’s largest piece of collaborative systems music as part of the international event Piano Day.
local services
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ITEMS FOR SALE
WE ARE NOW ACCEPTING ITEMS FOR SALE AGAIN - SEE PANEL ON RIGHT FOR DETAILS OF HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR LISTINGS PLANTS, cuttings for sale, all very reasonable, on corner of Gore Lane and Cuckoo Lane, Uplyme - 01297 443930. CORDLESS HEDGE TRIMMER, Bosch 41ACCU, without battery or charger, 14.4v, blade length 41cm, £14 - 07947 918 335. ‘BEAUTIFUL HOMELAND’, set of 6 books, first edition, 1920, illustrated in colour, by E.W. Haslehurst, £180 or £35 each - 01297 506707. RYOBI electric sucker/blower, almost new, £30 - 01297 445376. TACK LIFE electric submersible water pump, £25 - 01297 445376. GARDEN GROOM PRO safety hedge cutter, shreds and collects, £30 - 01297 445376. AL-KO petrol mower, £60 - 01297 445376. ASH Hoover, £15 - 01297 445376. CONFIDENCE FITNESS Power Plus Treadmill, £60 - 01297 445376. LADDERS, various sizes and prices - 01297 445376.
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BOOKCASE, veneer rosewood, 94cm length x 90cm width x 28cm depth, buyer collects from Charmouth, offers welcome - 01297 561512. LOCAL BOOK, ‘Branch Line to Lyme Regis, Mitchell & Smith, Middleton Press 1993, in new condition, £12 01297 442627. LOCAL BOOK, ‘Lyme Worthies’ by John Fowles, portraits by Gavin Bird, limited issue of 1,000 copies, beautiful condition, £6 - 01297 442627. GAS COOKER, Stoves 4 ring gas cooker, buyer collects from Lyme Regis, £75 - 01297 445091.
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Charmouth Primary School Co-opted Governor vacancies Charmouth Primary School is located very close to the beautiful beach that forms part of the Jurassic coastline, and we currently have 2 vacancies for Co-opted Governors.
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LymeOnline Sport
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NOW IN THE DEVON & EXETER PREMIER LEAGUE
Davey Fort
July 24 2020
Open to members only Saturday afternoons
cricket
Uplyme to face old foes in mini-cricket league
PHILIP EVANS
philip@lyme-online.co.uk
WITH divisions having been finalised and a full programme of fixtures put in place for the cut-down version of the Tolchards Devon Cricket League season, Uplyme & Lyme Regis Cricket Club will be competing against some old foes.
Uplyme & Lyme Regis will be playing against three local rivals in the E East 3 division – Axminster Town, Honiton and Ottery St Mary 2nds. Uplyme will start their 2020 campaign with a home 40-over game against Ottery 2nds on Saturday (July 25), starting at 1.30pm. One hundred and 32 teams have been arranged into 30 divisions of four teams each and two divisions of six teams. Sides in four-team divisions will play each other home and away in a six-match programme running up to August 29. Nick Rogers, the league chairman, said the sixteam divisions were necessary to meet the needs of teams at lower levels and on the outer edges of the county. He said: “It made sense to group clubs in the north of the county in the lower divisions together to avoid too much travelling for games,” said Rogers. “In the south there were enough clubs lowerdown divisions to have a six-club group with minimal travelling. “We seeded teams based on last season’s final positions and used those as a guide to where they should play this season. As well as ability there was also an element of geographical proximity in the make-up of the divisions. “We were able to take into consideration requests from teams who wanted to play lower than their seeding because of issues getting a side out. “We have complied where we felt it necessary, but have warned clubs not to stick half a dozen first teamers into a second team and artificially strengthening it. “Although there is no registration this season we don’t want players turning out for more than one club either.” Only 17 teams declined the chance to play in the cut-down competition – and two former members asked if they could be included. The league hopes to make prize-money available to both finalists. Game lengths are 45 overs in tiers one and two, 40 overs in tiers three, four and five and 35 overs from level six down.
Uplyme new signings – Nabi Timori, the first Afghan to play for Uplyme, and Freddie Bennett
Uplyme make a good start to delayed season
Uplyme & Lyme Regis pictured before their friendly 40-over game against Seaton on Saturday. Back row (left to right): Neil Price (umpire), Sam Farrow, Dave Matthews, Joe Elsworth, Harvey Brimicombe, Tyler Wellman, Sam Wooster, Jon Hunt (scorer); front row (from the left) - Alfie Jacques, Charlie Moss, Steve Batey, Mark Batey, Bruce Maltby
Harvey’s sensational catch
HARVEY Brimicombe - brilliant catch
UPLYME & Lyme Regis had a good run out at home to Seaton who will be competing in one of the Premier minileagues. In a 40-over game, Seaton batted first, scoring 166 for 6. Joel Seward (59 not out) and skipper Ben Morgan (41) were the top scorers. Tyler Wellman was Uplyme’s best bowler with figures of 2-20. One of the highlights of the innings was a sensational catch from Harvey Brimicombe, taken deep on the boundary, one-handed over his shoulder. In reply, Uplyme were bowled out for 147 with Alfie Jacques (34), Joe Elsworth (22) and Carlie Moss (20) top scoring. Robbie Prior (5-32) and Joel Seward (3-34) were the cream of the Seaton bowling attack. Uplyme gave a good account of themselves against the higher placed Seaton team and will fancy their chances to win a place in the play-offs in September.
An encouraging aspect of Saturday’s game is that it was watched by around 130 spectators who enjoyed a glorious afternoon of sunshine and some competitive cricket against two teams which know each other well. ● UPLYME and Lyme Regis continued their impressive form with a sixwicket victory over Crewkerne in a 20-over friendly at the KG5. Uplyme opened the batting and got off to a flying start with openers, Alfie Jacques, back playing for former team, and skipper Steve Batey putting on around 100 runs before retiring to allow more players to have a bat. Uplyme ran up an impressive 200 runs in their 20 overs with Joe Elsworth (48), another new signing, and the classy Tyler Wellman (41) looking equally as comfortable. In reply, Crewkerne were skittled out for just 19 runs. Uplyme’s bowling honours were shared by Sam Wooster (3-4) Sam Farrow (3-6) and Harvey Brimicombe (2-3).
UPLYME and Lyme Cricket Club has made an encouraging start to their delayed 2020 season. Following the easing of coronavirus restrictions on recreational sport, Uplyme travelled to nearby Kilmington for their first match under strict ECB guides regarding social distancing and hygiene regulations. Although Kilmington play in two divisions in the Devon Cricket League above Uplyme, they were by no means outclassed and gave a good account of themselves, which augers well for the rest of the season. Kilmington batted first and were all out for 231 with Reed top scoring on 103 not out and useful contributions from Gooding and (47) and skipper Bret Garner (18). Steve Batey topped the bowling averages with 343, followed by Tyler Wellman (3-53) and new signing Joe Elsworth, a former Kilmington player (2-35). Uplyme replied with 181 all out with Tyler Wellman getting his season off to a good start with 50, closely followed by Elsworth (49). Other good scores came from Alfie Jacques (20), Steve Batey (20) and Tim Daniel (18). Club chairman Steve Batey commented after the game: “It was a good outing for our first fixture of 2020. There were many positives to take from today’s match against a side two divisions higher than us.” There was a more relaxed atmosphere at the King George V playing field when a number of familiar faces and supporters took advantage of the sunshine to watch Uplyme’s match against Devon Medics, followed by a barbecue. They were able to welcome two more news signings – Nabi Timori, the first Afghan player ever to turn out for Uplyme, and Freddie Bennett who has moved to the area from Surrey, both aged 16. They each took wickets and Nabi pulled off a superb runout with a direct hit. Uplyme batted first for 203-6 off 35 overs with Harvey Brimicombe top scoring on 63 and Tyler Wellman chipping in with 20. Devon Medics were bowled out for 88 with Simms leading the attack with figures of 4-11 followed by Freddie Bennett (3-38) and Nabi Timori (2- 27).
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