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Councillors told to improve behaviour
THE Mayor of Lyme Regis has said he will no longer tolerate “unacceptable behaviour” in the council chamber. Cllr Brian Larcombe MBE made the statement following a spat with new councillor Tara Webb, who openly called him “a joke” during a recent debate about the foodbank the previous week. REPORT, PAGE 3
Petition to fight for affordable housing
TOWN councillor Cheryl Reynolds is launching a petition, asking for Lyme Regis to be made an exception in Dorset Council’s policy, so that social housing is allocated to people with a genuine connection to the town. REPORT, PAGE 11
Artisan Florist
Wild and Seasonal
■ CELEBRITY chef and restaurateur Mark Hix MBE has offered his backing to Lyme Regis Development Trust’s new Seaside Store – a scheme which aims to reduce food waste and provide low-cost, nutritious food to those on low incomes. Mark is pictured above with volunteers Mary Ward and Lisa Charleton on a recent visit to The Hub, where the store is open every Tuesday morning. See page 13 for full story
Campaign to save cinema
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FIRE-STRICKEN REGENT DESCRIBED AS AN ‘EYESORE AND EMBARRASSMENT A CAMPAIGN group and petition has been launched to see the Regent Cinema in Lyme Regis rebuilt.
The Grade II listed Regent Cinema was destroyed by a fire in March 2016 and, although owners WTW Scott Cinemas vowed to rebuild it at the time, little action has been taken over the past five years. The owners recently offered the site to Lyme
FRANCESCA EVANS
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Regis Town Council as a community asset, saying they were highly unlikely to be in a position to rebuild the cinema for a considerable length of time. The council “reluctantly” turned down the offer, saying while it understood the value and importance of the building to the community,
it was unable to take on the risk and responsibility for the repair and re-use of the cinema. A campaign group called ‘Save Lyme Regis Cinema’ has since been launched on social media platform Facebook and already has more than 1,300 followers. The group was launched by Mark Howarth with the aim of creating a community interest CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
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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 Managing Director: Philip Evans MBE philip@lyme-online.co.uk Contributors Richard Austin edit@lyme-online.co.uk Production: Jackie Evans jackie@lyme-online.co.uk
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Elderly man dies after being hit by car in Broad Street accident
AN elderly man died after being seriously injured when he was hit by a car in Broad Street, Lyme Regis, last week. Police have renewed their appeal for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward after the man in his 80s, from Bristol, died in the early hours of Sunday, July 4. At 4.38pm on Tuesday, June 29 Dorset Police was called to reports of a road traffic collision on Broad Street involving a grey Ford Fiesta and a pedestrian. The pedestrian sustained life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth. The driver of the Fiesta – a woman aged in her 70s from Birmingham – was not physically injured, but was left shaken. The road remained closed for several hours while officers examined the scene. Police Constable Leanne Steedman, of the traffic unit, said: “Very sadly, the injured pedestrian has now died and my thoughts are with his family and friends. “Our investigation continues and I am still urging anyone who witnessed the collision and has not yet spoken with police to please
POLICE investigate the scene following the accident last Tuesday (photo by Richard Austin)
come forward. “The Fiesta was leaving the Broad Street short stay car park when the collision occurred. “I am aware that this road was really busy at the time and I am sure that someone would have witnessed what happened.” Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email at scit@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 29:522. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppersuk.org or call freephone 0800 555 111.
Petition and campaign group launched to see Regent Cinema rebuilt CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE company to raise funds and take on the rebuild project. Campaigners are currently looking for those with experience in finance, fundraising, legal matters, planning and forming companies or charities to come forward to create a steering group to take forward the project. As part of the campaign, an online petition has also been launched, describing the Regent in its current state as an “eyesore and an embarrassment”. The petition adds: “We believe that we can find a way to raise the money through funds, grants and crowdfunding to rebuild. And with our creativity we can turn the building back into a cinema along with other services and facilities that will serve the community. “Please sign the petition to show your support for bringing the cinema back to our town. The more signatures we have the more attention we will get. This will help us to get the support from councils, funding bodies and the media which we will need to get our cinema back.” The petition already has more than 1,300 signatures and can be found online at www.change.org/p/lyme-regis-town-councilbring-back-our-cinema-in-lyme-regis ■ AN art project to spruce up boarding outside the Regent Cinema will get underway this week. A-level students from The Woodroffe School in Lyme Regis will be painting a mural on the boarding around the demolished auditorium in Langmoor Gardens. The project has been arranged by town councillor Cheryl Reynolds and art teacher Richard Vine, with materials being sponsored by Bradfords, Travis Perkins, Axminster Power Tools & Machinery, Fortnam, Smith & Banwell, Lyme Bay Holidays, Jacqui Hedley-Tuffs and Graham Turner.
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Mayor of Lyme Regis tells councillors ‘unacceptable behaviour stops now’ THE Mayor of Lyme Regis has said he will no longer tolerate “unacceptable behaviour” in the council chamber. Cllr Brian Larcombe MBE made the statement at a meeting of the Tourism, Community & Publicity Committee – the first public meeting to be held following a spat with new councillor Tara Webb, who openly called him “a joke” during a debate about the foodbank the previous week. It also follows town councillor Belinda Bawden saying she no longer wanted to attend meetings as she felt “distressed, embarrassed and unsafe” because of other members’ behaviour. Opening this week’s meeting with a prepared statement, Cllr Larcombe acknowledged that the behaviour of town councillors had deteriorated in recent weeks and called for an end to “grandstanding and petty pointscoring”. Several members of the council, including Cllr Webb, were not present at the committee meeting, so Cllr Larcombe said he would repeat the statement at the next full council meeting. He said: “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
FRANCESCA EVANS
francesca@lyme-online.co.uk
other councillor members, with increased grandstanding and attempts at petty pointscoring, 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.”
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Disabled driver verbally abused in parking dispute POLICE are appealing for information after a disabled driver was verbally abused when trying to park in Lyme Regis. The public order incident occurred at approximately 6.30pm on Thursday, June 3 in the Cobb Gate car park at the bottom of Broad Street. The victim, who was disabled, drove into the car park behind another car, which parked in the only available disabled space. The victim asked the driver of the car if they had a disability badge, but the male driver informed the victim he had no intention of moving. He then verbally abused the victim before he got into his car and left the car park. The man is described as of Mediterranean appearance, six feet five inches tall and had a full neck of tattoos and gold teeth. He was wearing a necklace. Police Constable Michelle Yarrow, of Dorset Police, said: “The victim found the man’s behaviour to be extremely intimidating and we have been carrying out enquiries to identify him, but these have so far proved unsuccessful. “I am appealing to anyone who recognises the man from the description given to please get in touch as we would like to speak to him and take his account of what happened. “I would ask anyone who witnessed what happened or has any information that may assist my enquiries to please contact Dorset Police.” The incident comes amid rising tension over the lack of available parking in Lyme Regis. Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210088249. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppersuk.org or call freephone 0800 555 111.
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NEWS ONLINE: Catch up with A round-up of the top National hospitality staff shortage stories from our website hits Lyme Regis businesses
West Dorset MP campaigning for new law on livestock worrying WEST Dorset MP and fourth generation farmer Chris Loder has secured the support of Farming Minister Victoria Prentis to tackle livestock worrying with Gladis’ Law in Parliament. Mr Loder’s campaign to introduce ‘Gladis’ Law’ was launched after Cameron Farquharson’s pregnant Highland cow Gladis was chased off a rampart of Eggardon Hill in a suspected dog attack, killing both Gladis and her unborn calf in May.
Dorset authorities join forces to ‘scrap’ illegal fly-tipping A NEW partnership that brings together key enforcement authorities, representative bodies and conservation groups, is leading operations to tackle fly-tipping and waste crime in Dorset with the launch of the SCRAP fly-tipping campaign. Targeting illegal waste carriers who dump, burn or bury waste for money, the campaign will help householders, businesses and landowners understand their duty of care when it comes to waste.
THE national shortage of hospitality staff has hit many pubs and restaurants in Lyme Regis. Last month, UK Hospitality said there was a shortfall of about 188,000 workers in the industry, with the shortage of front-of-house staff and chefs being “particularly acute”. It is thought this is down to staff leaving hospitality for more reliable work during the coronavirus pandemic, when the industry was severely affected by national lockdowns and restrictions, as well as fewer European workers in the country due to Brexit. The national shortage has affected business in Lyme Regis, with almost every pub and restaurant advertising for staff in recent weeks, several offering cash bonuses and other incentives to attract applicants. Now, some businesses have taken the un-
precedented move to cut opening hours during one of their busiest ever periods to ensure staff are not “burnt out” ahead of the main summer season. The Royal Standard on Marine Parade closed for three days this week to give hardworking staff a well-earned break, as they did not have enough staff to allow them to take any time off while remaining open. The Lyme Bay Café Bar on Bridge Street has reverted to its winter opening hours to give staff a break, commenting: “We have not made this decision lightly, but feel at this point we need to safe guard the team we have who have done a wonderful job since reopening but are overworked and in danger of ‘burning out’ before we even reach the summer holidays.”
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Olympic sailors meet in Lyme ahead of Tokyo OLYMPIC sailors Charlotte Dobson and Saskia Tidey met at Lyme Regis Sailing Club before setting off the for Tokyo games. The pair will be representing Team GB sailing the 49erFX. They met at the Lyme Regis club for a final briefing with their coaches, including Stevie Morrison, from Exmouth, who won gold at the 2007 49er World Championships, and silver the following year with Ben Rhodes, and Joe Glanfield, who won silver at both the 2004 and 2008 Olympics in the 470 class. Charlotte and Saskia have sailed together since 2017 and have previously competed in the Beijing Olympics.
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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 A boost for the country as football bring us together
Lifeboat volunteer Free parking for Seb takes the helm NHS workers ends RNLI volunteer Seb Cope is the latest crew member to achieve the role of helm aboard Lyme Regis’ inshore lifeboat. The 38-year-old architectural designer, who joined Lyme Regis lifeboat crew five years ago, passed out as helm after a one hour written test and a two hour assessment of his skills at sea.
FREE parking arrangements for NHS and care workers will remain in place through to the end of Sunday, July 18. NHS and care workers can continue to use any Dorset Council-operated car park free of charge until Monday, July 19, provided they are on duty and displaying a relevant permit, or they have registered with Dorset Council.
THE past fortnight has of course been dominated by football and I write this a little weary after England’s spectacular semi-final victory over Denmark. Apologies to non-football fans who are trying to escape the endless ‘it’s coming home’ headlines, but in our family, football has always been something that brings us together. When I was about five years old, my Dad took me to watch my first game at Leeds United’s Elland Road stadium, where he published the club magazine and we were treated to a box and full hospitality (somewhat lost on a five year old, I can imagine). I announced there and then that I was a Leeds supporter – much to Dad’s chagrin – but he soon convinced me to become a Manchester United fan with an easy bribe of a teddy bear dressed in a red football kit. From then on, Dad and I would cheer on Man United together from the sofa with our mascot teddy, formerly known as Ryan Giggs (he had to be renamed after recent indiscretions and is now simply referred to as Red Ted!). When Dad became chairman of Lyme Regis Football Club in the late 1990s it practically took over our lives and our shared love for our home club was cemented. We still watch every home game together and both serve on the committee. A few months ago when helping to clear out my parents’ loft (in which items saved included the bear formerly known as Ryan Giggs), I came across an old newspaper clipping about my late grandfather – my Dad’s father who I sadly never met – and discovered he also served on the football club committee. So it turns out I’m third generation Seasider and I couldn’t be much prouder of my club. With the bar closed for months on end during the pandemic, it could have been financial ruin, but we didn’t let the turf grow under our feet.
Players and supporters stepped forward to help bring our four-year programme of ground and clubhouse improvements to near-completion and, as soon as we could reopen doors, volunteers sprung into action to help us meet COVID regulations. They say the Euros have provided the boost the country needed after such a difficult 15 months, and that is certainly the case at the Davey Fort. Not only has it provided a welcome boost to our coffers, but the Seasiders spirit has shone through. It’s been great to see all the familiar faces as well as those who don’t regularly patronise the club and holidaymakers – all cheering on England together, with many commenting on how much they’ve loved the lively astrosphere and warm welcome. We’re going all out for the big final on Sunday. The clubhouse will be open from 2pm and, while all indoor seating has already been booked, there will be an outdoor screen and marquee on the pitch and spectators are welcome to bring their own chairs or blankets to sit on. Drinks will be served via table service with special offers including pitchers of Carlsberg, cider or ale for just £10, and Chariot of Fire will be serving its wood-fired pizza from 4.30pm. Whatever the score, I imagine most of the club committee members will need a good lie down when it’s all over. But we’ll have just three weeks to get back on form for our annual Sausage & Cider Festival, which will be held on Saturday, July 31.
Francesca Evans, Editor
The
Woodmead Halls Next phase of Dorset Local Plan delayed
YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY HALL
A SIX month delay is now anticipated in the next phase of Dorset’s Local Plan – the publication of which has been pushed back from autumn this year, until spring 2022. The news was recently announced by planning brief holder Cllr David Walsh and the delay is said to have been caused by two factors – the number of representations which will take time to give full consideration to, and the need to gather evidence to support the plan.
Organ society announces summer events
THE South Wessex Organ Society resumed its activities last weekend with an organ masterclass at St Michael’s Parish Church in Lyme Regis. The society is now planning a summer of musical excellence, with further events scheduled during July and August, all at St Michael’s Parish Church. On Tuesday, July 20 at 7.30pm, there will be a concert by professional duo Katharine Fuge (soprano) and Peter Nardone (organ). In August, the society’s popular series of Sunday afternoon recitals will return. These concerts are on each of the five Sundays in August at 3pm and last about an hour. Entry is free with a retiring collection.
Wedding Venue | Corporate Events Clubs & Organisations | Children’s Parties Fitness Classes | Concerts & Shows
The perfect venue for every occasion!
For further details or to get in touch, vist woodmeadhalls.co.uk
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LYME MATTERS with Philip Evans Essential reading for all those with Lyme at heart
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If we don’t try we will never know A
S it was this column that finally flushed out Scott Cinemas to confirm they were trying to offload the Regent Cinema in Lyme Regis, I was delighted to see that a campaign has been launched in a bid to return it to its former glory.
The Regent, as we all now know, has stood derelict after being destroyed by fire five years ago and previous attempts by this newspaper to find out what the owners, WTW Scott Cinemas, were planning to do about had fallen on deaf ears. In desperation rather than hope, I penned an open letter to the Cornish-owned company who have several cinemas in the South West, and urged them to come clean with the people of Lyme about their intentions with regard to the Regent. I thought the timing was right because the company had received significant funding from the government to help them come out of lockdown. But there was nothing in the kitty for the Regent. That was like a kick in the teeth. We put the article on social media and what do you know? Back came a reply saying they appreciated how much the town was concerned about the Regent and they were in correspondence with Lyme Regis Town Council over its future ownership. PR guru Geoff Baker, who like me spent many happy hours in the Regent when we were growing up, immediately picked up on the response from Scott Cinemas. Geoff has moved from his hometown to Marlborough in Wiltshire, but I know how much he cares about the town of his birth, and he soon got his PR juices flowing. He suggested that a campaign group should be put together, chaired by yours truly. That
would not have been a good idea, mainly because you would need someone who commands the respect of the town council - and that’s definitely not me. I have upset too many of them too many times to forge any working relationship. The owners had suggested the council should take it over as a community asset, saying they were unlikely to rebuild the cinema for a considerable length of time - ergo NEVER! There was no mention of money but I presume they wanted the council to buy the site. The council “reluctantly” declined, saying was it was unable to take on the responsibility for the repair and re-use of the cinema. Then up-pops Eve Edmeades, a Facebook afficionado who often comments on local issues, to float the idea of the people of Lyme getting together to form a ‘Save Our Cinema’ group. Another Facebook contributor, Mark Howarth, took up the cudgels and has generated enough interest to get the campaign group up and running, having appealed to those with the necessary skills to give the group some gravitas. Hence, the ‘Save Lyme Regis Cinema’ has legs to take it to the next stage and a petition containing 1,300 signatures has been organised. It’s a daunting task but everything is achievable in my world if the enthusiasm and professionalism is on tap.There are encouraging signs that Lyme will respond. There are a number of cinemas throughout the country which are run as community-notfor-profit assets. The big difference between those and the Lyme project is, however, the enormous cost of acquiring the site first, then rebuilding and the equiping. I have spoken to a property developer and
GLORIOUS INTERIOR: This is how we remember the Regent Cinema as we knew it before the building was destroyed by fire in March 2016 the estimate is in excess of £2.5 million. It’s a prime site with rear views over the bay where luxury flats have already been built on adjacent land. There has been talk of launching a crowdfunding appeal but raising such a big amount in this manner would present a huge challenge. I think it would be better to use crowdfunding to secure a working fund of, say, £20,000 to help investigate how such a large sum might be financed. This would be much more achieveable. There will be some who will say it’s impossible. It’s certainly a challenge but with the right people behind the campaign and the
support, moral and financial, of the town, I believe it’s worth the effort. We may not end up with a cinema as we used to know, but there are many possibilities for a multi-use facility which includes a cinema. I wish Mr Howarth and his new team every success. LymeOnline will do its best to publicise your efforts to see the Regent return to Lyme in all its glory. One major project for the whole of Lyme Regis to get behind is just what the town needs after all its been through during the last 18 months. I believe it’s what Lyme needs. So go for it.
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IT is with sadness that we report the recent death of Colonel Geoffrey Brierley OBE, Lyme’s county councillor for 11 years up to 2013, aged 85. Colonel Brierly (pictured) retired to Charmouth after an impressive career in the Army, having been commissioned into the Dorset Regiment before joining the PARAS in 1964, serving in Cyprus, Aden and Ghana. Colonel Brierley was a nononsense councillor who told you how it was. He wouldn’t try to flannel you if things went wrong and would honestly set about putting it right. In other words, he told you how it was. He was old school and very proud of it, I would have
thought, a far cry today from our current representatives who have to fall in line with the views laid down by the ruling party. Although a Conservative member, Colonel Brierley had little time for politics, local or national. He was very much his own man, as you might expect, having served his country well and been honoured by the Queen with an OBE. As a Cabinet member for transport, he involved himself greatly in Lyme’s worsening traffic problems and was a good friend of Lyme Regis in so many ways. As vice-chairman of the Dorset Police Authority his long military career would have held him good stead in helping
to keep Dorset safe. As a journalist, dealing with Colonel Brierley, was a delight. He always gave you a straight answer, no beating around the bush, and he expected you to report it accurately. He was a popular figure in and around county hall and was hugely respected within his Marshwood Vale constituency, which in those days included Lyme and Charmouth. The halcyon days of local government in this part of the world have long since passed and I some times wonder what the Colonel would have felt about the unruly behaviour of some of our elected representatives today.
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COVID-19: The latest on local coronavirus figures
Coronavirus cases still on the rise across Dorset as final restrictions set to be eased IN line with the national picture, coronavirus cases have continued to increase across Dorset over the past week. The latest update on Friday, July 2 showed there were 262 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Dorset Council area, compared to 199 the previous week, and 584 in the Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole (BCP) area, an increase from 474 the previous week. This means the case rate per 100,000 people is 69.9 in the Dorset Council area, up from 52.6, and 147.7 in the BCP area, compared to 119.9 the previous week. There were nine COVID-19 patients in hospitals across Dorset, compared with five on June 25. Up to June 27, 1,005,775 doses of COVID vaccinations had been administered to people in Dorset. A spokesperson for Public Health Dorset said: “In line with the national picture, cases of COVID-19 have continued to increase across Dorset over the past week. “The case rate for BCP Council is now 147.7, below the England average of 160.2 but above the South West average of 129.0. Dorset Council’s case rate is 69.2, below both the England and South West averages. “Case rates are much higher in younger age groups compared to older age groups. “As restrictions eased following Step 3 of the government’s roadmap, social mixing has in-
creased giving the virus more chances to spread, particularly in indoor settings where it is more likely to be transmitted. “Data also shows that the Delta variant, which is now the dominant strain of COVID19 in the UK, is more transmissible than previous variants, meaning it is more likely to be passed on to close contacts. “There are currently nine people in hospital in Dorset with COVID-19. Over 1 million doses of the vaccine have now been given in Dorset, and thanks to the vaccine rollout we are seeing a significant weakening of the link between an increase in cases and the number of people becoming seriously unwell and requiring hospital treatment. “The best way to protect yourself from serious illness caused by COVID-19 is to get two doses of the vaccine. All adults can book their vaccination appointments now. “The coronavirus vaccine is effective at preventing serious illness in most people, but there’s still a chance you could catch or spread COVID-19 even after you’ve had two doses. For that reason, it’s important you also test yourself regularly using free lateral flow tests to make sure you’re not unknowingly infectious. “You also need to remain vigilant for any COVID symptoms and self-isolate and book a PCR test even if you think your symptoms aren’t that bad. By getting vaccinated and get-
ting tested, we can all keep doing the things we enjoy.” While COVID case numbers in the local area continue to remain low, they are on the increase. Lyme Regis and every surrounding area remained largely ‘fewer than three cases’ since mid-March but almost every area now has three or more cases. In the seven day period up until July 3, the Lyme Regis, Charmouth and Marshwood Vale area reported five cases, an increase of two on the previous week. Rising case numbers ‘a cause for concern’ In surrounding areas the figures were as follows for the seven day period up until July 1: Uplyme, Kilmington & Colyton – five (increase of two); Axminster – 10 (increase of six); Seaton – 10 (increase of five); Burton Bradstock & Chideock – nine (increase of seven); Beaminster, Maiden Newton & Halstock – five (increase of two); Bridport South & West Bay – 10 (increase of eight); Bridport North – six (increase of four). You can find out more details on COVID case numbers in your local area at https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/ The rising case numbers across Dorset are a cause for concern, according to the county’s public health director Sam Crowe. He said testing, more vaccinations and continuing to follow the basic rules, would help reduce the numbers, most of which in Dorset
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are now the Delta variation. Mr Crowe told the Joint Health and Wellbeing Committee meeting that most of those currently being infected were in the 16-29 year age group, many of which were currently being invited for vaccinations. “The vaccine is the way out of this and twice weekly lateral flow testing helps,” said Mr Crowe. “Unfortunately we will see pockets of outbreaks from time to time…but we hope the need for serious medical intervention will be a thing of the past.” He said that many of the cases locally were linked to social mixing indoors, which had been expected once regulations were relaxed. County experts are meeting frequently to monitor the level of infections and to guide action in communities where numbers appear to be peaking. The meeting heard that there had been difficulty in directly reaching some young people to call them in for vaccinations, because the age group seldom visited doctors and many GP practices did not have their mobile phone numbers. In an effort to combat this and reinforce the need for young people to be vaccinated and regularly tested, a communications strategy is being prepared to work with employers, especially where businesses have a young workforce.
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Lyme historian and author publishes first novel LYME Regis historian and author Peter Lacey has just published his first novel ‘Touching the Past’. Having previously released two local history books – ‘Ebb & Flow: The Story of Maritime Lyme Regis’ and ‘Elizabethan Lyme’ – Peter’s latest release combines his historical research with the fictional life story of Sam, a baby boy who was abandoned and left to die on a dung heap in 1589. ‘Touching the Past’ is an enthralling historical novel set in Lyme Regis, Bermuda, Virginia and London, and spanning the years 1589 to 1653. It will have you turning the pages to keep up with a fast-moving narrative that follows Sam as he is rescued and grows up in a violent society, where law breakers are subjected to harsh punishments and blood sports are a popular form of entertainment. At just 12 years old and he goes to sea on a privateer seeking to plunder French merchant ships. Orphaned for the second time he becomes a pack-horse drover and has deadly encounters with robbers. A sexual dalliance forces him to join former Mayor of Lyme Regis, Sir George Somers’ relief fleet carrying colonists to Jamestown in the new colony of Virginia.
FRANCESCA EVANS
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Shipwrecked on Bermuda – then known as the ‘Isle of Devils’ – he survives despite religious discord and a mutiny, a fortunate discovery makes him rich. After completing the voyage to Jamestown he returns to Lyme via London and buys a farm. Life on the farm is hard and unremitting and, while there is romance, there is also misfortune and tragedy. During the Civil War and the Siege of Lyme, the farm comes under threat from Royalist soldiers. There are several characters intrinsically linked to Sam’s life; a Devon seaman, a Welsh drover, an abused teenage girl, a titled gentleman and his wife, a young woman who is a deaf mute, and an African taken into slavery as a boy. They all add an interesting dimension to the story while Sam struggles to come to terms with moral responsibility, religion and his illegitimacy. The book will appeal to adults and older teenagers who like a compelling and adventure packed historical story that has been meticulously researched. It is only available from The Lyme Regis Bookshop in Broad Street at an introductory price of £7.99.
■ Peter Lacey grew up in Middlesex and served in the Army. He later trained as a youth worker and eventually moved to Lyme Regis 42 years ago with wife Barbara when he took on the role of district youth worker for the Axe Valley, based at the Pippins Centre in Axminster. Peter volunteered as a coastguard for many years. He now writes a regular history columns called ‘Tales of Lyme’s Past’ for the LymeOnline newspaper and website, previous editions of which can be read at lyme-online.co.uk/blogs/
An extract from ‘Touching the Past’ by Peter Lacey
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THE terrifying storm of February 1589 had the townsfolk of Elizabethan Lyme Regis in the county of Dorset trembling in their homes. Vivid forked lightning lit up the dark and starless sky, it was followed by thunder that exploded like cannon fire. Added to this was the gale force wind which shrieked in a nightmarish manner while the driving rain caused flashflooding. Those most at risk lived in the lower part of the town known as Mill Green, it was here that the poorer inhabitants tried to survive in what was a life of grinding poverty. They lived in dwellings constructed of earth and clay reinforced with straw while the floor was of beaten earth. Poorly thatched roofs covered the single room dwellings, a hole in the roof or wall letting out the smoke from a wood fire, when and if they managed to have one. Furnishing was basic, a table, maybe a bench and if fortunate a bed of sorts. The alternative being an earthen sleeping platform with a straw filled bed sack acting
as a mattress. Platforms and beds were shared, adults and children were not always separated. The houses were a breeding ground for fleas, lice, bed bugs and other vermin which included rats. It was from one of these hovels that the figure of a man emerged into the windswept night. The rain soaking through his meagre clothing left him gasping for breath, hampered as he was by the bundle clutched close to him. He staggered across the unstable Gosling Bridge that spanned the normally placid river Lym which had become a raging torrent due to the prolonged rain. He took shelter in the doorway of the Town Hall adjacent to the bridge, a dung heap of human waste caught his attention and it was on this vile smelling heap that he deposited the bundle he had been carrying. He walked away, not turning even when he heard the baby crying. He was half way across the storm weakened bridge on his return journey when part of it collapsed pitching him into the flooded river. He sur-
faced only once as he struggled to save himself, nobody heard his scream of despair as he disappeared beneath the rushing water. Some two hours later, Isaac Peters the town’s night watchman picked his way slowly and carefully along the rubble ridden Horse Street to inspect the bridge which was known to be unsound. His progress hindered by a wooden peg-leg, a memento from a sea fight when he sailed as a privateer come pirate. Although the storm had eased slightly the wind caught him off balance and pitched him into the dung heap before he reached the bridge. Struggling to his feet he became aware of the abandoned baby who despite the weather was still alive. Knowing it needed urgent care he made for his two roomed cottage in Sherborne Lane. Cut and bruised from his fall and partly covered in foul-smelling dung he lurched into his cottage calling out for his wife Mary, she gasped in surprise when she saw the wailing bundle.
Listen to Peter Lacey discuss his new book ‘Touching the Past’ in our latest podcast - visit lyme-online.co.uk and click ‘Sights & Sounds’
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Woodroffe pupils enjoy outdoor activities at Carey Camp
STUDENTS from The Woodroffe School in Lyme Regis were able to get back to some sort of normality after the May half term, with Year 8 pupils enjoying their annual trip to Carey Camp in Wareham. They took part in a rage of outdoor and teambuilding activities. Headteacher Dan Watts said: “It was great to see our students enjoying themselves in the sunshine whilst engaged in physical and fun activities. “I have to admit, as a helper on day two, I managed to have a little go on the activities myself! “Whilst not the full experience of Carey Camp, we managed to pack in a lot across our time there. When I asked the students for their favourite experience, the answers varied from climbing to bivvy building. “I would like to thank the staff who made the visit such a positive experience for our students and Miss Trunks who did an amazing job in making this all happen.” ■ THE Dorset Police Safer School team recently visited The Woodroffe School in Lyme Regis. During the day they worked with all year groups as part of their project on delivering educational sessions covering a variety of key issues that have been affecting communities and individuals across Dorset and beyond. The key themes visited were hate crimes, online behaviour, and anti-social behaviour. The workshops included a mixture of presentation and question and answer sessions. Headteacher Dan Watts said: “I would like to thank the Dorset Police team for their input and Mrs Lemon for her hard work in making the event possible.
■ THE building of the new teaching and learning block continues a pace at The Woodroffe School in Lyme Regis. Headteacher Dan Watts offered the following update in his latest newsletter to parents: “Stepnell, our contractors, are currently constructing the concrete floors and walls to the rear of the cut away bank in preparation for wall building. The recent good weather has allowed them to make good progress, long may it continue!”
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Council could reverse ban on using carcinogenic weed killer to tackle Japanese knotweed issue
Former county councillor and Army veteran dies, aged 85
FRANCESCA EVANS
francesca@lyme-online.co.uk
LYME Regis Town Council may have to return to using ‘probable carcinogen’ glyphosate to tackle the increasing issue of Japanese knotweed around the town. The issue was discussed at the first meeting of council’s newly-formed Environment Committee on Wednesday evening. Japanese knotweed is an invasive, non-native species which must be controlled under UK law. Lyme Regis was named as the Japanese knotweed ‘hotspot’ of Dorset in May, with 29 infestations recorded within a 4km radius of the town. This includes infestations on town council land, including in Langmoor and Lister Gardens, which could cost as much as £10,000 to have removed by professional contractors. Alternatively, the council’s own gardening staff could tackle the infestations using an injection kit and the weed killer glyphosate, commonly known as Roundup, for around £500. The town council banned the use of glyphosate on its land in 2019, after several concerns were raised about it being carcinogenic and harmful to wildlife. In March 2015 the World Health Organisation’s International Agency for Research on Cancer produced a report which increased glyphosate’s rating from a ‘possible carcinogen’ to a ‘probable carcinogen’. It gave the same rating to eating pork, lamb or beef, or drinking coffee. The product remained licenced in the EU, although this provoked much debate with some countries considering banning it. In 2017 the EU re-licenced glyphosate for another five years, as the scientific evidence was not compelling enough to ban it. The IARC consider eating pork, lamb or beef, or drinking coffee, to be probable carcinogens.
The town council’s operations manager Matt Adamson Drage has been asked to carry out further research into any alternative products which could be used to tackle Japanese knotweed before any decision is made. ■ THE formation of the new Environment Committee follows the council’s decision two years ago to declare a climate emergency and commit itself to tackling environmental issues with the aim of becoming carbon neutral by 2030. Cllr Belinda Bawden has been elected chairman and the position of vice-chairman remains vacant as no one was nominated. Several committee members were absent so this position will be filled at the next meeting. Among other matters discussed at the meeting was the possibility of creating cycle lanes and installing bicycle racks in the town. Members noted that the roads around Lyme Regis are generally narrow and extremely busy in peak season, so the introduction of cycle lanes may not be feasible in many areas due to
lack of highway space, but officers could investigate the possibilities of their introduction with Dorset Council highways. One suggestion from a local resident was that Uplyme and Lyme Regis could be linked with a cycle path along the River Lim – from Windsor Terrace, via Bumpy field and Mill Lane. However achieving this would require significant ground works and cost in some areas to make it easily navigable by bicycle, and would require collaboration across the county boundary with the principal authorities, Uplyme Parish Council and landowners. A suggestion that bicycle racks could be installed at the entrance of Langmoor Gardens was deemed unsuitable as the council did not want to encourage cycling in the gardens. However, the town council will work with Dorset Council to consider alternative sites.
FORMER county councillor and Army parachutist Colonel Geoffrey Brierley OBE died at the age of 85 last month. After completing his training at Sandhurst, Geoffrey Brierley was commissioned into the Dorset Regiment, later amalgamated as the Devon and Dorsets, and transferred into PARA in 1964. He served in Cyprus, Aden and Ghana before returning from the Army in 1988, taking up the appointment of Territorial, Auxiliary and Volunteer Reserve Associations secretary in Northern Ireland. He later retired to Charmouth where he was very active in local government, representing the Marshwood Vale – including Lyme Regis and Charmouth – as a Conservative on Dorset County Council for 11 years up until 2013. His positions during this time included Cabinet member for transport and vice chairman of Dorset Police Authority. Colonel Brierley died on May 16, aged 85, and is survived by his wife Veronica.
Petition to change social housing allocation policy TOWN councillor Cheryl Reynolds is launching a petition in bid to help local people unable to afford a home in Lyme Regis. Cllr Reynolds will be requesting that Dorset Council makes an exception in its housing allocation policy. She will ask for the social housing stock still managed by housing associations in Lyme Regis to be made available to people who live in the town only or have a genuine connection to Lyme Regis, and not to those who move from other areas of Dorset. Cllr Reynolds said that people from other areas are moved into social housing in Lyme Regis, and these people often need a lot of support. However, she argued that they are not finding the support they need in Lyme Regis, as the difficulty for local people to find social housing is creating ill feeling towards those moved in from other areas. She explained that rural exception sites are often built in other towns and villages to house local people and people with strong local connections, so that families in need of social housing do not have to move to other areas. However, she said there is no space left in Lyme Regis for such rural exception sites, so the town is at a disadvantage and needs to be made an exception itself in Dorset Council’s housing allocation policy. Speaking back in February when she first
raised the issue, Cllr Reynolds commented: “What happens when a lot of the housing stock has been sold off and the allocation policy allows people from other areas to take houses that are available? I will tell you what happens – an awful lot of bad feeling. “How about we ask for an exception for Lyme Regis, for the social housing that is still maintained by housing associations to be an exception site for people that live here and their children, and their children’s children?” Although Cllr Reynolds first suggested the idea of a petition in February she has been unable to take it forward due to the coronavirus pandemic. She is now planning to launch the petition as soon as COVID restrictions are eased on July 19 and is calling on residents for their support. “Lyme Regis needs to have an exception on its social housing; common sense should tell councils that would be so much fairer and would make sense all round,” she said. “Bad feeling would be eliminated and people would be happier and safer altogether. “I’m sure there may be other places like Lyme Regis and I ask them to join together to make this exception a reality and allow common sense to prevail.” Those who wish to support the petition can contact Cheryl Reynolds on 01297 443814.
Looking for a local business? Search for Lyme Regis shops, restaurants, businesses, tradesmen and more on the LymeOnline Local Directory To ensure your business is listed, call Francesca Evans on 07810 221 420 or email edit@lyme-online.co.uk
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12 Friday, July 9 2021 ■ LYME Regis seafront was filled with music last weekend as local charity B Sharp hosted its annual Busking Festival. The event gave everyone – young and old – the opportunity to share their musical talents, with busking slots available to book, open mic sessions in the Marine Parade shelters, a ‘play me’ piano to try, and workshops throughout the day including in songwriting, sound production and a pop-up choir. B Sharp is a music and enterprise charity based in Lyme Regis with over 12 years experience delivering workshops, training, performance and gigs across the district and beyond. Visit the website bsharp.org.uk for more details.
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Road closures refused for Lyme Regis parades
THE Somers Day parade has been held in Lyme Regis for more than 40 years – it will still go ahead with a different format after this year’s road closure was refused
ROAD closures for two of Lyme Regis’ summer events have been turned down by Dorset Council, with one of the reasons given being increased traffic volume. Road closures in Broad Street have been refused for Lyme Morris Day on July 17, when morris dancing sides were expected to dance through the town centre, and the annual Somers Day Parade on July 21, which has taken place for more than 40 years except in wet weather and last year due to the pandemic. The latter event commemorates former Mayor of Lyme Regis, Admiral Sir George Somers, who founded Bermuda after being shipwrecked on the islands on his way to the new English colony of Jamestown, Virginia, in 1609. Three guests from Lyme’s twin town of St George’s in Bermuda are expected to attend this year’s event, which organisers say will still go ahead in a different format to comply with Dorset Council’s decision. The morris dancing event is also expected to continue, with dancing displays on the seafront. Commenting on the decision to refuse the road closures, Cllr Daryl Turner, Dorset Council ward member for Lyme and Charmouth, said: “Road closures for ‘special events’ are authorised under Road Traffic
Regulation Act 1984 (RTFA). “We consider all such events on a case by case basis, using a consistent approach across the Dorset Council area.” Cllr Turner said the reasons the applications were refused were as follows: These events could be held elsewhere either on or off the highway There is not a diversion route around the closure that is appropriate for all traffic that would expect to travel on an A road. National guidelines determine that a diversion should be to an equal or higher classification of road. Cllr Turner added: “Also, we have had to consider that with the COVID restrictions on foreign travel, we are already seeing higher numbers of visitors to the county which impacts on traffic volumes, especially in our coastal towns.” The refusal has raised questions over whether other summer events, such as the carnival procession, will go ahead as normal but no decision has been made on this yet. The news was not well-received on social media this week, with some describing the decision as “horrendous” and “ridiculous”. One resident commented: “Really disappointing that our Councillor is not supportive of these events that are part of our culture and heritage in Lyme.”
Fossil Festival goes virtual for second year this weekend LYME Regis Fossil and Earth Science Festival, previously known as Lyme Regis Fossil Festival, is returning with a virtual event over the weekend of July 10 and 11. Like many events organised this year, the physical festival, which usually attracts the world’s best palaeontologists and geologists to Lyme Regis for two days, has once again been moved online due to COVID-19 restrictions. The brand new Fossil and Earth Science Festival website, which will go live in the early hours of Saturday, July 10, features more than 100 pre-recorded video contributions from world experts on wide-ranging topics in the fields of palaeontology, geology, earth sciences and more. There are contributions from the Natural History Museum, The Palaeontological Association, Jurassic Coast Trust, Dinosaur Isle, the Universities of Bristol, Birmingham, Plymouth and many others, as well as live Zoom talks and lectures from world-leading experts throughout
the weekend. Festival organiser Jon Doody said he hopes that the virtual event will fill a gap left by the physical festival being cancelled. “Once again, I can’t begin to thank all the amazing contributors to the virtual festival,” he said. “Taking the time and effort to record fascinating and amazing talks and demonstrations, often from their homes, has been a real boon! “Festival fans from around the world can now enjoy material from the comfort of their own homes.” The 2020 virtual Fossil Festival was enjoyed by more than 50,000 people from around the world, including the USA and China, reaching a brand new group of fans. The virtual festival kicks off on July 10 with footage available to watch until at least the end of the year. Festival organisers are already planning for the return of the physical festival on the early May Bank Holiday weekend in 2022 with some fantastic features.
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Winners of first Lyme Business Awards soon to be revealed
SEASIDE Store team leaders Mark Ward and Lisa Charleton pictured with Mark Hix
Chef Mark Hix gives backing to Lyme’s new Seaside Store THE team and volunteers behind Lyme Regis Development Trust’s newly-launched Seaside Store were thrilled to receive a visit from local restaurateur and celebrity chef Mark Hix this week. Mark is a regular on the Lyme Bay Radio Soul Kitchen show and recorded part of the latest programme at the store, based at The Hub. Requiring no referral, the Seaside Store enables individuals and families to top-up their weekly shop with a full variety of items ranging from fresh fruit, vegetables and bakery items to the usual tinned or packaged foods and toiletries. Members pay £3.50 a week and choose 10 items from the store. Households with three or more people in them have the option to pay £5 for any 15 items. Bread, vegetables, and fruit are totally free, so are not counted as one of the items. This is an inclusive process giving people a choice and involvement, helping to make it feel more like a normal shopping experience rather than a handout of random food. Much of the stock will come from the environmental charity FareShare together with
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Lyme’s Business of The Year. A panel of independent judges has now chosen the winners of each category and the overall Business of The Year which, as well as a trophy and certificate, will receive a free full-page advertisement (value £125) in LymeOnline for their own business or preferred charity. For more details on the Lyme Regis Business Awards, visit the website www.lymebusinessawards.co.uk/ LYME REGIS BUSINESS AWARDS CATEGORIES: Best Community Support; Best Customer/Client Service; Arts, Crafts & Artisans; Mental Wellbeing & Awareness; Best Use of Digital; Green Business of The Year; New Business of The Year; Health, Beauty & Fitness; Independent Business; Retail Business; Service Provider; Cafe/Pub and Hospitality; Tourism Business of the Year; Restaurant of The Year; Accommodation Provider; Rising Star of 2021; Local Business Leader 2021; Overall Lyme Regis Business of The Year.
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local supermarkets that offer surplus, in-date and perfectly good food to prevent food waste. In addition, local food retail outlets, local residents, gardeners and local community allotments can donate store cupboard staples and fresh produce. This approach gives people in need access to nutritious and affordable food. Team leaders Lisa Charleton and Mary Ward, who showed Mark around the operation, commented: “Mark is a strong advocate against food waste and was very interested in how we are distributing perfectly good food that would otherwise go to landfill to use.” Mark was so impressed with the operation that he has himself become a member of the Seaside Store and has promised to create a recipe from some of the ingredients available, which listeners will be able to hear on Lyme bay Radio in the next few weeks. The Seaside Store runs from The Hub on Church Street every Tuesday from 10am to 1pm. If you are interested in joining the Seaside Store, contact Mary or Lisa on 01297 255002 or email community@lrdt.co.uk, or better still visit in person during the opening hours.
WINNERS of the first Lyme Regis Business Awards have now been decided and will soon be revealed at a ceremony on Wednesday, August 3. The ceremony – which has been put back due to the coronavirus pandemic – will be held at the Woodmead Halls with representatives from nominated businesses and sponsors attending. LymeOnline has joined forces with Marketing West, the West Dorset marketing and events company, to help organise the awards. Other sponsors include The Pilot Boat, Holmbush Cafe, Lyme Bay Holiday, NFU Mutual, Gavin Dixon Financial Services Ltd, Higos, Thomas Westcott Chartered Accountants and Mind Dorset. Marketing West has great experience in organising business awards, having hosted similar successful events in Bridport, Dorchester and Sherborne. Managing director Nigel Reeve, said: “We are committed to helping business to start to thrive again. “The Lyme Regis Business Awards will focus on promoting the range and quality of local businesses operating within a three-mile radius of the town which will include Uplyme and Charmouth.” Having been officially launched with the backing of the Mayor of Lyme Regis, Cllr Brian Larcombe MBE, in February, the awards have since been expanded to 17 categories (listed below). The winner of each category will receive a trophy and framed certificate and an overall winner will also be chosen as
THE Lyme Life Magazine – published by LymeOnline’s parent company Lyme Regis Media Ltd. – will return to publication in 2022. The magazine, which was launched in 2018 and is usually published quarterly, promotes all the major events and features the many facets of visiting Lyme Regis during the summer and Christmas seasons, providing local shops and businesses with the opportunity of maximising their services with competitively priced advertising. The magazine has been put on hiatus this year due to the financial implications of the coronavirus pandemic. Lyme Regis Media Ltd. are now planning to relaunch the title in 2022 with four issues to be published in March, June, September and December as Lyme Regis gets back to ‘normal life’. In addition, Lyme Regis Media Ltd. will be publishing the definitive Lyme Regis Eating Out Guide featuring local restaurants and eateries in spring, ahead of the main tourist season. For full details on the Lyme Life Magazine visit the website lyme-online.co.uk/lyme-life-magazine or call editor Francesca Evans on 07810 221 420.
NEW DATE: JULY 31st, 2pm - 11pm Lyme Regis Football Club, Charmouth Road Wide Selection of Local Ciders Bars & Pimm’s Tent ● Award-Winning Lyme Regis Butchers Sausages on the BBQ ● Live Music & Entertainment All Day ● Bouncy Castle & Ice Cream Truck ●
● Fully-Stocked
No tickets needed - entry by purchase of £2 reusable festival cup on the gate All proceeds in aid of Lyme Regis Football Club... come and support the Sea-Ciders!
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Arts Council funds major new dance event for Lyme Regis
ARTS Council England has announced funding for an exciting dance and poetry event, with two special performances to take place on Lyme Regis seafront this September. The organisers are offering free tickets to all across the community. Called ‘Landance in Lyme’, the dancers will start below the Marine Theatre, moving along the seafront for this open-air performance. City of Bristol Poet Vanessa Kisuule, who has featured on Radio 1, ‘Woman's Hour’, and ‘Blue Peter’, will perform specially-written pieces for the first time as part of the event. Taking place across two nights, the event explores the effects of climate change on coastal communities such as West Dorset and celebrates this exceptional stretch of Jurassic Coast, which is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Landance is an established Community Interest Company, which animates outdoor spaces with engaging and atmospheric live dance performances. Professional artists in dance, music and de-
sign develop the pieces on site. Landance artistic director Ella Huhne said: "We're so pleased to make this announcement today and to be working closely with the friendly community of Lyme Regis. “It's immensely satisfying to see young local dancers evolve their skills with established performers to create such special events. “We look forward to welcoming everyone this September." The project has been developed with celebrated choreographer Alessandro Marzotto Levy alongside established and emerging dance artists. “On the lead up to ‘Landance in Lyme’ there will be an online playful poetry workshop with Dorset Libraries and two Sound Recording and Effects Workshops with local music charity B Sharp. Landance in Lyme will be held on Friday, September 10 and Saturday, September 11 on Lyme Regis seafront, below the Marine Theatre. Free tickets and further details are available from the website landance.org.uk
Finally something Bells at the ready... Lyme Morris Day to laugh about! returns to put a spring in your step!
LYME Regis Comedy Club returned to the Marine Theatre last month with a sell-out show. It takes the format of a traditional comedy club with short sets by four performers, mixing up nationally-known comics with those who are becoming established. The monthly event is hosted by Bridport's Tom Glover, a popular Axminster-based comedian and former local reporter and postman. July's edition is headlined by Jake Lambert (pictured above), who was called an “expert, charming stand-up” by The Sunday Times. Jake Lambert fell into a career as a stand up; after gaining a following on Twitter under the pseudonym, he decided to put down his iPhone and pick up a microphone. It has proven to be a wise choice as he has made it to the final of the Amused Moose
award, semi-finals of the BBC New Comedy Award 2015, and even won English Comedian of the Year. He is joined by Joe Wells, a writer from the BBC’s ‘Have I Got News For You’, and Andrew White, a favourite from the Edinburgh Fringe. Tom Glover said: "It was fantastic to return to our home at the Marine for a sell out show with old and new faces - comedy fans clearly needed a laugh after the last 18 months. “It's a great value event for a tenner and a chance to see upcoming talent alongside big names." The next Lyme Regis Comedy Club with Jake Lambert will be held at the Marine Theatre on Saturday, July 24. Tickets cost £10 in advance and are available from the website www.marinetheatre.com
THE annual Lyme Morris Day will return this month following a hiatus last year due to the coronavirus pandemic, with morris dancing sides from across the region visiting the town. The event is being hosted on Saturday, July 17 by the town’s own Lyme Morris, and will include performances on the seafront from The Belles of London, Sarum (Salisbury) Morris, Tinners Morris from South Zeal, Black Bess (South Devon and Somerset Morris. A parade through Broad Street had also been scheduled by the road closure application for this has been denied by Dorset Council (see page 12).
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Organisers keeping fingers crossed for Lifeboat Week THE group organising this summer’s Lifeboat Week in Lyme Regis have held their final planning session, and are keeping fingers crossed that all the popular events will take place despite COVID. The week starts on July 24 and it is hoped the hard copy version of the programme will be available around the town – including the lifeboat shop on the Cobb – by the middle of next week. And for the first time this year the programme is available to download on the App Store for iPhone users and Playstore for android users. It is also available on the Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week website to download a PDF. Ken Lavery, chairman of the Lyme Regis and
Charmouth Lifeboat Supporters, said: “We have a very full week planned including many old favourites which we have ensured will be fully COVID compliant with whatever the latest advice is. “Our fantastic volunteers will be fully briefed regarding their safety and that of the public, and we are pleased that our event safety management plan has been reviewed and approved by the town council. “We are very confident in the measures we may have to take to ensure we have a great and safe Lifeboat Week. “Our fingers are crossed for everything, including the weather, of course!” CHARD resident Sarah Haskins, pictured outside Lyme Regis lifeboat station with her parents Val and Bill, donated the binoculars in memory of her late brother Andrew Sparks (pictured inset)
Donation marks anniversary of lifeboat crew’s tragic call-out
■ ONE of the most photographed ‘families’ in Lyme Regis is celebrating a new addition. The canine family, created out of old yellow wellies by long-serving lifeboat crew member Garry Gibbs, has just welcomed a new puppy. The latest arrival joins the rest of the brood outside the RNLI shop on the Cobb. Shop manager Krys Lavery said: “Garry has done some lovely work for us. He has taken
the other puppy away for special grooming so eventually we may have four welly dogs on duty. “They are incredibly popular with visitors to the shop who are always taking photographs of them.” Once again this year a competition to name the welly dog family is being held during Lifeboat Week, which will run from Saturday, July 24.
THE sister of a man who was lost with two friends in a tragedy that resulted in the longest-ever call out for Lyme Regis lifeboat crew has marked the anniversary of the incident with a special donation. It was June 12 1995 when coastguards alerted Lyme Regis lifeboat crew that a power boat with three men on board was overdue from a fishing trip the previous day. Andrew Sparks, 29, married with two young children, was one of the three men, all from Chard, who were reported missing. Now his sister, Sarah Haskins, also from Chard, has donated two pairs of powerful binoculars in memory of Andrew, for use by the Lyme Regis volunteers from the balcony of the lifeboat station. She raised £850 among family and friends to buy the binoculars and on Sunday those family
NINETEEN additional beaches across the South West, including Lyme Regis, will begin RNLI lifeguard operations this weekend ahead of peak summer season. This will bring the total number of South West beaches with lifeguard cover to more than 90, as the RNLI continues the planned roll-out of this service to reflect the increase in beach users as we move into the height of summer. Already operational on more than 70 beaches across the region, RNLI lifeguards patrol daily between the hours of 10am and 6pm. Professionally trained in casualty care and water rescue techniques, the role of a lifeguard is to educate and inform the public about possible dangers, whilst keeping everyone safe and able to enjoy their time at the coast. Steve Instance, RNLI’s Water Safety Lead for the South West, said: “With the addition of another 19 RNLI lifeguarded beaches, bringing the total to over 90, it gives people in the South West a wide range of options to always choose a lifeguarded beach. “If you’re heading in the water always swim between the red and yellow flags. The area between the flags is actively patrolled by the lifeguards and is the safest for swimming and body-boarding. “On a busy summer day with a lot of people on the beach and in the water at any one time, going between the flags where the lifeguards can see you gives you the best chance of staying safe. “It also means if you do get in to trouble for whatever reason, the lifeguards will be able to
spot you quickly and come to your aid.” Keith Renders, an RNLI lifeguard from Padstow, Cornwall, was recently involved in a dramatic rescue of Ella, a surfer who got pulled toward dangerous rocks in a flash rip current at Porthcothan beach. “I was out on a rescue board doing a patrol from the water when a huge set of waves came in,” he said. “Suddenly a group a five beginner surfers got pulled into a flash rip heading towards a really rocky part of the beach. I could see it all happen and immediately paddled over to help. “It turned out to be a major rescue with Ella and I being winched from a rock to safety by the coastguard helicopter. “By choosing to come to a lifguarded beach and with the help of everyone involved, it was a happy ending for Ella and her friends.” Ella recalls the moment she got caught in the rip current: “The conditions in the water felt like they had got considerably worse very quickly. The current and the waves felt so strong. “I was being dragged out to sea moving towards the rocks. It all happened really quickly and before we had time to do anything it was too late.” A rip is a strong current of water running out to sea. Rips are always a danger on certain beaches, but are especially strong in large surf conditions, where flash or sudden-rips can occur with no warning. Ella continued saying: “Keith pulled me out of the water onto the rock that we were eventually
rescued from. “He was concerned that I was hurt and began doing a quick check. I couldn’t feel my body and I couldn’t stop myself from shaking. “I felt so cold and so tired, but he kept me calm, asking me questions about my plans in the evening and my favourite hot drink, anything to help take my mind away from the situation we were in. “I remember hearing the helicopter and feeling so thankful. As my feet lifted off the rock I felt an instant relief. “When I got into the helicopter I was really overwhelmed. My body felt so cold, I was in so much shock and I couldn’t process what had just happened. “The crew onboard made me feel comfortable and were very caring. It wasn’t until a couple of hours after the incident when I sat in the hospital bed that I was able to begin to think back on the situation. “I am still so grateful and so thankful for the RNLI and for Keith the lifeguard that saved my life.”
members and friends visited the lifeboat station to officially present the binoculars. “As a family we always support the RNLI,” said Sarah, “and the donation is also to mark the diamond anniversary of my parents Val and Bill Sparks.” Lifeboat operations manager Nick Marks said:”We are very grateful for these gifts. They will be a vital aid to us, providing close up views in all directions from the lifeboat station balcony.” The search for the three men involved five lifeboats, two RAF Nimrod aircraft, two coastguard helicopters and two Royal Navy helicopters. The Lyme Regis RNLI volunteers were at sea for more than 16 hours, which involved six crew changes, and 400 litres of fuel.
If you ever find yourself caught in a rip current remember the following safety advice: ● Don’t try to swim against it or you’ll get exhausted ● If you can stand, wade don’t swim ● If you can, swim parallel to the shore until free of the rip and then head for shore ● Always raise your hand and shout for help If you spot anyone in danger in the water alert the lifeguards or call 999 and ask for the coastguard. A full list of RNLI lifeguarded beaches can be found at rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguardedbeaches
Lifeguard patrols to start in Lyme Regis this weekend
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Lyme gardeners among Melplash competition winners GREEN fingered residents from Lyme Regis were among the winners of this year’s Melplash Agricultural Society Garden and Allotment Competition. Society chairman James Vickery said the standard of entries from across the Bridport, Lyme Regis and Marshwood Vale area was “exceptional”, with winners receiving vouchers from Bridport-based William James & Co, manufacturers and suppliers of fruit cages, netting and garden equipment, and compost from Chedington Estate. Winner of the small garden category was Debbie McCarthy from Lyme Regis, with judges commenting: “A special garden full of surprises. Planting was clever with masses of
colour. The use of pots at different heights gave a delightful additional dimension. “A lot of thought and emotion has gone into the individual spaces. An inside out garden that was beautifully dressed.” Peter and Barbara Lacey from Lyme Regis were placed second in the medium garden category, with judges saying: “The management of the front lawn to encourage wildflowers and the range of specimens emerging, particularly the bee orchid is impressive. “This is repeated in the rear garden with mown paths, enabling you to wander through a range of exotic plants. “The encouragement of wildlife into the garden is impressive and the rewards are evident
by the buzz of bees and other insects.” Commenting on the competition overall, Mr Vickery said: “It has been a great privilege to be able to visit the 20 gardens and allotments entered into this year’s competition. “All the entries were fantastic and really did showcase the hard work and dedication that had been given by the gardener. “There was a wide variety, and the standard was exceptional. I certainly did not envy the task of the judges. “Thank you to everyone who took part and congratulations to all our winners. Everyone should be proud of what they have achieved even if they did not win this time.” Full results were as follows: Allotments – 1st
Bob Link, Broadwindsor; 2nd John and Christine Studley, Hinton St George; 3rd Geoff Fry, Puncknowle; highly commended Alison Waterman, Bradpole. Small Gardens – 1st Debbie McCarthy, Lyme Regis; 2nd Val Barlett, Bridport; 3rd Alison Waterman, Bradpole. Medium Gardens – 1st Christine Corson, Beaminster; 2nd Peter and Barbara Lacey, Lyme Regis; 3rd Tim and Gill Tarling, Bridport. Large Gardens – 1st Tim and Sibyl Gale, Bridport (also overall competition winners); 2nd John and Heather Coley, Ryall; highly commended Jo Rock, Powerstock. Special Environmental Award – The George Payne Memorial Trophy – Beyond the Archway Allotment, Bridport.
NEWS FROM CITIZENS ADVICE
DEBBIE McCarthy from Lyme Regis, winner of the small gardens category
THERE is now a huge chasm between the customer service levels of the best and worst energy suppliers in Great Britain. This is according to the latest edition of Citizens Advice’s energy rating survey which ranks domestic suppliers based on customer service. The charity is warning of a ‘race to the bottom’ among the worst-performing suppliers, as the ratings reveal gaps in several areas, including billing accuracy and ease of contacting suppliers. Billing errors Inaccurate bills are an all-too-common problem for customers of suppliers ranked in the bottom five of the survey with 15 per cent of their customers receiving inaccurate bills compared to three per cent of customers in the top five suppliers. More than 40 per cent of the problems energy customers contacted the Citizens Advice consumer helpline for support with during the last year were to do with inaccurate billing. These errors mean people are often charged incorrectly at a time when many already face financial uncertainty due to the pandemic. For people facing debt or unemployment, it can be particularly stressful and add to money worries. Citizens Advice is warning that energy providers are failing in their most basic obligation to provide accurate bills for customers. The charity is also urging suppliers to protect those at the highest risk of debt by offering tailored and flexible repayment options. Difficulty contacting suppliers The stress created by billing errors is compounded by poor customer service, which leaves people struggling to contact their suppliers to resolve issues. The rating survey reveals a wide gap in the quality of customer service offered by energy providers in the top five compared to suppliers in the bottom five. For people with suppliers at the bottom of
the table it takes much longer to get through on the phone or get a response by email. Marie’s story Pensioner Marie switched to Orbit under the impression that they would offer her £90 per month bills much cheaper than the £170 per month she was previously paying. After a few months, her bill doubled. She said: “I don't understand why my bill has increased as we’ve been using less energy. My son has looked at the bills and they just don’t add up - they have inaccurate meter readings on them. “I’ve contacted them so many times and they say someone will get back to me, but no one ever calls me back. I will be contacting the Ombudsman now and once this is sorted, I will be switching suppliers. I’m a pensioner on a low income, so I can’t afford this.” Dame Clare Moriarty, chief executive of Citizens Advice, said: “Providing an accurate energy bill is the most basic aspect of customer service that a supplier can offer and yet many are failing to do this. “When customers with billing errors are unable to contact their supplier for help, it can cause immense stress. “These problems are even worse for those who are already worried about money. It’s vital that suppliers fix these issues and provide support for those most at risk of debt.” For more information see Compare energy suppliers' customer service - Citizens Advice or contact Citizen Advice consumer helpline 0808 223 1133. During Covid restrictions, Bridport & District Citizens Advice offers comprehensive advice on consumer, debt, and other issues. Telephone Freephone 0800-144-8848 or send an email using the contact form on the website www.bridportca.org.uk
CITIZENS Advice survey for January to March 2021: ratings for top and bottom energy supply firms (score out of 5)
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Trip down memory lane...
To share your old Lyme Regis photos, send them to edit@lyme-online.co.uk or find our postal address on page 2
THE Regatta Week fancy dress night at The Pilot Boat, attended by Miss Lyme Regis and attendants, and the local Sea Scouts – can you spot some familiar faces?
THE annual harvest home at The Pilot Boat, showing auctioneer George Cutis (third from right) exhibiting some of the lots, helped by (from left) Cecil Wiscombe, Bob Dunne and Bib Emmett
■ AND in the classroom – V Form at Lyme Regis Grammar School, now The Woodroffe School, in October 1950. Back row from left: Derek Wells, Andrew Peach, Stan Williams, Rob Squance, Bob Wheadon, Peter Gill, Frank Fisher, Brian Chubb, John Feesey, John Wright. Seated from left: Brian Tunnicliffe, Mo Wardlow and Ken Hodder. Photo courtesy of Bob and Barbara Wheadon
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‘Culture of bullying’ at council LymeOnline Letters should not be tolerated in 2021 Send your letters to francesca@lyme-online.co.uk ■ I JUST wanted to write and say “well said” to your editorial (Francesca Evans’ column in LymeOnline, June 25). As someone who has been thinking about joining the parish council, this is exactly the sort of behaviour which puts me off getting involved. Do I care about my local councils? No, why should I when I see such behaviour? Sadly, I really should care because they are there to benefit and inspire my local community. And I really want to care as well. Unfortunately, this sort of behaviour is seen at governmental level as well and I’m not sure whether this sort of behaviour reflects that or whether it is simply bad manners? I fear it is more a culture of bullying and intimidation which should not be tolerated in 2021. I run my own SME with 18 staff and, as you describe, that sort of language (or body language) would be deemed totally unacceptable in our organisation. Our mantra is “speak as you would wish to be spoken to”. Of course people will have differing opinions and there will be disagreements, but without courteous discussion and compromise we never move forward.
These people who allegedly represent us should look further afield at the international disputes and disagreements (of which there are too many unfortunately) to see that these situations are only ever resolved when people talk to each other in a meaningful and constructive way. They are a micro-version of this and, as you say, the man in the street has no interest in these people, who are more interested in their own self promotion (and ensuring their opinion is heard) than the interests of the local communities they represent. We want our local councils to be representative of a cross section of society (sex, age, background, extroverts, introverts, etc.) but it feels like they are full of aggressive, bullying people all out of the same mould. The headlines of your paper should be about the terrific work the local council are doing, so that we can be proud and inspired to want to join and help drive things forward rather than all this negative energy, which ultimately leads to only one outcome… and that certainly won’t be me throwing my hat into the ring! Jonathan Field (by email)
Second park and ride should be reinstated
■ ONE of the answers to resolving the traffic and parking issues in Lyme Regis is to provide a second park and ride site and service in the summer months, on the eastern side of the town at Sidmouth Road. This worked successfully when it was there on a temporary basis and the opposition to it by some, and refusal to grant an extension by
East Devon District Council, was extremely short sighted. Also, these park and ride facilities should be provided by the respective Dorset and Devon highway authorities. It should not be left to the town council to co-ordinate and fund. Simon Williams Uplyme
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Time for some positive action to be taken over Regent Cinema
■ THE Regent Cinema in Lyme Regis was a gem and every effort must be made to save it. I was employed in the film trade most of my working life and was acquainted with Donald Hardy and Mr Scott (Scotty) when they came to the film distributors in London to plan future programmes. English Heritage or whoever is creating these delaying tactics, please come on and get your act together and let’s see some positive action.
Where there is a will there is a way, it can be done and a two-screen cinema is possible if you try hard enough. The townspeople of Lyme Regis and the extensive catchment area will support you, and you have a moral duty; the town needs and deserves a good new cinema and I look forward to attending the opening of the new Regent.
■ I READ with interest the article regarding the rebuilding of the Regent Cinema (LymeOnline, June 25). I recall that at the time of the fire, Scott Cinemas said that they were properly insured, presumably for the rebuilding of the cinema and for interruption cover whilst this was being done, and that they would rebuild as soon as possible. I therefore have two questions – why are they now expecting the council to rebuild for them and what happened to the insurance money?
■ I WAS delighted to hear that Lisa Charleton and Mary Ward have managed to get a new initiative off the ground in the form of the Seaside Store. It always amazes me how people in Lyme Regis seem to come up with these brilliant, forward-thinking ideas, and I for one am endlessly impressed. Lisa and Mary seem to have fast become a community asset and one that we should all get out and support. Well done them I say!
Jack Hansen, Charmouth
Agnes Kemp, Lyme Regis
David Jeffery (by email)
What happened to Regent Seaside Store a ‘brilliant, Cinema insurance money? forward-thinking idea
Please note, the views expressed in letters are those of the author and not necessarily of this newspaper
Ever fancied a paper round? LymeOnline is looking for more volunteers to deliver newspapers in their own street or area Due to the financial effects of COVID-19, we have changed the way we distribute the LymeOnline newspaper and are now looking for more volunteers to deliver the fortnightly newspaper to their neighbours.
WHY VOLUNTEER? Catch up with all the latest local news Get to know your neighbours Enjoy some regular exercise Help supporrtt 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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Membury man takes on triple marathon and wing walk for charity AN 82-year-old man from Membury, near Axminster, has completed three back-to-back marathons and a 'wing walk' to raise money for a local charity.
Bill Sheppard celebrated his 82nd birthday by completing three consecutive 26-mile challenges to raise money for Hospiscare, the local hospice charity currently caring for his wife, Anne. Hospiscare has been by the side of its community for nearly 40 years. The local charity relies upon the generosity of its supporters to generate 82 per cent of its annual funding to ensure that its specialist end-of-life care cost is provided at
no cost to patients and their families. The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the charity’s fundraising efforts hard, with many of its major events cancelled and the repeated closure of its charity shops. Hospiscare has forecast a funding deficit of £1.5million, making the efforts of supporters like Bill more vital than ever. Bill embarked on his triple marathon at 10.55pm on May 15 to coincide with when his mother started her birthing pains. Bill ran 26 miles, followed by a 26-mile cycle and finally a 26-mile ride on his wife’s mobility scooter to complete his challenge at 8.30am the following
County councillor supports hospital’s Starfish Appeal
day – his birthday. Bill explains: “The main reason for the miles was to match my 82 years and, as you’ve probably noticed, the mileage only adds up to 78 so I walked four miles to make up the extra. I was a little saddle sore by the end but that soon went the next day when I ran a few miles again.” Bill is no stranger to running challenges, having represented Portsmouth, Plymouth and the Royal Navy in his time. He said: “In my thirties, when I was at my peak, I ran from Miami to Jacksonville, Florida, in four days. My ship, HMS Falmouth, docked at Miami Clearwater and the day it set sail, I set off to beat it to Jacksonville. "I raced it to Fort Lauderdale, arriving one hour after the ship docked. It was a long way.” Bill took his fundraising efforts one step further by completing the final leg, or perhaps wing, of his challenge 500ft up in the air. Bill took to the skies on Saturday, June 12 with his wife Anne and step-daughter Kimberley, who had flown over from Portugal, cheering him on. He commented: “With the onset of my wife’s brain cancer and Hospsicare being so good to her and me, I felt I could do a Wing Walk to raise money for them. “Anne has fought these awful seven tumours in her brain and left lung and to me, she is so very brave and positive. Her courage with everyday living is incredible. Anne deserves a medal for putting up with my running and my excitement for my challenges!” Bill’s extraordinary challenges have been met with great support from the local community, enabling him to donate £2,150 to Hospiscare. “I am astounded and totally humbled by people’s generosity towards my chosen charity," he said.
“Hospiscare’s nurses have been so supportive, so encouraging and so very sympathetic to us both, lending a calmness to the awful trauma that is taking place. I will never be able to thank them enough.” To get in touch with Hospiscare and do something incredible to support end-of-life care in your community, contact fundraising@hospiscare.co.uk or call 01392 688020.
Property under closure order for county lines drug dealing A PROPERTY in Axminster has had a closure order placed on it after continuously causing anti-social behaviour related to county lines drug dealing. County lines is the name given to a method of dealing drugs by organised crime gangs, transporting illegal drugs from one area to another, often across police and local authority boundaries and using dedicated mobile phone lines. The gangs often exploit vulnerable people – including children – by making them deal drugs or by moving into their home and using it base to sell drugs. This is called cuckooing. Calam House in Poplar Mount, Axminster, has now had a closure order placed on it by Devon & Cornwall Police for county lines-related anti-social behaviour. This means access to the property is prohibited for three months until September 23, with the exception of the owner, landlord or agent, or any member of the emergency services.
A national network of h hyperlocal news websites, now covering the Axminster & Seatton areas With editorial content provided by the team from Ly Lym meOnline AXMINSTER district and county councillor is supporting the fundraising efforts of a children’s charity at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital. The Starfish Appeal aims to raise £450,000 to create a dedicated warm, bright and engaging space for the children, young people and families who use our children’s services and outpatient waiting areas. A statement on their website says: “We want to provide activities, materials and equipment in the new area to help the children that visit express themselves and have fun. “It is important to provide preparation and distraction techniques as well as multi-sensory experiences to alleviate any anxieties and misconceptions that the children may have while they are waiting.
“These techniques are also helpful in relieving boredom and benefit recovery, recuperation and rehabilitation. “With your help we can make a real difference to the thousands of children who visit the RD&E every year by enhancing the care our children receive.” Cllr Hall, who serves a governor on the RD&E and is vice-chairman of the charity, set himself a target of raising £100 by having his head shaved at County Hall, but his fundraising page has already exceeded £400 and is still open. Cllr Hall also recently took part in a fundraising event in aid of Axminster;s mental health and counselling service ARC, helping to raise £14,000 on a night climb up Mount Snowden in Wales.
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20 Friday, July 9 2021
FLASHBACKS with Richard Austin
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Tales from behind the lens of our award-winning photographer
■ ACTRESS Joanna Lumley has that rare ability within her trade to be totally professional and charmingly nice as she works with photographers. When Joanna arrived at the Chelsea Flower Show she knew the cameras would be on her; shyness was not on her mind as she selected her poses and tried out suggestions from the photographers. The job is always that much better when everyone has a smile on their face, especially one so eye-catching as Joanna’s. Joanna is best known as Patsy the fashionista, other half of Jennifer Saunders in the TV show ‘Absolutely Fabulous’, not to mention her role as Purdy in ‘The Avengers’ and a for hair style that took the nation by storm.
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DESK, leather topped mahogany twin pedestal desk, needs some refurbishment, £100 ONO - 07900 656 340.
DAVID SHEPHERD, signed limited edition print, framed, ‘Rhino Beware’, excellent condition, £150 - 01297 442991.
Lyme Regis Amusement Arcade We are looking for a full‐"me member of staff for an all year round posi"on Part‐"me hours also available, would suit re"red or semi‐re"red person Please send CV to lraadorset@gmail.com or send to Lyme Regis Amusement Arcade, Marine Parade, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3JH
LOCAL BOOK, ‘Hawkchurch: Where Dorset Meets Devon’, 1996 first edition, Banfield & Austin, hardback, as new, £19 - 01297 442627. HAND BLENDER, Status 200 watt, two pseed, stainless steel blade, still in box and only weeks old (wrong purchase), cost £19.99, will accept £12.50 - 07487 516 791. FRIDGE/FREEZER, Samsung frost free fridge freezer RB29FSRNDSA with manual, excellent condition, £100, buyer collects 07773 675 792. HAND BASIN, Roca white modern ceramic hand basin, pedestal and taps, plug and chain, no chips or damage, very good condition, £12 – 07773 675 792. INTERNAL FIRE DOOR, brand new flush ply veneer, H 1981mm x W 838mm x D 44mm, fire rating FD30, unwrapped but never used, £38 - 07773 675 792. COLLECTOR’S COIN, silver proof Battle of
Hastings 50p coin, mint condition and certificated, £95 - 01297 560934 (evenings only).
CONSOLE TABLE, pine, £20 - 07397 206 365.
COLLECTOR’S COIN, Beatrix Potter 50p coins with Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny, £5 each 0 01297 560934 (evenings only).
‘THE BOOK OF SEATON’, Ted Gosling, printed by Halsgrove, 2002 first edition, ISBN 9781841141923, as new condition, £34 01297 442627.
RARE POSTCARD, showing steam locomotive hauled train through Combpyne Woods, November 1935, extremely rare, £9 - 01297 560934 (evenings only). MARTINA COLE BOOKS, ‘The Good Life’ and ‘Betrayal’, mint condition, £5 each or £8 for both - 01297 560934 (evenings only). VACUUM CLEANER AND AIR PURIFIER, Filter Queen, very good condition, £50 ONO, buyer to collect - 01297 445788. DOUBLE WARDROBE, oak effect, hanging rail and top shelf, very good condition, £40 ONO, buyer to collect - 07500 656 049. CHEST OF DRAWERS, large with four fullwidth drawers and two small drawers, pine effect, very good condition, £40 ONO, buyer to collect - 07500 656 049.
‘THE BOOK OF AXMINSTER WITH KILMINGTON’, Ted Gosling, printed by Halsgrove, 2003 first edition, apart from owner’s name on front fly leaf this is in as new condition, a very scarce book, ISBN 9781841142302, £39 - 01297 442627. ‘THE BOOK OF LYME REGIS’, Rodney Legg, printed by Halsgrove, 2003 first edition, ISBN 978184114238, as new condition, now a very scarce book, £39 - 01297 442627. DIECAST MODELS, Bburago, Mira, Yesteryear, Ldl, photos available on request, reasonable offers - 07789 537 011 (Seaton). HAND BASIN, white, £12 ono - 01297 678536.
DRESSING TABLE, light pine effect, two drawers and matching stool with drawer, very good condition, £25 ONO, buyer to collect 07500 656 049.
PICNIC SET, navy blue, new, £12 ono 01297 678536.
BOSCH 70 piece drill and screwdriver bit set, new/unused £19 - 07397 206 365.
MINCER SET, new, £12 ono - 01297 678536.
COFFEE TABLES, antique pine, choice of two, £15/£10 - 07397 206 365.
CARNIVAL PUNCH BOWL SET, £15 ono 01297 678536.
Submit your Items for Sale listings - free for any item up to £200 - by emailing edit@lyme-online.co.uk or post them to LymeOnline,Unit 5 Uplyme Business Centre, Uplyme Road, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3LS Lyme Bay Holidays is a family-run business with more than 40 years’ experience providing unique memorable holidays in the area. An exciting full time employment opportunity to join our locally based team. We are looking for an enthusiastic and committed team member to provide a high quality standard of service for guests staying in over 330 self-catering holiday properties within Lyme Bay. If you have experience in the holiday industry or simply have a desire to work for fast moving and customer focused company, you could be the person we are looking for.
Housekeeping Administration Supervisor Join the housekeeping team in a senior administration position ensuring a smooth and efficient changeover of the holiday properties. This role would suit someone with a strong administration background who possesses excellent communication skills and has the ability to manage and coordinate a large team of cleaners and housekeepers. This role will involve working Monday to Saturday with a rota day off during the week. Salary and remuneration £25 - £30K p.a. subject to experience. To apply for this role please send CVs to: admin@lymebayholidays.co.uk alternatively send to: General Manager Lyme Bay Holidays Wessex House Lyme regis Closing date for applications is 19th July Dorset DT7 3LP www.lymebayholidays.co.uk telephone: 01297 443363
Part Time Geology Curator
One day a week (hours to be negotiated) We’re looking for an experienced geologist with excellent knowledge of Lyme’s unique fossil heritage. You’ll have a degree of higher qualification in a relevant science and have a thorough understanding of the care of geological collections. You will also be a good communicator, able to work with our visitors of all ages in a range of activities, both in the museum and on the beach. Applications should be by CV and letter to director@lymeregismuseum.co.uk from whom a job description can be obtained. The closing date for this post is 5pm on Friday July 23rd 2021. Applications can be by either email or letter. Lyme Regis Museum, Bridge Street, Lyme Regis DT7 3QA
Friday, July 9 2021 23
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LymeOnline Sport
email your sports reports to edit@lyme-online.co.uk
bowls
Father and son battle it put for top title BOWLERS from all over region competed in Lyme Regis Bowling Club’s 63rd tournament, organised superbly as always with the greens in exceptional condition.
Except for one day, when some players got extremely wet, the weather was very kind. Despite reduced numbers this year, we still had some very good and exciting bowling leading up to the finals. The men's final was a father and son contest, between Steve and Paul Pomeroy. Steve, who had already played in two earlier finals, hung on to Paul for most of the match but, with fatigue setting in, he finally had to succumb to his son Paul. The ladies’ final was an extremely exciting
By PAUL MOFFITT affair between Chris Doig from Hyde Abbey and Sally Batt from Avon Vale. At 20-all on the 20th end, this was decided by a very tight measure to secure a fine win for Chris Doig. The pairs was a contest between Carl Stephens and Steve Pomeroy, both Lyme Regis, and Nola Stephens, Lyme Regis, and Gary Gunstone, Purnells. This was another very absorbing game with neither pair willing to give an inch. Steve and Carl were the eventual winners but, were made to fight for it. The triples was between the Pomeroy family of Steve, Chris Paul and Carl Stepens, Angie Thompson of Ilminster and Chris Doig of Hyde Abbey -another superb final with the
TRIPLES WINNERS: Carl Stephens and Chris Doig. The third member, Angie Thompson, was not present at the presentation
STEVE, Chris and Paul Pomeroy with Carl Stephens and Gary Gunstone
Pomeroys just being outgunned by their opposition. Events of this kind don't just happen. A lot of people worked very hard, firstly to get the event organised in such turbulent times and secondly to the actual event itself. Sue Rowe needs special mention as she got this whole event off the ground and with Lesley Broom's help, making week a very smooth operation. Avril Sherring, the club’scatering manager, along with her band of helpers, kept everyone fed and watered over what would have seemed like a long week. A huge thank you! An event like this doesn't survive without the bar. For this, we are indebted to Barry Rattenbury, our bar manager, plus his bar staff. Again, this involves a long day for those
who have to organize it all. A very big thank you must go to Barry Rattenbury and Steve Pomeroy our greenkeepers. The condition of the playing surface did them great credit which emanates from them both being keen bowlers and wishing to give bowlers the best experience possible. No event such as this would take place without a generous sponsor and, again this year, it was sponsored by AJ Wakely and Sons Funeral Directors. Simon Wakely kindly graced the tournament with his presence to present the cups and prizes. Erica and David Sarson also deserve a mention for their tireless effort in running the raffle which, added valuable 'pennies' to the club’s coffers.
PAIRS CHAMPIONS: Carl Stephens and Steve Pomeroy receive their trophy from Simon Wakely
Another busy week for Lyme bowlers IT’S been a busy week for Lyme Regis Bowling Club with everything being condensed because of a late start to the season. The Ladies had a fine 8-2 win against Dorchester B in the county League One, the winning margin being 50-38. They also managed to win their first round of Top Club with a one-point win over Sherborne. The Ladies won two disciplines, drew one and lost one. The Men travelled to Dorchester for their first game in the County Championship League. They lost 2-8 in a shortened game due to a torrential downpour making finishing the game impossible. In the Tony Allcock Trophy second round, Lyme managed to scrape home by a single shot against a very strong team from Greenhill. In the Edna Paisley League, the ladies were not as fortunate, going down 29-35 to Sherborne and only securing one point. On Sunday, the club played host to the County quarter and semi- finals of the
men’s pairs. There was some excellent bowling to be appreciated, with a young pairing from Poole Park looking particularly impressive. Unfortunately, the pair from Lyme, Paul Pomeroy and Paul Moffitt, lost out in their quarter- final by one shot. Two friendlies were also played this week, where did we find the time, losing narrowly to Crewkerne away and winning well against Axminster at home, this being a rare occurrence. Results Friendlies Lyme 69, Crewkerne 73 T Young, L Young, B Moon, J Moseley 1510; D Sarsons, D Courtenay-Smith, N Benson, D Meylan 15-21; J Moon, P Moseley, J Moffitt, P Moffitt 12-21; R Hunt, A Sherring, J Sherring, E Sarsons 27-21. Lyme 84, Axminster 65 M Haseman, B Parsons, A Weech, D Meylan 21-15; T Boyd, D Courtenay-Smith, J Owen, J Moseley 18-19; R McLennan, C Haseman, E Sarson, S Rowe 22-18; R Hunt, P Moseley, A Darvill, A Nabarro 23-13.
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Friday, July 9 2021 18
July 9 2021
Seasiders are back in training
bowls
Father and son in Lyme tournament singles play-off IN years past the annual tournament held at Lyme Regis Bowling Club was one of the most prestigious events on the bowls calendar along the south coast. And whilst the event does not carry quite the same level of support, it still attracts first class bowlers from around the region. The Lyme club has a reputation for excellent organisation and creating a friendly atmosphere and the 69th tournament, held recently at the Charlie Mercer Green on Monmouth Beach, was no exhibition. Thanks to Barry Rattenbury and his team, the greens were in brilliant condition doing justice to the high standard of the bowls. Full story on page 23
SINGLES CHAMPION: Paul Pomeroy receives his trophy from Simon Wakely of sponsors AJ Wakely and Sons funeral directors
Uplyme back on track UPLYME and Lyme Regis returned to winning ways after three defeats in a row which saw them surrender their top spot in the Devon Cricket League Division D East.
At home to Sidmouth 3rd X1, Uplyme won the toss and elected to bat, but they found runs hard to come by, losing wickets steadily without any of the batsmen amassing any significant totals in their innings of 149-8 off the 40 overs. Top scorers were Jerry Sims, who carried his bat for 27, and Charlie Moss (19). However, any hopes that Sidmouth had that 150 was an achievable reply were dashed by Tyler Wellman who in a blistering seven overs dismissed six of the visiting batsmen at a loss of only 24 runs. The 18 points gained from this victory keeps Uplyme in third place in the table, but they have narrowed the gap with their closest oppo-
By PHILIP
EVANS
nents, North Devon, to five points but are still 21 points shy of the leaders, Alphington and Countess Wear. ● The previous week, Uplyme had fallen further behind in their bid to win the Devon Cricket League D Division East after being well beaten at North Devon. They lost by 201 runs, a defeat which saw them drop into third place after leading the table in the opening matches of the season, trailing the leaders, Alphington and Countess Wear, by 24 points. In a game not played in the best traditions of cricket, the home team won the toss and elected to bat, running up an impressive total off 358-4 off the 45 overs. The majority of runs came from their number three and four bats-
men, Reuben Windley and Joe Kelly, who both scored centuries. On the bowling front, Uplyme’s Jack Lamb-Wilson grabbed two of the wickets at the expense of 66 runs off eight overs. In reply, Uplyme fell well short, being bowled out for 157 runs with only Joe Elsworth putting up any real resistance with a fine knock of 56. ● UPLYME have also lost their first game in the new East Devon Bash T-20 competition. In week four matches, Seaton Pirates batted first for 120-7 off their 20 overs with opener Damien Baxter top scoring on 29. Jack Lamb-Wilson finished with the best bowling figures of 3 for 15 off just three overs. In reply, the Upyme Muffin Men were bowled out for 91, Mark Batey and Charlie Moss being top scorers with 16 runs apiece.
● UPYLME booked their place in the quarter finals of the Devon Cricket League T-20 Corinthian Cup with a comfortable victory over Upottery this week. Upottery batted first and were all our for 76, having at one stage being in real trouble with six wickets lost and only 12 runs on the scoreboard. The bowler to do most damage was Gareth Stoneman, who finished with figures of 4-6, with good support coming from Steve Batey (2-14) and Andy Harrison (2-13). Uplyme knocked off the runs for the loss of two wickets with Mark Batey (21 not put), Sam Farrow (20 not out) and Steve Batey (20). ● Tomorrow (Saturday) Uplyme are away to Clyst Hydon, who are fifth in the D Division Table, and will be looking for another 20 pointer to reduce the gap at the top of the division. Full reports at lyme-online.co.uk
LYME Regis footballers are back in training for the new season with a restructured management team. Club coach Julien Simier (pictured) is taking full charge of the first team who will be going all out to retain their top spot in the Devon and Exeter League Premier East Division. Mark Bailey, who has been running the side with Julien for several seasons, has decided to continue playing but will be helping to run the Reserves with last year’s manager Matt Preece. Matt was helped last season by Dec Ellis, who has stepped down. Former player Stefan Taylor is returning from Australia and has indicated he would be willing to assist with managing the Rovers as last season’s manager Rob Larcombe has also stepped down. At the time of going to press, there was no information about the structure of the various divisions. The first team will continue in the Premier Division and Lyme Reserves are expected to stay in Division One East. Lyme Rovers, the club’s third X1, compete in the Perry Street League. The Lyme club will go into the season in a strong financial position despite the fact that the clubhouse was non-operational for several months due to COVID-19. The decision to show all England’s Euro games had resulted in a big boost in bar takings and for the final on Sunday the club is erecting a marquee on the Davey Fort with a large screen to supplement the numbers able to watch the games.
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