WE DID IT! LYME RECEIVES PLASTIC-FREE AWARD
LymeOnline PLASTIC FREE AWARD PAGE 3
FREE
A NEW ERA FOR PILOT BOAT PA GE 7
FOR LYME REGIS, UPLYME & CHARMOUTH ● FORTNIGHTLY ● JUNE 29 2018 ● www.lyme-online.co.uk
Playing field off limits for fitness coaches A LOCAL couple who provide fitness lessons for young people and those with mental health issues have been banned from using the playing field in Anning Road, Lyme Regis, for their training. California Fitness has been told it can no longer use the playing field, because a covenant dating back to 1934 does not permit trading on the land. REPORT, PAGE 3
St Michael’s ‘requires improvement’
Rocking on the beach!
Festival furore LYME Regis residents get into the spirit of the event at the recent Guitars On The Beach. Full report and more photos on pages 12 & 13
Photo by Richard Austin
COUNCIL SLAMMED AS IT CONSIDERS BANNING SUMMER EVENTS
A RECOMMENDATION that festivals be banned from taking place on Lyme Regis seafront during the peak season has been met with widespread condemnation from residents and event organisers.
The suggestion that major events and festivals should not be held during the school holidays or on Bank Holidays, when the town is
FRANCESCA EVANS
francesca@lyme-online.co.uk already busy, has been put forward by the town council as part of a new events policy which, if given final approval, will be enforced from 2019 onwards. The policy would apply to all major events and festivals held on town council land, including Marine Parade, with the exception of Lifeboat Week in July, Regatta & Carnival Week in August and the
Fossil Festival on the early May Bank Holiday, as councillors said these have always “historically” been held on set dates. The council’s own Community Week in August 2019 – when it is hoped the Red Arrows will return to Lyme Regis – will also not be affected. Events planned for next year which would be affected include Jazz Jurassica and B Sharp’s Busking Festival, usually held jointly on the late May Bank Holiday; Lyme
Folk Weekend, held at the end of the school summer holiday; and a new Caribbean Festival which was set to take place on the August Bank Holiday. The Dorset Street Food Festival was staged on Lyme Regis seafront for the first time over the late May Bank Holiday this year, and would also be affected if organisers wanted to hold it at the same time again in 2019.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
ST Michael’s Primary School in Lyme Regis has been graded as ‘requires improvement’ in the latest report from school inspectors at Ofsted. The voluntary aided Church of England primary and pre-school was rated ‘good’ following an inspection in January, but because of recent changes to the Ofsted Inspection Framework it had to be visited by inspectors again in May, and has now been downgraded to ‘requires improvement’. REPORT, PAGE 8
Campaign launched to save cricket club
A FUNDRAISING campaign is up and running to save Uplyme & Lyme Regis Cricket Club, founded 132 years ago, from folding. The club has to raise about £4,000 to complete the purchase of an essential roller before the end of the cricket season, and a number of events are planned to take place in the coming weeks. REPORT, PAGE 24
TAKING CARE OF YOUR LEGAL NEEDS Practice Management Standard
Law Society Accredited
Axminster 01297 32345
• Buying & Selling g Property • Business Issues s • Agricultural Issues • Wills • Powe wers of At Attorrney • Trusts & Estate es • Matrimonial and d Family • Resolving Dispu utes • Negligence Claims • Employment • Debt Recovery
Ch ard 0 1 4 6 0 6 3 33 6
www.scottrowe.co.uk
Lyme Regis 0 1 2 9 7 4 43 7 77
YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER & WEBSITE OFFERING UNRIVALLED COVERAGE OF LYME REGIS, UPLYME & CHARMOUTH
2 Friday, June 29 2018
LymeOnline
Published by Lyme Regis Media Limited Hyper-local website and fortnightly newspaper serving the communities of Lyme Regis, Uplyme & Charmouth. Unit 5 Uplyme Business Park, Uplyme Road, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3LS www.lyme-online.co.uk edit@lyme-online.co.uk Facebook: facebook.com/LymeOnlineUK Twitter: twitter.com/LymeOnlineUK Instagram: instagram.com/lymeonline Editor: Francesca Evans francesca@lyme-online.co.uk 07810 221 420 Contributors: Philip Evans philip@lyme-online.co.uk Richard Austin edit@lyme-online.co.uk Production: Jackie Evans jackie@lyme-online.co.uk Regular Columnists: Sophia Moseley, Marine Theatre Mark Vandeweyer, Citizens Advice Peter Lacey, Tales of Lyme’s Past
www.lyme-online.co.uk
Out of season events a ‘financial risk’ CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE The suggestion of restricting when events could be held was part of a report on event management by town clerk John Wright, presented to members of the council’s Tourism, Community & Publicity Committee this week. The report listed a number of concerns raised about recent events held in the town, including food stalls from out of area competing with local traders; too many events distracting from the nature and character of the town; more major events encroaching into the main season when the town “would normally be full”; council control over event organisers not being exercised effectively; and event organisers failing to adhere to their commitments, mostly regarding vehicles on the seafront and waste management. A number of suggestions were made for councillors to consider, and a full events policy will now be put together by officers for further consideration and final approval at a future full council meeting. Councillor Owen Lovell said: “We don’t need any additional events during those weeks to bring extra people into Lyme. It’s a complete waste of money.” Referring to the recent Dorset Street Food Festival, Councillor Lovell said no one came to the town specifically for the event and it took trade away from local businesses. He added: “We are creating a situation of our own traders having bread taken out of their mouths. The seafront is the prime place for people to go and if you put a business there it will cut the throat of those not on the seafront.” Councillor Lovell also expressed concern that the increasing number of major events would mean local organisations would no longer be able to find available time to hold regular fundraisers, such as beach stalls, on the seafront. He continued: “The last few years has been utterly chaotic. People think we are a joke in managing the seafront.” Councillor Jeff Scowen argued in favour of events being held throughout the summer season, and called for councillors not to enforce any restrictions until 2020, as people would have already started working on events for 2019. “We are a resort, we are a community, people like to have things to do on their day off. There is a
question of managing it, but it’s not as clear cut as just banning all events on Bank Holidays,” he said. Councillor Stan Williams said there was “more than enough people” coming to Lyme Regis on Bank Holidays and the situation had “got silly”, with residents of nearby towns no longer being able to get into the town. Councillor Richard Doney said he was concerned about enforcing a blanket ban, as this could have “unintended consequences”. For example, he said staff from universities and museums who ran stalls at the Fossil Festival needed it to be held over a Bank Holiday, allowing them time to clear up and travel home after the event. He expressed concerns that if the festival was moved, it would lose high profile exhibitors such as the Natural History Museum. It was later agreed that the Fossil Festival would be exempt from the rule - along with Lifeboat Week, Regatta & Carnival Week, and Community Week - as it had been held on the same weekend for more than 10 years. There was some discussion over whether Jazz Jurassica, formerly known as the Jazz & Blues Festival, should also be exempt, but Councillor Lovell pointed out that this used to be held at the beginning of July – not within a school or Bank Holiday – and was then moved to the late May Bank Holiday. Councillor Scowen told members that he was behind the planned Caribbean Festival in August 2019, and he had hoped the event would “bring the community together” and involve local traders. Councillor Sean Larcombe argued that Councillor Scowen should have declared a personal interest before taking part in the discussion, as he was an event organiser. The Mayor, Councillor Michaela Ellis, said it was down to individual councillors to declare their own interests, and if Councillor Larcombe had a problem he should take it to West Dorset’s monitoring officer. Councillor Scowen replied: “Thanks a lot Sean, I’m only trying to help the community.” Councillor Scowen asked for members to be “more welcoming” and “open-minded”. “We will wake up one day and all of these events will have gone somewhere else, to towns like Seaton,” he said. He later continued: “It’s alright us sitting around
In print and online, the best of Lyme Breaking news 24/7 ● Digital edition pages Directory of local businesses ● Entertainment news and listings ● Family announcements ● Community news ● Eating out news, reviews and directory ● Blogs ● Directory of local organisations and charities ● Sport ● Jobs ● Photo galleries ● ●
Made in Lyme, journalism you can trust
lyme-online.co.uk
talking about these people who organise events, but it takes an awful lot of work. You can’t expect people to put things on in the shoulder seasons; people won’t be here, the weather is more likely to be inclement.” The mayor replied: “If it is promoted well enough, people who want to come to those events will come.” The recommendation has been met with criticism over the past week, with many residents and event organisers taking to social media to voice their concerns. Julie Sheppard, organiser of the Jazz Jurassica festival, commented: “Moving events into the ‘shoulder season’ represents a big financial risk for the event organiser - at least in the short term - it takes time to build an audience. “If you want events at quieter times then they’d probably require some public subsidy otherwise they might not even get off the ground. So, very crudely, the choice is between self-financing events at busy times or subsidised events at quieter times. Your choice - or maybe no events at all?” Mrs Sheppard also pointed out that most of the Jazz Jurassica events were not held on town council-owned land, but in venues such as the Marine Theatre, and these could still go ahead. She said the only part of the festival that would be affected would be the free music on the seafront, and it was “strange” that the council wanted to stop a free community event. Others also argued that major events held out of season “would not work” and were essential to maintain a “thriving town”, and said the council was “out of touch”. However, some spoke in favour of restricting events during peak seasons, saying that they had a negative affect on businesses that were not based on the seafront, and some visitors came to Lyme Regis to enjoy the peace and quiet. The council has also refused a request from organisers of Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week to move its event dates next year from July 27 to August 2 2019 to August 10 to 17, as schools are breaking up slightly later than normal. This would be after Regatta & Carnival Week and would clash with the council’s Community Week, so the request was refused.
Friday, June 29 2018 3
www.lyme-online.co.uk
Lyme receives ‘Plastic Free’ award LYME Regis has achieved its goal of attaining a Plastic Free Communities Award from national charity Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) within just a few months of launching the campaign.
Eco-group Turn Lyme Green first put forward the suggestion of Lyme Regis becoming ‘plastic free’ at the beginning of 2018, winning support from the town council and setting up a Lyme Regis Plastic Free steering group. Last week, the group said it was delighted to have already received the Plastic Free Communities award from SAS, having followed the charity’s guidelines to reduce the amount of single-use plastic in the town. Grenville Barr, chairman of the Plastic Free Lyme Regis steering group, said: “This project was about changing the way we think about plastic and raising awareness so that we make our sea and environment better for our future. “It’s fantastic to achieve the award, we got a great team together and received incredible support; businesses, organisations, residents and visitors have all pulled together to make this happen.” Specific criteria had to be met to achieve the award, to both educate the community and take action on the amount of plastic waste it produced. This had to involve a number of
FRANCESCA EVANS
francesca@lyme-online.co.uk
local businesses and community groups, using the theme ‘Reuse, Refuse, Recycle and Refill’. Businesses stepped up from the start with many cafés and restaurants agreeing to refill water bottles for anyone who asked, whether they were a customer or not. Others reduced their single use plastic or removed some items completely. Cafés and restaurants also shared knowledge of alternatives to plastic and clubbed together for stronger buying power, while Turn Lyme Green invited Dorset Waste Partnership to host an evening discussion to understand how local waste disposal and recycling worked. The Plastic Free campaign group also ran stalls at local fetes to spread the word and held recycling games for youngsters, such as the Sand Challenge – looking for plastics and sea shells in trays of sand and deciding what to do with them. Two screenings of the film ‘A Plastic Ocean’ were held to show how plastic is affecting our whole world and the animals that live in it, and recently Eva Fahle-Clouts exhibited her artwork inspired by plastic waste in water at
the Jubilee Pavilion on Marine Parade. Lyme Regis Town Council supported the project and gave a grant to help promote the work. Councillors congratulated all those involved in the campaign on hearing news of the award last week. Lyme Bay Holidays also donated funds and gave its support to promote reducing the amount of single use plastic and informing its visitors how they could help. Despite having already achieved the award, the Plastic Free Lyme Regis group does not intend to give up its campaign yet. Mr Barr added: “The award is only the start of this campaign, our team is dedicated to continuing this work. Each contribution an individual or business makes, however small, is a step in protecting and preserving our environment. The reduction or removal of single use plastic helps achieve this.”
Lyme Regis continues to host regular beach cleans and Lyme Regis Regatta & Carnival Week in August will include an art project for young people to educate them about plastic waste. Speaking at this week’s meeting, town councillor Richard Doney said he would bring a report to council outlining how they planned to sustain the campaign. Anyone interested in helping Lyme Regis become ‘plastic free’ should email info@plasticfreelyme.uk to receive updates and invitations, visit the new Plastic Free Lyme Regis website at www.plasticfreelyme.uk, which highlights things people can do to easily help reduce the amount of plastic we use. It also gives details on events and activities for all the family, visitors and businesses.
Fitness coaches banned from using playing field A LOCAL couple who provide fitness lessons for young people and those with mental health issues have been banned from using the playing field in Anning Road, Lyme Regis, for their training. At a recent meeting of the town council’s Town Management Committee, Aneesa California, who has lived in the town for 17 years and is a member of the Lyme Regis Coastguard team, asked why trade stands were allowed on the playing field for the May Fete but she and her partner, Jesse, who run California Fitness together, were not allowed to do so. Mrs California told the council that they started using the playing field as it was convenient to where they lived in Anning Road and was safe for their clients to bring along their children. She continued: “We were then advised we were not able to and we stopped. We used it for one hour a week on Sundays for a boot camp and up to 20 people said they thoroughly enjoyed it and it had made a difference to their life. “We then used it for our private one-on-one clients, the reason being that it was directly outside our home, it was safe to bring children, and if I needed to leave and go on a shout with the coastguards I easily could because my car was right there. “We understand that the Anning Road playing field is for the use of the youth of the town. We do also provide fitness for the youth football teams and we plan to expand that out to other youth teams. We are starting fitness for children aged 6 to 16 in our own personal unit in Axminster and Charmouth playing field. That will provide children with a healthier lifestyle. We have around 40 parents come forward to say they are very interested in this. “We understand there is a covenant on the land that no trading can take place. When we were using the playing field we did not make a profit, all we made was invested on our kit and public liability insurance. “Although there is a covenant I understand there were trade stalls at the May Fete and I would like to highlight the fact that they are allowed to trade but we are not.” Committee chairman John Broom said he un-
derstood there could be no form of business trading on the playing field. He said the May Fete, organised by Lyme Regis Regatta & Carnival Committee, was a charity event. But Councillor Cheryl Reynolds questioned whether every stall was for charity. It was pointed out that the trade stands paid a fee for their pitch. She added: “We need to do something about the May Fete otherwise we are contravening our own covenant.” Councillor Broom said the event was a community effort but if people were there taking money and not giving it back, that was not right. Councillor Brian Larcombe commented: “You can get charity fundraising where businesses take part but they pay a fee to the charity to do so. The charity, therefore, is the umbrella which legitimises their trading.” Charitable donations Councillor Reynolds: “Can we can confirm that would mean that if they paid for their stall to the organiser of the event, which puts the money to charity, that will be okay? If we can clarify that it puts us right with the May Fete, and then I would agree that no business happens on the playing field.” Deputy town clerk Mark Green read out the wording of the original 1934 covenant – “not for use or permit to use any part of the land or any building at any time thereafter erected for the purpose of trading whatsoever”. Councillor Sean Larcombe said things had moved on and changed a bit since 1934, adding: “I would like to know whether the meat selling stall and the hot potato selling stall at the May Fete, are they a business, a trade? Do we get rid of those? I can’t see how we can say she can’t do hers on a Sunday morning for an hour and yet a meat selling wagon and potato selling wagon are there all day.” Councillor Broom replied: “I don’t know but if they gave something to Alan Vian [Regatta & Carnival Committee], that is a way around it.” The Mayor, Councillor Michaela Ellis, commented: “I believe that any stalls that are not local charities in the town pay towards the May Fete. The idea is to keep more people at the fete to raise more money for the charity. I can un-
derstand that. We can always put a stipulation on that they pay money for it. “If we let one in person in, even a really good thing, we are inviting others in and we are not going to have a playing field for the children. There are other fields. There’s the Woodroffe School, there’s the football club and other places around she could go.” Councillor Jeff Scowen commented: “I like what I heard from Aneesa. If she did it for children and it was for charity it would be okay. I believe this lady should be supported, I think we should be actively encouraging her. “I think it is so important that we really do help her and come up with other suggestions rather than saying ‘well, it’s nothing to do with us’.” Councillor Derek Hallett also argued that California Fitness should be supported, as they helped those with mental health issues. “I listened to the lady, there are tremendous mental health problems in the country. It is a big thing, people don’t realise how big it is. If we had Strawberry Field sorted out a bit she may have been offered that but we haven’t,” he commented. “The thing is she wants somewhere where she does not have to drive too far. I would say to her the best option so far is the football field and she has got the football club which she could hire if the weather is bad. “I think the lady needs support because I think we are missing the point about the illness.” Councillor Sean Larcombe asked who policed the covenant and what would happen if California Fitness flouted the covenant? Councillor Broom: “If they flouted the covenant we would have to find some way of stopping her. We would have no choice.” The committee decided to refuse permission for California Fitness to use the playing field with two councillors, Derek Hallett and Jeff Scowen, abstaining. Speaking to LymeOnline after the meeting, Mrs California said: “We were using the park out of safety for our members children to play whilst they get fit, out of convenience due to me being on call with the coastguards and living directly opposite, and because I have a 17-month-
JESSE and Aneesa California with their young daughter, pictured at Anning Road playing field where they are no longer allowed to hold their training sessions
old daughter who we may need to get home quickly for! The council don’t seem to think these reason are fit for our use to carry on and are telling us no trade is allowed on the field.” She added that she now planned to take the matter to local MP Oliver Letwin, as she believed Lyme Regis was the “only parish that stops people bettering their health and wellbeing”. California Fitness has now launched an online petition to see the covenant on the Anning Road playing field overturned to encourage outdoor fitness in Lyme Regis. The petition can be viewed at https://bit.ly/2tcFIZv
LOOK OUR FOR OUR NEXT ISSUE ON JULY 13
Until then you can catch up with all the latest at www.lyme-online.co.uk
4 Friday, June 29 2018
www.lyme-online.co.uk
NEWS ONLINE: Catch up with A round-up of the top stories from our website
Photograph recreated 80 years on A WOMAN featured in a photo taken in 1938, which appeared in press coverage of the so-called ‘Ice Cream Wars’ in Lyme Regis, has come forward to recreate the image 80 years later. Amid controversy surrounding tricycle trader Marie Amesbury selling ice creams on Lyme Regis seafront under a pedlar’s licence, a photo appeared of a four-year-old girl buying an ice cream from a similar mobile ice cream seller in 1938 (inset). Now the little girl featured in the photo – Joan Bird, now aged 85 – has come forward and recreated the image, originally taken by her father Percy all those years ago (right). Photo by Richard Austin
Vintage motorcycles line up for annual run ABOUT 150 classic motorcycles lined Lyme Regis seafront on Sunday morning for the annual Coast to Coast Run. The Mayor of Lyme Regis, Councillor Michaela Ellis, accompanied by husband Alan and town crier Alan Vian, wished the bikers a safe journey and officially started the run. Organised by the Westland Classic Motorcycle Club, those taking part headed to Burnham-on-Sea in aid of Headway Somerset.
Lyme Splash to host water polo contest Jurassic Mule appoints manager Brownies looking for new recruits THE second Lyme Splash Water Polo Championship will take place on Sunday, August 5 at 10am, as part of Lyme Regis Regatta & Carnival Week. The event will take place on the harbour pontoons in Victoria Pool, off the Cobb, and the floating pitch allowing for double the number of last year’s teams, so there is now a total of 12 places available.
THE Jurassic Mule Motorbus has appointed a new operations manager, ahead of the summer season which will see the vintage open-top buses in operation once again. Edward Jacobs has taken on the role and is now working hard with the team to prepare for tours starting on July 21.
DUE to some members making the exciting move up to Guides, there are currently several spaces available with Lyme Regis Brownies for girls aged 7-10. The girls work towards badges and enjoy many fun trips out. Anyone interested in joining should email lrbrownies@icloud.com for further details.
Follow LymeOnline on social media to stay up to date 24/7 facebook.com/ LymeOnlineUK twitter.com/ LymeOnlineUK instagram.com/ lymeonline
lyme-online.co.uk
Coastguard warning after two dog rescues COASTGUARDS in the Lyme Regis area have issued a warning after being called to two incidents of dogs falling over cliff edges within 24 hours. The coastguard recommends that you always keep your dog on a lead on the cliffs and cliff paths. If the worst happens never, ever attempt a self rescue. Instead dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.
Friday, June 29 2018 5
www.lyme-online.co.uk
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 I’m definitely no city girl!
Leader chosen for new Shadow Dorset Council THE new Shadow Dorset Council has elected Councillor Rebecca Knox as its leader. Elected councillors from Dorset made history by forming the new Shadow Dorset Council, which met for the first time on June 7 at South Walks House in Dorchester. The Shadow Dorset Council will ensure the safe and legal transition from the six existing councils in the county to the new unitary authority – to be named Dorset Council – in April next year.
Rotarians donate £400 to new school in Nepal THE Rotary Club of Lyme Regis has donated £400 towards an ambitious humanitarian project in earthquake ravaged Nepal. This project, run by the Rotary Club of Yeovil in conjunction with Rotary District 1200 and other charities, seeks to rebuild a school in Nepal, which was completely destroyed during the earthquake of 2015. The anticipated cost of the project is £64,000.
WHILE my Dad worked for Independent Newspapers during the 1990s, my family and I spent most of our weekends at his flat on the Isle of Dogs, in East London. We visited all the usual tourist hotspots and spent a lot of our time around the ultra-modern and ever-expanding Canary Wharf development. With new high-rise towers popping up on every visit and cranes towering over the city, it seemed a world away from Lyme Regis. Dad even considered moving us there at one point, and I guess if he did I would have been a true East Ender by now. But luckily we stayed in Lyme... and I’m definitely no city girl! I always loved our trips to London in fact most of my early memories are of our visits to the capital - and for a while I thought maybe I’d move there to “make it big” in journalism. While I was university, I secured a week’s work experience at The Daily Mirror, based in Canary Wharf, and I think I decided then that city life just wasn’t for me. I still look forward to trips to London every few months to see family and make the most of everything the capital has to offer, but after a few days I’m ready to come home to a more relaxed pace of life. Over the past few weeks I’ve enjoyed a couple of ‘city breaks’ with friends. We headed to Manchester my first time visiting the city - to see Billy Joel in concert at Old Trafford and it was a non-stop couple of days, touring Manchester on the trams, visiting Media City in Salford (I even got to sit on the BBC Breakfast sofa!), and enjoying the celebrations for Eid Festival on the famous ‘Curry Mile’ and
the Manchester Day Parade. The following weekend we went to London for another gig, this time to watch pop princess Taylor Swift at Wembley Arena. We danced the night away but our excitement dwindled on the long journey back to our beds for the night. It took us two hours to queue for the packed tube and make our way across the city to London Bridge, where I found my last train had been cancelled. Luckily, we had a plan B and finally pushed our way onto a train at about half past midnight. It was the most crowded train I’d ever been on - you practically needed a run-up to shove your way on and it was overflowing with leather jacket-clad rockers who loudly discussed the Foo Fighters gig they’d just been to. I suddenly became a bit sheepish about my flashing Taylor Swift wristband. The next day we walked around bustling Borough Market, one of my favourite places to visit and absolutely rammed on a scorching Saturday, and then along the South Bank back to Waterloo, where we flopped on a train to Axminster - heads a little worse for wear, feet tired. When Dad was living in London, he said there was nothing like catching that first glimpse of the Cobb as you drive down the hill into Lyme... I couldn’t agree more.
Francesca Evans, Editor
N E W LO O K
RNLI thanks public for Aroma Café picks up lifeguard hut support another gold award THE RNLI has thanked supporters who backed its request to install a new lifeguard look-out tower on Lyme Regis beach this summer. The council originally turned down a request for the improved hut to be sited on the beach, but after a public petition was launched, they reversed their decision and the hut is now in place.
Comedy duo bring show to Lyme
Acclaimed comedy duo Stiff and Kitsch bring their Edinburgh show ‘Adele is Younger than Us’ to the Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis on Saturday, July 21, the culmination of years of optimistic frustration wedged into an hour of musical stand-up. Tickets start at £10 and are available by calling 01297 442138 or visit the website www.marinetheatre.c om where a booking fee may apply.
AROMA Café in Lyme Regis has added to its plethora of awards, having recently received a Gold accolade in the cafés and tearooms category of the Taste of the West awards. This is the sixth year in a row the café has won the award, with its Bridport branch also receiving the same prize.
LYM E R EG I S
Fun, Fab, Dance Based Fitness Join Sarah on Tuesday mornings from 10-11am for
Fitness that’s ‘Strictly’ Fun 1st session free Call 07788 946 427 for more information Other regular events include Ballet, Yoga, Pilates, Bingo and Short Mat Bowls
AMENDED DATE
PLEASE NOTE: The Annual General Meeting of the Woodmead Halls Management Committee will be held on Monday, July 2nd 2018
To book the Woodmead Halls telephone Michaela Ellis on 07856 630975 Follow us on Twitter @WoodmeadHalls and Facebook at www.facebook.com/woodmeadhalls
6 Friday, June 29 2018
LYME MATTERS with Philip Evans Essential reading for all those with Lyme at heart
www.lyme-online.co.uk
philip@lyme-online.co.uk
Peace breaks out on the cricket field R
ELATIONSHIPS between Lyme Regis and its close neighbour Uplyme have been a bit strained of late, which may be the understatement of the year.
Things have always been a bit tetchy between the two communities going back a number of years, stoked by the opposition across the border to the development of the Strawberry Field as a new home for Lyme Regis Football Club. And the recent spat over the Sidmouth Road park and ride site, which sits in Uplyme parish, has prompted a good deal of comment on social media and has not helped matters. I have never been very popular in Uplyme, nor the papers I have edited over the years, and as the main instigator of the Strawberry Field project I took a good deal of personal criticism from a few residents of Uplyme parish. On the occasion I turned up at Uplyme war memorial to cover the Remembrance ceremony I was approached in a very aggressive manner by one of the village’s more high profile residents and told in no uncertain terms: “We don’t want people like you here.” Before I could reply, Dr Andrew Llewellyn jumped in and told the person in question to leave the area immediately. All water under the bridge now but I’m still a bit wary when attending any events in Uplyme and never hang around too long. But in my early days as a cricketer I spent many happy hours in Uplyme and its two pubs. Some old sores were opened this week when an appeal went out to the sporting fraternity of Lyme Regis to help save the cricket club at Uplyme with comments such as “why should we help Uplyme when Uplyme opposed the Strawberry Field and Sidmouth Road park and ride?” prevalent on Facebook. Setting the park and ride issue to one side (a truce has been called on this one), there is a good reason why we should help the cricket club - because it’s Uplyme and Lyme Regis Cricket Club. I well remember when that decision was made
and it was a move that probably saved the club when it was at a low ebb. At the time there were a few mutterings from the Uplyme diehard but history will show it was the right decision and the club has enjoyed many happy and successful years since. In fact, if there’s anywhere where Uplyme and Lyme get on well it’s on the cricket field. I’m not alone in saying that most of my sporting friendships which have stood the test of time were forged on the cricket field at Uplyme, friendships which I value to this day. So it was encouraging to see that the Mayor of Lyme Regis, Councillor Michaela Ellis, and Uplyme Parish Council’s chairman Chris James (pictured left) have put what issues they may have as leaders of their respective councils to one side to endorse the efforts to save the cricket club from folding. It would be appropriate to note here that Lyme Regis Town Council has given the cricket club more than £6,000 in recent years. I was one of a number of people from Lyme who turned up at the cricket club on Monday evening to hear chairman Ian Thomas explain why the club’s future is under the microscope because a sum of around £4,000 had to be raised by the end of the season to complete the purchase of a new roller, an essential piece of kit for any cricket club. The response was encouraging and a fundraising campaign is up and running - in Uplyme and Lyme Regis. Both Councillors Ellis and James are determined that the two councils should work together in the future for the benefit of both communities. Together with a few ex-players from the 1970s and 80s, I am helping to organise a reunion night at Lyme Regis Football Club on August 23 with comedian Jimmy Quinn to raise money for the cricket club fundraising campaign. It will be one of those occasions when we will revel in recalling all the good times we had whilst playing for Uplyme and Lyme Regis Cricket Club during its halcyon days - and prove that the two communities can work in harmony.
Thumbs up for daredevil Ania THE smile on her face says it all - “I did it”. To celebrate her 70th birthday and raise money for her favourite charity, the Royal British Legion, Church Street resident Ania Driver completed a jump with the Army’s crack free-fall parachute team, The Red Devils. Ania, a former Royal Navy Nurse, decided to take on the challenge in memory of her late husband Terry, who served in the Royal Marines, despite a fear of heights. She also went on a crash diet so she was fit enough to jump with the Red Devils at Brize Norton on Tuesday.
There to see her land safely were Royal British Legion branch chairman Ian Marshall, vice-chairman Pete Ward and their wives Annemarie and Jackie (pictured above). I’m told Ania was naturally apprehensive before the jump but elated after she landed and walked back from the jump zone with a huge beaming smile and a glass of bubbly waiting for her to celebrate. And the cream on the cake for Ania’s big day was that her bravery raised £1,000 for the Royal British Legion.
What would Jack Vincent think of the new Pilot Boat? high quality fast turnaround digital print dig we now offer A4 Landdscape & 6 page A4 gate fold printing
business cards flyers posters leaflets brochures letterhe h aads complim ment slips folders greetings cards postcards calendars
and much more!
contact us for a free quote or advice today: t : 0 13 0 5 7 5 7 4 7 2 e: sales@advantagedigitalprint.com w: www.advantagedigitalprint.com
AS I was being given a guided tour of the new-look Pilot Boat Inn in Lyme Regis this week, I could not help thinking what former landlord Jack Vincent would think about his pub. It’s a far cry from the old Pilot which Jack and his wife Margaret ran during my batchelor years. In those days we all had our favourite pub - and I was definitely a Pilot Boat man. Jack was one of those landlords who ran a no nonsense boozer, very popular with visitors in the summer, but a real locals’ pub as well. Food was not a priority in those days and fruit machines and especially juke boxes were a definite no-no. I recall that on one occasion when Jack and Margaret were on holiday fellow landlord Joe O’Donnell from The Ship Inn ordered him
Those were the days... a juke box and when he returned the place was heaving and very noisy! These were the days when there was a garage at the rear of the pub (later turned into The Inn Plaice function room) which houses a rather delapidated caravan where Jack’s stuttering gofer F..F..Fred lived. They say that when the caravan was removed and set on fire it burned for several weeks. But Jack was an astute businessman and I think he would look at today’s ultra-chic Pilot Boat and think there’s a few bob
to be made here. I was shown around the Pilot Boat by new licensee Robin Collyns and his wife Angela, both highly experienced in the hospitality trade who are running the business with their son Ben, the general manager, and daughter Ellie. They are delighted with the response so far to their new business venture but appreciate the challenge of running such a big pub and restaurant (they have a total of 185 covers) during Lyme’s long winter months. That’s why they are anxious to make sure the Pilot Boat emerses itself in the community life of Lyme, particularly in the winter, as happened in Jack and Margaret’s day and especially so when the Pilot was run by Billy and Caroline Wiscombe so successfully for many years.
Whilst Palmers Brewery has taken a great deal of criticism in recent years about the state of the Three Cups Hotel in Broad Street, the refurbishment of the Pilot, including three superbly appointed bedrooms, has taken a significant investment, together with the former Angel Inn which has been converted into staff accommodation. We should also recognise that the Pilot has become the town’s biggest private enterprise employer providing 50 jobs in the summer, 20 of which will be permanent. I wish the Collyns family every success. The Pilot will certainly add to Lyme’s growing reputation as a foodies’ paradise and the town now looks forward to a start being made on the long-awaited plans for the Three Cups to remove such an eyesore from our main street.
Friday, June 29 2018 7
www.lyme-online.co.uk
B Sharp founder steps down after 10 years AFTER 10 years at the helm, Fran Williams, founder of Lyme Regis-based music charity B Sharp, is stepping down as chief executive and artistic director. Fran started the youth music charity in 2007 with young people and a team of dedicated volunteers, having worked on a series of successful projects in Bridport and Lyme Regis. The charity has gone on to lead the way inspiring a new culture of music and opportunities for young people in the region, and recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. Fran will be leaving in October to undertake training and research into opportunities for cultural exchanges and social action programmes. She commented: “It’s been a great joy to work with so many different young people over the years, an inspirational team, partners and many supporters. Everyone involved in B Sharp has given so much energy and expertise adding to its mix, keeping it fresh and relevant as well as professional - and that’s what makes it so special. “I feel that it’s time now for a new cycle to begin. I am confident that B Sharp will find a new leader with the right set of skills, experi-
ence and passion to take it forward to the next ten years.” Over the past 10 years, B Sharp has become more than just music. Its peer-to-peer model of working has been rolled out across the region and has a local and national reputation to be proud of. Its can-do approach has seen the organisation gain a reputation for giving everyone a fair chance to shine regardless of background or interest, enabling young people to build transferable skills and confidence in a creative and positive way through music. Hannah Lovegrove, chairman of B Sharp’s board of trustees, commented: “Fran has achieved an amazing amount for young people’s music. It’s sad to see her go and we all wish her well for the future. “Opportunities for young people are as needed as much now as ever – if you are interested in building a sound future and working with us in any way or joining the board get in touch.” B Sharp will be recruiting a full-time replacement for Fran to steer them through the next stage of its development - for details see the website www.bsharp.org.uk
B SHARP CEO and artistic director Fran Williams, pictured with Dom Kirtley (left), a trainee musician with the charity who went on to become a music producer, and pianist Jack Marshall (centre), who opened B Sharp’s first annual Busking Festival
Ofsted report says St Michael’s Primary ‘requires improvement’
ROBIN and Angela Collyns with son Ben pictured on the new terrace at the Pilot Boat
The family team running the new-look Pilot Boat MEET the family team which has taken over the running of the newlook Pilot Boat in Lyme Regis - Robin and Angela Collyns and their son Ben. Robin and Angela are the recently appointed licensees of the Palmers Brewery pub and restaurant, son Ben is the general manager responsible for customer service and daughter Ellie works as a general assistant. Mr and Mrs Collyns say they are delighted with the response after just a couple of weeks trading after the pub was closed for several months for the extensive refurbishment, the result of a significant investment by the Bridport-based brewery. Mr and Mrs Collyns and the family come to Lyme Regis with extensive experience in the hospitality trade. Before taking over the Pilot Boat the couple, who met when they both worked for Berni Inns in the 1980s, ran the City Gate Hotel in Exeter and before that The Godolphin Arms in Marazion in Cornwall. With the front part of the building retaining its pub atmosphere, the former ‘Inn Plaice’ and back bar at the Pilot has been converted into an ultramodern bar and restaurant with an
open air terrace seating 60. In all the establishment offers seating for around 185 diners for meals throughout the day, including breakfast. Mrs Collyns said the Californianstyle service was proving very popular with customers but they were keen to seek advice and suggestions from all those visiting the pub. The Pilot also has three well appointed bedrooms, one overlooking the sea, which becomes available this weekend. Around 50 staff are currently being employed at the Pilot, 20 of which will be permanent, with some of them being accommodated at the former Angel Inn in Mill Green which has been converted into staff quarters by Palmers. The style of the Pilot Boat does not lend itself to catering for functions, although small groups can be accommodated for meetings. Mr and Mrs Collyns are keen to immerse themselves into the community life of Lyme Regis and have already recognised what a popular and vibrant the town it is with a growing reputation for high-quality food outlets.
ST Michael’s Primary School in Lyme Regis has been graded as ‘requires improvement’ in the latest report from inspectors at Ofsted. The voluntary aided Church of England primary and pre-school was rated ‘good’ following an inspection in January, but because of recent changes to the Ofsted Inspection Framework it had to be visited by inspectors again in May, and has now been downgraded to ‘requires improvement’. During the inspection in May, inspectors were impressed that there was real determination to improve outcomes for pupils and, while many policies have been put in place recently, it is too soon for them to have measurable impact. The report also noted that pupils have positive attitudes and are ready and eager to learn. However, its overall effectiveness was deemed to require improvement, including in the following areas: effectiveness of leadership and management; quality of teaching, learning and assesment; personal development, behaviour and welfare; outcomes for pupils; early years provision. In the summary of key findings, the report stated: “Governors have not held leaders to account sufficiently to halt
the decline in standards, especially at key stage 2. “Governors have no been vigilant in ensuring that the funding for disadvantaged pupils and those who have special educational needs and/or disabilities is used to improve pupils’ academic success. “Leadership capacity is limited because of the newness of leaders to their positions of responsibility. Consequently, there are inconsistencies in teaching and achievement. “ Some teachers’ expectations are too low. As a result, the most able pupils, including the disadvantaged, are not achieving at greater depth. “Too many children in Reception are now achieving their early learning goals, especially in literacy and maths. “Leaders have not promoted pupils’ moral, social and cultural development effectively. Too many pupils are not aware of the fundamental British values. “Although attendance overall has improved, attendance of the most vulnerable pupils has not yet reached national averages.” However, it added: “The headteacher is relentless in his determination to improve outcomes for pupils. Many neces-
Family run Italian restaurant 7 Church St. Lyme Regis 01297 442352
sary policies have been put in place recently and it is too soon for them to have measurable impact. “Pupils are kept safe at school and feel safe. Pupils have positive attitudes and are ready and eager to learn. “Children in the pre-school are provided with a good start to school. Leaders plan well and ensure that children’s needs are met.” Commenting on the report, headteacher Nick Kiddle said: “We are pleased the inspection recognised where we have started to implement changes to make more rapid progress in improving the outcomes for our children, even since our previous inspection in January. “The governors, leaders and staff are very aware of our current position and the need to raise expectations and standards. We have an openness to advice and constructive criticism which will help us address the key findings in the report. “We look forward to working with all our parents, staff, governors, the county council and the Diocese to ensure that we continue to do the very best for our children.”
theuplymepage
8 Friday, June 29 2018
‘Topping off’ council’s new headquarters THE new, purpose-built home of East Devon District Council be open by January 2019. Another milestone has been reached in East Devon District Council’s development as a “modern, innovative and efficient local authority”. Blackdown House, the authority’s new headquarters in Honiton, held a topping out ceremony to celebrate the completion of the building’s exterior, which is now wind and watertight. The internal fitting out process is now well underway. This will include the installation of new furniture, to- COUNCILLORS Paul Diviani and Ian Thomas with Paul Gale of Intergether with the associated IT and AV serve at the 'topping out' ceremony at East Devon's new HQ equipment before the district council The ‘topping out’ ceremony was completed by moves from its current home at Knowle, SidCouncillor Andrew Moulding, chairman of East mouth, by January 2019. Blackdown House is an innovative highly-indi- Devon District Council, and Councillor Ian vidual design; a three-storey brick structure in- Thomas, the new leader of East Devon District corporating two off-set wings, each with open Council, who represents Uplyme. Also present was former leader Councillor Paul plan offices. The building features an interconnecting central link block within which, on the Diviani, under whose leadership the relocation ground floor, there is a reception area and public was conceived. Councillor Thomas commented: “To put in zone, while on the first floor there is a double height council chamber. A modest roof terrace motion the relocation of the council at a time of austerity and public-sector funding cuts was a has also been added. The new offices offer full disabled access and brave and decisive, yet essential step led by Cllr Diviani. good parking provision. “A modern working environment for our valThe new HQ will be significantly more energy efficient than the old offices at Knowle, a former ued team is a key element of our drive to further hotel where the council has been in residence develop our delivery of mandatory services and for well over 40 years. Remaining at Knowle those discretionary services our residents and with essential and basic repairs undertaken businesses value most. “We are a strong council that delivers outwould have cost the council £ 4.5million over 20 years. In contrast, moving to the new HQ in standing services. Blackdown House will enable Honiton will provide a cash saving of £ 1.4mil- us to serve our residents and businesses in the most efficient and effective way.” lion over the same period.
www.lyme-online.co.uk
Parish chairman calls for end to dispute with Lyme
THE chairman of Uplyme Parish Council has called for his fellow members to put any acrimonious feelings towards neighbouring Lyme Regis Town Council behind them. The relationship between the two authorities has become strained in recent months, following disputes over the park and ride site at Sidmouth Road, which lies just within the parish of Uplyme. Lyme Regis Town Council applied for temporary planning permission to continue using the site as a park and ride facility, but Uplyme councillors objected to the plans, saying that Lyme had gone against East Devon District Council’s advice not to submit another temporary application and that it had not provided all the information requested. Uplyme councillors also expressed disappointment that Lyme Regis Town Council had not collaborated with them. Lyme Regis councillors said they had been in discussion with all relevant parties, but Uplyme claimed that the town council had “misrepresented” what happened in the run up to the application being submitted. The application for the park and ride was eventually refused by East Devon District Council. Speaking at last week’s meeting, Uplyme Parish Council chairman Chris James asked his members to “kill off any problems” between the two authorities.
FRANCESCA EVANS
francesca@lyme-online.co.uk The matter was raised during discussions over the King George V playing field in Uplyme being made a night landing site for the air ambulance. It was suggested that, as the field would also be the night landing site for the Lyme Regis area, the town council should be approached to contribute towards the cost, prompting Councillor Colin Pratt to joke: “Good luck with that one!” Councillor James replied: “Can I ask members to kill off any problems between Uplyme and Lyme Regis? Seriously, we need to be the good guys and at least try. “There are so many issues we need to work with Lyme Regis on and if we have this stand off and name calling we are never going to get anywhere.” However, Councillor James then added that he still felt Lyme Regis Town Council was at fault for problems regarding the park and ride.
SAVE OUR CRICKET CLUB! See page 24
Something for all the family at annual Summer Show
PRIZEWINNERS pictured at last year’s Summer Show
ROLL up, roll up for the 89th Uplyme & Lyme Regis Horticultural Society Summer Show and Country Fayre, to be held on Uplyme playing field on Saturday, July 14. This year’s theme is ‘Celebrating the Rose’, and there will be plenty on show. Proceedings will be opened by Anne Swithinbank, well-known local gardener and broadcaster, at 1pm. Anne will also be answering your gardening questions from 2.30pm and presenting the prizes and trophies at 4.30pm. Along with the spectacular entries for the many competition classes, there will be the ever-popular family dog show (so bring your dog and its best tricks), a wide range of en-
tertainment, alpacas, miniature ponies, poultry and country craft demonstrations. There will also be music, performances by Uplyme Morris Men, free steam train rides, cream teas in the village hall, a bouncy castle, food and drink stalls, charity and commercial stalls of all kinds – something for all the family to enjoy. Entry costs £2.50 or is free for under 16s with an adult. The competitions include many flower and veg classes (potatoes in a bucket will be emptied and weighed on the day), cookery, preserves, homemade wines, crafts, floral art, photography and a large entry from the children of Mrs Ethelston’s Primary School for the junior classes.
thecharmouthpage
Friday, June 29 2018 9
www.lyme-online.co.uk
New fencing to protect walkers A PLAN to erect 106 metres of fencing along the coastal footpath from Lyme Regis to Charmouth has been supported by Charmouth Parish Council’s Planning Committee. Planning permission has been granted for the fencing to protect walkers from stray golf balls. The new fence will be coloured green to blend in with the woodland behind with the mesh small enough to prevent a golf ball from passing through it. The parish council recommended supporting the application as members felt it was a worthwhile provision on the grounds of public safety. Charmouth planning
committee members, at their June meeting, were informed that an application to build three detatched dwellings on land adjoining Fernhill Hotel had been refused by West Dorset District Council. Although the parish council did not object in principal to the application they sought reassurances that the sewerage system could support an additional three dwellings at Fernhill. They also sough clarification about the usage of the proposed houses bearing in mind that the majority of properties on the site had “holiday home” status only.
Russian theme to concert in aid of Changing Spaces CHARMOUTH resident Maria Beazley and two friends from Axminster, Jane Gibson and Robert Coleridge, entertained some 87 people when Changing Spaces held the fourth lunchtime concert at St Andrew’s Parish Church in Charmouth. The concert comprised folk songs and piano music from Russia. Maria sang five Russian folk songs accompanied by Jane, and Jane and Robert played four Russian piano duets. Their performances resulted in a standing ovation at the end of the concert. Maria, Jane and Robert generously donated their time free of charge in support of the Changing Spaces series of events, which raise funds for the benefit of St Andrew’s. The next lunchtime concert will be held on July 31 at 12.30pm when Edward Jacobs, who is very well-known to residents of Charmouth and the surrounding areas, will entertain with his ever-popular style on the piano. His generosity towards St Andrew’s is particularly welcomed by the residents of Charmouth. As usual the concert will be preceded by refreshments provided at midday. Roger Sansom
SHOP LOCAL: SUPPORT YOUR VILLAGE SHOPS AND BUSINESSES
01297 441355
letsgo@notjusttravel.com
10 Friday, June 29 2018
www.lyme-online.co.uk
Beach comber strikes gold!
Delayed announcement on future of healthcare THE contract for GP and medical services at Lyme Regis Medical Centre, and for most of the community health services provided for patients at all three local practices, currently held by Virgin Care, is due to expire at the end of January 2019. An outline of new arrangements to succeed the contract was given by Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) during a meeting last June at the Woodroffe School. Since then, the CCG has been working on the detail, well supplied with information about local needs through its own research and substantial contributions from LymeForward’s Health & Wellbeing Group. The CCG itself had anticipated being able to publicise its strategic decisions at a meeting in Lyme Regis on June 4, but had to postpone the event. An update from the CCG said: “Unfortunately, Dorset CCG are required to postpone plans for the Lyme Regis Community and Primary Care Contract Communications Event until discussions with the providers of the services in Lyme have been finalised. We anticipate the event will now take place during late summer/autumn.” Speaking to LymeOnline, Chris Boothroyd, chairman of LymeForward’s Health & Wellbeing Group, said: “This delay is hugely frustrating for everyone involved – residents, all the clinical staff, and probably the CCG itself, whose officials have listened to what local people have been telling them. “I remain positive that the eventual outcome will be a step in a good direction for us. The CCG is in no doubt about our hope for the speediest possible resolution.”
Send your stories to edit@lyme-online.co.uk or call 01297 442781
BEACH comber Paul George, 75, struck gold when he found a solid golf false teeth plate whilst rummaging through the shingle between Charmouth and Lyme Regis. Paul sets off to the beach three times a week purely as a hobby in his retirement years. He has unearthed many old coins and medals but none such as the jackpot of someone’s gold false teeth plate. Said Paul: “I have no idea as to how old it is, I didn’t realise solid gold false teeth plates existed! I was told its value is £250 so not a bad find.” Paul beach combs with his bare hands, shying away from the use of a metal detector, and gives a lot of what he finds to children, including any fossils that he finds. Photo by Richard Austin
Sparkles of Lyme
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
MOBILE CAR WASH
Daran and Jayne will make your car Sparkle
Have your car sparkling clean, at work or at home, we come to you! Tel: 07376177097 / 01297 444643 E-mail: sparklesoflyme@gmail.com Personal, Professional Service
ENTERPRISING Lyme Regis couple Daran and Jayne Mcnally have launched a new car wash service - with a difference. Instead of you taking your vehicle to them, they will come to you at home or at your work. Cleverly, they are calling their new business Sparkles of Lyme - and that’s exactly what your car will do when they finish with it sparkle! Daran, known locally as Daz, and Jayne have lived in Lyme for 11 years. Daran was a popular barman at the Pilot Boat Inn until it was closed for refurbishment, and Jayne works on reception at the Royal Lion Hotel. Their new business has only been going for a week and they have been overwhelmed by the response to the service they are offering. They are a truly independent, self-sufficient
service, using their own electricity and water, and if there are no parking facilities at your home or workplace, they will take your car away to wash and return it. Sparkles offers four different options - standard car wash; standard car wash with exterior polish; standard car wash, exterior polish and interior vacuum; and a deep clean which includes interior plastics, door trims, interior glass, wheel dressing, wheel arches, upholstery and interior deodoriser - for small, medium and large cars. Prices range from £8 for the basic service for small cars to £40 for the deep clean for large vehicles. Sparkles can be contacted on 01297 444643 or 07376 177097 or by messaging ‘Sparkles of Lyme’ on Facebook.
Friday, June 29 2018 11
www.lyme-online.co.uk
LYME REGIS TOWN COUNCIL More than £100k available for recreation projects in Lyme OVER £100,000 is available for recreation projects in or near Lyme Regis, and the town council is helping to spread the word. We’re working with West Dorset District Council to distribute funds to not-for-profit organisations for capital projects. A total of £102,300.13 is available for projects covering the arts, sport, museums and play equipment. The funding falls into seven categories: public open space; parks, gardens and outdoor sport; play areas; allotments; amenity space; natural greenspace; and community venues. The funding has been obtained through Section 106 agreements, related to planning permissions from 13 developments in Lyme Regis. The town council has identified a project it believes will be eligible for funding and will be making an application in its own right to West Dorset District Council. This would leave around £75,000 available to local organisations. We have contacted many local organisations who we believe may be eligible for
Section 106 funding but we don’t want to miss anyone out, so please spread the word. Together with the district council, we’re holding an open meeting on Wednesday 4 July at 7pm in the Guildhall, Lyme Regis, when organisations will be able to find out more information about the funding, check eligibility, and discuss potential bids. When considering possible projects, please be aware funding is available for equipment and buildings, but not for revenue funding, events, seminars, workshops, and repairs and maintenance works. However, equipment which could be shared by various events and used over a continued period, such as a stage or PA system, may be eligible. Projects and organisations must be based in or near Lyme Regis, and applications will be considered from neighbouring communities which serve Lyme Regis. Application forms are available from Adrianne Mullins, administrative officer, admin@lymeregistowncouncil.gov.uk.
Funding bid to make most out of space in seafront gardens THE flat-roofed area above the amusement arcade, antiques centre and SWIM restaurant is in need of repair. We’ll be carrying out some urgent patch repairs but we think this is a great opportunity to make better use of the space. The council hasn’t firmed up any plans yet, although designs are being drawn up for members to consider. The plan is to make this area an extension of the seafront gardens, making it more usable and fit-for-purpose, possibly including a new surface, seating, new railings, and electricity and water points.
The council has long aspired to create a concert bowl in the gardens, and it is hoped this project will provide a unique space for outdoor theatre, pop-up cinemas and open-air concerts. To support the project, we’re applying for funding from the Dorset LEADER programme, with up to £140,000 available for individual projects. This funding is available as part of the Rural Development Programme, aiming to support the rural economy, including tourism. We’ve made an initial expression of interest and hope we’ll be successful in drawing in funding for the benefit of the community.
Congratulations to Plastic Free Lyme Regis CONGRATULATIONS to Turn Lyme Green and its Plastic Free Lyme Regis steering group for achieving the Plastic Free Communities Award for the town. The town council has supported their efforts from the outset, awarding a £1,500 grant to help promote the work and appointing a member, Cllr Richard Doney, to the steering group. One of the key requirements in achieving this status from Surfers Against Sewage was to demonstrate the support of the local council, so our backing was essential. The steering group has worked tirelessly since the start of 2018 when they first set out to achieve the prestigious award and the council will continue to give its support to this important initiative.
Finishing touches being made to toilets THE finishing touches are being made to the newly-refurbished Marine Parade toilets. The £80,000 refurbishment is now in its final week after 10 weeks of construction work. We aimed to get the toilets re-opened by the peak season, so we’re pleased they’ll be finished well ahead of the school summer holidays. The council would like to thank residents,
visitors and local businesses for their patience and understanding during the works and once you’ve seen the finished product, we hope you’ll agree it was worth the disruption. Now our attention will turn to keeping the toilets in pristine condition, providing facilities the town can be proud of.
Council keen to encourage work experience students THE council has been joined by Woodroffe School pupil Tom Murray this week for his work experience placement. The year 10 pupil (pictured above) spent the week with the external works’ team, shadowing the gardening, maintenance, enforcement, lengthsmen and cleansing teams and learning about what they do. Tom, who lives in Lyme Regis, has been getting involved where he can and getting a taste of the world of work. Tom said: “I wanted to try new experiences outside. I’m still working out what I want to do for a career and I’d probably like to work outside, but I’m not 100 per cent sure yet so I wanted to test it.”
Two-way radios to help with event organisation GOOD communication is key to the running of any event. That’s why the council has bought 16 two-way radios to support events in Lyme Regis, helping with road closures and event safety and stewarding. Most of the local events are run by charities or not-for-profit organisations, who work hard to raise funds to host their events, and many of them work together to share resources, knowledge and equipment. The radios will help volunteers keep in touch with each other and keep the public safe, contributing to the smooth running of any event, but the £2,000 needed to purchase the radios would be out-of-reach for most, if not all, event organisers. The council was in full support of buying the radios for the benefit of all local events and they’ll be loaned out free-of-charge.
The 15-year old has particularly enjoyed working with the gardening team and found the enforcement officers’ work interesting. “It was quite different, because you saw the other side of things, with them giving out the tickets,” he said. The council is keen to support work experience and would encourage any young people interested in the work of the council to get in touch. We recognise the benefits of work experience, equipping young people with skills and experience, getting them workplace-ready, and helping them to choose the right career path. Tom was very pro-active in approaching the council himself and making arrangements for his week with us, and he’s shown himself to be very willing and enthusiastic. We wish him well in his future career.
Final bid made for transfer of assets THE council has made its final bid to West Dorset District Council to take on various assets and services in Lyme Regis. The formation of a unitary Dorset Council is imminent, so this is our final chance to come to an agreement with the outgoing district council. The deal includes public toilets, the tourist information centre, a town-centre car park and a land swap at Monmouth Beach, as well as managing several leases and areas of land. We’re expecting a final decision to be made by West Dorset District Council in mid-July, ready for implementation in March 2019.
THIS CONTENT IS PROMOTED BY LYME REGIS TOWN COUNCIL
12 Friday, June 29 2018
Young stars steal the show at Guitars On The Beach IN past years icons from the world of rock music have graced the stage at the unique Guitars On The Beach, now established as one of Lyme Regis’ most popular seaside attractions. At this year’s event, however, it was the town’s talented young performers who stole the limelight as hundreds gathered on Cobb beach for ten hours of rock ‘n’ roll. Crowds increased throughout the day for a full programme of entertainment, led by MC Jeff Scowen, leading up to a mass play-along with the Guitars On The Beach House Band performing a set dedicated to rock legends who died last year. A spokesman said: “We deliberately did not go chasing after a star name to front GOTB this year because we wanted to give prominence to showcasing the local young bands instead. And we’re so glad that we did because they, the young ones, were utterly superb. “The sun may not have shone, but new kids on the block did and they did the town and themselves proud. Phoebe Holmes, Harvey Causley, T Minus 10, The Velveteen Vigilantes, the Little Streets and Dream Phaser, all of them performed brilliantly and they massively impressed the crowd. T Minus 10 are only 12, for goodness sake, yet they played with the verve and confidence of old hands. “As for young guitarists like Tyler Street and Dream Phaser’s Fraser Earle, they could easily progress to become big rock stars; they have the style, the brilliant talent and the infectious swagger of a teenage Keith Richards and I very much hope that they scrap any plans to go to university and get into the music business instead, because rock and roll needs the boost of the likes of their young blood. “As ever we were in the hands of the weather gods and the bleak morning put a dampener on the size of the crowd but those who did come down to the beach enjoyed themselves immensely, by the time The IOUs closed the show with a blistering performance the whole beach was a big, bouncing dance hall. “Councillor Jeff Scowen was fantastic as our MC; although he was on his feet geeing-up the crowd for 12 hours, he was tireless in his enthusiasm and we owe him big thanks. “Thanks too to everybody who performed so excellently and thanks to all of those who supported and sponsored us, especially Lyme’s very generous town council. We hope the day put a couple of extra quid in the tills of local traders, as that is partly the aim of GOTB. “But overall we hope that people had fun, that’s the point of GOTB and next year we will make it even better. But this year was the kids’ year and you know what, they proved that they are very much more than alright.” Attention has now turned to plans for next year’s event, with musician Brian Street taking the helm as chairman of Guitars On The Beach and house band leader. Brian hopes to make the festival more of a guitar event, with stalls selling guitar equipment, a vintage guitars exhibition, guitar tutorial tents. It is planned to focus more on providing a “full on experience for the family of guitarists who come back year after year”, rather than concentrating on attempting to break the record for Britain’s Biggest Band, which was set at the event in 2014 but hasn’t been broken since.
www.lyme-online.co.uk
www.lyme-online.co.uk
MC for the day, Councillor Jeff Scowen (left) with musician Bob Brooker who played in the Guitars On The Beach House Band
THE Guitars On The Beach House Band led a mass play-along dedicated to rock legends who died last year
Friday, June 29 2018 13
timeoutinLyme
14 Friday, June 29 2018
www.lyme-online.co.uk
MUSIC | THEATRE | WHAT’S ON | COMPETITIONS
New facilities at Marine
TOWN councillors Jeff Scowen, Stan Williams and Steve Miller pictured with theatre director Gabby Rabbitts and regular audience member Katie Duncan at the event, which included the opening of the theatre’s new disabled toilet
THE Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis celebrated the launch of its new quarterly programme at a party for trustees, volunteers and Theatre Friends, a membership group for supporters of the arts venue. The event also marked the opening of the theatre’s new disabled toilet, by regular audience member Katie Duncan. Previously, wheelchair-users would have to leave the building to use facilities. Volunteers raised money over many years, and the Garnett Foundation also provided a grant to provide the new toilet. manager Theatre Sophia Moseley said: “We are working hard to put the Marine at the heart of the community. The opening of these facilities is aligned with that. “It’s vital that everyone can enjoy the theatre as a cultural asset to the town. Thank you to all who have raised money.”. Town councillors Jeff Scowen, Stan Williams, and deputy
mayor Steve Miller joined supporters for a celebratory drink in the sunshine. Councillor Scowen said: “It's great to be here at the Marine and see these new facilities open. It’s positive to see the hard work of fundraisers, making all the events here accessible to as many local people as possible.” The quarterly programme for the summer includes events with DJ Yoda, Talon, and Dr Feelgood all featured. Theatre director Gabby Rabbitts welcomed Theatre Friends to the party and
LYME RE REGIS, GISS, PUT YO YOUURR
Join us for food, craft beer and cocktails. Music kicks offf around 8.30pm
Marine Parade, Lyme Regi g s, Dorset, DT7 3JH Follow us on social media @swimlyme | 01297 442668 | info@weswim.co.uk
commented: “There’s something for everyone this summer. We have good value events such as the discos. The Sunday Sessions is free. “Sometimes we are bringing in bigger names to the town, which attracts people from other areas - that’s great for local businesses. Screenings like Glyndebourne are a good way for people to access culture at a low price.” The new programme is available from the theatre, or can be downloaded at www.marinetheatre.com
THEATRE manager Sophia Mosley welcomes guests to the programme launch
timeoutinLyme
Friday, June 29 2018 15
www.lyme-online.co.uk
MUSIC | THEATRE | WHAT’S ON | COMPETITIONS
Jurassic Fields set to be bigger than ever! JURASSIC Fields Music Festival continues to catch the imagination of the public, and that is refected in advance ticket sales for what is becoming undoubtedly one of the best value for money music events in the country. Now in its fifth year, such is its success that visitors from all over the UK will be heading for Asker Meadows, in Bridport, next month. The event, spanning Friday, July 13 and Saturday 14, is once again packed with headline acts together with the cream of local musicians, some established and some just starting out on their careers. Besides providing a community family weekend out, this is the exact objective of the festival; allowing talented musicians from around Bridport and West Dorset to rub shoulders with professionals, many of them of international status such as Fun Lovin’ Criminals, and to get first hand experience of performing on stage. Lauren Bannon, from Weymouth, a finalist in this year’s series of ‘The Voice’ is an example of its the festival’s success, having appeared twice at Jurassic Fields on her way to achieving stardom. This year’s Saturday headliners are The Dualers, a nine piece ska and reggae band from South East London. They progressed their career by performing alongside some of the biggest names in ska and reggae, including The Skatalites, Prince Buster, Toots and The Maytals, Ziggy Marley, Jimmy Cliff, UB40 and Madness. They sent shockwaves through the music industry when their single ‘Kiss On The Lips’ entered the UK charts at number 21, despite no national airplay or professional backing. Their next release ‘Truly Madly Deeply’ charted at number 23 and featured in the Hollywood blockbuster ‘Fools Gold’ starring Kate Hudson and Mathew McConaughey. With a number of album releases, several top 40 chart singles, a record-breaking nine sell out shows at the Indigo O2 and a large worldwide fan base behind them, their success has continued. Now heralded as one of Britain’s finest ska and reggae bands, The Dualers continue to play to sell-out crowds all over the UK, Europe & Asia. Such is their popularity that over half of the 25 dates on their UK tour, starting in October this year, have already sold out and the other venues only have a few tickets left, so it’s a big coup for the Jurassic Fields Music Festival to bring their “never to be missed performance” to fans on the Saturday evening. Headlining the main stage on Friday night are Dub Pistols, known as one of the hardest working bands in showbusiness. Founded by the ubiquitous Londoner Barry Ashworth in 1996, they have added a muchneeded swagger to the UK dance scene in recent years and their new album ‘Crazy Diamonds’
TANKUS The Henge will headline the Big Top stage
SKA and reggae band The Dualers take the Saturday headline slot at Jurassic Fields Festival finds the band at their uncontrollable, bassdriven best. Having headlined some of the biggest festivals in Europe, including Glastonbury, Bestival and Beat-Herder, they are a rampant mix of dub, reggae, ska, punk, breaks, beats and drum ‘n’ bass, the album is a full-on dub-quaking extravaganza, built for big felds and summer sound systems. The band happens to feature some of the biggest names in the game including Dancehall dons Beenie Man and Cuty Ranks, reggae singer Earl Sixteen, hip-hop act Too Many T’s, seminal MCs Navigator and the Ragga Twins, and longtime collaborator Lindy Layton.. Featuring more than 40 acts, the festival caters for a whole range of music. After last year’s mind blowing performance it was a no brainer to invite the mighty Tankus the Henge back again to headline Saturday’s Big Top. They wowed the crowd with a whole range of music that included lead singer and pianist Jaz Delorean stepping of the top of his piano seemingly into oblivion! It’s impossible not to be affected by the energy and industry of Dr and the Medics, and they also make another appearance at the festival on Saturday afternoon. Recognised as one of the best live acts on the circuit, their unique and sensationally flamboyant show, packed full of ‘Medic’d up’ 80s hits along with a few originals go down a storm at every show. Celebrating their 35th anniversary this year, don’t miss their massive 1986 number one ‘Spirit in the Sky’, which sold more than 23 million copies worldwide and topped the charts in nineteen countries.. A host of acts new to the festival include Rusty Shackle, The Leylines, Three Daf Monkeys and Noble Jacks. No Jurassic Fields Music Festival would be complete without West Dorset’s top two bands,, The Leggomen (Friday) and Shelby’s Elbow (Saturday). In addition to the music, there will also be live comedy on Saturday afternoon, once again hosted by Bridport’s own funny man Tom Glover who will be joined by Luke Honnoraty and Mike Cox.
There will also be a number of food stalls selling a wide range of different cuisines as well as craft stalls, whilst all the family is catered for with a dedicated children’s area which will include a visit from members of the Jurassic Fun Park entertainment team on Saturday afternoon. As a not-for-profit community event, pricing has been set to make the festival affordable for
everyone with a number of ticket combinations available. An adult weekend ticket costs just £30 with children under 13 accompanied by an adult going free. For more information on the festival, the latest updates and tickets, visit the website www.jurassicfields.com
timeoutinLyme
16 Friday, June 29 2018
www.lyme-online.co.uk
MUSIC | THEATRE | WHAT’S ON | COMPETITIONS
What’s on... Friday, June 29
Ladies Night Lyme Regis Football Club, 7.30pm A range of stalls offering fashion and beauty products, plus mini pamper treatments and tarot card reading available to book in advance, full bar and cocktail menu. Tickets £5 including a glass of prosecco on arrival, and first few to book receive a free goodie bag. Book by calling Francesca Evans on 07810 221 420.
Saturday, June 30
Bethany Chapel Coffee Morning Bethany Chapel, 10.30am Refreshments and cakes raising funds for the air ambulance and lifeboat. Free entry. Lyme Regis Poppy Run Lyme Regis Football Club, 11am Stalls, entertainment and food plus a 3km fun run starting from the new East Cliff Walk. Runners must register at the football club between 9.30am and 10.30am for the race at 11am. Entry costs £5, minimum age unaccompanied is 10 years. All proceeds to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. Live Music Night @ The Nag’s Head The Nag’s Head, 9pm Live music every Saturday night at The Nag’s Head, this week with acoustic covers duo Gut & Steel.
Sunday, July 1
Lym Delta Rhythm Kings Marine Theatre, 7pm Multi-instrumentalists Marshall Stapleton and Glenn Ford play toe-tapping train songs, ragtime, and raucous rockabilly, played on the latest acoustic instruments all hand-crafted by Marshall. Tickets from £8 available by calling 01297 442138 or visit www.marinetheatre.com. Bar opens 7pm, music at 8pm.
Monday, July 2
Football Club Cash Bingo Lyme Regis Football Club, 7.30pm Cash bingo in aid of Lyme Regis Football Club, held on the first Monday of every month. Eyes down 7.30pm, book of six for 10 games costs £4.20. LymeForward AGM Woodmead Halls, 7.30pm All are welcome to the annual general meeting of community interest company LymeForward. This will be followed by the regular LymeForward Partnership Meeting for July. Both meetings are open to everyone to listen and contribute, although only members of LymeForward will be able to vote.
Tuesday, July 3
Coach Trip to Wildside & Burnham Orchid Nursery Leaving Uplyme Village Hall, 9.15am A trip to the award-winning Burnham Nurseries in Newton Abbot and Wildside, near Yelverton, organised by the Uplyme & Lyme Regis Horticultural Society. Places cost £22 including tours and coffee call Jenny Harding on 01297 444034 or 445618 to book. Plastic Free Picnic Beach Hut 13, Marine Parade, 1pm Organised by Turn Lyme Green and Plastic Free Lyme Regis - bring along your own lunch and drink packed in anything but plastic! All welcome. Music By The Sea Marine Parade, 8pm The first of this year’s evening seafront concerts by Lyme Regis Town Band, to be held every Tuesday during summer.
Thursday, July 5
Lyme Regis Community Bingo Woodmead Halls, 8pm Bingo night every Thursday at the Woodmead Halls, raising funds for local organisations which are members of Lyme Regis Community Bingo Association. Eyes down 8pm.
Friday, July 6
B Sharp Summer Cabaret The Hub, 6.30pm Original music from local young musicians and bands. For details see www.bsharp.org.uk Talon - The Acoustic Collection Marine Theatre, 7pm Talon’s ‘In The Raw’ show will feature many of The Eagles classics, performed alongside the band’s own personal favourites. Tickets available from £17 by calling 01297 442138 or visit www.marinetheatre.com. Bar opens 7pm, music from 8pm.
Send your diary dates to francesca@lyme-online.co.uk www.lyme-online.co.uk/events
Saturday, July 7
Into The Groove 80s Disco Marine Theatre, 8pm Expect all the hits from Michael Jackson, Madonna, The Clash Duran Duran, and many more. Over the top 80s fancy dress is encouraged, but not compulsory. Tickets from £5 available by calling 01297 442138 or visit www.marinetheatre.com Live Music Night @ The Nag’s Head The Nag’s Head, 9pm Live music every Saturday night at The Nag’s Head, this week with classic rock four-piece Shakedown Ridge.
Sunday, July 8
Sunday Lunch Club Lyme Regis Football Club, 12.30pm The first regular Sunday roast at Lyme Regis Football Club. Two courses for £8.50 or £4 for children’s portion, plus a free draw ticket for a bottle of wine. To book a table call Francesca Evans on 07810 221 420. Music By The Sea Marine Parade, 2.30pm The first of this year’s afternoon seafront concerts by Lyme Regis Town Band, to be held every Sunday during summer.
Tuesday, July 10
Music By The Sea Marine Parade, 8pm Weekly seafront concerts by Lyme Regis Town Band, to be held every Tuesday during summer.
Wednesday, July 11
Talk: ‘The Hedgehog Predicament’ Woodmead Halls, 10am A talk organised by the Heritage Coast branch of the University of the Third Age (U3A), called ‘The Hedgehog Predicament’ with wildlife photographer Colin Varndell. Coffee and tea from 10am, talk from 11am. Lyme Lunches Lyme Regis Baptist Church, 12.30pm Community lunch for the over 50s, held of the second Wednesday of the month and organised by LymeForward. Tickets for a two-course lunch cost £6 and are available from Penny Black Café, behind the post office. Tickets must be booked in advance.
Thursday, July 12
St Michael’s Parish Church Beach Stall Marine Parade, 10am Tombola, produce, homecrafts, bric-a-brac, jewelley, books and cakes on the seafront, all in aid of the parish church. Flying Solo, Uplyme Church, 3.30pm This is a friendly, supportive, open group for anyone who has been a single parent and their children to chat, discover resources and build friendships with others who understand the complexities of single parenthood. Lyme Regis Community Bingo Woodmead Halls, 8pm Bingo night every Thursday at the Woodmead Halls, raising funds for local organisations which are members of Lyme Regis Community Bingo Association. Eyes down 8pm.
Friday, July 13
Addictive TV Marine Theatre, 7.30pm This acclaimed duo filmed improvised recording sessions with musicians around the world, then ingeniously sampled and spliced them together to create a digital super-group of international artists who never met, but play together on-screen. Tickets from £9 available by calling 01297 442138 or visit www.marinetheatre.com. Bar opens 7.30pm, music from 8.30pm.
Saturday, July 14
Lyme Regis Comedy Club Marine Theatre, 7pm A night of four comedians is headlined by the winner of the ITV stand-up comedy contest ‘Show Me The Funny’ Patrick Monohan, with support from Luke Honnoraty and Mike Cox, while Bridport’s Tom Glover hosts. Tickets from £8 available by calling 01297 442138 or visit www.marinetheatre.com. Bar opens 7pm, acts on stage at 8pm. Uplyme Summer Show & Country Fayre King George V Playing Field, Uplyme, 1pm Uplyme & Lyme Regis Horticultural Society’s annual show, plus family dog show and other traditional attractions throughout the afternoon.
Popular local artists to showcase work at mill
TWO colourful exhibitions of work by three popular local artists will grace the walls of the Town Mill’s galleries in the coming weeks, both running from June 29 to July 11. In a joint exhibition entitled ‘Them Again’, Zee Jones and Pam Allsop continue to explore mixed media, collage and colour in their return visit to the Courtyard Gallery. There is always something fresh in their work that encompasses themes of sea and landscapes, still life and flowers, as well as abstracts. For both artists, working in collage brings together their love of painting with their skill at sculpting images with mixed media in order to create texture, shape and structure. In this way, they create a painterly equivalent to sculpture, which they hope will be exciting, uplifting and pleasurable. Over at the Malthouse, artist Chelsea Davine will be offering a new show called ‘Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea’, which explores through photography and drawings the inspiration behind her large scale oil paintings. In her working practice, Chelsea draws upon memories and images of the Dorset coastline where she grew up and the details of its surrounding landscape, as well as the energy and vibrancy of the architecture of the city where she now lives, Barcelona. Returning to Lyme Regis for this exhibition provided her with the perfect opportunity to showcase her collection of photographs and the materials she is inspired by alongside the work she exhibits around the world. Chelsea said: “Being able to exhibit in the form of a solo show in the beautiful Malthouse gallery
back home in Lyme Regis, where I spent my formative years, I felt it would be a perfect opportunity to explore and show the photographs I have taken over the years and the materials that I am inspired by, alongside the work I exhibit around the world.” Both exhibitions are open daily from 10.30am, admission is free and further details can be found at www.townmillarts.co.uk
Town band join national Brass Fest LYME Regis Town Band will be taking part in Brass Fest 2018. a national initiative which provides brass bands with the opportunity to promote music in their local community. This year’s event commenced in January when a competition was held to find a new piece of music for brass bands, arranged in such a way that it can be played by musicians of all abilities, from beginners to professionals. The competition was won by Max Stannard who submitted a piece of music called ‘Into the Future’. Over the weekend of July 6 to 8, brass bands all over the UK are being encouraged to perform this piece in public and Lyme Regis Town Band will be including ‘Into the Future’ in its first afternoon concert on Marine Parade on Sunday, July 8, starting at 2.30pm. The band is planning a varied programme of music, including old favourites as well as some new material, and the concert will also include the usual element of audience participation, when members of the public are invited to join the band on percussion instruments. A spokesperson for the band said: “Lyme
Regis Town Band is always keen to attract new members of all ages and abilities. We have a group of six young children from local primary schools currently learning in our training band and they are making excellent progress. “We also welcome ‘rusty players’ who perhaps have not played for a while, who would like to start playing again. “We are very pleased to be taking part in Brass Fest 2018 when we will join with many other bands across the country in promoting brass band music.”
Friday, June 29 2018 17
www.lyme-online.co.uk IN our regular series commemorating the 100th anniversaries of the deaths of all men from Lyme Regis and the surrounding area who died in the First World War, this week we remember James William Hounsell and Humphrey St John Hewitt. With thanks to Vernon Rattenbury from the Royal British Legion for the research.
JAMES WILLIAM HOUNSELL
Private, 1st Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment Service No. 31031 Born 1879 in Lyme Regis and died July 5 1918 in Frevent, France The family moved from Lyme to Reading where James was foreman of a wallpaper warehouse until the outbreak of the First World War. He enlisted at Reading and served on the Western Front. James Hounsell arrived in France some time in 1916. On March 21 1916 his battalion found themselves in trenches at La Boisselle. On the first day of the Battle of the Somme, July 1 1916, at 7.30am they advanced through Authuille Wood to attack the German lines, all the time under machine gun fire. Here they paused at Wood Post before starting to cross 120 yards of open ground towards the enemy at 8.45am. A company were shot down and B Company badly depleted. The survivors were pinned down in two groups with only 26 making it into the German trenches. The remainder held the British front line opposite the Leipzig Redoubt under heavy shellfire until relieved at midnight by the Highland Light Infantry. James Hounsell died of wounds at the casualty clearing station, Frevent. The son of James and Bessie Hounsell, of Lyme Regis, and husband of Mary Hounsell of 3 Thames Avenue, Reading, he is buried in St Hilaire Cemetery extension, Frevent, France, grave J.13. He is commemorated on the memorial in St Lawrence Church, Market Place, Reading.
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM HUMPHREY St JOHN HEWITT
Second Lieutenant, 5th Battalion, London Regiment Born July 9 1894 in Walditch, Bridport , and died July 9 1918 in Somme, France Humphrey worked at Lloyds Bank in Lyme Regis and enlisted while a resident of the town. He arrived in France on January 16 1916 where his battalion took part in the following actions: Attack on the Gommecourt Salient, July 1 1916; Battle of Ginchy, September 9 1916; Battle of FlersCourcelette, September 15 to 22 1916; Battle of Morval, September 25 to 28 1916; Battle of Le Transloy, October 1 to 18 1916; First Battle of the Scarpe, April 9 to 14 1917; Third Battle of the Scarpe, May 3 to 4 1917; Battle of Langemarck, August 16 to 18 1917. The Tank Attack, November 20 1917; Capture of Bourlon Wood, November 23 to 28 1917; German counter attack, November 40 to December 3 1917. During this time he was promoted to Lance Corporal and gained a commission as Second Lieutenant on January 30 1918. Humphrey was killed on his 25th birthday, shot through the throat while leading his men into action. The son of Henry St John and Kathleen Hewitt, of Bank House, Wimborne, Dorset, he is buried in Dernancourt Communal Cemetery Extension, Somme, France, grave VIII. G. 4 and is commemorated on the Wimborne War Memorial. His name is also recorded in the Lloyd’s Bank Memorial Album 1914-1918.
Time to ditch plans for second park and ride? THE Mayor of Lyme Regis, Councillor Michaela Ellis, has advised Lyme Regis Town Council to forget about the Sidmouth Road park and ride and concentrate on other important issues in the town.
The council’s application for temporary planning permission to continue using the Sidmouth Road site as a park and ride this summer was turned down by East Devon District Council, having been opposed by Uplyme Parish Council, amid claims that Lyme had not provided the full information required. East Devon District Council took the unusual step of issuing a press release about its decision so that its reasons for refusal were made clear to the public. Councillor Ellis told last week’s meeting of the Town Management and Highways Committee: “I think we are at a point where we have done all we can. I would like to see us drop that and just concentrate our energies on everything else in the town and the Charmouth Road park and ride. It just makes sense to me.” Councillor Jeff Scowen asked whether a start had been made on the proposed traffic survey the council had commissioned for £25,000 and what the timescale for this was. Deputy town clerk Mark Green said it would take several months and the company carrying out the work, Hydrock, would need to do their work across the summer months. Councillor Derek Hallett said the mayor was “100 per cent correct on this”. He added: “We have got Bob McHardy’s parking field [Haye Lane]. He only started that because there was nothing happening at Sidmouth Road. He can take 240 cars, 100 more
PHILIP EVANS
philip@lyme-online.co.uk
than Sidmouth Road. We don’t need it.” Councillor Scowen commented: “I would agree with what has been said about Sidmouth Road but I would certainly want to see signage from the west directing people there because they may only come once a year and will wonder what has happened to Sidmouth Road.” Councillor Brian Larcombe said that legally they could use the Sidmouth Road park and ride for 28 days without permission, adding: “But I wouldn’t bother with the aggro. Committee chairman John Broom added: “Why would there be aggro? We would be doing it legally. Councillor Larcombe: “It would kick off with Uplyme again if we do that.” Councillor Cheryl Reynolds: “We are anyway.” Councillor Larcombe suggested the council concentrate its efforts on Charmouth Road park and ride instead, which is now up and running. With regards to the Sidmouth Road site, Councillor Ellis added: “My concern is that if officers are going to sit doing another report, taking time, what’s the point?” Mr Green said one option was simply “to do nothing” until the council received the report from Hydrock. Councillor Stan Williams said the council had decided weeks ago to put up a sign on the Devon side of town directing traffic to the Charmouth Road park and ride but it had never been done. Mr Green said that the sign had been requested.
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
Orchid Home Help
Laura Fewkes and Laura Sleep - former bank colleagues and now business partners
Friends set up home help company TWO friends who have known each other for many years and who both worked in banking have set up a home-help company operating within a 15-mile radius of Axminster. With over 50 years of service with the National Westminster Bank behind them, Laura Fewkes and Laura Sleep have put their people skills to good use by setting up Orchid Home Help. Working behind the counter at the bank for so long, both Lauras were used to helping customers, particularly the elderly ones, with form filling, etc, and decided to take redundancy after local branches were closed.
Orchid Home Help will assist their clients with all their domestic needs from cleaning, shopping, ironing and cooking to companionship, helping with paperwork and accompanied trips. They believe their service will help the elderly to retain their independence and stay in their homes longer. However, their service is not just aimed at the elderly, but at all those who lead busy lives and may not have time to sort out their domestic duties. Orchid Home Help will charge an hourly fee for their services and can be contacted on 07498 259 123.
communitynews
18 Friday, June 29 2018
www.lyme-online.co.uk
All invited to Plastic Free Picnic
TURN Lyme Green and Plastic Free Lyme Regis invite all to a picnic on the beach on Tuesday, July 3. The plastic-free event will be held at beach hut 13 on Marine Parade from 1pm - just turn up with lunch and a drink packed in anything but plastic! On Thursday, July 19, Graham Jones will lead guests on an inspired and gentle walk on a seldom-visited area of Trinity Hill. All are welcome, meet at the small woodland car park on Trinity Hill Road at 6.45pm. For further details on both events, call Jo Smith Oliver on 07525 005 430. Turn Lyme Green welcomes all comments, suggestions and feedback. For further information visit www.turnlymegreen.co.uk or www.plasticfreelymeregis.uk
Scouts put to the test at ‘Strategy’ THE 1st Lym Valley Scouts attended national event ‘Strategy’ over the weekend, as part of an action-packed summer programme. The troop came 76th out of 295 teams, putting them in the top 25 per cent of teams at the event. The Scouts had to complete multiple challenges in a bid to win points, including navigating a cave bus, frisbee golf, ‘Supermarket Sweep’, ‘Total Wipeout’ balls and many more puzzles and games. Leader Karen Yelland said: “I’m really proud of the Scouts that took part in this years event. It takes a lot of effort to do it and the heat we experienced over the weekend certainly took the difficulty up a few notches. “The young people were after something that challenged them and I think they found it!” It was not all work, however, as the youngsters also enjoyed an on-site disco and café, allowing them to relax after a hard day’s work. The Scouts have spaces for boys and girls aged between 10 and 14, if you know someone that wants to join the adventure, get in touch with Karen Yelland by emailing yellandpay@aol.com For more information on the troop or to watch a video of the ‘Strategy’ event, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/1stlymvalley
High tea at next Lyme Lunch THE next of the monthly Lyme Lunches will be held on Wednesday, July 11 with a special high tea, including sandwiches and cakes. The community lunches, organised by LymeForward, are held on the second Wednesday of the month at Lyme Regis Baptist Church and are open to everyone, particularly the over 50s. Doors open at 12.15pm for 12.30pm and tickets cost £6 and must be booked in advance at Penny Black Café, behind the post office.
Church to host beach stall
School to host summer fair
ST Michael’s Parish Church will hold its annual beach stall on Thursday, July 12. The stall will be held at the Marine Parade shelters from 10am to 3.30pm, with a tombola, produce, homecrafts, bric-a-brac, jewellery, books and cakes on offer. All proceeds to the parish church.
Lyme Regis Branch
MEMBERS of the 1st Lym Valley Scout Group pictured at the recent ‘Strategy’ national challenge event
ST Michael’s Primary School will host its annual summer fair on Friday, July 6 from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. There will be a barbecue, bar, games, stalls, ice-creams, competitions and a gunge factory. A wheelbarrow of alcohol is up for grabs in the raffle, and there are lots of other prizes to be won in the games and competitions.
A trip down memory lane...
Don’t miss our forthcoming events: August 16th Strawberries and Prosecco
in the Lister Room £10 Part of Community Week Phone 07796 951991 to book
August 25th The Big Cream Tea £7 in the Lister Room 3-5pm Phone 07796 951991 to book
September 21st Soup and Sweet Lunch
at the Woodmead Halls 12 noon to 2pm All welcome
October 26th Coffee Morning and Cake Stall Baptist Church Hall, Silver Street
November 3rd Bonfire Curry Night
Lister Room Watch the fireworks while enjoying a delicious curry Phone 07796 951991 to book
November 30th Christmas Bingo at the Woodmead Halls All welcome
AS Lyme Regis Regatta & Carnival celebrates its 70th anniversary this summer, we look back at festivities in 1950. Pictured above, from left, are macebearer Fred ‘Goosey’ Gollop; Regatta chairman Chas Hallet (behind); Regatta & Carnival Queen Pat Emmett (nee White); ‘Buffy’ Street; the Mayor of Lyme Regis, Fred King; Miss Enticott (first name not given); and macebearer George Norman. The photo was provided by local historian Ken Gollop, who showed it at one of his popular ‘Under Shady Tree’ nostalgia talks in 2001. If you have a photo to feature in our ‘A Trip Down Memory Lane’ nostalgia feature, post or drop it into the LymeOnline offices at Unit 5 Uplyme Business Park, Uplyme Road, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3LS or email a copy to francesca@lyme-online.co.uk along with a caption and as many names as possible. Posted photos can be scanned and returned, please include a stamped, addressed envelope for return.
communitynews
Friday, June 29 2018 19
www.lyme-online.co.uk
Luggers entertain at ‘Meet & Remember’
THE Lyme Luggers ukulele group entertained residents attending the latest ‘Meet & Remember’ session organised by LymeForward. The Luggers played a selection of songs from the 1950s and 60s on the newly-built patio at Lyme Regis Football Club, where those attending soaked up the sun while joining in a sing-along. The event also included refreshments and parachute games. Heather Prior from LymeForward said: “Thanks to Lyme Luggers and the volunteers who made the session happen, especially the students from the Woodroffe School, who took time out from their studies to help.” The next meeting of ‘Meet & Remember’ will be on Wednesday, July 18 at 2pm at Lyme Regis Football Club, where nurse Sally Cable will be talking about the importance of hydration. All are welcome, the event is free and there is free parking available at the club.
local services CLEANING
e Lym
Bay Cleaning and
Maintenance End/Beginning of sales End/Beginning of lease Full Maintenance Service Carpet Cleaning specialists Holiday Let Cleans
Now taking on staff
SECURITY
TV AERIALS
BOILER ENGINEERS
AERIALS & CABLE TV & Radio Aerials
• Installations & Repairs • Satellite Installation • UHF & VHF • Multi Point Installation Tel: 01297 443928 Mobile 07814 481833
PRINTING SERVICES
PHOTOGRAPHY LP HYOME BAY TO G RA P H Y Ap per erssona onal pho photogra tographic phic service service byy R Ro ob b Coombe Coombe
Portcullis Alarms ●
Security Consultant ● Insurance Risk Surveys ● Intruder Alarms ● CCTV Systems ● Fire Alarms & Safety Systems ● Fire Risk Assessments ● Alarm Maintenance and Monitoring Tel: 01297 445879 / 07590 559294 email: nigel@portcullisalarms.co.uk web: www.portcullisalarms.co.uk with us you’re in safe hands
FITNESS INSTRUCTOR
contact us for a free quote or advice today
Beautiful, natural wedding photos to cherish for a lifetime
high quality fast turnaround digital print
t: 01305 75 74 72 e: sales@advantagedigitalprint.com w: www.advantagedigitalprint.com
07921 556723 lymebayphotography@gmail.com www.lymebayphotography.com lymebayphotos
@lymebayphotos
ADVERTISE your business
£8 per insertion, minimum 4 weeks booking (to be prepaid)
@ lymebayphotography
TO FEATURE YOUR BUSINESS IN OUR LOCAL SERVICES SECTION CALL 01297 442781
20 Friday, June 29 2018
FLASHBACKS with Richard Austin
www.lyme-online.co.uk
Tales from behind the lens of our award-winning photographer
SINCE I was a small boy I’d listen to stories about the Second World War, mainly from my grandfather and Tom Fowler, my next door neighbour. My father never really spoke about the war himself and I realise now that it was just too painful; he lost his father, his brother and his brother-in-law in the fight against the Nazis. So over the many years as a news photographer I always took very seriously all wartime anniversaries and all sorts of Remembrance gatherings and parades. I was delighted when Western Morning News editor Barrie Williams decided to send an editorial team to Normandy for the 60th anniversary of D-Day in 2004. Reporter Sarah Pitt, feature writer Martin Hesp and myself
sailed from Portsmouth to Cherbourg and the great thing was that we sailed with at least 100 Normandy Veteran Association members. The stories those brave men told non-stop for six hours were spell binding and the trip was worth it just for the ferry crossing alone. I managed to meet and photograph dozens of veterans in many small nooks around Arromanches. There are many small cemeteries dotted around northern France; relatives and comrades knew exactly where their loved ones were buried. Stand out moments for me were the blind man whose grandson had just found side-by-side war graves of his two best friends killed on D-Day, as all three of them landed on the beaches. He
said he didn’t know why they were killed and he wasn’t, and became very upset as both his hands grasped the grave stones. As we were driving back to Arromanches and to the beach, I stopped the car and picked a handful of wild poppies, I wanted to lay them on the sand where so many men had come ashore under a hail of machine gun bullets. The sea water ran up the sand and lipped over the poppies, a landing craft in the background finished off the picture which made many newspapers including a few front pages. For me the image was a stark reminder of how the colour red stood out on a sandy beach which 60 years previous would have been the blood of fallen soldiers.
Ania takes the plunge for Royal British Legion DESPITE having a fear of heights and reaching an age when most people are taking it easy, Lyme Regis resident Ania Driver has raised £1,000 for the Royal British Legion by joining the Red Devils in a free fall parachute jump. She made the jump at Brize Norton on Tuesday after going on a crash diet to be fit enough to complete the fall. Ania, a former Royal Navy nurse who is a volunteer at the Town Mill in Lyme, is an active member of the Legion’s Lyme Regis branch. Branch chairman Ian Marshall, a former officer in the British Army, was full of admiration for Ania after she landed safely. He told LymeOnline: “Ania’s free fall jump has been a massive personal achievement for her as she has overcome a number of personal hurdles and in doing so raising over £1,000 for
the Royal British legion Poppy Appeal. “She particularly wanted to do the jump this year as her way of recognising the 100th anniversary of the ending of World War One and to commemorate the memory of her late husband Terry, who served in the Royal Marines. “The Royal British Legion supported their family during Terry’s last few years. “We in the Lyme Regis branch of the Royal British Legion are immensely proud of Ania in all that she has achieved. Well done Ania.” There is still time to donate to Ania’s cause by visiting the Just Giving website and search for Ania Driver. “Thumbs up for daredevil Ania” - see Lyme Matters on page 6
Friday, June 29 2018 21
www.lyme-online.co.uk
Skittles League presentation night Roll of Honour season 2017-18
Hot Gossips who won the Ladies League and three other trophies
Wootton Wobblers, runners-up in the Ladies Division, and losing finalists in the Bob Sweetland Knock-Out Cup
LADIES’ DIVISION Bob Sweetland Knock-Out Cup - winners Hot Gossips; runners-up - Wootton Wobblers. Doug Clark Knock-Out Cup - winners Hot Gossips; runners-up La Creme. George Nomination Knock-Out Cup - winners Hot Gossips; runners-up - Smashers. Lowest Nomination Score - Maureen Fowler (4). Highest Nomination Individual Score - Terri Holmes (57). Ladies Pairs Knock-Out - winners Shelley Larcombe and Sarah Churchill; runners-up - Sue Yeatman and Karen Aldworth. Singles Knock-Out Cup - winner Sarah Churchill; runner-up - Joyce White. Captains Cup - Lowest Score Heather Kitcher (Smashers); winner - Vicky Whatmore (Skittso’s); runner-up Emma Blackmore (Hot Gossips). Dave Smith Highest Team Score - winners Hot Gossips (368). Highest Individual League Score - Terri Holmes (81). Wooden Spoon - Rollercoasters. Beer leg - Smashers. Ladies League Winners - Hot Gossips; runners-up Wootton Wobblers. MIXED Dave Smith Mixed Pairs - winners Elaine and Nigel Bearpark; runners-up- Angela and Barry Rattenbury. Cawston All Cup - winners Alleytwits; runners-up Rousdon Rebels. MEN’S DIVISION Cornish Cup - winners No Hopers; runners-up Roadrunners. Bob Sweetland Cup - winners No Hopers; runnersup Tornadoes. Palmers Cup -winners No Hopers; runners-up Young Guns. Division Two Curtis Nomination - winners Alleytwits; runners-up Anthill Mob. Nomination - Lowest Score David Clifford (3); Highest Score Alec Aldworth (69). Division One George Nomination winners Marksmen; runners-up No Hopers. Men’s Pairs Knock-Out - winners Richard Beviss and Gary Gibbs; runners-up Dave Durrall and James Bennett. Den Parsons Singles Cup - winner Iain Locke; runner-up Tim Mayers. Max Rose Captains Cup - Lowest Score Grahame Kent; winner Mark Williams (Anthill Mob); runner-up Nigel Bearpark (Marksmen). Division Two Wooden Spoon - Shakers/President’s Men. Division One Wooden Spoon - Clueless. Jack Case Highest Individual Score (League/Cups) - Tim Mayers (87). Bert Smith Highest Team Score -No Hopers (403). Division Two Beer Leg - winners Alleytwits/Rousdon Rebels. Division One Beer Leg - winners Marksmen. Division Two League winners Anthill Mob; runners-up Alleytwits. Division One League - winners No Hopers; runners-up Flyers. Trophies were presented by Alan Henson, landlord of The Ship Inn.
No Hopers, Men’s Division One champions who went all season without losing a league fixture as well as winning four cups Photos by PHILIP EVANS
Anthill Mob, winners of the Men’s Division Two League and losing finalists in the Curtis Nomination Cup
La Creme, who play at The George in Charmouth, runners-up in the Doug Clark Knock-Out Cup
Terri Holmes was the highest individual scorer in the Ladies league with 81
Nigel and Elaine Bearpark, winners of the Dave Smith Mixed pairs trophy
Flyers, runners-up to Men’s League Division One
Shelley Larcombe (right) and Sarah Churchill, winners of the Ladies Pairs Knock-Out Cup
Alleytwits, runners-up in Men’s Division Two and joint winners of the Beer Leg with Rousdon Rebels
For more Skittles League pictures see photo gallery on www.lyme-online.co.uk
classifieds&jobs
22 Friday, June 29 2018
www.lyme-online.co.uk
ITEMS FOR SALE
GOOD quality double mattress, unmarked, £50, buyer collects - 07771 363 810. BREAD Maker Panasonic SD253, perfect working order, £8 - 01297 442960. OLYMPUS Trip 35. & Hanimex flash x 140, glass cracked but flash works perfectly, plus camera bag, £35 - 01297 35223. CANON Sure Shot 76 Zoom with carry case, £9 - 01297 35223.
ITEMS TO SELL?
You can advertise items for sale up to £200 free by filling in the form below or emailing francesca@lyme-online.co.uk
Please note this service is only for private sellers, not for commercial items, tradespeople or vehicles. Please include a brief description of your item, the cost and a telephone number where a buyer may contact you. If you wish to advertise an item over £200 your advertisement will cost 10p per word, please email or phone us to arrange payment. Please also include your name and address, although this will not be published.
TWO single John Lewis mattresses, very little use, spotless, £65 - 01297 32237.
PRINT OR ONLINE ADVERTISING? Get the best of both worlds by advertising with LymeOnline! We offer the most competitive advertising rates in the local area, and for every advert booked in our printed paper, you’ll get a FREE advert on our popular website
MARKET stall, 8ft x 4ft, complete with tarpaulin, side curtains, all accessories, £60, seen erected - 01297 489133. ROOF TILES, red clay,very good condition free, 12 fancy ridge tiles £5 each - 01297 444022. KID LEATHER COAT, XXL, dark green threequarter length. Offers around £40, - Simon 07870 603345. V-FIT Magnetic Cross Trainer MTE3 Excellent Condition £75 - 01297 442169 FREE large oval dark green leather pouffe – 01297 443419. ERCOL Pebble 3-legged coffee table (elm/beech), £90, 25”x17” - 07565 526524.
Join the club!
Join the LymeOnline Supporters’ Club for just £4 a week and you’ll feature on the ‘Advertising Wall’ on our website and in our printed edition Club members will also benefit from a 10% discount on all other print and online advertising For details call 01297 442781 or visit our website lyme-online.co.uk
Your name: ....................................................................................................................... Your address: .................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... Telephone number: .........................................................................................................
Send this form to: Items For Sale, LymeOnline, Unit 5, Uplyme Business Centre, Uplyme Road, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3LS
Are you a not-for-profit organisation in or near Lyme Regis providing recreational activities? If so, you may be eligible to apply for capital funding for projects related to the arts, sports, museums and play equipment West Dorset District Council has £102,300.13 of Section 106 funding available for capital projects and is working with Lyme Regis Town Council to allocate the money to eligible projects The funding falls into seven categories: public open space; parks, gardens and outdoor sport; play areas; allotments; amenity space; natural greenspace; and community venues Funding is available for organisations based in or near Lyme Regis, for equipment and buildings, but not for revenue funding, events, seminars, workshops, or repairs and maintenance works Lyme Regis Town Council has arranged an open meeting on Wednesday 4 July at 7pm in the Guildhall, Lyme Regis for local organisations to find out more, check eligibility, and discuss potential projects Application forms are available from Adrianne Mullins, administrative officer, admin@lymeregistowncouncil.gov.uk, 01297 445175 Lyme Regis Town Council, Guildhall Cottage, Church Street, Lyme Regis, DT7 3BS Applications must be returned to Leisure and Tourism Divisions, West Dorset District Council, South Walks House, South Walks Road, Dorchester, DT1 1UZ, or by email to leisureWDWP@dorset.gov.uk by Wednesday 1 August 2018
Friday, June 29 2018 23
www.lyme-online.co.uk
LymeOnline Sport
email your sports reports to edit@lyme-online.co.uk
Promotion for Lyme’s Devon League teams LYME Regis footballers are celebrating today after it was confirmed at the Devon & Exeter League’s annual meeting last Friday that both the First team and Reserves have been promoted.
It was expected that the 1st X1 would go up to the Premier Division after finishing in third place in Division One, but the elevation of the Reserves, who came fourth in Division Five, to the Division Four next season was by no means a shoe-in and has delighted club officials. The first team will be playing in the highest standard in their 133 years of history and means the Seasiders will resume local derbies with clubs like Seaton
By PHILIP EVANS
philip@lyme-online.co.uk and Beer. It provides new manager Gerard Hitchcock with a huge challenge but the Seasiders showed on a number of occasions last season, particularly towards the end when they went on 12-game unbeaten run under caretaker manager Mark Bailey, that they were more than capable of playing at a higher level. The elevation to the Premier Division is a feather in the cap of the club’s longest serving chairman Howard Larcombe who has nursed
the Seasiders through the last 11 years with dignity and modesty, earning great admiration in football circles. Howard will be the first to admit that he has the backing of an enthusiastic and committed committee and a group of fundraisers, mostly women, who are consistently bringing in the money which has enabled the club to provide some of the best playing and social facilities of any club in local football. He will also acknowledge the support of Lyme Regis Town Council which has given generous financial backing to the club’s development
programme, Project Fortify, which next season will deliver a 40-seater covered stand for Lyme’s enthusiastic supporters. The 15 teams Lyme 1sts will meet next season are: Beer Albion, Clyst Valley, Cronies, Exmouth Town, Exwick Villa, Feniton, Colyton, Heavitree United, Newton St Cyres, Newtown, Okehampton Argyle, Seaton Town, Topsham Town, Upottery, Witheridge. The Reserves will be playing: Alphington, Black Swan Town, Elmore, Feniton, Halwill, Hemyock, Millwey Rise, Pinhoe, Sampford Peverell, St Martin’s, Teignmouth,
Lyme’s much admired longest serving chairman - Howard Larcombe University of Exeter, Winkleigh. Lyme’s third X1, the Rovers will compete again in Division Three of the Perry Street League. Pre-season training commences at
the Davey Fort at 6 pm on July 3rd.
cricket
golf
Struggling Uplyme put up brave fight
Pictured are the seniors' club championship winner – David Fidge on the right, with seniors' handicap champion Andy West on the left.
Fidge holds his nerve By Richard Jackman
IN Division One of the June stableford at Lyme Regis Golf Club Ian Mudford shot an excellent level par score in his 38 points, but was undone for top spot by Simon Harris who finished exceptionally well and won on countback to take the coveted top spot. Only a point behind and playing very well was Rob Coombe with 37 points. Division Two was much more clear cut as Alan Brown romped away, not scoring less than two points a hole as he was the clear winner with 43 points while Steve Piper had a brilliant front nine in his 39 points to secure second place while Jon Cullimore could not maintain momentum but still finished in third with 38. The seniors’ club championship was played over over days and after day one Mike Mudford was in top spot of the scratch competition with some masterly golf finishing on an impressive 75, two ahead of his nearest rival. Andy West blitzed the course finish-
ing on a nett 68 to lead the handicap cup. With all to play for on day two, the leading group starting last, played some classic medal golf as front runners David Fidge and Pete Sargent traded blows in the scratch competition. In the end Fidge just held his nerve to finish one point ahead, securing victory on the 18th green. Peter Cogan had two consistent rounds to finish third. In the handicap competition Andy West’s first round lead proved unassailable as he won with shots to spare from Peter Cogan in second spot and Richard Jackman in third. The ladies’ betterball stableford saw an emphatic win for ladies captain Susan Moore and Sarah Kilcoyne as they went on a point’s spree on the front nine with 25 points in their total of 44. Gilly Madill and Amy Mudford secured second spot as they accumulated a solid 40 points leaving Jenny Scott and Debbie Shinners in third with 39 points.
UPLYME & Lyme Regis Cricket Club, facing a financial crisis off the pitch, put up a brave fight in a low-scoring game at the King George V playing field last Saturday. Uplyme won the toss against Barnstaple and Pilton CC and elected to bat. But they were soon in trouble, losing opener Laurie Thomas with only one run on the board. In the end they were bowled out for 80 off 27.2 overs, with six batsmen failing to trouble the scorer. The only real resistance came from Steve Batey, batting at number five, who scored 38 runs . Only two other batsmen, Rob Thom (12) and James Whetlor (10) managed double figures. Barnstaple & Pilton knocked off the required runs for victory in 19 overs but it didn’t go all their way. They lost seven wickets before winning the game with James Whetlor starring with the ball, taking 4-27 off his eight allotted overs. ● OVER the years there have been some titanic struggles between local rivals Uplyme & Lyme Regis CC and their neighbours across the Devon border, Chardstock. This was not one of them as Uplyme struggled with the bat again. Chardstock won the toss and put the visitors into bat. Uplyme opener Laurie Thomas put up a good show with a knock of 29, including two fours and two sixes, but the only others to shine with the bat were Bruce Maltby (27) and Steve Batey (31) as Uplyme were skittled out for 142 runs off 41.4 overs. Top bowler for Chardstock was
Gary Larcombe with figures of 424 off nine overs. The home team knocked off the runs for their 20 points in 23 overs for the loss of five wickets with Tyler Wellman taking 3-44 off his allotted overs. ● UPLYME & Lyme Regis 2nds fielded only nine men for their away fixture at Feniton 2nd X1. Feniton won the toss and elected to bat, running up a total of 239 for 4 off 40 overs with Kevin Brandom top scoring on 69. It was a hot afternoon for the bowlers with the wickets being shared by Sam Sims (2-25 off four overs) and Jack Rattenbury (2 for 59 off eight overs).
In reply, Uplyme never lookedlike getting anywhere near Feniton’s total and they were bowled out for just 73 with openers Eddie Clarke and Jerry Simms being the only batsmen to reach double figures. Former players are getting together to organise a reunion dinner to raise funds at the Lyme Regis Football Club for the cricket club on Thursday, August 23rd with comedian Jimmy Quinn. Tickets for a two-course supper are £15 available by calling Philip Evans on 07796 951991. “We won’t let our club die” - see page 24
bowls
Successful tournament week
By Paul Moffitt
THE annual tournament at Lyme Regis Bowling Club was its usual successful week, attracting bowlers from far and wide who love playing on the Lyme green, providing a boost to the local economy outside the main season. The start of the week was more like winter but, by the end of the week it was high summer. Roger Woolland, of Seaton Bowls Club, was the main beneficiary of the week, winning both the men’s singles and with his partner, Shirley Fewtrell, the pairs title as well, having won both titles previously. Results: Men’s Singles: Roger Woolland, Seaton, 21; Steve Pomeroy, Lyme Regis, 12. This was a close game to begin with, but Roger prevailed with long jack lengths to end up a comfortable winner.
Ladie’s Singles: Jenny Andrews,Blandford’, 22; Karen Hofen, Greenhill, 16. At 16-all this was anyone’s title, but Jenny eased ahead denying Karen another shot. Open Pairs: Roger Woolland, Seaton, and Shirley Fewtrell, Ottery St Mary, 27; Richard Cridge and Alan Nabarro, Lyme Regis, 12. This game was better than the score would suggest, with Richard and Alan putting up a spirited fight. Open Triples: Carl Stephens, John Beadsley, Lyme Regis’, and George Doig, Hyde Abbey, 17; Jan Fracz, Lorraine and John Dunsford, Canford, 16. Nailbiting stuff this one, at 16 all going into the last end, this really was anyones game to win.
Follow local sport 24/7 on our website - www.lyme-online.co.uk
LymeOnline Sport
24 Friday, June 29 2018
June 29 2018
www.lyme-online.co.uk
Support Uplyme & Lyme Regis Cricket Club this summer This Saturday’s match: 2nd X1 home to Cheriton Fitzpaine
‘We will not let our club die’ PLAYERS RALLY TO CALL TO SAVE UPLYME CRICKET CLUB CURRENT and former players, supporters and well-wishers have rallied round to ensure that financial difficulties will not put the 132-year-old Uplyme & Lyme Regis Cricket Club out of business.
After reeciving a letter from chairman Ian Thomas at the end of last week stating that the club was “on the brink of collapse”, all those connected with the club have collectively made it clear that they will not let the club die. A fundraising compaign has been launched to raise £4,300 by early September when the cricket season draws to a close. This will enable the club to purchase outright a roller necessary to produce wickets ro meet the criteria set down by the Devon Cricket League. The club has spent £2,900 this season on a rent to buy arrangement in which the club has to pay a further £5,300 by the end of the season, £2,000 of which will come from a grant from Lyme Regis Town Council. At at a public meeting held at the King George V playing field, where the cricketers occupy the clubhouse on Monday evening, it was clear that the fundraising had already started with a donation of £150 from the Talbot Arms and plans for a number events being organised by the current players and former members. That meeting was attended by the Mayor of Lyme Rergis, Councillor Michaela Ellis, and Uplyme Parish Council chairman Chris James, who put aside their recent differences over
PHILIP EVANS
philip@lyme-online.co.uk the park and ride situation at Sidmouth Road, to offer their full support. It was made clear that Lyme Regis Town Council had been very generous in recent years, giving the cricket clubs grants exceeding £6,000. The club’s current financial plight was outlined by the chairman and Jim Thomas, secretary of the King George V playing field trust, also addressed the gathering about the challenges facing the trust to help the cricket club survive. In his letter to members Mr Thomas said: “The club is mounting a crucial fund-raising campaign over July and August, to allow the club to continue beyond the season end, allowing time to secure a sustainable future for local cricket. “Financial pressure facing the club is not recent, but has developed over many years, in a bizarre set of circumstances centring around the history of the ground and works completed by the club. In December 1938 – KG5 Ground ownership was transferred from Uplyme Cricket & Tennis Club to the National Playing Fields Association “to be used in perpetuity as a cricket field and recreation ground”. “National Playing Fields Association interest transferred to Fields In Trust, with the KG5 Trustees managing trustees, under Charitable Objectives reflecting the covenant from the 1938 conveyance. “In the 1980s the cricket club em-
barked on a major fundraising effort, celebrity visits, cricket festival and event a snooker exhibition in the old cinema in Lyme Regis. Sadly, this fantastic fundraising which financed and built the Cricket Pavilion, lies at the core of current problems. “The pavilion was built via an undocumented “gentleman’s agreement”, on land owned by Fields in Trust. The result is that the pavilion is actually owned by Fields in Trust. ULRCC has no security of tenure over either the pavilion it built, nor large ground it maintains so well for the whole village. “The lack of secure tenure further means that the club is neither able to secure grant funding available to other amateur, not for profit sports clubs, nor earn revenue income from other users, to contribute toward ground maintenance which the cricket club completes. “Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons, a lack of investment into the pavilion and cricket ground for at least the last eight years, has restricted the club’s ability to finance a sustainable future for the use of the KG5 ground as a cricket field and recreational ground, on anything more than a precarious, shoestring budget. “Inevitably, in Autumn 2017, our roller, essential to cricket, finally expired after 30 years’ service. “The club could neither afford a new roller, nor any suitable used model. The only choice, other than to wind up the club at this point, was a “rent to buy” option. £2,900 was paid to rent the roller for the season totally draining the club’s reserves, the purchase balance, £4,300 is due early Septem-
Jim Thomas, secretary of the King George V playing field trust, explains the issues that have to be dealt with in granting the cricket club a 99-year lease on the pavilion which members built in the 1980s at Monday’s public meeting
Working together - the Mayor of Lyme Regis, Councillor Michaela Ellis, Uplyme Parish Council chairman Chris James, Ian Thomas, cricket club chairman and secretary Derek Wellman, pictured with the roller the cricket club is hoping to buy ber. What can we do? “The club is seeking the financial support of local government, members, supporters, sponsors, schools and cricket lovers in both communities, who benefit from the KG5 field or value the work of the club. We need to secure a minimum of £4,300, by the first week of September. This will settle the outstanding roller balance and allow time for structural changes to be completed. “ULRCC and KG5 Trustees have agreed ‘in principle’ a long lease of the pavilion and the immediate surrounding area, to the club. ULRCC will develop a business plan for sustainable future cricket. Those attending Monday’s public meeting were told by treasurer Neil Price that the club costs around £8,000 a year to run and they usually exceeded this by just a few hundred pounds. The longer England stay in the World Cup the more money the appeal will receive as Talbot Arms landlord Steve Gardener seeks donations from supporters watching the matches in his pub where he is pro-
viding food. Other events already scheduled are an auction being organised by playerSteve Batey to be held at Lyme Regis Football Club on August 18th. The football club is also the venue for a former players’ reunion supper on Thursday, August 23rd when the principal guest will be West Countrybased comedian Jimmy Quinn. Tickets cost £15 for a two-course supper and all those who attend will be asked to give a £5 donation to the fund. More than 40 have already booked tickets and those who wish to do so should contact Philip Evans on 07796 951991.
LymeOnline is published by Lyme Regis Media Limited Unit 5, Uplyme Business Park, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3LS Printed by Newsquest, Weymouth
Follow local sport 24/7 on our website - www.lyme-online.co.uk