LymeOnline Digital Edition - March 17 2023

The latest news, sport & events in Lyme Regis

Ly m e O n l i n e

MORE ‘SHOCKING’ FIGURES REVEAL SEWAGE LEVELS IN RIVER LIM

WATER quality testing carried out in the River Lim in February has again shown high levels of E coli bacteria, which is an indicator of sewage pollution.

The Environment Agency testing showed that the quality was at its lowest at the surface water outfall, which pours into the river at Woodmead Road, where a staggering 27,200 units of harmful E coli were found in 100ml

beaches not designated for bathing should not exceed 406 units

E coli is one of the major pathogens associated with waterborne disease It can cause a range of infections including urinary tract infection, cystitis (infection of the bladder), and intestinal infection E coli bacteraemia (blood stream infection) may be caused by primary infections spreading to the blood

After sampling the water twice at five loca-

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

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Editor: Francesca Evans francesca@lyme-online co uk

07810 221 420

Managing Director: Philip Evans MBE philip@lyme-online co uk

Contributors

Richard Austin edit@lyme-online co uk

Production: Jackie Evans jackie@lyme-online co uk

LymeOnline is a proud member of

LymeOnline and the Environment

LymeOnline recognises climate change and environmental concerns as one of the most important current issues faced by our local community and across the globe

We are committed to continued, fair and accurate reporting of environmental news and events, as well as taking action to reduce our own impact on the environment

Print and paper is used by news media publishers to produce their print titles Newsprint is uncoated paper made out of mechanical pulp or waste paper, which is used to produce newspapers Newspapers are not responsible for rainforest depletion; the hardwoods from tropical rainforests are simply not suitable for newsprint production Newsprint is an environmentally sound, renewable resource which comes from managed softwood coniferous forests, mainly in North America and Europe For every tree cut down, two or three more are planted Between 2005 and 2015 European forests grew by 44,160 sqkm

Mar y Anning garden heading for Chelsea Flower Show

A GARDEN inspired by Lyme Regis’ famous fossil hunter Mary Anning will go on display at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show this year

Garden designer Julie Haylock and husband Andrew from Sandhurst Garden Design, based in Yeovil, Somerset, will both be first-time exhibitors at the world-renowned show, displaying their container gardens – The Mary Anning Space to Learn Garden

Prior to retraining as a garden designer in 2016, Julie worked as a member of support staff for Avon and Somerset Constabulary for 30 years Andrew joined forces with her in the business in 2020 when he retired as an electrical operator from Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil, where he worked for 38 years

Julie and Andrew have been married for 40 years in September, when they celebrate their ruby wedding anniversary

The Mary Anning Space to Learn Garden is inspired by the famous fossil hunter Mary Anning, born on May 21 1799 in Lyme Regis

Mary’s gender, standing in society and lack of formal education was a barrier to her being fully credited for her geological discoveries that, would in time, provide hugely important evidence for scientists about our own evolution

This year marks the 200th anniversary of Mary’s discovery of the first complete fossil remains of a plesiosaur – with another found in Lyme regis having just gone on display in Charmouth (see page 7)

This outdoor learning space for a small group of primary school age children uses nature, fossils, geology and plants to spark imagination and to inspire them with their studies and aspirations, and like Mary prove that it is possible for an ordinary person to do extraordinary things

Composition stone ammonites are set between the large crazy paving steppingstones, engraved with the school yard tongue twister ‘She Sells Seashells on the Seashore’, reportedly written about Mary, challenges the children to recite the rhyme as they step from stone to stone leading them to discover the fossil remains of the plesiosaur

The hollow tree trunk containers that resemble volcanoes, normally a waste product of the forestry industry, are planted with Jurassic effect plants, including the Wollemi Pine a true living fossil dating back to the time of the dinosaurs and once thought to be extinct

At the end of the show, elements of the garden will be re-located to Charmouth Primary School in Dorset, to inspire future generations of scientists to follow in the footsteps of Mary herself

Plants used within the design include Dickso-

Lyme Regis Fossil Festival saved

LYME Regis Fossil Festival has been saved and will go ahead this year, despite having previously been cancelled

Organisers from Lyme Regis Development Trust announced in January that the annual festival would not go ahead this year due to a lack of funding

However, since making the announcement, they have been in discussion with key partners

and funders, including Lyme Regis Museum and Lyme regis Town Council, and the event is now back on track for the weekend of April 29 and 30

The festival will include talks, walks, storytelling and street performances celebrating geology, palaeontology and science at the heart of the Jurassic Coast See the website www fossilfestival com for more details

nia Antarctica, Pseudopanax crassifolius, Wollemia Nobilis, and a selection of ferns including Blechnum spicant, Blechnum Chilense and Asplenium Trichomanes

The Chelsea Flower Show will be held in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, London, from Monday, May 22 to Saturday, May 27

Tickets are now available at www rhs org uk

DEATH NOTICE

Keith Jenkin passed away on Monday, March 6th at the age of 84.

A dearly loved husband to Lorna, father to Mark, Susan, Lorraine, Ross, Steven and Abby, and a grandfather and great grandfather to many. Keith will be sorely missed by all of his family and friends in the Lyme Regis area, and beyond.

Funeral service to take place at the East Devon Crematorium on Saturday, March 25th at 11.30am. Family flowers only please, and donations for either the RNLI or Weldmar Hospice can be made online or via A. J. Wakely & Sons funeral directors.

A celebration of Keith’s life will be held at Woodmead Halls straight after, from 1pm. All welcome.

Re-use or recycle your copy of LymeOnline when you have finished reading it!

THANK YOU - AND FAREWELL

IT IS with a very heavy heart that I write to inform our readers that this is the last issue of the LymeOnline community newspaper – at least for the forseeable future

We launched LymeOnline as a news website and community newspaper following the demise of the View From series five years ago

We decided to combine the website with a fortnightly newspaper as we were conscious that with Lyme’s predominantly elderly population, the paper would always be more popular

We decided from day one that the only way we could make it work was as a community not-for-profit project with limited support from advertisers and sponsors

During the whole of the five years we also provided editorial production services for the Woking News & Mail, a great little newspaper, superbly edited by my wife Jackie, for which we received a five-figure annual income and which allowed us to cover the costs of LymeOnline

Unfortunately, that paper was sold to another company who have their own production facilities and we lost the contract

Since the day we launched, I have not drawn a penny from the business despite working full time

After coming up with the idea, I packed off my daughter Francesca to Ireland and with the help of my eldest daughter, Zoe, a talented designer, they built the LymeOnline website within a week.

From day one the LymeOnline website has been a tremendous success and now attracts around 400,000 unique visits a year and thousands of page views every week

I am pleased to say that the website, recog-

By PHILIP EVANS LymeOnline Managing Director

nised as one of the best community sites in the country, will continue to serve the people of Lyme with our usual comprehensive coverage of local events and achievements

Throughout my long career in newspapers, going back nearly 60 years, I have launched between 60 and 70 new titles but I can honestly say that from a readership point of view, the LymeOnline print version has been the most popular

Last week I took a look at the other two local newspapers that distribute in Lyme I could hardly find a Lyme story or a Lyme-based advertiser That sums up the state of the local press in this country I am afraid to say that the days of small town newspapers carrying the town’s name on its masthead are over

However, issue after issue of LymeOnline has reported on 50 or more local stories in each edition I don’t believe there is another town in the South West of a similar size (3,700 population) that gets such a comprehensive news coverage

But I am pleased to report that level of coverage will continue on the LymeOnline website where Francesca will still be covering all the local events as well as providing a news service for the new boys on the block – Nub News, part of a national network of local news websites all over the country, including Axminster, Seaton, Bridport and Dorchester

We are in discussion with a third party in the hope that we may be able to keep the paper going - but we are not hopeful

I am sure there will be a few councillors

clapping their hands that we are finally disappearing from the print scene But they should be careful about what the hope for as I contemplate what to do during my retirement years They are all up for re-election next May and I believe there will be a number of changes for the better

We have made ourselves unpopular at the Guildhall for having the timerity to report on their crass behaviour in recent years which has brought Lyme into disrepute I can assure them now that the policy of holding them to account won’t change in the editorial content of our website

One memory that will live with me for ever was seeing Francesca on the podium at the national press awards having been nominated for the Print Production Achiever of the Year alongside six others who all worked for national newspapers or print conglomerates

One influencing factor over our decision to pull the paper version has been the amount of debt we have had to carry from advertisers who book space and then fail to pay for it We hope these bills can now be settled without recourse to the law

This change of direction means that it is my intention to retire from full-time journalism, although I will still be around to give Francesca a helping hand when required as well as reporting on the local sports scene But before closing my reporter’s notebook , I would like to say a heartfelt thank-you to all those who have supported us so well over the years I hope you will continue to do so as Francesca drives the LymeOnline website into the new age of local news gathering

See All Over The Town on page 5 and ‘Just off the press’ on page 20

TURNING THE CLOCK BACK FIVE YEARS: Francesca and I pictured at the LymeOnline launch in 2018 with three titans of local journalism - Tim Dixon, Geoff Baker and Richard Austin

Dorset councillor jailed after Insulate Britain protests

AN Insulate Britain supporter and town councillor from Dorset was one of two jailed this month

Giovanna Lewis, 65, a town councillor from Portland, and Amy Pritchard, 37, a horticultural worker from Walthamstow, London, were sentenced to seven weeks in prison after being found in contempt of court and refusing to apologise for telling a jury that fuel poverty and the climate crisis had motivated them to join the 2021 roadblock campaign, when they glued themselves to the road

They defied an order made by Judge Silas Reid during the ninth jury trial relating to Insulate Britain’s 2021 campaign of nonviolent civil resistance, demanding that the government Insulate Britain’s cold and leaky homes Judge Silas has said the trials were not about climate change, but whether the protesters caused a public nuisance

Cllr Lewis and Ms Pritchard appeared again before Judge Reid for a short hearing at Inner London Crown Court later in the week, where Cllr Lewis refused to apologise to the court and told Judge Reid: “I continue to be astonished that today in a British court of law a judge can, or would even want to, ban and criminalise the mention of the words ‘fuel poverty’ and ‘climate crisis’

“I blocked roads to bring the public’s attention to the scandal of thousands of deaths in the UK from fuel poverty and the thousands of deaths around the world due to climate change, which will soon be millions

“There is no choice but to give voice to the truth and not be silenced I had always believed our courts and judges would encourage truth and thus just and fair criminal trials I now see how naive I have been ”

Amy Pritchard also declined to apologise, saying: “When the situation is so dangerous, and so called leaders are neglecting their basic duty, to

protect life, it’s more important for me to speak up than to follow your ruling History has shown us that the law is not always in line with justice, and I will not blindly follow your rules

“How can you allow lengthy explanations about traffic data go on, but prevent young people from talking about the threat to their future and their global family?

“There will potentially be billions of people in the tropical parts of the world on the move and unable to live during in my lifetime We are treating large parts of the world as sacrifice zones I can’t keep quiet about that

“Fuel poverty is part of the same behaviour, where the lives of the poor and vulnerable are sacrificed, for the priorities of those currently in power And you want me to keep quiet about all that?”

Cllr Lewis and Ms Pritchard were sentenced to seven weeks in prison, of which it is likely they will serve three and a half before being released They were taken directly to Bronzefield prison

Judge Reid’s gagging order prompted a small demonstration by lawyers outside the court today Tim Crosland, former barrister and director of the climate justice charity, Plan B, said:

“The British courts are clearly conflicted by climate protest Juries apply their common sense and, if allowed to hear the ‘whole truth’, acquit

“Some judges speak openly and praise the protestors Others ban mention of ‘climate change’ and send the disobedient down to the cells This can’t go on ”

Judge Silas Reid dismissed the jury at Inner London Crown Court after they were unable to reach a verdict on whether Cllr Lewis, Ms Pritchard and a third Insulate Britain supporter, Paul Sheeky, were guilty of causing a public nuisance by blocking the junction of Bishopsgate and Wormwood Street in the City of London on October 25 2021

The Crown Prosecution Service indicated that they will ask for a retrial A decision will be made on that at a hearing on March 31

Four other trials relating to the very same roadblock have already taken place In December three defendants were acquitted of public nuisance charges, while so far this year 12 defendants have been found guilty

In the eight previous Insulate Britain jury trials for public nuisance charges, two trials so far have resulted in acquittals, four have resulted in

a guilty verdict and two have been deferred

The first Insulate Britain jury trial was deferred until June 2023 after Judge Reid dismissed the jury and asked the Crown Prosecution Service to consider whether proceeding with the trial was in the public interest

The Crown Prosecution Service has chosen to summon a total of 56 supporters to answer at least 201 charges of Public Nuisance across at least 51 jury trials, the last of which is scheduled to begin on December 4 2023

Dorset Council Cabinet unanimously backs plans to double tax on second homes

DORSET’S 5,700 second homeowners are a step closer to having to pay double council tax on their properties

Cabinet members of Dorset Council voted unanimously to adopt a policy to double council tax on second homes across the county, and to implement an empty home surcharge The two measures are likely to bring in an extra £10million a year

A final decision will be made at a full council meeting in March, where it is almost certain to be approved – although the legislation will also have to first be approved by parliament before the changes can be introduced

Dorset Council is taking advantage of flexibilities in the government’s Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill which, if it becomes law, will enable the introduction of a 100% council tax premium on second homes

The Bill requires the council to make a decision a year in advance of introducing a premium on second homes and so the earliest the change could be introduced is from April 2024

In order for the premium to be implemented in 2024, the government s Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill must have received Royal Assent by April 1 2023

Four of the Conservative-controlled Cabinet were unable to take part in Tuesday’s debate and vote because they have second homes

The meeting heard that there had been “considerable correspondence” from second home owners who have properties in Dorset, opposing the new tax levels, with many residents also writing to support the changes

One second home owner, Graeme Neale, who has what he described as a “small property” in Swanage, in addition to his home in Harrow, told how he and his family spent more than 100 days a year in the resort, spending in local restaurants and shops and using the services of local builders

He said he would prefer to live only in Dorset but family circumstances prevented it at the moment

Dorchester councillor Les Fry told the Cabinet meeting that it was a privilege to have a second home when many people could not afford to buy or even rent a property in the county and said that it was only right that they pay more

Cllr Sherry Jespersen told the meeting that while some second home owners took little part in community life there were others including some in her North Dorset ward, where they were

considered respected members of the community and did get involved

Deputy council leader, Cllr Peter Wharf, a Purbeck ward councillor, said there were now many areas in Dorset where working families found it increasingly difficult to access the housing market with the impact of second homes evident in many communities

“This is not a penalty,” he said

“It’s a privilege to have a second home and this will be a relatively small charge for that privilege ”

He claimed that the extra income for the council could help to make a difference to the local housing market

“This is a strong statement of intent to our residents, some of which are struggling to access housing,” he added

The meeting heard that the council has to adopt the policy by the end of March for the charges to apply 12 months later, bringing its April meeting forward to do so – although parliament will also have to approve the legislation and have it on the Statute Book for that to happen

If there is any delay beyond the end of March the charges will not come into effect until 2025

Weymouth councillor David Gray said he would like to see a defined percentage of the extra second home income earmarked for affordable housing projects in the county – a point which Cllr Wharf said would be considered in time for the end of March full council meeting West Parley councillor Andrew Parry said that, with the cost of delivering services in a rural areas being higher than in metropolitan boroughs, and Dorset Council getting lower levels of government funding than most areas, the council would be doing a disservice to residents now and in the future if it did not support the higher tax rates

Even if approved, the changes will not affect holiday homes in the county which are mostly let out on a commercial basis and pay business rates rather than standard council tax

A report to councillors acknowledges that some second homeowners might ask to convert their properties to commercial use, or find other legal ways to avoid the additional tax, but even if that happens the majority are thought to be likely to pay up

By Local Democracy Reporter Trevor Bevins

Cllr Giovanna Lewis, a town councillor from Portland (left), Amy Pritchard and Paul Sheeky

ALL OVER THE TOWN with LymeOnline editor Francesca Evans

IT’S not been easy to find the right words for this column; in fact, nothing has been easy in putting together this edition of the LymeOnline newspaper – our last

As you will have read on page 3, despite its huge popularity within the town, it has sadly become too challenging to continue with our printed newspaper, and we will instead be focussing our efforts on continuing to provide the most comprehensive local news coverage on our digital platforms

It is not a decision we have taken lightly and I want to apologise to all those who may feel disappointed, especially those who have come to rely on our printed publication who may not use the internet

We launched the LymeOnline newspaper in February 2018 –just a month after our website

We had no business plan, no financial backing, a cupboard for an office and no real idea of how long it would last We gave it everything we had for five good years, published 130 issues and made it through a global pandemic – but now it is time to move forward

I hope that many of our readers will continue to follow the LymeOnline website, which can be found at lyme-online co uk and will include all the same content you find on these pages, and more!

As well as our 24/7 coverage of news across Lyme Regis, Uplyme, Charmouth and the wider West Dorset and East Devon areas, our website offers comprehensive local sports and entertainment sections, as well as all the contributions from our regular columnists you find in our printed edition – Peter Lacey’s history column, recipes from Jurassic Feast, updates from our county councillor, the Marine Theatre, medical centre, Citizens Advice and more – plus this column

Our multimedia website offers video coverage of events, a weekly video bulletin with the top news and sports stories of the week, and we’ll be developing our online photo galleries and launching a regular podcast

to listen to On the LymeOnline website you can also find what’s on listings, letters from readers, death notices and family announcements We’ll be developing our local business directory, jobs section and introducing a new classifieds section so you can continue to advertise your vacancies and items for sale

We are in the process of developing a ‘Visit Lyme Regis’ section on our website, which will include special features and all the information holidaymakers to our area need in one easy-touse place

As well as visiting the LymeOnline website directly, you can follow us on Facebook and Twitter for daily updates on the latest local news, follow us on Instagram for regular updates on what we ’ re up to and photos of the local area, and subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch LymeOnline videos

To get the latest headlines sent direct to your email inbox, you can subscribe to our free, weekly newsletter, sent out every Friday afternoon Simply visit our website and enter your email address when asked to join our mailing list, or email edit@lymeonline co uk with the subject line ‘Subscribe’ and we’ll add you to our mailing list

Over the past five years, the LymeOnline website has become first choice for local news, using a mutlimedia approach to offer unrivalled coverage of the Lyme Regis area It was nominated for Community Website of the Year at the national newsawards in both 2020 and 2021

With an average of 7,000 users and 12,000 page views a week, the LymeOnline website can help local businesses connect with our growing audience, with online advertising opportunities starting from as little at £15 a week

If you have a new business, special offer, new menu, upcoming event or job vacancy, get in touch to find out how we can help you

We have a combined following of more than 8,700 across our social media channels, and more than 2,500 engaged readers who have subscribed to our weekly email newsletter – providing further opportunity to promote

your business across all platforms

For all advertising enquiries, or for coverage of a local news story or event, contact me by calling 07810 221 420 or email francesca@lyme-online co uk

I will still be out and about covering as many local events as possible, and will still bring you full coverage of the local council But to continue, we need the support of the community – you can find out more at www lymeonline co uk/support-us/

Although it has been an emotional time saying goodbye to the LymeOnline newspaper, I look back on the past five years with pride and happiness, and I know that great opportunities lie ahead in the world of digital media

I’d like to repeat the thanks made on page 3 to all those who have supported us over the years, but there is one extra special thank you I have to make

and that is to my Dad, Philip Evans, who has on page 3 announced his retirement from full-time journalism after almost 60 years

I don’t think there was a specific moment when I decided to be a journalist; it was just inevitable from day one, and that’s thanks to you, Dad

I grew up in your offices drawing my own newspaper front pages, joined you at community events and peered excitedly out of the car window when I was told to “wait here” while some emergency unfolded outside I was hooked from day one

You’ve had an incredible run and your career has taken you to far-flung places and glamorous events across the world, but home has always been Lyme Regis and I am so lucky that I got to cover this town alongside you for the past 16 years You have taught me everything I know and inspired me everyday

Thank you

Historic hospital murals unco vered after 30 years

HISTORIC murals painted in a former Lyme Regis hospital by a renowned illustrator have been uncovered for the first time in more than 30 years

The murals were painted by Wyndham Payne in 1935, in the children’s ward of the former Lyme Regis Hospital in Pound Road, now the site of Lyme Regis Nursing Home Wyndham illustrated the first UK edition of

The Wind in the Willows and much of his work is now on display the Victoria & Albert Museum

Covered by boards and lining paper over 30 years, these treasures have once again been uncovered and were featured in a talk on the history of local hospitals recently presented by local resident Rachael Pope

The Woodmead Halls was packed to the brim

Tales From Lyme’s Past A glimpse of our history with Peter Lacey

John Somers

JOHN Somers was the father Lyme’s eminent and most distinguished maritime personage, the renowned Sir George Somers of Bermuda fame

Little was known of John, however his life story lay hidden in the archives The first reference is a Muster Role dated 1539, he is classed as an ‘able archer without arms’, in other words lacking his own bow and arrows

It would seem to indicate a humble background and like many others listed was without the means to own to purchase his own weapons

The records show that by 1544 he was married and his wife Alice had given birth to a son named Nicholas They were to have four more sons, John 1546-48, William born and died 1549, George1554-1610 and John 1559-1623 John and Alice were blessed with several grandchildren, however their famous son had a childless marriage

The archives reveal that by 1547 his status must have improved considerably, it was then that he was appointed to the prestigious post of a Sergeant at Mace

A year later an entry in the mayor’s accounts states that John Somers was ‘paid 2 shillings to ride to my Lord’ He was obviously a man to be trusted and may even have been the town’s horse postman

Important documentary evidence is contained in the will of John Tudbold dated 1548 It states that Somers owed Tudbold the sum of £6 13s 4p, equal to about £1 000 today Under the terms of the will ‘he is to be forgiven half the sum, the balance to be paid to the mayor for the pore mens coffer, at the rate of 6s 8d per quarter until the debt is paid off’

Just how the debt was incurred is not stated Tudbold was a prosperous merchant and for him to have had financial dealings with Somers is an indication of the latter’s standing in the community

The year after the birth of George saw the Somers move further up the social scale, in 1555 John was elected a freeman of the borough, being listed as ‘Johannes Somers’

The Court Books are a valuable source of information, from them we learn that the Somers were living in Coombe Street and

that they had servants He was fined for ‘allowing his servants to wash items in the King’s Highway and dirtying the pot water that flowed down the street’

There are numerous entries that refer to John Somers, some when he was a juryman and some when he was a defaulter on minor offences In 1561-62 he is recorded as being a merchant, freeman and burgess

In 1585 he rented a house at Cobb Gate for the large sum of 46s 8d a year, another indication of his financial standing John has been described as ‘mercer’, as such he would have traded in cloth and textiles His wife’s will refers to a chest standing in a shop, which would indicates a retail outlet John died in 1589 a year before his wife

John’s rapid social advancement was almost certainly down to his marriage and the probability of a beneficial dowry The Court Books and Alice’s last will and testament reveal that her family the Caselie’s/Caseley’s were land owning merchants

Along with her sister Thomasin, she had a half-share in eight acres of land known as ‘Caselies Cleeves’ The fact that the ‘Cleeves’ was left to the sisters would indicate that there were no Caselie males to inherit the land

In 1600 Thomasin is listed as a freeman, a rare privilege for a woman It is interesting to note that in 1620, Nicholas Somers made a claim to the land known as ‘Caselie’s Cleeves’

HISTORY SNIPPETS

The Court Book for 1560-64 states that ‘Dung is to be removed from the streets and public places It shall not to be left for more than 15 days without license of the mayor’ Stinking dung heaps, composed of human and animal ordure were a common sight along with urine fouling the streets What was not left in the streets went into the river

Peter Lacey

Local author and historian

■ Our history columnist Peter Lacey is keen to hear from readers any subjects of particularly interest that they would like him to research and write about in his ‘Tales From Lyme’s Past’ contributions If you have any ideas, please email edit@lyme-online co uk and they will be passed on

for Ms Pope’s fascinating talk for members of the Lyme Regis Society and guests, with many ex-nursing staff from the Pound Road hospital in attendance

Paul Payne, Wyndham's grandson, attended the talk and was also able to visit the nursing home to see his grandfather’s paintings for the first time

Roy Cozens, a local builder who protected

the murals in 1992, was also present

In researching the talk Rachael also uncovered information on the Lyme Regis maternity home based at 9 & 10 Windsor Terrace, possibly operational from 1918 to 1938

If anyone has further information or photographs about the maternity home or the murals, please contact Rachael by emailing rachaelpope1@outlook com

Tools and machiner y stolen as Lyme Regis allotments raided

A LARGE number of tools and machinery were stolen from Lyme Regis allotments overnight on Wednesday, March 8

Lyme Regis Allotments Association has reported a “thorough and systematic” theft took place at the site off Charmouth Roads, with access gained via the bottom gate in Charmouth Road car park with the combination lock cut off and now missing

Almost every allotment shed was targeted with a large number of tools and machinery stolen, in particular many small hand tools

The incident has now been reported to Dorset Police and anyone with information should contact 101 A crime reference number has not yet been given

The incident comes as West Dorset MP Chris Loder gave his backing to proposals to crack down on equipment theft in the UK

In a speech in the House of Commons, Mr Loder praised a new Private Members Bill –the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Bill –which proposes new laws to break up the business model for those who steal machinery to sell second hand

Mr Loder cited the high numbers of rural thefts that occurred in Dorset recently In the past year, 253 incidents of rural crime were

reported – five per week

In 2020 alone, there were 23 reported thefts of high-value farm machinery, including tractors, diggers and heavy machinery, not including most trade van break-ins

Machinery, tools and vehicles account for 43 per cent of reported incidents

Mr Loder said: “I am very pleased that these new measures will not just mitigate, but deter these crimes from taking place.”

The proposed measures serve to disrupt the business model of criminals selling stolen machinery through the second hand tools market, by mandating that sellers must provide “unique identifiers for their items in a searchable format”, meaning second hand machinery on the market has to be proven to be from a legitimate source

Mr Loder added: “It’s tradesmen: carpenters, plumbers, roofers and farmers who depend on their tools and machinery for their livelihoods

“Machinery theft stolen from vehicles alone doesn’t just cost the economy £46million a year, it’s the lost income, lost productivity and most importantly the mental health of those affected that I hope this Bill will crack down on ”

Kay aker sends out ‘may day’ distress call

VOLUNTEERS of Lyme Regis lifeboat crew were launched at 12 34pm on Sunday, following reports from coastguards of a ‘may day’, the most urgent of radio distress calls at sea

It was not known what type of vessel had reported the may day, but it was thought to be from the user of a kayak

Solent coastguards requested the lifeboat crew to carry out a shoreline search from Lyme Regis to Seatown At the same time, the independent lifeboat crew based at Sidmouth searched eastwards from Beer Head Coastguards also carried out a high ground visual search, including at Salcombe Hill, Berry Camp, Beer Head and Fisherman’s Gap at Seaton, Beer, Branscombe and Sidmouth beaches

Nothing was found and both crews were stood down at 1 19pm

It was later confirmed the kayaker was the casualty, he had been swamped by the rough sea near Charton Bay and ended up in the water, but had managed to get back onboard and returned to Lyme Regis exhausted and suffering hypothermia

This was the fifth emergency call answered by the Lyme Regis volunteers so far this year, and came just minutes after the end of a regular Sunday morning training session

It was also the first ‘shout’ for new deputy launch authority Dave Street, who recently rejoined the Lyme Regis volunteers after many years as a seagoing member of the crew

He said: “I was not expecting a shout at the end of my first training session, but it did not take long getting back into the swing of things and, as always, the crew did a brilliant job ”

A unique Jurassic plesiosaur is now on public display at the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre

One of the few 3D lower Jurassic plesiosaurs in the world, this 200 million year fossil has been loaned to the centre for display

The incredible fossil was discovered by Tracey Barclay and her dog Raffle in 2007 It has taken a team of experts 16 years of painstaking and intricate preparation to be able to finally mount and display this unique three-dimensional specimen Plesiosaurs were long-necked marine reptiles that thrived in the Jurassic seas of Dorset They had powerful paddle-like limbs, which allowed them to swim through the water Plesiosaurs here in Dorset are some of the earliest well-preserved specimens in the world

The first ever complete plesiosaur was found at Lyme Regis in 1824 by Mary Anning This specimen now on display in Charmouth is 70 per cent complete The missing bones have been cast and modelled from the other existing bones of the skeleton

Named after Raffle, Tracey’s dog, who was sat on the first exposed bone which led her to the discovery, the plesiosaur was

preserved within the famous ammonite pavement of Monmouth Beach, Lyme Regis

The site was monitored over the next year. Natural erosion revealed more articulated vertebra and Tracey and her partner

Chris Moore then got permission from Natural England to extract this very rare skeleton

Monmouth Beach is covered by the Undercliffs National Nature Reserve Fossil Code You must get permission from Natural England or the Jurassic Coast Trust before extracting fossils from within the rock ledges or cliffs

The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre is open all year round and free for all to visit It displays countless recent fossil finds from this stretch of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, including Attenborough’s Sea Dragon, the incredible ichthyosaur that starred in the BBC documentary ‘Attenborough and the Sea Dragon’, which was also discovered by Chris Moore

Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre is a small, independent charity that relies on donations to remain open for the public and schools You can find out more at www.charmouth.org

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Millions of years old and 16 years to

Raffle the plesiosaur finally goes on display!

Lyme Regis resident Tracey Barclay and her dog Raffle, who first discovered the plesiosaur Below, Tracey’s partner and fossil expert Chris Moore then helped extract the specimen over 16 years

Local fossil expert Chris Moore with Raffle the plesiosaur at Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre

Photos by Richard Austin

Infectious ‘Fee Fi Fo Fun’ at Lyme Regis

Wootton and Josie Smith who added some classic panto slapstick as Daisy the Cow

LYME Regis Pantomime Society brought some ‘Fee Fi Fo Fun’ to town with its well-received production of Jack and the Beastalk, performed at the Woodmead Halls in February

The classic fairytale was given a panto twist, with plenty of audience participation, one-liners and upbeat song and dance numbers, lifting the spirits of audiences who offered standing ovations and rave reviews

A largely young cast – including an almost entirely teenage chorus – was ably produced and directed by Sarah Causley, with some society stalwarts bringing their experienced skills to the stage, including Melissa Runcieman who gave another confident performance as the principal boy, Jack; now legendary panto dame Dan Edwards who had the audience in stitches as Dame Dotty Trott; and Dave Street, who was transformed into Fleshcreep, the villain we all loved to hate (yeah whatever!)

Adding to the laugh-a-minute production were Jon Doody and Lyme Regis stage favourite Tanya Rattenbury as the quirky King and Queen of Merryvale; Irina Pratt and Amanda Rattenbury as Fleshcreep’s comical stooges Bumble and Ramble; and panto newcomer AJ Hutchings who charmed the audience as loveable Simple Simon College student Cody Wootton was the perfect pantomime princess in the role of Jack’s love interest Princess Melody, and Karen Skardon James shone in her first principal role as Fairy Sugarsnap (although I almost jumped out of my chair every time she appeared on stage with a bang!)

The multi-talented Harvey Causley rounded off the principal cast as Giant Grumblehuff, largely a voice role while he also directed the music I also have to give a special mention to Rhea

The amount of fun clearly being had on stage was infectious, with the audience clapping and cheering along, and even dancing in their seats

The standard of amateur productions across the region seems to get higher year on year and the talented Lyme Regis Pantomime Society is definitely among the leading pack

CAST: Melissa Runcieman – Jack; Dan Edwards – Dame Dotty Trott; AJ Hutchings – Simple Simon; Dave Street – Fleshcreep; Cody Wootton – Princess Melody; Karen Skardon James – Fairy Sugarsnap; Irina Prat – Bumble; Amanda Rattenbury – Ramble; Jon Doody –King of Merryvale; Tanya Rattenbury – Queen of Merryvale; Harvey Causley – Giant Grumblehuff; Rhea Wootton & Josie Smith – Daisy the Cow; Flara Smith – Ballet Dancer

CHORUS: Bethany Tattersall, Imogen Hawkins, Sophie Rattenbury, Joshua Denning, Freddie Street, Jacob Denning, Charlotte Matthews, George Rattenbury, Josie Smith, Rhea Wootton, Izzy Davis-Griffiths, Daisy Taylor

PRODUCTION

CREW: Producer & Director – Sarah Causley; Choreography – Sarah Causley & Amanda Rattenbury; Musical Direction –Harvey Causley; Wardrobe Design & Creation –Hilary Smith; Sewing – Elaine Nipper; Set Building – Carl Salter; Percussion – Glynn Rattenbury; Bass – Peter Yates; Stage Manager –Michaela Ellis; Stage Crew – Alan Ellis, Jane Tappin, Mike Tappin, Rob Harris; Backstage Helpers – Elaine Street, Charlene Rattenbury, Jodie Glover; Prompt – Ann Yates; Lighting & Sound – Seventh Wave Audio; Makeup & Hair – Trina Taylor & Claire Wootton; Props – Jane Tappin; Marketing – Rob James; Front of House – Annette Denning, Claire Wootton, Kathy Smith, Kate Wootton, Jayne Hutchings, Hayley Rattenbury, Ellis Street, Trina Taylor, Jo Lee and friends of Lyme Regis Pantomime Society

Theatre Review by Francesca Evans

Photos by Rob James

Karen Skardon James as Fairy Sugarsnap Dan Edwards as Dame Dotty Trott

Dave Street as Fleshcreep

Melissa Runcieman as Jack

‘Illegal sewage pollution can’t go on’, say campaigners

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE tions along the river, the Environment Agency reported that E coli concentrations had “increased markedly between Woodmead Road bridge and the Town Mill, indicating multiple sources of faecal contamination”

The largest increase in E coli concentrations was between Jordan Flats and Gosling Bridge, where two problematic surface water outfalls with a history of contamination are known to discharge into the river

The Environment Agency commented: “Given that no storm overflows were discharging to the river at the time, the most likely source of this increase is contaminated surface water drainage

“Several contaminated surface water outfalls between Woodmead Road and Gosling Bridge, including the outfall at Woodmead Road, have been identified and mapped

“This report will be shared with South West Water ”

The latest findings have been met with disappointment by the River Lim Action Group, who recently celebrated some achievements having been voluntarily testing the water quality and campaigning for South West Water and the Environment Agency to clean up the Lim for a year

The group has been liaising with the Environment Agency and South West Water, passing on local information and evidence of discharges after the shocking levels of E coli were first revealed in October last year, when the average reading was 22,815 units per 100ml of water

Following repeated reports of sewage discharges from surface water drains at Wood-

WEST Country Catch is a family run business created by Tim and Lou in 2013, supplying top quality fresh fish to restaurants, wholesalers and homes in and around Dorset, Devon and Somerset

They are able to provide you with some of the finest fish off the Coast of Dorset, Devon and Cor nwall, including monkfish and tiger prawns for this tasty Thai green curry recipe – perfect for spring!

Serves 4

Ingredients

600g monkfish fillet

200g peeled tiger prawns

400g fine green beans

1 fresh red chilli

1 whole lime

150ml double cream

1 garlic clove

1 chopped shallot

2 small packs of coriander

1 handful of basil leaves

A pinch of cumin powder

A pinch of turmeric powder

1 tsp of sweet chilli sauce

2 tsp of mango chutney

Half a stick of lemongrass

½ a can of coconut milk

Method

Defrost the prawns and wash and chop the monkfish into cubes

In a blender, pulse all the curry paste ingredients – this includes the garlic, shallot, one small pack of the coriander, basil leaves, cumin and tumeric powder, sweet chilli sauce, mango chutney, lemongrass and coconut milk

In a thick-bottomed pan over a medium heat, add the cream and simmer

Season your monkfish with salt and pepper and add to your simmering cream for 2-3 minutes

Trim and blanch your fine green beans in a pan of salted boiling water

mead Road bridge, South West Water had assured the River Lim Action Group in January that misconnection investigations had been completed and a network issue that was identified had been rectified

At the time they were still investigating problems at Mill Green

Following a recent meeting in Lyme Regis with the River Lim Action Group, South West Water and the town council, the Environment Agency agreed to carry out extra tests over the winter to see if remedial action taken by South West Water was working

The latest samples showing the high levels of E coli were taken in February

Hopes of improved readings had been running high as residents had recently reported sightings of trout, an eel and dippers in a cleaner-looking river, but the data shows that shocking pollution levels remain

Vicki Elcoate of the River Lim Action Group said: “This is really disappointing and shockingly bad The River Monitors have been finding high levels of ammonia recently and this confirms the serious level of pollution in the river

“This has to be sorted out now It has an impact on local residents, visitors, dogs, and the life in the river This is illegal sewage pollution and can’t go on ”

Reporting on progress made in its first year, the River Lim Action Group says it now has a comprehensive set of maps showing the drainage system for the town and the locations of the outfalls where sewage is discharged into the river and sea

The River Lim received 680 hours of un-

treated sewage discharges in 2021; the majority of this came from the Uplyme Sewage Treatment Works, where there were 30 discharges for 469 hours

Although the total 2022 figure has not yet been received, the River Lim Action Group reports that there were 10 discharge incidents during the very dry spell between May and September in 2022 This would be illegal under the current regulatory system, which only allows discharges during heavy rainfall

Ofwat is investigating dry spills, so for legal reasons South West Water has declined to answer questions regarding these dry spills

Local pumping stations seem to be adding to the sewage pollution in the town and need to be upgraded, according to the action group Horn Bridge pumping station repeatedly malfunctioned during 2021 and 2022, which has lead to discharges into the river In 2021, there were 130 hours and 34 discharges

Although it is scheduled to be upgraded before 2025, volunteers say this is “urgently needed immediately as the new housing development at Monmouth Park will soon to be discharging to it”

The action group also believed that South West Water may have failed to report some discharges from the Cobb pumping station onto Monmouth Beach and has requested data of discharges

The group has also asked the water company to assess whether the Cobb pumping station is adequate and efficient, or whether like Horn Bridge, it requires upgrading

The outfall pipe from the Cobb pumping station was shortened because of decay and may also be leaking The Environment Agency Bathing Water Profiles for 2021 and 2022 both state that discharges from this pipe lead to “ a drop in bathing water quality”

The Environment Agency has pledged an assessment of the full impact this shortening may have caused

The sewage contamination from the freshwater drain within the groyne on the main sand beach continues, with strong smells of sewage regularly detected by swimmers

In January, South West Water carried out a CCTV inspection of the drains on Marine Parade, which it was hoped may identify the source of this pollution

towards re-designation of Church Beach as a bathing beach

This was de-designated as a bathing beach following repeated poor water quality tests, but many continue to use it for swimming, especially during the busier summer months

By reclassifying the beach as a bathing site, Lyme will benefit from more resources from South West Water and the Environment Agency in cleaning up the River Lim which flows down into Church Beach

The River Lim Action Group has welcomed extra tests being carried out by Dorset Council for potential pollution caused by the current harbour dredging work

The council will be carrying out tests on the sediment dredged from the harbour and dumped on the main sand beach in Lyme Regis to see if it contains diesel or heavy metals

However, despite requests, the Environment Agency says it won’t be testing for the bacteria which often come from sewage during the dredging work

The action group and the local swimming groups were concerned because of recent findings that front beach groyne, which should just release rainwater, has been contaminated with sewage likely to be coming from the drains on the seafront There are also other problems with the South West Water outlets which could affect the harbour area

Lyme Regis attracts hundreds of sea swimmers all year round and campaigners believe it is important that they are made aware of any potential dangers to their health

Jim Flory of the Environment Agency told the River Lim Action Group: “The Environment Agency is responsible for collecting bathing water samples at front beach during the bathing water season, which the regulations define as running from May to September

“Similar dredging work was undertaken at Lyme Regis last June when we were sampling We did not detect any problems during this time and are therefore not planning to collect samples during the planned dredging in March

Add your curry paste, tiger prawns and fine green beans to your monkfish and cream Simmer for a further 2-3 minutes and serve over rice or noodles, add chopped red chilli, fresh chopped coriander and a generous squeeze of lime

Time-saving tip – Double the curry paste ingredients and freeze half for another day!

Get discounts and rewards at the finest food and drink retailers, eateries and experiences across the Jurassic Coast with Jurassic Feast Visit jurassicfeast com or download the app

SWIM on Marine Parade has also been upgrading its plumbing, which has suffered historical issues with blockages resulting in some sewage discharges at its connection with the main sewage system

Dorset Council was also due to clear out the storm drains outside the Royal Standard on Marine Parade early this year, which have been overflowing with sewage, and South West water has pledged to CCTV-inspect the sewage drains for cross-contamination

The River Lim Action Group is now working

“It is the responsibility of the authority undertaking the work to ensure that it does not cause harm to the environment or pose a risk to health We have discussed this with Dorset Council and believe they will be taking sediment samples to ensure that there are no sources of pollution”

Regular Environment Agency testing on the sand beach during the 2022 bathing season failed to detect and provide alerts about all of the sewage discharges from the groyne In response, the River Lim Monitors have recently bought E coli testing kits – funded by the town council – and have started carrying out their own tests on front beach

The worst area for E coli readings was the surface water outfall that pours into the River Lim at the Woodmead Road bridge

COBB ARMS COBB ARMS COBB ARMS THE LYME REGIS

The Cobb Arms, overlooking the beautiful harbour in Lyme Regis

Open 7 days a week, food served 12pm - 9pm

The Cobb Arms is a quirky building inside, with cosy nooks & crannies for a quiet point, leisurely long or relaxing dinner.

The delicous menu features dishes from traditional pub grub to specials –quality and lavour are the order of the day, all prepared by head chef George Marsh and his team.

Weekly Happenings

Posh ish & chips - join us for top quality ish & chips and half-price processo!

Easter Weekend

Start the long weekend right and join us for a drink on Thursday night or make the most of Good Friday with a leaisurely lunch.

Easter Sunday is the time to bring the family to the pub for a scrumptuous get together and Easter Monday brings you our Bank Holiday Best menu, full of quality classics, alongside a choice of specials.

Book in and join us!

The Cobb Arms, Marine Parade, Lyme Regis, Dorset

Lyme Regis club announces build of fourth pilot gig boat

LYME Regis Gig Club has announced that it plans to build a new pilot gig boat with the acclaimed Boat Building Academy on Monmouth Beach

The boat is being commissioned and built by Rob Hounslow, a member of the gig club, current men ’ s team co-captain and a lecturer at the prestigious Boat Building Academy

“We expect to start work in June, this year, and to have the boat ready for the 2024 World Championships in the Isles of Scilly”, said Rob

“The new boat will continue a tradition of having all the Lyme Regis boats built in Lyme Regis itself I’m very honoured to be able to maintain this tradition

“To enable our continued success, we need to maintain our fleet of gigs and this initiative will add a new purpose-built Cornish pilot gig boat to our fleet ”

Lyme Regis Gig Club is coming off a successful 2022 season, with men ’ s and women ’ s teams placing highly in last year ’ s championships and at regattas through the South West

Marcus Dixon, club chairman said: “As a

club, we are continuing to grow. There are more people than ever participating in gig rowing and thanks to our members we are able to provide opportunities to learn rowing, keep fit and then competitively or socially row

“We are hoping to develop the club at all levels from juniors, beginners, domestic racing and competing at the World Pilot Gig Championships

“To have this built in Lyme and as Rob’s first Cornish pilot gig boat is something the club are delighted to be part of ”

Will Reed, principal at the Boat Building Academy in Lyme Regis, added: “We are very excited that the gig club have commissioned their new boat and thrilled that they are building it in the Boat Building Academy workshops

“This is an important collaboration with the rowing club, allowing students to learn new skills and be involved with a significant build ”

The club is committing to raising the remaining money required for the build and a large fundraising effort is underway The

build will be documented on the club’s Social Media channels

The club is also exploring a number of innovative ways to raise the funds and says it is grateful for support that is always shown by the community, local businesses, and Lyme Regis Town Council

Rotar y Club’s Lyme Lunge raises

£5,000 for two national charities

THE Rotary Club of Lyme Regis has presented a total of £5,000 raised at the annual Lyme Lunge to two charities

Following the success of the annual New Year’s Day dip in the sea, cheques for £2,500 each were presented to Mencap and The British Heart Foundation

The Lunge has now become one of the biggest events of its kind in the West Country and this year featured on BBC South West and The One Show

A total of £5,000 was raised by a collection on the day and through generous sponsorship from local traders and the main sponsors of Lyme Bay Holidays and Swim

For 75 years, Mencap has provided essential support to the 1 5 million people with a learning disability and their families

They provide support from the moment a parent is told their child will be born with a learning disability, they empower families to provide the best support for their child, throughout their lifetime They are the UK’s largest provider of services for people with a learning disability

Mencap’s stated mission is to transform society’s attitudes to learning disability and make the UK the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to lead happy and healthy lives

A cheque for £2,500 was presented to Lucy Carr, area fundraising manager at Mencap, who said: “We are very grateful that the Rotary Club of Lyme Regis, chose to support Mencap through their annual Lyme Lunge

“It’s such a fun event to bring the community together and we really enjoyed seeing all the fancy dress options and brave swimmers getting involved ”

More details on Mencap can be found at www mencap org uk

The three existing wooden boats, Revenge, Black Ven and Tempest, were all built in Lyme Regis by local boat builder, Gail McGarva These form part of the club’s heritage and the expansion of the fleet will provide more opportunities for all its crews

For more details visit lymeregisgigclub com

■ ST Michael’s Parish Church in Lyme Regis celebrated Shrove Tuesday with its annual pancake coffee morning in late February The event was held in the church hall, where traditional crepe pancakes were served alongside tea and coffee, and there was also a raffle, with money raised going to church funds

Lyme Regis Rotarians present a cheque to Lucy Carr of Mencap and, below, to assistant manager Dale at The British Heart Foundation store in Weymouth

■ LYME Regis residents gathered on the seafront to mark the first anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February A candle-lit vigil was held in the Marine Parade shelters, organised by the Rotary Club, with several Ukrainian refugees among those to light candles, as well as the Deputy Mayor of Lyme Regis, Cllr Cheryl Reynolds

NEWS FROM COUNTY HALL

with Belinda Bawden, Dorset councillor for Lyme Regis & Charmouth

Council Tax

DORSET Council’s budget and council tax charge notices for 2023-2024 have just been delivered, showing the council has protected frontline services and is charging less council tax than the government allowed

Eighty-four per cent of Dorset Council s funding comes from council tax with 14 4 per cent from business rates and only 0 2 per cent from the government revenue support grant but members felt it was important to recognise the cost of living crisis and limit the burden on council tax payers as far as possible

Exciting developments

The new Dorset Council Natural Environment

Climate and Ecology Strategy for 2023-2025 and a Planning for Climate Change Sustainability

Checklist and Listed Buildings Guidance should be approved this month

Dorset Council has made rapid progress in embedding nature recovery and climate action at the heart of decision-making and is rolling out action plans and guidance to town and parish councils and communities

I have invited the sustainability team to share their plans and listen to our residents’ ideas and hopes for the future particularly to tackle our transport, traffic and accessibility challenges, as demonstrated in the 2030 Vision ‘Community Conversation’ In addition, the town council is working with community groups to increase the biodiversity in its own green spaces and in the wider community

Reflections

It’s hard to believe that this time last year supporters inside and outside the Green Party were delivering leaflets and knocking on doors throughout Lyme and Charmouth We had no way of knowing the outcome of the by-election to Dorset Council but hoped that more people were realising we need to accelerate change if we are to improve all our future prospects in the face of greater climate chaos and potential ecosystem collapse

It can be difficult not to feel overwhelmed and powerless but throughout history we have seen how speaking ‘truth to power’ can shine a light into the dark heart of government Our new generation of ‘national treasures’ – Gary Lineker, Feargal Sharkey and Paul Whitehouse – have in the past few weeks joined David Attenborough by featuring in the news for their honest and heartfelt commentaries about the need to change our language and our actions

Reasons to be Cheerful – Powerful Partnership

Progress

Our own ‘local treasures’ in the River Lim Action group (RLA) celebrated a year of monitoring the river this week During this time the volunteer citizen scientists have identified multiple problems and South West Water (SWW) has responded well by investigating and fixing

The second rivers and beaches partnership meeting took place on Wednesday Substantial progress has been made through the excellent working relationships the RLA volunteers have formed with local councils, SWW and the Environment Agency (EA)

Dorset Council jetted the drains on Marine Parade when they flooded last year and will be testing the sediment from the harbour dredging for heavy metals and hydrocarbons, as I requested a survey to assure us both the sea and beach would be safe

SWW has investigated and corrected several misconnected drains and will continue this work as RLA and members of the public continue to report any concerns They are also liaising with Dorset Council and the Environmental Compliance and Services team, which will be in Lyme soon to talk to the food businesses about recommended disposal practices

RLA is applying to DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) to have Church Cliff Beach re-designated as a bathing beach Designation would require the EA and SWW to put more resources into cleaning up the bathing water

More Local Heroes Lyme, Uplyme and Charmouth are blessed with a huge range of volunteer and community heroes – there are far too many to mention them all but thank you to everyone who helps out and makes this area so special

The Junior Park Run team recently celebrated their first year of enabling young runners from four to 14 years old run two laps of the East Cliff walkway every Sunday at 9am

The atmosphere is such fun and the spirit infectious If you d like to volunteer, please email cobbgatejuniors@parkrun com or visit the Cobb Gate Juniors website

In Charmouth, the organiser of the ‘Poo Patrol’ volunteers who help keep the village beautiful every day came to my Charmouth surgery to suggest we set up a group in Lyme – any takers?

Contact Lynda on 07714 451596 for more information

The Community Support volunteers stepped up during the pandemic to show people really do care about each other and this support continues today Cheryl Reynolds is looking for volunteer drivers, in particular She is also part of the town council’s coronation event team and needs stewards for two-hour shifts at the Big Coronation Party on Sunday, May 7 Call Cheryl on 07796 074 849 if you’d like to help

The Lyme Area Energy Champions need more volunteers to help residents save energy, reduce bills and keep warm We are also developing a solar PV project to reduce the costs of installing panels Join the team by contacting Philip May by emailing energychampslyme@gmail com or call on 07740 974304

Contact me on 01305 216511 or cllrbelinda bawden@dorsetcouncil gov uk if there are Dorset Council matters you’d like to discuss you’d like to volunteer on energy environmental or net zero projects or learn more about being a councillor

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

CONTINUING our series commemorating the anniversaries of the deaths of all Lyme Regis men who gave their lives in the Second World War, this week we remember Ronald Dampier and John Davies With thanks to Ver non Rattenbury of the Royal British Legion for the research

RONALD ERIC ARTHUR DAMPIER

Sergeant (Air Gunner), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, 207 Squadron, Service No 1156717

Born September 7 1919 in Eastney and died April 9 1943 in Holland

Ronald’s aircraft, Lancaster ED554 EM-Q was shot down by a German night fighter in a raid on Duisburg and crashed at Jisp in Northern Holland

He is buried in Amsterdam New Eastern Cemetery, Holland, Plot 69 Row C Coll Grave 3

The son of Samuel George and Emily Dampier, and husband of Aline Hilda Dampier, of Exeter, he lived at Sea View in Charmouth and is commemorated on the Charmouth war memorial and on the Jisp memorial in Holland

JOHN CAMM DAVIES

Paymaster Lieutenant, Royal Navy

Born in 1921 in Banbury, Cheshire, and died April 25 1943 on board HMS Eland, Sierra Leone

HMS Eland was a naval depot ship and a shore base (constructed later in the war) situated off Cline Bay at Freetown, in Sierra Leone, where coastal forces vessels operated from

The son of Major H Erris Davies and Emily Davies of Nyeri Kenya, John is commemorated on the Lyme Regis war memorials in both the town and in the parish church

He is also commemorated on the war memorial in Banbury, Cheshire, and he is buried in St Boniface churchyard extension, grave 195, Banbury

Sign

Concerns o ver food growing project on land o verlooking Harcombe

A MEETING to discuss controversial plans for a food growing and selling project on land off the A35, near Lyme Regis, attracted more than 50 residents

The Common Ground Project has bought 47 acres of land overlooking Harcombe and intends to set up a trust that will enable families to ‘live off the land’, either feeding themselves, or providing an income from the land through horticulture, agriculture and livestock

Cian Dalglish and Graham Willett from the project explained their plans at a meeting hosted by eco-group Turn Lyme Green at Lyme Regis Baptist Church last week

The land is in the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is currently “unimproved grassland“ full of wildflowers

and wildlife

Fiona Wood, of Turn Lyme Green, said: “We have lost somewhere in the range of 95 to 97 per cent of our species rich grasslands in this country Growing vegetables and trees on such valuable grassland after killing it off with plastic sheeting is awful

“There are thousands of fields that are ecological wastelands with one or two species, these are the kind of fields where a project like The Common Ground could do good ”

Mr Willett of Common Ground offered a counter-argument, saying: “These species exist on the site because of many centuries of diverse farming activities, which are now not happening due to nimbyism, planning policy and economic breakdown in farming

“The ecosystems on the site are rapidly tran-

Tickets: Adults £10/Children £5

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Tickets

To book call Philip on 07796 951 991

UK

sitioning due to this factor ”

Other concerns raised at the meeting included the visual impact of ‘tiny houses’, in effect mobile homes, on the sloping site By using mobile homes, Common Ground may be able to circumvent the normal planning permission required for a residential project of this size

Mr Dalglish said they were proposing an occupation of 40 units on the land, of which 25 per cent would not be residential, and 25 per cent would be for retiring landworkers

There were also concerns about waste and sewage processing on the site and the effect

that this would have on the ecology, groundwater and watercourses, as well as access from the fast, moving and dangerous section of the A35

There was support at the meeting for some of the aims of the project, including enhancing the supply of local organic food and enabling more people to grown their own food – but many questioned about the proposed location

Common Ground was invited back in 12 to 18 months’ time to report on progress of the project

Medical centre shares la test newsletter

LYME Bay Medical Practice has published its latest newsletter, which reveals patient numbers and other figures for the period of November 2022 to January 2023

Over the three-month period, 14,568 patients attended appointments and 299 missed appointments More than 14,600 telephone calls were answered, 970 e-consults were processed and 25,478 medications were prescribed There were also 303 home visits

The practice now has a total of 9,033 patients, with 225 new patients registering between November and January

The newsletter updates patients on the sharing of their personal health information

Patient records are confidential and not shared with outside organisations without your permission However, if you are receiving care from other healthcare providers, such as hospitals and other healthcare professionals, it might be important for the medical practice to share your information with them, so that they can provide the care that you require The practice also receives information for patient records from a range of such organisations Healthcare organisations will assume that you want your information to be shared from and to the practice in this way If you don’t allow your details to be shared, you may find that another healthcare provider does not have access to all the information needed to treat you

If, nonetheless, you do not wish your information to be shared in these ways, you will need to tell the practice by emailing to administrator lyme@dorsetgp nhs uk, or by 01297 443399 and also tell any clinician treating you outside the practice

The newsletter also informs patients that they can access services from the Social Prescribing Team, which consists of Social Prescribing link

workers and care co-ordinators

They support patients in the community in order to improvehealthandwell-being They can help with:

● Linking to support for mental and physical health issues, such as smoking cessation and healthy eating

● Feeling isolated and assistance in becoming more involved in the community

● Struggling with work, housing or money worries

Care Coordinators can help:

● Over 18 year olds

● Patients find their way around different health, social care and support services

● Patients with one or more long term condition (e g diabetes, asthma, COPD, dementia, chronic pain)

The Social Prescribing Team works across the three practices in the Jurassic Coast Primary Care Network – Lyme Regis, Bridport and Beaminster Pauline Chart is the Senior Social Prescriber based in Lyme Regis on Wednesday, Thursday and Fridays, however the team and prearranged home visits are available five days a week

You can self-refer to the team by calling them on 01308 428943 or any practice staff can refer you with your consent

The medical centre’s latest newsletter also highlights the symptoms of heart attacks, specifically in women, and the latest news from the Patient Participation Group You can download the newsletter in full by visiting https://www lymebaymedicalpractice co uk/news-3

healthcarenews

From Lyme Bay Medical Practice Patient Participation Group

HOSPITALS are full Non-urgent treatments can wait months or years With care at home or in the community under-resourced, patients fit to leave may have to stay put Ambulances queue outside, waiting for bed-space None of this is good

Did you know that Dorset HealthCare’s Community Nursing and Rehabilitation teams offer support on discharge from hospital and, wherever possible, arrange care that reduces hospital admission?

Community Nurses (sometimes called District Nurses) help the housebound, including palliative care alongside Marie Curie nurses and Weldmar Hospice They are available from 8am to 8pm; a night-nursing service covers the other 12 hours

Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and Rehabilitation assistants help people to maintain or resume activity in their personal lives, jobs, leisure and social activities

Dorset HealthCare’s ‘Hub’ at Bridport Hospital links health and social service professionals caring for patients Daily ‘Zoom’ meetings and monthly Multidisciplinary Team Meetings identify what patients need and coordinate care providers, monitoring the progress of patients being cared for at home by the community teams

The Health & Social Care Coordinators, who cross NHS and Social Services boundaries, are a vital part of this work When someone’s admitted to hospital for planned treatment, they track the patient’s progress daily They have direct access to records at Dorchester and Yeovil hospitals For patients in RD&E at Exeter, which is less well-linked to the Hub, it’s a bit harder

If a discharged patient needs no further care, the hospital sends the GP a summary of completed treatment and any changes in medication But if continuing care will be needed, the Coordinators liaise as appropriate with the Community Nursing, Rehabilitation, and Mental Health teams, with Adult Social Services, and with the GP to arrange a ‘care package’

Again, a patient leaving the RD&E should ensure that the hospital has put follow-up care in place or has liaised with the Bridport Hub Remember also that for someone registered with Lyme Bay Medical Practice who lives in Devon, any Adult Social Care support must be from Devon Social Services

To find out more, see www dorsethealthcare nhs uk (search for Community Nursing or Community Rehabilitation), or www lymebaymedicalpractice co uk, or email any questions to lymebayppg@gmail com

A pleasure to take part in litter picking!

■ HAVING joined the Turn Lyme Green litter pick for the first time on Saturday, I was pleasantly surprised to see 16 other volunteers were also there willing to get their hands dirty, including a couple of councillors – and one or two dogs

Other pleasant things were the rain mostly holding off for the duration of our work, and the free coffee at the end provided by Baboo Gelato

I’m a litter picking novice, but apparently the amount of litter round the boatyard was much reduced from the last time, so maybe the message is getting out there!

On the downside, there was a dead gannet on the shore near the Cobb that may well have been a victim of avian flu As advised, we didn’t touch the carcass, but took photos and reported it

I don’t know how much rubbish we cleared, but the photo shows a good (or is that bad?) haul and I really enjoyed myself.

Pleasingly, several people we encountered whilst picking actually stopped to say thank you – it’s always nice to be appreciated!

You can definitely count me in for the next one

Mark Loughlin

(by email)

Just off the press...

THIS edition marks the last published newspaper version of LymeOnline, as paper gives way to broadcast, and printed substance gives way to digital and its copy title ‘online’

It’s a progression of the trend, and perhaps inevitable with the smaller circulation and income of local newspapers, the absence of economy of scale and sizeable levels of reproduction that print essentially makes money from, and ever-rising overheads

As with the progress of other trends, changes, it also signifies the loss of something quite intrinsic – the ability to simply pick up a newspaper, carry it home or to a quiet spot, maybe a café or seafront seat and read it at leisure without the need for a charged device and signal access to an online account

The ceasing of Lyme’s own local newspaper also marks the end of Pip Evans’ long relationship with the world of newsprint I remember the days of his first work on a printed publication –‘Scoop’ – the magazine of Lyme Regis Boys Club, produced as a teenager in the early 1960s from the Kingsway club site

It was a great introduction to capturing local stories and pieces of interest in print, and won Dorset County awards for it It was the first of many awards and recognition Pip went on to receive in a subsequent long career in journalism while writing for newspapers and publications in London, other parts of the UK, and places around the world A well-travelled and rich experience, and no doubt with a huge range stories to tell (for a journalist, you’d expect there to be a book in there somewhere )

Having worked on local newspapers and then for others with greater circulation and reach, his roots beckoned, and perhaps the childhood ambition of the Boys Club days, Pip returned and set up his own newspaper in Lyme and became a significant employer in the town, with staff working on the content and production of other papers beyond the town from its St Michael’s site It’s ironic that this, the former junior school building, was also the place of early years development and forming of potential and ambition – in print and letterpress terms, the ‘impression’ was made, the ‘type cast’, and the means to an ‘En ’ with the ‘point’ being his career was to be in newsprint and journalism

Being the local owner of his newspaper, Pip controlled the editorial, and needless to say his other local interests would feature - namely local sport,

LymeOnline Letters

Send

Cemeter y is a burial ground –not a place to exercise dogs

■ I AGREE wholeheartedly with the letter from Janine Coverley (LymeOnline, February 17) regarding dog fouling in Lyme Regis cemetery

A few years ago I approached a Lyme regis councillor and asked him if the council would consider placing fencing along the boundary, between the cemetery and the footpath

He told me that the council didn’t have enough money in the kitty Well, we all know damn well that this is not the case

I have previously written to Chris Loder MP regarding this problem and suggested introducing a dog licence to cover costs of an enforcement officer, etc but he didn’t have the decency even to reply to my letter So all my requests have come to nothing

Other cemetery users, e g council workers, undertakers and mourners, are all affected by this dog fouling problem

The cemetery is a burial ground, someone ’ s final resting place and should be respected as such It is not an expanse of grass to exercise dogs on Lyme Regis is surrounded by lovely countryside with perfect places to take dogs

There is no need to use the cemetery

Another place a dog ban should also be introduced is in the war memorial garden in Cat’s Park [George’s Square]

Diana Hunt (by email)

NEWS FROM CITIZENS ADVICE

particularly football, and council matters The local football coverage was exceptional and Lyme’s Seasiders developed their best club programme ever, a glossy standard of production, graphics and content that would grace a professional football league club, and well beyond the Perry Street League and Devon & Exeter clubs of more modest, but enthusiastic, level

The write-ups of the wins and losses, fun and battles, of the football pitch and the council chamber, appeared on adjacent pages with a quality of coverage and prominence more akin to much higher levels Such was the promotion and exposure the newspaper was able to give to both regular features It certainly had Lyme as a town pitching above its weight with a focus that drew mixed emotions depending on which side or line you were on

Beyond this, the paper, like many local newspapers, formed an important archive of Lyme, its people and events

Thank you for your dedicated coverage of Lyme and its surrounding radius - so much material over such a long time - and a personal thank you for your coverage of the things we delivered in my time as mayor, and the coverage given of the measures taken during the height and challenges of the Covid crisis

Covid-19 prompted many things, and amongst them was the rapid advances in online access and raised links in information and communication

It was always going to happen and Covid simply accelerated it before the ink was really dry on its own emerging story

The ceasing of Lyme’s newspaper doesn’t mark the end of Lyme’s journalism – good ‘ evans, no –LymeOnline has already won high recognition after being nominated at national level in the industry’s awards scheme, and Francesca will continue to produce LymeOnline’s local reporting of news and promotion of events in its new medium

We wish her and the continuing signs of progress this represents, well, while also reflecting fondly on the passing of some things we took, until fairly recently, to be part of the fabric of our lives no one could see at earlier younger times doing without

Keep it up with the same ambition your father had, Chezzie, and help maintain the wide awareness of all that is Lyme Regis, online Brian Larcombe, Portland Court, Lyme Regis

CITIZENS Advice says that an energy social tariff is now essential in an era of high energy bills

A social tariff is where the government works with service providers to offer targeted financial support to the most needy in society A version of this kind of scheme already exists for mobiles and broadband

● Citizens Advice is calling on the government to put in place long-term policies to support people struggling in what could be a decade of high energy bills

● Major report entitled ‘Fairer, Warmer, Cheaper,’ commissioned by Citizens Advice, follows nine months of extensive consultation with industry leaders, civil society and the public

● The call is backed by a coalition of consumer groups and energy bodies, including Martin Lewis and Energy UK The scale of the problem

Energy prices are not expected to return to a pre-pandemic level for the next decade

If the Energy Price Guarantee remains at £2,500, 10 million households will face crisis-level energy costs, with more than 10% of their income after housing costs going on energy – a key indicator of fuel poverty People on the lowest incomes will be hit much harder, with energy making up more than half of their total household income after housing costs

In 2022, Citizens Advice helped 50% more people with energy issues than the year before, and saw more people who couldn’t afford to top up their prepayment meter than in the previous 10 years combined

Citizens Advice and its partners have proposed a cash payment to fuel-poor households, which would vary according to household income and energy use This form of social tariff would help the most people, whilst being affordable to the government

The tariff would also help accelerate a fair and affordable transition to net zero, and the report calls for national insulation for all households in fuel poverty UK homes use

more gas than most other Western European countries A national insulation programme will hel keep houses warmer, duce gas usage and insulate people against price spikes

Dame Clare Moriarty, chief executive of Citizens Advice, said: “Energy affordability is a long-term problem that needs a longterm solution A social tariff protects millions of people from spending excessive amounts on their bills

“This policy helps make energy bills more affordable in the years ahead and supports the shift to warmer, safer homes that are ready for the net zero transition ”

Martin Lewis, Money Saving Expert, said: “I’ve argued for a social tariff for years, and now it could be a crucial building block to help repair our broken consumer energy market ”

Martin explains how a competitive switching system has been used to manage the energy market, but says it has failed many “If I, as a wealthy, financially educated person chose not to switch, that’s my problem,” he said

“If a struggling, low-income, 90-year-old grandmother with onset dementia doesn't switch – that’s all our problem A social tariff looks to protect those who need it ”

Dhara Vyas, deputy CEO of Energy UK, commented: “Energy UK welcomes this research To ensure continued support for everyone and ease the burden of high living costs, suppliers are ready to work with the government to make progress with the introduction of targeted support, such as a social tariff, no later than April 2024 ”

For help with energy costs and other issues contact Citizens Advice, now running an appointments only system at the Lyme Regis outreach on Wednesdays 10am to 3pm at the tow council offices, Church Street, DT7 3BS Call 01308 456594 to make an appointment

LYME REGIS TOWN COUNCIL

Community invited to celebrate coronation

THE community is invited to come together and celebrate the coronation of King Charles III at an openair party in Lyme Regis

The Big Coronation Party will be held on Sunday, May 7 at Lyme Regis Football Club from 3pm until 10 30pm, hosted by Lyme Regis Town Council

The event will be free to enter and will include live music from local bands, free activities for children, a bar, and free food for local residents

The coronation ceremony for The King will take place on Saturday, May 6 and people from across the UK and the Commonwealth are encouraged to join in celebrations across the three-day weekend

In a nationwide act of celebration and friendship, neighbours and communities are invited to share food and fun together at Coronation Big Lunches on Sunday, May 7

Lyme’s Big Coronation Party is an opportunity to bring the community together and celebrate as a town

The event starts at 3pm with a children’s disco and will be followed by live music from Ghosts, etc, Jess Upton & the Guilty Pleasures, and Under the Radar, ending with headliners WeFunk

There will be lots of fun activities to keep the children entertained, which will all be free to join in with

Various food options will be available and will be free to Gateway Card holders, including those with an Uplyme Shoppers’ Gateway Card, and others have the option to pay for their food

Drinks will be flowing throughout the day with an outside bar provided by the football club

Cllr David Ruffle, chairman of the town council’s Coronation Working Group, said: “As part of the celebration of King Charles's Coronation, Lyme Regis Town Council is

Council

inviting all residents to come and help us celebrate this momentous occasion by attending the Big Coronation Party

“Good music, good food, good company is assured, all we need is you! And maybe best of all, food is free for all Gateway Card and Uplyme Shoppers Gateway Card holders

“The dancing will be supplied by you and is equally free so please come and join us at Lyme Regis Football Club from 3pm on Sunday, May 7 ”

The Big Coronation Party is one of many events taking place in Lyme Regis over the special bank holiday weekend

On Saturday, May 6, a Coronation Cream

Tea will be held at Lyme Regis Baptist Church from 3pm to 6pm in aid of Cancer Research UK.

The Marine Theatre has a full programme of events over the weekend, including a screening of the coronation on the morning of Saturday, May 6 with free admission, Mungo’s Hi Fi will offer an alternative reggae coronation on Saturday evening, and there will be a Kings and Queens’ fancy dress party on the morning of Sunday, May

7 Full details are available at www marinetheatre com/whats-on

At 11am on Sunday, May 7, the mayor, Cllr Michaela Ellis will hold her Civic Service at St Michael’s Parish Church, which all residents and local organisations are invited to attend Lyme Regis Town Band will play at the Civic Service and will then perform a celebratory concert in the Marine Parade Shelters at 1 30pm

On Monday, May 8, the May Fete will take place at Anning Road Playing Field from 1pm to 4pm, celebrating the Big Help Out, highlighting the valuable contribution volunteers make to the local community

grant helps save Fossil Festival

THE council is delighted Lyme Regis Fossil Festival has been saved – and that we helped played our part in saving it!

When the news broke in January that the festival had been cancelled due to lack of funding, we knew we couldn’t stand by and let this iconic event die out

Fortunately, Lyme Regis Museum felt the same and a plan for rescuing the festival was put together

The museum will be planning and co-ordinating the festival, which will take place from April 28 to 30 and our main contribution is a grant of

Welcome to our new gardeners!

INTRODUCING our two newest members of staff

Kai Sparks and Matt Davies have joined the external works’ team as gardeners/maintenance people and are based mainly in the Langmoor and Lister Gardens

Kai was previously a self-employed gardener and soft landscaper but joined the council to gain more experience and job security

Matt previously managed 8,000 acres of the New Forest National Park and applied for the council role after he and his wife relocated to the area

Lots of people have already stopped to chat to them so if you see them in the gardens or

Council to consider grant funding for 20 local groups

£3,300 to meet the funding shortfall

We’ll also help by providing venues and spaces for free, advice on co-ordination and logistical support, and our staff will provide support during the weekend

The museum is aiming to grow the fossil festival over the next few years and the council will be considering how we might be able to support the event in future

For now, we’re focusing on the 2023 festival so keep an eye on the website for updates on the programme for the weekend: www fossilfestival com

TWENTY local organisations have applied for community grants from the council

The council has £15,000 available to donate to charities and not-for-profit organisations this year

Funding is required for a whole range of projects, including new sporting equipment, support for local events, helping young people, maintaining buildings and caring for the vulnerable

All the applications will be considered at a special meeting of the council on March 29 and we hope it will be good news all round for the organisations that have applied

anywhere else in town, please feel free to say hello

Their arrival means we had to say goodbye to two other employees – Dan Kelly and Callum Taylor

Dan worked for the council for almost three years and is now looking forward to spending more time with his family during his retirement Callum joined the council as an apprentice in 2016 before becoming a full-time gardener/maintenance person and has left to go travelling before starting a new job as a tree surgeon

We wish both Dan and Callum well and say a big welcome to Kai and Matt!

Three stand for election

THREE people have put themselves forward for election to Lyme Regis Town Council

It was confirmed on Thursday there would be a by-election to fill the vacancy following the death of Cllr John Broom

The three candidates are Peter Cockerell, of Colway Rise, Sally Stovell, of Hill Mead, and John Trevena, of Woodberry Down Way

The election will be held on Thursday 13 April, with Woodmead Halls being the only polling station

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

Town Council

New Lyme Regis Town Council gardening staff Kai Sparks (left) and Matt Davies

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

Sax-playing sensation comes to Lyme

THE multi-award-winning saxophonist, Xhosa Cole will play his first live show at Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis on Friday, March 24

He’ll be playing the music of his hero, Thelonious Monk, with his new band 'Rhythm-a-ting, now touring the country

Xhosa Cole's rose to prominence when he won the BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year in 2018

From there, he went on to win the Parliamentary Jazz Award for Newcomer of the Year and then Jazz FM’s Breakthrough Act of the Year Since then, he has been working with renowned artists such as Monty Alexander, Courtney Pine and Soweto Kinch

Xhosa is one of the most talented young jazz musicians in Britain today He’s already enjoyed considerable success with Monk's work in his critically acclaimed album released last year

This live performance of that work will bring Monk's music to life in exciting new ways The show promises world class jazz music played with verve and humour

In the words of Jazzwise magazine: "He’s the talented young musician everyone’s talking about Mr Young King Cole!

Xhosa Cole will play at the Marine Theatre from 8pm on Friday, March 24 and tickets are now available at www jazzjurassica co uk

WHAT’S ON AT THE FORT

Events for all taking place throughout the year at the Davey Fort - home of Lyme Regis Football Club, Charmouth Road

Live Music Night with...

Weekend of murder, myster y and mayhem at the Marine

Lyme Crime, the only crime fiction festival on the Jurassic Coast, is back for its second year, and this time it's bigger and better than ever

Bringing together some of the UK's most popular crime writers, it offers fans a chance to hear from some of the best in the business

This year ' s lineup includes Lisa Jewell, Fiona Cummins, Erin Kelly, Nadine Matheson, Jason Goodwin, Vaseem Khan, CL Taylor, Jane Casey and real-life Old Bailey murder judge, Wendy Joseph

Paddy Magrane, festival director and local author, said: “If you ’ re a fan of crime fiction, our festival is the perfect place to meet your favourite writers and other mystery lovers There’ll be panel discussions, readings, book signings and lots of books to buy”

The festival runs from Thursday, June 15 to Saturday, June 17 based at the Marine Theatre

Opening the festival, publishing sensation Lisa Jewell talks to Erin Kelly about writing psychological thrillers that outsell John Grisham and Stephen King

The rest of the weekend features panellists discussing historical mysteries to spy thrillers and everything in between With the mood changing from cosy crime to darker and more menacing psychological fiction

The finale on Saturday evening features insights into why we kill from former Old Bailey

judge, Wendy Joseph Paddy added: “It’ll be a fun and friendly weekend set against the glorious backdrop of Lyme Regis - a festival filled with mystery, murder and mayhem!”

Tickets are now on sale via the website www lymecrime co uk where you can also find the full programme

South African band stop in Lyme

A WORLD-famous South African band is visiting Lyme Regis as part of a European tour that takes in some of the biggest festivals Bantu Continua Uhuru Consciousness, better known as BCUC, are a seven-piece that continually excite

Originally from Soweto, they have shaken up the South African music scene by matching bass and percussion against angry, chanting Zulu vocals they mix the ancient and modern with a real sense of urgency

They state they are “descended from tribes who use music as therapy” their music has the untamed, trancelike quality of North African musical healers, the Gnawa or the Master Musicians of Joujouka They tackle the harsh realities of the voiceless,

Saturday,

especially the plight of the uneducated workers at the bottom of the social food chain BCUC taps into the elusiveness of the spirit world of ancestors by which they are inspired The Africa portrayed by BCUC is not poor, but rich in tradition rituals and beliefs BCUC write songs with unconventional structures sounds that rise in waves and ebb and flow like a storm In 2019 those sounds got the whole of the famous West Holts stage bouncing at Glastonbury Festival BBC Radio 6 Music’s Gilles Peterson announced they were: Without a doubt the best live act I saw ” They will perform at the Marine Theatre on Friday, June 2 and tickets are available at marinetheatre com

THIS MONTH AT THE MARINE THEATRE

HAPPY March and hopefully with the weather warming up you can pop along to the Marine Theatre when you are out and about There has been a lot going on recently

There are few times when, in one week, you can have a mini disco, a sell-out bougie night and a glorious sing-along to some traditional sea shanties Our Marine certainly caters for all and welcomes all

The rehearsals for Glengarry Glenn Ross are well under way and speaking to one of the cast I was amused by their comment when I asked how is it going They said: “There is some serious acting going on ”

The trustees have also met recently and, without giving anything away, there are some exciting projects planned for the year to come

Something I am personally looking forward

to is the second free drama day that we are running in the Easter holidays

It was so lovely to welcome all the children last month and Lee and I hope to see even more joining us this time

At each event, the children work together to create a short performance, which is shared with parents at the end of the day

See you soon at the Marine Tessa Morton

Author Lisa Jewell will open the Lyme Crime festival in June

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Oscar winning sho ws a t The Ga teway

FOLLOWING close on the heels of the Oscarwinning weekend of blockbuster films, The Gateway Theatre in Seaton is going to reward you with an even greater array of top class entertainment that is sure to have something for everyone, including the film everyone is talking about, Till

This heart-breaking story of the historic lynching of 14-year-old Emmett Till in 1955 Mississippi will be screened on Saturday, April 1 at 7 30pm

Or how about kicking off Phase 5 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania on Saturday, April 8 and 7pm?

But if you are looking for something fun to do with your younger family members, then you cannot go wrong with The Gateway’s annual special Easter Trail followed by the fantastic family film Hop, in which the Easter bunny’s son decides to head off to Hollywood, determined to become a drummer in a rock ‘ n roll band

To enjoy the family fun Easter Trail around town, looking for clues as you go, just pick up your entry form from the theatre from 11 30am on Good Friday, April 7 (£1 per entry), then head back for the hilarious Hop at 1 30pm The café will be open for hot and cold drinks along with plenty of cinema treats Tickets for the film screening cost £7 50/£6 50

How about being whisked away on a magic carpet to enjoy some Arabian Nights? When a brutal king threatens to put her to death,

Scheherazade attempts to buy herself time by telling stories But will it be enough to save her?

Dragonboy Productions breathe new life into the greatest folk tales ever told, including The Seven Voyages of Sinbad, The Little Hunchback, Faisal and the Barber, and the Tale of Sage Duban Directed by Eliot Giuralarocca, this newly adapted performance is going to be a feast of story-telling that is suitable for the whole family

Catch it at The Gateway on Friday, April 14 with doors opening at 6 30pm Tickets cost £12, £10 for under 16s or £40 for a family ticket

The award-winning stage show Heathers The Musical is wickedly funny and homes into the universal agonies of growing up and outsmarting bullies Veronica Sawyer is just another nobody dreaming of a better day But when she joins the beautiful but impossibly cruel Heathers, her dreams of becoming a somebody may actually be coming true, but at what cost?

Following two smash hit London seasons and the WhatsOnStage award for best new musical, it’s back! Based on the 1988 killer cult classic hit that starred Wynona Ryder and Christian Slate, Heathers The Musical is produced by Bill Kenwright and Paul Taylor-Mills, with music and lyrics by Kevin Murphy and Laurence O’Keefe With direction from Andy Fickman and electrifying choreography from Gary Lloyd, this is a production you cannot miss!

It will be coming to The Gateway on Tuesday, march 28 with doors opening at 6 30pm Tickets cost £12 or £10 for under 16s

COMING UP AT

BACKSTAGE AT THE GATEWAY THEATRE

POLITICS and entertainment; very much in vogue at the moment, and whilst the beeb battle it out with their top sports commentators, here at The Gateway Theatre we are taking the far gentler approach of persuasion, and coaxing local MPs to support this jewel in the area s entertainment crown

I ve been talking to Richard Foord MP, who banged a virtual drum for us when he gave the theatre a shout-out on his social media I can also tell you we have another politician visiting us shortly, though can’t reveal who just yet

But then The Gateway is no stranger to the political arena As the area’s polling station, we are in the thick of it though it’s not like it used to be when candidates hovered at the entrance door, in the hope of scooping up the undecided Bit like stage door Johnnys but in reverse; we don’t get those either

The Grizzly was here again, sans muddy boots

I did the morning shift when the theatre foyer turned into something akin to King’s Cross ticket hall in the rush hour An incredible event that we are thrilled to be part of and our corner café is always very popular The tickets for the quiz night, sold out in virtually 24 hours!

But then again, so too did our Strictly dance sessions with Flavia There were just three spaces left at the time of going to press I do like a bit of Latin, but I’ll be standing well back from this, with my two left feet, it would be less chacha and more ouch ouch

We have a house rule, what’s said in the theatre office stays in the theatre office, unless it s a conversation with dynamic duo volunteers, Sally and Cilla We were talking about the phwoah-factor

at the next Ladies Night that Emma Chudley has organised Who knew a pinny and bowtie could cause such a stir, but don’t worry girls, I won’t divulge what you said

I’ve had a busy time with our fundraising for the replacement heating system I went along to an interesting Arts & Culture East Devon workshop at the Beehive in Honiton We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of people, and we are making huge progress towards reaching our goal If you can help at all, we have a GoFundMe page, or you can drop something into our donation box in the foyer Each and every penny will make all the difference

Do you mark any of the special days that happen? I noticed International Women s Day was followed by Barbie Day I didn’t know that was a thing But I do know Mothering Sunday is a thing, and The Gateway is showing the fabulous musical stage version of Anything Goes So if you are stuck for ideas what to do with your mum, bring her along to the theatre at 2 30pm on Sunday

Of course, if you’re stuck for present ideas, there may still be tickets available for the Ladies Night in June, you could ask one of the butlers to deliver her flowers between their teeth behave!

Sophia Moseley

THEGATEWAYTHEATRE

FORE STREET, SEATON

HEATHERS THE MUSICAL

The award-winning stage show Heathers The Musical is wickedly funny look at the agonies of growing up and outsmarting bullies. Following two smash hit London seasons and the WhatsOnStage award for best new musical, it’s coming to The Gateway!

March 28 | Doors 6.30pm | Tickets £12/£10

EATSER TRAIL & HOP

Celebrate Easter with a family fun Easter Trail around Seaton, starting at The Gateway Theatre on Good Friday, followed by a screening of the children’s comedy Hop, following the Easter Bunny’s son as he heads to Hollywood to make it in rock ‘n’ roll.

TALES FROM A THOUSAND & ONE NIGHTS

Dragonboy Productions breathe new life into the greatest folk tales ever told, including The Seven Voyages of Sinbad, The Little Hunchback, Faisal and the Barber, and the Tale of Sage Duban. This newly adapted performance is suitable for the whole family.

April 14 | Doors 6.30pm | Tickets £12/£10/£40 family

SEATON’S PREMIER VENUE FOR LIVE MUSIC, PERFORMING ARTS, LIVE STREAMED THEATRE, FILMS AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

April 7 | Trail 11.30am | Film 1.30pm | Tickets £7.50/£6.50 To

or call our box ofce on 01297 625699

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

What’s on

Friday, March 17

Lyme Regis Comedy Club

Marine Theatre 7pm

This week s headliner Paul F Taylor's unique brand of humour fuses quirky offbeat one liners with surreal observational flights of fancy to fantastical effect

Supported by Ashley Frieze and Mad Ron and resident host Tom Glover Tickets £12 available at marinetheatre com

Saturday, March 18

1980s Fitsteps Glow Party Woodmead Halls, 6 30pm

The Nag’s Head, 9pm Lyme Regis Fitsteps will host a free 1980s theme dance class with neon and 80s fancy dress encouraged, raising funds for the Turkish and Syrian earthquake appeal

Live Music Night

The Nag’s Head 9pm

Weekly live band at The Nag’s Head from 9pm

Monday, March 19

Cuppa and Company

Lyme Regis Library, 2pm

All welcome to pop in for a drink have a chat, read the paper, use the free wifi and meet new people, with free hot drink or squash and biscuits

Tuesday, March 21

Rose

Marine Theatre, 6 30pm

Co-written by local writer Kate Duncan, based on her own circumstances but with fictional characters and events new play Rose celebrates the achievements and capabilities of disabled people Tickets cost £12 available at marinetheatre com

Horticultural Demonstration

Uplyme Village Hall, 7pm Mark Bugler shows Uplyme & Lyme Regis Horticultural Society how to plant up a spring hanging ball which includes violas Free plug plants available to grow for the summer show Entry is free for members, £3 for guests, refreshments available

Wednesday, March 22

LRTC Strategy & Finance

Guildhall, 7pm

Members of the public are welcome to attend town council meetings and speak for up to three minutes in the public forum For agendas v sit lymeregistowncouncil gov uk

Thursday, March 23

The Old School House Cafe

The Hub, 9 30am - 1 30pm Community café open at The Hub in Church Street every Thursday and Friday morning affordable food and drink, free wifi Lyme Regis Commun ty Bingo Woodmead Halls, 8pm Bingo night every Thursday raising funds for local organisations which are members of Lyme Regis Community Bingo Association Doors open 7 30pm, eyes down 8pm

Friday, March 24

Jazz Jurassica: Xhosa Cole

Marine Theatre 7pm

Multi-award-winning sax player, Xhosa Cole, explores the music of jazz titan Thelonious Monk With his new ensemble, ‘Rhythm-a-ting’ this show fizzes with energy and humour This is a must for all jazz fans! Tickets £16 available at marinetheatre com

Saturday, March 25

Coffee Morning Bethany Chapel, 10 30am Bethany Chapel in Coombe Street resumes its monthly coffee mornings on the last Saturday of the month, raising funds for the RNLI and Dorset Air Ambulance All welcome

Live Music Night

Lyme Regis Football Club, 8pm

Live music from local band Ghosts etc at Lyme Regis Football Club Free entry, all welcome

Live Music Night

The Nag’s Head, 9pm Weekly live band at The Nag s Head from 9pm CLOCKS GO FORWARD ONE HOUR

Sunday, March 26

Jazz in the Bar Marine Theatre, 7pm

Duke Ellington was an American pianist, composer, and leader of his own jazz orchestra Andy Williamson will be playing his timeless music on the and singing with pianist Philip Clouts Tickets £12 available at marinetheatre com

Monday, March 27

Cuppa and Company

Lyme Regis Library, 2pm All welcome to pop in for a drink have a chat, read the paper, use the free wifi, and meet new people with free hot drink or squash and biscuits

Tuesday, March 28

Talk: Source to Sea

Lyme Regis Baptist Church, 7pm

Source to Sea explores the journey of the chalk river, the Itchen, and the pressures on it Graham Roberts retired freshwater ecologist from Lyme Regis and now a key member of the River Lim Action group, part of Turn Lyme Green, was inspired by the Itchen to work for 40 years in the wetland environment All welcome

Wednesday, March 29 LRTC Grants Meeting

Guildhall, 7pm

Members of the public are welcome to attend town council meetings and speak for up to three minutes in the public forum For agendas visit lymeregistowncouncil gov uk

Friday, March 31

Dub Pistols Marine Theatre, 7pm

A riotous collision of drum & bass hip-hop ska dub and punk, Dub Pistols maverick approach to music continues to inspire through the generations to this day Now a slickly drilled outfit they have lost none of their vitality wherever they rock up to play Tickets £18 available at marinetheatre com

Saturday, April 1 Live Music Night The Nag’s Head 9pm Weekly live band at The Nag’s Head from 9pm Sunday, April 2

Table-Top Sale Lyme Regis Football Club, 10am

A table top sale with bric-a-brac books, clothes, toys and more, plus a raffle bacon rolls tea coffee and cake Entry £1 per person Tables available for £5 by calling Francesca Evans on 07810 221 420

Send

Monday, April 3

Cuppa and Company

Lyme Regis Library 2pm

All welcome to pop in for a drink, have a chat read the paper use the free wifi, and meet new people, with free hot drink or squash and biscuits

Tuesday, April 4 LRTC Planning Guildhall, 7pm

Members of the public are welcome to attend town council meetings and speak for up to three minutes in the public forum For agendas visit lymeregistowncouncil gov uk

Wednesday, April 5

Matilda The Musical

Marine Theatre, 2 30pm

A screening of the new take on the Tony and Olivier award-winning musical Roald Dahl s Matilda the Musical tells the story of an extraordinary girl, with a vivid imagination who dares to take a stand to change her story with miraculous results

Tickets £6 or £5 for under 16s, available at marinetheatre com

Lifeboat Supporters Group AGM Lyme Regis Powerboat Club, 6pm

The Lyme Regius & Charmouth Lifeboat Supporters Group hosts its annual general meeting, all welcome LRTC Full Council Guildhall, 7pm

Members of the public are welcome to attend town council meetings and speak for up to three minutes in the public forum For agendas visit lymeregistowncouncil gov uk

Thursday, April 6

The Old School House Cafe The Hub 9 30am - 1 30pm

Community café open at The Hub in Church Street every Thursday and Friday morning affordable food and drink, free wifi The Shanty Sessions Marine Theatre, 7 30pm Local group The Chantry Buoys sing traditional sea shanties and other well known songs Join them for a free fun sing-along

Lyme Regis Community Bingo Woodmead Halls 8pm Bingo night every Thursday, raising funds for local organisations which are members of Lyme Regis Community Bingo Association Doors open 7 30pm eyes down 8pm

Friday, April 7

Lyme Regis Comedy Club

Marine Theatre 7pm

Headliner Andrew O’Neill is an award-winning comedian who has starred on Never Mind the Buzzcocks and Stewart Lee’s Comedy Vehicle A psychedelic non-binary whirlwind, they combine surrealism, polemic and good old-fashioned stagecraft to produce uniquely counter-cultural stand-up Also on the bill is Samantha Day and resident host Tom Glover Tickets £12 available at marinetheatre com

Saturday, April 8

Onipa

Marine Theatre, 7pm Afrobeat, high-life and electronic funk from a fiery afro-futurist collective bring their high-octane live show to Dorset Onipa is a supergroup featuring the man behind Nubiyan Twist fronted by irresistible singer & percussionist

Kweku of Ghana Tickets £15 available at marinetheatre com

Live Music Night

The Nag’s Head 9pm Weekly live band at The Nag s Head from 9pm

Sunday, April 9

Easter Bonnet Parade

Lyme Regis Baptist Church, 2pm Judging of the annual Easter Bonnet competition will be held at the Baptist Church at 2pm fo lowed by a parade down Broad Street and along Marine Parade at 3pm

Monday, April 10 Cuppa and Company Lyme Regis Library, 2pm All welcome to pop in for a drink have a chat, read the paper, use the free wifi, and meet new people, with free hot drink or squash and biscuits

Tuesday, April 11 National Theatre Live: Life of Pi Marine Theatre, 1 30pm Puppetry, magic and storytelling combine in a unique, Olivier Award-winning stage adaptation of the best-selling novel After a cargo ship sinks in the middle of the vast Pacific Ocean a 16year-old boy named Pi is stranded on a lifeboat with four other survivors – a hyena a zebra, an orangutan and a Royal Bengal tiger Tickets £14 or £8 for under 18s, available at marinetheatre com

Wednesday, April 12

LRTC Human Resources Guildhall, 7pm Members of the public are welcome to attend town council meetings and speak for up to three minutes in the public forum For agendas visit lymeregistowncouncil gov uk

Thursday, April 13

Free Drama Day Marine Theatre, 9am Children work together in a friendly environment to create a short performance, which will be shared w th parents at the end of the day including lunch and snacks for primary aged children who receive free school meals or who are from families who use the Seaside Store or Food Bank To book visit marinetheatre com

The Old School House Cafe The Hub, 9 30am - 1 30pm Community café open at The Hub in Church Street every Thursday and Friday morning affordable food and drink free

wifi Lyme Regis Community Bingo Woodmead Halls, 8pm Bingo night every Thursday, raising funds for local organisations which are members of Lyme Regis Community Bingo Association Doors open 7 30pm eyes down 8pm

Friday, April 14

The Oak, The Ash and The Standing Stones, Marine Theatre, 2pm Come and explore the magical countryside through this family theatre show Using loop station theremin vocal harmonies & beatbox, share in legends and music of the English countryside Tickets £10 or £8 for children, available at marinetheatre com

Jazz night to celebrate the

of Duke Ellington

DUKE Ellington was an American pianist, composer, and leader of his own jazz orchestra

Andy Williamson will be playing his timeless music on the saxophone and singing, with pianist Philip Clouts, at next Jazz in the Bar night at the Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis

Duke Ellington (pictured above) was based in New York from the mid-1920s and became famous through his orchestra’s appearances at the Cotton Club in Harlem.

Ellington wrote or collaborated on more than one thousand compositions; his extensive body of work is the largest recorded personal jazz legacy, and many of his pieces have become standards

He also recorded songs written by musicians in his band, such as ‘Caravan’, which brought a Spanish tinge to big band jazz

At the end of the 1930s, Ellington began a nearly 30-year collaboration with composer Billy Strayhorn, with whom he composed a wide variety of suites, and many great songs

After a quieter time following the war, an appearance by Elling-

ton and his orchestra at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1956 led to a major revival and regular world tours

Saxophonist Andy Williamson (pictured below) has performed with Tom Robinson, Suggs, Martha Reeves & the Vandellas, and even at Buckingham Palace

In addition, he has played sax with the Honkin’ Hep Cats, and formed the Big Buzzard Boogie Band

He is the perfect musician to interpret Duke Ellington’s work, as recently he directed a performance of Ellington’s ‘Sacred Concert’ at the Bristol Jazz Festival

“Andy Williamson honks and squeaks into his golden horn whilst “walking the bar”-the saxman ’ s equivalent of Chuck Berry’s “duck walk” – Today Magazine Duke Ellington’s great songs include ‘Satin Doll’, ‘Sophisticated Lady’, ‘Mood Indigo’ and ‘It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)’ Hear them at the Marine Theatre on Sunday, March 26 Tickets cost £12 in advance and are available at www marinetheatre com

‘genius’

MARINE

TRE THEA

Booking fee may apply. 10%

NEWS FROM AXMINSTER | SEATON | COLYTON | BEER

axevalleynews

Seaton residents campaign to save green wedge

MORE than 150 residents attended a public meeting to discuss the proposed development of 130 houses on the ' green wedge' between Seaton and Colyford

Baker Estates has submitted the outline planning application for a mixed-use development, comprising 130 houses to the east of Harepath Road, and a new football pitch, parking and welfare facilities to the west, along with a new access road, public open space another association infrastructure

Part of the land is already allocated for a mixed employment and recreation development in the adopted East Devon Local Plan, and the draft new Local Plan proposes to allocate the same land, plus additional land immediately to the north and east of the existing allocation for about 150 dwellings and 0 6 hectares of land for employment development

Baker Estates have said: "We believe that there is an opportunity to deliver a well-planned, mixed-use development with a new sports pitch for Seaton as well as a range of housing opportunities, similar to our existing developments at Rowan Drive and Barnards Hill "

The green wedge site has been the subject of several development plans in previous years, heavily opposed by residents from Seaton and Colyford who previously won an appeal with legal support to have a planning application rejected

The public meeting, held at The Gateway Theatre in Seaton, was chaired by former county councillor Martin Shaw, with Tony Smith of Seaton and Ian Priestley of Colyford also sitting on the panel

Speakers included present and past councillors, with strong contributions made by several concerned local residents

The meeting concluded with a near unanimous objection to the proposed development by show

FRANCESCA EVANS

francesca evans@nub news

of hands

Those opposing the applications say it is " crucial" to preserve the green wedge to prevent the coalescence of Seaton and Colyford

They have added: "The proposed estate brings development past the current boundary of Seaton's allocated built-up area and replaces critical high-grade agricultural land It encroaches on green habitat space that supports Seaton Wetlands and serves as a foraging ground for rare bat species of Beer Quarry Caves "

Although affordable housing is included as a part of the application, residents raised concerns that there was no legal requirement that the developers will supply the homes

There were also concerned that financial details were missing from the outline planning application, so was not clear whether any local infrastructure contribution would be made, how a contribution would be paid for, and whether further infrastructure contributions could be expected in addition to the football pitch facility

Also mentioned were heightened flood risk, increased traffic congestion on Colyford Road, the dangerous junction with the A3052 at Colyford, and damage to the rural aspect of Seaton

Despite the concerns of residents, Seaton Town Council's Planning Committee initially supported the application at its meeting in February, on the grounds that it would provide affordable housing and employment opportunities for local people, would help to develop Seaton Football Club with a second pitch, and could be an opportunity to improve flood resilience

However, the council did say it had "serious concerns " about the proposed access road exit-

Busy start for new cafe on Axminster industrial estate

Opening day at the new Gabe's Cafe on the Millwey Rise Industrial Estate in Axminster was a huge success

It was non-stop for Ellis Holt and his team at Gabe's as they opened doors to the public on earlier this month, with plenty of support and positive feedback offered from customers

The cafe was officially opened by the Mayor of Axminster, Cllr Jill Farrow, in a ribbon cutting ceremony that was also attended by district and county councillor Ian Hall and staff from Axminster Property, which owns the cafe building

Proprietor Ellis, who lives in Axminster, has previously worked in hospitality and management roles but is now excited to have opened his own business He hopes Gabe's - named after his young nephew Gabriel - will be at the heart of the Millwey community, serving residents as well as workers on the industrial estate

He is currently being assisted by family and friends but hopes to employ local people and the business gets off the ground

Ellis has also been working closely with friend and fellow cafe owner Jack Price, who runs the Station Kitchen at Axminster railway station

Loyalty cards available in both the Station Kitchen and Gabe's can now be used in either premises

Gabe's Cafe is child and dog friendly, with its all-day menu offering something for the whole family They will be serving full English breakfasts, breakfast baguettes and sandwiches, hot and cold snacks, jacket potatoes and more substantial meals for lunch, including burgers or scampi and chips

You can also pop in for a hot or cold drink, with coffee roasted locally in Axminster available Everything on the menu is available to takeaway and special dietary requirements are also catered for Gabe's can be found on the industrial estate next to Tick Tocks Day Nursery It is open Monday to Friday from 7 30am to 6pm

ing the site onto Colyford Road and requested that Devon County Council reduce the 60mph speed limit on this section of the road and consider a pedestrian crossing

Town and district councillor Marcus Hartnell initially gave his support to the development due to the provision of affordable housing and sporting facilities, but after listening to the concerns of residents at the meeting and receiving further information from the Environment Agency regarding flood risk, has said he wanted to give the matter further consideration

He called for the plans to be discussed again at the March meeting of Seaton Town Council,

where the made a u-turn on the Planning Committee’s previous recommendation, and agreed to opposed the application in light of the Environment Agency’s comments

The planning application has received more than 200 comments from the public, largely objections The full application can be found on the East Devon District Council planning website by searching application number 22/2781/MOUT

You can also find out more about the proposals at https://www bakerestatesconsultation co uk/ land-east-west-of-harepath-road-seaton

Axminster youngsters to stage 'Matilda the Musical Junior'

MEMBERS of ADC Youth, which is the younger section of Axminster Drama Club, are ready to take to the stage with ‘Matilda the Musical Junior’

While the junior version of the show is subtly different to the production that was so successful in the West End, and the recently released film, it nevertheless brings all the excitement that is encompassed in the anarchy of childhood years

Written originally by Roald Dahl in 1988, it was adapted for the stage with the music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and the book by Dennis Kelly

The story revolves around Matilda Wormwood a precocious child with a talent for telekinesis, who loves reading but who has to overcome the obstacles that are set in her way by her family and teachers

Along the way she becomes great friends with her own teacher and helps her to reclaim her life

Packed with great songs, the show tells a tale

about the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity and coming out with your own rewards

More than 30 children, aged from nine to 17, are taking part in the show under the direction of Sara Leat

Sara said: It s always great fun to work with the youngsters on productions like this because they are full of energy and enthusiasm Despite their age, you can see their talent shining through and this type of environment helps them to build their confidence ”

Tickets for the show, which is being staged on Friday, March 24 and Saturday, March 25, have been selling fast There will be one performance on the Friday and two on the Saturday

To get your tickets either visit the Axminster Guildhall Box Office during opening hours or visit https://www ticketsource co uk/whatso n / a x m i n s t e r / a x m i n s t e r - g u i l d h a l l / a x m i n s t e rdrama-club-presents-matilda-the-musical-jr/edbgrdo

Plans for the land off Harepath Road, between Seaton and Colyford (credit: Baker Estates)

FROM AXMINSTER | SEATON | COLYTON | BEER

More than 2,000 take part in 35th Grizzly Race

A CLOUDY but dry day provided perfect running conditions for more than 2,000 taking part in the annual Grizzly Race in Seaton on Sunday

The gruelling, 20-mile multi-terrain Grizzly took on the theme 'I Fought the Claw' for its 35th year, under the new directorship of Andy West and Steve Haines

The race was started on Seaton Esplanade by five-time Olympian, Jo Pavey, with the runners heading straight onto the first of two gruelling stretches of pebble running

After that it was off up Castle Hill and onto Beer, Branscombe and beyond and, for the Grizzly runners 20 miles of hills, bogs, river and more pebbles

The Cub runners may have been let off the bogs but it was still a tough nine-mile race.

The runners are supported by a huge team of volunteers from host club Axe Valley Runners and many other local community groups and charities

First home in the Cub was Ritchie Durrant of Pure Endurance in an excellent 1:02 52

Tenth finisher and first female was Olivia Carthew in 1:11 19

First male 40+ and first Axe Valley Runner home was Lee Moran in 1:11 13 with first female AVR and 12th female overall, Laura Kerr, in 1:27 20

All the winners were awarded with a bottle of prosecco from Lyme Bay Winery and a handcrafted plate made Gilly Humphreys

Guy Sweetman from event sponsor East Devon Sports Therapy Centre, and John Barrington-Rowell, president of Axe Valley Runners, made the presentations

In the full 20-mile event, Sam Kelly of Exmouth Harriers improved on last year ' s runner-up spot to take the win in a brilliant 2:14 25

Molly Smith, previously of Seaton but now with Norfolk Gazelles, took the first female spot in a superb 2:43.28 running her first ever Grizzly

Four-times World Ironman Champion, Chrissie Wellington, took on the Grizzly and finished as fourth female

Matt Clist, in ninth spot following a sprint finish, was the first Axe Valley Runner home in 2:29 02 while Emilie Brock scooped the first female Axe Valley Runner prize in

3:11 29

During the race a memory tree is always provided on Branscombe beach for runners to pause and remember friends lost since the last event

This year, the tree took on special significance following the recent sudden death of Phil Bayliss, a founder member of both Axe Valley Runners and the Grizzly, and longterm Grizzly committee member Axe Valley Runners wore green ribbons in his memory reflecting his deep commitment to the environment and his legacy of encouraging the Grizzly to become a sustainable event as far as possible

Organisers would like to thank Tesco, Leisure East Devon, East Devon Sports Therapy, Living Options and Seaton firefighters for their support at the finish line

On Saturday, hundreds of children had enjoyed some short Grizzly races of their own, ably supported by lots of Axe Valley Runners members

Full results to the Grizzly and Cub can be found on the website https://bit ly/3JlTvDi

Cycle path between Seaton and Colyford finally given approval

AN off-road, multi-use trail – described as the 'missing link' between Seaton and Colyford

is finally on the way

The £1 2million scheme, approved by Devon County Council's Cabinet on Wednesday, will improve part of the existing National Cycle Network Route 2 in East Devon, known as the Stop Line Way, which currently diverts onto a section of road that is unsuitable for families and less confident cyclists

The off-road section will run from the rear of properties at The Saltings to Marsh Lane Cemetery, linking to Seaton Wetlands

It will "encourage and enable more people to use sustainable travel and help reduce carbon emissions", according to the council Route 2 of the network also includes the Exe Estuary Trail and connects Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton, Sidmouth, Seaton and Axminster through to the Dorset border and onwards towards Portsmouth

In a statement, Cllr Stuart Hughes (Conservative), Cabinet member for highways, said:

"By completing the missing off-road section of this route, it will unlock the full potential of the trail for people of all abilities

"Establishing a high-quality sustainable travel connection will encourage people to be active while supporting our net zero carbon targets and the green recovery of our economy "

Local councillor Marcus Hartnell (Conservative, Seaton and Colyton) added: "I welcome completion of this final section of the multiuse path It's a milestone that the communities of both Seaton and Colyford will

welcome "

He continued: "The benefits are widespread, encouraging safe and sustainable travel, improving accessibility for all, and boosting the local tourism economy "

Cllr Hartnell did, however, request safety improvements in Colyford where the path exits onto Seaton Road, an issue also raised by a number of local residents according to Cllr Hughes He said he had already spoken to an officer about the problem East Devon District Council also support the new scheme, a report presented to Cabinet revealed It believes the much-awaited multiuse path "will provide a stimulus for further tourism growth"

County council opposition leader Julian Brazil (Lib Dem, Kingsbridge) welcomed the plan but said he was "wary" of what was described as 'low traffic lanes' along the route to Axminster

"In some cases these can be the most dangerous for cyclists," he said

"If it's anything like the lanes near me, that is high hedge lanes with lots of blind corners, and the idea that cyclists have a safe passage is far from true "

He acknowledged the council "can't solve that overnight," but said it was something that should be looked at in the future

In response, Cllr Hughes said the part of the route towards Axminster had been used for a number of years already

Cabinet approved the section of trail It is proposed to be constructed this summer

NEWS

Runners make their way along the pebble beach in Seaton Below left, winer of the Grizzly, Sam Kelly of Exmouth Harriers

classifieds&jobs

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SWIVEL CHAIR, comfortable black leather head rest, wooden arms, £10 - 07967 522 061

PINE DRESSER, 4 cupboards, 4 drawers with 2 glass cupboards on top half, width 182cm, height 200cm, depth 45cm, comes in two halves, good condition, buyer collects, £150 or near offer - 01460 220492

CAT FOOD, 45 assorted pouches, £12 - 01297

443930

MEN’S SHIRT Marks & Spencer tartan size

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FULLY SUBMERSIBLE PUMP, Katsu 400W, 7500L/H 1 5”outlet complete with 10M 2” lay flat discharge hose polyvinyl, as new, £35 - 07971 991 012

ELECTROLUX MULTI CLEANER, model z370, on wheels complete with all accessories, manual and in box, £25, Seaton area - 07971 991 012

TWO-SEAT SOFA, Willow and Hall grey, purchased in 2018, little used and unmarked, dimensions are 1700cm long, 94cm deep and 70cm high not including cushions, £45 ONO for quick sale - 07807 623 764

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LADIES BIKE, Trek, 17 5” frame, 15 gears, brand new, cost £400 and selling for £199, ideal Christmas present - 01297 792545

BABY BOUNCER SEAT used once buyer collects, £10 - 07967 522 061

CHANGING MAT, and bowl, free, buyer collects - 07967 522 061

PLAY TENT, folding, pink, very good condition, buyer collects, £5 - 07967 522 061

RODENT CAGE, Cosypet RC03 36” x 26” x 70” high (including wheeled base), various levels and ladders, good condition, photos available, dismantled buyer collects now reduced to £70 -

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ENGLAND RUGBY SHIRT, new with tags, size

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MEN’S SHIRT, XL, red tartan, brand new, cost £19 50, selling for £12, idea Christmas present01297 443930

MEN’S SHIRTS, XXL, M&S green check, pure cotton, in original packaging, cost £19 50, selling for £12 - 01297 443930

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PAINT, 2 5 litre tin of sky blue silk finish emulsion by World of Colour, £10 - 01297 443930

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BLOW UP BED, single, new and still in box, £10 - 01297 443930

DUVET & PILLOW COVERS, single, £3 - 01297 443930

WOMEN’S SHOES, M&S leather shoes, size 6, some unworn, some evening shoes, £5 per pair - 01297 443930

MEN’S OVERCOAT, wool, navy, chest size 3840, very good condition, hardly worn, cost £140, selling for £25 - 01297 446788

FIRE GUARD, Babydan, five sections including gate and wall fixings, £85 - 01297 560742

COT BED, mattress and fitted sheets, only used a few times, £80 - 01297 560742

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MOUNTAIN BIKE, specialized Rockhopper Comp, 26" diameter wheels, M frame, suspension forks, regularly maintained, good condition, £85 ono - 01297 561260

VICTORIAN WRITING SLOPE, secret drawers, fair condition, £75 - 07527 538 863

OLD STAMP ALBUMS, 12 in total, £20007527 538 863

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Items for sale will in future be posted on a dedicated Classfifieds page on the LymeOnline wesbite For inclusion, email listings to edit@lyme-online.co.uk or post to LymeOnline, Unit 5 Uplyme Business Park, Uplyme Road, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3LS Listings for items up to the value of £200 will be free. To advertise higher value items call 07810 221 420

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR STAFF

THIS SUMMER?

LymeOnline can offer affordable and wide-reaching advertising opportunities to help fill vacancies

Job adverts starting from as little as £30 are available on the popular LymeOnline website, visited by an average of 900 users a day.

More prominent positions are also available to help your business reach the widest audience possible.

Adverts can also be shared on our social media channels, with a combined following of 8,700, or in our weekly email newsletter with more than 2,500 subscribers.

Call Francesca on 07810 221 420 or email francesca@lyme-online.co.uk

LymeOnline Sport

Uplyme unbeaten in four

UPLYME 1sts travelled to Culm 1sts for a tough away match against a very experienced starting 11

The first half was a real battle on a tricky pitch, cutting up from the first minutes However, Uplyme took it to the home side and it was Marcus Symonds with a bit of magic that broke the deadlock

Cutting inside the full back, he hit a swerving strike from 30 yards that left the keeper with no chance It could have been better as James Beddows blazed over from five yards after Fin Mclean had struck the crossbar with

a dipping free-kick

In the second half, both teams continued to play good football and Culm used their solid forwards effectively to hold the play and equalised through a neat shot past keeper

Todd Lowe

In the final seconds, Symonds rode a dangerous tackle in the box – when most players would have gone to ground – only to shoot wide and the game ended all square at 1-1 The crowd all praised both teams for the quality of play and Uplyme remain unbeaten in four

skittles

VOLUNTEER Lyme Regis have won the Lyme Regis Winter Cribbage League with a-fivepoint advantage over runners-up New Inn Kilmington Gerrard Arms Colyton finished in third position with 48 points, just two behind the New Inn

The Beer Leg was won by Castle Inn Axminster with 33 points, just one more than Barrel of Beer A and Volunteer Inn Lyme Regis, each on 32 points

Results (March 13): New Inn Kilmington 1, Gerrard Arms Colyton 1 (Beer Leg 1-2); Barrel of Beer B 2, Castle Inn Axminster 3 (B/L 0-3); Lamb Swans 3, The Hind Musbury 2 (B/L 2-1); Volly Rejects 1, Axminster Con Club 4 (B/L 20

FLYERS have opened up a single-point lead at the top of the Lyme Regis and District Skittles League

But Rousdon Rebels are hot on their tails with a game in hand and Marksmen are also in contention with two games in hand over the Rebels

Results (week ending March 11): Hot Gossips 313, Anthill Mob 323; British Legion beat Trappers (game given); President’s Men 342, Clueless 344; Pin Pals 323, Roadrunners 349; Marksmen 374, Skittso’s 302; Rousdon Rebels 348, Flyers 394; Wootton Wobblers 294, Alleytwits 271; Hopes Wrecked beat Skittle Me Timbers (game given) High Scores: James Chapman 81, Andrew Stevens 73, Phil Bearpark 71, Ron Hebditch 71

LYME Regis Darts League singles open was played at Rousdon Club with players from six teams competing for a place in the finals night on April 6 The eventual two players through were Ray Powell, who defeated Rob Millward, and Dave Holland, who beat Mike Durrant.

Notable highlights were two 180s from Mike Durrant and 180s for Rob Millward and Chris Higgs, who also took out the night’s highest checkout of 112

Lyme Regis Golf

THE annual Captain’s Drive In at Lyme Regis Golf Club took place on Sunday, February 26

The day started with a four-person Texas Scramble team event, teeing off at 10 30am with a shotgun start

Winners were as follows: J Cox, P Mayles, A Cave and R Shinners 55 In second place came A Hatfield, L Elliott, C Beadle and K Beadle 56

The club would like to congratulate to the winners and say well done to all those who participated and supported the captains

Following the competition, there was the past captains’ Putt Out which saw Steve Hames, Mary Minter and Sam Beviss end their year as captains, and all were thanked for their hard work on behalf of club members

The Captains’ Drive In followed the Putt Out and saw junior captain Zac Mudford, seniors’ captain Ray Shinners, ladies’ captain Rosemary Shepherd and club captain Steve Harlow all tee-off the first

Club

welcomes new captains for coming year

The combined distance of all four drives was 746 yards, with Zac contributing an excellent 300 yards The winner of the sweepstake was Ronny Turner

The Captains’ Charity parking space for the coming year was won by Judith Ellard

Thanks were given to Piotr, Steve and the bar and catering team who ensured all those there to support the captains were well looked after, with everyone enjoying a complimentary glass of wine or juice and a very substantially ‘filled Yorkie’, as well as those who helped organise and run the event

The day raised £453 50 which will go to the Captain’s Project

Club captain Steve Harlow said: “We would like to extend a big thank you to everyone for their support, as we, the captains will endeavour to work hard on your behalf during 2023 and for the benefit Lyme Regis Golf Club ”

The new captains at Lyme Regis Golf Club pictured (from the left) before their Drive-In – senior’s captain Ray Shinners, ladies captain Rosemar y Shepherd, junior captain Zac Mudford and club captain Steve Harlow

Another Rowe ‘wonder goal’ before Seasiders’ collapse

LYME Regis 1sts got off to an explosive start in their home game against Crediton United 2nds on Saturday, going 1-0 up in the sixth minute

In-form striker Brad Rowe collected the ball just outside his own penalty box, sprinted 70 yards to the edge of the visitors’ box before slotting the ball home with ease

It was another “wonder” Rowe goal and underlines why he is attracting the attention of other clubs who compete at a higher standard

The early set-back did not trouble the well-drilled Crediton who responded with heavy pressure on the Lyme goal keeper where Will Meech pulled off three spectacular diving saves to protect Lyme’s fragile lead

Within ten minutes Crediton were back on terms with a closerange unchallenged header from a corner and after another couple of decent saves from Meech they went 2-1 up from another free header

Crediton spent they rest of the first half giving the Seasiders the

PHILIP EVANS

philip@lyme-online co uk

run-around, especially at the back, but there were no further goals before the interval

The visitors continued to dictate after the break and went 31 up in the 54th minute when Meech shanked a back-pass clearance, gifting Crediton their goal

The Seasiders rallied in a bid to get back in the picture and Mike Knight scored his first goal for Lyme with a well-placed low shot to reduce the arrears

Jack Lamb-Wilson came on as a sub and injected a bit of energy into the Lyme midfield

But any hope that Lyme could rescue a point was soon dispelled when Crediton made it 42 in the 60th minute and sealed a deserved 5-2 victory with another headed goal

Lyme were simply outplayed in all quarters by a side that looked better than their ninth place in the Devon and Exeter Premier division but with games in hand they are likely to finish further up the table

The defeat sees Lyme drop

Another tough challenge for the Seasiders

into fifth place but their hopes of a top-five place were helped by nearest opponents Colyton losing 3-2 to Sidmouth Town 2nds Lyme’s player/manager Robbie Fellingham described the result as “chastening” with another tough fixture away to Elmore 2nds next Saturday

The match was sponsored by Lyme Bay Butchers whose representative Dave Holland awarded the man-of-the-match award to keeper Will Meech Squad: Will Meech; Alex Rowe, Gary Knight, Dan Beer, Robby Fellingham; Ben Turner, Mike Knight, Callum Garrett, Mark Bailey, Brad Rowe, Steve Batey Sub: Jack Lamb-Wilson

■ Lyme Reserves also conceded five away to University of Exeter 5ths in Division Three The Ressies replied with a single goal, an impressive free-kick from Ryan Fifer Full-back Haydn Lewis had an excellent game at right-back and deservedly won manager Wallace Blackmore’s man-of-the-match award

WITH six games left to play, Lyme Regis 1st team’s player/manager Robbie Fellingham will be looking for more consistency from his side to finish in the top five of the Devon and Exeter Premier division

A spectacular goal from in-for m striker Brad Rowe gave Lyme a brilliant early start but the Seasiders were soon on the back foot and never looked like securing three muchneed points in a 5-2 defeat

At this time of the season, ever y point is a bonus Alphington look like being runaway winners and are hoping to move into the Devon League next season

University of Exeter and Kentisbeare are fighting it out for second place and there’s ver y little between Lyme and Colyton for the fourth spot

The Tanners have a one point advantage but Lyme have a game in hand

The big danger is Elmore who have only played nine games Lyme travel to the Tiverton side tomorrow where three points are absolutely crucial to stay in the top four/five

THE in-form Brad Rowe who scored another spectacular goal for Lyme and is attracting the attention of clubs that play at a higher standard

THE ever-reliable Robbie Fowler, one of Lyme’s most loyal players and a member of the Wellman football dynasty, receives the Lyme Regis Reser ves’ player-of-the-month award for Februar y from manager Wallace Blackmore

GOALKEEPER Will Meech receives the man-of-thematch award from Dave Holland, representing sponsors Lyme Bay Butchers, after a great performance against Crediton United