What’s your favourite Regent memories?
LYME REMINISCES OVER CINEMA PAGE 11
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BOOK SALES BOOS VILLAGE HAL T L FUNDS PAGE 9
Councillor breaks code fo conduct LYME Regis councillor Cheryl Reynolds has issued a public apology after being found in breach of the code of conduct for using a racist term and calling another member a liar. After a fall-out over the removal of the teen shelter in the Anning Road playing field, Councillor Reynolds’ brothers – district and county councillor Daryl Turner and local fire chief Virgil Turner – submitted a formal complaint about her behaviour to West Dorset District Council’s monitoring officer. Councillor Reynolds was investigated for seven specific issues and was found in breach of the code of conduct on two counts. REPORT, PAGE 10
Stepping back in time
Traffic survey let down
LYME Regis Town Council has expressed “bitter disappointment” at a much-anticipated traffic survey, which cost £25,000. Councillors were expecting the report from engineers Hydrock before Christmas but have only just received it, and have expressed concerns it does not include public consultation. REPORT, PAGE 3
Lyme Regis & Charmouth RNLI Guild AGM
LYME Regis’ original high street - Coombe Street - was taken back in time to the 1840s this week as it was dressed for the filming of Mary Anning biopic ‘Ammonite’. Many residents have delighted at seeing businesses transformed into a traditional greengrocers, hardware shop and butchers, along with the appearance of horsedrawn carts, as filming continues with stars Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan. See page 7 for the latest news from the film set and more photos. Photo by Richard Austin
Council hands out £42k
Wednesday, April 3rd, 7.30pm The Lifeboat Station, The Cobb, Lyme Regis All welcome!
TWENTY-FIVE LOCAL GROUPS TO BENEFIT FROM GRANTS
TWENTY-FIVE local organisations will benefit from grants totalling more than £42,000, handed out by Lyme Regis Town Council this week. The town council held its annual meeting to discuss minor and medium grant applications from
FRANCESCA EVANS
francesca@lyme-online.co.uk local organisations on Wednesday, with a total of £42,473.79 given away – less than the budget of £47,000. In previous years, the annual grants allocation has been a drawnout process sometimes resulting in arguments between members, but
councillors allocated funds in the record time of an hour on Wednesday, with only two applications rejected. A grant application from Lyme Regis Town Band was rejected by officers before the meeting, as the money had already been spent and it is against the council’s policy to award grants retrospectively.
The remaining 26 applications requested a total of £50,772.79, against the council’s budget of £47,000 for grants. At the beginning of Wednesday’s meeting, councillors were asked if there were any other applications they felt should not be considered. It was agreed to reject Lyme Regis
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Published by Lyme Regis Media Limited Hyper-local website and fortnightly newspaper serving the communities of Lyme Regis, Uplyme & Charmouth. Unit 5 Uplyme Business Park, Uplyme Road, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3LS www.lyme-online.co.uk edit@lyme-online.co.uk Facebook: facebook.com/LymeOnlineUK Twitter: twitter.com/LymeOnlineUK Instagram: instagram.com/lymeonline Editor: Francesca Evans francesca@lyme-online.co.uk 07810 221 420 Contributors: Philip Evans philip@lyme-online.co.uk Richard Austin edit@lyme-online.co.uk Production: Jackie Evans jackie@lyme-online.co.uk Regular Columnists: Sophia Moseley, Marine Theatre Mark Vandeweyer, Citizens Advice Peter Lacey, Tales of Lyme’s Past
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High praise for local water sports groups as council dishes out £42k CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE Development Trust’s application for £4,999 towards building work to the front of The Hub to prevent water ingress. Councillor Steve Miller said he did not think that the council’s minor and medium grants should be used for building repairs, and Councillor John Broom said he felt the development trust should pay for this itself from rent gained from other properties it owned in the town. The Mayor of Lyme Regis, Councillor Michaela Ellis, also expressed concerns that the development trust’s offices were now based at The Hub, as she felt the building should be used for youth provision only. After rejecting the trust’s application, councillors were told that they had enough in their budget to give all other applicants the full amount they had requested. Councillors agreed to approve en bloc all requests for minor grants – those under £1,000 – which came to a total of £8,897. Although they had enough money to also approve all remaining medium grant requests – between £1,000 and £5,000 – the mayor reminded members that this did not necessarily mean they had to give all the budgeted funds away. Councillors instead decided to look at each application individually. Only three organisations did not receive the full amount requested. The Harbour Voices choir was granted £2,000 rather than the £2,900 requested for the creation and/or purchase of costumes, stage props and venue hire for rehearsals; Lyme Regis Festivals received £1,500 of its requested £2,400 for Lyme Folk Weekend; and Lyme Regis Musical Theatre received £3,000 for the staging of ‘Anything Goes’ in May, having requested £4,500. All other applications were granted in full.
Water sports in Lyme Regis significantly benefitted from this year’s grants. Adventure Under Sail, which plans to take 28 local youngsters on a six-day voyage on the The Pelican tall ship next month, received £999 to subsidise the cost of the trip. Lyme Regis Gig Club received £4,998.80 to purchase equipment for a fitness facility for members; Lyme Regis Sea School Trust was granted £4,999.99 – the biggest grant of the night – to replace some of its boats; and the Lyme Splash Water Polo Championship and Club was given £1,500 to purchase goals and nets. The 1st Lym Valley Scouts is also planning to put its £2,500 grant towards rafting gear, including buoyancy aids, helmets, paddles, rope, barrels and poles. Councillors gave high praise to Lyme’s water sports organisations, saying they were a great asset to the town and provided excellent training and opportunities for young people. The full list of approved grants were as follows: 1st Lym Valley Scout Group - £2,500 to purchase rafting equipment; Adventure Under Sail - £999 to take local young people on The Pelican of London for six-day trip; Axe Valley and West Dorset Ring & Ride Service - £2,500 for community transport for elderly, disabled and isolated; Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support - £500 for informative events and complementary therapy treatments for those affected by cancer; Bridport and District Citizens Advice Bureau - £4,778 for weekly outreach service in Lyme Regis; Dorset Youth Association - £290 for delivery of support services for youth clubs and groups, including The Hub; Hallett Court Social Club - £990 for two coach trips and a Christmas lunch; Get Together Club - £820 for harvest lunch for 50 members and hire of hall; Harbour Voices -
£2,000 for purchase and/or creation of costumes, purchase of stage props and hire of rehearsal venue; Home-Start West Dorset - £900 to support volunteers in Lyme Regis, including travel costs, supervision and ongoing training; King George V Playing Field, Uplyme - £250 for lighting to allow the air ambulance to land at night; Lyme Regis Development Trust - £999 to provide summer activity programme for young people; Lyme Regis Festivals - £1,500 to host free music events on the seafront and Theatre Square during Lyme Folk Weekend; Lyme Regis Gig Club - £4,998.80 to purchase equipment for fitness facility for members; Lyme Regis Jazz Festival - £400 to provide technical equipment for an international big band visiting from Norway; Lyme Regis Musical Theatre - £3,000 to support the 2019 production ‘Anything Goes’; Lyme Regis Pantomime Society - £999 to purchase fogger machine for special effects; Lyme Regis Sea School Trust - £4,999.99 to replace two Picos and a Wayfarer dinghy; Lyme Regis/St George’s Twinning Association - £750 to sponsor a local student to produce a report on the benefits of twinning, including a trip to Bermuda; Lyme Splash Water Polo Championship and Club - £1,500 to purchase goals and nets to practice for the championship; Over 70s Christmas Dinner Committee - £250 for cream tea for elderly residents; St Michael’s Primary School and Pre-School PFA - £1,700 to purchase equipment and resources to set up Forest School; Turn Lyme Green - £2,100 to further extend public knowledge of environmental matters through education and raising awareness; Uplyme and Lyme Regis Cricket Club - £2,000 to build patio area in front of club and enhance pavilion; Uplyme Community Sponsorship Scheme - £750 to find suitable housing for a refugee family from Syria displaced by war.
Event organisers could be asked to fork up £500 deposit ORGANISERS of events on Lyme Regis seafront could be asked to pay a deposit of at least £500 in future, to ensure they comply with conditions set by the town council. Councillors are considering introducing a deposit scheme following a number of issues caused by major events held on the seafront last year, including rubbish being left behind and drivers refusing to move their vehicles off Marine Parade. In June 2018, the council caused outrage after suggesting that events and festivals should be banned during the peak season and Bank Holiday weekends, when it was argued that the town was already busy enough. After considering the views of residents and event organisers, it was agreed not to go ahead with this proposal and a new events policy was introduced instead, outlining a number of conditions regarding waste and vehicle management. Speaking at a recent Strategy & Finance Committee meeting, George Symonds, owner of the Amusement Arcade on Marine Parade, asked councillors to consider introducing a deposit scheme to ensure event organisers comply with these conditions. He commented: “Some of the organisations at last year’s events left rubbish, dismantled stands in the middle of the day and, on a busy Sunday, turned Marine Parade into a car park, all while there were still families trying to walk along it. “Some of the event organisers have been a complete nuisance and have a total disregard for any permanent businesses, blocking entrances and the council’s own toilets.” He also suggested that no vehicles should be allowed on Marine Parade between 9am and 6pm, rather that the current rule of 10am and 4pm, and a one-way system to get vehicles off the seafront should be implemented for events. Town clerk John Wright’s report on the matter said that a deposit would have to be a minimum of £500 to have any meaningful effect, but this might deter some organisations from hosting events on the seafront. Councillor Brian Larcombe argued that a de-
FRANCESCA EVANS
francesca@lyme-online.co.uk posit would not detract people from hosting events. He commented: “Let’s be very clear, if they comply with the things we require of them, they will get their deposit back, there won’t be any deterrent. The only people who will have a problem with this are the people who are likely to leave it in a way we wouldn’t like them to leave it, or cause potential damage and cause obstruction.” Councillor Stan Williams added: “We seem to have lost control on the seafront. All events on the seafront and in the gardens should only be held by local organisations, particularly charities, so all proceeds remain in the town for the benefit of the council taxpayers. “I think it’s appalling down there, we really need to sort things out.” ‘Silly not to encourage events’ Councillor Cheryl Reynolds, chairman of the town’s Tourism, Community and Publicity Committee, agreed that the council needed to enforce its vehicle restrictions and introduce a one-way system, but she said it would be “silly” not to encourage events. “We don’t want to put people off because the good thing about events is that they draw people in, and they spend money in the cafes and restaurants as well,” she said. “If we dissuade events from coming we’ll be cutting off our nose to spite our face. You go to any other town, they have events all the time and we’d be silly not to encourage that.” Councillor Richard Doney said he was concerned about the practicalities of introducing a deposit scheme, especially for small, local organisations that regularly held fundraisers on the seafront. He said the idea could cause a lot of arguments and he would prefer to see the council enforce its existing policies to try and solve problems before looking at a deposit scheme. Councillor John Broom, chairman of the Town Management Committee, commented: “You do get problems, what George says is true, you get
EVENTS which make use of the seafront and flat roof area in Lister Gardens may have to pay a deposit of at least £500 in future years people who won’t move their vehicles. You have to control that in some way and I think the only way to control it is say, ‘I’m sorry, but you lose your deposit’.” However, Councillor Broom admitted that a deposit scheme would open up a “huge minefield” and he did not know how the council could make it fair for everyone. The Mayor of Lyme Regis, Councillor Michaela Ellis, said: “My biggest concern is for the small organisations that hold events there. I went down last year and held a stall for my mayor’s charity. Where would I find £500 for my mayor’s charity to put down as a deposit? There’s a lot of organisations that wouldn’t be able to put £500 down before the event.” Councillor Larcombe said it was “nonsense” to believe a deposit would put anyone off hosting a seafront event. He added: “If you don’t damage it and you comply, it’s not a dissuasion because you’re going to get your money back. Let’s not be overly concerned about that. “What does it mean for small organisations? If it’s £500 they only have to raise it once because they’re going to get it back, it’s the same £500 every year.”
He then proposed introducing a deposit of £1,000 for all events but his suggestion did not win support. Councillor Jeff Scowen commented: “There isn’t a one size fits all, if we apply the deposit to everyone it’s just not fair. I don’t see a problem with the bigger organisations putting up £500 but we also need to look at better policing of events.” If the scheme was to be introduced, the town clerk emphasised the importance of councillors taking some responsibility for decisions regarding event organisers losing deposits or not being able to host their events again, rather than leaving it to council officers and staff, who he said would be “crucified” for imposing such sanctions. “There will be, I can absolutely assure you, a lot of pain here,” he added. Councillors agreed they would discuss the matter further at a future committee meeting, considering how a deposit scheme would be fair to both large, commercial organisations and small, non-profit events. Any new policies would not come into effect until 2020.
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Town council ‘not satisfied’ Residents raise concerns with £25,000 traffic survey over Henry’s Way play area LYME Regis Town Council has expressed “bitter disappointment” at a much-anticipated traffic survey, which cost £25,000. The council commissioned Hydrock engineers to carry out the comprehensive survey looking at all the town’s traffic problems and any potential solutions, in light of increased congestion and parking issues during busy periods. Members were expecting to receive the report before Christmas but had still not seen it at the recent Strategy & Finance Committee meeting, although it had arrived at the council offices. Councillor Brian Larcombe questioned why the report had taken so long and asked town clerk John Wright why members had not been allowed to read it as soon as it arrived. Mr Wright said that he and deputy town clerk Mark Green were planning to look through it that week before sending it out to members, so they were prepared to answer any questions. Councillor Larcombe added: “We have waited and waited for months. I am concerned about the way we’ve engaged
FRANCESCA EVANS
francesca@lyme-online.co.uk with the people that have done it because our expectation was that it would be done a lot quicker than this.” Mr Wright said that the deputy town clerk had been chasing up Hydrock regularly and he was “not entirely satisfied with the length of time it’s taken”. The town clerk added that he was also not satisfied that the report – which Hydrock had described as the “final draft” – did not include any public consultation which was one of the key requirements. “We are pushing Hydrock to ensure they meet their consultation obligations,” he added. Councillor Larcombe expressed concern that the company had not met the requirements set by the council, adding that public consultation was a “fairly fundamental” element, and he questioned whether they should be paid. Councillor Jeff Scowen added: “The public consultation days proposed by Hydrock have not been met. That was a really big thing for us, that the
public be consulted. Does this mean we’re now getting a report without that? Won’t that make it less effective? “I think it’s appalling how long we’ve waited and they haven’t even put a key thing in. Did we not promise that?” Mr Wright replied: “We absolutely promised public consultation. We have got what they are calling the ‘final draft’ and I’m dead keen that before it becomes the actual report, that public consultation takes place. “It was a key requirement and we made a commitment to undertake consultation.” Councillor Larcombe commented: “If this is the final draft I find it incomprehensible that they can produce a report like that when there is a commitment to consult.” Mr Wright said he was “bitterly disappointed” and agreed to bring his own report to the next committee meeting, outlining the council’s current position, the outlined requirements and the terms of engagement with Hydrock so members could decide how to move forward. Hydrock have been contacted for a comment.
A GROUP of Lyme Regis residents have raised concerns over the proposed renovation of the Henry’s Way play area. Lyme Regis Town Council is currently considering designs for the play area, which was first opened when the Admiral’s Heights extension of the Henry’s Way estate was built in the early 2000s. But some residents have expressed concerns that the designs will attract older children, when the play area was originally meant for toddlers. During the public forum at a recent town council meeting, Neil Luxton, speaking on behalf of a nearby resident, said: “The original planning permission and agreement with local people at the time of development was that it would only be for toddlers and not a full blown play area for juniors, which is why there’s a small amount of low height equipment available in that area. “My main objections are privacy - the proposed climbing frame tower’s height and position on an angled ground will look right into our bedrooms and landing windows, which is not acceptable. “Noise and nuisance levels will be increased. Neighbours have already had their car windows smashed and been verbally insulted by kids when asked to keep the noise down and not break the toddler equipment. “By keeping the equipment to a smaller size, in line with the toddler age group and removing the tower, it will reduce your cost.” Talbot Road resident Nigel Ball expressed concerns that the wider public had not been consulted on the play park. He praised the council for asking local schoolchildren about their preferred design for the park, but said the only other public consultation had been a letter
sent to neighbours in the immediate area around the park, some of which were in blank envelopes and were thrown away. Henry’s Way resident Catherine Holmes commented: “The park will attract older children causing problems in the roads nearby with skateboards, bikes and footballs. It’s the children we have to think about and if they get hurt, it hurts everybody, it’s dangerous.” Councillor John Broom agreed the council should look further into the original planning application and conditions for the play area before moving forward with the project. Councillor Brian Larcombe said the council had already spent a large amount of money on the Anning Road play park and, with its beaches and countryside, Lyme Regis was already a “wonderful place to grow up” so he did not think anymore significant investment was needed for play areas The Mayor of Lyme Regis, Councillor Michaela Ellis, said the money for the project was Section 106 funding from local housing developments and was ring-fenced specifically for play parks. Councillors agreed to look at the original planning application and consult further with residents before making a decision on the design.
Don’t miss the BIG Breakfast! THE Lyme Regis branch of Cancer Research UK will host its popular BIG Breakfast on Friday, April 5. The event will be held in the Woodmead Halls from 8am to 12.30pm, where volunteers will be serving up full English breakfasts for £6 or bacon or sausage sandwiches for £3. Takeaways will also be available.
Look out for our next issue on April 12
Until then you can catch up with the latest at www.lyme-online.co.uk
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NEWS ONLINE: Catch up with A round-up of the top stories from our website
PCC criticised for drug smuggling comments AVON and Somerset’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) has been criticised after suggesting Lyme Regis would be a good place to smuggle drugs through. Sue Mountstevens suggested she would use Lyme Regis as a gateway to the UK, as it might be easier than through a dedicated port such as Dover, when speaking about drug smuggling at a recent PCC and police public forum in Bristol.
Plans unveiled for new-look Rock Point THE new owners of the Rock Point Inn in Lyme Regis will merge the neighbouring fish and chip shop and kebab takeaway with the pub to form a larger restaurant area. The Rock Point and adjoining takeaways – all currently closed – were acquired earlier this year by Cornwall-based St Austell Brewery from local
businesswoman Gail Caddy, who ran the pub for 30 years. Plans for the redevelopment of the Rock Point site were submitted to West Dorset District Council on January 31 and if the planners approve the scheme within the eight-week stipulated period, work could start on the refurbishment as soon as April.
Get growing for Uplyme Summer Show! Heritage centre hosts nurdle hunt Concerns over new National Park IF you’re just planting your vegetables and flowers for the summer, or if you’re a dab hand at baking and preserves, why not think about entering Uplyme & Lyme Regis Horticultural Society’s annual Summer Show on Saturday, July 13? The latest Summer Show programme and schedule is now out to help you choose which categories to enter.
CHARMOUTH Heritage Coast Centre hosted a ‘nurdle hunt’ with a twist on St Patrick’s Day, with 40 volunteers helping to clear the beach of plastic waste. Volunteers were challenged to find the first green nurdle – which are tiny plastic pellets that make up most plastic products – with the winner receiving a special prize.
LYME Regis councillors have raised concerns about the proposed Dorset National Park and will organise a public consultation to gauge the opinion of residents. Concerns include the effect a National Park would have on planning applications, property prices and how democratic it would be.
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Looking back at 110 years of Girl Guiding BROWNIES and Rainbows from Lyme Regis and Charmouth recently joined members of the Girl Guide movement from across West Dorset for the celebration of Thinking Day and Girl Guiding around the world. This year’s theme celebrated 110 years of Girl Guiding adventures, with fun activities linked to Guiding’s past, present and future, including the 1909 Boy Scout rally, where girls protested that they were not allowed to join the organisation, which led to the Girl Guides being founded.
Friday, March 29 2019 5
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the latest from Lyme Regis
FROM LYME’S OW N COMMUNIT Y WEBSITE
Stay up to date at www.lyme-online.co.uk - 24/7 news | sport | community Still hopes for Regent to rise from ashes
Brass players invited to join band’s workshop LYME Regis Town Band is issuing an open invitation to all brass band players in the area to join a workshop it will be hosting on Saturday, May 4. The workshop will be led by talented musician, composer and conductor Roderick Starr, Mmus LRAM FISM. The event is free but places should be booked by calling band chairman Paul Snowball on 07976 843 866.
Charmouth Scouts hit the catwalk in plastic fashion EXPLORER Scouts from the Charmouth Seagulls Unit decided to make a late entry into Bridport Fashion Week with their stunning series of “creations in plastic” themed designs. Each creative team was given the same starting materials: an assortment of different coloured bin bags, a roll of multi-purpose cleaning clothes and a reel of duct tape.
THIS week marked three years since the Regent Cinema in Lyme Regis burnt down. I remember the day clearly - I had just finished that week’s issue of the View From Lyme Regis. It was a bright, sunny day so the blinds were drawn in the office and it wasn’t until we received a call from town councillor Derek Hallett, asking “have you seen the fire?” that we pulled them up and saw the huge plumes of black smoke above the town. I dropped the phone and dashed out of the door with Dad. We were the first press on the scene and later had to return to the office to change half the paper before it was sent to print. I had never covered such a big fire, and definitely not one which engulfed such a beloved public building. Residents cried in the street as they watched the flames take hold and gasped with horror as the roof collapsed. A sad day for Lyme. The latest update on the planned rebuild of the cinema is on page 11, where we also share some of our readers’ favourite memories of the Regent. And while we wait in hope for it to rise from the ashes, we mustn’t forget how lucky Lyme is to still have its own theatre. Last week I attended this season’s programme launch at the Marine, with a huge variety of music, theatre, live screenings, comedy and even some cinema planned over the coming months. The theatre will also be celebrating its 125th anniversary with a special review show and parade through the town in June, as well as a family magic show and screening of the 1949 classic ‘All Over The Town’, which was filmed in Lyme. The Marine Theatre is not the only
local organisation celebrating at the moment. Twenty five groups went home from Wednesday night’s town council meeting with a combined total of more than £42,000 in grants (see front page). In years gone by, the annual grants meeting has been one I dreaded - a long, drawn-out process with councillors fighting over their favourite organisations. One year the meeting went on so long I saw the milk man out delivering on my way home! So I entered the Guildhall with a little trepidation on Wednesday evening, but it turns out I had no reason to worry. The council breezed through the applications within an hour - a record time I’m sure. All but two applicants went home with something in their pockets and there were no arguments (long may that continue!). Some of the biggest beneficiaries of the night were Lyme’s water sports organisations, which won high praise from the councillors for being a great asset to the town and providing opportunities for young people. I have to admit, it’s great to see the bay looking so busy during the summer - gigs skimming across the water, sail boats in the distance, paddleboarders making it look much easier than it is! Sometimes I wish I had made more out of living by the sea while growing up. I spent every spare minute on the beach but not so much in the water... perhaps it’s not too late to start!
Francesca Evans, Editor
NE W LOOK
Syrian theme supper a Georgia ditches dentist sumptuous success! chair for lifeboat shout A SUCCESSFUL supper event kicked off the fundraising campaign for Uplyme Community Sponsorship Scheme, which hopes to resettle a refugee family from Syria in the local area, with 60 guests tucking into a varied menu inspire by the Middle East.
THE third emergency call-out of the year was the first ever for Georgia Robson, only the fourth woman to join Lyme Regis lifeboat crew. And the occasion was certainly one she won’t forget, as she was in the dentist’s chair when her pager sounded the alert on Friday, March 15.
‘Live at the Apollo’ star fronts Lyme Comedy Club THE headliner of April’s Lyme Regis Comedy Club is Chris McCausland, a British stand-up comedian and actor from Liverpool and star of ‘Live At The Apollo’. Chris is visually impaired and calls himself ‘the blind comedian’. He has been performing stand-up since 2003, and has long been firmly established at the very top of the UK’s live comedy circuit. The event will be held at the Marine Theatre on Saturday, April 20 - see www.marinetheatre.com for details.
LYME RE G I S
Sequence Dancing
New dancers welcome
Fitness that’s ‘Strictly’ Fun
FITSTEPS
Every Sunday evening 8-10pm
Fun, Fab, Dance Based Fitness Join Sarah on Tuesday mornings from 10-11am 1st session free Call 07788 946 427 for more information
Lyme Regis Musical Theatre presents ... Cole Porter’s
ANYTHING GOES Tuesday May 14 Saturday May 18 no matinee
Tickets from Lyme Regis Tourist Information Centre or call 01297 442138
BIG BREAKFAST in aid of Cancer Research UK Friday April 5 - 8am to 12.30pm
To book the Woodmead Halls telephone Michaela Ellis on 07856 630975 Follow us on Twitter @WoodmeadHalls and Facebook at www.facebook.com/woodmeadhalls
6 Friday, March 29 2019
LYME MATTERS with Philip Evans Essential reading for all those with Lyme at heart
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A most withering indictment of the way councillors behave T
HESE past few months have seen Lyme Regis Town Council seemingly struggle from one crisis to another.
In fact, the life of the last two councils will almost certainly go down as the town’s most controversial eight years of local government. After the last full council meeting when the extent of the fractious relationship between councillors was given a full airing, I walked home thinking that things have got to improve. It was one of the saddest days in Lyme that I can remember. A comment by Councillor Richard Doney, not known for immoderate language, summed things up perfectly when he said “because we behave so badly, you can get away with worse behaviour here than you can somewhere else. That’s a terrible indictment of the way we operate”. In 50 years of covering local government I cannot recall a more withering comment about the antics of our elected representatives than this, especially from one of their own. There has to be a change of attitude in the council chamber and hopefully lessons will have been learnt from the distressing goings-on of recent weeks. In a few weeks’ time the people of Lyme Regis will get the chance to elect a new council and by this time next week we will know how many are putting themselves forward for the 14 town council seats. I fervently hope there will be enough nominations to cause an election. I believe at least four existing members will stand down, some of whom are fed up with the shenanigans in the Guildhall. And I know of four, possibly five, candidates who are saying they are standing. Hopefully, a few more will step forward. If you are one of them, I urge you to give it a try. Whilst local government can be terribly frustrating and laborious, it can be very rewarding as well. Being one of those who can shape the future of this beautiful town, which many of us
take for granted, presents great challenges but the satisfaction that comes from seeing the town move forward and prosper makes it a worthy cause. I am aware that a couple of potential candidates have decided not to offer their services because they do not want to get involved with the febrile politics that has tarnished Lyme’s reputation. Also, the finger has been pointed at this newspaper, and others I have published, for reporting on the clashes in the council chamber and we have been accused of fanning the flames and negative reporting. We take those criticisms on board but no new candidates need fear their name being plastered across our front page unless they seriously step out of line. We report more positive activities about Lyme council than the arguments that go on. In fact, Lyme council gets a better press than any other authority around these parts. Let me make my view clear. Not every decision this or the previous council has made has been detrimental to the well being of this town; many of the decisions they have made have been carried out in the best interest of the town. But it is very rare for the chief officer of a council to have to remind his councillors that their behaviour is not acceptable and damaging to the council. And town clerk John Wright has had to do that a number of times, not encouraged or prompted by this newspaper. I cannot recall that happening in any of the other councils I have covered. It’s easy for me to say that it wasn’t like this in my day. I served on the council as a young man in the 1980s and was privileged to have been elected as mayor for one year. They were, mostly, a happy bunch who got on but they were very different days. Accountability and transparency were not words we ever used. Not everyone got on but outside the chamber there was little or no animosity. We all respected the view of our fellow councillors, although not everyone agreed. And that word, respect, is what has been missing in recent times. You don’t have to invite each other to dinner, or go on holiday with each other, or share a drink with them. You can fight your battles through reasoned debate, based on what you think is right for the town and its people, but not
The caring face of our town ABOVE, one of the finer examples of caring Lyme Regis - the monthly community lunch, organised by LymeForward and served by volunteers at Lyme Regis Football Club. The gathering provides residents, some of whom live on their own, the opportubecause you dislike the person you are debating with. And believe me that happens. It should also be remembered that the unreasonable behaviour of councillors can have a great effect on the staff and I believe that has been prevalent in recent times. They have a difficult job to do and the wrangling between councillors does not help. There is much going for Lyme Regis Town Council. It is cash rich and gives great support to
nity to meet and chat to others over a nutritious meal cooked by LymeForward manager Chris Tipping. LymeForward also organises a memory cafe which meets on the third Wednesday of every month, also at the football club. its local organisations in a manner not matched by any other local council for miles around. Councillors are the custodians of one of the most popular and beautiful towns in the South West, a place which many visitors consider to be a form of paradise, and with a culture of caring for its inhabitants. Surely, it’s not too much to ask them to act in a civil and adult manner as they undertake these important duties.
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WHEN I first started work, reporters were invited to all the annual dinnerdances hosted by local organisations. And that’s how I came to buy my first dinner jacket - at the age of 17! In Lyme, most organisations held their annual social occasion at the Royal Lion in what is now known as the upstairs Oak Room complete with a minstrel gallery. Our job was to report on the many speeches and toasts at such events and I have memories of attending annual dinners held by the Chamber of Trade, Sailing Club, Power Boat Club, Masonic Lodge, Rotary Club, Cricket Club, Football Club and the Skittles League (the latter being an all-male event). I was reminded of such events when
Jackie and I were invited to the Rotary Club’s President’s Night dinner hosted by Peter and Lynn Fortnam on Friday last. Peter (pictured) and I are old school pals, although neither of us were high academic achievers. In fact, after we flunked our o-levels we were put in a special year group - 6R, the R standing for Remove - and stuck into Room 16 in the roof of the Woodroffe School (Lyme Grammar when we started there). When Peter left school he went straight to work for Harrods in London and then in top jobs running shops on cruise liners before returning to Lyme to take over the family business, The Toby Jug, launched by his father, the late Alderman Douglas Fortnam, and
then founding the local estate agent chain Fortnam, Smith & Banwell. Peter also became chairman of the school governors. The President’s Night at the golf club had all the hallmarks of a Fortnam-organised event, great company, superb meal, an excellent speech from Peter and top-class entertainment by Paul Mitchell, formerly of The Stranglers. Whilst I have never been a Rotarian, I have always admired the work they do worldwide throughout my career and have provided publicity for their events wherever possible. Their record of “service before self” in Lyme Regis goes unchallenged and is a force for good in our community.
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Kate meets kids as ‘Ammonite’ filming continues OSCAR-winning actress Kate Winslet took time out of her busy filming schedule in Lyme Regis to meet local schoolchildren. Winslet has been in town for the past three weeks filming scenes for ‘Ammonite’, based on the life of Lyme’s famous fossil hunter Mary Anning, along with co-star Saoirse Ronan. Last week, filming was centered around the town’s historic Cobb harbour and out at sea on traditional sailing ship ‘Irene’.
Children from the aptly named Jurassic Class of St Michael’s Primary School visited the filmset one morning and arrived just in time to meet the star. A spokesperson for the school said: “Children in Jurassic Class had the pleasure of meeting Kate Winslet on their morning walk to the Cobb today. She was passing in her car, rolled down the window then got out to say a few words to the children. The children and staff were very excited!”
OSCAR-WINNING actress Kate Winslet, dressed as Lyme’s famous fossil hunter Mary Anning, greets local schoolchildren on the Cobb Photo by Janet Wraith
CHILDREN and staff from St Michael’s Primary School were delighted to meet the film star last week Photo courtesy of St Michael’s Primary School
KATE appeared in high spirits as she arrived on set last week, greeted by local schoolchildren Photo by Janet Wraith
KATE pictured with the film crew outside the Pilot Boat as she heads to the 1840s set in Coombe Street (photo by Richard Austin)
Compensation figure from film not yet agreed, councillors told A FINAL compensation figure to be paid to Lyme Regis by the film company currently working on ‘Ammonite’ has not yet been decided, councillors were told last week. Fossil Film Ltd, the production company for ‘Ammonite’ – based on the life of famed fossil hunter Mary Anning and starring Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan – has been working in the town for several weeks in preparation for filming, which began on March 11. The Bell Cliff area of the town centre was transformed into an 1840s set and scenes have also been shot at the historic Cobb harbour, in Coombe Street and on Charmouth beach. The company also took over Cobb Gate car park, the Shambles in Broad Street and a section of Holmbush car park, and managed stop/go traffic control through the town centre while scenes were being shot, causing some minor delays. Speaking at last Wednesday’s meeting, Councillor Jeff Scowen asked for an update on negotiations the town clerk had been holding with Fossil Films Ltd. to agree a compensation fee to be paid to the town for the use of land and disruption. Councillor Scowen commented: “They are probably half way through filming and we have not yet got a figure. That’s really not the way to do negotiations and I think we’re looking to give any money we get to good causes in Lyme – although we haven’t decided – so I’m a little disappointed with the way this has been handled. “As things stand now, we don’t have a figure, the negotiations haven’t been completed and really we’ll have to take what we’re given. Can we learn from this in future and do a more professional job at negotiating?” The Mayor of Lyme Regis, Councillor Michaela Ellis, said: “I think we have to remember that the film company did come to us really, really late and the town clerk has been working really hard to get these negotiations sorted. Getting
meetings with them has been difficult.” Town clerk John Wright commented: “There is an offer and there has been a series of offers from the film company, and I’m working on the council’s behalf to improve those offers. It would be remiss of me to say what that sum is. “The negotiations have not been concluded but there is a significantly improved offer from the film company on the table.” Councillor Stan Williams said: “There’s no doubt it has caused a lot of disruption. Even today people were trying to park in Cobb Gate car park but they can’t because it’s closed. It took me quarter of an hour one day to get down the main street in my car.” ‘Not the way to do business’ Referring to ‘The French Lieutenant’s Woman’, which was filmed in Lyme Regis in the 1980s when the town received £8,000 in compensation – the equivalent of £34,400 today – Councillor Williams continued: “It’s become difficult and we should have some reasonable compensation, certainly the equivalent of what we got when the last film was made in Lyme Regis. “I just think this is not the way to do business, you don’t wait until afterwards to decide on a price. It’s disappointing.” Councillor Scowen asked whether the figure would be made public when it was finalised. Mr Wright replied: “This council is entering an agreement with the film company. Lots of organisations around the town are entering agreements with the film company, they are not making those figures public. Clearly councillors will get told what the figure is.” He added that councillors had been “kept in the loop” regarding negotiations and he was working towards the figure they had set for him. Councillor Scowen commented: “That doesn’t answer my question, I’m asking whether that figure will be made public or are we signing a confidentiality clause?
“This is completely different – this is public money that hopefully is coming in. It’s not a private individual that is getting money for their shop being used in the film.” Mr Wright said that the figure would be made available to councillors and if they wanted to make this information public that was “absolutely fine”, but he would not be making a public announcement himself. There has already been some discussion on how any compensation the town receives should be spent, with some saying it should be given to the Rotary Club of Lyme Regis for distribution to local charities, and others saying it should go towards the Mary Anning Rocks campaign, which is raising funds to erect a statue of the fossil hunter in Lyme Regis.
SAOIRSE Ronan was also seen on Lyme’s historic Cobb wall preparing for filming Photo by Richard Austin
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Fernhill Hotel to transform old golf course
THE dilapidated mini golf course will be landscaped in the next few weeks. Below, the site as a boating lake in the 1970s and, right, as a kitchen garden in the 1960s
OWNERS of The Fernhill Hotel, between Lyme Regis and Charmouth, are planning to remove the dilapidated mini golf course from their grounds after more than 30 years. When Rob and Jo Illingworth took over the hotel 11 years ago, one of the first things on their ‘to do’ list was to get rid of the golf course, but legal complications over the site meant they had to put their plans on hold. These issues have now been resolved, and they plan to start work removing the course over the next few weeks. The site will be simply landscaped for the time being, but Mrs Illingworth says they have lots of ideas of how it could be used in the future, and would also welcome ideas from their guests and customers. In recent years the hotel has become recognisable for the mini golf course which can be clearly seen from the road - but the owners hope to transform the site to better reflect the elegant hotel. Before becoming a mini golf course, the site was used as a boating lake, popular with guests during the 1970s, and before that was a kitchen garden. The building itself - first opening as an hotel in 1950 - has a long and interesting history. The earliest section of the house dates from 1845, but the land itself can be traced back to the 13th century when it was owned by the Monks of
Forde Abbey, as part of the land known as Langmoor, and in documents dated 1295 referred to as the boundary of the new borough of Charmouth, created by the Abbot of Forde. The land on which Fernhill was built was bequeathed to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners to form a trust for a local charity supporting the poor. By a deed dated August 22 1837, certain trustees were given responsibility for the land, so the property was not sold, but passed from one tenant to another. The wealthy heiress Ellen Maryatt was the tenant who went to the considerable expense of erecting a substantial house on the land, then aged only 30. It was one of a number of villas to be built in Charmouth at the beginning of the 19th century when, alongside Lyme Regis, it a became very fashionable resort. It was later occupied by James Harrison, who added a billiard room and two bedrooms above it. Just five years after moving to the area, he discovered the earliest british dinosaur at Charmouth, named after him by Sir Richard Owen – ‘Scelidosaurus Harrisoni’. In September 1855, Fernhill was put up for auction and soon after Miss Maryatt is shown to
be living there again. She opened a small school at Fernhill and one of her pupils was Annie Besant, one of the most remarkable British women of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A gifted public speaker and prolific writer, she campaigned for free thought, birth control, improved education and women’s rights. Miss Maryatt’s brother, Captain Frederick Maryatt was very famous in his day, retiring from the Navy at the age of 38, he wrote a series of adventure novels, and children’s novels. Other occupants have included Captain Campbell Munro, second son of Sir Thomas Munro, an Anglo-Indian soldier of some distinction who became Governor of Madras in 1820, who built the nursery wing.
Geological Society award for heritage centre
The BIG Breakfast
CHARMOUTH Heritage Coast Centre is pleased to announce it is this year’s recipient of The Geological Society’s R.H. Worth Award for achievements in outreach, public engagement and education. A spokesperson for the centre said: “We are very pleased to have won this award and our thanks go to Professor Jim Rose for the nomination. Senior warden Phil Davidson will be off to the Geological Society in June to collect the award.” The award acknowledges the achievement in fulfilling the objectives set out in the constitution of the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre Charity, which are to advance the education of the public in the geology, palaeontology, geomorphology and natural history of the coast and adjacent areas at Charmouth, and to maintain the
centre at Charmouth for education and information to encourage management of coast and adjacent area. The centre is free to enter and welcomed more than 150,000 visitors in 2018, including about 4,000 school children. The centre houses some incredible fossils from local collectors, including the Attenborough Sea Dragon which will remain on display in 2019. There are also fossils on display from aspiring palaeontologists, including a fossil fish found by five-year-old Helena Ashby and a mammoth’s tooth found by eight-year-old Sebastian Webb on one of the centre’s regular fossil walks. If you would like to find out more about the centre or join a guided walk, visit the website www.charmouth.org/chcc/
SHOP LOCAL: SUPPORT YOUR VILLAGE SHOPS AND BUSINESSES
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Learn more about air ambulance’s night landing site RESIDENTS of Uplyme and neighbouring areas are invited to find out more about the proposed air ambulance night landing site in the village, at an information event on Wednesday, April 3. Devon Air Ambulance is hoping that the King George V playing field in Uplyme can be used as a night landing site in the future, and a campaign is currently underway to raise £5,000 needed for the necessary lighting. Toby Russell from the Devon Air Ambulance Trust will be on hand at the information event to talk about the work of the charity, and in particular night landing sites. All members of the community are invited to come and find out more. Doors at Uplyme Village Hall open at 5pm for an informal chat, cup of tea and cake and an opportunity to see some of the work produced by Uplyme Pre-School and Mrs Ethelston’s School about
the work of the air ambulance. There will also be an opportunity to buy some pre-loved DVDs and jigsaws to help with the fundraising efforts. Mr Russell will give his presentation about the air ambulance, the need for and work involved in establishing a night time landing site at 5.30pm. This will be followed at 6pm by the presentation of cheques to help fund the lighting column required for the landing site, and some awards to children for their work about the air ambulance. There will also be an opportunity to ask Mr Russell questions and again have an informal chat over refreshments. Planning permission required for the installation of the lighting column has been approved and permission from the land owner, Fields In Trust, has been granted.
■ UPLYME Village Hall’s funds have received a £600 boost thanks to a book sharing memories of growing up in Uplyme. The book ‘From Cuckoo Lane to Newcastle’ was written by Ida Quick, with the held of Vivienne Graham, and Ida donated the proceeds to village hall chairman, Councillor Barbara Kidson, at a coffee morning and jumble sale last Saturday. Mrs Kidson, pictured above with Ida, praised her for her generosity and said the funds will go towards the refurbishment of the kitchen.
AFTER 20 years in the making, Sonia Luff from the Black Dog Tea Room in Uplyme has released her book ‘What Spirits Have Taught Me’. In the book, Sonia opens up about her gift of being able to communicate with spirits from a young age. She speaks honestly about difficult periods of her life, including her parents’ divorce and the recent death of her father, in hope that she can help others deal with emotions such as fear and grief, and to overcome difficulties in their own lives. Sonia started writing the book by hand 20 years ago and later transferred it onto a computer after being encouraged to publish by the Black Dog Writing Group. She said she is delighted to finally have the finished product after such a long process. Sonia also practices reiki healing, meditation and offers psychic readings as well as running the popular team room with her partner Rod. ‘What Spirits Have Taught Me’ can be purchased at the tea room with all profits being donated to St Margaret’s Hospice in Yeovil, which cared for Sonia’s father.
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Councillor ordered to apologise after formal investigation into behaviour
OFFICIAL COMPLAINT WAS ‘SMEAR CAMPAIGN’ IN RUN UP TO ELECTION, SAYS COUNCILLOR FRANCESCA EVANS
francesca@lyme-online.co.uk
LYME Regis councillor Cheryl Reynolds was ordered to make a public apology after being found in breach of the code of conduct for using a racist term and calling another member a liar.
After a fall-out over the removal of the teen shelter in the Anning Road playing field, Councillor Reynolds’ brothers – district and county councillor Daryl Turner and local fire chief Virgil Turner – submitted a formal complaint about her behaviour to West Dorset District Council’s monitoring officer. The dispute arose after Virgil Turner’s young son found what was thought to be a bag of drugs at the teen shelter in October 2018. Virgil Turner claimed that Councillor Reynolds accused him of planting the drugs himself, to further his appeal for the shelter to be removed, as young people using the facility had been causing some disruption to neighbouring residents. Councillor Reynolds (pictured right) – who had argued in favour of the shelter remaining in place – denied that she made any accusations. Councillor Daryl Turner also submitted a formal complaint agianst his sister following this event, in which he accused her of slandering his brother Virgil and tarnishing his reputation. Both Virgil and Daryl also raised complaints that Councillor Reynolds had used the racist ‘n-word’ in a public meeting - an incident which took place before the teen shelter argument arose during a council discussion on local grant allocations in April 2018 - as well as several other concerns about her behaviour. Independent person Tim Darsley was appointed by the monitoring officer to look into complaints that Councillor Reynolds had used the racist n-word in a public meeting; had called Councillor Brian Larcombe a “liar”; had shown disrespect to other councillors by regularly interrupting them at meetings; had shown disrespect to Virgil Turner; had bullied Councillor Jeff Scowen; had shown predetermination in saying the teen shelter would be removed “over my dead body”; and had brought the council into disrepute. She was found to be in breach of the code of conduct for using the n-word and for calling Councillor Larcombe a “liar”, an incident which took place in June 2018. On all other counts she was found to be not in breach of the code of conduct. Mr Darsley’s report was sent to the town council and members were asked to consider whether any sanctions should be made against Councillor Reynolds at a meeting last week. The report was initially expected to be discussed in exempt business – meaning the press and public would be excluded from the meeting – but several councillors, including Councillor Reynolds herself, said they felt it should be discussed in public as the entire dispute had been carried out in public. Councillor Reynolds started the discussion with an emotional statement, in which she said the last four and half months had been “tortuous” and had “devastated” both herself and her immediate family. She added: “For your family to attack you is bad enough, but to not come and talk to you about it but to go full tilt into a complaint, newspaper allegations and a Facebook tirade
is incomprehensible. A witch hunt.” Councillor Reynolds – who also sits on West Dorset District Council and will be competing against her brother Daryl in the May elections for the new unitary authority seat – questioned why it had taken so long for the report to be completed. She said it had only been sent to the town clerk, Virgil and Dary Turner, but it had been leaked to the local press. Councillor Reynolds described the upcoming elections as the “elephant in the room”, adding: “This entire smear campaign against me has been a witch hunt. No one is perfect and I’m happy to admit that I make mistakes everyday. I learn from my mistakes and anyone who doesn’t make mistakes is a saint and I’m envious. “What truly saddens me is all those who took this opportunity to jump on the band wagon and further condemn me. They each may have had their own motives, but their aim was the same – to blacken my reputation ahead of the town council and unitary elections in May.” ‘Dreadful mistake’ Referring to her use of the n-word, Councillor Reynolds described it as a “dreadful mistake” and she had been “disgusted” with herself for making the comment. She said she apologised immediately, and later again to all councillors and members of the public who had been present, and had then undertaken voluntary training in equality and diversity. Councillor Reynolds went on to accuse Councillor Derek Hallett of using the same nword in a public meeting, saying he received “absolutely no condemnation”. She said she had also apologised to Councillor Larcombe for calling him a liar. However, she then accused him of passing on confidential council business. Councillor Larcombe has refuted these claims. Councillor Reynolds denied claims that she had bullied Councillor Scowen, saying he was quite capable of “holding his own”, as found in the report, and said that she was not the only councillor who had interrupted others at meetings. Concluding her statement, Councillor Reynolds said: “I hope that everyone accepts the apologies that have been made without
COUNCILLOR Cheryl Reynolds’ public apology in full: “For the last four and a half months I have been under investigation following complaints made against me about alleged breaches of the councillors’ code of conduct. “Whilst most of the allegations have been dismissed by the independent investigator, two, about not treating others with respect by my use of inappropriate language at meetings of the Lyme Regis Town Council, have been upheld. “I apologised for these matters immediately at the time but wish to repeat and reinforce my sincere and unequivocal apologies to those directly affected, to the town and to anyone else who may have been upset or offended by my use of language; which I accept was entirely wrong and unacceptable.
“I have no desire to hide or cover up anything concerning this matter and a copy of the decision notice concerning the complaint can be viewed on the town council’s website. Alternatively, a hard copy can be obtained from the offices of Lyme Regis Town Council. “Since these issues first arose, I have taken the initiative to enrol myself on appropriate training and I genuinely hope and believe that I have learnt from my mistakes. “Throughout this very difficult period, I have continued to work tirelessly for the town in every way I can, for local residents, businesses, visitors and, especially, young people. “I hope I will continue to have the privilege of serving everyone to the very best of my ability in future.”
reservation and I am happy to apologise again. Please understand that I have learnt many things from this and that my sadness and despair with my family will continue and that the damage done has been irrevocable.” Councillor Scowen said he was “honestly gobsmacked” by her statement. He commented: “There is no Councillor Reynolds smear campaign, it’s crazy to say that, it’s not a personal vendetta. “You’re trying to come across as somebody who has been completely wronged by all of this. It was you that said the word liar and the n-word and all we’re doing is trying to get to the truth. I absolutely refute what you’re suggesting, that you’re somehow a victim in all of this.” Councillor Scowen added that an apology was not always good enough, and other politicians who had used the racist term had resigned from office. Councillor Larcombe said he also did not believe the complaint had anything to do with the upcoming elections. He said the report had gone through the independent person, the monitoring officer and the chief executive of West Dorset District Council, who were not interested in election campaigns. He added: “The whole episode is unfortunate and at the end of the day it’s about personal consciences.” Referring to Councillor Reynolds’ accusation that he had also used the n-word, Councillor Hallett said he could not remember making the comment and had asked several other councillors who also had no recollection of it. “If I did say it, I will have to apologise,” he added Councillor Hallett also brought members’ attention to another allegation mentioned in the report – a claim that Councillor Reynolds had refused to sign a ‘get well’ card after Councillor Hallett suffered a heart attack, and instead reportedly said, “I hope he has another one”. The Mayor, Councillor Michaela Ellis, said the alleged comment was not raised in the investigation and asked Councillor Hallett to stick to the report. Councillor Hallett continued: “It’s disgraceful. Her behaviour in this chamber, at times, has been outrageous.
“On one occasion, Councillor John Broom, because she [Councillor Reynolds] wouldn’t stop talking to you, Madam Mayor, hammered the table so hard that the water bottle almost hit the ceiling and we all jumped out of our chairs, because you two wouldn’t stop talking. “It’s gone on meeting after meeting and we’ve had to put up with it. There is no witch hunt against her, Cheryl has caused these problems herself… she’s not been nice to a lot of us. “I’m not standing for council next time simply because of her behaviour towards myself and other councillors who have been treated terrible. She may feel hard done by, but so do I.” Councillor Richard Doney said he was “ashamed of the environment that we as councillors have created”, adding that he didn’t want to be a part of it. He read the following statement from Mr Darsley’s report: “With interruptions between councillors seemingly tolerated, the threshold for what amounts to disrespect from such behaviour will be higher than elsewhere.” Councillor Doney added: “What that’s saying is, because we behave so badly you can get away with worse behaviour here than you can somewhere else. That’s a terrible indictment of the way we operate.” He encouraged councillors to stick to the findings of the report and “leave all other baggage behind”. Councillor Ellis said Councillor Reynolds had already done everything she could to put the matter right. She added that she didn’t understand why some issues from almost a year ago had been brought up in the investigation, when no one had made any formal complaints when they first took place. Councillor Sean Larcombe agreed that it was “unfair” to impose sanctions on Councillor Reynolds, such as expecting her resign, when she had already apologised, undertaken voluntary training, suffered with her family life and had carried out much good work for the community. It was agreed that Councillor Reynolds should make another apology in terms agreed by the mayor and town clerk, which should be made public through the media (see above).
“
Because we behave so badly, you can get away with worse behaviour here than you can somewhere else. That’s a terrible indictment of the way we operate.”
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Regent Cinema: Three years after the blaze THIS week marked three years since the Regent Cinema in Lyme Regis was destroyed by fire, and residents are still asking questions about its rebuild.
The town stood in shock as it watched its 1930s Art Deco cinema engulfed in flames on March 22 2016. At the height of the blaze, thick black smoke rising from the site could be seen for miles and eight fire crews from three counties worked to prevent the flames spreading to adjoining buildings. Residents were visibly upset as they watched the incident unfold from the street and there were gasps of horror as the roof collapsed. Suddenly it was clear - the Regent would not be open for some time. The fire was started by an electrical fault in the recently-refurbished cinema; it completely destroyed the auditorium, which was later demolished, but fire doors largely protected the Grade II Listed frontage, which still stands in Broad Street. Following the blaze, owners Scott Cinemas said they had “every intention to rebuild the cinema to its former glory”. However, the complex insurance claim took a year to finalise, described by Scott Cinemas as “a much longer process than we had hoped”. The company later merged with Cornwallbased cinema chain WTW, forming WTW Scott Cinemas. It has since been working on plans for the rebuild of the Regent but has struggled to put together a scheme that is both financially and architecturally viable. The latest statement from the owners, released on February 18 this year, said: “WTWScott Cinema group is still actively engaged in a potential rebuild scheme for the Lyme Regis cinema. “We’re currently working on our fourth set of design proposals, from which we need to
FRANCESCA EVANS
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reach the point where the rebuild scheme is both financially and architecturally viable. “At present, we have not consulted with local authorities as there is little point in wasting everybody’s time presenting a scheme design that isn’t viable. “New build cinemas are architecturally very complicated, and the Lyme Regis venue being a listed building presents challenges to overcome, all of which add significantly to any build schedule. “Once we have a viable, workable scheme, we look forward to working with the local authority and Historic England to progress this. “Contrary to rumours, we have not sold the site and Scott Cinemas recent partnership with WTW Cinemas has only helped solidify our design aspirations for Lyme Regis, and our continued expansion in the South West.”
Your favourite Regent memories...
WE asked LymeOnline readers to share their favourite memories of the Regent Cinema and here’s some of your responses: ■ I saw ‘The Flintstones’ movie whilst on holiday there in the early 1990s. I was 10, I think, went in all on my own feeling so grown up! Such a beautiful architecture and classic in its style. I was so sad to learn of it's recent trouble. ■ In the 1970s I went to see ‘The Spy Who Loved Me’ (age 12) with my big sister. I always remember, when Roger Moore’s parachute opened to reveal a Union Jack, my feeling of surprise and then joy as the whole previously hushed cinema spontaneously burst into loud cheers and laughter. ■ Watching ‘Grease’, not being old enough
for ‘Jaws’, the lovely old double rear seats, the adverts - Kiora! Ice cream at interval time from the ladies with the trays at the back, giving us something to do as kids on those rainy days when we weren’t wave dodging. ■ Favourite memories - always friendly staff and up to date films. My mum was able to go and see ballet and opera streamed live (now have to go to Sidmouth or Bridport which is a pain as she doesn’t drive). Loved the Art Deco, can’t wait for it to return. ■ Watching the original Star Wars and original Superman then "flying" down Sherbourne Lane as a kid thinking I was now a superhero. ■ Favourite memory: going to see ‘ET’ with my friends and my seat breaking at the tear-
jerking moment and us all laughing ■ The double seats at the back... ■ Organising an end of primary school celebration with the entire year group, siblings and parents to see the afternoon showing of ‘Mamma Mia!’, then going for fish and chips on the beach followed by dancing in the shelters to the local bands. A magical musical summer evening in Lyme for the end of an important life stage! ■ One of the saddest days for me. Had just been to visit one of my patients and we saw it from afar. Heart breaking and even more so three years on. So loved our cinema and miss it. Loved my early films straight from finishing work. My last film seen was ‘Lady in a Van’. ■ Favourite memory? Unpublishable!
YEARS
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Coastal Communities Fund bid unsuccessful LYME REGIS AND CHARMOUTH LOSES OUT ON SHARE OF £2MILLION GOVERNMENT FUNDING AFTER almost a year of preparation, Lyme Regis and Charmouth this week received the “disappointing” news that its bid to the Coastal Communities Fund had been unsuccessful.
Dorset Coast Forum had bid for just over £2million for an ambitious portfolio of projects across Swanage, Weymouth, Portland, Lyme Regis and Charmouth. The projects received support from all the relevant local authorities at town, borough/district and county level, as well as from the Environment Agency, Public Health Dorset, Southwestern Railway, Network Rail and a number of prominent local businesses, but they faced stiff competition. A total of 61 applications bid for a total of £84million, with only £34million from the government’s Coastal Communities Fund available and the application - knows as ‘Gateways to Business in Dorset’ - was unsuccessful. Dorset Coast Forum, which headed up the bid, said it was disappointed with the outcome but was looking positively to the future. Co-ordinator Natalie Poulter said: “We’ve built a good portfolio of four really strong projects which we still feel could offer significant benefits to residents in Swanage, Weymouth, Portland, Charmouth and Lyme Regis. “We’re really disappointed that this application was unsuccessful, but we know there is a lot of support for these projects locally, so we’re keen to explore other ways of taking elements of them forwards and make that difference for our coastal communities.” Dorset Coast Forum worked with the Lyme Regis and Charmouth Coastal Communities Team - led by LymeForward - to finalise the portfolio of projects. Chris Tipping, manager of LymeFoward, commented: “Naturally we are extremely disappointed and frustrated, especially as we
have a strong desire to bring about improvements to our area. “We will now be exploring other ways to deliver the projects and look forward to working with Dorset Coastal Forum to achieve this.” The local components of the funding bid included: ● Interpretation (£80,000) – Providing directional, seafront and historical town information that encourages visitors to explore Lyme, Charmouth & Uplyme along and adjacent to the seafront and river valley, thus increasing footfall in the museum and other venues and enhancing the visitor experience. By integrating the coastal and inland pathways with the town and village centres, the project plans to encourage a broader experience, enjoying local food and drink and increasing dwell time and consequent expenditure with local businesses. ● Development and promotion of walking routes (£10,000) – To improve ‘legibility’ of the town, integrated with signage/interpretation as outlined above, and linking to the improved River Lim Path.
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● Disabled access around Lyme Regis town and gardens (£20,000) ● New Lyme Regis seafront railings (£60,000) ● Lyme Regis Theatre Square demountable marquee (£25,000) ● New beach access at Charmouth (£295,000) ● Riverside footpath to link east and west Charmouth beaches (£15,000) ● Visit Lyme promotional material (£55,000) Dorset Coast Forum will now work closely with the project planning teams to explore funding options, and to make sure that any match funding which has been committed is used in the best way possible towards delivering key aspects of the projects. Natalie added: “It’s important for these communities to know that we’re not giving up, and that we’re exploring all other options. This includes innovative funding sources we might not have explored previously, business
sponsorship and a range of other options. “We invite other potential funders to come forwards if they’d like to find out more about what we want to deliver and how they could get involved.” Dorset Coast Forum is an independent, nonpolitical partnership organisation which promotes a sustainable approach to the management, use and development of Dorset’s coast to maintain its natural and cultural qualities for the benefit of future generations. Its members and partners are from the public, charity and private sectors, with a core team hosted by Dorset County Council and based at County Hall in Dorchester. The team works with forum members to develop and deliver strategic projects for the coast’s wider benefit. more information, visit the For website www.dorsetcoast.com
Tales From Lyme’s Past
A glimpse of our history by Peter Lacey
Lyme’s RAF Marine Craft Unit THE Boat Building Academy facing the Monmouth Beach was once the home of the above unit. Built in 1937 it consisted of barracks, boathouse and workshop, during construction the unit took over the 1884 lifeboat house as a workshop. The primary duties of the two seaplane tenders was to patrol the bombing and machine gun ranges of Chickerell and Wyke Regis. The unit strength was some 30 airmen who bizarrely were not allowed to go into town wearing uniform. A group of influential residents felt that “it lowered the tone of the Royal Borough”. There was a quick change of attitude when in September 1939 war broke out. The warrant officer in charge ordered that the seaplane tenders were not to participate in the evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk, this was despite the fact that men from the unit volunteered to take part in the rescue. In keeping with its war time role the unit had the prefix Air Sea Rescue (whose moto was ‘The sea shall not have them’) added to its name in January 1942. It was a role that the unit carried out with distinction along with its ongoing range duties for which more suitable tenders had been operating since the early spring of 1942. Sir Barnes Wallis inventor of the Bouncing Bomb carried out tests off the Chesil Beach, he observed the results from a Lyme based tender. In 1946, with the war over, the unit was scheduled for closure. However, after short period of being non-operational it was reestablished due to the Cold War. By the early 1950s it was again at operational level with the craft being designated as Range Safety Launches. The return of holidaymakers and the increase in recreational boating saw the launches carrying out the duties of lifeboat, Lyme having ceased to be a lifeboat station since 1932. The bombing ranges restricted the local fishing grounds which caused discontent among the fisherman. Live bombs killed large numbers of fish, reputedly these were
harvested by the launch crews to supplement their rations with the surplus being sold to residents. In the 1960s and 70s rumours were circulating in the town regarding chemical warfare trials, they were true. Porton Down the Microbiological Research Establishment was in fact carrying out biological warfare experiments in Lyme Bay as part of the Dorset Defence Trials. Large scale releases of bacteria were being sprayed from a ship (The Icewhale) mostly at night because the bacteria was known to survive poorly in sunshine. The bacteria included a strain of E.coli and B.globigii which mimics anthrax. Launches from the unit were sent out to collect water samples, they were collected under tight security and sent to Porton Down. The launch crews were not informed of the nature of their duties and were never issued with any protective clothing. A report stated that experimental releases of bacteria may have put a small number of individuals at risk of infection, a typical official response. The unit finally closed in July 1964. The buildings were acquired by Dorset County Council and in 1968 it became The Lyme Regis Adventure Centre. It provided residential courses in outdoor activities for schools and youth organisations. It was closed in 1993 as part of a cost cutting exercise and was not in any way associated with the Lyme Bay canoeing tragedy. My book ‘Ebb and Flow (The Story of Maritime Lyme Regis)’ has a more detailed account of the unit’s history. Peter Lacey, Local historian and author
Friday, March 29 2019 13
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Local government changes the ‘biggest challenge’ for council THE biggest challenge faced by Lyme Regis Town Council continues to be changes to the local government structure, according to its new corporate plan. Members of the council approved the corporate plan for 2018-2023 last week. The document reviews the council’s performance against its objectives and details issues the council intends to address in the future. The plan said the biggest challenge faced by the town council in 2019 will be the same as that in 2018 – changes to the local government structure and the introduction of the new unitary authority, Dorset Council, which comes into force on April 1 replacing the existing county and district councils. The plan stated: “These changes, along with the reduction in government funding to Dorset Council and restrictions on council tax increases, create a dilemma for local councils like Lyme Regis Town Council, i.e. are they prepared to take on services that Dorset Council can no longer afford and, if so, how can these services be funded?” The town council spent several months in discussions with the outgoing West Dorset District Council last year regarding the transfer of assets and services, and was expected to take over responsibility for public toilets and the tourist information centre, but their plan was rejected by the Dorset Council’s shadow executive, which was set up to prepare for the new unitary authority takeover. In her forward of the new corporate plan, the Mayor of Lyme Regis, Councillor Michaela Ellis, described the rejection of the transfer of
assets as the most notable council matter that “did not go to plan” in 2018. However, she also lists a number of the council’s achievements, including the refurbishment of the Marine Parade toilets and town’s war memorial, grants to local organisations, employment of additional staff members, strengthened governance and financial arrangements, holding the council tax precept at its current level for the eighth year and increasing the council’s reserves to £1.4million. Despite reports in November 2018 that the town council was expected to be £339,000 over budget by the end of the financial year, the plan notes the authority’s strong financial position. It explains that Lyme Regis Town Council is different from many other councils in the country, because it makes 90 per cent of its income from assets it owns, rather than relying on council tax, which is why it has been able to hold the precept at the current level for eight years. Looking to the future, the plan outlines “exciting” projects planned for the next year, including a major lighting scheme in Langmoor and Lister Gardens and the resurfacing of the flat roof area above SWIM, the Antiques & Craft Centre and Amusement Arcade on Marine Parade. There are also plans to renovate the play area at Henry’s Way (see page 3), completely refurbish the town council’s office at Guildhall Cottage and members will be considering the results of a major traffic and transport study (see page 3).
Woodroffe pupils to help Lyme go plastic free
PUPILS from The Woodroffe School in Lyme Regis have been learning to care for the local environment. Members of the Plastic Free Lyme Regis campaign, including Woodroffe alumnus Jake Causley, were invited to the school to talk about the dangers to marine life from plastic. They also came up with ideas to help reduce waste, such as recycling crisp packets at Seaton Library or Axe Valley School, refilling water bottles for free at local businesses taking part in the national Refill scheme, and using Simply Gum, a 100 per cent natural chewing gum. Pupils also discussed ideas for the school to attain its own plastic free status. The following day, students turned out in force to give Monmouth Beach a clean using Surfers Against Sewage collection bags (pictured above). Anyone interested in helping Lyme Regis become ‘plastic free’ should contact info@plasticfreelyme.uk to receive updates on the campaign and invitations to special events, or visit the Plastic Free Lyme Regis website www.plasticfreelyme.uk
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MUSIC | THEATRE | WHAT’S ON | COMPETITIONS
Anything Goes at the Woodmead Halls
Lyme Musical Theatre to stage Cole Porter classic Music - Cole Porter Lyrics - Cole Porter Book- Guy Bolton P.G. Wodehouse Productions
1934 Broadway 1935 West End 1936 Film version 1954 Television version 1956 Film version 1962 Off-Broadway 1987 Broadway Revival 1989 West End Revival 2003 West End Revival 2011 Broadway Revival 2012 National Tour 2013 Buenos Aires 2015 UK National Tour 2015 Australian National Tour
Awards
Tony Award for Best Revival Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Revival of a Musical
T
HE 1930s was a time of deep economic trouble in the United States. For the lucky few, however, it was also the heyday of glamorous ocean travel. So it is no surprise to find the action of Anything Goes unfolding on the decks of the SS American, en route to London from New York.
Lyme Regis audiences can relive those heady days at the Woodmead Halls when Lyme Regis Musical Theatre stages Anything Goes from Tuesday, May 14 to Saturday, May 18 as their 98th production. It will be the second time the former operatic society has performed the musical comedy with music and lyrics by Cole Porter, one of the most admired song writers of all time, as they last performed it to rave reviews at the Marine Theatre in 2005. The recognised bible for all things musical theatre - Musicals - The Definitive Illustrated Story - records that the original book, by British humourist P.G. Woodhouse and British-American musical comedy writer Guy Bolton, involved the sinking of a ship. Then, two months before Anything Goes was due to open, the passenger vessel SS Morro Castle, sank off the New Jersey coast with heavy loss of life. The script was hurriedly revised to keep SS American safely afloat and good taste intact. The story concerns madcap antics aboard an ocean liner bound from New York to London. Billy Crocker is a stowaway in love with heiress Hope Harcourt, who is engaged to Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. Nightclub singer Reno Sweeney and Public Enemy #13, ‘Moonface’ Martin, aid Billy in his quest to win Hope. The musical includes such classic Cole Porter’s songs as ‘Anything Goes’, ‘You're the Top’, and ‘I Get a Kick Out of You’. Since its 1934 debut at the Alvin Theatre (now known as the Neil Simon Theatre) on
❜
Full of vitality and drenched in the wit and sophistication of the songs of Cole Porter, Anything Goes lifted audiences out of the Great Depression and made a big star of Ethel Merman
❜
-Musicals The Definitive Illustrated Story
Broadway, the musical has been revived several times in the United States and Britain and has been filmed twice. The musical has long been a popular choice for school and community productions. When Porter wrote the score to Anything Goes, he had one person in mind to play Reno Sweeney - Ethel Merman. He gifted her the show-stopping ‘You’re The Top’. The show was an immediate success and, inevitably, a film version followed in 1936 and there have been several revivals on Broadway and in the West End and a hatful of awards. In 1954, Ethel Merman, at the age of 46 reprised her role as Reno in a specially adapted live television version of the musical, co-starring Frank Sinatra. In the 2005 the Lyme Regis version performed by the operatic society produced a stellar performance from well-known local performer Tracey Wakeling in the role of Reno with Phil Akins playing opposite her as Billy Crocker, the fresh-faced all-American boy. Among the list of principal cast members that year was Kelly Apps (nee Street), one of the most popular stage performers in West Dorset and East Devon, and who will be long remembered for her incredibly moving portrayal of Eva Peron in the 2015 production of Evita by the Lyme Regis Musical Theatre. In the 2005 version of Anything Goes Kelly played the part of Ivy league debutante Hope Harcourt, but for this year’s production she is making her debut as director alongside the experienced Ian Crew (musical director) and Rachel Worsely (choreographer). They will make a formidable team. Other leading lights in the 2005 production were Jill Chase, John Challis, Mike Brooks, Claire Denslow (nee Frankum) and Jim Pettifer. There are some familiar and popular faces on the cast list for the current production under rehearsal at the moment, including Silvey Webber (Reno Sweeney), Joe Binmore (Billy Crocker), Grace Herbert (Hope Harcourt) and Thomas Lowe (Sir Evelyn Oakleigh). Tickets are already on sale for the May production at Lyme Regis Tourist Information Centre and can be booked by telephoning 01297 442138. Tickets for the first night (Tuesday, May 14) cost just £10 for adults and £8 for under 16s. For the rest of the week the tickets are £15 for adults and £8 for under 16s. Parking is readily available at the Woodmead Halls and a licensed bar will be open before the show and during the interval.
ANYTHING GOES - May 14-18, Woodmead Halls, Lyme Regis - tickets now on sale at the TIC
FRANK Sinatra and Ethel Merman who starred in the telvision version of ‘Anything Goes’
COLE Poeter, one of the greatest sing writers of all time who wrote the music and lyrics for ‘Anything Goes’
The Harbour Inn - celebrating 15 years in Lyme!
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MUSIC | THEATRE | WHAT’S ON | COMPETITIONS
Archers actors to bring wartime letters to life A SPECIAL reading of wartime letters between Oscar-nominated actress Celia Johnson and her husband Peter Flemming will be held at the Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis next month. The letters will be read by the couple’s daughter Lucy Flemming, along with Simon Williams, both of whom are actors in BBC Radio 4 soap opera ‘The Archers’. They play Miranda and Justin Eliot and are also a married couple in real life. This is a romantic, funny and very touching portrait of life during the early 1940s, featuring readings of wartime letters between Celia Johnson (pictured), known for her role in ‘Brief Encounter’, and her explorer and writer husband Peter Fleming, the brother of ‘James Bond’ creator Ian Fleming, who was posted to India and the Far East during the war, “as far away as the moon” working for Military Intelligence. The letters give an insight into a young mother’s life coping during the war, mixed with wonderful stories about Celia Johnson working with Noel Coward and David Lean, leading to her starring role in the classic film ‘Brief Encounter’ in 1945. ‘A simply spellbinding performance… revealing an abundance of love and affection be-
tween ordinary people caught in extraordinary times… a theatrical gem’ – The British Theatre Guide ‘Posting Letters to the Moon’ will be held at the Marine Theatre on Friday, April 26 with the bar opening at 7pm for an 8pm start. Tickets cost £12.50 in advance or £15.50 on the door, with 10 per cent off for Theatre Friends. To book, call 01297 442138 or visit www.marinetheatre.com
Youth Sounds is coming to Bridport!
YOUNG music leaders from Lyme Regis-based charity B Sharp are organising ‘Youth Sounds’, a gig for young people to be held at the Lyric Theatre in Bridport on Saturday, April 6. The gig will showcase several local bands as well as being a great night out where people can enjoy listening to local artists. Young music leader Elsa commented: “We wanted to organise a gig to bring young people together performing their own music and showcasing their talents in a positive environment.” Supported by the I Will Project, many local youngsters will be involved in putting on the gig from performers, people helping with promotion, to young technicians doing sound and lighting. Young music leader Issy said: “We’ve even
LYME RE REGIS, GISS, PUT YO YOUURR
Join us for food, craft beer and cocktails. Music kicks offf around 8.30pm
Marine Parade, Lyme Regi g s, Dorset, DT7 3JH Follow us on social media @swimlyme | 01297 442668 | info@weswim.co.uk
got friends involved in volunteering to stage the event, sell tickets and put on refreshments on the night.” B Sharp is well known for staging excellent gigs, as well as for its fantastic Youth Music Leader programme, which gives young people the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in the music industry and producing events. If you are interested in working with B Sharp as a music leader or gaining work experience on events and gigs, contact Ruth Cohen by emailing ruthcohen@bsharp.org.uk Tickets for the Youth Sounds gig are available now from B Sharp by emailing info@bsharp.org.uk
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16 Friday, March 29 2019
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MUSIC | THEATRE | WHAT’S ON | COMPETITIONS
What’s on...
Friday, March 29
Friday @ The Pilot The Pilot Boat, 9pm Weekly live music nights at the Pilot Boat, this week with Adam Sweet and Steve Black.
Saturday, March 30
Scouts Table-Top Sale Uplyme Village Hall, 2pm Gifts, crafts, vintage goods, brica-brac, hair feathers, glitter tattoos and more in aid of 1st Charmouth Scouts. Tea, coffee and homemade cakes will be served. For table enquiries email flipflopsorwellies@gmail.com or call 07932 089 602. Lyme Folk Fundraiser Marine Theatre, 7pm National and local acts perform at this concert, which secures funds for the town’s popular folk festival. Tickets £15 in advance or £17 on the door - call 01297 442138 or visit lymefolk.com. Bar opens 7pm for 8pm start. Live DJs @ SWIM SWIM, 8pm Resident DJs Tom Juno, James Baker & Friends play every Saturday night and Sunday afternoon at SWIM on Marine Parade. Live Music @ The Nag’s Head The Nag’s Head, 9pm Regular live music nights, this week with popular local band DeltaTango7.
Sunday, March 31
Sunday Craft Market The Pilot Boat, 10am A weekly Sunday craft market at the Pilot Boat Inn, Lyme Regis. Call 01297 443157 to book a stall. Live DJs @ SWIM SWIM, 12noon Resident DJs Tom Juno, James Baker & Friends play every Saturday night and Sunday afternoon at SWIM on Marine Parade. Sequence Dancing Woodmead Halls, 8pm Lyme Regis Sequence Dancing Club meets every Sunday at 7.45pm for an 8pm start. The friendly, welcoming group enjoys popular sequence dances and visitors are welcome.
Monday, April 1
Screening & Supper: The Met Opera’s ‘Die Walkure’ Marine Theatre, 3pm From New York’s MET, featuring the famous ‘Ride of the Valkyries’. Tickets £15 for £5 for under 18s. Two course upper served by Blackdown Kitchen for additional £15 - call 01297 442138 or visit marinetheatre.com. Bar opens 3pm for 4pm start. Football Club Cash Bingo Lyme Regis Football Club, 7.30pm Cash bingo in aid of Lyme Regis Football Club, held on the first Monday of every month. Eyes down 7.30pm, book of six for 10 games costs £4.20.
Tuesday, April 2
LRTC Planning Committee Guildhall, 7pm For agendas see www.lymeregistowncouncil.gov.uk
Wednesday, April 3
LRTC Human Resources Committee Guildhall, 7pm For agendas see www.lymeregistowncouncil.gov.uk Lyme Regis & Charmouth RNLI Guild AGM Lifeboat Station, 7.30pm The annual general meeting of the Lyme Regis & Charmouth RNLI Guild - all welcome. Wednesdays @ The Pilot
Send your diary dates to francesca@lyme-online.co.uk www.lyme-online.co.uk/events
The Pilot Boat, 8.30pm Weekly live music nights at the Pilot Boat.
Thursday, April 4
Friends of Lyme Regis Museum AGM & Talk, Woodmead Halls, 2.30pm The Friends of Lyme Regis Museum will hold their AGM at 2.30pm, followed by refreshments and a talk by Bruce Upton at 3.15pm on ‘The Bridport Trade: Rope & Net Making’. Entry to the talk is £2 for Friends of Lyme Regis Museum and £3 for nonmembers. Lyme Regis Community Bingo Woodmead Halls, 8pm Bingo night every Thursday at the Woodmead Halls, raising funds for local organisations which are members of Lyme Regis Community Bingo Association. Pilot Boat Quiz Night Pilot Boat, 8pm Weekly quiz night at the Pilot Boat for teams of two or more with cash prize for the winner plus £100 jackpot prize!
Friday, April 5
Cancer Research UK BIG Breakfast Woodmead Halls, 8am The Lyme Regis branch of Cancer Research UK hosts its popular BIG Breakfast. Full English breakfasts served for £6 and bacon rolls for £3. Takeaways available. Music: Julie Felix Marine Theatre, 7pm An international folk artist of great distinction, who many will remember for her television appearances in the 1960s. Tickets £14 in advance or £16.50 on the door - call 01297 442138 or visit marinetheatre.com. Bar opens 7pm for 8pm start. Friday @ The Pilot The Pilot Boat, 9pm Weekly live music nights at the Pilot Boat, this week Street & Matthews.
Saturday, April 6
Talk: ‘Histories of the Unexpected’ Marine Theatre, 6.30pm Join BBC presenter Sam Willis and history professor James Daybell as they show us a new way to think about the past. Tickets £14 for adults or £10 for children in advance, for £16 for adults and £12 for children on the door - call 01297 442138 or visit marinetheatre.com. Bar opens 6.30pm for 7.30pm start. Live DJs @ SWIM SWIM, 8pm Resident DJs Tom Juno, James Baker & Friends play every Saturday night and Sunday afternoon at SWIM on Marine Parade.
Sunday, April 7
Sunday Craft Market The Pilot Boat, 10am A weekly Sunday craft market at the Pilot Boat Inn, Lyme Regis. Call 01297 443157 to book a stall. Live DJs @ SWIM SWIM, 12noon Resident DJs Tom Juno, James Baker & Friends play every Saturday night and Sunday afternoon at SWIM on Marine Parade. Sequence Dancing Woodmead Halls, 8pm Lyme Regis Sequence Dancing Club meets every Sunday at 7.45pm for an 8pm start. The friendly, welcoming group enjoys popular sequence dances and visitors are welcome.
Tuesday, April 9
Cinema: ‘Some Like It Hot’ Marine Theatre, 6.30pm
Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon star. Tickets £6 in advance or £7.50 on the door - call 01297 442138 or visit marinetheatre.com. Bar opens 6.30pm for 7.30pm screening. Talk: ‘Badgers in Britain’ Royal Lion Hotel, 7.15pm Organised by Turn Lyme Green, Ian Mortimer will be talking about the ecology of badgers to dispel some of the myths and misunderstandings that about the animal.
Wednesday, April 10
Talk: ‘The Fire in the Cathedral Yard’ Woodmead Halls, 10am An illustrated talk by Dr Todd Gray, a specialist in the history of Exeter, on the fire that gutted the Royal Clarence Hotel. Coffee from 10am and talk from 11am, organised by the U3A Heritage Coast branch. Entry is free for members and £2 for non-members. Cinema: ‘The Greatest Showman’ Sing Along, Marine Theatre, 1pm Sing-along special as Hugh Jackman stars in a story of a visionary who rose from nothing to create a spectacle that became a worldwide sensation. Tickets £4.50 call 01297 442138 or visit marinetheatre.com. Bar opens 1pm for 2pm start. LRTC Town Management & Highways Committee, Guildhall, 7pm For agendas see www.lymeregistowncouncil.gov.uk Uplyme Parish Council Uplyme Village Hall, 7.15pm For agenda see https://uplymeparishcouncil.org/ Wednesdays @ The Pilot The Pilot Boat, 8.30pm Weekly live music nights at the Pilot Boat.
Thursday, April 11
Live Screening: ‘All About Eve’ Marine Theatre, 6pm Gillian Anderson and Lily James star in this London staging of Oscar-winning 1950 film of jealousy and ambition. Screened live from the Noel Coward Theatre with original music score by PJ Harvey. Tickets £11 in advance, £14 on the door or £5 for under 18s - call 01297 442138 or visit marinetheatre.com. Bar opens 6pm for 7pm screening. Lyme Regis Community Bingo Woodmead Halls, 8pm Bingo night every Thursday at the Woodmead Halls, raising funds for local organisations which are members of Lyme Regis Community Bingo Association. Pilot Boat Quiz Night Pilot Boat, 8pm Weekly quiz night at the Pilot Boat for teams of two or more with cash prize for the winner plus £100 jackpot prize!
Friday, April 12
Cinema: ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ Marine Theatre, 6.30pm Winner of four Oscars, this is the story of the legendary rock band Queen and lead singer Freddie Mercury. Tickets £6 in advance or £7.50 on the door - call 01297 442138 or visit marinetheatre.com. Bar opens 6.30pm for 7.30pm start. Friday @ The Pilot The Pilot Boat, 9pm Weekly live music nights at the Pilot Boat, this week with Jess & Irve.
Celebrate Easter at the Town Mill
FROM beer to bunnies, there is something for everyone at the Town Mill in Lyme Regis this Easter. Lyme Regis Brewery, based at the mill, will be holding brew days on April 13 and 14 with limited edition beer Curious Mary IPA, named after the town’s famous fossil hunter Mary Anning. Visitors will be able to enjoy a pint alongside hot cross buns and Easter theme cakes on offer at the neighbouring Courtyard Cafe. There will also be drop-in activity sessions to make bunny faces at the Town Mill from 11am to 3pm daily during the Easter holidays from April 5 to 22, costing £1 per child. Children will also be able to take part in the Bunny Trail around the mill complex and its artisans, where felt bunnies must be spotted and a stamp collected. On returning the fully stamped card, a chocolate treat will be the reward, with entry costing just £1. The Town Mill’s regular tours will also be
operating daily from 11am to 3pm during the holidays. Children’s print-making workshop will be hosted by 10 By 8 Print Studio at the Town Mill on Tuesday, April 9. This is suitable for children eight years and over, costing £8 per child to include all materials. Booking is essential - call 07765 402 881. Face painting with Paintbox Pixie will also be on offer from 12.30pm on Thursday, April 11. For more details on all events, visit the website www.townmill.org.uk
This month at the Marine Catch up with Lyme’s Little Theatre by the Sea
I’M very good at keeping a secret which is often an essential part of working at the Marine Theatre, the old adage: you never quite know what goes on behind closed doors, especially theatre ones, springs to mind. But now the excitement is over, Kate has stopped pulling pints in the Volly, the security men and women have gone elsewhere and the beautiful ‘Irene’ has sailed back to Reading (that was the ketch that anchored in Lyme harbour), which means we can let the cat out of the bag and tell you about our role in this epic drama. Throughout March we played host to various aspects of the Fossil Film Company - the production company behind Mary Anning biopic ‘Ammonite’ - including the wardrobe department who kitted out the extras who then wafted around in their 19th century garb waiting to be called… and there was a lot of waiting. We also had the catering crew in who fed and watered everyone, including us on the odd occasion which was very nice. They say an army marches on its stomach, the same goes for a film crew and cast. There are some who will breathe a sigh of relief as Lyme returns to normal but I’m pretty sure everyone will be glad of the extra business that will be brought to the town over the coming months as even more tourists arrive to see where Mary Anning (Kate Winslet) and Frances Bell (Saoirse Ronan, pronounced Sertia as in inertia) were up close and personal. It did mean a few early starts and late finishes for me, which is why I called on our duty manager to help. Tom, the Marine Theatre duty manager, a bit like Tom Hiddleston in ‘The Night Manager’ but without the terrorists. Of course Tom being an actor himself, is well
suited to this role. Talking of being helpful, on a scale of one to 10 how helpful are you? I’d say I’m about a nine. However, after my little incident involving a mobility scooter I’m thinking of scaling that down a bit. Long story short, I offered to help a man who was having difficulties and ended up prostrate on Broad Street stuck under the front wheels of the contraption. We had our 125th anniversary meeting to discuss how we are going to celebrate this milestone event and we’re chuffed to bits that Andy Rattenbury has agreed to write a script that will tell our story. We plan to include all the groups that have performed here including the Marine Players, the Lyme Regis Musical Theatre (who are themselves celebrating their 120th next year), the panto and B Sharp to name but a few. Our new programme launch party was once again a huge success with the Marine bar full of lively chat and bonhomie. It’s a jam-packed programme of events including ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, ‘Mary Poppins’ and ‘The Greatest Showman’ sing-along for family viewing. We have some great theatre with ‘Posting Letters to the Moon’ and ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ along with music, comedy and talks. You can pick up a new brochure from the Tourist Information Centre. Then there was our monthly volunteer meeting, it’s always interesting to hear their ideas and feedback including one of our ladies who mentioned something about digging out her fishnet stockings when she sells ice creams. I wonder what goes on behind her closed doors… actually probably best not.
Sophia Moseley
Theatre Manager
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Time to share your views on future of medical services
DORSET Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has been making its key decisions about the future of GP services in Lyme Regis, and about other community health services in Lyme and Charmouth. As previously reported, Lyme Regis Medical Centre and the Kent House surgery will merge from June 1 under the leadership of Dr Forbes Watson. The CCG is now in the final stages of also agreeing a provider for community services. On Tuesday, April 9, between 2pm and 6.30pm, the CCG is inviting all interested residents in Lyme and Charmouth to drop in at Woodmead Halls to discuss the new arrangements (see advertisement on page 11). By then it will be known who is providing community services. So this occasion will give everyone the chance to meet, individually, with staff leading the developments for the GP services and for community services, as well as CCG officials. Chris Boothroyd, chairman of LymeForward’s Health and Wellbeing Group, has commented on these developments. He said: “In June 2017 the CCG stated its intention to have one General Practice in Lyme, so its decision was no surprise and confirmed the outline information given to medical centre patients last November and reported in LymeOnline that month under the heading ‘New provider to be appointed for medical centre’. “More than 18 months after that
first announcement, it’s good that some detail is emerging, particularly that the excellent staff at the medical centre have at last been told what is happening and are being involved in the merger. “If we read the signs correctly, continuity of staff, care and services will be paramount. “A new contract for community services will offer a fresh start and the chance for some properly-integrated health and care locally. “With energy and imagination from leaders of the new GP and community health set-up, this is a rare opportunity to create cohesive and responsive services, despite the national shortage of money and resources for the NHS. “Medical and social care involves lots of different organisations, and LymeForward will continue urging them to recognise what residents need. Now that the CCG has publicised the way ahead, we can all have our say. “The event on April 9 must not be simply about receiving information. It is an opportunity, before the new services begin in June, to speak directly to the people who will be providing those services and to explain what is important to each of us. “Now, before things settle down, is the best chance to influence what happens. So let’s have Lyme and Charmouth turning out in force, and in good voice.”
LymeOnline letters Send your letters to francesca@lyme-online.co.uk
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Crossing will ruin Lyme’s pretty high street views ■ A FEW months ago you kindly published a letter of mine stating five objections to the ridiculous pedestrian crossing proposed for the middle of Broad Street. Since then I have realised another major drawback. The iconic views from the top of Broad Street, photographed by Richard Austin, in summer with bunting flying and at Christmas with our famous decorations, will be totally ruined by the eyesore of this crossing with amber lights continually flashing day and night. Would the late great local artist Ivor Wilson (aka Anton) have in-
cluded it in his lovely paintings of the street? What a shame that for the all too often suffocating hand of health and safety we have to have this unnecessary waste of money. What next, tarmac over any attractive cobblestones left in the town in case one in a million might slip? The Cobb will be first in the queue! Far better if the overall traffic problems which have been endlessly kicked about for years had been addressed. What a hope! Frank Allen (by email)
■ I AM so glad that I attended last Wednesday’s full council meeting at the Guildhall in Lyme Regis. The agenda contained some difficult items and yet I feel that members dealt with business calmly and with compassion. There was no in-fighting nor undermining of anyone else’s con-
tributions. If members continue to develop in this positive and professional way, then anyone returned at May's election has the potential to prove to be positive mentors to any new electees. Long may it continue. Adrian Robinson Queen’s Court, Lyme Regis
Rotary raises £1,000 for African flood victims THE Rotary Club of Lyme Regis has raised £1,041.77 for the victims of flooding in southern Africa. The money was raised through street collections in Lyme Regis and Charmouth, and at the club’s annual President’s Night, hosted by Peter and Lynn Fortnam at Lyme Regis Golf Club last Saturday. The money will be sent to Water Survival Box, enabling them to send seven boxes containing water filters and emergency aid items to the stricken areas, giving clean drinking water to seven families for over a year.
Five star hygiene rating for Town Mill’s flour THE Town Mill in Lyme Regis is very proud to announce its received five stars following a recent food hygiene inspection for the milling and packing of flour. The Town Mill has increased its commercial supply of flour to more local businesses and continues to sell to its visitors. The historic attraction mills rye, wheat and spelt, which has won the Great Taste Award, great for any type of baking, For details about our commercial flour sales, contact petrinatownmill@gmail.com
the Daffodil Appeal Long may positive and professional Support LYME Regis residents are being asked to support Marie Curie’s biggest fundraising camof the year, the Great Daffodil Appeal, behaviour continue in the Guildhall onpaignSaturday, March 30.
Views expressed in letters are those of the author and not necessarily of this newspaper
Local collectors will be out in yellow hats and every penny donated will go towards the nursing team in Dorset.
Legion’s Good Friday fundraiser
THE Lyme Regis branch of the Royal British Legion will host a bric-a-brac sale on Good Friday, April 19. The event will be held in the Marine Parade shelters from 10am to 3.30pm, where there will also be homemake cakes, book and a tombola.
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Raising funds on Red Nose Day THE children and staff at St Michael's Primary School in Lyme Regis wore something red on last Friday to raise funds for Comic Relief 2019. Children also held a cake sale at break time which was enjoyed by all, making a total of £135.50. Other schools in the area also held non-school uniform days and special events to raise funds, while local fitness instructor Sarah Causley hosted a special Fitsteps class for Red Nose Day. The class was free and attended by about 40 ladies (pictured above right), who were encouraged to donate to the Comic Relief campaign, raising a total of £280.
New Dorset Council comes into force this week THE new Dorset Council will begin to serve residents across the county on Monday (April 1). The unitary authority will replace the existing district and borough councils, and Dorset County Council, all of which will cease to exist. This reorganisation will bring together almost 5,000 employees plus colleagues in education, making over 8,000 in total, who will serve the
375,000 residents in the Dorset Council area. Dorset Council’s chief executive, Matt Prosser, said it has been a challenge to disband six councils and create one unitary authority in the short amount of time available, but he was delighted with progress and did not expect residents to notice any change to services as the new council comes into force. He added: “By moving from six coun-
cils to one we can ensure our resources are used where they are needed most, to provide the day-to-day services Dorset residents rely on.” After 1 April, Dorset Council will prepare for the local elections on May 2 when residents will be able to vote for the 82 councillors who will represent the new council area. Find out more about Dorset Council www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/about
NEWS FROM CITIZENS ADVICE FROM the start of next week Bridport and District Citizens Advice will be stepping up the support it can give to local people who are having problems with Universal Credit, the new social security system replacing six means-tested benefits and tax credits with a single monthly payment. It is being rolled out in stages across the UK and the full service was introduced in West Dorset just over a year ago. The extra help has become possible because the Department for Work and Pensions has agreed to fund Citizens Advice to provide a support scheme to help claimants through every step of making a Universal Credit claim. As a result Bridport and District Citizens Advice has been able to employ an additional specialist adviser. Rovarn Wickremasinghe, its manager, said: “I am delighted that this decision by the Government will give us additional help in being able to provide people claiming this benefit with the support they need to ensure they get their first payment on time and are then ready to manage it when it arrives. “Many people are experiencing difficulties with filling in the online claim forms to obtain Universal Credit and a particular problem for many of them is finding all the information that is required. “The most common problems occur with verifying ID and obtaining all the evidence that is needed. They may have to provide, for example, details of health conditions, housing issues and childcare arrangements. “There are various stages involved in making a Universal Credit claim and if a deadline is missed it may be necessary to start the process again. The complexities of the system mean that around 25 per cent of the people assisted by us spend more than a week completing their claim.” Gillian Guy, chief executive of Citizens Advice, added: “Half the people we help with a Universal Credit claim are still struggling to
keep a roof over their heads while they wait for their first payment. Changes to the waiting period for first payment have improved things for many people, but our evidence shows they do not go far enough. “Universal Credit must continue to be reformed so it works for all claimants and leaves people with enough money to live on.” Citizens Advice holds two advice sessions in Lyme Regis each week. They are on Mondays between 10am and 12noon at the medical centre in Uplyme Road, DT7 3LS, and on Wednesdays from 10am to 3pm at St Michael's Business Centre, DT7 3DB, in the centre of the town. Anyone is welcome to visit Citizens Advice, even if they do not have an appointment, and the advice it provides will always be free, confidential and impartial. In addition to the sessions in Lyme Regis anyone is welcome to seek help at its offices in South Street, Bridport, DT6 3NY, every weekday between 10am and 3pm. For specific advice on issues relating to income maximisation and benefit issues, including getting help with Universal Credit, Citizens Advice also hold sessions at Bridport Library on Tuesday mornings between 10am and 12noon. People attending these can have the use of the computers in the library to go online and make their claim for Universal Credit. In addition you can contact Citizens Advice by email on advice@bridport-cab.org.uk or by telephone on 03442-451291, which will get you through to the Dorset AdviceLine. For people just wanting help with their claim for Universal Credit they can now contact Citizens Advice on a national freephone number which is 0800-144-8-444. A webchat support service is also available through its website.
Friday, March 29 2019 19
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1 Bridge Street, Lyme Regis DT7 3QA 01297 443157
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FLASHBACKS with Richard Austin
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Tales from behind the lens of our award-winning photographer
Battling it out for Town council to reconsider Gardens gatepost the best birds! joining county CCTV scheme not up to scratch
THIS time of year our birds and animals are battling each other for the best partner and the best place to build nests for babies. So each year feathers fly and when it involves Britain’s largest bird, the swan, all hell lets loose as the two birds go to war. Watching male swans knocking six bales out of each other is like watching a swan soap opera. First they eye each other up, and slowly, with wings raised threateningly, they spend about five minutes swirling around each other, faster and faster until wings are out and raised, feathers fly as they beat each other with tremendous power and at the same time biting into their foe. Male swans have been known to fight to the death in these violent clashes but most times exhaustion gets the better of them so they break away until the next time. This pair of tough guys were at the Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset. The winner was in the white corner!
LYME Regis councillors will reconsider whether they want to join the new Dorset Council’s CCTV project, after finding out there would be an initial cost of £7,500. Councillors previously voted in favour of joining the scheme, allowing Dorset Police to monitor footage from existing cameras in the town, when they thought there was no cost involved. However, at last week’s full council meeting, operations manager Matt Adamson Drage reported that a fibre link between Lyme and the Dorchester CCTV control room would be required, costing £7,500, plus an annual line rental of £1,200. Councillor Richard Doney spoke strongly against CCTV during the initial discussion on the scheme, saying it was just another way for authorities to keep surveillance on the public. He continued his arguments at last week’s meeting, commenting: “As you know I am not at all in favour of this idea. The news now that we’ve been told we’re going to have to pay for it makes it even worse value for money in my opinion and I certainly can’t support it.”
However, Councillor Jeff Scowen said he thought the council should still join the scheme as “the safety of residents and visitors is paramount”. “The cost we can afford and we should not use it as an excuse not to have this scheme,” he added. Councillor Brian Larcombe reiterated his previous comments that a recent report from a CCTV consultant had concluded that Lyme Regis did not require any more CCTV coverage, because the level of crime in the town did not warrant it. Councillor Scowen argued: “I believe that crime has increased since I’ve lived in Lyme Regis and I feel like that’s a trend. It would be better if we had this system in place because we’re just going to close the stable door after the horse has bolted if we’re not careful.” It was agreed that the matter would be considered again, taking into account the costs, at the next Town Management Committee meeting.
TOWN councillors have expressed disappointment in the reconstruction of a gatepost at Langmoor Gardens in Lyme Regis, describing it as “outrageous” and “shocking”. The gatepost at the Pound Street entrance to the gardens was knocked down by a lorry delivering a skip in December and was recently rebuilt, but councillors are not happy with the quality of work. Councillor Sean Larcombe said: “I looked at the way that pillar has been reinstated and quite frankly I’m not very impressed with it. “The wording is chipped, there’s cement all over it and it looks like an apprentice has done it with a spoon in the pouring rain. “I think it’s outrageous and it doesn’t set a good example. It should be taken down and re-done.” Councillor Derek Hallett agreed, adding: “It looks like a two year old has built it, it’s absolutely shocking. Those garden pillars have been there all my life and it really is dreadful.” Councillor John Broom added: “I looked at it today and I was disgusted. It should be taken down and rebuilt.” The Mayor of Lyme Regis, Councillor Michaela Ellis, said it would be looked at again.
Friday, March 29 2019 21
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PUBLIC NOTICE
Authority Name: Lyme Regis Town Council Title: VARIATION TO ORDER: LYME REGIS (OFF STREET PARKING PLACES) ORDER 1989 NOTICE: PARKING CHARGE CHANGES WITH EFFECT FROM 1 APRIL 2019 Statement: Lyme Regis Town Council intends to change the parking charge in Monmouth Beach and Cabanya car parks to £1.40 per hour from 19 April 2019. Location: Monmouth Beach and Cabanya Car Parks. Further Details: Further details of the order can be obtained from the Lyme Regis Town Council offices, Church Street, Lyme Regis DT7 3BS. Opening hours are Mondays to Fridays 9am 5pm, except Tuesdays which are 10am - 5pm. Objections: Any objections to this notice, or representations, must be made in writing addressed to the town clerk, John Wright, at the address above by 18 April 2019.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Lyme Regis Town Council Notice is given of the Annual Town Meeting
ITEMS FOR SALE INTEGRATED WASHING MACHINE, AEG, used only once, genuine reason for sale, cost £400 new, selling for £200 - 01297 20376. BREEZE BLOCKS, 16 in total, new, five and half inches deep, free - 01297 443419. FRIDGE, LG 1515A, height 33”, width 19”, depth 21”, working order, £10 - 01297 443930.
Friday 26 April 2019 at 7pm
RAFFIA MOSES BASKET, free - 01297 442920.
Woodmead Halls, Hill Road, Lyme Regis
CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING WAISTCOAT, Browning brand, green, size 40, very good condition, £29-£50 - 01297 442627.
Under the chairmanship of the deputy mayor, Cllr Steve Miller
LITTLE TIKES ROCKING HORSE, see saw rocker, red, very good condition, £8 - 01297 442627.
Residents and non-residents are entitled to attend the meeting and raise for debate any issue concerning the town
SECOND WORLD WAR 10 volume set, Trident press, excellent condition, £35 - 01297 442627
Priority will be given to questions notified in advance to the town council office Lyme Regis Town Council, Guildhall Cottage, Church Street, Lyme Regis, DT7 3BS Tel: 01297 445175, email admin@lymeregistowncouncil.gov.uk
AXMINSTER TOWN COUNCIL
OAK COFFEE TABLE, long with central storage cabinet and shelf at each side for books, width 47 and a quarter”, height 18”, depth 25 and half”, excellent condition, offers around £40 01297 20376. HOME HELPER TROLLEY aid for elderly, two trays, four wheels, cost £40 new, selling for just £10 - 01297 443930. OLD SEWING MACHINE TABLE with machine that rotates up, £45 - 01297 443930. SWIVEL RECLINER CHAIR, cream real leather, good condition, from non-smoking home with no dogs, £50 - 01297 561552.
Lyme Regis Amusement Arcade
STAFF WANTED Full and part-time positions available CV required Apply at the Amusement Aracde on Marine Parade, Lyme Regis
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Wooodmead d Halls H LY M E R E G I S
are looking to appoint a community minded person to act as Secretary to the Management Committee
LENGTHSMAN Working in various locations throughout Axminster, you will be required to undertake duties involving grounds and general maintenance, cleansing and highways maintenance. The successful candidate will have experience of (and relevant licences for): Grounds Maintenance and using grounds maintenance equipment and driving, including tractors, working on your own or as part of a team. Hours of work: 30 per week. Shift patterns will change seasonally. Salary: £18,278 p.a. pro-rata (equivalent to £10.27 per hour from 1 April 2019). Closing date: 12 noon on Tuesday 23 April 2019. For a recruitment pack please contact Mrs S Gay, Axminster Town Council, The Guildhall, West Street, Axminster, Devon EX13 5NX or call 01297 32088. Alternatively, download from our website www.axminstertowncouncil.gov.uk/Job_Opportunities_25729.aspx or email enquiries@axminstertowncouncil.gov.uk for a pack.
Ideally candidates should possess the following attributes: Good Secretarial skills Good organisational skills ● A knowledge of social media ● Excellent people skills ● A basic knowledge of book keeping ● ●
The successful candidate will be expeced to: Attend a minimum of six Management Committee meetings per annum ● Send out Agendas and keep the Minutes of Management Committee meetings ● Deal with all correspondence and administration ● Provide regular content for the Woodmea Halls website ●
The Secretary will receive an Honorarium of £2,000 per annum paid in twelve monthly payments. Applications to Philip Evans, Chairman of the Management Committee at philip@lyme-online.co.uk
Friday, March 29 2019 23
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LymeOnline Sport
email your sports reports to edit@lyme-online.co.uk
football
Seasiders concede five in cup match FEATURED GAME PHILIP EVANS
philip@lyme-online.co.uk
LYME Regis 1sts exited the Morrison Bell Cup, losing 5-2 under floodlights to Sidmouth Town, a result which means the Seasiders have conceded nine goals in two games, having lost 4-1 to Devon & Exeter Premier League favourites Cronies in the previous game.
The Lyme goalkeeper Will Meech had one of those games that all glove men experience from time to time, one that he will want to forget, finding it difficult under lights to gather the high balls but at the same time bringing off some fine diving saves. The Vikings play in a level above Lyme in the South West Peninsular
Division One East and fielded a strong side for this cup match with several first teamers included. For Lyme, Chris Herbst, Cody Bowditch and Dominic Rowe returned but the influential midfielder Fred Parsons, who did not play the previous Saturday due to work commitments, dropped out shortly before kick-off. Lyme got off to a blistering start when Daley Holmes put the Seasiders one up with a corking shot from 25 yards out on the right after just three minutes. But the Vikings were soon back on terms with a header from a free kick which left the visiting defence static. Cody Bowditch saved Lyme from going behind when he cleared off the goal line and Meech was called into action with a fine left-hand diving save. Sidmouth took the lead on 15 minutes when Meech failed to gather a lopping corner which gave the
home side a 2-1 lead without any further touch from an attacker required. The Seasiders were struggling to contain Sidmouth’s speedy wingers with both Dominic Rowe and Cody Bowditch receiving a yellow card for impeding their dashes down the flanks. But Lyme still had their moments and forced two corners in quick succession putting the Vikings under pressure. At the other end Meech brought off another onehanded diving save but then completely missed his clearance in a melee on the edge of the box with a Sidmouth attacker pouncing on the loose ball which was destined to increase the 2-1 scoreline but cannoned off the post. Nathan Wormersley, playing his second game for the first team, got among the action early in the second half with some good work down the left flank but Lyme’s luck failed again in the 54th minute
League leaders Stoke Gabriel wreak revenge over Tigers Stoke Gabriel 3 Axminster Town 1 AXMINSTER Town travelled to South Devon knowing that they would need to be at their best to get anything out of the game as the current league leaders would be undoubtedly seeking revenge for an early defeat at the hands of the Tigers. The game started at a frantic pace with both sides clearly relishing the battle. Axminster were only a terrific save away from taking the lead when Jonny Hurford’s 20 yard free kick looked destined to hit the net but the agile home goal keeper Dom Aplin had other ideas, Aplin was at full stretch diving to his right getting finger tips to hurford’s rocket, tipping it away for a corner. After this initial scare it was the home side that took control of the game with some terrific wing play and only a top class display of goal keeping from Tigers Ashley Smith prevented the rampant Stoke from being out of sight. The highly rated Smith made a handful of breath taking saves to confirm his reputation as one the league’s top custodians. Axminster were delighted to hear the halftime whistle as they clearly needed to change their game plan. Axminster started the second period on the front foot and it wasn’t long before they scored the opening
TEENAGE TIGER: Will McCabe did well for Axminster Photo by SARAH McCABE goal, a terrific free flowing attack which was started off by left back Kieran Daniels, that also involved Tony Pinder was expertly finished by Ashley Small who swivelled on the half turn bagging his 19th goal of the season, timed at 57 minutes. Stoke immediately went on the front foot but were getting frustrated by the defensive display from
Connor Hannaford, Dan Beer, Hurford and Daniels and quite clearly were going to need something special to beat the inspired Smith in goal. On the 69th minute the home side produced a touch of class when their striker hit a 1st time shot from eighteen yards out that just beat the diving Smith 1-1. Axminster will be extremely disappointed as a five minute later they conceded again when they switched off to quick throw in that found Adam Dyson unmarked, Dyson then duly riffled past the helpless Smith. Axminster introduced teenagers Reece McCabe and Will Hellier to “liven things up” an both gave a good account of themselves. Unfortunately for the Tigers the game was effectively ended when Ben Allen gave away a needless penalty on the 85th minute, the resultant spot kick was blasted past Smith who very nearly saved the strike. Axminster travelled back to East Devon with a feeling of what if, especially as they had taken the lead but effectively threw it away. That said full credit must go to champions elect Stoke Gabriel as their experience on the day was the difference in an enthralling game of which was very well managed by the match official. Man-of-the- Match: Ashley Smith
when Bowditch scored in his own goal with the Lyme goal under pressure. Wormersley drove the ball high over the bar from a good set-up and on the 70th minute Meech made another great save from a close-range shop. But it was from hero to zero for Meech in a matter of minutes when Sidmouth increased their lead to 41 with another high shot he failed to gather. The best goal of the game, Sidmouth’s fifth, came from an excellent volley which gave Meech no chance in the 80th minute and Lyme staged a late rally to reduce the arrears when Ben Vine scored direct from a corner although manof-the-match Kingsley Wellman claimed he bundled it into the net. Despite the scoreline, this was not a poor display from Lyme. They
competed well for much of the game but failed to test the Sidmouth keeper on too many occasions, especially in the second half. ■ WHAT looked like a game that would end with a fair share of the spoils left Lyme Regis Reserves empty handed as they were narrowly beaten 2-1 at home to Devon & Exeter Division Four hopefuls, Alphington 3rds. Lyme started the afternoon with a much changed squad, missing four players due to first team call ups. Things were all square at 0-0 at half-time but Alphington netted twice in the second half with Shane Featherstone scoring for the Seasiders. Youngster Josh Rawlings, playing his first game for the Reserves, looked promising at full-back. The Reserves stay in fifth place in Division Four.
golf
Windy conditions for first open By Richard Jackman LYME Regis held their first open day competition of the year and in increasingly blowy conditions the early starters were the ones to benefit. The competition was a best two stableford scores to count and the results were as follows: 1st Andrew Moore, John Ashenhurst, Geoff Filtness and David Sheen, Lyme Regis – 82 points 2nd David Fidge, Gareth Williams, Bob Edmonds, Colin Baker, Lyme Regis – 81 points 3rd Josh French, David Russell, Laurie Ferino, Jamie Hayes, Axe Cliff – 79 points 4th Rob Coombe, Matt Brotherton, Shane Stone, Alan Brown, Lyme Regis – 79 points Nearest the pin in two on the 18th was Lyme’s Jon Ebdon who got down in two Division One of the Sunday stableford was won by Mark Scott with 36
points, as plundered 13 points from the first five holes which included two gross birdies. Second was Stephen Pitt with 34 points as he improved on the back nine beating John Ashenhurst, also 34 points, on countback. Winning Division Two, and with the best score of the day, was David Sheen with 39 points. Sheen scored four points on the first hole and went on to amass 22 on the front nine in a very polished round. David Binns, 36 came second with two steady scoring nines but some up and down holes while Barry Ebdon was third with 34. The ladies’ stableford witnessed a runaway win for Debbie Shinners as she put together some good steady scores to win impressively with 35 points. Jean Jolley had a good front nine, scoring 18 points, and kept it together to take second place with 31, while in contrast Judith Ellard was in improving form on the back nine to take third with 30 points.
First seniors’ Stableford closely fought THE first Seniors’ stableford of the year at Lyme Regis Golf Club was well supported given the forecast, with nearly 50 people taking part. Division One was close, as Colin Preece won with 38 points, scoring 5 x 3 pointers on the back nine whilst John Coley and Neil Leggett both finished with 37 points. Both Coley and Leggett scored 20 on the back nine but a point a hole on the 17th and 18th cost Leggett second place to Coley. Division Two was more clearcut as Barry Peters-King started off brilliantly with 22 points on the front nine to come in with the best score of the day – 39 points to take top spot. Both Kevin Unwin and Tim Sansom finished on 33 points and both had 17 on the back nine, but Unwin’s excep-
tional nine points on the last three holes saw him take second whilst Sansom was third. As the aftermath of storm Freya abounded, the Ladies valiantly played their first medal and although not a qualifier because of temporary greens, Sandra Barclay impressed with a nett 75, playing very well around the turn. Jill Swainson played a gritty and improving back nine to finish on 77, while Susan Moore just fell away on the final few holes but still ended third on 78. Ros Clemmans was the best medal qualifier in 2018 so goes through to represent Lyme Regis Ladies in the area competition sponsored by Bridgestone golf.
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LymeOnline Sport
24 Friday, March 29 2019
March 29 2019
The battle for fifth place FEATURED GAME PHILIP EVANS
philip@lyme-online.co.uk
LYME Regis 1sts may have kissed goodbye to their hopes of finishing their first season in the Devon & Exeter Premier division in fifth place after losing 2-0 at home to Exmouth Town 2nds at the Davey Fort.
Exmouth did not look like a side destined for relegation, being third from bottom in the table, but they have played only 19 games and once they catch up on their fixtures a respectable mid-table position is within their grasp. This was a well fought encounter with both sides producing some fast-moving flowing football and the Seasiders competed well in all quarters of the pitch. Despite this defeat Lyme retain their fifth place but the side below them, Witheridge, are now able to catch up, trailing by four points but with two games in hand. And Lyme have a tough run-in to the end of the season with just five games left to play, but these fixtures include leaders Exwick Villa and second placed Newtown, both away matches from which the Dorset boys will be lucky to get anything. They will also have to travel to Exmouth and on Saturday’s showing that’s not going to be an easy game. It was a very lively first half with chances at both ends with Nathan Wormersley, looking stronger every game, and Daley Holmes going close. Exmouth had their best chance shortly before the interval with a header that skimmed the bar.
THIS diving header from Ben Vine (No11) was saved by Exmouth Town keeper Martin Rice, one of a number of attacks late in the game as the Seasiders tried to reverse the 2-0 scoreline. Following in is Cody Bowditch (No 3) who also had the ball scrambled off the line and a near header just before the final whistle Photo by HOWARD LARCOMBE Lyme had some big guns on the bench – Fred Parsons, Chris Herbst and Cody Bowditch – so the Lyme crowd were confident of seeing a few goals at the clubhouse end in the second half. But a misjudgement by keeper Robbie Fowler, standing in for injured first team glove man Will Meech, who has been carrying an injury for a few weeks and may not play again this season, gifted the visitors their first goal. Fowler, an outfield player with great promise, has willingly stood in as a keeper with Lyme lacking in the glove department this season, and
has given a good account of himself in all his games between the sticks. He handled the ball confidently in the first half but in the 47th minute the visitors fired in what look like an innocuous shot which Fowler allowed under his body.
Distraught
The lad was clearly distraught but all his fellow players and the Lyme crowd have nothing but admiration for the way he has stood in at the last moment and the way he has conducted himself. Lyme fought hard to get back into the game and laid siege to the Exmouth goal for several intense peri-
ods but they found the visiting keeper, Martin Rice, who played pro football for Torquay United and Exeter City, in scintillating form, keeping the marauding Lyme attack at bay. The points were sealed in the 79th minute when Fowler was only able to get a hand to a teasing cross shot. Lyme finished strongly with two efforts being scrambled away by Rice and Cody Bowditch going close with a header. This was a good all-round performance by Lyme and had luck been on their side a point would have been a fairer result.
Rovers topple Division Two side in Kenny Hodges Cup LYME Rovers pulled off the shock result of the day in their first game in the Kenny Hodges Cup, beating Chard United who play in Perry Street Division Two, one division higher than the Seasiders. The Rovers got off to a brilliant start, going 10 up within five minutes through Joe Bond, who expertly beat the Chard defensive line, running on to a Scott Meyers through ball, before slamming home. And it was 2-0 on eight minutes when keeper Rob Harp’s long kick was again patched into by Bond, who neatly lifted it over the Chard keeper. The home side got back into the game, coming down the hill at the Seasiders, and keeper Harp was in outstanding form, making two ex-
cellent one-on-one saves. But Chard did grab a goal back before halftime when their right winger rifled home an unstoppable shot right into the top corner. Lyme centre half Toby Fowler, who was having an excellent game, was forced off through injury on 35 minutes, forcing a reshuffle as Ollie Alner was subbed on. And within five minutes, the Alner restored the two-goal lead, volleying in from Finlay McLean’s flick on. The second half started to heat up, and a few rash challenges were appearing. Ten minutes into the second half, Chard grabbed a second goal, forcing home from a long throw-in. The Lyme players were unhappy at an apparent blatant push in the build-up. With 20 minutes to play, Chard thought they
had an equaliser, only for the ref to disallow the goal – this time having seen a very obvious shove. Almost immediately the Rovers broke down the other end, and Freddie Andrews was brought down for a penalty. Bond stepped up for his hat-trick, but his penalty was well saved. The feisty tie went end-to-end for the last 15 minutes, but with five minutes left to play, Meyers slotted home following McLean’s knock down. Keeper Rob Harp was the Seasiders’ man-ofthe-match, with top showings also from Callum Taylor, Dec Ellis and Joe Bond. The Rovers have a free week next week, but play neighbours Uplyme in the second game of the round in the Kenny Hodges Cup on April 6.
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NOW IN THE DEVON & EXETER PREMIER LEAGUE
Saturday, March 30 Lyme Regis 1st X1 v Newtown Kick-off 3pm
Tough run-in for the Seasiders LYME Regis 1sts, competing at the highest level in the history of the club, have a tough run-in to the end of their first season in the Devon & Exeter Premier Division. Last Saturday’s 2-0 defeat against Exmouth Town 2nds was a disappointment for the Seasiders as it means their target fifth place could now be lost with nearest rivals Witheridge, trailing by four points but with two games in hand, can overtake them. The Exmouth second string are lying third from bottom in the table but have picked up a few points of late and have a few games in hand over the teams above them. On Twitter they described their 2-0 win at the Davey Fort as “comfortable” but few at the Davey Fort saw it like that. They were gifted their first goal and had it not been for a brilliant performance by their ex-professional goalkeeper, Martin Rice, it could well have been a different. story. The Lyme faithful thought a draw was a more fair result. With just five fixtures to play, the Seasiders now face two very difficult games - at home to second place and much- fancied champions Newton tomorrow (Saturday) and away to current leaders Exwick Villa the following week. Then they travel to Exmouth Town and on Saturday’s showing this will not be an easy one despite the big gap between the two sides in the table. Newtown, trailing by seven points but with four games in hand, could take over from Exwick Villa at the top of the table with Colyton and Cronies fighting it out for third and fourth places. Lyme Reserves, fifth place in Division Four, travel to Winkleigh where three points could help them narrow the gap with their nearest rival, University of Exeter 5th.
Peacock leads chase for the Silver Ball LYME Regis Football Club Silver Ball standings for the most goals scored this season: Peter Peacock - 23; Ben Vine - 16; Sam Pollard-Jones - 15; Oliver Alner - 9; Finlay Mclean and Benjamin Turner - 8; Fred Parsons, Shane Featherstone and Cody Bowditch - 7.
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