LymeOnline Digital Edition - March 6 2020

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Woodroffe alleviates coronavirus fears

Young talent shines at panto

THE Woodroffe School in Lyme Regis says it followed “all appropriate measures” after students returned from a ski trip in Italy, sparking some concerns about the spread of coronavirus.

Some schools across the country have closed or sent students home in recent weeks, following trips and holidays to northern Italy in particular, where there has been an outbreak of the virus, also known as COVID-19.

Year 10 students and staff from Woodroffe travelled to Italy for their annual ski trip over the recent half term break, but were advised that the area they visited was listed as ‘Category 2’.

This means travellers do not need to undertake any special measures, but if they develop symptoms of coronavirus they should self-isolate and call NHS 111.

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Lyme Regis & Charmouth Lifeboat Supporters

LYME Regis Pantomime Society showed off a wealth of young talent in its recent production of ‘Hickory Dickory Dock’ with Thomas Miller and Grace Knowles taking the lead roles (pictured above centre). For full review and photo special, see pages 12 & 13

Save our majorettes!

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Wednesday, April 1st, 7pm The Lifeboat Station, The Cobb, Lyme Regis All welcome!

DANCE TROUPE LAUNCHES APPEAL TO SECURE FUTURE LYME Regis Majorettes have launched an online fundraising campaign to secure the troupe’s future, having been refused grant funding from the town council.

Lyme Regis Majorettes applied for £5,000 from the town council but were among 11 local organisations to have their applications re-

FRANCESCA EVANS

francesca@lyme-online.co.uk

fused in the latest round of grants, with councillors themselves describing the decisions as “brutal”.

Only seven of 18 applications received a share of £60,000 available this year.

The troupe has now turned to the public for support, launching a JustGiving campaign with the aim

of raising £10,000.

The money would go towards music and lighting equipment, hall hire, storage, travel costs and uniforms, ensuring the majorettes can “continue providing this vital youth service to children and young adults across Devon and Dorset, all whilst entertaining the South West”.

A spokesperson said: “Lyme

Regis Majorettes have been providing a vital youth service since 1982 to children all across West Dorset and East Devon.

“With weekly training and an action packed carnival season travelling across Devon, Dorset and Somerset the girls work hard to achieve high results and lots of trophies each and every season.

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Majorettes launch fundraising appeal

LymeOnline

Published by Lyme Regis Media Limited Hyper-local website and fortnightly newspaper serving the communities of Lyme Regis, Uplyme & Charmouth.

Unit 5 Uplyme Business Park, Uplyme Road, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3LS www.lyme-online.co.uk edit@lyme-online.co.uk Facebook: facebook.com/LymeOnlineUK Twitter: twitter.com/LymeOnlineUK Instagram: instagram.com/lymeonline Editor: Francesca Evans francesca@lyme-online.co.uk 07810 221 420 Contributors: Philip Evans philip@lyme-online.co.uk

LymeOnline managing director Philip Evans MBE, editor Francesca Evans (right) and production manager Jackie Evans pictured at the second anniversary party

LymeOnline celebrates second anniversary

Richard Austin edit@lyme-online.co.uk Regular Columnists: Sophia Moseley, Marine Theatre Mark Vandeweyer, Citizens Advice Peter Lacey, Tales of Lyme’s Past Production: Jackie Evans jackie@lyme-online.co.uk

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THE LymeOnline newspaper and website celebrated its second anniversary at the end of February.

Advertisers, sponsors, contributors and supporters were invited to mark the occasion at Lyme Regis Football Club on Friday, February 21, where they also celebrated the recent launch of LymeOnline’s video news bulletins.

Guests were welcomed by LymeOnline managing director Philip Evans MBE and editor Francesca Evans, with the Mayor of Lyme Regis, Councillor Brian Larcombe MBE, also saying a few words and congratulating the family team on their second anniversary.

LymeOnline - run as a not-for profit community venture - offers the most comprehensive news coverage of the Lyme Regis area through its pop-

ular website and fortnightly printed newspaper.

It recently branched out into multi-media journalism with the launch of the LymeOnline Sights & Sounds platform in January, including videos of local events, podcasts and news bulletins presented by Francesca every Friday morning.

Those attending the celebration were able to watch the news bulletins on loop, as well as look through some of the top stories featured on the community website and printed newspaper over the past two years.

The LymeOnline team would like to thank all those who have supported them in their first two years. For the latest local news or to find out how to support LymeOnline, visit the website lyme-online.co.uk

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE “The troupe works to such a high standard they are invited to lots of extra events including fairs, fetes, exhibitions, community events as well as featuring on BBC. “All children, including disabled and those from a disadvantaged background, are welcome and encouraged to become part of a second family that offers support, teaches respect and discipline whilst giving them a safe environment to grow.

“This is at risk. The troupe rely heavily on fundraising, sponsorship and local grants. This year we have not been awarded any grants from the town council, with budgets drastically cut and expenses always growing, the troupe is fundraising consistently.

“The girls and their families work tirelessly to make it possible for the Lyme Regis Majorettes to exist but we need help.”

The campaign can be supported by visiting www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/saveourmajorettes Guitars On The Beach also had its £6,000 grant application refused, and later announced this year’s event on June 27 would be the last due to lack of financial support.

Organisers of the unique guitar festival also launched a JustGiving campaign to ensure the event could go out with a bang, and have already received donations totalling £1,890 – less than £200 off its £2,000 target.

You can pledge donations online at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/guitarsonthebeach Organisers have now turned to local businesses for support; in particular they are looking for prizes for a grand raffle to be held on the day of the music festival.

For more details on this year’s Guitars On The Beach, visit guitarsonthebeach.com

In print and online, the best of Lyme ● Breaking news 24/7 ● Videos and podcasts ● Digital edition pages ● Entertainment news & listings ● All your local sport ● Community news ● Eating out news, reviews and directory ● Blogs on everything from history to environment ● Colourful Photo galleries

Made in Lyme, journalism you can trust

Visit the website lyme-online.co.uk

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Woodroffe alleviates coronavirus fears after pupils return from Italy THE Woodroffe School in Lyme Regis says it followed “all appropriate measures” after students returned from a ski trip in Italy, sparking some concerns about the spread of coronavirus.

Some schools across the country have closed or sent students home in recent weeks, following trips and holidays to northern Italy in particular, where there has been an outbreak of the virus, also known as COVID-19.

Year 10 students and staff from Woodroffe travelled to Italy for their annual ski trip over the recent half term break, but were advised that the area they visited was listed as ‘Category 2’.

This means travellers do not need to undertake any special measures, but if they develop symptoms of coronavirus they should self-isolate and call NHS 111.

Authorities isolated several small towns in northern Italy last week, after a spike in the number of new cases and fatalities in the country.

The virus has since continued to spread across Europe, and the UK government has now updated its advice for those who have recently travelled to the affected areas.

The Foreign Office is now warning against non-essential travel to 10 towns in Lombardy (Codogno, Castiglione d’Adda, Casalpusterlengo, Fombio, Maleo, Somaglia, Bertonico, Terranova dei Passerini, Castelgerundo and San Fiorano) and one in Veneto (Vo’ Euganeo), which have been isolated by the Italian authorities Anyone returning from these towns has been asked to self-isolate to stop the spread of the virus. Those who have recently travelled north of Pisa are also advised to stay at home for 14 days if they develop flu-like symptoms.

Following this advice, several schools across

FRANCESCA EVANS

francesca@lyme-online.co.uk the country took the decision to close or to send home specific pupils.

The Woodroffe School has not sent any students home and headteacher Dan Watts has been updating parents with advice from the government to alleviate concerns.

In a statement sent to parents last week he said: “As a school, we have taken advice and followed all appropriate government measures at this time. We are continuing to monitor the advice being given and are taking appropriate action where necessary.

“All of our stakeholders have been updated with the current position and we will continue to ensure that information is shared in a sensitive and timely manner.

‘No need to avoid normal activities’ “We are aware of the concerns that individuals may have and want to reassure people that the risk of infection within the UK remains low (Public Health England 26/2/20).

“We have circulated a government produced information sheet advising on how individuals can reduce their exposure to risk and would encourage everyone to read this advice.”

Mr Watts said the school’s tour operator had confirmed that the routes taken by those on the ski trip were at least 100km from any of the affected areas.

Sixth form students and staff who recently returned from a separate ski trip in Austria were also outside the current exclusion zone.

Mr Watts added: “Currently there are minimal cases outside the risk areas and therefore the likelihood of an individual coming into contact with a confirmed case is low.

“There is no need to advise any of these pupils,

students or staff to avoid normal activities or educational settings unless they have had contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19.

“We hope this information helps to reassure people during this time.”

The announcement sparked some concerns among parents, who took to social media to debate whether or not they should be sending their children to school.

■ SINCE the Woodroffe School released the above statement, UK Chief Medical Officers have raised the risk to the UK from low to moderate.

According to the latest figures released by the World Health Organization (March 3), there are now 90,870 confirmed cases of coronavirus around the world and there has been 3,112 deaths.

A total of 72 countries are now affected with most cases still in China, where the virus started in Wuhan. In the UK, 85 people have tested positive for coronavirus.

If you have recently travelled to a high-risk area – or if you’ve been in contact with somebody who has – and you develop symptoms, the NHS advises that you should not go to a doctor’s surgery or hospital. Instead, call NHS 111 for advice. Symptoms include fever, diarrhoea, a dry cough, shortness of breath and general body aches.

The UK government and NHS has reiterated that the best way to prevent the spread of the virus is to regularly wash your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds; to cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough, preferably with a tissue that can be immediately disposed of; and to avoid close contact with those who are obviously unwell.

More information is available on the website www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public

VE Day celebrations LYME Regis will celebrate the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day with a weekend of events in May. The celebration will get under way on Friday, May 8 with a ceremony around the Cobb Gate anchor. A civic party, led by the mayor, Councillor Brian Larcombe MBE, will process from the Guildhall to the anchor where Lyme Regis Town Band will be playing.

At 2.55pm a bugler will sound ‘The Last Post’ and a piper will play ‘The Battle’s O’er’. The mayor will then make a speech reflecting on the role that Lyme Regis played in the ending of the war.

Negotiations are taking place with Lyme’s seafaring organisations for a flotilla that afternoon.

In the evening (6.45pm) the mayor and mayoress will light a beacon on the North Wall followed by a ‘Cry for Peace’ by town crier Alan Vian.

On Saturday, May 9 Lyme residents aged 75 and over are being invited to a free tea with entertainment at the Baptist Church Hall, organised by the Woodmead Halls Management Committee, and on Sunday, May 9 a civic service will be held at St Michael’s Parish Church, led by the Archdeacon of Sherborne, the Venerable Penny Sayer.

Also on Sunday, the mayor will be invited to open the annual May Fete in the Anning Road playing field, assisted by deputy mayor Councillor Stan Williams, who will make a speech recalling VE Day in Lyme.

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NEWS ONLINE: Catch up with A round-up of the top stories from our website

Plans for new restaurant to open in Silver Street LYME Regis could soon be adding to its growing ‘foodie’ reputation, with plans for a new restaurant in Silver Street. An application has been submitted to change the use of 63a Silver Street, formerly the Whoopsadaisy ceramics shop and workshop, into a restaurant. If successful, the Robin Wylde restaurant will be opening on site, having previously built a successful reputation serving diners at the shared space known as The Pop Up Kitchen, in Broad Street.

Fundraiser for reforestation LYME Regis based reforestation charity, The Word Forest Organisation, will be hosting its first event at its new headquarters next week. Having recently moved to new offices at St Michael’s Business Centre, the charity will be opening its doors for a celebration, along with a sale of beautifully-crafted jewellery, evening bags and craft items. The doors will be open on Friday, March 13 from 5pm to 9pm. For more information on The Word Forest visit www.wordforest.org

Flybe collapse a ‘hammer blow to economy’ LOCAL MPs and council leaders united in messages of disappointment and sadness, following this week’s announcement that South West-based airline Flybe had gone into administration. The Exeter-based airline collapsed in the early hours of Thursday morning, with about 2,000 staff losing their jobs. Councillor Rufus Gilbert, Devon County Council Cabinet member for economy and skills described the collapse as “a hammer blow to the local economy”.

Local Cubs raise funds for the koalas Learn a new skill at art workshops CUBS from the 1st Lym Valley Scout Group have raised more than £100 for a koala hospital in New South Wales, Australia, following wildfires in the country over the last 12 months. They raised funds through a variety of sponsored activities, including swimming, beach cleans and cycle rides.

Thinking of learning a new talent this spring? Lyme Bay Arts will be hosting a wide variety of workshops this year at The Space, its new venue at the Symondsbury Estate, near Bridport. The first workshops will cover copper foiling, Nuno felting and life drawing. For details visit lymebayarts.co.uk

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Ash dieback hits Monkton Wyld trees FORESTRY England has removed a number of ash trees from the roadside of the A35 at Monkton Wyld, near Lyme Regis, as chalara ash dieback continues to affect the native tree species. Although these particular trees were only just starting to show signs of chalara, foresters decided to take preemptive action to coincide with a planned South West Highways road closure, to minimise disruption to the public. East Devon Forester Jon Burgess said that the condition and stability of trees can deteriorate very quickly when affected by ash dieback, and they are then at greater risk of dropping branches or falling altogether, which would cause a risk to road users.

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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 It’s an exciting time for local media

Dorset receives £4.3m for mobile connectivity A BID led by Dorset Council has been awarded £4.335 million to help understand how rural communities could benefit from next generation mobile connectivity. A consortium of the council, local, national and international partners plans to show that mobile infrastructure can be delivered cost effectively and sensitively to benefit rural businesses and communities. For the latest updates, visit news.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/digitalfirst/

Lifeboat crew assists teens stranded in harbour THREE teenage boys were assisted by Lyme Regis lifeboat crew on Saturday, after their inflatable boat deflated in the town’s harbour. The boys had taken their dinghy out in the harbour but were left stranded on a pontoon after it deflated. A member of the lifeboat crew rowed their Xboat - a ten foot inflatable - across the harbour to collect them.

Have your say on new

Council reaps benefits Housing Allocation Policy of new headquarters EAST Devon District Council has reflected on the positive effects of its move to Blackdown House in Honiton after one year in residence. The purpose-built, modern offices are said to have helped save the council money, are more environmentally friendly than its previous headquarters at The Knowle in Sidmouth, and have been positive change for its workforce.

DORSET Council is drafting a new policy looking at how people access social housing in the area.

The new policy will come into effect on April 1 2021 and aims to offer people seeking accommodation a choice about where they live. It aims to be fair and easy to use, and offer solutions to those most in need while making the best use of the housing stock available. To find out more or complete the survey, visit https://bit.ly/2VGzkc0

HAVING celebrated LymeOnline’s second anniversary at the end of February, we’re heading into our third year with a reinvigorated enthusiasm for delivering local news you can trust.

This year has already brought about several achievements for us our second anniversary edition was our most financially successful yet, our online audience continues to grow each month, and we’ve seen new ideas come to fruition with the launch of our multi-media platform, LymeOnline Sights & Sounds, on our website.

It’s definitely been an exciting few weeks and we hope that’s set to continue, with plenty more ideas up our sleeves to further develop this community venture.

The media industry is changing.

While we recognise the importance of the printed press, we also know that many no longer rely solely on this traditional format to keep them up to date with the latest news.

That’s why we’re also committed to developing our online presence, our social media platforms and video content.

And now Lyme Regis even has it’s own radio station!

After three long years in the making, it was an exciting and probably exhausting week for the team behind Lyme Bay Radio - station manager Simon West, his wife Tracey and Chris Tipping of Lyme Regis

Development Trust.

Since their launch on Sunday I’ve tuned in to practically every show, even setting my alarm early to make sure I don’t miss the start of the breakfast show at 7am.

On Tuesday I was out of bed extra early to take some photos and video footage of the team in action, and ended up going on air quite unexpectedly for my first radio appearance!

The studio is tucked away in what was a quiet corner of The Hub. But quiet no more; music is playing around the clock and more presenter-led shows will soon be on air once all the station’s volunteers have completed their training.

It was fascinating to get a behindthe-scenes glimpse at the fastpaced world of radio, which LymeOnline hopes to become more involved with in the future.

Hats off to Simon, Tracey, Chris and all the volunteers; delivering a 24/7 community radio station is a huge undertaking but a project I really hope will take off over the coming few weeks.

Francesca Evans, Editor

The

Woodmead Halls YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY HALL

Rozi Plain to perform in Lyme ROZI Plain will be visiting the South West for two special concerts this March, following the release of her latest album ‘What A Boost’, which has received considerable airplay on BBC Radio 6Music.

Plain emerged with her solo debut, ‘Inside Over Here’ (2008) and quickly became a favourite on BBC Radio 6Music.

Praised for her intricate and quietly off-centre approach, she is best known for her deliciously sad works, full of heart-wrenching harmonies, punctuated with unexpected instrumental flourishes.

She will appear at the Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis on Friday, March 27. Tickets cost £12 in advance or £14.50 on the door – available by calling 01297 442138 or visit marinetheatre.com

Wedding Venue | Corporate Events Clubs & Organisations | Children’s Parties Fitness Classes | Concerts & Shows

The perfect venue for every occasion!

For further details or to get in touch, vist woodmeadhalls.co.uk

6 Friday, March 6 2020

LYME MATTERS with Philip Evans Essential reading for all those with Lyme at heart

www.lyme-online.co.uk

philip@lyme-online.co.uk

Will this really be the last GOTB?

S

O this year will be the last Guitars On The Beach? So disappointed and affronted that the town council failed to support them financially this year, the organisers decided that was it - GOTB would “go out with a bang” this summer. No more rockin’ on the beach.

Cue fury on Facebook. As expected, GOTB founder Geoff Baker, PR supremo who has fought and won many a battle with authority, didn’t hold back in his condemnation of the council after returning home form the Guildhall after the decision was made.

In a subsequent press release he inferred that councillors were, in fact, saying that GOTB, an event which attracts thousands to the town and in its eighth year, was “not worthy” of the council’s support.

He took up the battle also for those smaller organisations, like the majorettes, who too were disappointed not to receive a grant and who might not be able to fight back with the same vim and vigour. Geoff is never slow to defend the underdog.

The town council decided not to reply to Geoff’s

IT WAS difficult watching ‘Saving Lives At Sea’ featuring the Lyme Regis lifeboat crew without an overriding feeling of pride and emotion.

The rescue of two young boys who were swept out to sea by the dangerous currents from Axmouth harbour was filmed on the helmets of crew members Tim Edwards, Murray Saunders, Nikky Williams and Andy Butterfield. It made dramatic viewing.

In seaside resorts we tend to take the lifeboat for granted but we should never forget or underestimate the bravery of those who save lives at sea, those that

accusations and issued a brief statement to say they were sorry that this year’s would be the last Guitars On The Beach and thanked them for their past efforts.

Wise move not to take on Geoff is a social media row when his dander is up. Geoff is a complex character - loyal to the core and fiercely protective of all he holds dear.

But I can see a silver lining to this unfortunate situation which could bring an end to an event which has brought thousands to the town.

In their application, GOTB said the cost of staging the event was £6,500 and they were asking for a grant of £6,000 because it had become increasingly difficult to find sponsorship. Last year the council gave GOTB £3,000 but this year they changed the method of selecting worthy causes, looking to support long term capital projects with a separate £20,000 pot to support the running costs of smaller groups.

After he got his frustration off his chest, Geoff and his team of organisers decided to pull out all the stops to raise the money to ensure the last ever GOTB was the best ever.

They launched a crowdfunding site with a target of £2,000 with 90 per cent of that sum already raised, and decided to double their efforts to get more support from the town. Geoff even

COME RAIN COME SHINE: Geoff Baker looking sodden but happy at the 2016 GOTB when the skies opened

risk their own lives to rescue others.

There is no doubt that those two young swimmers were in mortal danger and close to the end of their tether. They were cleary exhausted but were sensible enough to cling together.

But what came over strongly was how professional and understanding the crew members were of their predicament. And how they immediately put their minds at rest as they summoned the coastguard helicopter to get them urgent medical attention, as they had been in the water so long.

We should never forget also that this is a voluntary service.

stood outside Tesco selling GOTB memorabilia to bring in a few bob.

And they also put out an appeal for local shops and firms to donate an item for a grand draw which, as it nearly always does in Lyme, received fantastic support. Geoff, his faith restored in his hometown, was bowled over by the response and waxed lyrical on Facebook about the support from traders.

I don’t know how much has been raised so far for this summer’s GOTB, but I’m pretty sure in the end they will collect enough to make it an event to remember.

And I believe there will be greater satisfaction in raising the money by their own efforts and not relying on support from the council.

In last month’s column I wrote about the diffi-

culty always experienced in the council’s grant procedure. No one doubts their generosity £80,000 was sanctioned this year, a reduction of £50,000 on previous years but still more than any other town council around these parts gives.

But the unpalatable fact is that Lyme organisations cannot rely on these hand-outs for much longer with the council facing some extreme expenditure on major projects in the near future.

In events that I’m involved in I try not to depend on financial support from the council. Back in 2012 my daughter and I, with the backing of the mayor at that time, Sally Holman, and the Woodmead Halls, organised the weekend of events to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. It was the most comprehensive programme of events in Dorset and we did it without asking for a penny of council money.

I am waiting with bated breath to hear whether we may have secured a visit from the Red Arrows again this year. We should know any day now. If we are successful, we will have to raise around £13,000 but I will not be going cap in hand to the council. We will raise that amount somehow.

I do think it will be a great shame if GOTB sticks to its genuine intention of calling it a day.

I have to say that music does not play a big part in my life, despite the fact I grew up in the golden age of pop. I’m more of a Big Band man with a bit of swing thrown in.

But I recognise that for many people, music is their life.

Guitars On The Beach is a fabulous event, one opportunity for music fans to let their hair down and have a good time in the sunshine (well sometimes).

So here’s my prediction: the organisers will raise the money they need; the eighth GOTB will be another resounding success; the musicians will play out of their skins as always and enjoy themselves; there will be hundreds strumming their guitars and dancing on the beach; and the pubs in the Cobb area will be overflowing.

In fact, it will be so popular that there will be an immediate call for a repeat performance in 2021. If that happens will the GOTB team be able to say no?

Lyme on the airwaves 24/7

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CONGRATULATIONS to all those who have been connected with the launch of Lyme Bay Radio - a huge achievement for Lyme Regis Development Trust to get it up and running seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

I’ve had a good deal to do with local radio over the years. I was a regular contributor to Devon Air back in the 1970s and I’ve sat on a number of consortiums bidding for radio stations as well as doing a stint on hospital radio in Exeter. It’s a wonderful medium.

In more recent years, I did an interview every Friday evening in the back bar of the Royal Lion for Lyme Regis Radio, an internet station set up by the late Gordon Smith, known affectionately as Nomad. We did try a couple of

live Sunday morning shows but to be honest they were a disaster, especially as I was 20 minutes into interviewing the then mayor, Barbara Austin MBE, about her childhood days in Lyme before Nomad switched on the ON button!

It is obvious that Lyme Bay Radio, with its own studio located in The Hub, is going to be much more professional, being led by Simon and Tracey West who both have a great deal of experience in local radio.

Simon is Lyme Bay Radio’s station manager with Chris Tipping, chief executive officer of the development trust, taking the role of programme controller.

Simon, Tracey and Chris are hosting the daily breakfast show

and Simon and Tracey are currently fronting a number of other programmes.

There will also be regular news casts covering the whole of Lyme Bay with content from other news outlets, including LymeOnline, as well as a national bulletin.

When their own shows are not being broadcast, they use an automatic system to play music to suit all tastes, which keeps the station on air for 24/7.

They are also training up a number of volunteers who will be presenting their own shows.

This all adds up to a huge voluntary commitment.

The project has been financed by a Lottery grant and contributions from the Rotary Club of Lyme Regis, the Regatta & Carni-

val Committee and Palmers Brewery.

I understand that the initial listening figures have been encouraging and I wish this new and ambitious venture every success.

You can listen to Lyme’s very own radio station by clicking onto www.lymebayradio.com Talking of new ventures, I’m delighted with the response to LymeOnline’s new initiative, a weekly news bulletin on Friday mornings, presented by editor Francesca Evans, launched as part of our second anniversary celebrations (see page 2).

It’s essential viewing for those who want to hear about all the big Lyme stories before this paper hits the streets.

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Boat Building Academy newsfromwestminster awarded charity status

A monthly column by West Dorset MP Chris Loder

AFTER 23 years of training highly skilled boat builders and furniture makers, Lyme Regis Boat Building Academy is proud to announce it is now a charitable company.

The change will enable the academy to offer

bursaries to individuals for training in boat building and furniture making.

“Becoming a charity is a big moment for us; the primary objective is to enable us to offer assisted places to extremely committed applicants who would not otherwise be able to attend our courses,” said Will Reed, academy principal and trustee.

“Initially, we are able to offer two boat builders and three furniture makers financial assistance each year. We would like to increase numbers in future and will be taking a proactive approach to fundraising.”

Academy bursaries will be offered to applicants who best meet criteria, which include commitment, enthusiasm and a desire to forge a career in the boat building and furniture making industries.

For more information about bursaries, email office@boatbuildingacademy.com Will added: “Although some students receive grants from the likes of City & Guilds, most rely on savings, and for some people a course is an unattainable dream.

“We are thrilled to be able to turn those dreams into reality for several students each year with our new bursary programme.

“I came to the academy through a lifetime love of woodwork and I’m delighted that we’ll be offering our training to a wider section of the community.”

To celebrate its newfound charitable status, the Boat Building Academy is hosting an open day on Saturday, April 25 from 10am to 4pm, with all visitors welcome.

During the open day visitors will be able to meet students and staff and explore the workshops with boats in build. There will be a display of graduate boats from previous years and an exhibition demonstrating the first-class skills of the furniture makers.

The academy has seen more than 500 students through its doors in Lyme Regis, with graduates sought after across the UK and globally in all aspects of the boat building and furniture making industries.

Graduates have gone on to work in boatyards such as Tommy Nielsen, Spirit Yachts and Will Stirling; some have set up their own businesses.

The flagship 40-week Boat Building course teaches people how to build boats to industry standards using traditional and modern techniques while the 12-week Furniture Making and Advanced Furniture Making courses provide the skills needed to produce top-end work.

The academy also offers a variety of two to fiveday short courses, from basic woodwork and furniture making, to boat building, GRP repairs, wooden boat restoration and sail making.

To find out more about the courses available, visit www.boatbuildingacademy.com

LAST weekend, with Storm Jorge still working its way across West Dorset, I dropped by to visit Nick Marks, lifeboat operations manager, and some of the crew at Lyme Regis RNLI Lifeboat Station on the Cobb.

You may have seen the crew’s recent appearance on the BBC’s ‘Saving Lives at Sea’ series, with rescue footage shot using cameras attached to their own safety helmets.

It was good to sit down with the team to learn more about how WEST Dorset MP Chris Loder (far right) pictured with volunteers at Lyme Regis lifeboat they work in tough station emergency situations and to thank them for being there for our com- along the A35, that Chideock, set in an Area of munities, and visitors to the area, in all weathers. Outstanding Natural Beauty, is especially subject Special thanks to crew member Nikky Williams to air pollution. The A35 runs directly through it; who showed me the ropes onboard the station’s B therefore the air is polluted with harmful exhaust Class inshore lifeboat - while it was still on dry fumes from vehicles, made worse by the problem land I’m pleased to say! of traffic congestion.

She explained the lifesaving technology the crew I am actively lobbying government to make air relies on, not only on the boat but also carried in quality a much higher priority, to ensure the welltheir suits and life jackets; a huge amount of kit being of all residents in villages such as Chideock which crew members only have 90 seconds to and to protect our communities from harmful exclimb into during an emergency shout! haust fumes.

In other news, during the second reading of the I also plan to re-start the A35 Steering Group; Environment Bill last week I had an opportunity to speak to the House and used this time to raise inviting local council, parish and highways reprevarious local issues. I spoke of our farmers and sentatives to join me in improving air quality, adtheir stewardship of the countryside, of plastics dressing traffic flow issues and drawing up and my challenge to ban plastic milk containers diversion contingency plans.

You can read my speech during the Environ(more of that soon), but especially of our air qualment Bill in full, or watch the video link via my ity in West Dorset.

It surprises some, but won’t surprise residents website at www.chrisloder.co.uk

Visit www.chrisloder.co.uk for links to my social media channels and news, or email hello@chrisloder.co.uk if you are interested in a face-to-face meeting at one of my surgeries

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Uplyme Church marks Fairtrade Fortnight TO mark Fairtrade Fortnight, Uplyme Church held a special service at its monthly Café Church.

Members of the congregation watched films about the difference Fairtrade makes to ordinary producers in the developing world, and enjoyed Fairtrade chocolate, biscuits and coffee.

Usually a cocoa grower gets just 0.5 per cent of the cost of an average chocolate bar, but with Fairtrade products they receive four per cent of the cost of the bar.

All Fairtrade producers receive a Fairtrade premium, providing education, healthcare and clean water for their community. Fairtrade also ensures the working conditions of producers; it doesn’t force producers to use harmful chemicals or work in dangerous conditions, and supports them through the effects of climate change.

To obtain the Fairtrade mark, products must adhere to certain ethical and environmental standards and only the Fairtrade mark guarantees these benefits to producers.

Fairtrade is about more than just bananas and chocolate – it extends to wide range of products.

There is even a Fairphone – a fully repairable mobile phone made from recycled materials and free from the conflict minerals and worker exploitation that tarnish other brands.

A spokesperson for Uplyme Church said: “The service helped us consider how our everyday choices impact our neighbours around the world.”

Uplyme church hosts a range of regular services. The 10am morning services alternate between informal and traditional styles, while the 6pm evening services offer a quieter, more reflective time.

www.lyme-online.co.uk

New rector welcomed at Charmouth service

THE new Rector of the Golden Cap Benefice, which includes the parishes of Lyme Regis and Charmouth, was installed at the special service on Monday evening with the Bishop of Sherborne, the Right Reverend Karen Gorman, officiating.

St Andrew’s Church in Charmouth was packed when the Reverend Chris Martin was inducted by the Venerable Penny Sayer, Archdeacon of Sherborne, before a

congregation of around 200 parishioners and guests, including a coach party from the Reverend Martin’s former parish in East Devon.

A number of welcome messages were delivered by community leaders, including the Mayor of Lyme Regis, Councillor Brian Larcombe MBE, Royal British Legion president Philip Evans MBE, and Councillor Michaela Ellis, representing St Michael’s Primary School.

The Reverend Martin, who is married with three grown up daughters, make his new home in Charmouth. Her is a keen Welsh rugby fan and as he was led around the church to meet the congregation the choir sang the Welsh national rugby anthem.

One of the Reverend Martin’s first task will be to oversee the appointment of a new Vicar to replace the former incumbent the Rev Jane Skinner.

THE Bishop of Sherborne, the Right Reverend Karen Gorman, with the new rector of the Golden Cap Benefice, the Reverend Chris Martin

Resettlement of Syrian family in Uplyme takes a step nearer

THE BIG BREAKFAST Friday 27 March 2020

Woodmead Halls 8am - 1pm Full English with orange juice and toast £7 Bacon roll £3 – We can deliver

UPLYME Community Sponsorship Scheme, which is planning to resettle a Syrian refugee family in the local area, updated residents on its progress at a public meeting last week.

About 50 people attended the meeting at Uplyme Village Hall, with representatives from the sponsorship scheme reporting what will happen now that enough initial funds have been raised to resettle a family. They also invited residents to volunteer their skills and experience to help the new family before and after they arrive later this year.

Fiona Dunster, Uplyme Community Sponsorship’s lead sponsor, gave a short introduction to put the scheme in context, followed by a presentation from Jo Smith, one of the scheme’s core team members, covering past, present and next steps.

East Devon district councillor Ian Thomas spoke in support of the scheme and gave the council’s point of view. Stephen Matthewmann, Devon County Council’s refugee resettlement co-ordinator the shared useful information from other groups in Devon.

A question and answer session was then followed by offers of help from those attending.

Sarah Uppard of Uplyme Community Sponsorship Scheme commented: “We had a very successful meeting and it was so great to have Stephen there.

“I have heard so much positive feedback. We had 18 completed volunteer forms and I know some more people are going to return them by email.”

So far the group has raised £12,000 of its target of £16,000 from dinners, concerts, an auction of promises and theatrical and storytelling

events.

It has identified a suitable private house for the family to rent in Uplyme and has submitted the resettlement plan to the Home Office following approval by Devon County Council and East Devon District Council. In a few months, it is expected that Uplyme will be welcoming the family from Syria.

Behind the scenes, team members have identified schools in the area that may have spaces depending on the age of any children; made contact with the medical centre and the Job Centre to find out what provision can be offered; and has been finding interpreters for the first weeks and identifying local ESOL teachers.

Before the family arrives, they will be building a team of volunteers who can help with driving, befriending, offering volunteer and work experience, accompanying the family to appointments, book-keeping and admin.

Particular gaps are ESOL/TEFL qualified language tutors and those to help with decorating the house before they arrive.

Fundraising is ongoing and one way to contribute is to buy a postcard showing part of the Syrian journey, where just £1 takes the family 250m further on the map from Syria to Uplyme.

Ottery St Mary has supported a Syrian family for two years and Budleigh Salterton and Sidmouth are at the same stage as Uplyme with their applications. In all, there are already nine community sponsorship schemes in Devon.

If you would like more information or want to support the resettlement of a Syrian family, get in touch by emailing uplymecommnitysponsorship@gmail.com

Friday, March 6 2020 9

www.lyme-online.co.uk

New community radio station goes live LYME Regis and the surrounding area now has its own community radio station, with the launch of Lyme Bay Radio.

After three years in the making, the online station launched on Sunday, March 1.

Volunteers and supporters piled into the newlybuilt studio at The Hub in Church Street to countdown to the first live broadcast, presented by station manager Simon West and programme controller Chris Tipping.

Speaking at the launch, Simon and Chris gave some background to the project and thanked all those who had already offered support.

Tracey West, who has also been instrumental in recruiting and training volunteers, and will be presenting her own shows on the station, said she hoped Lyme Bay Radio would help bring the community together.

Lyme Bay Radio is being led by Lyme Regis Development Trust and was made possible thanks to an £8,800 National Lottery Awards for All grant, as well as donations from the local Rotary Club, Regatta & Carnival Committee and Palmers Brewery.

The station will be run completely by volunteers, broadcast 24/7 via the website www.lymebayradio.com.

Several programmes have already been scheduled, including a daily breakfast show with Simon and Chris, Light Lunch every weekday afternoon, as well as programmes covering the arts, environment, holistic health and a wide variety of musical genres.

The station also offers regular news, travel and weather updates, and will be broadcasting live from Lyme’s many events and festivals.

Music is currently played automatically between scheduled shows, but Lyme Bay Radio is looking for more volunteers to offer presenter-led content. No experience is required and full training is available.

For more details on volunteering, how you can support Lyme Bay Radio or to listen live visit www.lymebayradio.com

VOLUNTEERS and supporters pictured at The Hub for the launch of Lyme Bay Radio on Sunday. Below left, Simon West and Chris Tipping present the first show and, below right, with Tracey West welcoming supporters to the launch

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10 Friday, March 6 2020

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Emergency services called to reports of ‘man swept off Cobb’ LYME Regis lifeboat crew and coastguards were called out on Sunday, March 1 following reports that a person had been swept off the Cobb wall.

Coastguards received a 999 call at 11.40am saying that a person had been swamped by a wave on the high wall of the Cobb and swept into the sea.

The volunteer lifeboat crew were carrying out a training exercise in the area when the call was received.

A thorough search of the immediate sea area was undertaken, as well as on the Cobb, rock armour and beaches.

With nothing found, crews were stood down. Eyewitnesses reported seeing a man jump from the wall and leave the area safely.

The incident is being considered a

false alarm with good intent.

Coastguards commented: “We would like to thank the first informant for calling the coastguard having seen the ‘casualty’ swamped and then disappearing from view. It was the right thing to do.”

The Cobb was being struck by large waves at the time of the incident, which comes just a week after the lifeboat crew warned people not to walk along the high wall of the Cobb in stormy conditions.

After several people were seen on the high wall during the recent Storm Dennis, Lyme Regis lifeboat operations manager Nick Marks said: “It would be very easy for someone to be blown off the wall or swept into the sea with potentially fatal results.”

THE lifeboat crew’s recent warning that walking on the high wall of the Cobb in stormy conditions could be fatal didn’t deter these photographers, who ignored newly-erected warning signs over the weekend Photos by Richard Austin

VOLUNTEERS from Lyme Regis lifeboat search the Cobb area in stormy conditions on Sunday Photo by Pete Savin

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12 Friday, March 6 2020

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THE cast of ‘Hickory Dickory Dock’ come together for their traditional ‘Young at Heart’ finale. Below, the lead roles of David and Mary were played by Thomas Miller and Grace Knowles

Photos by Francesca Evans

Panto society proves its ‘Young at Heart’ I

T’S tradition for Lyme Regis Pantomime Society to bring down the curtain on their annual production with a rousing rendition of 'Young At Heart', first recorded by Frank Sinatra and then made even more popular in the 1980s by the British female trio, Bananarama.

'Young At Heart' has become their theme tune, summing up the youthful endeavour which is such a hallmark of all their productions. Audiences have come to expect it.

For many who have trodden the boards in Lyme Regis and have become popular performers in the town, their first experience of stepping out on the stage came through the pantomime society. And that continues to this day, demonstrated in their recent Woodmead Halls production of 'Hickory Dickory Dock' featuring their youngest cast ever.

In her programme notes, producer/director Sarah Causley refers to this by saying: “These young people have proved themselves more than capable absorbing every piece of advice and direction given and working incredibly hard on bringing their characters to life.”

And in praise of the young chorus, she wrote: “What they lack in age, they make up in energy.”

That energy was very much in evidence in 'Hickory Dickory Dock' with the youngsters certainly stepping up to the plate in the principal roles, no more so than Thomas Miller, who played the part of leading boy David, with a confidence that belies his age.

Thomas, who is already a consummate performer, attends a West End summer school every year. He is hoping to study drama at university and I have a feeling we will be seeing much more of him in the future.

Playing opposite him as Mary Foxtrot in the principal girl’s role with equal confidence was Grace Knowles, almost an old hand with five years experience with the society, but still yet to take her GCSEs. Her delightful singing voice came to the fore in numbers such as 'It’s In A Kiss', 'Once Upon a December' and the 'L.O.V.E.' duet with Thomas.

Also worthy of special mention was Jacob Denning in the role of Herbert Hickory, the unfortunate son of the Baron and Baroness, his first time on the local stage at the age of 12, who grew

THEATRE REVIEW

by Philip Evans

HICKORY DICKORY DOCK Lyme Regis Pantomime Society Woodmead Halls

into the role as the night progressed. A debut of which to be proud.

Top marks also for Izzy Carey and Josie Smith who took the roles of Slap & Tickle, the knockabout duo who got plenty of laughs and had the hall pulsating with their rendition of 'Let’s Get Ready to Rumble'. They looked like they were having great fun.

The youngsters, of course, were surrounded by a number of seasoned performers from whom the kids would have learned much.

Richard Shepherd, a favourite on the Bridport stage, made a perfect Dame Foxtrot in true pantomime tradition with outlandish costumes, frightening wigs and a stage presence that left no one disillusioned about how unfairly life had treated her!

Amanda Rattenbury-Davies was her usual hilarious self in the role of Willie Winkie with superb comic timing as always, and another stellar performance came from her father, Brian Rattenbury, as Baron Hickory, who had the advantage of having played the same role back in 2008, since when he has established himself as one of Lyme’s most popular and talented stage performers.

Brian makes it look all so easy but a suspect behind that lies a dedication to ensuring that he never lets his standards drop.

Good support came from the other principal players – Tracey Wood, who made a wholly believable neurotic Baroness Hickory; Jon Doody who extracted his fair share of boos and hisses for his portrayal of the baddie, The Wizard of Bong; Cody Wotton who made a very impish Black Imp; Naomi Davis-Griffiths as the very spritely Sprite; and John Tassell in the role of King Neptune.

The highlight of the show for me was the 'Nobody Loves a Fairy When She’s 40' sequence, starring Tanya Rattenbury (Queen Fairy Snowdrift) Louise Rawlins (Rose), Beverley Rattenbury (Iris) and Lorraine Knowles (Dewdrop).

Truly hilarious – and they brought the house down.

A fabulous setting, especially the underwater scene, glorious costumes and some clever special effects (especially the video of the stolen clock being toured around the town) added to the overall enjoyment and professionalism of the production.

There’s very much a family atmosphere about Lyme Regis Pantomime Society. Indeed, it’s

Principals: Dame Foxtrot – Richard Shepherd; Mary Foxtrot – Grace Knowles; Willie Winkleigh – Amanda Rattenbury-Davies; David – Thomas Miller; Baron Hickory – Brian Rattenbury; Baroness Hickory – Tracy Wood; Herbert Hickory – Jacob Denning; Slap – Izzy Carey; Tickle – Josie Smith; The Wizard of Bong – Jon Doody; The Sprite – Naomi Davis-Griffiths; The Black Imp – Cody Wootton; Fairy Queen Snowdrift – Tanya Rattenbury; King Neptune – John Tassell; Rose – Louise Rawlins; Iris – Beverley Rattenbury; Dewdrop – Lorraine Knowles.

Chorus: Isabella Davis-Griffiths, Ellis Street, Klara Smith, Joshua Denning, Jessica Howard, Freddie Street, Phoebe Hatton;, Sarah Causley.

membership is made of groups of family and friends who clearly get a great deal of enjoyment and this sense of belonging does not escape the audience.

Producer/director Sarah Causley can feel well satisfied in bringing such a large and young cast together to produce a show which has done much to enhance the reputation of Lyme Regis Pantomime Society.

Production team: Sarah Causley (producer/director); Amanda Rattenbury-Davies and Sarah Causley (choreography); Hilary Smith and Yvonne McCreanney (creative costume team); Harvey Causley (musical director/keyboard); Thomas Stroud (percussion); Peter Yates (bass); Terry Cozens (stage manager); Lindsey Cozens, Jane Tappin, Megan Flux, Allan Taylor, Jess Douglas, Daniel Edwards, Mike Tappin, Alan Ellis, Michaela Ellis (stage crew); Ann Yates (prompt); Trina Taylor and the cast (make-up and hair); Carl Salter (set building); Kathy Smith, Claire Wootton, Val Hawkins, Una Quick Annette Denning and friends of the soviety (front of house). Lighting and sound – Seventh Wave Audio.

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Friday, March 6 2020 13

LEAD boy Thomas Miller as David and the young chorus members. Right, Naomi Davis-Griffiths as the Sprite and, far right, Cody Wooton as the Black Imp

BRIAN Rattenbury as Baron Hickory with Izzy Carey and Josie Smith as his sidekicks Slap and Tickle. Below left, Tanya Rattenbury as Fairy Queen Snowdrift and, below right, Jon Doody as the Wizard of Bong

RICHARD Shepherd as Dame Foxtrot (centre) with David, played by Thomas Miller, and Willie Winkleigh, played by Amanda Rattenbury-Davies. Below right, Willie with lead girl Mary (Grace Knowles) and, below left, one of the chorus numbers

LORRAINE Knowles, Beverley Rattenbury and Louise Rawlins as fairies Dewdrop, Iris and Rose

BARON Hickory (Brian Rattenbury), Herbert Hickory (Jacob Denning), Baroness Hickory (Tracy Wood) and Izzy Carey as Slap

timeoutinLyme

14 Friday, March 6 2020

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

What’s on

Friday, March 6

Knit & Knatter Lyme Regis Library, 2.30pm A friendly group who meet weekly to chat and knit over a cup of tea - all welcome.

Screening: ‘#TreesAreTheKey’ Charmouth Village Hall, 7pm Charmouth Explorer Scouts host a screening of a ‘#TreesAreTheKey’, documentary created by local reforestation charity The Word Forest. Entry £2.50.

Friday @ The Pilot The Pilot Boat, 9pm Weekly live music nights at the Pilot Boat.

LymeForward, open every Tuesday morning at The Hub in Church Street. Hot drinks, homemade cakes and toast available – just pay what you can, if you can.

Guide Dogs for the Blind Coffee Morning Lyme Regis Golf Club, 10am A coffee morning in aid of Guide Dogs for the Blind, including refreshments and stalls selling cakes, preserves, books and plants.

LRTC Planning Committee Guildhall, 7pm For agendas see www.lymeregistowncouncil.gov.uk

Saturday, March 7

Wednesday, March 11

Live Music: Laid Blak Marine Theatre, 7pm With inspiration from ska and reggae, Laid Blak’s influences are broad and represent sounds that define Bristol music. Tickets £13.50 in advance or £16 on the door – call 01297 442138 or visit marinetheatre.com. Bar opens 7pm for 8pm start.

Live DJs @ SWIM SWIM, 9pm DJ Tomjuno and friends perform every Saturday night at SWIM on Marine Parade.

Comedy: Mark Thomas Marine Theatre, 7pm ’50 Things About Us’ is a comedy stand-up show about songs, gongs, loot, tradition, wigs, nicking, statues, art and identity.

Tickets £18.50 – call 01297 442138 or visit marinetheatre.com. Bar opens at 7pm for 8pm start. For ages 16 and over.

LRTC Tourism, Community & Publicity, Guildhall, 7pm For agendas see www.lymeregistowncouncil.gov.uk

Sunday, March 8

Live Music: Peter Knight & John Spiers, Marine Theatre, 6.30pm The violinist and former member of Steeleye Span plays with the melodeon player, previously with popular folk band Bellowhead. Tickets £18.50 in advance or £22 on the door – call 01297 442138 or visit www.marinetheatre.com. Bar opens 6.30pm for 7.30pm start.

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!

Live Music @ SWIM SWIM, 8pm Weekly live music night every Thursday at SWIM on Marine Parade.

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 DJ James Baker and friends perform a chilled out set every Sunday afternoon at SWIM on Marine Parade.

The Sunday Sessions Marine Theatre, 3pm This regular free entry event is the Marine Theatre’s dedicated time to promote quality live music.

If you’d like to play, just turn up!

Live Screening: Riverdance Marine Theatre, 6pm Filmed live at the 3Arena Dublin, the 25th Anniversary Gala Performance will bring Riverdance to the big screen for the first time. Tickets £12 in advance, £14.50 on the door or £6 for under 18s – call 01297 442138 or visit marinetheatre.com. Bar opens 6pm for 7pm screening.

Sequence Dancing Charmouth Village Hall, 7.45pm Lyme Bay 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, March 10

The Old School House Café The Hub, 9am Community café run by

Thursday, March 12

Friday, March 13

U3A Talk: ‘The Ice Age in West Dorset & East Devon’, Woodmead Halls, 10am A talk by Jim Rose, Emeritus Professor of Geography at London University and Visiting Research Associate at the British Geological Survey. Entry free for U3A members and £2 for non-members. Refreshments available from 10am and talk at 11am.

Knit & Knatter

Send your diary dates to francesca@lyme-online.co.uk www.lyme-online.co.uk/events

Lyme Regis Library, 2.30pm A friendly group who meet weekly to chat and knit over a cup of tea - all welcome.

Theatre: ‘The Navy Lark’ Marine Theatre, 6.30pm This special theatre production sees a cast of three bring to life three classic episodes from the much loved radio series.

Tickets £15.50 in advance or £17 on the door – call 01297 442138 or visit marinetheatre.com. Bar opens 6.30pm for 7.30pm start.

Board Games Evening Bethany Chapel, 7pm A free board games evening with refreshments at Bethany Chapel in Coombe Street – all welcome, just come along and play!

Friday @ The Pilot The Pilot Boat, 9pm Weekly live music nights at the Pilot Boat.

Saturday, March 14

Twinning Association Coffee Morning, Lyme Regis Baptist Church, 9.30am A coffee morning hosted by the Lyme Regis/St George’s Twinning Association – come along for refreshments, meet members and learn about Lyme’s historic links with Bermuda.

Lyme Morris @ SWIM SWIM, 2pm Lyme Morris will perform outside SWIM on Marine Parade, Lyme Regis, collecting for charities and good causes.

Live Music: James Morton ft. Pee Wee Ellis Marine Theatre, 7pm Jazz, soul, and funk: Bristol’s Ambassador for Music is joined by legendary saxophonist Pee Wee Ellis and a full band.

Tickets £14 in advance or £17 on the door (standing only) - call 01297 442138 or visit marinetheatre.com.

Bar opens 7pm for 8pm start.

Live DJs @ SWIM SWIM, 9pm DJ Tomjuno and friends perform every Saturday night at SWIM on Marine Parade.

Sunday, March 15

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 DJ James Baker and friends perform a chilled out set every Sunday afternoon at SWIM on Marine Parade.

Sequence Dancing Charmouth Village Hall, 7.45pm Lyme Bay 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, March 16

Axminster & Lyme Cancer Support Drop-In, Lyme Regis Football Club, 2pm Drop-in for those by affected by cancer and looking for support and advice. For details call 01297 279663.

Tuesday, March 17

The Old School House Café The Hub, 9am Community café run by LymeForward, open every Tuesday morning at The Hub in Church Street. Hot drinks, homemade cakes and toast available – just pay what you can, if you can.

Wednesday, March 18

LRTC Strategy & Finance Committee, Guildhall, 7pm For agendas see www.lymeregistowncouncil.gov.uk

Thursday, March 19

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!

Live Music @ SWIM SWIM, 8pm Weekly live music night every Thursday at SWIM on Marine Parade.

Friday, March 20

Workshop: Fashion Revolution Marine Theatre, 9am-4pm An upcycling sewing workshop aimed at beginners to intermediate sewers. Bring along an old piece of clothing to give it a new life. Sewing machines and instruction available or bring your own. Tickets £90 available by calling 01297 442138 or visit marinetheatre.com Knit & Knatter Lyme Regis Library, 2.30pm A friendly group who meet weekly to chat and knit over a cup of tea - all welcome.

Talk: Fashion Revolution Marine Theatre, 6pm This talk and demonstration explores how major historic events contributed to the style of clothing.

Tickets £8 in advance or £10 on the door – call 01297 442138 or visit marinetheatre.com. Bar opens 6pm for 7pm start.

Friday @ The Pilot The Pilot Boat, 9pm Weekly live music nights at the Pilot Boat.

Laughs and Larks on Marine stage

COUNTERACT the curse of Friday 13th this March by joining the Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis for a stage revival of the beloved radio series, ‘The Navy Lark’.

This special theatre production sees a cast of three bring to life a trio of classic episodes from the much loved radio series.

Running from 1959 to 1977, the series originally featured Leslie Phillips, Ronnie Barker, and Jon Pertwee.

This homage to the original stars James Hurn, known for his portrayal of iconic characters Tony Hancock, Sid James, and Kenneth Williams in his hit one-man show ‘Hancock and

Co’.

The trio is also made up of Richard Usher and Mark Earby, best known for ‘The Goon Show Tour’ and ‘The Lost Hancock’s Vacant Lot’.

‘The Navy Lark’ is presented in the style of a radio performance, in front of a live audience. It aims to bring to life the classic days of radio comedy with a night full of nostalgic belly laughs.

It will be held at the Marine Theatre on Friday, March 13 with the bar opening at 6.30pm for a 7.30pm start. Tickets cost £15.50 in advance or £17 on the door, available by calling 01297 442138 or visit the Marine Theatre’s website www.marinetheatre.com

This month at the Marine Catch up with Lyme’s Little Theatre by the Sea

LYME Regis is short of eligible young men.

No I’m not bemoaning the lack of roses or chocolates (or an Eddie Hearn mug for LymeOnline editor Francesca) last month, I’m talking about the reason behind the reluctant decision taken by the Marine Players to shelve their spring production that required a cast with more fellas than they have.

But it’s not the first time I have heard this disappointed sigh; it would seem there is a distinct lack of thespian love amongst our young male townsfolk and the play the MPs had chosen couldn’t go ahead without them.

So I wonder what the 20-45 year old chaps are doing of an evening in cold, damp, windy Lyme. Just looking at my Poldark emblazoned mug sitting on my desk, I can’t think of anything more exciting than walking the boards.

Anyway, moving on. We’ve had an unprecedented number of enquiries from wedding couples who want to celebrate their special day here in Lyme’s ‘little theatre by the sea’. I showed two parties round, both of whom were completely bowled over by the character and charm of the Marine.

It’s great showing people round, it gives me the opportunity to share our fascinating history as I morph into Tour Guide Barbie telling them about the Georgian salt baths that I am certain are still under our auditorium floor and the dressing room that used to be part of the pump room.

Then there’s the story I’ve been told about the waves hitting the theatre windows on a stormy night when the theatre wall was the last line of coastal defence before Gun Cliff Walk was built.

I’m not too sure about the fish and crustaceans hurtling through open windows, but it all adds to the drama.

Did you come to our ‘Children Love Disco’?

The face-painting was a big hit and there was a queue of children waiting to be turned into disco divas and dancing queens. With the bar open, it was the perfect opportunity for the mums to have a glass of bubbly whilst their offspring ran off some steam jumping around to all the best dancefloor hits.

I had a brief sojourn back into the role of duty manager as our second trainee DM took over whilst I shadowed her. It was for one of our screenings, ‘Kinky Boots’, that I had always planned to see live but never got around to and judging by the round of applause at the end, everyone loved it.

I arrived with an apology when I literally flew in through the door of the Lyme football clubhouse to join the celebrations of LymeOnline’s second anniversary. Not having been to the club before and not wishing to miss out on the revelry, I hurtled down there in half the time it would normally take thanks to a strong tail wind. It was all very pleasant, though by all accounts, quite tame compared with the launch night two years earlier. Rather disappointed I missed out on that.

Then rare as hen’s teeth, I’ve had some days off, meeting old friends from my previous life.

We chose the Boston Tea Party in Salisbury as our meeting place and it was only as we left that they reminded me about the novichok incident and with yet more cases of the coronavirus being reported, I was quite glad to get back to the sanctuary of the Marine office and be satisfied with the smouldering moody look of Poldark sitting on my desk.

Sophia Moseley

Theatre manager

The Harbour Inn - celebrating 16 years in Lyme Regis!

timeoutinLyme

Friday, March 6 2020 15

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

Grammy Award-winning country band coming to Honiton’s Beehive

NINE-TIME Grammy Award-winning country band Asleep at the Wheel will be visiting The Beehive in Honiton as part of their 50th anniversary tour of the UK. Hailing from Austin, Texas, the eight-piece band – known as the undisputed ‘Kinds of Western Swing’ – will be appearing at the East Devon venue on Sunday, May 31.

A spokesperson for The Beehive said it was a “huge coup” for the venue to host one of only eight UK gigs the band will be performing for its 50th anniversary.

With founder member Ray Benson still very much at the helm, the band’s history is the stuff of legend and, over the years, they have shared stages with the likes of Bob Dylan, Alice Cooper, Hot Tuna, Lyle Lovett, Van Morrison, George Strait, Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Ray Price, Reba McIntyre, Ricky Skaggs, Garth Brooks, Vince Gill and countless others.

The band has won nine Grammy Awards since its 1970 inception, released more than 20 albums and has charted more than 21 singles on the Billboard country charts. Their highestcharting single, ‘The Letter That Johnny Walker Read’, peaked at number 10 in 1975.

Such is their popularity in the UK, Bob Harris will be featuring an unprecedented eight Asleep at the Wheel tracks on his BBC Radio 2 Country Show leading up to the gig.

Whether you’re jiving in the aisles or just sitting and listening, you’re guaranteed to witness one of the highlights of the musical year at this special anniversary show, and catching rocking Americana at it’s very best.

Tickets cost £22 and are available at The Beehive on 01404 384050 or from the website www.wegottickets.com/event/498117

Ivor Novello Award winner to appear in Lyme Regis

SINGER and songwriter Scott Matthews will be performing at the Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis this May with a special solo concert.

His ground-breaking album ‘Passing Stranger’ debuted to an abundance of acclaim for its intermingling of folk, rock, blues and Easterninspired song-writing.

Matthews’ first single ‘Elusive’ won the Ivor Novello Award for Best Song Musically and Lyrically in 2007.

Storming on from his win, Matthews went on to perform a litany of international sell-out tours with musical powerhouses such as Bert Jansch, Robert Plant, Foo Fighters, Tori Amos, and Rufus Wainwright.

Following this, Robert Plant collaborated with Matthews for a guest contribution on Matthews’ sophomore album, ‘Elsewhere’.

Subsequently, legendary double bassist Danny Thompson joined Matthews on his third

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

release, ‘What The Night Delivers…’, having performed together in Joe Boyd’s stage production of ‘Way To Blue – The Songs of Nick Drake’.

Scott Matthews will appear at the Marine Theatre on Thursday, May 14 to captivate audiences with his lilting sounds.

Tickets cost £16 in advance or £18.50 on the door, available by calling 01297 442138 or visit www.marinetheatre.com

16 Friday, March 6 2020

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Pilot’s pizza night pulls in £900 for Cancer Research

VOLUNTEERS from the Lyme Regis branch of Cancer Research UK and staff from the Pilot Boat pictured at the pizza night

Tales From Lyme’s Past

A glimpse of our history with Peter Lacey The Duke of Monmouth, Part II THE Monmouth-led rebellion was a result of anti-Catholic feeling in the western counties, with Monmouth’s aim to depose the Catholicminded James II. The Duke promised that, when King, he would defend the country against popery, tyranny and oppression.

The invasion fleet consisted of a frigate, two merchant ships, some 83 men and equipment for the army who he hoped would rally to his support.

On the June 11 1685, Monmouth and his party came ashore on the beach in Lyme Regis that now bears his name. Having knelt in a prayer of thanksgiving, they unfurled a banner inscribed ‘Fear Nothing But God.’ They proceeded up Style Lane and made their way down West Street to the town hall, adjacent to Gun Cliff. The door of the building had been broken down (see illustration) to gain entry. A proclamation was read to the assembled crowd, calling them to support the rebellion and join Monmouth’s army.

Lyme had been selected as a landing place because its residents were known for their puritan Protestantism and its geographical location. However, the mayor Gregory Alford was a loyalist and he rode to Honiton from where he drafted a letter to the King in London, warning him of the Duke’s landing and the fact that he had been warmly received in Lyme.

Plans were put in hand to defeat the insurrection with the Duke’s old companion in arms, John Churchill (the future Duke of Marlborough), in charge of the royalist infantry.

Monmouth spent the first night in the George Inn and the next day tents were erected in a field east of the church for the purpose of enrolling men who were prepared to fight for the cause.

Many recruits came from the surrounding countryside to join the ranks of an ever growing army. Among them was Daniel Defoe, who later in life wrote Robinson Crusoe.

Recruits from Lyme were for some obscure reason allowed to form an independent company of some 80 to 90 men; it was the smallest unit in the rebel army, with others ranging from 500 to 800.

It was not until June 15 that Monmouth’s army marched out of the town; it numbered some 800 foot, 150 horse and three guns.

They encountered a royalist force of Devonshire militia near Axminster and put them to flight.

The army marched on to Taunton gathering a large number of recruits as it went. As in Lyme, Monmouth was warmly welcomed.

The Battle of Sedgemoor fought on July 5 saw the rebels defeated and those not killed fled for their lives. Many who were captured were summarily executed, others died in overcrowded prisons while awaiting trial.

Monmouth was caught after fleeing the battlefield and later beheaded, his plea to the King for mercy rejected. It was a grisly death, five blows with the axe and then finally a knife to sever his head from his body.

The notorious Judge Jeffries presided over what became known as the Bloody Assizes, he was without mercy, death sentences were the norm.

September 12 saw 12 men executed on the beach where Monmouth landed. Lyme had to live with the consequences of the part it played in the uprising. Town records make almost no mention of the rebellion but a detailed account of the battle can be found in John Tincey’s 2005 book ‘Sedgemoor 1685’.

Peter Lacey Local author and historian

A PIZZA night at the Pilot Boat in Lyme Regis raised in excess of £900 for the local branch of Cancer Research UK. Nearly 50 people were treated to a pizza and a glass of wine by the Pilot Boat, courtesy of Robin and Angela Collyns who run the pub and restaurant as a family concern.

It was one of several charity nights the Pilot Boat has hosted, raising hundreds of pounds for a number of Lyme organisations.

Cancer Research UK committee chairman Philip Evans said: “It was a splendid night and we are very grateful to the Collyns family for their generosity. Their staff worked really hard to get nearly 50 pizzas cooked within an hour.

“We are delighted to have raised £903 from the event. In January a soup and sweet lunch at the Woodmead Halls raised in excess of £600 so we are well on our way to raising our target of £10,000 in 2020.”

Since forming in 2018, the Lyme fundraising committee has raised more than £170,000.

Their next event is a Big Breakfast at the Woodmead Halls on Friday, March 27. (see advertisement on page 8)

Volunteer help and support available for local parents “THE support didn’t just last for the weekly visit itself, it lasted throughout the week and was a real emotional buoy. It had a real positive effect.”

That’s just one comment about Home-Start West Dorset, a local charity providing free companionship, advice and practical help to parents.

Eight trained volunteers from the local area are working with parents who have asked for friendly assistance in giving their children a happy and secure childhood, and the best possible start in life.

Volunteers are parents themselves, through their own experiences understanding the challenges.

Forty hours of training give them the knowledge, skills and confidence to listen to what parents need, link them to professional services if necessary, provide emotional support, and exemplify practical ways of bringing up children.

They have ongoing supervision and training, and themselves gain from the experience, developing skills for other aspects of their life and community work.

Home-Start is open to any family with at least one child under the age of five.

Some families may wish for support but not meet the criteria for professional services, so Home-Start volunteers can help to avoid any crisis.

Common reasons for pressure on parents include moving home, separation or divorce, financial or housing problems, health issues or children with additional needs.

A family seeking help may be referred to Home-Start by a health or care professional, or may ask directly by phoning 01305 265072 or

email office@homestartwestdorset.co.uk. The Home-Start organiser then matches the family with an appropriate volunteer who comes to their home and arranges to work together for as long as required.

Experience shows that this makes a real difference, with children benefiting from more secure homes and happier parents.

Professionals say that the service is supportive of children’s behaviour, development, health and wellbeing.

Parents report being calmer and more confident, often feeling less isolated while learning what it takes to be a positive parent.

They often describe their improved mood after the volunteer has visited – important because feeling positive brings the fun and enjoyment of talking and interacting well with their children.

Until recently Home-Start could not meet some local referrals because it had no volunteers in the area.

Now, thanks particularly to the recruitment efforts of Lyme Regis town councillor Cheryl Reynolds, that has changed.

Organisers are determined that residents and professionals know that, with volunteers available, families can access the same support as those living in other parts of West Dorset.

It’s a tribute to the caring nature of the Lyme and Charmouth communities that people volunteer for this valuable cause.

Home-Start is always looking for more volunteers, so willing helpers can get in touch by phoning 01305 265072 or email office@homestartwestdorset.co.uk

All welcome at museum friends talk LOCAL author and historian Peter Lacey will be giving a talk entitled ‘Black and British in the 16th & 17th Centuries’ for the Friends of Lyme Regis Museum.

Peter has carried our extensive research into the lives of black people living and working in England during the 16th and 17th centuries.

The first half of his talk will focus on precolonial Tudor England and then on to West Dorset, including Lyme Regis.

Some of the people to be featured include a royal trumpeter, salvage diver, silk weaver, prostitute, Lyme’s ‘mysterious black man’, and the Hallet family of Lyme, Axmouth and Barbados.

The talk will be held at the Woodmead Halls on Thursday, March 27 at 7.30pm and all are welcome. Entry costs £2 for Friends of Lyme Regis Museum and £3 for nonmembers, including tea, coffee and biscuits.

Friday, March 6 2020 17

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Go on Shirley, toss it!

MEMBERS of St Michael’s Parish Church and Lyme Regis Get Together Club combined forces to organise a pancake party in the church hall.

The church and the Get Together Club work closely together and profits from the annual Shrove Tuesday event were shared between the two groups.

As well as serving pancakes for donations, there was a raffle and a couple of stalls to boost funds.

The Get Together Club was formed in 1969 by the late Sid Froom, an active church member. They meet in the church

hall on the second Tuesday of every month and organise a number of coach outings during the year working in conjunction with Hallett Court.

The club is open to all those aged 55 years and over and currently has 78 members.

The club is looking for a treasurer to replace Bob Kendrick who has held the position for 18 years. Anyone interested should contact the chairman, Mike Lloyd, on 01297 443861.

Pictured above are the ladies who prepared the pancakes with Shirley Williams (centre) about to toss one of them.

NEWS FROM CITIZENS ADVICE LYME Regis Town Council has agreed to continue its financial support for Bridport and District Citizens Advice, which holds two advice every week in the town.

There has recently been a major review of the grants which are provided to local organisations by the town council and the annual grant to Citizens Advice was set at £4,500 for the next five years.

Locally the number of people seeking help from Citizens Advice has increased in recent years and since 2018 it has been running two advice sessions a week in Lyme Regis.

For some time it has held a session on Wednesdays from 10am until 3pm at St Michael\s Business Centre (DT7 3DB) in the centre of the town and its advisers are now also available on Mondays between 10am and 12noon at the medical centre in Uplyme Road (DT7 3LS).

Rovarn Wickremasinghe, chief officer of Bridport and District and Citizens Advice, said: “We are most grateful to Lyme Regis Town Council for their continued support and the certainty that this will be maintained for another five years helps us to plan for the future.

“The town councils at Bridport and Beaminster and a number of parish councils in this area, including Charmouth, also provide us with grant funding for which we are very grateful.”

Traditionally, the biggest source of funding for Bridport and District Citizens Advice came from West Dorset District Council. So far this has been maintained by the new Dorset Council, which was created last year when the old county council and five former district councils, including West Dorset, were merged into a single authority.

However, a major consultation is being undertaken by Dorset Council on the level of financial support which it will provide after April 2021 to voluntary and community organisations, including Citizens Advice.

The views of local residents are being sought and they have until next Wednesday (March 11) to respond. Anyone wishing to comment

can do so on the Dorset Council website.

Councillor Tony Alford, who is the Cabinet member on Dorset Council responsible for the voluntary and community sector, said: “We want to hear from people across the Dorset Council area. Not only from those involved with voluntary bodies working in the community, but also those who benefit from their activity and also those who have no direct connection.

“We have already written to current grant recipients explaining what we are doing. Their funding has been extended for another year, giving us time to review and put in place a supportive grant system from April 2021.”

The help provided by Citizens Advice is free, confidential and impartial and no appointment is required.

In addition to the sessions in Lyme Regis, anyone who is seeking help from Citizens Advice can also visit its offices in South Street, Bridport (DT6 3NY) every weekday between 10am and 3pm.

Alternatively they can contact Citizens Advice by email on advice@bridport-cab.org.uk or by telephone on 03444 111 444, which gets them through to the Dorset AdviceLine.

The offices in Bridport offer special help for those having problems obtaining Universal Credit. Under a support scheme funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) it helps people through every step of making a claim.

On Thursday mornings a specialist adviser is available who also undertakes telephone and webchat sessions on Universal Credit from 1pm to 3pm on Thursdays and 1pm to 4pm on Fridays.

In addition people having problems with Universal Credit can contact Citizens Advice on a national freephone number which is 0800 144 8444 and a webchat support service is available through its website.

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Going green is good for business!

TURN Lyme Green is hosting a meeting on Tuesday, March 10 bringing together businesses and local organisations for an open discussion exploring the practicalities and business benefits of ‘going green’.

Some business owners who have already put plans in place will talk about their experiences.

Jo Smith Oliver of Turn Lyme Green (TLG) said: “This is an opportunity to share experiences, ask questions and swap ideas to work together to improve and protect our environment to benefit our residents, business and visitors - so important in our seaside community with the high season fast approaching.”

TLG wants to congratulate those local businesses who feel strongly about protecting our environment and are responding to customers who are also looking for environmentally-friendly solutions.

Two years ago, Lyme Regis was awarded Plastic Free Community status by Surfers Against Sewage. Since then, 28 local businesses have received the SAS Plastic Free Community Champion award as each has found alternatives to using single-use plastics.

Overall the local business community should be applauded for its achievement of a variety of

awards for eco-business and tourism.

ReFill has become a popular scheme with 24 local businesses providing free top ups for refillable water bottles.

More recently, 23 businesses, the Tourist Information Centre, library and Town Mill, together with a growing number of B&Bs and guesthouses, have joined the Boomerang Bag scheme; 280 bags made from recycled fabric are in circulation – ‘borrow and bring back’ has arrived in Lyme.

All are invited to attend the meeting on Tuesday evening at the Driftwood Café in Lyme Regis Baptist Church, 7.15pm for 7.30pm. TLG thanks the church for hosting this event.

Plastic Free Lyme Regis and Turn Lyme Green continues to promote ways our community can work together for the benefit and protection of our future environment, finding ways to contribute at home, at work and on the seafront.

The four ‘Rs’ should become a way of life – Refuse, Refill, Reuse, Recycle.

Anyone interested in helping achieve these goals is encouraged to get in touch with TLG by emailing enquiries@turnlymegreen.co.uk or via the website www.turnlymegreen.co.uk.

Shopping locally is good for environment FIVER Fest, Lyme Regis’ first Totally Locally campaign, saw 47 shops, pubs and cafés offer more than 70 bargains for £5 from Saturday, February 15 to 29.

Totally Locally is a national and international campaign to encourage people to visit their local independent businesses. Research shows that if everyone living in Lyme Regis spent £5 a week with local independent traders, it would be worth £700,000 to the local economy, and shopping locally is also one way to reduce our impact on the environment.

I had been impressed by Bridport's Totally Locally Christmas campaign and knew that Axminster and Seaton were doing Fiver Fest, so asked Lyme's businesses to offer £5 deals and was delighted by their enthusiastic participation.

Many traders reported great interest in the campaign with half-term family visitors following the trail using the Fiver Fest map; others saw increased sales and enjoyed the feeling they were supporting other independent businesses in town.

Special thanks go to Coastline Creative, Advantage Digital Print and Lyme Regis Town Council for producing and printing the Fiver Fest map.

Lyme’s One Planet Working Group was set up as part of the town council’s declaration of a climate and environmental emergency last July to co-ordinate council and community activities to reduce carbon emissions.

We are organising a public information workshop on energy on Saturday, March 28 from 10am to 3pm at the Woodmead Halls for anyone thinking about switching to renewable sources, improving energy efficiency or reducing energy use at home.

Come and hear from experts about your options for saving energy, switching to renewable sources and finding ways to reduce your carbon footprint at home.

Magna Housing, the Dorset Green Living Project, Healthy Homes Dorset and the Best Energy Saving Project are among the speakers at this event, which will be free. Refreshments will be available and free tickets must be booked in advance at https://bit.ly/3auIzjL Meanwhile, steady progress on environmental action is taking place. The town council approved two electric car charging points in Woodmead and Monmouth Beach car parks and will be considering the installation of water points along Marine Parade to reduce the need to buy water in plastic bottles.

I am helping to set up a network of town and

parish councillors who are working on climate and environmental action plans so we can collaborate with other town and parish councils, work closely with Dorset Council and share best practice with each other and through the Dorset Association of Parish and Town Councils and the National Association of Local Councils.

This will help Lyme Regis achieve the challenge of reducing carbon emissions to net zero by 2030 by sharing best practice, encouraging each other and ‘scaling up’ where appropriate.

Lyme Regis Town Council, alongside the trailblazing work done by Turn Lyme Green, Plastic Free Lyme Regis and local reforestation charity, The Word Forest, is developing Lyme’s reputation as a leading community for environmental sustainability and creative responses to the challenges of future climate change.

We always welcome ideas from residents and visitors. My daughter had the idea of providing a box for beach-goers to leave their unwanted beach toys for others to use rather than throw them away, which the town council will trial this season.

I saw the ‘Happy to Chat’ benches started by Allison Owen-Jones in Cardiff and asked the town council to designate one or more benches along Marine Parade to have signs encouraging people to talk to each other when they were in the mood to socialise by the sea.

We are also holding meetings over the next few weeks to consider how and where it might be possible to establish community food growing initiatives; tree and wildflower planting to encourage biodiversity; and car and bike-sharing schemes. I am also contacting universities in the hope that One Planet Working Group members can collaborate with experts on relevant projects e.g. the feasibility of marine source heat pumps and different approaches to public engagement in climate and environmental action planning.

Do you have other ideas? Come along to the Home Energy Workshop on Saturday, March 28 between 10am and 3pm where the One Planet Working Group and other community groups will be delighted to hear your ideas to improve our environment and reduce our impact on climate change.

Alternatively, contact me by emailing belindabawden@gmail.com or leave a message for the One Planet Working Group at https://opwg.org.uk/ Belinda Bawden, One Planet Working Group

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Debunking the myths on plastic recycling S

OME of the myths and questions surrounding plastic recycling were answered at a packed-out talk hosted by Turn Lyme Green and Plastic Free Lyme Regis last week.

Polymer and sustainability expert Mark Foxhall gave the talk entitled ‘The Story Behind Recycling Plastic’ at the Royal Lion Hotel. Here, Plastic Free Lyme Regis share some of the main issues covered at the event.

Plastic is everywhere, in everything and there is a lot of confusion around new products and recycling.

Figures are scarce but in a government report last year it was stated that the total amount of plastic food and drink packaging put on the UK market and dealt with directly by consumers is 975,000 tonnes.

In addition, plastic packaging used in the hospitality sector (most of which will be associated with food and drink) was just under 200,000 tonnes. This is out of a total of approximately 2.36 million tonnes of plastic packaging that was estimated to be placed on the market in 2017.

This is just packaging and only some of the plastic being produced. It’s increasing every year.

The main points that cut through some of the confusion were as follows: ● Compostable plastic (bio plastics), made from for example corn starch, are no better than plastic. This is due to scalability of production by using valuable, arable land to produce vast amounts of corn to make a small amount of plastic. Land that could be used to grow actual food. ● Compostable plastic will only degrade in industrial composters that reach 60 degrees. They will degrade if you put them in your council food waste bins but not in your own compost heaps.

Because of this, any put into recycling bins end up becoming a contaminant to recycling real plastic ● Cardboard, paper and glass are not the solution either, they have poor carbon footprints.

These knee-jerk solutions are only just starting to be understood and currently aren’t causing green steering groups or others enough concern. It is now becoming obvious that these are not a viable alternative to plastic.

Make lifestyle choices To reduce single-use plastic consumption, we need to make lifestyle choices about how we shop and our expectations for out of season fresh fruit and vegetables.

Buying fresh strawberries, blueberries or green beans year-round, for example, is doing nothing to reduce our plastic consumption nor our carbon footprint, all are grown in plastic poly tunnels (in countries that don’t always have an infrastructure for disposing plastic waste) and most of these products are flown in.

Nor is having pre-prepared fruit and vegetables

such as mashed potato, chopped carrots or peeled and chopped fresh fruit.

Legislation has been introduced which lowers taxes on packaging with 30 per cent of recycled plastic. However, in food packaging it is sandwiched between layers of new plastic as recycled plastic isn’t allowed to touch food.

The current costs involved in recycling plastic puts the price of packaging up, although government initiatives by taxing producers may help change this, as more cost-effective technology and processes will be developed.

Some of the points raised on reducing our plastic waste were as follows: ● Disposing of our plastic waste needs to be upped on every level. No throwing/dropping litter anywhere, pick it up if you see any. All fishermen, day or commercial, and other sea users need to stop discarding plastic in harbours and the sea.

Companies who shipped raw plastic components, manufacturers and sewage plants have to monitor and prevent plastic nurdles and bio beads going into the sea. ● We need to deal with our own plastic waste and stop sending it to other countries. Many are economically poor, have no processes to deal with plastic waste, so much of our plastic goes back in the sea. ● Manufacturers of all goods need to reduce their packaging. Food manufacturers need to stop shrink wrapping multiple cans for example. Most shop tills are sophisticated enough to work out if four can of beans are bought then a discount can be applied. Plastic toys don’t need to be wrapped in more plastic! ● The plastics industry is gearing up and projecting the introduction of increasing post-consumer waste (recycled plastic) into production of single use plastics like packaging. The goal is to make all plastic packaging from recycled plastics, creating a looped supply.

Other tips to help the fight against plastic waste are: ● Put pressure on the people that make and supply the products you like will help. Ask them via letter, email, or social media to use less and only recycled packaging. ● Buy loose fruit and vegetables and demand your shop or supermarket supply it this way – potatoes for example don’t need to be sold in plastic bags! ● Lobby your MP. Our own town council have made a tremendous commitment to reducing plastic waste. If the government incentivise and push the industry, both manufacturers and producers, we start doing our bit by changing our buying habits and reducing our plastic use, recycling sensibly and refusing to put plastic waste into our land and oceans then hopefully, we will at least, start turning the tide of plastic waste.

Karen Durham-Diggins, Plastic Free Lyme Regis

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

Lyme Regis is proud to be a leading town in eco-friendly initiatives

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FLASHBACKS with Richard Austin

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Tales from behind the lens of our award-winning photographer

It must be spring!

IT’S that time of year again, early spring and the birds and wildlife in general are getting into the reproduction mood, especially the swans at the Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset.

This week will see the staff putting out bundles of reeds for the swans to build their nests.

The swan numbers are about 700 but will thin out a little as some swans nest elsewhere, away from the colony.

The swans are looking in first class condition and the male swans (cob) are becoming territorial, leading to violent bouts of fighting for the females (pen) and space

around their chosen nesting site.

Abbotsbury Swannery is the only managed colony of nesting mute swans in the world. It is situated near the village of Abbotsbury in Dorset, where the fleet lagoon is protected from the weather of Lyme Bay

by Chesil Beach, the longest pebble beach in the world.

The colony can number more than 600 swans with about 150 nesting pairs.

Written records of the swannery’s existence go back to 1393 but it probably existed well before that, and is believed to have been set up by Benedictine Monks in the eleventh century.

Cocktail competition winner announced THANK you to all who entered out competition to win a cocktail masterclass for four and free pizza at the Pilot Boat, worth at least £100.

The correct answers to our questions were: 1) the Collyns family; 2) 1988; 3) Tom Cruise, and the winner selected was Julie Sheppard. Congratulations!

Look out for more competitions in future editions of LymeOnline.

LymeOnline Letters

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Guildhall only small part of traffic problems ■ ONCE again Lyme Regis has experienced total chaos and damage caused by an articulated lorry attempting to drive through the town and finishing up using Woodmead Road (LymeOnline, February 21).

Whilst the damage to the wall at Springfield House was bad enough (and I dread to think of the consequences had someone been in the garden behind the wall at the time), had the vehicle not been told they wouldn’t get through Church Street it doesn’t take two guesses to imagine outcome.

What will it take and when will the council act to get this ridiculous and dangerous situation resolved?

Only recently your paper received dozens of letters from residents after you requested suggested alternatives and no attempt appears to have been made to even trial any ideas.

And just this week (February 21) your paper has reported that the Guildhall has been hit twice since January and all attempts to get further signage, traffic restrictions, one-way systems etc. have failed.

So the solution seems to be that the window of the ancient and historic Guildhall has to be altered instead to cater for the constant onslaught! This is madness.

The vehicles should be totally banned above a

certain height and width – full stop. At the very least signs should be erected on all access routes stating that if you are over this limit you will simply not get through.

The council urges everyone in the community to submit a supporting comment to the planners when the application to alter the Guildhall is submitted. Whilst this might protect the Guildhall, that is only a small portion of our traffic problems and will do nothing to resolve the constant traffic chaos.

I suggest we put all our efforts into retaining the Guildhall as it is and getting the whole of this ongoing nightmare resolved once and for all.

Margaret McLaren (by email)

Woodmead Road should be widened ■ OK, so the lorry shouldn't have been in Woodmead Road, but the incident surely proves how ridiculously narrow the entrance into Woodmead is.

This is dangerous for all road users especially pedestrians who have to dart across the entrance risking life and limb.

So will common sense now prevail? Will the road be widened at this point to make it safer and easier to use?

David Green (by email)

local services

Friday, March 6 2020 21

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CLEANING

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22 Friday, March 6 2020

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Home Exchange Wanted

Want to live in beautiful mid-Wales for a year?

We are relocating to Lyme Regis for 2021 and looking to ideally organise a home exchange with somebody within a 5 mile or so radius of Lyme Regis.

We are about 20 minutes from Hay on Wye, surrounded by stunning countryside.

You would need to be able to look after a large garden, a cat and also like the eco-lifestyle.

In the Lyme Regis area, we need enough space to work from home (plus good broadband).

Please call Clare on 07941 634 411 for full details

UPLYME PARISH COUNCIL GROUNDS MAINTENANCE CONTRACT

Uplyme Parish Council is currently tendering their annual Grounds Maintenance contract for five years starting on 1st April 2020. Tenders are welcome to be received from anyone with the required skills and tools to complete the work.

Most of the work is grass and vegetation cutting.

If this is of interest to you, please contact the Clerk for a full detailed list of the contract task document and interview process.

Would-be candidates need to provide equipment for the work (mechanical-mowers, strimmers, safety equipment and relevant insurance certificates, etc.)

Tenders need to be submitted to Uplyme Parish Council by 10th March 2020 so a decision can be made at the March 2020 Uplyme Parish Council meeting.

Contact: Uplyme Clerk, Ricky Neave on 07413 947 067

ITEM TO SELL? Axe Valley Academy Teaching Assistant

We are seeking to appoint an excellent Teaching Assistant to work with the teaching staff across Key Stages 3 and 4 to ensure students are positively included in the Academy.

Hours: 27.5 hours per week 38 weeks + 1 day (term time) Salary: NJC SCP 1-6 - £9.00-£9.94 per hour Closing date: 12 March 2020 Interview date: 17 March 2020

Cleaner

We are looking for a part time cleaner to start immediately to join our Site Team to maintain the school.

Hours: 20 hours per week (Monday-Friday 3pm-7pm hours may change during school holiday time) term time + 3 weeks Salary: SCP 1 - £9.00 per hour For further information about these posts and to apply please visit our website: www.axevalley.devon.sch.uk/information/vacancies This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

You can advertise items for sale up to £200 for free.

Send details to: LymeOnline, Unit 5 Uplyme Business Park, Uplyme Road, Lyme Regis, Droset DT7 3LS or email edit@lyme-online.co.uk Please note this service is only for private sellers, not for commercial items, tradespeople or vehicles. Please include a brief description of your item, the cost and a telephone number where a buyer may contact you.

Items for sale will move down the list each issue as we receive new listings, or will be removed earlier if we are contacted to confirm they have been sold.

If you wish to advertise an item over £200 your advertisement will cost 10p per word. Please email or phone us on 01297 442781 to arrange payment.

ITEMS FOR SALE

LOCAL BOOK, ‘A History of Axminster to 1910’, Geoffrey Chapman, 1998, like new and scarce, £15 01297 442627.

PURPLE RUG, IKEA ‘Stoense’ low pile, 133cm x 195cm, in perfect condition, £15 07397 206 365.

VENETIAN BLIND, Marco wooden venetian blind, 180cm width x 160cm depth, basswood natural colour, new and still in box, £20 01297 443461.

NEST OF 3 TABLES, Queen Ann style, legs solid wood, offers welcome - 01297 561512.

BOOKCASE, veneer rosewood, 94cm length x 90cm width x 28cm depth, buyer collects from Charmouth, offers welcome - 01297 561512.

LOCAL BOOK, ‘Branch Line to Lyme Regis, Mitchell & Smith, Middleton Press 1993, in new condition, £12 01297 442627.

LOCAL BOOK, ‘Lyme Worthies’ by John Fowles, portraits by Gavin Bird, limited issue of 1,000 copies, beautiful condition, £6 01297 442627.

GLASS SHOWER SCREENS, two screens, 8mm thick with fittings, one 2,000mm x 640mm, and one 2,000mm x 720mm, redundant due to shower replaced by bath, free 01297 444104.

WOODEN FUTON BED BASE, without mattress, 4’ 6” wide, buyer collects from Lyme Regis, £30 - 01297 444698.

BURBERRY MEN’S MACKINTOSH, full length, burberry beige colour, chest 44”, little used, £30 ono - 01297 444698.

ANYA HINDMARCH HANDBAG, genuine leather with protective storage bag, used but in excellent condition, £40 ono - 01297 444698 YAK BUOYANCY JACKETS, two jackets coloured red and yellow respectively, £10 for the pair or £8 each ono - 01297 444698.

GAS COOKER, Stoves 4 ring gas cooker, buyer collects from Lyme Regis, £75 - 01297 445091.

MEN’S SHIRTS, brand new from Marks & Spencer, pure cotton, green checked, XXL, paid £19.50, selling for £12 - 07973 349 717.

MEN’S SHIRTS, new from Marks & Spencer, 15½ regular fit, ideal Christmas presents, half price - 07973 349 717.

GREY TROUSERS, 32” waist, 29” length, new with tags from F&F, cost £14 new but selling for £10 - 01297 443930.

ARTIFICIAL CHRISTMAS TREE, 5ft, spruce looking, all lights included, £10 - 01297 445788.

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS, including ornaments and baubles, £10 for all - 01297 445788.

BABYLISS HAIR STYLING WAND, used once, boxed and in perfect condition, £5 01297 445724.

Please note, items for sale will move down the list each issue as we receive new listings, or will be removed earlier if we are contacted to confirm they have been sold.

Friday, March 6 2020 23

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LymeOnline Sport

email your sports reports to edit@lyme-online.co.uk

football

Hitchy vacates the dug out

By HOWARD LARCOMBE Chairman of Lyme Regis Football Club

LYME Regis Football Club's first team manager Gerard Hitchcock has brought an end to his time in the dug out.

Whilst saddened to hear this news we fully appreciate that with work commitments, added to a growing family – twin sons Alfie and Archie turned one in February, and another baby is due later this year — Gerard has opted to stand down.

Gerard (43) has led the Seasiders for the past two seasons during which time they have finished fifth in the Macron Devon & Exeter League and look to have a fair chance of eclipsing that at the current season end in May. Prior to his time with the club's first team Hitchy served his time with 12 seasons as manager of the Reserves, during which he led them to back-to-back success in the Football Express cup in 2016/17 and 2017/18 following the team's move to the Devon & Exeter League in May 2015.

This followed more silverware in the Perry Street League where his teams lifted the

Arthur Gage Cup on two occasions and were runners up in the Daisy Hutchings and Division One knock out competitions. There was also a runners up finish in the Perry Street Division One in 2013/14, but the highlight was a comprehensive victory in the Dorset Junior Cup Final when goals from Dan Thirlwell (2), Jack Durrant (2) and Ryan Fifer saw Lyme hammer Portland-based Galaxy FC 5-0 at Bridport.

On the pitch Gerard was a bustling centre forward who netted 147 goals before switching back to a sweeper role toward the end of his career, having also spent a brief spell with Bridport.

The club's committee was pleased to hear that Hitchcock confirm that he would continue to be an active member and would also lend a hand supporting the managers of the three Seasider teams where possible.

The club is certainly in the Hitchcock family's blood with Gerard's parents Ken (a life member) and Betty still serving with distinction behind the scenes.

Ken was also a goalkeeper, while his other sons Matthew and Andrew were talented midfielders in Lyme colours. The name Hitchcock is synonymous with Lyme Regis FC - and may that long be the case.

Gerard Hitchcock pictured with his Lyme Regis Reserves team after their 5-0 thrashing of Galaxy FC in the 2012 Dorset Junior cup final at Bridport's St Mary's Ground

cricket

Pavilion to be renamed in honour of Trescothick

SOMERSET County Cricket Club have revealed a lasting tribute to Marcus Trescothick at the Cooper Associates County Ground.

In recognition of his outstanding service and performances for Somerset County Cricket Club, the club has confirmed that the Somerset Pavilion is to be renamed the Marcus Trescothick Pavilion.

The official renaming ceremony will take place on April 3 and will be followed by a special dinner which is being held in association with Arbuthnot Latham.

Trescothick made his debut for Somerset in 1993 and went on to become one of the finest

players to ever represent the County.

In his 27 seasons as a Somerset player he scored more than 29,000 runs across all formats. He has scored more First Class centuries (52) and more List A runs (7,374) than any player in the Club’s history. He also holds the club record for the most catches in First Class Cricket (443). He has also had an exceptional international career.

The man from Keynsham represented his country with distinction in 76 Tests, captaining the side on two occasions. He also played in 123 ODIs and three IT20s SCCC Director of Cricket, Andy Hurry said: “This is a fitting tribute to someone who has given so much to this club both on and off the

THE Somerset Pavilion at the county ground, now renamed in honour of Marcus Trescothick, one of the finest cricketers to play for Somerset

field. Marcus is without a doubt one of the finest players ever to have represented Somerset County Cricket Club.

“During his 27 seasons as a player he gave his heart and soul to Somerset Cricket, and his passion and enthusiasm for the club never wavered. His drive, determination and will to succeed took him to the very top and his desire to help those around him in the dressing room is remarkable.

“When the suggestion to rename the Somerset Pavilion after Marcus was put to the Club’s General Committee recently it was unanimously approved, which just goes to show that he is held in the very highest regard by those connected to the club.

“His work off the field, particularly with the PCA, mental health charities and local charities once again highlights that he is a great man and not just a great cricketer.”

After the announcement, Trescothick said: “Obviously this is a real honour and something that makes me feel extremely proud and humble.

“It was incredibly special to have a stand bearing my name, but for the club to have taken the decision to rename the Somerset Pavilion is amazing. I’m not ashamed to say that I was pretty emotional when they told me. I always said that I wanted a roof on my stand and now I’ve got one!

“Somerset County Cricket Club is extremely close to my heart and it continues to be a huge part of my life. I can’t thank the staff, the players and of course the Members and supporters for everything that they have done for me for nearly 30 years.”

MARCUS Trescothick who has scored more than 29,000 runs across all formats for Somerset

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LymeOnline Sport

24 Friday, March 6 2020

March 6 2020

Lyme boss to stand down at the end of this season PHILIP EVANS

philip@lyme-online.co.uk

LYME Regis 1st team will be looking for a new manager for the 2020-21 season.

The current boss, Gerard Hitchcock, has informed the club he intends to stand down at the end of the current campaign due to family commitments.

With the exception of a short period, Hitchcock, 43, has spent all his footballing career with his home-town club.

The ex-striker, who had a short spell with Bridport, scored 147 goals for Lyme during his days with the 1st team and 12 years as player/manager of Lyme Regis Reserves.

He has managed the first team for two seasons, leading the club to fifth place in the Devon & Exeter Premier Division, the highest level with which the club has played.

During his years as a manager, Hitchcock deliverered a number of honours for the club including winning the Dorset Junior Cup and after moving into the Devon and Exeter League Hitchcock managed

the Reserves’ back-to-back Football Express Cup victories in 2016 and 2017.

Hitchcock has also worked tirelessly behind the scenes at the Davey For, holding the position of vicechairman and also running the bar operation.

The Hitchcock family name is synonymous with Lyme Regis FC with his father Ken, a life member, having a 60-year association with the Seasiders as player, committee man and caretaker at the club for many years.

His mother, Betty, is also a leading member of the Ladies’ Committee having helped out in the kitchen on match days for many years.

A big character on and off the pitch, Hitchcock hopes to retain his connection with the club by staying as a member of the committee.

Hitchcock is the father of twin boys, not yet two, and his partner Louise is expecting another baby, which means he will be spending more time with his family. ◆ Club chairman Howard Larcombe pays tribute to one of Lyme’s great servants - see page 23

Reserves rescue point against bottom club LYME Regis Reserves failed to maintain the form shown in significant wins over the top two teams of Devon & Exeter Division Three when they met the bottom club, Upottery Reserves.

In their previous two games, the Reserves had lifted themselves out of the relegation zone with sparkling performances against the top side, North Tawton, and second placed Halwill 2nds, scoring a total of 11 goals and conceding just one.

Upottery had only won one of their 11 games before last Saturday’s encounter with Lyme. The game should have been played at

the Davey Fort but was switched to the all-weather pitch at Axe Valley College in Axminster because Lyme’s pitch was deemed unfit after heavy rain, with an early 12.15pm kick-off time as the pitch had already been booked for the Colyton-Cronies match later in the afternoon.

After looking the better of the two sides, Lyme soon found themselves on the back foot and conceded a goal in the 18th minute.

But they fought back and levelled matters when the in-form Matt White slotted the ball home from a far post cross to make it 1-1 four minutes later.

White, 33, son of former manager Terry White, has returned to the game after 15 years when he played for the Lyme youth set-up and is getting stronger with every game.

Neither side managed to raise their game and little attractive football was played on the allweather surface before the final whistle with the score at 1-1.

Manager Dominic Rowe said the game never really got going and was evenly matched, although Lyme would have expected to have won the game.

Rowe picked out the ever-improving Nathan Womersley for a

special mention for his running off the ball and work rate in midfield.

The point sees the Reserves in sixth place with 20 points from 15 games, leaving nine games to play before the end of the season.

With the exception of leaders North Tawton, all the sides above them have games in hand and the Seasiders’ second string are also being chased by teams with games in hand, so they are not out of the woods quite yet.

They will have to raise their game again tomorrow (Saturday) with an away trip to Division Three highflyers Exeter University 5th X1.

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NOW IN THE DEVON & EXETER PREMIER LEAGUE

Lyme Regis 1st v Lapford Saturday, March 7 ED Senior Cup k-o 11.30am

Axe Valley College

Seasiders on East Devon Cup duty IT’S looking like Lyme Regis 1st team will have a hectic finish to the season after the fixtures pile-up getting more serious every week, with all but two Devon & Exeter Premier League games being washed out again last Saturday.

The Seasiders were due to travel to Bampton who have played only 11 of their 30 games but could be challenging for honours if they were to win all their catch-up games.

The only two games played on Saturday saw Beer Albion beat Feniton 1-0 and Exeter Cronies winning 2-1 at Colyton.

Cronies’ win saw them move above Lyme into fourth place in the Premier Division, ten points behind leaders Okehampton Argyle but with five games in hand.

Lyme’s league fixture pile-up will not be eased tomorrow as they are on East Devon Senior Cup at home Lapford who sit in third place in the Premier table. The game has been switched to the allweather pitch at Axe Valley College with an 11.30am kick-off.

Lyme Regis Reserves, after taking maximum points from their last two games, struggled to maintain their form against bottom club Upottery 2nds.

The game was due to be played at the Davey Fort but the pitch was declared unfit due to heavy rain and was also switched to the 3G surface in Axminster.

The game finished in a 1-1 draw which keeps the Reserves in sixth place in the table.

Lyme Rovers’ away game at Chard Rangers in Perry Street Division One also fell foul to the weather. Tomorrow, the Rovers are hopeful of playing their Tommy Tabberer Cup game against Ilminster Town A on the Woodroffe School top pitch (kick-off 2pm).

The much anticipated local derby between Uplyme and Charmouth, both firmly entrenched at the bottom of Perry Street Division One, was also washed out.

Uplyme have a big mountain to climb tomorrow (Saturday) when they meet Division One leaders Hawkchurch who have only lost one game all season.

LymeOnline is published by Lyme Regis Media Limited Unit 5, Uplyme Business Park, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3LS Printed by Newsquest, Weymouth

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