LymeOnline Digital Edition - May 13 2022

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FOR LYME REGIS, UPLYME, CHARMOUTH & THE AXE VALLEY ● FORTNIGHTLY ● MAY 13 2022

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Regent Cinema to be put to use

Morris dancing is good for the heart!

THE ground floor of the fire-stricken Regent Cinema in Lyme Regis will be put to use temporarily while planning consent is sought for its long-term future. However, no definite plans for the long-term have yet been agreed, says the new owner.

REPORT, PAGE 3

Tribute paid to parish councillor

UPLYME Parish Council has paid tribute to “committed” councillor Neil Pullinger, who has died at the age of 70 after a short illness.

Mr Pullinger joined the council in 2015 and also served as a governor at Mrs Ethelston’s and the Woodroffe schools, as well as volunteering for the pre-school, church, village hall, playing field and Uplyme Community Fund.

REPORT, PAGE 2

Artisan Florist

Wild and Seasonal

Popular self-serve flower shed at 18 Woodmead Road, Lyme Regis DT7 3AD

LYME Morris have donated £500 to Lyme Heartbeat, which will help with the ongoing maintenance costs of 10 public access defibrillators in and around Lyme Regis. The money which was collected during performances by the morris side over the past 12 months and presented to Lyme Heartbeat co-ordinators, Rob and Karen James, by Lyme Morris squire Peter Morton during the group’s first performance of the season outside The Harbour Inn on Marine Parade last week.

Nightmare customers

AGGRESSIVE DINERS LEAVE ACCLAIMED LYME REGIS RESTAURANT £350 SHORT ONE of Lyme Regis’ most critically-acclaimed restaurants hit the national headlines this week, after asking a party of “abysmal” customers never to return.

Seafront restaurant Tom’s, which has built up an excellent reputation for its high-quality service and food since opening in late 2020, was left £350 short after a party of 10 refused to pay their bill.

Chef and owner Tom Robinson took to Facebook after the incident to warn other restaurants and ask the customers “never to return”, which has made headlines up and down the country.

FRANCESCA EVANS

francesca@lyme-online.co.uk The incident took place on Saturday evening, when the town was packed with visitors enjoying the scorching weather. The party of 10, including four children, booked their table just an hour before dining and were said to have “gone big” on their order, choosing some of the most expensive items on the menu.

The first sign of trouble came when the guests complained about their steaks. Chef Tom said he checked the quality and disagreed, but at this stage said he wanted to satisfy his customers so

staff went out of their way to appease the group and offered them free drinks.

The situation escalated quickly when the bill was presented at the end of the night, with staff made to feel “very uncomfortable” as the diners became aggressive and refused to pay for all food.

It was then that some of the 50 other diners in the restaurant complained about the party’s behaviour, with one diner saying he had felt so uncomfortable that he had gone to sit in his nearby car.

Others had to ask the children to stop climbing

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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

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Acclaimed restaurant owner asks aggressive diners ‘never to return’ CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE on outside furniture, including gas patio heaters and a fuse box, and one diner was hit on the head with a plastic beach spade.

Mr Robinson said: “It was then that we realised that this was not a normal situation. We wanted to deal with it in the best way possible, to ensure our other diners still enjoyed their night and that it did not escalate further.

“I asked my staff whether they thought it could escalate into violence if I took it further, and they were all positive that it would. I wanted to protect the welfare of my team.”

Mr Robinson eventually took the decision not to call the police, as he felt this would cause disruption to other customers, and the group were asked to leave without paying their bill, leaving the restaurant £350 short.

“They were saying things like ‘I only have £25 on this card’ and ‘I only have £20 cash’,” Tom added.

“It was clear they could not afford what they had

ordered so it was calculated. I really believe they had every intention of not paying before they even walked in.”

Mr Robinson said he was “disappointed” by the incident, especially knowing how hard his staff had worked throughout the pandemic.

The restaurant was recently awarded an AA Rosette and reached the finals of the prestigious Trencherman’s Awards in two categories.

“My team work tirelessly and they are very good at conflict resolution,” he said.

“If there is ever a negative situation we always want to turn it into a positive.

“We are all incredibly passionate about what we do and have really been pushing ourselves, especially since receiving the AA Rosette.

“When we have an entire table sending back their food dissatisfied, the chefs go home disheartened and upset. This same food has been tried and rated highly by professional critics.”

DEATH NOTICE Neil Pullinger

Passed away peacefully at home on the 5th!May 2022, aged 70 years.

A dearly loved husband of Heather, devoted father to Hannah and Jamie, much loved by all his family and friends.

Thanksgiving service will take place at St Peter & St Paul’s Church, Uplyme on Friday 17th!June at 12noon.

Donations, if desired, for Weldmar Hospicecare may be send c/o A J Wakely & Sons, 7a Silver Street, Lyme Regis, DT7 3HR or online at!www.ajwakely.com

DEATH NOTICE MORRIS, MARION

Tribute paid to committed Uplyme councillor

Managing Director: Philip Evans MBE philip@lyme-online.co.uk Contributors Richard Austin edit@lyme-online.co.uk Production: Jackie Evans jackie@lyme-online.co.uk

LymeOnline is a proud member of

UPLYME parish councillor Neil Pullinger has died at the age of 70 after a short illness.

Mr Pullinger moved to Uplyme in 1990 with his wife Heather and threw himself into community life.

He served as governor and trustee for Mrs Ethelston’s Primary School and governor for The Woodroffe School, treasurer at the village pre-school and church, and on the committees for the village hall, King George V Playing Field and Uplyme Community Fund.

Mr Pullinger served on Uplyme Parish Council from 2015 until his death, and was instrumental in securing the necessary funding for Devon Air Ambulance to use the King George V field as a night landing site.

He was also well known to residents as he worked part time in the village shop at the filling

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station.

Paying tribute to Mr Pullinger, the parish council released the following statement: “It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected death of Cllr Neil Pullinger after a short illness.

“Neil was a considered and highly knowledgeable councillor in the seven years he was a member of the parish council, especially in matters of finance.

“As a volunteer, trustee and councillor he was fully immersed in and committed to village life in Uplyme, and the many of you who knew and worked alongside him will acknowledge how great the loss to the village is in his passing."

Mr Pullinger is survived by his wife Heather and children Hannah and Jamie. See Death Notice above right for funeral details.

Died on 24th April at the age of 92 after an extended stay in Abergavenny Hospital.

She will be sadly missed by her husband Don, who lives in Monmouth, and her children and grandchildren in North America.

Marion and her family lived in Lyme Regis for many years, where she and Don ran The White House guest house, and he was a driving instructor.

It is their wish to return there later, together, to rest in peace.

CHRIS Chatfield, head chef of The Station Kitchen in West Bay, shares his recipe for scallops, apple variations and chorizo foam, in partnership with Jurassic Feast.

Serves 4 Ingredients 12 Large scallops 5 Granny Smith apples 1 log Chorizo 5 Pink Lady apples Method Remove roe from the scallops, dehydrate and blitz with salt.

Season scallops with the scallop roe and salt, and fry in a large, hot frying pan.

Flip and then add butter, lemon juice and the chorizo.

For the burnt apple pureé, put Pink Lady apples in an 180 degree oven. Burn until completely black, blitz and pass.

Chorizo foam ingredients 8 roasted red peppers 100g butter 200g sliced shallots 200g cooking chorizo - small dice 2g paprika 2 bay leaves 2 thyme sprigs Salt & pepper 300g fish stock 180ml whole milk 200ml skimmed milk Chorizo foam method Sweat the butter and shallots but do not colour. Add the chorizo and sweat for a further three minutes, then add herbs and spices.

While chorizo sweats blend peppers with fish

stock and then add to the pan with rest of ingredients. Bring to boil then simmer for 20 minutes. Pass twice.

Pickled apple 200g water 150ml white wine vinegar 100g sugar 1 cinnamon stick 2 mustard seeds 1 star anise Add three apples to the above and cut fresh batons with the rest. Chef recommends using fresh, local and sustainable produce.

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

Friday, May 13 2022 3

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Town council in public spat with Regent Cinema to be put to use temporarily Guitars on the Beach organisers but no definite plans for its long-term future

LYME Regis’ record-breaking event Guitars On The Beach will not be held this year, with organisers putting the blame largely on a lack of support from the town council.

In a public exchange on social media network Facebook, the town council has denied claims that it has been unsupportive of the event, which in pre-pandemic years saw thousands gather on Lyme Regis beach to play the guitar simultaneously.

A statement posted on the Guitars On The Beach Facebook page read: “Unfortunately Guitars on the Beach 2022 is unable to go ahead, many reasons but mainly due to lack of support from Lyme Regis Town Council and other local businesses who every year benefit financially from our event (please note this is not all local businesses we do have a few who have been fantastic over the years along with a couple of individuals and we appreciate them greatly).

“So moving forward we are now looking for a new venue for Guitars on the Beach 2023 and the organisers of GOTB are hoping to put on other small events locally.

“Please do get in touch if you are able to assist us and thank you for your support in this.”

In response, the town council wrote: “We understand Guitars on the Beach Lyme Regis has decided not to go ahead with this year’s event and is claiming this is ‘mainly due to lack of support from Lyme Regis Town Council’.

“This is entirely untrue. We have not received any approaches from Guitars on the Beach about this year’s event and have certainly not

stated that we will not support it.

“To be clear, we have sent several emails to the organisers asking them to confirm the date of the 2022 event and invited them to an event organisers’ meeting to share ideas and experiences but have received no replies.

“The town council has been very supportive of the event in the past and if the Guitars on the Beach organisers would like to get in touch about organising the event, we would be very happy to discuss it with them further.”

The conflicting statements resulted in a public spat between Guitars On The Beach and the town council, with the event organisers retorting: “This is simply untrue, the organisers of Guitars on the Beach have replied and even spoken in person to the council office making our concerns and grievances very clear. We were informed the council would discuss and get back to us, they have not.

“Whilst we do not like public Facebook disputes we needed to post our side and are extremely upset the council are trying to pass the blame.”

The council then came back again, commenting: “The council equally doesn’t want to get involved in public disputes on Facebook but we felt we needed to refute the claims that were being wrongly made. Please contact us directly and we would be happy to support the event in any way we can.”

Others commented on the dispute saying the council has “shot itself in the foot” and describing the public exchange as “immature and petty”.

THE new owner of the Regent Cinema in Lyme Regis has responded to speculation on social media, saying that no definite scheme for the long-term future of the building has been agreed yet, but it will be put to use in the short-term.

Rumours were circulated on Facebook this week that the fire-stricken Regent, which has remained closed since a major fire just over six years ago, would not be redeveloped as a cinema but instead as a café with flats behind it.

The site was last year sold by WTW Scott Cinemas to local businessman Seb Walther, who also owns Marshwood Garage.

Responding to the claims made on Facebook, Mr Walther said he was hoping to find some kind of short-term use for the Grade II listed building while “long and arduous” planning consents were sought for the long-term.

He said: “There has been some local speculation on social media concerning the old Regent Cinema and I feel there

The Regent Cinema in Lyme Regis has stood empty since a major fire in March 2016

FRANCESCA EVANS

francesca@lyme-online.co.uk

town centre building.

Mr Walther added: “As to the speculation of my future plans for the building, there has been no definite scheme agreed on as yet, but when it is agreed upon, there will be consultations and a presentation to the town council, with hopefully some positive consensus on bringing the former cinema into a new and exciting use for us all to enjoy.”

is a need to respond.

“Over the last six weeks the Regent has suffered even more damage. This is due to youths breaking in repeatedly via the rear yard. Even after repairing the damage caused each day, they would return to cause more.

“The damage reached its height after they actually demolished a hole through the external 18” wall to gain entry, after the existing entrances were double boarded inside and out.

“Thankfully, after some images being caught of the CONTINUING our series commemoratyouths and some gentle words ing the anniversaries of the deaths of all said, this has now stopped, but Lyme Regis those who gave their lives the issue to attend to is to find in the Second World War, this week we some kind of use for the buildremember Williams Jefford. With thanks ing while the long and arduous to Vernon Rattenbury of the Royal planning consents are applied British Legion for the research. for, to avoid this recurring.”

Mr Walther explained that WILLIAM FREDERICK Lyme Regis businessman ALEC JEFFORD Steve Postles, former tenant of Aircraftman 1st Class, clothes shop Neat, next to the Royal Air Force Volunteer Service Regent Cinema, and partService No. 1422615 owner of Deli Weli at the Cobb, Born 1924 in Lyme Regis had approached him with regards to renting the old shop and died May 13 1942 again.

William Jeffords place and cause of death After some discussion, it has are unknown. been agreed to allow Mr PosSon of Albert Edward and Lavinia Jeftles use of the ground floor of ford of Lyme Regis, he is buried in Lyme the Regent Cinema for one Regis Cemetery, Sec. D. grave 43a and is year to give it some purpose, to commemorated on towns war memorial avoid further incidents of vanand also on the memorial in the parish dalism and damage, and to church. clean up the frontage of this

FROM SUNRISE

TO SUNSET

Marine Parade, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3JH Follow us on social media @swimlyme | 01297 442668 | info@we eswim.co.uk

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

4 Friday, May 13 2022

NEWS IN BRIEF New parking permits for Lyme residents

NEW parking clocks will allow Lyme Regis residents to park for two hours for free at any time of the day.

Lyme Regis Town Council is issuing new permits to local residents to use in any of its three car parks – Woodmead, Monmouth Beach and Cabanya.

Residents can already park for free all day during the winter months between November and Easter, but the new clock permits will give added flexibility to park for two hours in other months, including the summer.

The council has introduced the clock permits as a way of giving something back to the resi-

dents.

The clock permits can be collected from the town council office and will be available to anyone who already has a residents’ concessionary permit.

Anyone who doesn’t already have a concessionary permit can obtain one by showing their council tax bill for a Lyme Regis address, along with the vehicle’s V5 registration document displaying the same address.

The normal concessionary permit can be applied for on the council’s website at https://www.lymeregistowncouncil.gov.uk/permits

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A round-up of news from the LymeOnline website visit www.lyme-online.co.uk for full stories

Uplyme’s MP steps down after watching porn

NEIL Parish, the Member of Parliament for Honiton and Tiverton, which also includes Uplyme, has resigned after admitting to watching pornography in the House of Commons.

After days of speculation, Mr Parish was named as the MP who two female MPs witnessed watching pornography.

He later admitted to accessing a pornography website on two occasions – once accidentally after searching the internet for tractors, and once deliberately.

Harbour dredging delayed until after jubilee

Queen’s Scout Josh on parade at Windsor

HARBOUR dredging in Lyme Regis has been delayed further, as to not interfere with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

It was originally announced that the annual dredging would get started at the end of April.

Dorset Council then said it would start on May 17, but it has now been delayed further until at least June 6. This is to ensure that the work does not impact on the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in Lyme Regis, which will include the BBC Big Band Orchestra playing on the beach.

If there are no other delays, the work should be completed by June 24, but the work is heavily dependent on the weather.

A LEADER at the Uplyme-based 1st Lym Valley Scout Group was finally able to partake in the Queen’s Scout Parade having received his Queen’s Scout Award during lockdown in January 2021.

Group Scout leader Josh Yelland was one of 350 Queen’s Scouts to take part in the event, watched by more than 2,000 supporters at Windsor Castle.

Chief Scout, adventurer and TV personality Bear Grylls was also among the guests.

Tight security at Dorset Council meeting

Don’t miss the May Fete this weekend!

SECURITY was expected to be tight at the annual meeting of Dorset Council at County Hall, Dorchester, last night (Thursday).

The two ‘Grannies for the Future’ who protested by gluing their hands to a table at April’s meeting were told they were not allowed to attend after being labelled “anarchists” by council leader Spencer Flower.

Security locks were fitted to the council chamber doors and councillors were issued guidelines to follow in the event of any disturbances.

Protest group Extinction Rebellion has tabled a question, claiming that Dorset Council is now saying one thing but doing something else with

THE annual Lyme Regis May Fete returns this weekend, offering fun things for all the family – from entertainment, displays and children’s activities, to an artisan market, and food and drink stalls.

A host of entertainment will be held in the arena at the Anning Road playing field on Sunday, May 15 from 1pm, including displays from Lyme Regis Majorettes, Lyme School of Ballet, Lyme Morris and FitSteps.

Campaign to stop sale of disposable BBQs LITTER Free Dorset has renewed their call for businesses to stop selling disposable barbecues this summer.

They are encouraging everyone to choose alternative options, such as reusable BBQs and picnics this summer season.

Litter Free Dorset would like more shops to follow in the footsteps of supermarkets such as Waitrose and Aldi, who are currently leading the way due to the removal of all disposable BBQs from their shelves.

Disposable BBQs are often inappropriately disposed of, with devastating environmental, social and economic impact.

Lyme headteacher prepares for skydive NINE people, including a local doctor, dentists and a headteacher, are preparing for a skydive in aid of Axminster and Lyme Regis Cancer Support tomorrow (Saturday).

Among those taking part are headteacher of The Woodroffe School, Dan Watts, alongside Axminster Medical Practice GP Dr Nick Hodges, his wife and anaesthetist Alice Hodges, and brother Sandy Hodges and his parter Jess Waite, who are both local dentists.

They will be undertaking the 15,000ft skydive at Dunkeswell Airfield, near Honiton.

regard to its policy on climate change.

The group invited others concerned about the climate to join them for a protest outside County Hall ahead of the meeting.

Councillors were advised to be careful about how they engaged with climate protestors.

The advice came after the ‘Grannies for the Future’ claimed they were jostled and pushed

by Conservative councillors, one tearing a prepared speech from their hands, as they tried to glue themselves to a desk over a debate on fossil fuels.

By Local Democracy Reporter Trevor Bevins

Local dog walkers raise £145 for charity

Whilst due to containing charcoal often from unsustainable sources, disposable BBQs are also non-recyclable, making it much more likely that they will eventually end up in landfill.

They also pose a considerable safety risk to beach visitors as they’re often left on the beaches or buried under the sand, consequently causing injuries.

If you’re a business who has chosen to remove disposable BBQs from sale, then you can download and display a Litter Free Dorset poster in store to encourage other local businesses to follow suit. Find more details at litterfreedorset.co.uk

A DOG-friendly group in Lyme Regis raised £145 for charity during a fundraising spring walk.

Members of the Lyme Regis Loving Dog Owners, Visitors & Friends Facebook group met on Lyme Regis sandy beach for the walk – making the most of the last day of the season that dogs were allowed on the beach.

They raised £145 to support Ryan Eddowes, who was born with clubfeet and is about to undertake a 95-mile hike of the Jurassic Coast in support of Steps Worldwide Charity and Save the Rhino International.

Lifeboat recruit now ready for sea

ONE of the youngest volunteers at the RNLI lifeboat station in Lyme Regis has just completed three years of training to become a fully qualified sea-going crew member.

Kyle Knight, 27, a former council worker and now a trainee plumber, was a ‘guinea pig’ when the Lyme Regis station was chosen to trial a new competency scheme for lifeboat crew.

He joined the crew in 2019 but his training was interrupted by lockdown.

Friday, May 13 2022 5

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ALL OVER THE TOWN Ramping up for PHOTO OF THE WEEK: another busy summer in Lyme

with LymeOnline

editor Francesca Evans

T

HE more observant of our readers may have noticed that this column was missing from the last issue of the LymeOnline newspaper, as I was enjoying a much-needed holiday in Turkey – my first trip abroad in over two years and the first deadline day I had missed in three.

It was great to take a breather and have some time to relax, but it was straight back to work on my return as Lyme’s busy season of events and festivals is now in full swing.

The Fossil Festival kicked things off over the May Bank Holiday with budding scientists excitedly exploring the stalls and activities as the festival returned in person for the first time since pre-pandemic days.

It was quickly followed last weekend by the eat:Lyme Regis food festival, which enjoyed scorching weather and bumper crowds.

I also managed to sneak in some extra street food on the Friday evening, over at the Seaton Eats Boutique market. This was the first time I had attended the event, which had a really nice relaxed vibe, and it will be repeated once a month throughout the summer so look out for future dates.

Now I think there’s something to look forward to practically every weekend through to August.

The annual May Fete – a traditional favourite for Lyme Regis families – will be held this Sunday (May 15) and then it’s back to fossils as the town celebrates its most famous daughter with the long-awaited unveiling of the Mary Anning statue on Saturday, May 21, followed by the lifeboat crew’s Blessing of the Boats on Sunday, May 22.

Things really ramp up in June, with a bumper Bank Holiday of celebrations for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, doubled up in Lyme Regis with the annual Jazz Jurassica festival. I’ve been checking my diary and I’m not quite sure how we’re going to get round to all the events in Lyme, Axminster, Seaton and surrounding villages but we’ll give it our best shot and promise to bring you extensive coverage.

Other events in June will include Uplyme Village Fete on June 11 and Andy Rattenbury’s new community play, ‘Lyme at the Sea’, to be staged at the Marine Theatre between June 15 and 18.

I was given a sneak preview during rehearsals this week and it’s looking great – I haven’t been able to get the songs out of my head since! See page 16 for our exclusive interview with scriptwriter Andy, which was written by budding journalist Lili Sheppard, who is undertaking some work experience at the LymeOnline office.

July kicks off with Uplyme’s Summer Flower & Produce Fair on July 9, followed by Lyme Regis Sausage & Cider Festival and Lyme Day of Morris, both on July 16.

And then we’re into the big ones, with Lifeboat Week kicking off on July 23 and Regatta & Carnival Week following on August 6.

The spectacular Candles on the Cobb is also set to make a return on August 28.

Lyme Folk Weekend will round off the season from September 2 to 4, although there is also mention of a new oyster festival to be hosted by local chef and restaurateur Mark Hix in September.

So get the dates in your diary – it’s set to be another bumper summer in Lyme Regis!

THE PLACE TO BE: MILKSHAKES are the new in-thing in Lyme Regis, thanks to popular East Devon business The Vending Shed expanding its unique venture into the town. Their third self-service vending shed is now open 24/7 at Lyme Regis Football Club’s Davey Fort ground, offering fresh milk, a variety of flavoured milkshakes which have proved a huge hit with the kids, hot drinks and snacks – all served from vending machines (see page 12).

MANY of you have sent in photos over the past two weeks of the glorious sea of bluebells at The Spittles – the above sent by Jane Croft.

Our local countryside really comes alive in the spring and it’s my absolute favourite time of year to get out, explore and enjoy long walks in the fields and woodlands surrounding Lyme.

I recently shared one of my favourite walking routes in the latest edition of the Lyme Life Magazine. The 12k circular starts on the seafront before climbing to the outskirts of Lyme and taking in The Spittles, Hole Common and Harcombe, and then looping back into town.

If you haven’t yet picked up your free copy of the Lyme Life Magazine, you can also flick through the pages on screen with our digital edition at lyme-online.co.uk/digitaledition/lyme-life-magazine-spring-2022/ Unfortunately, this spring, I haven’t been able to get out and enjoy the walk myself due to an ongoing hip condition. But today I have swapped the sunbeds of Turkey for the hospital beds of Dorchester and am writing this as I await my third steroid injection that will hopefully have me up and about again,

EVENT YOU CAN’T MISS:

LYME Regis’ most famous daughter – Mary Anning – will finally get the recognition she deserves with the unveiling of a longawaited statue on Saturday, May 21. The unveiling will be held exactly 223 years after Mary’s birth on the corner of Long Entry and Gun Cliff Walk, overlooking where she made some of her most important discoveries. You can find full details about the unveiling event on page 10.

pain-free, just in time for the last of the bluebells – and to cover another busy summer in Lyme Regis, of course!

Another person who will be walking a lot this month is Ryan Eddowes (pictured right). Born with clubfeet, he will be undertaking a painful 95-mile hike of the Jurassic Coast, stopping in Lyme Regis, to raise funds for Steps Charity Worldwide.

This is a charity I feel passionately about as it carries out research and offers support to children with lower limb conditions, including clubfoot and Perthes disease, which is the condition that caused my hip disability.

You can sponsor Ryan at https://sponsorme.charitiestrust.org/event/4ad6a932db07-45d0-9d6c-8882dcc02268 The charity’s slogan is ‘We don’t take walking for granted’ – something I always have in my mind when I am able to get out and enjoy the amazing walking routes we have in and around Lyme Regis. Don’t ever take them for granted.

IF YOU READ ONE THING:

MORE than anything else, our readers ask us for updates on the fire-stricken Regent Cinema, and this week we are finally able to bring you the latest news on page 3. New owner and local businessman Seb Waltham has made a statement on his short-term plans for the cinema, but says there is still no definitive plan for the long-term despite rumours circulated on social media site Facebook this week.

Watch Francesca’s weekly video news bulletins, every Friday morning on the LymeOnline website

6 Friday, May 13 2021

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ELECTION SPECIAL

LYME REGIS TOWN COUNCIL - THURSDAY, MAY 26 2022 A BY-ELECTION for a vacancy on Lyme Regis Town Council will be held on Thursday, May 26 with two candidates putting themselves forward - Mark Hix MBE and Philip May. The winner will fill the vacancy created by the recent death of long-serving councillor Stan Williams.

Two further vacancies are expected to arise

on Lyme Regis Town Council in the next few weeks, with the mayor, Brian Larcombe MBE, and Cllr Belinda Bawden, having already announced their intention to resign this month.

Both candidates in this current by-election were offered equal space in this edition of the LymeOnline newspaper to put forward their election address.

MARK HIX MBE I’VE been in business in Lyme Regis for 16 years, minus a year for obvious reasons.

We have a great community and great fish on our doorsteps and I’ve always bought directly from a handful of local boats, and that business in itself is a great fishing community.

It’s encouraging to see more and more restaurants and bars opening and there’s plenty of both locals and tourists to keep us all busy, we just need more staff!

My grandfather was a Dorset district councillor and Mayor of Bridport back in the 60s which I always admired but hospitality wasn’t huge back then and I’m keen to be the voice of fellow hospitality businesses and fishermen and producers of course.

After 40 years in London I’m back here permanently and keen to support where possible.

As you know I used to organise a food festival, Food Rocks which showcased local producers and chefs but sadly sponsorship failed this year so we are doing an oyster festival to celebrate the native season in September which may well hopefully grow into something bigger.

PHILIP MAY As a resident of this special town, I’m keen to make my contribution as a Town Councillor. My goal is to listen to residents who have different views and needs to try to help them with today’s challenges and beyond. I strongly believe councillors must all work together to achieve the things that will benefit all residents and the town.

Having retired from 10 years work with a nonprofit, Community Interest Company promoting local food, I now have the time and enthusiasm to get involved as a councillor. I’d bring knowledge from an earlier career in scientific technology as well as over 30 years’ experience as a governor in schools and a trustee of other organisations.

I currently volunteer at the Town Mill where I’m a trustee and I sing with the Lyme Bay Moonrakers shanty group, performing regularly to support local events. Recently I’ve taken on the role of coordinator for the newly formed Lyme Bay area energy champions.

Our five volunteers were trained through funding from the Town Council and are available to local residents to offer free tips on how to save energy, reduce bills, keep warm and avoid problems such as damp and condensation.

If elected I would aim to work with others to meet the needs of local people. I am particularly interested in: • Promoting warm homes and affordable energy bills.

• Supporting local food producers and local food outlets.

• Encouraging schemes for local renewable energy projects.

I believe a Town Councillor’s role is one of collaboration, listening to residents and supporting efforts to improve life here for our community.

I can be contacted by sending an email to philipmaylrtccandidate@gmail.com

USE YOUR VOTE ON THURSDAY, MAY 26 2022 New councillor to speak at Charmouth annual meeting

Tales From Lyme’s Past

A glimpse of our history with Peter Lacey

The Mariner HISTORICALLY there are numerous biographies on eminent and distinguished personages while the lives of ordinary people for the most part go unrecorded.

Digging deep into the past I came across a Lyme man whose life has passed into obscurity.

Captain William Bridle was born on February 7 1820, just five years after the Battle of Waterloo.

He was born in a cottage (long since demolished), built by his father in a field opposite what is now the cemetery in Charmouth Road.

His lifetime was prior to Lyme undergoing a change in its social structure resulting from improved transport links such as paddle steamers, steam ships, the railway and transformation from Port to Resort.

He was eldest of a family of four boys and the same number of girls; it is hard for us imagine what family life was like in a cottage with none of the amenities we take for granted today. Despite the living conditions, his mother and father both lived to a very old age and William himself died in 1906.

He went to a Dame School run by a Mrs Hawkins in what later became the London Inn in Church Street. This type of school provided very basic elementary education for a small fee. The teachers were mainly untrained women. He remembers being taught in the infants and learning his alphabet while the “bigger boys were taught sums, reading and writing”. He makes no mention of girls being at the school.

Mrs Hawkins’ school kept moving, first to Haye

Farm house, then the Uplyme Toll Gate dwelling and finally to Silver Street. He recalls having to wade through deep water in Middle Mill fields (on his way to Haye Farm) before the waterfall footbridge was built and how his friend nearly drowned when caught in flood water.

He proudly remembers his first ‘copy book’ and dates it to 1827, it contained models of handwriting for pupils to copy.

When he was in his early teens and working as an errand boy his father sent him to Mr England’s night school in Sherborne Lane. Two hours of tuition for five nights a week cost a shilling a week (the daily pay of a labourer) which equates to approximately £40 today.

For Lyme to have had a night school in the early 1830s was certainly enlightened. The curriculum included reading, writing and cyphering, an archaic term for arithmetic.

William recalls: “I got past pounds, shillings and pence, and cross multiplication.” However, he felt that the cost of his tuition was a waste of money. It was not until 1880 that elementary education for children aged 5-10 years became compulsory and it was not entirely free throughout the country until 1891.

At the age of 15 years he answered the call of the sea as did many other Lyme boys. He served under Captain Dollin as cabin boy on the schooner Jane.

His first voyage was to Neath, seven miles north of Swansea. The cargo was culm (anthracite). the refuse of coal screenings. The loading and discharging carried out by the crew was

CHARMOUTH annual parish meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 17 in St Andrew’s Community Hall.

Under the chairmanship of Cllr Peter Noel, the meeting will be held at 7.30pm and all are welcome to attend, with those registered on the electoral register entitled to vote.

Guest speakers will include the newlyelected Dorset councillor for Lyme Regis and Charmouth, Belinda Bawden, and updates will be given on the parish council’s environment working group and neighbouring Char Valley Parish Council’s River Char project.

There will also be an update on parish council activities in the last year.

Talk on Japanese acers and orchids

Topsail schooner of the 1830s a very dusty and dirty undertaking.

Life on a coastal trading schooner was one of hardship but William states: “I couldn’t complain of usage although I was not allowed Sunday duff (pudding) until I could say the compass.” To be continued...

Peter Lacey Local author and historian

ON Wednesday, May 25, Uplyme and Lyme Regis Horticultural Society will be hosting a talk by Steve Cleverdon on Japanese acers and orchids.

The talk will take place at Uplyme Village Hall at 7.30pm.

Steve, who is known as ‘the acer grower’ is a plantsman and garden designer. He is passionate about Japanese acers, orchids and hydrangeas and has recently designed a peaceful Japanese garden for Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton, creating a safe haven for patients, visitors and staff to enjoy.

Doors open at 7pm for refreshments. Entry is free for members and £3 for guests.

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RNLI fundraisers planned in memory of popular resident FUNDRAISERS are being planned in memory of popular former Lyme Regis student and local footballer Adam Bounds, as it approaches the first anniversary of his sudden death.

The Lyme Regis and Axminster communities were left shocked when Adam died last May, aged 41, following a brain haemorrhage.

An inquest in December put his death down to a severe and rare reaction to the AstraZeneca COVID- Adam was a popular and well-known character in Axminster and Lyme Regis 19 vaccine.

“Myself and four friends will be starting at Adam had attended The Woodroffe School in Lyme Regis and played football for Axmin- Lyme Regis lifeboat station on Thursday, May ster and Uplyme. Although he had moved to 26 at 5am and cycling 131 miles to Newquay Bristol later in life, he remained a particularly lifeboat station.

“There will be lots of blood, sweat and defipopular character in the local area, often nitely tears, but definitely worth it. In memknown as the “life and soul of the party”.

As it approaches the first anniversary of ory of Adam I have decided to raise money for Adam’s death, friends are planning to remem- the RNLI lifeboat station in Lyme Regis.”

The group were hoping to raise £1,000 for ber him by raising funds for his favourite the RNLI but have already surpassed this charity, the RNLI. Best friend Matthew Payne and four others total. You can sponsor them at www.justgivwill be cycling 131 miles on Thursday, May 26 ing.com/crowdfunding/matthew-payne-1 A disco is also being planned to raise celefrom Lyme Regis lifeboat station to Newquay brate Adam’s life and raise further funds for lifeboat station in Cornwall. the RNLI. Matthew said: “Unfortunately in May 2021 The event will be held at Axminster Football my best friend Adam Bounds passed away Club in Saturday, June 18, starting at 7pm, suddenly.

“Adam loved life and was loved by so many and will include a number of Michael Jackson people. We spent much of our childhood songs – Adam’s favourite artist – as well as hanging out in Lyme Regis, especially at other disco numbers.

Tickets for £5 are now available to book at Lifeboat Week, where he made many friends www.ticketsource.co.uk/Michaeljackson and so many great memories.

More than £1,700 has already been raised “Another favourite place of ours was Newquay; a place where we used to head for the RNLI in memory of Adam, through down to Run To The Sun weekend. A week- donations made at his funeral and a charity end of drinking, dancing, and climbing up football match during last year’s Lifeboat Week. lamp posts!

All welcome to Blessing of the Boats THE traditional Blessing of the Boats service in Lyme Regis is being held at 3pm on Sunday, May 22.

The service is hosted by the RNLI and as usual will be held at the lifeboat station on the Cobb.

The service welcomes everyone for hymns and prayers, conducted by the Reverend Chris Martin assisted by Alan Vian, from Lyme Regis

Baptist Church. The local gig club will provide an escort, leading the lifeboat crew out of the harbour to lay wreaths in bay, commemorating all those whop have been lost at sea.

Coastguards, Lyme Regis Sailing Club, the Sea School, the Boat Building Academy, the Power Boat Club and the Royal British Legion will all be represented.

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Justin and his sister Janine (centre) met with members of the lifeboat crew after the rescue and made a generous donation to the RNLI. They are waving their hands which is a known reaction to photographs by those with hearing impairments who use British Sign Language

Lifeboat crew praised for rescue of deaf sailor

LYME Regis lifeboat crew rescued a deaf sailor who came into trouble but was unable to use his boat radio as he has no voice.

The volunteer RNLI crew have been praised by the family of Justin Paull, aged 52, from Bridport, following his rescue on Thursday, May 5.

He was eight miles west of Wyke Regis when his five-metre fishing boat, Sally Ann, suffered engine failure.

Justin was able to text the word ‘emer- Lifeboat crew member Rich Tilley with fisherman Justin Paull gency’ to his sister, Janine Paull-Sellick who made a video call in worried about it. But nevertheless we support British Sign Language (BSL) so that Justin his passion for the sea.

“He has all the up to date technology and could explain that both his main engine and takes every safety measure. He always lets the his spare had failed.

Janine called the coastguard to explain the family know when he is going out on his boat situation, and they alerted the RNLI volun- and when he will arrive back.

“And the harbourmaster and his team alteers in Lyme Regis.

Lifeboat crew member Rich Tilley boarded ways keep an eye out for him. He has amazing Justin’s boat and, using white marker boards support from the community.”

Justin, who is chairman of Bridport Deaf and a pen, wrote questions and drew diaClub, made a video in sign language explaingrams telling Justin what was happening.

“We had been briefed about Justin before ing his problems.

He signed: “I went to use my second engine launching,” said Rich, “so I thought we should but the bracket failed and snapped and the take the boards to write messages for him.

“I wrote questions such ‘are you fit and engine fell into the sea. I had a huge struggle well?’ and explained how we were going to to get it back.

“I cannot believe it. It is the first time in my tow his boat for about an hour to the safety of life that this has happened. I am in shock, it’s West Bay harbour.

“He was pleased to see us and even took a terrible, my boat is well prepared for emergencies, but the emergency back-up has selfie with me!”

Justin’s sister, Janine said: “I can’t find failed.”

The rescue operation began at 12.40pm words enough to thank the lifeboat crew. They when the lifeboat was launched. After towing were just brilliant.

Justin’s boat into West Bay harbour the “From a young age Justin found a love for the sea. It has always been his meditation, his lifeboat crew returned to Lyme Regis at place to go to switch off from the world and 3.15pm The rescue, which happened in the middle his daily challenges.

“He has never feared the ocean, just loved it. of Deaf Awareness Week, was the ninth emerHowever, as his loved ones, we have always gency call answered by the Lyme Regis lifeboat volunteers so far this year.

If you have a story for LymeOnline, call Francesca Evans on 07810 221 420 or email francesca@lyme-online.co.uk

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Friday, May 13 2022 9

Photos by Max Redwood

OUR SUN TERRACE AND COURTYARD ARE NOW OPEN FOR THE SUMMER The Sun Terrace will be open from 9am to 4pm for food and drinks. From 4pm until 9.30pm we will only be serving drinks including all your favourite beers, wines and cocktails. The Sun Terrace tables remain on a first come first served basis.

The Courtyard will be open from 9am to 8pm for food and drinks. From 5pm these tables will be reserved for any guests with their dogs on a first come first served basis.

Reservations for evening dining are recommended

1 Bridge Street, Lyme Regis DT7 3QA 01297 443157

10 Friday, May 13 2022

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Plans revealed for unveiling of Mary Anning statue AFTER much anticipation, a bronze statue of one of the most influential women in the history of science, Mary Anning, will be unveiled to the public in her hometown of Lyme Regis on Saturday, May 21 – exactly 223 years after the fossil hunter’s birth.

The campaign for the statue was first initiated by Dorset schoolgirl Evie Swire, then aged just 10 years old, who set about launching the Mary Anning Rocks fundraising campaign with her mother, Anya Pearson.

With the backing of high-profile supporters such as broadcaster and natural historian, Sir David Attenborough, and author Tracey Chevalier, who wrote ‘Remarkable Creatures’ based on Mary Annings’ life, the campaign successfully raised more than £100,000.

Originally created in clay by artist Denise Dutton and then cast in bronze, the statue will be sited on Lyme Regis seafront, on the corner of Long Entry and Gun Cliff Walk, overlooking the beach where Anning made some of her greatest discoveries.

The unveiling event will begin at 3pm on Saturday, May 21. Guests can arrive ahead of the official opening from 2.50pm to enjoy a ‘Song for Mary’ by local shanty singing group, the Lyme Bay Moonrakers.

Inspired by Mary, group member Corinne Read has written the lyrics for this new song, with music composed by the group’s musical director, Mark Hewitt.

Corinne said: “We all have a story to tell but women have so often struggled to be heard, Mary Anning was one such woman.

“During my career in the counselling world I have helped many women to

LILI SHEPPARD

edit@lyme-online.co.uk find their voice. It has, therefore, been a pleasure to not only tell Mary’s story but, with Mark’s inspiring music, to celebrate her life in song.”

Other musical acts will perform at the unveiling, including folk singer and musician, Iona Lane, and the award-winning contemporary music-theatre group, Electric Voice Theatre.

The group recently hosted a songwriting with local schoolchildren invited to submit their owns songs about Mary Anning, with the winners The welcoming event will also include a short performance by British actor and writer, Lizzie Hopley, who will be playing Mary Anning herself.

She will then introduce a variety of guest speakers, including author Tracy Chevalier; historian of geology and paleontology Hugh Torrens; earth scientist Dr Anjana Khatwa; palaeontologist, author and presenter Dr Dean Lomax; researcher and palaeontologist Tori Herridge; and Mary Anning Rocks founder Evie and her mother Anya.

Biological anthropologist, television presenter and author, Alice Roberts, will give a closing speech as she unveils Mary’s statue alongside Evie and the winners of the local design competition.

Ahead of the construction of the lifesize statue, a maquette of Mary Anning was created and is now being taken on a tour of UK museums this year.

From the Museum of Natural History in Oxford, the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Science in Cambridge, and the Lapworth Museum of Geology in Birmingham, to the National Museum in

Cardiff, and the Girls into Geoscience (GIG) at the University of Plymouth, the maquette is expected to create lots of interest as it travels around the country.

For more details visit www.maryanningrocks.co.uk Lyme Regis Museum, located on the site of Mary Anning’s former home, will also be marking the 223rd anniversary of the palaeontologist’s birth with the opening of a new exhibition, ‘Mary Anning Comes Home’, on the same weekend, featuring recent acquisitions and showcasing B.J.M. Donne's portrait of Mary Anning on loan from the Geological Society.

Mary was born in Lyme Regis in 1799 to a poor working class family and lived on the site of Lyme Regis Museum, which includes a wing named after the fossil hunter.

She collected and sold fossils from the Lyme Regis and Charmouth area from a young age, and her discoveries included the first correctly identified ichthyosaur skeleton; the first two nearly complete plesiosaur skeletons; the first pterosaur skeleton located outside of Germany; and fish fossils.

During her lifetime she was not fully accepted in the scientific community because of her gender and class, but Mary is now known as one of the most influential women in the history of science.

It is famously said that Mary was struck by lightning as a baby and was the inspiration for the tongue-twister ‘She Sells Sea Shells on the Sea Shore’.

More recently, she was depicted by Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet in the movie ‘Ammonite’, filmed partially in Lyme Regis and Charmouth in March 2019.

The statue after it was completed in clay by artist Denise Dutton. It has since been cast in bronze and is soon to be unveiled in Lyme Regis

Fossil Festival draws in the Bank Holiday crowds

The many faces of Mary Anning – the fossil hunter was played in street theatre performances, above in a show by Emerald Ant and below played by Lizzie Hopley alongside Carl Salter as Charles Darwin

LYME Regis Fossil Festival proved a hit with visiting families over the recent Bank Holiday weekend, when it returned for the first time in person since the 2019.

Having been held virtually for the past two years, exhibitors returned to the town to teach visitors about the Jurassic Coast, geology and sciences through fun, educational activities.

Exhibitors included some of the top scientific organisations in the country, such as the Natural History Museum.

There was also an extensive programme of expert talks and street theatre performances based around a huge Iguanodon on Gun Cliff Walk.

Organisers from Lyme Regis Development Trust described the event as an “amazing weekend”, adding: “It was truly fabulous to see so many happy smiley faces, even on soggy Sunday!”

Above and below left, educational activities on offer in the festival marquee. Below, crowds gather for Emerald Ant’s hilarious theatre production about Mary Anning

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Mark and Emma Harrod of The Vending Shed with the Mayor and Mayoress of Lyme Regis, Cllr Brian and Wendy Larcombe; Philip Evans, president of Lyme Regis Football Club; and local families at the opening

East Devon’s popular Vending Shed opens in Lyme Regis LYME Regis residents and visitors can now purchase fresh milk, tasty milkshakes, coffee and other treats 24/7 as East Devon business The Vending Shed has expanded into the town.

The Vending Shed was first launched by Colyton diary farmers Mark and Emma Herrod with a self-service shop in Fore Street, Seaton, last summer and quickly expanded

with a new shed outside Mole Avon, next to Axminster railway station.

Now the business has opened its third location, with another self-service shed at Lyme Regis Football Club’s Davey Fort ground in Charmouth Road.

The outlets are open seven days a week, 24 hours a day, offering fresh, local milk, a wide range of flavoured milkshakes, coffee, hot

chocolate, ice cream and more.

Through state of the art vending machines you can purchase stylish, reusable, glass bottles and fill them with there product of your choice, helping to cut down on singleuse plastic.

You can also purchase locally-made cheese and snacks, including sausage rolls.

The Mayor of Lyme Regis, Cllr Brian Lar-

combe MBE, officially opened the new outlet last weekend, with many children and families queuing for their first milkshake.

Many of those invited to the opening had helped name the new vending machine ‘Buttercup’, adding to ‘Daisy’ in Seaton and ‘Poppy’ in Axminster.

For more details on The Vending Shed, visit www.thevendingshed.co.uk

NEWS FROM CITIZENS ADVICE ENERGY suppliers’ customer service standards are plummeting as bills soar. This is according to the latest Citizens Advice energy supplier’s ‘star rating’ survey which covers customer service between October-December 2021.

Citizens Advice is concerned this is part of a trend of declining standards just as people need support from their energy companies to cope with record bills and a cost-of-living crisis Citizens Advice star rating exercise shows energy suppliers’ customer service is the worst it’s been on average since 2017.

Suppliers at the top of the table are M&S Energy, EDF Energy, Octopus Energy, Affect Energy and So Energy. The worst performing suppliers are Utilita, Boost Power, Ecotricity, Good Energy and Ovo. Call waiting times are on the rise One of the main drivers of the low scores is the rise in call waiting times. The average call wait time is now more than five minutes. Customers with the poorest suppliers now face wait times of around 15 minutes.

People could miss out on vital support If people are struggling to pay their energy bills, suppliers are responsible for providing support, such as affordable payment plans. But Citizens Advice is concerned that many could be missing out on help they’re entitled to because they’re unable to contact their supplier easily.

Local case study Mrs S, aged 77, is a widow, lives in a one-bedroom rented flat in Bridport and relies on her pension and pension credit. She doesn’t use the internet and struggles to communicate with her energy provider.

Last year the housing officer at her housing association (who has since left) helped Mrs S to get onto a payment plan with her supplier because they were overcharging her. On this plan she was paying £60 per month by direct debit.

When the new price cap was announced Mrs S received a flurry of letters from her supplier saying they were putting her DD up to £147 per

month. She tried to reach her supplier several times but was unable to get through and the money was taken out of her account in April.

Mrs S turned her heating and appliances off in a bid to save money but was really struggling and her neighbours, who were shocked at her exceptional bill increase of 145 per cent, encouraged her to contact Citizens Advice.

Citizens Advice Bridport & District were able to contact the supplier and arranged for a new payment plan of £75 per month to be put in place.

Citizens Advice nationally is calling for Ofgem to introduce a ‘consumer duty’ to ensure suppliers provide a service specifically designed to meet the needs of all customers. A similar approach is being adopted by the Financial Conduct Authority to upgrade consumer protection.This includes making it easy to contact companies and get support when needed.

Dame Clare Moriarty, chief executive of Citizens Advice, said: “With millions of people struggling to make ends meet as the cost of living soars, it’s more important than ever that people can turn to their energy company for support.

The drop in customer service standards comes at the worst time possible.

“It’s Ofgem’s job to make sure companies are delivering a good service. A ‘consumer duty’ focused on making sure customers get good outcomes is what’s needed. With bills expected to soar again come October, there’s no time to waste.”

For help with problems relating to cost of living rises or other issues, Citizens Advice in Lyme Regis has drop-in advice sessions on Wednesdays 10 am-3 pm at the Council Offices, Church Street, DT7 3BS. Alternatively telephone Freephone 0800-144-8848 or send an email using the contact form at www.bridportca.org.uk

eat:Lyme Regis festival a scorching success!

THE eat:Lyme Regis festival returned to the town for the second year last Saturday, bringing with it some scorching sunshine and hoards of visitors. Organisers from the awardwinning eat:Festivals said they were pleased with the new layout of the event, with about 70 local food and drink producers stretching across Gun Cliff Walk and the Cart Road. Organiser Beverley Milner Simonds said: “We wanted to say thank you to the locals and visitors who came and those stopped us to say how much they were enjoying the day. Thanks to Matt at the town council team for his assistance and to sponsors Gordon and Rumsby and Specsavers Bridport for their support.”

Friday, May 13 2022 13

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

What’s on

Friday, May 13

The Old School House Cafe The Hub, 9.30am - 1.30pm Community café open at The Hub in Church Street every Thursday and Friday morning, affordable food and drink, free wifi.

Talk: ‘Marshwood Vale The Making of a Landscape’ Woodmead Halls, 11am Bob Machin, retired Bristol University resident tutor, gives this talk for the Lyme Regis U3A. He investigates landscape history, including how the landscape of the Marshwood Vale was created, notably the field systems and settlements. Non-members welcome for a donation of £2.

Saturday, May 14

Dorset Art Weeks Various locations across Dorset, running until May 29 Artists across Dorset, including in Lyme Regis, will open their homes and studios to visitors running until Sunday, May 29.

See dorsetartweeks.co.uk for details.

Exhibition: Light & Colour Town Mill Malthouse Gallery Trudi Ochiltree Art Class members share a selection of their recent artwork in their first exhibition, open daily until May 19.

Plant Sale & Coffee Morning Uplyme Village Hall, 10am Uplyme & Lyme Regis Horticultural Society host a coffee morning with stalls selling plants and home produce. Entry costs £1.

Live Music Night The Nag’s Head, 9pm Weekly live band at The Nag’s Head from 9pm.

Sunday, May 15

Lyme Regis May Fete Anning Road Playing Field, 1pm Lyme Regis May Fete offers lots of fun things to do for all the family including entertainment and displays, bouncy castle and inflatables, artisan market, stalls from local groups and organisations plus plenty of food and drink.

Organ Recital St Michael’s Parish Church, 3pm Organ recital on the St Michael’s Skrabl organ, by Sam Bristow, assistant organist at Salisbury Cathedral. Entry is free with a retiring collection.

Young Creatives Sunday Session Marine Theatre, 3pm Open mic session for musicians between the ages of 16 and 25, supported by a professional music leader. Sessions are relaxed and friendly, and suitable for first time performers as well as those with more experience. To pre-book your performance slot, email info@bsharp.org.uk.

Lyme Regis Comedy Club Marine Theatre, 7pm Multi award winning comedian and star of Live at the Apollo, Laura Lexx, will headline this monthly comedy club, with support from Dan Evans and Eleri Morgan. Tickets from £12 available at marinetheatre.com

Tuesday, May 17

Charmouth Annual Parish Meeting St Andrew’s Community Hall, 7.30pm Residents are welcome to attend the annual parish meeting, with an update on parish council activ-

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

ities and address by new county councillor Belinda Bawden.

Wednesday, May 18

LRTC Full Council Guildhall, 7pm Members of the public are welcome to attend town council meetings and speak for up to three minutes in the public forum.

For agendas visit the website lymeregistowncouncil.gov.uk

Thursday, May 19

The Old School House Cafe The Hub, 9.30am - 1.30pm Community café open at The Hub in Church Street every Thursday and Friday morning, affordable food and drink, free wifi.

Lyme Regis Carers’ Cafe Lyme Regis Baptist Church, 11am Stay all morning or just drop in.

Anyone who looks after a friend, relative, partner or neighbour is welcome. You do not have to be a registered carer. For details visit lymeregiscarerscafe.co.uk Martin Simpson & Andy Cutting Marine Theatre, 7pm Named as one of the very finest finger-style guitarists in the world, Martin Simpson, will perform alongside English folk musician, Andy Cutting. Tickets are £19 in advance or £25 available at marinetheatre.com An Evening with Phil Brown Monkton Wyld Court A special fundraising event to save The Pine Hall at Monkton Wyld Court, near Lyme Regis, with the tape-op and recording engineer Phil Brown who has worked with many famous artists.

Tickets from £15 available by emailing info@monktonwyldcourt.org Lyme Regis Community Bingo Woodmead Halls, 8pm Bingo night every Thursday, raising funds for local organisations which are members of Lyme Regis Community Bingo Association. Doors open 7.30pm, eyes down 8pm.

Friday, May 20

The Old School House Cafe The Hub, 9.30am - 1.30pm Community café open at The Hub in Church Street every Thursday and Friday morning, affordable food and drink, free wifi.

Saturday, May 21

Cancer Research UK Table-Top Sale Woodmead Halls, 10am A table-top sale, coffee morning and cake sale in aid of the Lyme Regis branch of Cancer Research UK. To book a table for £5 to sell goods, call Philip on 07796 951 911. Entry costs £3 including tea/coffee and biscuits.

Unveiling of Mary Anning Statue Long Entry, 2.50pm The much-anticipated unveiling of the Mary Anning statue will be held exactly 223 years after the fossil hunter’s birth – on Lyme Regis seafront, where Long Entry meets Gun Cliff Walk, with musical performances, speeches and Mary Anning to be played by Lizzie Hopley. For more details visit maryanningrocks.co.uk Casino Night Lyme Regis Football Club, 7.30pm Lyme Regis Football Club hosts a Casino Night with professional croupiers. Tickets cost £30 including a glass of prosecco on arrival, buffet and live

entertainment. Tickets available from the clubhouse on Saturdays or by calling 07814 114 973 or 07796 951 991.

Live Music Night The Nag’s Head, 9pm Weekly live band at The Nag’s Head from 9pm.

Sunday, May 22

Blessing of the Boats Lyme Regis Lifeboat Station, 3pm The much-anticipated unveiling of the Mary Anning statue will be held exactly 223 years after the fossil hunter’s birth – on Lyme Regis seafront, where Long Entry meets Gun Cliff Walk, with musical performances, speeches and Mary Anning to be played by Lizzie Hopley. For more details visit maryanningrocks.co.uk

Tuesday, May 24

Talk: ‘Wildlife, Plant Life, Farms - Can They Thrive Together?’

Lyme Regius Baptist Church, 7pm Turn Lyme Green presents thus talk by Laura Williams and Paul Butter, discussing the impact of farming practices on wildlife, plant life, soil and how to support local ecologies and ethical food production.

Wednesday, May 25

Living Spit: ‘Elizabeth I’ Marine Theatre, 6.30pm Living Spit are returning to the Marine Theatre to perform ‘Elizabeth I’ with a combination of live music, silly songs, and historical horseplay. Tickets are £16 in advance, available at marinetheatre.com Talk: ‘Japanese Acers & Orchids’ Uplyme Village Hall, 7pm Steve Cleverdon, known as ‘the Acer Grower’ will give this talk for Uplyme & Lyme Regis Horticultural Society. Entry is free for members, £3 for guests and refreshments will be available. For details visit www.ulrhs.wordpress.com

Thursday, May 26

The Old School House Cafe The Hub, 9.30am - 1.30pm Community café open at The Hub in Church Street every Thursday and Friday morning, affordable food and drink, free wifi.

National Theatre Live: ‘Straight Line Crazy’, Marine Theatre, 6pm Enjoy ‘Straight Line Crazy’, screened live from the West End to the Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis. In this performance, Ralph Fiennes leads the cast in David Hare’s blazing account of the most powerful man in New York, a master manipulator whose legacy changed the city forever.

Tickets from £14 available at marinetheatre.com Lyme Regis Community Bingo Woodmead Halls, 8pm Bingo night every Thursday, raising funds for local organisations which are members of Lyme Regis Community Bingo Association. Doors open 7.30pm, eyes down 8pm.

Friday, May 27

The Old School House Cafe The Hub, 9.30am - 1.30pm Community café open at The Hub in Church Street every Thursday and Friday morning, affordable food and drink, free wifi.

Lyme Regis artists taking part in Dorset Art Weeks FIVE artist venues, both solo and groups, in and around Lyme Regis are participating in the upcoming Dorset Art Weeks 2022, taking place from May 14 to 29.

Each artist will have an allocated venue for the bi-annual event, where they will showcase their artwork to the public.

Some venues feature groups of artists, whilst others are going solo and opening their homes and studios to visitors.

The 16-day event attracts locals and visitors from all over the UK and, this year, is expected to be even more popular as it celebrates 30 years since the very first Dorset Art Weeks.

Over recent months, a variety of artists from across the whole of Dorset have been busy preparing ahead of the open studio event.

In villages surrounding Lyme Regis and Bridport there are more than 70 artists taking part.

The Lyme Regis artists taking part include Jools Woodhouse (Venue 224), who paints vivid and colourful local landscapes; Alison Bowskill (Venue 225), a printmaker who gets inspiration from her observational sketches of the world around her; Fran Williams (venue 226), who creates small wooden figures from her workshop; Studio 19 (venue 227), a collective of 12 multimedia artists featuring paintings, textiles and more; and Christine Allison (venue 228), who creates paintings inspired by nature with a studio overlooking the Cobb.

The artwork that is showcased typically includes painting, printmaking, ceramics, jewellery, sculpture, woodwork, glass, photography, modern crafts and much more.

During the event, visitors can download an app to highlight the closest venues to their location. The app will include information such as opening times, a map, a brief description of the artwork at the venue, and directions.

All participating artists will be given yellow signs with the Dorset Art Weeks logo and will have their venue number written on it to prevent visitors getting lost.

To find out more about the artists taking part, opening times or for access and directions, visit the website www.dorsetartweeks.co.uk

timeoutinLyme

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

Jazz Jurassica - big bands, boogie and blues!

JAZZ Jurassica is busily gearing up for the Platinum Jubilee weekend later this month in more ways than one.

It’s looking forward to the exciting Platinum Jubilee events organised by Lyme Regis Town Council and pulling out all the stops with its own musical programme of big bands, boogie and blues.

There are concerts from award-winning performers in Marine Theatre, and free events along the seafront, in Langmoor Gardens and on the beach.

Dorset Youth Jazz Orchestra open the festival with a free concert on the seafront on Thursday, June 2 at 2pm.

This 18-strong band features talented young musicians from all over Dorset.

It will be the first time they've played in public since the pandemic.

Friday sees the return to the seafront of Adam Sweet, from 1pm to 5pm, with his Friday Blues Bender. Adam will host fabulous featured guests including Zoe Schwarz, Mick Taylor and, of course, himself.

Saturday's Soulfest kicks off with WeFunk's exhilarating set of funk and soul classics. Local jazz fusion band, Slinky Machine join them from 2pm, followed

by singer and keyboard player, Alison Davies, and singer-guitarist, Phoebe Blue.

To wrap up, local soul singer Joanna Cooke will showcase her new chart-topping album.

Sunday is the climax of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Lyme Regis Town Council is hosting a picnic in Langmoor Gardens from 4pm and the BBC Big Band Orchestra on the beach from 8pm.

The evening concludes with a spectacular firework display over the Cobb at 10pm. What a weekend!

Julie Sheppard of Jazz Jurassica said: “This is going to be a mega weekend.

We’ve got award-winning artists and knock out shows – three-a-day in the Marine Theatre. And homegrown talent on the seafront. Plus lots of street food from our food and drinks traders.

“Look on our website to see what’s on offer and start making some plans. We can’t wait to see you all!”

Jazz Jurassica will be held from June 2 to 5, tying in with Platinum Jubilee events in the town. For full programme and tickets visit the website www.jazzjurassica.co.uk

The James Taylor Quartet and Elles Bailey will be among this year’s headline acts at Jazz Jurassica

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Boat Building Academy looks to the future as it marks 25th anniversary

Rehearsals are now well underway for new community play ‘Lyme and the Sea’ to be performed in June

Community play to celebrate Lyme’s connection with the sea

A

cclaimed actor and scriptwriter, Andrew Rattenbury, will showcase his fourth community play, Lyme and the Sea, at the Marine Theatre on Wednesday, June 15 to Saturday 18.

Having grown up in Lyme Regis in the sixties and seventies, Andrew tells us how he first gained an interest in acting and scriptwriting and how that led him to go on and work in a variety of international theatres, television, and now, writing community plays for his hometown.

He has a long list of successes to his credit, having written for programmes such as Eastenders, Monarch of the Glen, Doc Martin, Peak Practice, Holby City, Teachers and Casualty and having his own ITV series, The Golden Hour.

“My passion for acting began when I studied drama in sixth form just a few years before attending the Bristol Old Vic School in 1977,” he said.

“I was there for three years with contemporaries of mine including Dan Day-Lewis, Amanda Redmond, Nick Farrell, Miranda Richardson, and Alex Jennings.

“I had been an actor for about ten years, starring in range of TV series such as Casualty, Eastenders, The Bill, and May to December, but one day I was struggling to get work, so decided to instead try my hand at writing.

“The first play I wrote was set in Lyme Regis, it was called Soundings. It won the Bristol Vic HTV Playwrights Award and I couldn’t believe it, especially as the prize was £2000 pounds... and a pen – which was a lot of money back then!

“Soon after, I wrote a one man show about Vladimir Mayakovsky which we took to Edinburgh as well as Broadway in New York. At this point, I was solely writing for theatre but one day a football friend of mine asked if I’d like to have ago at writing for TV. I remember thinking - ‘people write for television?!’ I had no idea.

“I found the transition between writing for TV and writing for plays to be quite significant, although less so than the jump between acting and writing. I think because as an actor you’re at the end of the creative process, whereas as a writer you’re instead the person initiating the creativity. A lot of writers I know, were once actors.

“If I were to give advice to any budding writers who hope to one day break into the industry then although it sounds obvious, my biggest tip would be to write. You’d be surprised by the amount of people that say they have a great idea or story in their head but struggle to get started.

“So my top tip is to write it down, whatever it is, no matter how big or small. In your spare time jot things down that interest you - books,

LILI SHEPPARD

edit@lyme-online.co.uk films, shows you love, as you’ll find out where you have a deeper interest and your early stuff is usually where your heart is.

“I always tell young writers that nothing is wasted, even if you don’t use it for twenty years because you may come across that four page story later in life and think it was a great idea.”

Despite his successful career in TV and theatre, Andrew says his heart remains in Lyme Regis. He is a patron of the Marine Theatre and is now working on his fourth community play for the ‘little theatre by the sea’.

“I was invited to become a Patron of the Marine Theatre around 15 years ago but it wasn’t until about five years in that my wife asked whether I had actually done anything for the theatre and suggested that I put myself forward to become more involved. So I did just that.

“Then one day, the director of the theatre wrote to me saying she had an idea for a community play and asked whether I would write it or help them to write it. I remember leaping at the chance to write it and to get involved.

“The first play that we did was The Tempest of Lyme. It was a fascinating story and link between Shakespeare and Lyme Regis. We then did a second in 2017 called ‘Monmouth: A West Country Rebellion’, which was all about the rebellion that began in Lyme in 1685. Our third community play in 2019 was Are You Going to the Marine? and celebrated 125 years of the Marine Theatre.

“Following the success of previous performances, we decided to do a fourth – Lyme and the Sea. It is all about the coast, how it’s developed over the years, and its ever-changing community.

“The performance begins in 774, the first Lyme Regis entry in Doomsday book, where people make a living as salt boilers for the monks at Sherborne Abbey, right through to the tourism that now dominates the town.

“Lyme and the Sea introduces us to a variety of characters, nobles, and rogues, even my great, great, great, great grandfather Jack Rattenbury, a notorious smuggler, makes an appearance in the show!

“From the get-go, I really loved the idea of involving the audience, not for them to participate as such, but rather for it to feel like a celebration of Lyme, the sea, and community.

“My heart has always been in Dorset and Lyme which is why I have absolutely loved creating these community plays because they seem to be a kind of soul food for me.”

Tickets for Lyme and the Sea are currently available from the Marine Theatre (Mondays and Fridays only), Bridport Tourist Information Centre, online at marinetheatre.com, or by calling 0333 666 3366.

Boat Building Academy director Will reed (right) with founder and now honorary life president Tim Gedge THE renowned Boat Building Academy at Monmouth Beach in Lyme Regis celebrated its 25th anniversary with an open day last weekend.

The day started with a presentation by academy director Will Reed, who spoke briefly about the building’s history and plans to develop the site and the practical training courses it offers in the future.

The academy was founded in 1997 by Commander Tim Gedge after a career in the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy. He now serves as honourary life president of the organisation and still owns the building which he leases to the academy for a reasonable rate.

The academy was granted charity status in 2020 and more recently has developed a programme of furniture-making courses which share the same philosophy as the boat building

training; intensive and highly practical development of skills.

Will spoke about ambitious plans to eventually purchase the site at Monmouth Beach and expand and develop it with the hope of offering a wider range of courses to more students.

He said he also hopes to improve on engagement between the academy and local community in the future.

Celebrations then got underway with the cutting of a ribbon by Tim Gedge to mark the 25th anniversary, and members of the public were then able to explore the workshop and get an up-close look at current projects – both boats and furniture projects.

Outside, a number of the academy’s complete craft were on display, and entertainment was provided by a traditional bagpiper.

newsfromwestminster

A monthly column by West Dorset MP Chris Loder

STORM overflows and sewage discharges in the Lyme Regis area has been an issue I have been determined to address for many months.

I recently held a further urgent meeting with South West Water to push them on action.

They have now pledged to cut the number of spills across their remit by at least half in three years, with even greater ambition for their sites surrounding Lyme Regis.

In parliament, I have strongly supported measures in the Environment Act. Among the measures, new duties will be put on water companies to monitor and publish water quality upstream and downstream of outflows, to publish data on overspills on an annual basis so there can be transparency to the public all year round in real time, and to achieve a progressive reduction in overspills.

The government will by September have to have produced a plan to reduce sewage discharges and subsequently, a cost/benefit report on eliminating these entirely. The government’s Storm Overflows Taskforce has been established to help achieve these ambitions.

Because of the actions taken on this issue, 80 per cent of storm outflows are now monitored, with 100 per cent of all outflows expected to be monitored by the end of next year. As your MP, I have been backing these measures and will continue lobbying for greater transparency and action over this issue.

The Queen’s speech on May 10, delivered by the Prince of Wales, made a number of statements on the government’s ambitions to overhaul legislation. Amongst these, greater support for the police will be given to make our streets safer.

I will be working hard to ensure communities

such as Lyme Regis can feel the benefit of a greater policing presence on the streets which is urgently needed, particularly to tackle drug crime and anti-social behaviour.

A further overhaul of the planning system will be brought forward by the government to give local people a greater say in the planning process. This will be especially relevant to my meeting with Housing Minister Michael Gove at Dorchester last Friday, where I urged him to support greater assistance to local Community Land Trusts that provide assistance in ensuring local people can access low-cost, affordable housing in their own areas.

Following several meetings with South Western Railway, I am pleased to hear that they have reintroduced two trains per hour between Dorchester, Weymouth and London Waterloo. Now, on the transport front, I am returning to address the bus issues that we are experiencing.

Friday, May 13 2022 17

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NEWS FROM AXMINSTER | SEATON | COLYTON | BEER

Mayor of Axminster opens new-look Railway Kitchen IN his first business venture, well-known local theatre devotee Jack Price has taken over the ownership of the Axminster Railway Kitchen.

Jack, who many will know through his stage management and directing skills in Axminster and Lyme Regis stage circles, opened his new venture last week after spending a month refurbishing the station premises including a new kitchen.

The revived business was officially opened by the Mayor of Axminster, Cllr Jill Farrow who after cutting the tape said: "I am delighted to be opening another fantastic new business in the town and wish Jack and the team every success for the future."

Guests then tucked into delicious sausage sandwiches and toasted Jack and his new business.

Axminster Railway Kitchen will be opened from 7am to 2pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 2pm on Saturday. The cafe will be close on

Legion Women celebrate 95 years Sundays. Jack and his staff will be serving breakfasts from 7am to 11am and then lunches and snacks from 12noon.

What Easter fun we had!

C

ARS. They get you from A to B, don't they? When my sons came along, my car got us from A to B, and all the way to Zee, stuffed with the paraphernalia of children.

When they eventually found their own modes of transport, I emerged from the chrysalis of parenting and bought something a bit nicer. Which is why, when we had that bit of sunshine recently, it was shades on, roof off.

You know those magic plasma globes, the ones you touch, and it makes your hair fly and stand on end? That's me. On a sunny day, every day is a bad hair day.

And what a fabulously sunny day it was for the opening of the new and shiny Seaton Tourist Information Centre. We watched the mayor cut the ribbon then it was inside for drinks and mingling. I'm very envious of their room with a view, looking out across the bay at the ever-changing seascape.

Mind you, I do have a very nice view from my office window, looking across to the very pretty Windsor Gardens. Given it's quite a small green space, it's surprising how many people take their pooches there for a run around. I wonder if canine toilets will ever be a thing, to save people scooping the poop?

From where I sit, I can also see straight into the PB Home Solutions showroom, and Damian has been very busy installing their new shower cubicle. He told me I'll love it when it's finished, and the word 'bling' was used, or maybe that was only in my head.

Either way, I'm hoping to see gold fittings and lace shower curtains.

Now, not that I'm one to gossip, but have you heard what's replacing WH Smith over in Lyme? Ann Summers apparently. You'd like to think they've done their market research, not that I'm aware of anyone being asked questions about the lack of a local naughty knickers shop, but maybe it's a

BACKSTAGE AT THE GATEWAY THEATRE with manager Sophia Moseley

seasonal thing.

When the holidaymakers are scanning the internet looking for an interesting seaside resort to visit, do they look for sun, sea, sand, fossils and steamy underwear? Mark my words, it's the slippery slope, and it will be Seaton who will salve their soul.

Our Easter fun fest was a terrific success, and we are already planning next year's event. I'm not too sure who was more excited about the town trail, the children, at the thought of winning a chocolate treat, or the parents, at the thought of occupying their overactive children for a few minutes, and the 'Peter Rabbit' film was loved by everyone.

TOP GUN GALA NIGHT But have you seen our latest film news?

We're having one of our famous Gala Nights, to celebrate the final release of the long awaited, high octane, 'Top Gun, Maverick'.

If you came to our Bond Gala Night, then you know what a treat we have in store, if you didn't, where were you?!?

It's going to be a full weekend of it, after the Gala Friday night, there will be our unique and famous Film Picnic Night on the Saturday and a matinee on the Sunday. So, if you have the need, the need for speed, don't delay, get your Maverick tickets before they sell out. Everyone on our mailing list got the heads-up first, so if you're not on that yet, you should be.

Meanwhile, I'll find something to tie up my hair for the next sunny day out in my car, or maybe I'll wait for the Ann Summers shop to open and see what they have in the way of spare knicker elastic to hold everything in place.

THE Women’s Section of the Axminster branch of the Royal British Legion have celebrated their 95th anniversary.

A special service was held at The Minster Church last week attended by civic dignitaries and members of the Royal British Legion Devon office.

A special guests was Sarah Lopez, president of the Devon Legion and granddaughter of Earl Hague, the founder of the Royal British Legion 100 years ago.

She joined the Mayor of Axminster, Cllr Jill Farrow, in cutting a special cake made to celebrate the occasion.

Town crier raising funds for new uniform Axminster town crier Nick Goodwin is appealing to residents and local organisations to help him raise funds for new regalia.

Nick (pictured above with his wife) provided his own uniform when he was first appointed as Axminster's town crier in 2007 and the regalia has served him, and the town, well.

But, time takes its toll and Nick is now hoping for something smarter, more practical and in keeping with the town's rich and colourful heritage.

He has already been granted £1,000 from

Axminster Town Council towards his new uniform, and is now looking to the local community to help him raise a further £1,000.

He hopes the new uniform can be made by the town crier of Bognor Regis, who also specialises in making regalia for other town criers, in time for a busy season on events which will include the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

You can donate to Nick's appeal at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/axmi nster-town-crier

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axevalleynews

Friday, May 13 2022 19

NEWS FROM AXMINSTER | SEATON | COLYTON | BEER

Treat for Seaton ‘Mixers’ T

HE Gateway Theatre is the only venue in the local area showing the last live Little Mix Concert, streamed straight from London’s O2 Arena.

This is the final date on the ‘Sweet Melody’ singers’ Confetti Tour that came in a surprise announcement on April 26 when they said, “every single one of you has got us to where we are today and we wanted to be able to give you the chance to watch live and be part of the show”.

The band has decided to pursue their solo careers, so this will be the last opportunity to see them perform live. ● If you’re looking for a great start to the halfterm holiday and to mark the Queen’s special Jubilee celebration, the Gateway tick every box for all the family, starting with the hilariously brilliant Hot Rock Productions panto ‘Alice in Wonderland’.

Alice and her friends will have you rolling into the aisles with laughter as they take you on a journey down the rabbit hole and the laughter doesn’t stop with latest from DreamWorks, The Bad Guys.

They are throwing open the doors to welcome you to join them live on screen for the Queen’s Birthday Trooping the Colour on

Thursday, June 2 when this grand ceremony will be live-streamed from The Mall, where the 1st Battalion Irish Guards will troop their Colour in the presence of Her Majesty the Queen.

Then on Saturday, June 4, come along to the Platinum Party at the Palace with all the big names from the global stage, using state-of-the-art technology and stunning stage sets with a full orchestra and a line-up of actors and performers, streamed live to the Gateway screen.

These are free community events and everyone is welcome. ● Sandwiched between these Platinum Jubilee celebrations, The Gateway is screening the latest adventure in the wizarding world with Warner Bros ‘Fantastic Beasts: The Se-

crets of Dumbledore (12A).

Created by J.K. Rowling, Professor Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) entrusts Magizoologist Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) to lead a team of wizards and witches on a dangerous mission.

This will be one of the Gateway’s Film Picnic Nights, so why not treat yourself to something delicious and bring it along for the perfect night out!

Doors open 6.30pm for 7.30pm start, tickets £7. ● Half-term timetable: Monday, May 30: Alice in Wonderland Panto Tuesday, May 31: The Bad Guys Thursday, June 2: Trooping the Colour Live stream from 10am Friday, June 3: Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore Saturday, June 4: Platinum Party at the Palace Live stream from 7pm.

For all your tickets and performance information, visit thegatewayseaton.co.uk or call the box office 01297 625699

Seaton’s youngest mayor steps down SEATON'S youngest ever mayor has thanked all those who have supported him after stepping down from the role last night.

Cllr Dan Ledger was elected the town's youngest ever mayor at just 30 last year, but did not seek re-election to the post at this week’s annual general meeting of Seaton Town Council. Cllr Amrik Singh was elected his successor, with Cllr Marcus Hartnell elected the new deputy mayor.

Cllr Ledger said he hopes to place more focus on his work at East Devon District Council, where he represents the Seaton ward and is portfolio holder for strategic planning.

Posting on Facebook, he wrote: "I wanted to write a short message to thank everyone for the past year. It's been nothing short of an absolute honour to be mayor of this amazing town!

"I haven't sought re-election so that I can give more focus and attention to my work on the district council, especially the monumental task of starting to finally develop our own social housing again for the first time in nearly two decades.”

COMING UP AT

THE GATEWAY THEATRE FORE STREET, SEATON

LITTLE MIX: THE LAST SHOW (FOR NOW) Jade, Perrie and Leigh-Anne invite Mixers to come together and join them live, as they take to the stage at London’s iconic O2 Arena. It’s going to be an incredible evening, screened live to The Gateway, that no Mixers will want to miss!

Saturday 14 May | Doors 7pm | Screening 8pm | £8/£15

ALICE IN WONDERLAND

THE BAD GUYS (U)

It’s panto time at The Gateway! Oh yes it is! Hot Rock Productions bring their fun-filled panto featuring stunning scenery, colourful costumes, toe-tapping songs and bucket loads of laughter. Alice needs all the help she can get to stop the evil queen!

Monday 30 May | Starts 2pm | £10

The new action comedy from DreamWorks Animation – having epically failed at being The Bad Guys, a crackerjack criminal crew of animal outlaws are about to attempt their most challenging con yet… becoming model citizens.

Tuesday 31 May | Doors 1.30pm | Film 2.30pm | £7

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

To book tickets visit thegatewayseaton.co.uk or call our box office on 01297 625699

20 Friday, May 13 2022

FLASHBACKS with Richard Austin

www.lyme-online.co.uk

Tales from behind the lens of our award-winning photographer ■ NICE to see you, to see you nice… and what a nice man he was. I asked Sir Bruce Forsyth if he was up for a photograph, to which he said yes. I wanted just a soft, relaxing image of the nation’s favourite TV star and he was completely up for it, which shows in the picture. Sir Bruce died at the age of 89 in 2017 following an unequalled career in showbusiness.

You can view all of award-winning photographer Richard Austin’s previous ‘Flashbacks’ columns online at lyme-online.co.uk/blogs

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INFLATABLE TENT, four person, built-in ground sheet plus separate ground sheet, complete with pump, as new, £180 - 01297 625482.

ROYAL ALBERT pottery set, complete, pristine condition, £55 - 01297 598326.

BLIND, new Hilarys, pleated, grey blind, 18” wide x 38 inches long, £30 - 07500 592 119.

GOLF TROLLEY, Fraser electric trolley with charger and battery, good working order and new tyres, £50 - 07713 971 826.

MOTORBIKE/DRIVING JACKET, Mahogany brown leather, satin-lined, three-quarter length, £150 on very nearest offer - 07870 603 345.

BOWLS, size 0 Taylors x 4 at £15 each, and size 1 super grip Henselite at £15 each - 078890 019 587.

LAWN MOWER, Flymo Chevlon, 32V electric, hardly used, very good condition, can be seen working, £40 ono - 07500 656 049.

COMPUTER DESK, all metal frame, 70 x 75cm, height 71cm, £5 - 07761 258 115 or 01297 442134.

LIFEJACKETS, two Crewsaver adult air foam lifejackets, unused, £45 each - 01297 560251.

HEADBOARD, pine, for single bed, £35 - 01297 443930.

DINNER SERVICE and tea service, Worcestershire Evesham ware, various extras, reasonable offers welcome - 01297 446055.

Submit your Items for Sale listings - free for any item up to £200 - by emailing edit@lyme-online.co.uk or post them to LymeOnline, Unit 5 Uplyme Business Centre, Uplyme Road, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3LS

Lyme Regis Town Council Finance Assistant

WE ARE HIRING! Full time

Part time

Full-time, 37 hours a week, Monday to Friday Salary: SCP 4-7 (£19,264 – £20,444) A vacancy has arisen in the finance team. The successful applicant will work alongside the finance manager to manage the council’s accounts, budgets and financial affairs.

The post may be suitable for someone looking to embark on a career in finance or a great opportunity for a school or college leaver.

The successful applicant must be willing to learn and be prepared to undertake training. In addition, they must be enthusiastic and have a can-do attitude.

For further information and an application pack, contact: Adrianne Mullins, Lyme Regis Town Council, Guildhall Cottage, Church Street, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3BS Tel: 01297 445175, email: adrianne.mullins@lymeregistowncouncil.gov.uk

The Oyster & Fish House, Cobb Road, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3JP T: 01297 446910 www.theoysterandfishhouse.co.uk

Or download a pack from www.lymeregistowncouncil.gov.uk/job-vacancies Closing date for applications is midday on Monday 6 June 2022 Interviews will be held on Thursday 9 June 2022

Friday, May 13 2022 23

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LymeOnline Sport

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

gig racing

Lyme rowers in gig world championships THE first May Bank Holiday saw Lyme Regis Gig Club racing in the Cornish Pilot Gig World Championships.

The demanding and prestigious sea

rowing event is held in the Isles of Scilly – the birth place of the sport – and pitches top clubs and crews from the islands, the South West and Holland in three days of gruelling races.

Not held since 2019 due to the pandemic, this year Lyme Regis Gig Club fielded six crews to fight it out alongside Bridport, Weymouth, Swanage and some of the best crews in the sport.

There were three separate competitions as part of the world championships, offering honours for Men’s and Women’s SuperVets (rowers over 50), Vets (rowers over 40) and the open races for those over 16 years and above.

This year the sun shone gloriously on Friday and Saturday but turned rainy on Sunday, the sea was calm throughout.

The format for all three competitions are the same, with each kicking off with the ‘long race’ from the island of St Agnes to St Mary’s, a distance of 1.8 miles and usually taking around 20 minutes of hard rowing.

After crossing the finishing line, and based on their positions, crews are put into divisions of 12 who race again, twice, from Nut Rock to St Marys, a distance of 1.2 miles and an exhausting sprint.

The winners of each of these heats goes up a division and the bottom two drop down to the next group. Each competition finishes with a final and the award of the World Championship Trophy to the winners.

Starting on Friday afternoon, the competition saw the Lyme Women’s SuperVets crews lining up off St Agnes for the long race back to the finish line and then followed by shorted

Nut Rock heats that evening and on Saturday morning.

Lyme’s two Women’s SuperVets crews did extremely well with the B Crew finishing 34th and the A Crew a fabulous 10th.

Following the same format, the Men’s SuperVets race started later on Friday evening and, after enduring three closely contested races, Lyme’s B Crew came in at 37th and the Lyme Men’s A Crew an amazing seventh.

The open race followed on Saturday afternoon with 114 crews lining up again at St Agnes for the long race, followed by a Nut Rock race later that day and two, including the final on Sunday.

The women’s open race saw Lyme Regis A Crew finish at 76th. This crew had valiantly also raced the day before in the SuperVets race.

The men’s open race saw Lyme Regis B Crew finish at 60th and the Men’s A Crew a remarkable 20th, the best finish the club has had in the 15 years it has been racing at the World Pilot Gig Championships.

The World Pilot Gig Championships are run by a team from the Isles of Scilly who host the most amazing, unforgettable event and Lyme Regis Gig Club would like to thank the organisers and islands for their wonderful hospitality.

After the success of the World Pilot Gig Championships, and over the coming racing season Lyme Regis Gig Club will be competing at regattas, every other weekend, throughout the South West starting in Weymouth on May 28 and finishing with the Cornish County Championships in Newquay in September.

Lyme Regis Gig Club will be hosting its own Regatta on August 13 as part of the town’s Regatta and Carnival celebrations.

Lyme Regis Men’s A Crew – 20th in the world

Lyme Regis gig Black Ven and Tempest setting out for the Women’s SuperVets Race

bowls

sailing

Racing for unique trophy in light breeze Bowlers win 10-0 in first match THE prestigious Dartmouth Cannon, one of the oldest and most unique trophies raced for in Lyme Regis, was sailed in very a light breeze of two to three knots, on a near-flat sea over the weekend.

Only astute management by race officer Andy Robinson enabled three races to be completed, after holding on for a half-hour postponement.

He set a short course which had to be adjusted due to the wind veering 50 degrees to the south, from 120 to 180 degrees.

The course was lengthened before the second race, and the windward mark moved twice to ensure a good beat and a fair start line.

Competing were three Albacores with experienced crews relishing close racing, where each took the lead at different stages, gaining or losing in the holes in the breeze.

Dave and Ed Stubbs had the best start in the first race, beaten over the two laps by 17 seconds, Jerry and Pauline Rook taking first place, with Cameron and Darrol Moss close third.

In the third race, which lasted all of seven minutes, Cameron was first to the windward mark, then lost out to the others as Andy’s shortened course decision saved the race.

“Three good courses, three good beats, good close racing,” commented Cameron.

Dave Stubbs enjoyed sailing an Albacore with son Ed, finishing on equal points but losing the trophy to Jerry Rook, who had more firsts.

Results Jerry and Pauline Rook – 1, 3, 1 – 5 pts Dave and Ed Stubbs – 2, 1, 2 – 5 pts Cameron and Darrol Moss – 3, 2, 3 – 8 pts Hugh Fitzgerald and Grenville Barr – 4, Rtd, DNS – 14 pts

By Paul Moffatt WHAT a start for the Lyme Regis Bowling Club’s men’s championship side – a 10-0 beating of Wimborne playing away from home. For one week Lyme are top of the league – but there are some tough games ahead.

The Ladies were less fortunate, going down 7-1 away to West Moors. Their division is now only playing two rinks per game instead of three, hence the scoreline.

There were friendlies this week against Crewkerne, Chard, Seaton and Feniton.

Losses against Crewkerne, Chard and Feniton, but a good win against Seaton. No scorecards are available for the Feniton game, so they will appear next week.

Results Dorset Men’s Championship Lyme 59; Wimborne 38.

S Dowling, R Cridge, C Barber, P Moffitt 1911; R Hunt, A Nabarro, S Pomeroy, P

Pomeroy 19-10; T Allman, R Gale, A Weech, C Stephens 21-17 Dorset Ladies Division 1: Lyme 33; West Moors 41.

J Parsons, J Moffitt, H Dowling, S Rowe 1624; A Allman, N Driscoll, L Broom, P Weech 17-17.

Friendlies: Lyme 73; Seaton 48.

R Hunt, J Moon, J Sherring, A Darvill 22-11; P Moseley, J Bishop, K Barnes, P Weech 17-8; A Allman, A Nabarro, B Parsons, J Moseley 13-18; T Allman, A Sherring, J Maslen, A Weech 21-11.

Lyme 64; Crewkerne 76.

P Fortnam, J Moffitt, J Moseley, P Weech 19-24; D Hopkins, P Moseley, B Driscoll, B Parsons 18-18; R Hunt, D Sarsons, B McLennan, R Cridge 16-12; J Parsons, E Sarsons, P Stephens, A Weech 11-22.

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Friday, May 13 2022 24

May 13 2022

football

Uplyme and Charmouth do well... but for the Seasiders it was a

SEASON TO FORGET

■ Review of the season by PHILIP EVANS THE 2021-2022 football season will not be remembered as a classic, especially at the Davey Fort, the home of Lyme Regis Football Club.

But for our two other local clubs, Uplyme and Charmouth, there was much to celebrate.

Uplyme decided to join the Devon and Exeter League for the first time in the hope that the standard of football would not be so robust as in the Perry Street League.

They were placed in Division Six and it soon became obvious that the young Swallows were capable of more than holding their own.

They went through the season losing just five of their 22 games, finishing in second place behind St Thomas Social Club and winning promotion to Division Five next season.

It’s been a more difficult year for Uplyme Reserves who finished their season second from bottom of the Perry Street Division Three, having won just two of their 16 games, but their spirit remained high throughout and they look forward to the John Fowler Cup final in which they meet Pen Mill Athletic United or Combe St Nicholas at Halstock.

Uplyme managers Steve Gillan and Pete Blandamer have managed

to knit together a very tight group of mainly young players with a strong spirit which augers well for future seasons.

My team of the season, however, must be Charmouth. Following the death of club stalwart Steve Pratt, they dropped out of the Perry Street League.

But it was brought back to life again by Steve’s son Kevin and the Robins rejoined the Perry Street League in Division Two. Losing only two of their 16 league games, the Robins finished in second place and are looking forward to life in Division One next season.

And they finished on a high by lifting the Tommy Tabberer Cup for the third time in the club’s history with a 3-2 victory in the final over Division Two champions Drimpton.

Things have not been so rosey at the Davey Fort where the Seasiders have had the extra financial burden of completing their £150,000 development programme in addition to the availability issues caused by COVID. Although they had 70 players signed on at the beginning of the season, Lyme found it difficult to field three teams and were forced to pull their third X1, the Rovers, towards the end of the season.

Lyme were among the favourites to take honours in the Devon and

On the bench for Saints at 16

Lyme Regis 1st team players enjoy a milkshake at the new 24/7 Vending Shed at the Davey Fort before their 1-1 draw at Colyton in their last game of the season Exeter Premier division after winning last year’s reduced Premier East division.

But they were hit hard by injuries and unavailability early on and suffered a run of six defeats.

As the season wore on and manager Julien Simier was able to field a stable side they put together a run of impressive results, taking points off champions Lapford and third placed

Beer Albion.

Lyme Reserves, managed by Matt Preece, finished in eighth place in Devon and Exeter Division One after receiving many calls from the first team early in the season.

Simier will no doubt be looking to strengthen his squad in the close season in a bid to see the Seasiders challenging for honours again.

Good start for Uplyme in higher division UPLYME and Lyme Regis made a brilliant start to their first season in the Devon Cricket League Division C East division with a six-wicket victory at home to Heathcoat CC. Having won the toss, the visitors elected to bat and set a challenging target of 221-9 off 45 overs.

The wickets were shared among Uplyme’s seven-man attack with the best figures of 3-26 off nine

overs coming from Andrew Harrison.

In reply, Uplyme knocked off the required runs for the loss of only four wickets in 40 overs.

Star batsmen was the club’s new overseas player, Anand Abhishek (pictured), who plays for Deli State in India He demonstrated what at acquisition he will be by top scoring on 68, an innings which included four 6s and seven 4s before being

caught behind. Opener Martin Langford looked sound for his 45 and skipper Sam Farrow weighed in with a useful 30.

The 19 points gained from their opening game sees Uplyme in second place, just one point behind Alphington and Countess Wear who had a 109-run victory over Upottery.

Tomorrow Uplyme travel to Exeter 2nds who last week lost to Ottery St Mary.

FORMER Axminster Town and Millwey Rise youth team payer Tyler Dibling is making a name for himself as one of the most talented prospects to emerge as the current football season draws to a close.

Tyler, aged 16 and a pupil at Axe Valley Academy, has signed professional forms for Premier League club Southampton.

Recently, he hit the national headlines when he scored a hat-trick in the Saints 4-2 victory over Newcastle in Premier 2, three glorious leftfooted strikes from outside the box.

And last saturday he became one of the youngest Saints' players to make the first team squad when he was named as a substitute by manager Ralph Hasenhutt for Southampton's game against Brentford.

Before the game, Hasenhutt said: "He was training with us in the week and showed some good moves. It is good to give him chance to be around the team to get a feeling for the atmosphere in a Premier League game and this is good for him."

Although Tyler did not get on the pitch, it can only be a matter of time before he gets his big chance.

After hearing that he had been selected as a substitute, Axminster Football Club sent him a message on social media, saying: "Sending our very best wishes to Tyler Dibling who has made the squad for Southampton FC's match away to Brentford.

What a fabulous achievement! Everyone at Axminster Town AFC are willing you on Tyler."

Tyler is the son of Sam Dibling who has played for Charmouth and Axminster this season and who is also manager of the Tigers' Under 13 squad which include's his younger brother Theo.

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