LymeOnline Digital Edition - May 27 2022

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Mary finally comes home

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Ombudsman finds fault at care home FAILINGS have been found in the care provided by Shire House in Lyme Regis, following the death of well-known resident Nigel Bromfield, at the age of 69, in August 2020.

A formal complaint was raised by Nigel’s sister Karen Ball, and her husband Nigel Ball, following his death.

The care home says it has improved record keeping and enhanced procedures following a report from the Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman.

REPORT, PAGE 2

Tribute paid to those lost at sea LYME Regis lifeboat crew and other seafaring organisations have paid tribute to all those lost at sea at the annual Blessing of the Boats ceremony, held at the Cobb last Sunday.

REPORT, PAGE 11

Artisan Florist

Wild and Seasonal

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

HUNDREDS gathered on Lyme Regis seafront for the unveiling of the much-anticipated statue of fossil hunter Mary Anning last Saturday. The bronze statue, created by artist Denise Dutton, was unveiled by Professor Alice Roberts (pictured left of the statue), an anthropologist, author and TV presenter, alongside 15-year-old Evie Swire and her mother Anya Pearson, who launched the Mary Anning Rocks campaign to raise £100,000 for the statue. See page 6 for full report.

Photo by PAUL STARCK

Council behaviour still on agenda COUNCILLORS QUESTION EFFECTIVENESS OF ‘SELF-POLICING’ CODE OF CONDUCT ONLY four members of Lyme Regis Town Council have signed up to a voluntary code of conduct encouraging good behaviour.

The number was revealed as councillors recently discussed whether members should be allowed to walk out of meetings, or turn up to vote on single items before leaving again, following a particularly turbulent year of arguments and infighting.

Cllr David Sarson raised the issue, asking what the council’s position was on councillors leaving “well before a meeting has finished, which has

FRANCESCA EVANS

francesca@lyme-online.co.uk happened on a number of occasions” and also arriving just to vote for a particular item before leaving again.

He said he could not find any reference to this in the council’s standing orders or code of conduct.

“It is discourteous, not only to other councillors and council staff, but and also members of the public sitting in the public gallery,” he said.

“Notwithstanding the inability to vote on important topics having left the meeting early.”

Town clerk John Wright said that while this issue may not be specifically included in the code of conduct, the general responsibility of a councillor to prepare for and attend debate was covered.

He added: “I agree with you, David, that from time to time people won’t necessarily get the decision that they want and I think there’s got to be an increased obligation from members to see meetings through and actually come for the whole of the meeting unless there are exceptional circumstances.”

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2 Friday, May 27 2022

Arcade raises charity funds with facemasks LYME Regis Amusement Arcade on Marine Parade put restrictions to good use during the coronavirus pandemic, raising £200 for the Lyme Regis branch of Cancer Research UK by asking patrons to make a donation if they required a facemask.

Owner of the Amusement Arcade George Symonds is pictured above right, handing over the funds to Philip Evans MBE, chairman of the Lyme Regis branch of Cancer Research UK who thanked Mr Symonds for his generosity.

LymeOnline

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

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

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Ombudsman finds fault at Lyme Regis care home after death of its resident FAILINGS have been found in the care provided

by Shire House in Lyme Regis, following the death of well-known resident Nigel Bromfield, at the age of 69, in August 2020.

Mr Bromfield was brought up in Lyme Regis and lived locally for most of his life, working at the Moore’s Biscuit factory in Morcombelake, for Woolaway Building, the Alexandra Hotel and other local firms.

He was also a familiar face at Hallett Court and was a keen supporter of Lyme Regis Football Club.

Mr Bromfield had suffered with health issues and Shire House was commissioned by Dorset Council to care for him for two years prior to his death, after caring for him became too much for his family.

His sister Karen Ball and brother-in-law Nigel Ball said that Mr Bromfield had been happy at Shire House and they were happy with the care he received there up until the last few weeks before his death.

However, when Mr Bromfield fell ill, Mr and Mrs Ball said they were disappointed that staff failed to recognise the severity of his condition, and with a lack of communication with his family.

Unable to visit the care home due to COVID-19 regulations, they said they were shocked to see how unwell he looked during a video call, and to find that he had not been eating or drinking, and had been given a mattress on the floor to sleep on, to avoid him falling out of bed.

Mr and Mrs Ball said district nurses also failed to turn up to take blood samples on three occasions, and Lyme Bay Medical Practice had since apologised for this.

Mr Bromfield was eventually taken to Dorset County Hospital, where he died a few days later, with the cause of death listed as pneumonia.

His family were unable to visit him at hospital due to COVID restrictions, but said his death was not coronavirus related and was “totally avoidable”.

Having been unable to resolve their concerns with Shire House, Mr and Mrs Ball took their complaint to Dorset Council, with support from Chris

Loder MP, and eventually to the Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman, who has now released a report finding fault in Shire House’s care.

The family’s complaints included a failure to monitor Mr Bromfield’s food and fluid intake; a failure to notice the serious deterioration in his condition in the days before he was admitted to hospital; and failure to escalate his care appropriately or obtain medical assistance sooner.

Shire House’s records in the days leading up to Mr Bromfield’s hospital admittance regularly reported that he refused food and drink and seemed confused. They said the GP was called on three occasions and paramedics on one occasion, with concerns about a potential urinary infection.

On the last GP visit on August 26 2020, the doctor recognised that Mr Bromfield was “acutely unwell, with possible sepsis” and he was then admitted to hospital.

The ombudsman’s report stated: “We have found fault by Shire House in its care of Mr X [Nigel Bromfield], in failing to keep accurate

Should councillors be able to walk out or turn up to vote for one item?

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE The outgoing Mayor of Lyme Regis, Cllr Brian Larcombe, commented: “For me the stand out issue is when someone turns up in the middle of a meeting for a matter of minutes and then leaves, because how would that work if we all did it?

That’s the issue… If we all did that, the council would not function.”

This most recently happened when one member of the council arrived to vote in favour of Cllr Michaela Ellis as the new Mayor of Lyme Regis, and then promptly left again.

Cllr Larcombe continued: “The code of conduct is self-policing, self-disciplining, it’s for people to look in the mirror and they should ask themselves are they actually acting in the interest of those who put them in the council chamber, who elected them? That’s who they are representing, not their own interests.

“I’ve heard it said that a member doesn’t wish to come to a meeting because there’s nothing interesting on the agenda. This is nonsense; it’s got to be about the interests of those they represent.

If it’s in and out, as in the way is has happened, at least the member should make clear why it’s essential they leave the room.”

The town clerk said this was a cultural issue and about individuals’ decisions, rather than having definitive rules.

“It’s about how you think you should behave in public, particularly as you are elected members of this council,” he added.

Cllr Caroline Aldridge asked whether there was anything the council could do to allow the chairs of committee to “take a stand on things that the council agrees are inappropriate or wrong, or stopping proper business being done?”

The town clerk replied: “It’s difficult, it’s about the decision of individual members and the whole issue around behaviour is an incredibly one as we

know from this council chamber.”

He said there were very few significant powers to sanction councillors for their behaviour.

Mr Wright continued: “If you recall there was a voluntary code of conduct that members were asked to sign up to, to further emphasise responsibility in terms of their behaviour, and I hate to say it but actually a lot of members would not sign up to it.

“That was an opportunity to say I am prepared to go further than the code of conduct and sign up to a voluntary code of conduct, and many members wouldn’t.”

It was then revealed that four members had signed up to the voluntary code of conduct on top of the mandatory code of conduct that all councillors must sign.

“There are not rules, we can make up rules, people are not prepared to sign up to the rules to make things a bit better, so there’s just got to be a collective ownership of this is what we do and this is the way we behave,” the town clerk added.

Cllr Belinda Bawden said that residents’ perception of Lyme Regis Town Council had been “really, painfully embarrassing” when she was recently campaigning for the Dorset Council election, and this was down to behavioural issues.

She said that these issues been discussed at the council’s last ‘away day’, which “one member refused to acknowledge but most agreed to go along with”.

The town clerk said the debate was straying into member behaviour, when not all councillors were there to defend themselves and brought the discussion to a close.

He said that this issue would be high on his agenda for the council’s next ‘away day’ and it was also suggested that the voluntary code of conduct could be looked at a again at a future meeting.

records, properly monitor his food and fluid intake and assess the risk to his health or the need for further medical intervention.

“This fault caused injustice which the council has agreed to remedy by making a payment to Mrs Y [Karen Ball] to reflect the distress, time and trouble caused to her and her family, apologising and providing evidence of the action taken to improve Shire House’s service.”

Mr and Mrs Ball said their complaint was “not about the money” but to get some justice for Mr Bromfield and to ensure the same mistakes were not made again in the care of another person.

The report continued: “I consider the failure to keep accurate records, properly monitor Mr X’s food and fluid intake and assess the risk to Mr X’s health or the need for further medical advice or intervention was fault by Shire House.

“I do not consider I can say Shire House’s care failings led to Mr X’s deterioration and death. But, in my view this fault is likely to have caused Mr X distress. Sadly, we are unable to put this right for him now.

“I consider the fault also caused Mrs Y and her family distress. It left them with a sense of uncertainty about the standard of care provided to Mr X and the impact of this on him. They spent time and trouble raising their concerns with Shire House and the council, at a particularly difficult time for them.”

The report said that the council had undertaken a safeguarding enquiry after the complaints were raised, and that Shire House had recognised that food and fluid charts should have been put in place, and more alternatives to food and drink, such as milkshakes, should have been offered.

The care home said that, in addition to improving its record keeping, it would monitor the weight of residents when a meal was missed, and food and fluid charts would be put in place when there was a concern, with a review of all other residents to be carried out.

The safeguarding enquiry found “there was no evidence Shire House was deliberately negligent, but improved record keeping may have identified concerns earlier”.

The council also accepted there had been communication failures and it apologised to the family for their distress in the period leading up to Mr Bromfied’s death.

The full report can be read at www.lgo.org.uk/decisions/adult-careservices/residential-care/21-001-534 Mr Bromfield’s family have since received a letter from Shire House, also apologising for any distress caused and acknowledging poor communication.

The letter outlined that it was improving its record keeping and enhancing procedures. These changes will be monitored by the council’s quality improvement team.

DEATH NOTICE SOLLY, HIL

Following the sad and unexpected death of Hil Solly (previously of Church Street in Lyme Regis) on May 4 2022, there will be a thanksgiving at St James Church, Christow EX6 7LZ, at 10am on Tuesday, May 31 2022, followed by a buffet lunch in the Teign Valley Community Hall. All welcome.

Although her life was cut short by heart failure due to hardening of the arteries, she would not have wanted us to be sad – and we know would have liked us to wear uplifting and bright clothes if we wanted to.

Plenty of parking in the Teign Valley Community Hall (TVCH) – a five minute walk from the church.

Please no flowers, but donations to Teign Valley Larder https://www.teignvalley.org/larder or National Literacy Trust for children’s reading https://literacytrust.org.uk/donate/

Friday, May 27 2022 3

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School gifts mystery lectern to Peek Chapel

BUT WAS THIS ITS ORIGINAL HOME? A LECTERN found at The Woodroffe School in Lyme Regis has been returned to what is thought to be its original home – the historic Peek Chapel in Pound Street.

The Lyme Regis Society, which aims to promote and serve the natural and architectural beauty of the town, received an enquiry from The Woodroffe School after the wood and brass lectern was found in its boiler room, asking whether they could shed any light on the provenance of the item.

Lecterns were regularly seen in churches and schools, used to rest Bibles, books or written speeches on whilst the person stood behind and addressed the audience.

This particular lectern also had two plaques attached to its wooden base.

One on top read: “1939-1945 In memory of the old boys of the school who gave their lives for their Country”.

A second plaque found underneath the base read: “To the glory of God and in loving memory of Emily Mary Styan, who, for more than fifty years living in this parish, taught in the schools, and

aided in all the charities. ‘With good will doing service, as to the Lord’. Died March 28th 1881.”

The Lyme Regis Society set about trying to solve the mystery; although the lectern had a plaque relating to ‘boys’ that had served in the Second World War it also referenced a local teacher from the 19th century.

With the help of Lyme Regis Museum, the society was able to establish that the lectern may well have been one of a pair featured in a 1930s postcard which shows two lecterns either side of the altar in the Peek Chapel, adjoining the Alexandra Hotel.

The 1851 census has Emily Styan, an “unmarried niece”, living with the Aveline family on Broad Street. She was associated with St Michael’s House just doors up from the Chapel, and she died in 1881 in Worthing. The Peek Chapel was built following her death in 1884 – could she have left money or a family donor bought the lectern and/or plaque in her memory?

Heather Britton, chair of the Lyme Regis Society, liaised with Woodroffe

School headteacher Dan Watts, and Kathryn Haskins, owner of the Alexandra Hotel, to agree a transfer of the lectern.

The school offered to gift the lectern to the Alexandra Hotel for use in the Peek Chapel, which now hosts weddings and celebrations. It is said to have “immediately looked at home” after formally being handed over.

But there is one more twist to this tale; the day before the handover Heather was talking to an attendee of the former Lyme Regis Grammar School, founded

by Alban Woodroffe in the 1930s. He could remember Major Pearn, the headmaster at the time, using the lectern on the stage in the school’s main hall.

Can you shed any light on the lectern?

The research continues and you can read the full article in the Lyme Regis Society’s next edition of their members’ newsletter ‘All Over The Town’ out in July.

For more information or to join the Lyme Regis Society (£7 single/£11 family per year) visit www.lymeregissociety.org.uk

Lyme Regis residents jump to help when needed

Headteacher of The Woodroffe School, Dan Watts, and owner of the Alexandra Hotel, which adjoins the Peek Chapel, pictured with the mystery lectern

■ I WOULD like to thank all that came to the rescue of my great aunt, who had a nasty fall from an unrailed section of Marine Parade, outside the Amusement Arcade this week.

In particular, I would like to thank George Symonds for his swift action. This shows that we do have some good communityminded people that are there

when you need them.

My great aunt escaped only with cuts and bruises and very sore knees. Glasses also escaped pedestrians’ feet.

Thank you once again to all concerned. My great aunt and uncle have now returned to their home in Coventry.

Nigel Ball, Talbot Road, Lyme Regis

■ I WOULD like to thank

all those who helped me after I recently collapsed at the bus stop in Broad Street, Lyme Regis.

Staff from the chemist, Tesco, a ward sister, doctor, RNLI volunteer and men from the scaffolding all came to help.

FROM SUNRISE

TO SUNSET

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

A hitchhiker even gave me his roll bed and the charity shop gave pillows.

It goes to show how people really come together when something bad happens. Thank you.

Elaine

4 Friday, May 27 2022

NEWS IN BRIEF Eight stand for Honiton & Tiverton seat

The full list of candidates has been announced for next month's Tiverton and Honiton parliamentary by-election.

Voters will go to the polls on Thursday 23 June to elect a successor to Conservative Neil Parish, who resigned as an MP after admitting to watching pornography in the House of Commons.

Eight candidates – including from each of the main parties – are vying for his former seat, which has been held by the Tories since it was created in 1997.

They are Jordan Donoghue-Morgan – Heritage Party; Andy Foan – Reform UK; Richard

Foord – Liberal Democrats; Helen Hurford – Conservative; Liz Pole – Labour; Frankie Rufolo – The For Britain Movement; Ben Walker – UK Independence Party; Gill Westcott – Green Party.

After much speculation Neil Parish revealed this week he would not be standing for re-election, instead deciding to back Ms Hurford.

The Liberal Democrats are seen by many as the likely challengers and are hoping to overturn a Conservative majority of more than 24,000 votes secured at the last general election in 2019.

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

History Hit documentary explores Jurassic Coast

HISTORY Hit has teamed up with award-winning historian, archaeologist, broadcaster and author, Sam Willis, for a new documentary that explores some of the lesser-known wonders of England’s first natural World Heritage site, the Jurassic Coast.

Sam goes beyond the renowned tourist attractions to call attention to some of the lesser-known reasons to visit the area, which he describes as his “favourite place on earth”. Locations featured include Lyme Regis, Beer, Branscombe and Exmouth.

Landmark tree cut down for public safety

Kids plan sunflowers at Lyme Regis library

A LANDMARK tree in the main residential housing area of Lyme Regis has been cut down after it was found to be badly diseased.

The horse chestnut tree on a triangle of land at the junction of South Avenue, North Avenue and Manor Avenue was held in affection by many residents, often used as a meeting point and where children enjoyed collecting and playing with conkers.

Magna Housing said they had no option but to cut down the tree, after town council works supervisor Pete Williams raised concerns about bleeding canker in the canopy.

LOCAL children enjoyed planting sunflowers in the garden at Lyme Regis Library earlier this month.

The event was supported by environmental group Turn Lyme Green and was followed with some flower-theme crafts inside the library.

This was a free event was aimed at encouraging children to take an interest gardening and learn about the environment around them.

Get close to nature with ‘30 Days Wild’

Plans for new storage at holiday park refused

DORSET Wildlife Trust is inviting everyone to take part in the UK’s biggest nature challenge next month.

The 30 Days Wild challenge will kick off on June 1 with the Big Wild Breakfast – the first of the ‘random acts of wildness’ designed to bring people across Dorset closer to nature every day in June.

Across Dorset, there are so many opportunities to connect with nature, from the Jurassic Coast to chalk streams, forests, heaths and meadows.

To mark the 30 Days Wild Weekend on Saturday, June 18, there will be a series of events at Dorset Wildlife Trust visitor centres, including the opportunity to explore moths at the Kingcombe

THE Newlands Holiday Park at Charmouth has been refused permission to demolish outbuildings and add a steel framed workshop and store.

Char Valley Parish Council objected to the proposals, claiming that the new building would be so close to the road that it would have an impact on the character of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Dorset Council tree officers were also concerned about potential harm to protected ash trees within the grounds of the neighbouring Stonebarrow Manor.

New motorcycle for Dorset’s Blood Bikes IN December 2021, Somerset-based Paul Fahie raised over £3,500 for YFW Blood Bikes, as he drove his favourite 1926 Vintage Morris Cowley around Somerset and Dorset, visiting as many of the hospitals served by the group as possible.

Last week, he topped off his hugely successful fund raising project by handing over the keys for a new Triumph motorbike to Andrew Wiley, chairman of YFW Blood Bikes, which serves South Somerset and Dorset.

The ceremony was held at Haselbury Mill, near Crewkerne, and was attended by more than 80

Lyme Regis named Japanese knotweed hotspot of Dorset LYME Regis has once again been named the Japanese knotweed hotspot of Dorset, with 37 confirmed cases on the invasive plant within a 4k radius of the town.

As the Japanese knotweed growing season gets underway, invasive plant specialist Environet UK has revealed the knotweed hotspots for spring 2022 using data from its interactive online tracker.

For the second consecutive year, Lyme Regis shows the most cases of Japanese knotweed in Dorset, with larger towns including Dorchester, Weymouth, Poole and Bournemouth all

Visitor Centre or take part in the Brownsea Island early bird walk and breakfast.

Find out more on the Dorset Wildlife Trust website.

Last year, a record 760,000 people took part in 30 Days Wild, which is for people of all ages and from all backgrounds – from mums, dads and kids to schools and care homes, participants come from all walks of life.

Last year supporters across the UK completed more than 16 million acts of wildness; the most popular activities were wildlife-watching, eating outdoors, planting wildflower seeds and listening to birdsong.

Former landlord jailed for sexual offences

YFW volunteers, the Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, Annie Maw, and YFW’s life president Cecil Turner, who originally founded the group in 1978.

The bike, which was purchased entirely by funds donated by Paul and his supporters, was accepted onto the fleet joining YFW’s existing fleet of eight bikes, based at Dorchester and Yeovil Hospitals.

Like all Blood Bikes, the new Triumph will have an expected lifespan of four and half years, covering over 100,000 miles and completing more than 2,000 urgent deliveries of medical items.

A FORMER landlord and Axminster sportsman, who played both football and cricket for local clubs, has been jailed for sexually assaulting three barmaids.

Peter Hayball, aged 56, of South Chard, was sentenced to 18 months in prison after standing trial for 13 offences relating to four women. He was cleared of most charges but found guilty of three sexual offences by touching, committed between 2016 and 2018.

The landlord was said to have groped his staff members while attempting to put cash down their bras and making lewd comments.

Bellringers raise funds for Ukraine

EIGHT bellringing teams from across the region recently visited St Peter & St Paul’s Church in Uplyme to ring for Ukraine.

The event raised more than £900 to send to the Red Cross to help those in need amid the Russian invasion.

An additional £350 was added to the total at a cream tea held in The Rectory.

The Reverend Nicky Davies said: “Huge thanks must go to Andy Jarvis our bell-ringing co-ordinator for organising this day.”

Friday, May 27 2022 5

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ALL OVER THE TOWN An ordinary working class woman from Lyme – or that’s what they thought!

B

ACK in 1811 when a 12-year-old Mary Anning dug up that ichthyosaur skeleton, I wonder if she could have comprehended the impact she would have on the world of science, and the thousands she would inspire, not just here in her hometown of Lyme Regis, but right across the globe.

Exactly 223 years after her birth, hundreds converged in Lyme Regis to watch a statue in her honour be unveiled. About time too!

May 21 2022 is now another date that will stick in the history books – the day that Mary Anning finally came home.

I hadn’t really considered how big an event the unveiling would be until the final few days of build up, when rumours suddenly started circulating – “I hear there will be hundreds”, “I hear there will be 2,000”, “I hear David Attenborough is coming”.

In the end I’d say it was several hundred and no sign of Sir David, but plenty of other experts on hand for an afternoon of enlightening speeches before the big reveal.

It was definitely a much harder event to cover on my own than I had anticipated, battling with the large crowds, a snap of regional and news agency photographers (that is the collective noun, I Googled it), and a few hours stood up in the beaming sun.

Suddenly it all seemed worth it when artist Denise Dutton’s bronze depiction of Mary was finally unveiled to huge cheers. I couldn’t help but feel a little proud – an ordinary working

class woman of Lyme Regis, but actually not that ordinary at all, rather remarkable actually, and finally recognised as being so some 200 years later.

I went back down to Gun Cliff Walk a couple of days later to get a closer look and take some more photos, but didn’t expect there to still be so many people queuing up for their time with Mary. She’s definitely a hit!

When it eventually was my turn, I was blown away by the tiny, intricate details – perhaps we should run a competition for how many ammonites appear on the statue?

The day after the unveiling it was back to something a little more traditional in Lyme Regis – the Blessing of the Boats ceremony – an event I am far more practiced in covering.

As always it was a touching and well-organised ceremony to remember all those lost at sea, with the highlight being a clever poem written and confidently delivered without notes by two young girls, Jovi Pritchard and Freya Williamson.

Blessing of the Boats was Cllr Brian Larcombe’s first official event as Mayor of Lyme Regis three years ago, and also his last on Sunday. He took the opportunity to make a heartfelt speech thanking all those in the town who had supported him and wife Wendy during their term in office.

And on Wednesday it was time for new mayor, Cllr Michaela Ellis, to officially take over at the historic mayor-making ceremony.

Held in the Guildhall, this event is steeped in tradition, with lots of being told to stand up, sit down, stand back up, de-robing and

THE PLACE TO BE: WHAT’S that new wooden caravan that has appeared next to the Cobb? It’s the Shoreline Sauna! Making the most of the growing popularity for cold water swimming and trendy saunas, the Shoreline Sauna has arrived in Lyme Regis for summer, offering communal or private sauna sessions with views that are pretty hard to beat. Once you’ve relaxed in temperatures of 60-80 degrees, it’s time for a revitalising dip in the sea! See page 8.

with LymeOnline

editor Francesca Evans

robing of mayors, handing over of chains, very old looking keys... and eventually you get a glass of wine to make the toasts!

I must have attended about 10 mayor makings during my career and made speeches on two or three occasions, but I love to pick out and watch the faces of those who have never been before – they often look unsure if they should be up, down, in or out!

I had bumped into Rob James – creator of Love Lyme Regis and chairman of the Christmas Lights Committee (just one of his many hats) – a few days earlier and he seemed nervous about attending for the first time to make the toast to the town of Lyme Regis.

I must say he had nothing to worry about; his speech received the best reaction of the night as he poked fun at himself and his committee for the accidental ‘gold pants’ theme of last year’s festive illuminations. I’m pretty sure it was the first and last time I’ll ever hear

EVENT YOU CAN’T MISS:

WHERE do we start? The bunting is up and, as mentioned above I have 24 dates in my diary next weekend as we mark Her Majesty’s 70 years on the throne, but if you’re going to pick just one event to attend it has to be the BBC Big Band Orchestra playing on Lyme Regis beach on Sunday, July 5 followed by a spectacular firework display. See page 14 for our special Platinum Jubilee preview and details of all events.

the words “sparkly bras or “twinkling thongs” in the Guildhall!

On a more serious note, many of the speeches shared hopes for a brighter future after the pandemic and current war in Ukraine and cost of living crisis. They called for a united town council to help us through these challenges. Let’s hope those words did not fall on deaf ears.

In the immediate future, we can all look forward to celebrations as we mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee next weekend, which in Lyme Regis also ties in with Jazz Jurassica.

My diary for the four-day Bank Holiday is packed with no less than 24 events to get around in Lyme Regis, Uplyme, Charmouth, Axminster, Seaton and Colyton.

I’m not yet sure I’ll be able to make it to every one, but I’ll do my absolute best to bring you with the most comprehensive jubilee coverage in the area.

IF YOU READ ONE THING:

MY Lyme Regis Football Club family was left heartbroken last week by the sudden passing of stalwart and life-member Ken ‘Cooey’ Hitchcock, so if you read one thing this week, let it be the touching tribute on page 23, written by Philip Evans. Ken was a family man, Lyme Regis through and through, a life-long Seasider who is completely irreplaceable at our club. We will be raising a toast to him tonight at our annual presentation night.

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

6 Friday, May 27 2021

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Huge crowds gather around the statue on the corner of Gun Cliff Walk and Long Entry at the moment of unveiling. Pictured inset, the face of Mary created by sculptor Denise Dutton and cast in bronze (photos by Glenn Patrick)

Crowds can’t get enough of Mary!

Crowds cheer as the much-anticipated statue is finally unveiled. Below from left, actress Lizzie Hopley as Mary Anning (photo by Glenn Patrick), author Tracey Chevalier reads a passage from her book about Mary Anning (photo

by Paul Starck), and Mary Anning Rocks founds Anya Pearson and Evie Swire pose in front of the statue with Professor Alice Roberts

HUNDREDS gathered for the much-anticipated unveiling of a statue of fossil hunter Mary Anning in her hometown of Lyme Regis last weekend.

The statue was unveiled on the corner of Long Entry and Gun Cliff Walk, looking out over where Mary would have many of her greatest discoveries, on Saturday afternoon – exactly 223 years after Mary Anning’s birth – following a long build-up of guest speakers and musical performances.

They included American author Tracy Chevalier, who wrote ‘Remarkable Creatures’ based on Mary Anning’s life; historian of geology and palaeontology Hugh Torrens; earth scientist Dr Anjana Khatwa; palaeontologist, author and pre-

senter Dr Dean Lomax; and researcher and palaeontologist Tori Herridge – all introduced by Mary Anning herself, played by actress Lizzie Hopley.

Performances also came from the Lyme Bay Moonrakers with their ‘Song for Mary’, children from Mrs Ethelston’s Primary School and singersongwriter Iona Lane with a special song she had written inspired by the fossil hunter (as featured in the video above).

Finally, Mary was revealed by special guest – anthropologist, author and TV presenter Professor Alice Roberts – along with mum and daughter duo Anya Pearson and Evie Swire, who launched the Mary Anning Rocks campaign and raised £100,000 for the lasting tribute to Lyme Regis’ most famous daughter.

The bronze statue was created by artist Denise Dutton, and depicts Mary walking towards the beach with her basket and tools in hand and her dog Tray by her feet.

Lyme Regis Museum also held its own celebrations in honour of Mary Anning, opening a new exhibition called ‘Mary Comes Homes’, featuring a portrait of the fossil hunter by Benjamin J. M. Donne that has never before been displayed outside of the Geological Society in London.

The exhibition also features one of Mary’s Ichthyosaurs, found by her and sold in 1832, and ‘The Charmouth Crocodile’, found by Paul Turner and Lizzie Hingley on the beach below Stonebarrow cliff in 2017, following a landslip.

Friday, May 13 2022 7

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Forget singing... it’s all about dancing in the rain!

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Pupils from the Lyme School of Ballet put on a brave face to continue their performance amid torrential downpours and won over the hearts of onlookers under umbrellas (below) Photos by FRANCESCA EVANS POURING rain failed to dampen spirits at the annual May Fete, with many residents still attending the family favourite event despite the weather.

The Anning Road playing field in Lyme Regis was packed with stalls from local organisations, crafts people, food and drink producers, as well as a bouncy castle and bungee trampolines for the kids.

A scaled-back programme of entertainment still went ahead, with the Lyme School of Ballet winning over the crowds as the young dancers insisted going

Lyme Regis Rotarians and fete-goers with the roving T-Rex and, below, local stage performers raise funds for their next ‘Curtain Up’ variety show

Carl Salter entertains with his giant bubbles

ahead amid a torrential downpour.

The Lyme Regis Majorettes and Lyme Luggers ukulele group also performed, while Carl Salter entertained with his giant bubbles and many had their photos taken with the roving T-Rex.

Members of the 1st Lym Valley Scout Group

Luxury Shoreline Sauna opens next to Lyme’s historic Cobb A LUXURY wood-fired mobile sauna opens to the public, next to the historic Cobb in Lyme Regis this week.

The new Shoreline Sauna can be found near to the lifeboat station and harbourmaster’s office – a prime position for spectacular harbour and sea views.

Visitors can warm up in the sauna, with temperatures of 60-80 degree celsius, before taking a dip in the sea or using the cold water buckets to refresh and invigorate.

Lyme Regis residents and operators, Nikki and Janie, decided to create a business with community and wellbeing at its forefront.

They both enjoy swimming in the sea and its many benefits, and so hope to work alongside Lyme’s thriving water sports communities.

The Shoreline Sauna is a space for people to come together and enjoy the many health and well-being benefits associated with saunas and the sea.

As well as being a great way to relax and un-

wind away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, evidence suggests that regular sauna use can reduce stress, improve sleep and soothe aches and pains.

With a growing sauna culture in the UK, Shoreline Sauna was inspired by the Seaside Sauna Haus in nearby Seatown.

Using the best quality materials and drawing inspiration from Victorian bathing machines and beach huts, the new Shoreline Sauna fits perfectly into the traditional British seaside location.

The new sauna will cost £80 per hour for a privately booked session for up to eight people, or communal sessions are available for just £15 an hour to ensure the sauna is accessible for as many residents as possible. Loyalty cards will also be available.

For further information or to book, contact Nikki on 07875204410. email hello@shorelinesauna.co.uk or visit shorelinesauna.co.uk

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Friday, May 27 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

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LYME REGIS TOWN COUNCIL Hopes for the future shared at mayor making MESSAGES of unity, community spirit and hope for the future were shared at the mayor-making ceremony this week.

Cllr Michaela Ellis was officially installed as first citizen of Lyme Regis for the third time at the ancient mayor-making ceremony on Wednesday night.

It was the first time the ceremony had taken place since 2019 due to the pandemic and Cllr Ellis said as someone who believed in the traditions of the town, she was pleased to see its return.

Cllr Ellis will be supported once again by husband Alan as mayor’s consort, with Cllr Cheryl Reynolds taking on the role of deputy mayor for the first time, with husband Alan as deputy mayor’s consort.

Special tribute was paid on the night to Cllr Stan Williams, who passed away in February, by Cllr Ellis and his daughter Anita, who spoke of the prominent part he usually played in mayor-making ceremonies.

Following the official election and installation of Cllr Ellis and Cllr Reynolds, toasts were given to The Queen, the mayor, the town council, the officers and staff and the town of Lyme Regis, with responses given to each toast.

Toasting the mayor, deputy mayor Cllr Reynolds said Cllr Ellis would be a ‘unifying force for this council’ and was ‘for the people, not the politics’, adding: “At local level, that’s what it should be.”

Cllr Reynolds said: “She has never let me down, or indeed this wonder-

ful town of Lyme Regis and all its residents. Michaela is the kind of woman who is experienced, honest, straighttalking and hard-working and has been a mayor most successful on two separate occasions.

“She has qualities I very much admire, one that encourages the council to work together for the good of Lyme Regis, someone passionate at the helm that can be strong and powerful and outstandingly effective.

“She represents the council both inside our town and beyond and she will chair this chamber for the year ahead with honesty and respect. It’s not an easy job but I have seen her do it before.”

In response, Cllr Ellis said: “People always ask what we want to achieve as a town council. No one person in this chamber can do what they want – any idea has to be debated and voted on.

“With my fellow councillors we will hope to achieve the best for our town, our residents and our visitors.

“I am truly honoured and privileged to be given the opportunity to serve as mayor again.”

She also thanked outgoing mayor Cllr Brian Larcombe and wife Wendy for their service over the last three years.

Toasting the town council, Cllr Ellis’s daughter Kelsey, a former town councillor, said she didn’t want to talk about the past, she wanted to look to the future.

She said: “Looking forward, this council needs to look at its role, not just for itself but for the people of

Lyme Regis.”

She spoke about the importance of democracy, adding: “It’s something that cannot take place without debate and debate cannot take place without difference of opinions.

“The success of this council is going to be dependent on people respecting opinions that are different from their own.”

In response, Cllr Richard Doney said it was important to embrace the future.

He said: “We can choose to ignore it but if we do, it will roll over us and leave us behind.”

He said as organisations and individuals emerged from the shroud of Covid-19, they had an opportunity to step up a gear and the council had already adapted to the changing requirements of visitors that provided the town’s economic backbone.

However, he said the council also needed to confront issues of housing and employment, which particularly affected young people.

Cllr Gill Stammers toasted the officers and staff of the council, who she said were a ‘sizeable, hardworking team’.

She said: “The staff have been thrown into new ways of working to ensure their safety and that of the public.”

In response, town clerk John Wright agreed it had been a difficult three years when no-one could have anticipated the implications of Covid19.

He said: “The thing I’m most proud of is the way staff have responded to

The new Mayor of Lyme Regis, Cllr Michaela Ellis, and husband Alan Ellis, with deputy mayor Cllr Cheryl Reynolds and her husband Alan Reynolds, town clerk John Wright and macebearers Heather Britton and Paul Oakley

the change. This is not like a council, this is like a family business, working as one unit.”

Christmas Lights Committee chairman Rob James spoke of the ‘strong sense of community’ in Lyme Regis when he toasted the town and he praised those who were prepared to put the effort in to make Lyme Regis the place it is.

He said: “It makes this town a wonderful place to live.

“What is apparent to me is how much this town is loved, not only by people who live here, but by

people who visit here as well.”

Responding, Cllr Williams’ daughter Anita spoke of the value of volunteering and said she felt heartened by this in a world where things were so troubled with war.

She said: “Those who give their time so freely are what makes this town so special and they should be proud of their achievements.

“The concept of service shines strongly through the town and long may it continue.”

Lyme Regis macebearer honoured as he retires from role LONG-SERVING Lyme Regis macebearer Derek Hallett has been honoured for his service to the town and the council.

Derek, who has served in the civic role for over 20 years, was invited to a Full Council meeting to formally acknowledge his commitment.

Outgoing mayor, Cllr Brian Larcombe, presented Derek with an engraved plaque bearing the town’s coat of arms, as well as voucher for a meal at the Alexandra Hotel for himself and his partner Susanne, who has steadfastly supported Derek in his civic role.

In a purely ceremonial role, the macebearers accompany the mayor on civic duties carrying identical George II silver maces.

Historically, maces were carried by macebearers when in procession with the mayor and were used to defend the first citizen from attack.

The right to appoint two Sergeants of Mace bearing silver gilt maces was made possible when Queen Elizabeth I renewed the town’s charter in 1559.

Derek was appointed as a mace bearer during Ken Dibben’s office as mayor of Lyme

Regis and he has since served five further mayors.

In 2017, following the retirement of Colin Barker, Derek became sergeant of mace.

The mayor also paid tribute to Derek’s service to the council as an employee, having worked as the town’s dog warden for many years, and as a councillor, having served for four years.

Speaking at the Full Council meeting last Wednesday, Cllr Larcombe paid tribute to his ‘incredible service to Lyme Regis and its council’.

He said: “His diligence as dog warden and enforcement is well known – I’d suggest almost legendary. His no-nonsense approach, if I could call it that, firm but fair in our streets and seafront, were better for it and his first priority.

“He gave the same passion and commitment to his mace bearing duties, honouring the tradition and paying respect to the historical position and nature of the role.

“And he gave the same determined approach to his time as a councillor, a role he held with the same conviction and commitment given to council as his employment and mace bearing duties.”

Derek said it had been an ‘honour and a privilege’, having started originally as a stand-in macebearer, then becoming a permanent macebearer and more recently sergeant of mace.

He said: “It’s been a privilege and a wonderful tradition of the town and its council and I’m glad to see it’s all going to go on. Thank you all very much.”

Vacancy for finance assistant

ARE you good with numbers, enthusiastic to learn and looking for opportunities to progress in the workplace?

The council is looking for a full-time finance assistant to join the team on a permanent basis.

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.

We encourage training and development and would love to employ someone who is ambitious and driven to pursue a career in finance.

The closing date for applications is midday on Monday, June 6 and an application pack can be downloaded from www.lymeregistowncouncil.gov.uk/job-vacancies.

For an informal chat and to find out more about the role, contact the finance manager Naomi Cleal on 01297 445175.

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

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The outgoing Mayor and Mayoress of Lyme Regis, Cllr Brian and Wendy Larcombe, the Reverend Chris Martin and representatives of the Royal British Legion and Lyme Regis coastguards (photo by Max Redwood)

Sun shines on Blessing of the Boats ceremony A LARGE crowd gathered at Lyme Regis lifeboat station on Sunday afternoon for the annual Blessing of the Boats.

The ceremony remembers all those lost at sea, and blesses all those who use the harbour for the coming year.

Residents and visitors were welcomed by the Reverend Chris Martin, who led the service, assisted by Alan Vian from Lyme Regis Baptist Church, who led the prayers.

The Mayor of Lyme Regis, Cllr Brian Larcombe MBE, read the lesson as his last official duty before stepping down and resigning from the town council this week.

Hymns and the national anthem were accompanied by Lyme Regis Town Band and the Lyme Bay Moonrakers shanty singers provided further musical entertainment.

A highlight of the ceremony was a clever poem about Lyme’s connection with the sea, written and delivered by youngsters Jovi Pritchard and Freya Williamson.

The Reverend Martin carried out the blessing, and floral wreaths were then passed down the slipway by members of Lyme’s seafaring organisations and the Royal British Legion.

They were then placed on the lifeboat and taken out to sea.

The outgoing Mayor of Lyme Regis, Cllr Brian Larcombe MBE, pictured with wife Wendy and members of the lifeboat crew, made a heartfelt speech at the end of the service thanking all those who had supported him during in three years in office (photo by Max Redwood)

Jovi Pritchard and Freya Williamson deliver their poem about Lyme’s connection with the sea

Representatives of the lifeboat crew, Royal British Legion and Lyme’s seafaring organisations lined the seafront to pass floral wreaths down to the sea

The Lyme Bay Moonrakers shanty singing group. Below, an aerial shot of the floral wreaths being laid at sea by the lifeboat crew (photo by Max Redwood)

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PROMOTED CONTENT

LYME REGIS DEVELOPMENT TRUST Supporting and meeting the needs of our community Lyme Regis Development Trust (LRDT) is a well-established local community charity which was formed in 1998 following the UK Government Planning for Real Community consultation.

We have a rich history of fundraising for local projects including raising funds to refurbish the local malthouse, and substantial investment in expanding and refurbishing the old St Michael's School.

Over the years we have changed immeasurably and our current offering more reflects the needs of our community.

We don’t often shout about what we do, but below you will find the details of some of our projects.

If you have an idea for something new, or just want help with finding funding for a community project, please get in touch as our team would be more than happy to help. Equally if you are interested in volunteering with us, please get in touch on 01297 445021.

Photo by Si Emmett

LYME BAY RADIO

After a rocky start (just our luck – we launched just before the Covid pandemic hit), the radio continues to go from strength to strength and our live shows regularly attract over 5000 listeners in the Lyme Bay area, which is no mean feat as we are online only.

excited about what is the future for our local radio station.

With shows have a diverse range of programming that reflects the Lyme Bay area, but we are always on the look out for more ideas and definitely more presenters.

LYME BAY RADIO NEEDS YOU! Through three lockdowns, we have created a jam packed radio schedule of over 20 radio shows and a fantastic assortment of local talent in our presenters. We are incredibly proud of how far we have come and super

Age is no bar to presenting (our youngest presenter is 15 and our oldest is nearly 70), so if you have a passion for music, community or believe you have a great idea for a radio show, get in touch.

None of our team have ever had any presenting experi-

ence but some have gone on to present for commercial radio stations, and we are pleased that we have been able to help launch their radio careers.

Contact studio@lymebayradio.com for more details or call us on 01297 445021 How do you Listen to Lyme Bay Radio? Simply log on to www.lymebayradio.com and click on ‘Listen Live’. We are also listed on the MyTuner app (available on IOS and Android), and we will be available on Alexa enabled devices later this year.

COASTAL COMMUNITY CUPBOARD

Coastal Community Cupboard (CCC) began life in February 2021 after LRDT identified the need to develop more community-based health and wellbeing projects, a vision shared by CCC founders Lisa Charleton and Mary Ward.

Their first initiative, Soup ‘n’ Soul, was a simple, free delivery of soup and bread. Designed to provide both food and social contact, it delivered to over 70 residents each week during the lockdown.

Following this success the Seaside Store was born in June last year. Operating as a social supermarket, this not-for-profit project sources surplus, supermarket produce from national charity Fareshare.

Each week over 100kgs of produce is purchased and, along with a store cupboard of everyday items, is made available to members for a very modest cost, with all the fresh produce being completely free. This is perfectly good, edible produce that would otherwise find its way into landfill.

The store is a huge help to members who may be struggling financially whilst at the same time reducing the enormous amount of food waste every week. All the money taken goes back into keeping the store stocked and it continues to be in demand with almost two hundred members currently signed up.

Also operating in Charmouth, Cake & Cuppa started in summer 2021. Based in the Village Hall in Charmouth, this is another simple project aimed at encouraging people to re-engage with village life, have a good old natter whilst enjoying a free cup of tea and homemade cake. This currently operates fortnightly and has been very popular.

The latest project undertaken by CCC has seen the re-opening of The Old School House Community Café in the Hub, Lyme Regis which aims to provide simple, good quality but affordable food in an environment where people feel valued and encouraged to meet and interact with others. The café is open Thursday and Friday from 9.30am to 1.30pm and everyone is welcome!

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Friday, May 27 2022 13

COMMUNITY WORKSHOP Lyme Regis Community Workshop is open to all! Since opening in 2020, the Lyme Regis Community Workshop in Church Street, Lyme Regis, has gone from strength to strength, providing a space for the local community to learn and share woodworking skills.

Although the project was set up by Lyme Regis Development Trust, it was built, and is run, entirely by volunteers. With a generous donation of £3,500 of brand new machinery from Axminster Power Tools, the workshop is fully equipped to complete woodturning and carpentry projects for beginners right through to intermediate, possibly even professional standard.

Starting at just £5 for a taster session and with a maximum of 2 students per class, the welcoming environment is a space for anyone interested in learning or improving their skills and provides the opportunity to meet people and work on projects together.

With a range of classes for the complete novice to those with a little more experience, the workshop gives access to all the professional teachers, tools and equipment you will need for your project.

Choose from a range of sessions and courses from beginners and advanced woodturning, CNC Router sessions, to

basic and intermediate carpentry skills.

Our community workshop encourages anybody with an interest to come along and be part of it.

WOODWORKING FOR WELLBEING Did you know that learning a new skills can be beneficial to our mental health and wellbeing? If we keep learning through our adult lives it can increase our self-esteem, encourage social interaction, and a give us a better ability to cope with stress.

Get in touch by emailing lymeregisworkshop@gmail.com or call us on 01297 445021.

YOUTH CLUB

James and Jess would like to welcome you our local young people to the 13 years plus session on Friday nights, 7pm to 9pm at The Hub, Church Street.

If your child/young person has never been before, they can just show up on the night, Jess and James (our Youth Club Leaders) will be here to welcome them and help them fill in a membership

form to join our fun and relaxed sessions.

We have a great space to let off steam, meet new friends and generally get away from the pressures of school life.

Activities vary from basketball, table tennis, dodgeball through to gaming using our PS4 and Xbox. We also have indoor skateboarding on some nights as well.

Did you know we also help run the following groups...

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jubilee special

YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE PLATINUM JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS!

A

WEEKEND of spectacular events in Lyme Regis will mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June.

Plans are coming together for an exciting programme of music, entertainment and community celebration to honour The Queen’s 70 years of service to the country and Commonwealth.

Over the weekend of June 2 to 5, Lyme Regis will join the nation in marking the historic occasion, with a big finale event on Sunday, June 5.

The events are being hosted by Lyme Regis Town Council, in partnership with Lyme Regis Regatta and Carnival Committee, Jazz Jurassica and the Marine Theatre.

The celebrations begin on Thursday, June 2 with a torchlight procession, when the glow of more than 300 blazing torches will illuminate the Langmoor and Lister Gardens as the sun sets.

Led by the mayor and the town crier, the procession will move through the seafront gardens and onto the beach to make a spectacular ring of fire.

As darkness falls, the mayor will be escorted to the harbour’s north wall to set the town’s beacon ablaze.

Entertainment will come across the weekend from Jazz Jurassica, which opens on Thursday, June 2 and features performances at the Marine Theatre and free open-air concerts on the

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seafront.

Sunday, June 5 is the main event of the Platinum Jubilee weekend, starting with the Jubilee Picnic in the seafront gardens in the late afternoon.

The public are invited to bring their own picnics to enjoy with a view of Lyme Bay, while being entertained by local performers on the seafront rooftop.

Music will come from the talented young musicians of B Sharp and the traditional brass strains of Lyme Regis Town Band, as well as dancing from Lyme Morris.

As evening falls, all attention will turn to the main stage on the beach, where the spectacular BBC Big Band will perform.

The orchestra comprises of 18 or more musicians, including a full brass section and vocalists, in full black tie, playing a wide repertoire of genres, from Rat Pack, to swing and Last Night at the Proms.

There will, of course, be some rousing British songs to celebrate the occasion, including the National Anthem to close the evening.

Following the BBC Big Band’s performance, a magnificent fireworks display over the Cobb will round off the weekend’s celebrations with a bang.

Cllr David Sarson, chairman of the council’s Queen’s Platinum Jubilee working group, said: “This is set to be a truly spectacular weekend of celebrations in Lyme Regis.

“We believe the events will be a fitting way to mark this historic occasion and honour the remarkable service The Queen has given to this country.

“Earlier in the year the town council planted more than 70 new trees in Lyme Regis in a scheme called the Queen’s Green Canopy. Those trees will create a legacy in honour of The Queen’s leadership of the nation, which will benefit future generations.

“We hope the celebrations on the weekend of June 2 to 5 will also be remembered for many years to come and provide lasting memories of this once-in-a-lifetime occasion for Britain’s longest reigning Monarch.”

Other events in Lyme Regis will include a jubilee cream tea for the over 70s on Wednesday, June 1, a jubilee bingo night on Friday, June 3, and children’s activities at Lyme Regis Library.

Uplyme will be hosting a jubilee picnic party on the King George V playing field from 2pm on Sunday, June 5 and a flower festival will be held in the village church across the jubilee weekend.

Charmouth will be hosting a 1950s theme jubilee tea party for its senior citizens on Wednesday, June 1, as well as taking part in the national lighting of beacons on the evening on Thursday, June 2. See our Jubilee Diary Dates column to the right for full details of all events.

And don’t forget Jazz Jurassica!

JUNE 2nd - 5th Adding to the celebratory atmosphere over the jubilee weekend, Jazz Jurassica is back with a stella line-up of live music. Tickets for headline acts at the Marine Theatre are available from jazzjurassica.co.uk but there is also a full programme of free concerts on the seafront – don’t miss it!

Jubilee diary dates

Monday, May 30

Children’s Craft Jubilee Special Lyme Regis Library, 2pm to 5pm A fun afternoon of royal themed craft activities. Free, drop in event, open to all. For details call 01297 443151.

Wednesday, June 1

Over 70s Jubilee Cream Tea Woodmead Halls, 2pm The Over 70s Christmas Lunch Committee host this special jubilee cream tea. Last minute tickets may still be available by calling 01297 443942.

LEGO Club Jubilee Special Lyme Regis Library, 2pm to 5pm An afternoon of royal themed building with bricks. All welcome, suitable for ages five and above. For details call 01297 443151.

1950s Jubilee Tea Party Charmouth Village Hall, 2pm This party is for residents of Charmouth over the age of 50. They are welcome to dress in 1950s style clothes for music, coronation chicken, trifle, bubbles and lots more.

The Lyme Bay Moonrakers will be singing sea shanties and lead the national anthem.

Thursday, June 2

The Queen’s Jubilee Flower Festival Uplyme Church, 9am to dusk Uplyme Church celebrates the jubilee with a flower festival, with all proceeds going towards repair of the church clock and Uplyme Church Flower Group. Refreshments available. Open everyday until June 5.

Jubilee Torchlight Procession & Beacon Lighting Langmoor Gardens, 9.30pm Join in this iconic event as participants walk with flaming torches through Langmoor Gardens down to the seafront and on to the sandy beach, followed by the lighting of a beacon on North Wall by the Mayor of Lyme Regis. Reserve your torches at lymeregiscarnival.co.uk/platinumjubileetorchlight Jubilee Beacon Lighting Charmouth Beach, 9.45pm Charmouth joins the national lighting of beacons on the beach, organised by Charmouth Parish Council.

Friday, June 3

Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Bingo Woodmead Halls, 8pm Grab a dabber, eyes down for a special jubilee themed bingo. All proceeds to local community groups.

Sunday, June 5

Songs of Praise Service St Michael’s Parish Church, 11am A special jubilee service with songs accompanied by Lyme Regis Town Band and the Mayor of Lyme Regis and councillors in attendance.

Uplyme Jubilee Party King George V Playing Field, 2pm A village party to celebrate the Queen's 70th jubilee and a chance to get together with friends old and new. Bring your picnic to the field and enjoy the activities, music and competitions laid on for your amusement!

Jubilee Picnic in the Gardens Langmoor Gardens, 4pm Grab a picnic and join with friends and family to enjoy an al fresco lunch in the Langmoor and Lister Gardens, with entertainment from Lyme Regis Town Band, B Sharp and Lyme Morris.

BBC Big Band Orchestra Lyme Regis Beach, 7.30pm A spectacular open-air performance by the BBC Big Band, comprising 18 or more musicians, including a full brass section and vocalists, in full black tie, playing a wide repertoire of genres, from rat pack, to swing and Last Night at the Proms.

Jubilee Fireworks Display The Cobb, 10pm Rounding off the jubilee celebrations will be a spectacular fireworks display, best viewed from the beach, seafront or Langmoor and Lister Gardens.

Friday, May 27 2022 15

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MARINE THEATRE LYME REGIS

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MARK THOMAS AS THURSDAY 7 JUL J Y £13

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LYME REGIS BIG B BEER FESTIVAL 22 - 23 JULY £5

TICKETS: BRIDPORT TOUR RIST INFORMATION CENTRE, MARINETHEA THEATRE.COM, 01308 424901 AND THE MARINE THEATRE ON MONDAY OR FRIDAY MORNING .

Booking fee may apply. 10% off for members.

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

Marine to host first beer festival in four years AFTER a three year hiatus, Lyme Regis Beer Festival is returning to the Marine Theatre – a hearty celebration of beer and music by the sea.

Lyme Regis Brewery is gathering a selection of the finest craft beers from around the region, with more than 20 cask ales and kegged beers covering all tastes and styles.

As well as beer, organisers are celebrating a wealth of musical talent within the area, with a few special headliners from further afield. Irish, reggae, gypsy, covers, sea shanties, and even Morris dancing – there will be music to suit all.

Musical highlights include The Barefoot Bandit – a sparkly new-wave reggae and dub band based in Devon. Their noise comprises of an blend of modern roots reggae, bass-heavy riddims, deep dark dub and spine-tingling brass lines.

They’ve played packed-out shows at venues such as Electric Ballroom in Camden, and Princess Pavilions in Falmouth.

Hazaar will also be playing on the Saturday.

Renowned for playing sets bursting with charac-

What’s on 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.

Disco Night The Nag’s Head, 8.30pm Monthly DJ sets at the Nag’s Head, featuring nu-disco, house and pop music.

Sunday, May 29

The Sunday Sessions Marine Theatre, 2.30pm This regular free entry event is the Marine’s dedicated time to promote quality live music.

Enjoy local drinks and the best musicians. If you’d like to play, just turn up!

Live Music Sunday The Nag’s Head, 4pm Monthly live afternoon at The Nag’s Head from 4pm.

Tuesday, May 31

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

Wednesday, June 1

Stars and Sails Marine Theatre, 2pm Explore the sea through songs, sights and stories in this celebrated new live theatre show. Tickets £10 for adults, £8 for children for £25 for families available at marinetheatre.com

ter, Hazaar bring big klezmer party sounds to those who love to dance on-the-edge.

They play unique arrangements fusing traditional eastern European tunes with elements of funk, dub, pop, rock and jazz.

Several local acts from the area will also make an appearance celebrating the town's traditions, including Lyme Morris, Chantry Buoys, and The Jurassix. Food will be served by local street food outfits.

Marine Theatre director Gabby Rabbits said: “Our aim is to get the community together to try and taste the amazing food and drink we have on our doorstep, and to celebrate all the wonderful musicians we have in this local area.”

The festival begins at 5pm on Friday, July 22 and 1pm on Saturday, July 23. Tickets are available from £5 at marinetheatre.com.

It will come just a week after Lyme Regis Football Club’s Sausage & Cider Festival, which will be held at the Davey Fort ground in Charmouth Road from 2pm on Saturday, July 16.

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

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, June 2

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

Lyme Regis Community Bingo Woodmead Halls, 8pm Bingo night every Thursday, raising funds for local organisations which are members of Lyme Regis Community Bingo Association. Doors open 7.30pm, eyes down 8pm.

Thursday, June 2 Sunday, June 5

Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations & Jazz Jurassica See our jubilee special on page 14 for all diary dates over the extended Bank Holiday weekend.

Friday, June 3

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, June 4

Live Music Night The Nag’s Head, 9pm

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

Wednesday, June 8

The Shanty Sessions Marine Theatre, 7.30pm Local group The Chantry Buoys sing traditional sea shanties and other well known songs. Join them alongside special guests in the Marine’s upstairs bar that overlooks the sea.

Thursday, June 9

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.

Martin and Eliza Carthy Marine Theatre, 7pm The good Doctor Martin Carthy and his twice Mercury nominated daughter Eliza Carthy, join forces to perform songs. Tickets £20 from 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, June 10

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.

Former Home Secretary to speak at new crime and thriller festival FORMER Home Secretary Alan Johnson will lead guest speakers at a new crime and thriller festival – Lyme Crime.

Mr Johnson (pictured top right), who served in Tony Blair’s government, will be talking about his first thriller ‘The Last Train to Gypsy Hill’. He will be in conversation with Sunday Times bestselling crime writer, Harriet Tyce, at 6.30pm on Saturday, June 25, at the Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis.

Mr Johnson’s contemporary thriller has been described as fast paced, elegantly written and warm hearted.

The former politician, who served as both Home Secretary and Secretary of State for Health, is already an acclaimed author.

His childhood memoir, ‘This Boy’, published in 2013, won the Royal Society of Literature Ondaatje Prize, and the Orwell Prize, Britain's top political writing award. The second and third volumes were also prize winners.

“It’s a huge honour to welcome Alan Johnson to our inaugural festival,” said Paddy Magrane, director of Lyme Crime.

“He has an extraordinary hinterland as a senior politician and a deep love of crime fiction. It will be fascinating hearing how he’s brought those two worlds together with his new thriller, which I know is infused with authentic and credible detail about espionage and security” One of the UK’s leading forensic scientists will also be among the top speakers at the festival.

Angela Gallop CBE (pictured bottom right) is a practising forensic scientist for with more than 45 years of experience. She personally oversaw the cases of Rachel Nickell, Damilola Taylor, Roberto Calvi and Stephen Lawrence.

She will be discussing her latest book, ‘How To Solve A Crime’, which reveals the ways in which criminals, however skilled, always leave a trace.

Angela joins an amazing line-up of crime writers at the new festival, taking place from June 23 to 25 at the Marine Theatre.

Panellists will include Nicci French, Erin Kelly, Fiona Cummins, Heidi Perks, Laura ShepherdRobinson, Harriet Tyce, Antonia Hodgson, Abir

Mukherjee and Laurence Anholt.

Charlotte Philby will also be attending to speak about her new novel, ‘Edith and Kim’, which looks at the relationship between her double-agent grandfather Kim and Soviet spy, Edith Tudor-Hart.

For more details and to buy tickets, visit www.lymecrime.co.uk

Friday, May 27 2022 17

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NEWS FROM AXMINSTER | SEATON | COLYTON | BEER ■ THE popular Eats Boutique markets already established in Seaton and Sidmouth will expand into Axminster this summer.

Unique Boutique Events are looking forward to bringing their pop-up street food markets to Axminster, where they will be based outside the town's Guildhall.

Guildhall manager Leigh Conley said: "Unique Boutique Events are super excited to bring their pop up street food markets to Axminster this summer. If you're been to Seaton Eats Boutique you'll know that they offer free-to-access evening street food markets in beautiful places.

"Come and join them in front of Axminster Guildhall where you will find freshly-prepared, global street food under the gaze of the green hills, or take your picnic over to Minster Green or inside the Guildhall, where there's plenty of space to meet friends and enjoy flavours from afar right here on your doorstep."

Axminster Eats Boutique will run from 4pm to 8.30pm on Friday, July 22 and Friday, August 26.

Organisers are working in partnership with the Guildhall, which will be opening its doors after the market for a free evening of live 50s and 60s pop, rock 'n' roll with local group Silver Lining Band and a bar to ensure that the party atmosphere continues well into the night!

■ AXMINSTER based charity, Project Food, has launched new dates for their popular Cooking Made Easy groups in Axminster and Seaton.

Funded by the Seaton Hospital League of Friends, the Seaton group will continue to meet at The Marshlands Centre, Harbour Road, on the second Friday of each month from 11am until 1pm.

The Axminster group, supported by NHS Property Services, will meet at the charity HQ in Axminster Hospital Kitchens on the fourth Thursday of the month starting on June 23, from 11am until 1pm.

Kerry Morgan from Project Food said: "Many people across East Devon struggle to eat well, for various reasons. Our groups aim to bring people together to develop skills and confidence in the kitchen and improve their mental and physical well-being and of course, learn to cook new meals. |We are delighted to be able to continue the groups in Axminster and Seaton."

The Cooking Made Easy groups offer a cooking demonstration and lunch and are completely free to join. The charity also offers a wide range of free support services, such as fruit and vegetable boxes, one-to-one cooking classes, recipe boxes, and after school and holiday clubs.

A full list of dates is available on the Project Food website www.project-food.org.uk To book your place or for more information on either group, call 01297 631782 or email info@project-food.org.uk ■ EAST Devon District Council has approved plans for a new roof at Axminster Library.

No objections were raised to plans to install a replacement felt roof on the South Street building with upgraded insulation.

The new roof will reduce the building's carbon footprint, and will see the current corrugated asbestos roof to the rear of the building replaced, along with corrugated asbestos cladding to the end gable.

The library was built in 1971 and is not listed.

The alterations will not change its appearance from the front of the building, but will make the facility more thermally efficient and sustainable.

The work is expected to be carried out in June.

Leader and chair of East Devon District Council both re-elected for another year BOTH the leader and chair of East Devon District Council has been re-elected to serve another year.

Author and former TV producer Cllr Paul Arnott (pictured top right), from Colyton, was re-elected as leader.

He has served as leader of the council since May 2020 and has been a district councillor since 2019. He also serves on Colyton Parish Council.

Though elections for seats on the district council take place every four years, the position of leader is chosen by councillors annually.

In 2021 Cllr Arnott had to fend off Conservative candidate councillor Colin Brown ( Dunkeswell and Otterhead), winning by 29 votes to 21.

The process was much more straightforward this year with no other candidates coming forward.

Cllr Arnott leads the council through a coalition called the Democratic Alliance Group.

This alliance consists of independent councillors who are part of the East Devon Alliance, of which Cllr Arnott is a member, other independents who are not part of a group, plus Liberal Democrats and Greens.

The council's two Labour members were part of the coalition until earlier this year.

Cllr Arnott was re-elected at the council's annual meeting.

Speaking after the vote he thanked officers and coalition members for their work on Cranbrook, adding: "We so understand the frustrations of the people, and of the three members elected to this chamber to represent their interests.

"They have shown faith in us, and in return we will continue to deliver for them this year."

He continued: "All the good stuff we want to do to improve the quality of life for the people of East Devon is always – always – underpinned by economic rationale.

"I have been very pleased that the analytical work we have undertaken regarding our key tourism sector, our entertainment and cultural sectors, and the many challenges facing sport and leisure, are all based on how we can create growth, or reallocate funding thoughtfully to face the economic challenges."

He said that in the coming year his administration would focus on linking up "buzzing communities in places like Axminster, Honiton, Ottery St Mary, Seaton and Sidmouth" and helping to

JOE IVES

Local Democracy Reporting Service address the housing shortage facing East Devon.

He said the council had been taking "strong action" against climate change but must do more and push towards "fully joined-up policy and engagement" on the issue.

Cllr Arnott also warned that it would be a "massive challenge" to weather rising inflation while keeping the council's key projects and services on track, especially with limited support from government.

Cllr Ian Thomas, was also re-elected to continue as chair of East Devon District Council, having been described as "forward-thinking and professional".

Independent Cllr Thomas (pictured bottom right) has represented the Trinity ward, which includes Uplyme, Rousdon and Combine, and Axmouth, since 2015.

Cllr Chris Wright (Independent, Exmouth Littleham), who made the nomination, said: "Cllr Thomas has, in my opinion, undertaken the role of chair in this last year with integrity, skill and a firm but fair approach across the political divide.

"Forward-thinking, professional and I believe truly independent, I know Ian is respected by officers and fellow councillors and has been a credit to the council beyond the four corners of a conventional meeting room or, more often, via a live-streamed event, ensuring the business of the council is undertaken in a timely and effective manner."

Cllr Jess Bailey (Independent, West Hill and Aylesbeare), who seconded the nomination, said that Cllr Thomas had been an "excellent" chair over the last year.

She continued: "He's always struck the right balance between being firm and fair as chair.

"He's reasonable and experienced and I think he would make an excellent chair for the forthcoming year."

Following his selection, Cllr Thomas thanked councillors for their support and said he looked forward to working with councillors across the political spectrum "in what is going to be an interesting, entertaining and possibly challenging year".

Councillor Val Ranger (Democratic Alliance Group, Newton Poppleford and Harpford) was reappointed as the council's vice chair.

Axminster celebrates 110 years of Scouting THE 1st Axminster Scout Group recently celebrated their 110 years of Scouting in the town with a barbecue party and awards ceremony.

The Beavers, Cubs and Scouts enjoyed glorious weather for a range of activities at the Widepost Lane Scout Hut – their headquarters since the inauguration of the group.

The event was attended by the Mayor of Axminster, Cllr Jill Farrow, who presented a number of gold and silver Scouting awards to members.

Members of Axminster & District Lions Club also attended the celebrations to present a special award to Scout member Kate Somers, who earned the club's gold award

by completing 101 hours of voluntary work for the 1st Axminster Scout Group and other local organisations, despite the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic over the past two years.

Kate has helped with the Beavers – aged six to eight years – and also completed her young Scout leader training, which has various modules including first aid, behaviour management and programme planning.

Kate has also assisted at sleepovers and provided support during our meetings by organising games and activities.

She was presented with the Lions Club gold award badge and certificate by Axminster branch president Beverly Love.

The Mayor of Axminster, Cllr Jill Farrow, pictured with members of the 1st Axminster Scout Group after presenting them with awards

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axevalleynews

Friday, May 27 2022 19

NEWS FROM AXMINSTER | SEATON | COLYTON | BEER

Seaton’s new beat manager Seaton Carnival procession is back! outlines priorities for future PC Sam Parfett has outlined his future priorities having recently been assigned to Seaton Police Station.

Having previously served in the Royal Navy for six years, the last three of which he was a Naval police officer, Sam joined the Devon & Cornwall force initially in Exeter, and then Honiton, as part of the response team.

He was appointed as one of two new beat managers in Seaton in March, with the second due to arrive in June, joining long-serving Police Community Support Officer Mike McGauley.

PC Parfett said he is enjoying his new role, which he says is more focussed on the long-term, taking pro-active action, working in partnership with other people and engaging with the community, rather than responding to emergency incidents as in his previous roles.

He said: "I know that people like to see a police officer on foot and it is one of my main aims to be able to walk into town and for people to know me, to feel like they can approach me and speak to me."

PC Parfett has outlined the Seaton's teams

three main areas of focus.

These include anti-social driving and vehicle offences, as well as general anti-social behaviour.

He said the previous team had done a great job in working with specific, known individuals to reduce the amount of anti-social behaviour in the area, and he wanted to build on this by further engaging with the community and working with young people.

The third priority for the Seaton team is drug possession and supply. PC Parfett said he does not believe this to be a huge problem in Seaton, but it does affect all areas and the team will be working on nationwide issues such as County Lines drug dealing.

Sam and his colleagues cover the Seaton town and Seaton rural areas, stretching as far as Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary, Farway, Northleigh and Southleigh, and Rousdon and Combpyne.

This means they also deal with a lot of rural and farm related incidents, with PC Parfett being a trained rural advisor, meaning he can help with livestock offences, plant and vehicle theft, and promotes the Farm Watch scheme.

SEATON’S illuminated carnival procession will return this year, set to kick off the East Devon circuit on Saturday, September 3.

All of East Devon's autumn carnival processions were called off last year, as the COVID19 pandemic meant that carnival clubs across the area were unable to meet up to prepare their floats, which can take months of work.

But carnival season is set to return in all its glory this year, with Seaton kicking off the celebrations.

Seaton Carnival Week will start over the August Bank Holiday weekend with the crowning of the Carnival Queen followed by a week of varied events, shows and activities.

The week will culminate with the illuminated carnival procession on Saturday, September 3, starting at 8pm, which will see town centre streets closed to traffic.

Many floats will be illuminated with thou-

sands of light bulbs, joined by costumed walking entries, many of whom are also lit up with lights attached to their costumes, majorette troupes and street bands, motorcycle outriders and local clubs and organisations.

Musical Marathon in aid of Ukrainian Disaster Fund THE Gateway Theatre in Seaton is hosting a ‘Musical Marathon’ in aid of the Ukrainian Disaster Fund on Sunday, May 29.

Organised by local musician Edward Jacobs, the concert will feature professional and semi-professional musicians, vocalists and members of the Jurassic Coast and Axe Valley choirs.

Band members from Trichord and The

Honey Pot will also feature, plus relaxing instrumental interludes – there will be something for everyone!

The marathon four-hour concert will be held on Sunday, May 29 from 12.30pm to 4.30pm. No tickets are required – just turn up but please donate generously to the Ukrainian Disaster Fund. The bar will also be open.

Local resident taking on Edinburgh Marathon for Axminster charity Arc AXMINSTER resident James Whetlor will be running the Edinburgh Marathon this week for local mental health and counselling charity Arc. James will be taking on the 26-mile challenge on Sunday and has been training hard with regular runs on hilly routes around the Axminster area.

He said: "I did the Amsterdam marathon on October and loved it so I thought Id do another before me knees give out. At 45, I'm not sure how much longer I've got!

"I wanted to run for Arc because its a small, local charity that does amazing work. One in four residents have used the service and, as we all begin to understand the importance of mental health better, it has and continues to play a very important role in the well being of the town."

A spokesperson for Arc added: "We are so grateful to James Whetlor. Arc has provided help and support to some of his closest friends at a time when they really needed it and he will always be grateful for that.

"Many of you may have seen him as he trains by running out through Membury. Its pretty hilly!

But it should stand him in good stead for the fairly flat Edinburgh route."

You can support James via his JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jameswhetlor2 Arc provides easily accessible, flexible, local counselling and psychotherapy at the heart of the community.

A national network of hyperlocal news websites, now covering the Axminster & Seaton areas With editorial content provided by the team from LymeOnline

Visit our websites at

The service supports the personal recovery of local patients registered at Axminster Medical Practice, who are seeking help through times of profound change, trauma and loss.

For more details visit www.arcaxminster.org

See the Axminster and Seaton Nub News websites for full details on jubilee events in the Axe Valley

axminster.nub.news and seaton.nub.news And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with all the latest local news

20 Friday, May 27 2022

FLASHBACKS with Richard Austin

www.lyme-online.co.uk

Tales from behind the lens of our award-winning photographer

jubilee special

■ THERE’S nothing quite like standing out in a crowd, which is exactly what Her Majesty did when she lined up for an historic picture at the Poole RNLI headquarters opening in 2004.

Alongside her was her husband, Prince Phillip, and the Duke of Kent. There were slight sniggers and I think it was the Prince who said something amusing, as he very often did; it could have been that the two male royals were the only ones not wearing a hat.

I can’t believe it was 18 years ago. This year, we celebrate Her Royal Highness for being our Queen for 70 years.

It was 35 years ago wen I first photographed the Queen and have done so in various places since.

The first time was when she visited Taunton and I was commissioned to photograph the occasion for a double page spread in the next day’s newspapers.

Problem was I was due to sign contracts and move into

our house in Dolphin Close the same day. The lady we bought the house from was Mrs Hazle; she heard of the dilemma I was in and said we could move in the day before, “but don’t mention it to anyone.”

I had know idea how much trouble that could have caused (legally) and got an ear-wagging from my solicitor when I eventually told him. I blamed it all on the Queen, not that I told her!

Happy Platinum Jubilee, your Royal Highness.

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

Friday, May 27 2022 21

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22 Friday, May 27 2022

ITEMS TO SELL?

You can advertise items for sale up to £200 free by filling in the form below or emailing francesca@lyme-online.co.uk

Please note this service is only for private sellers, not for commercial items, tradespeople or vehicles. Please include a brief description of your item, the cost and a telephone number where a buyer may contact you.

If you wish to advertise an item over £200 your advertisement will cost 10p per word, please email or phone us to arrange payment. Please also include your name and address, although this will not be published.

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ELECTRICAL OIL HEATER, brand new, 10 fin, £35 or nearest offer - 07931 498 276.

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Ever fancied a paper round?

LymeOnline is looking for more volunteers to deliver newspapers in their own street or area Due to the financial effects of COVID-19, we have changed the way we distribute the LymeOnline newspaper and are now looking for more volunteers to deliver the fortnightly newspaper to their neighbours.

WHY VOLUNTEER? Catch up with all the latest local news Get to know your neighbours Enjoy some regular exercise Help supporrtt this non-profit community newspaper

If you would be interested in volunteering, call Francesca Evans on 07810 221 420 for more details

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LymeOnline Sport

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

PHILIP EVANS pays tribute to a legend at Lyme Regis Football Club

There will never be another Cooey W

HEN a great character departs this mortal coil, we often say: “There will never be another one like him.”

If ever there was a man who deserved this reaction, it was Ken Hitchcock.

There can be no doubting that there will never be another ‘Cooey’, his affectionate nickname we always used. Always ‘Cooey’; rarely Ken. His sudden death after a short illness last week shocked all who knew and loved him.

Although nearing his 81st birthday, we thought he was indestructible.

When we heard he had been rushed to hospital and was seriously ill, our immediate thoughts were: “He’s always been a fighter, he’ll pull through”.

Our first thoughts of course, went to his family: Betty, his wife of more than 50 years, his three football-mad sons, Andrew, Gerard and Matthew, daughter Catherine and his grandchildren.

Then there was his second family - Lyme Regis Football Club which has a great family tradition, and no family has done more over a period not far off 70 years than the Hitchcocks.

Ken started playing for the Seasiders as a teenager. When his playing days were over, he committed the rest of his life to working behind the scenes to make Lyme Regis FC one of the most successful and admired clubs in the region.

Ken was never one to serve on committees.

He was a doer, not a talker, and his commitment has seen our club grow from an inadequate pitch with a small shed to change in to having some of the best facilities in local football.

After his retirement as one of Lyme Regis Town Council’s outside staff, Ken visited the Davey Fort, acting as unofficial caretaker, virtually every day of his life. No task was too trivial and he took great pride in keeping our clubhouse in pristine condition.

His importance to the club was probably underestimated because he was always present, especially on match days when he religiously followed the Lyme teams, home and away, and became a hugely popular character in local football.

He was a man of few words apart from during matches when he rarely held back in his opinion of referees. But there was never any malice in his colourful observations.

I knew Ken practically all of my life, having lived just around the corner from his family for many years.

One early memory I shall never forget.

When he was in his late teens he was one of a number of young Lyme men who acquired a motorbike. On one occasion, when I was around eight or nine, he asked me if I wanted a ride on his powerful bike. He took me a on trip around the council estate, taking corners

like he was in a grand prix. It frightened me to death and I have not sat on a motorbike since.

As my brother was around the same age as Ken, I started playing knock-about football games on Anning Road playing field. If the field was too wet, we would play on Cobb beach and Ken would always be in goal set up against the Cobb walls. Often the ball went into the sea and Ken always jumped in to retrieve it.

I played my first game for Lyme Reserves when I was 14. The match was played at Donyatt and we changed in a chicken run at the back of the village pub. The landlord would remove all the hens out of the hut and place a wooden bench and a tin bath to wash in after the game. No hot showers in those days.

There were strict rules for washing - hands and face first. It poured down with rain throughout the game but two minutes before the final whistle Cooey got himself sent off which enabled him to return to the dressing room and a bath full of clean, hot water, before the rest of us. We found him laid out in the tin bath in all his naked glory. None of us bothered with washing hands or face that day.

Over the years I have dined out on Cooey Hitchcock football stories.

“

Ken was never one to serve on committees.

He was a doer, not a talker and his commitment has seen our club grow from an inadequate pitch with a small shed to change in to having some of the best facilities in local football.”

Ken always had a sense of fun and one incident is embedded in the folklore of Lyme Regis Football Club. This was in the days before the creation of the Davey Fort when we played on a farmer’s field in Sidmouth Road, just over the Dorset-Devon border.

I can’t remember the Sidmouth Road pitch ever being waterlogged but because it was so high up it was often cloaked in thick fog.

Cooey, as usual was in goal, but could not see the far goal. So - rumour has it - he stuffed the ball up his jumper, ran the whole length of the pitch and tapped the ball into the goal. The referee was the late Doug Pomeroy who was a stickler for the rules. It was so foggy that he did not see Cooey running the length of the pitch and the goal was attributed to Arthur Smith!

There is one more comedic incident I remember from our early playing days. We were away to Kilmington and leading by several

KEN HITCHCOCK - a lifetime’s commitment to Lyme Regis Football Club goals. It was another awful day, driving rain throughout the game.

Cooey took a macintosh with him and, on a rare attack from Kilmington, he was sheltering in a tree behind the goal. He jumped down, took off the mac, saved the shot and returned to his dry position in the tree.

I have one other abiding memory of Ken. The club celebrated the new millenium in the year 2000 with an all-night celebration at the Davey Fort. Ken was no dancer but I will never forget seeing him cutting a few shapes to the then popular ‘Tragedy’ by Steps at four in the morning in a line of dancers led by my eldest daughter Zoe. I wish we took a photo.

Ken was also crucially involved in the club’s 40-year twining arrangement with US Cruelly in Normandy, playing an important role in the planning of the many happy times the two clubs have enjoyed.

Ken’s service to the football club continued right up to his illness. Like many other sporting clubs, the past two years have been very difficult, doubly so at Lyme because we were coming to the end of a four-year development plan costing nearly £140,000.

We were fortunate in getting a capital project grant of £100,000 from the town council with match funding of £36,000 having to be raised by the club on top of the £50,000 annual cost of running the club.

Ken played a huge part in helping us to meet

our commitments when we opened the ground for car parking which raised £17,000 during the summer. It was a monumental achievement and his efforts on a daily basis kept our club in the black.

The Hitchcock family have become synonymous with Lyme Regis Football Club. Wife Betty, a Liverpudlian, helped run the kitchen at the Davey For many years and is still raising money for the club by running a monthly bingo session and matchday raffles.

All three sons - Andrew, Gerard and Matthew - have played for the club and Gerard, a former club manager, is vice-chairman of the club committee and, as such, is involved in the day-to-day running of the clubhouse at the Davey Fort.

Former groundsman Billy White and I are now the oldest former players still connected with the club but any ideas we may have to emulate Ken’s total commitment are likely to fall short.

Tonight (Friday) the Lyme club will be holding their annual presentation night. Ken’s family have insisted that the event should go ahead because it would be what Ken wanted.

It won’t be the same without him.

Ken’s funeral will be held at the East Devon Crematorium at Whimple at 12.15 pm on Monday, May 30, followed by a wake at the Davey Fort at 2 pm.

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May 27 2022

cricket

Two-run victory keeps Uplyme on top of C Division East table FOLLOWING back-to-back successful run chases in their first two games, Uplyme and Lyme Regis batsmen were given the opportunity to have first use of Saturday’s wicket after skipper Sam Farrow lost his third consecutive toss.

On a warm afternoon, openers Martin Langford and Mark Batey came under pressure from some tight early bowling.

Batey eventually perished in the eighth over, well caught in the slips for 11.

Joe Elsworth joined Langford and the pair were able to consolidate until the 20th over when Elsworth slashed to point for 16.

Langford soon joined Elsworth back in the pavilion, gloving Daniel Alford behind for a measured 15, leaving Uplyme 70-3 in the 24th over.

Overseas batsman Abhishek Anand, who had announced his ar-

rival by depositing his first ball for 6, was joined by skipper Sam Farrow with Uplyme needing to up the run rate to post a competitive total.

The pair set about doing just that, moving the score to 127 before Abhi was caught at mid-off for 38 off 28 balls.

Tyler Wellman joined Farrow and the pair continued to push on the run rate; Farrow bringing up his 50 with his sixth six.

Wellman, whose stumps were rattled early after playing all around a free hit, soon joined Farrow in the boundary hitting with the pair adding 98 for the fifth wicket in just 12 overs before he was bowled for 31.

Uplyme eventually reached 231-6 off their 45 overs, with Farrow finishing unbeaten on 91 from 69 balls.

Ottery got off to a strong start with 14 coming off the opening over but were soon pegged back by some accurate bowling from young left armer Nabi Temori (0-19) and Jibu Varghese (0-16).

SAM FARROW - man-of the-match in Uplyme’s narrow victory over Ottery St Mary for scoring 91 off 69 balls.

See exclusive interview on LymeOnline sports section.

Uplyme were vocal in the field and eventually had something to shout about when Davey drove Elsworth (2-65) to Lamb-Wilson at cover for 19, leaving Ottery 41-1 in the 11th

bowls

Top Club success for Lyme bowlers

By PAUL MOFFITT THIS past week the Lyme Regis Bowling Club men’s championship side were resting while the second team should have won against Sherborne but lost the game in the last few ends.

The ladies have yet to win, going down to Dorchester 34-40 in the Dorset Division One league.

One high spot of the week was the men overcoming Wellworthy in the Top Club competition. Paul Pomeroy and Carl Stephens got off to a good start, winning both the singles comfortably.

The pairs and fours also won, giving Lyme a 4-1 win over the five disciplines.

Lyme continue to struggle in the friendlies, going down to Chardstock and Yeovil VIP. A good number of our more experienced

players are heavily involved in county games and will, no doubt, be more available for friendlies later in the season.

Results West Dorset Men Division One: Lyme 2, 46; Sherborne A 53.

A Hopkins, C Boyle, R Legg, R Gale 14-19; J Maslen, P Fortnam, K Barnes, J Moseley 19-17; J Owen, P Stephens, J Sherring, R Gale 1317.

Dorset Ladies Division One: Lyme 34; Dorchester 40.

A Allman, N Driscoll, H Dowling, P Weech 23-10; A Darvill, J Moffitt, C Pomeroy, S Rowe 11-30.

Top Club: Lyme 4; Wellworthy 1.

2 Wood singles: Carl Stephens 17; D Clark 6.4 Wood Singles: Paul Pomeroy 21; A Jones 8. Pairs: Charlie Barber and Paul Moffitt 28;

D Francis abd N Apsley 7. Triples: Simon Dowling, Alan Nabarro & Steve Pomeroy 15; J Kelly, G Smith & R Burnett 17. Fours:Rom Hunt, Barry Driscoll, Alan Weech and Barry Rattenbury 19; R Thomas, A Goodwin, B Whitehouse & D Hicks 12.

Friendlies: Lyme 44; Yeovil VIP (visually impaired] 59.

E Sarson, A Sherring, J Moseley 13-15; P Moseley, J Owen, A Darvill 15-25; T Allman, J Sherring, J Maslen 16-19.

Lyme 68; Chardstock 83.

A Hopkins, A Sherring, N Benson, A Nabarro 10-23; J Moon, E Sarson, J Sherring, J Moseley 16-27. T Allman/A Allman, J Moffitt, C Haseman, A Darvill 20-19; P Moseley, B Moon, D Sarson, P Moffitt 22-14.

over. Uplyme then put the squeeze on, with Ottery reaching 81-1 at drinks. Ottery were still ahead of Uplyme at the same stage so the game was well and truly on.

Brilliant spells from Langford (234) and Andy Harrison (2-45) brought the game back into Upylme’s favour, reducing Ottery to 98-5.

Some poor fielding let Uplyme down, with No 3 Jonathan Triner giving two simple chances that went to ground early on and he began to make them pay alongside new man Matthew Jeacock.

With 10 an over required the ball began disappearing, keeping Ottery on track for an unlikely chase.

Jeacock finally fell for 40 off 34 balls, skying one off Elsworth and Triner soon followed for a well made 69. That left Ottery 195-7 with 3.2 overs to go.

Number 8 Sam O’Nyons launched two sixes in the 43rd over leaving just 16 required off the last two.

A tight penultimate over from Wellman (1-40) left 10 required off the last. Elsworth held his nerve and reduced this to Ottery needing six off the last ball for their 2nd consecutive tie.

Elsworth duly delivered a leg side full toss which fortunately fell a few yards short of the boundary as Uplyme ran out winners by two runs.

Uplyme took 19 points from the game and extended their lead at the top of the Devon League C Division East as the only unbeaten side while Ottery took home eight points.

A brilliant game of cricket enjoyed by 130-plus spectators at the King George V playing field.

Thanks are passed to The Old Forge Fossil Shop for sponsoring the game and all the player and club sponsors.

This coming Saturday, Uplyme are away to Upottery who have lost two of their three opening games.

football

Uplyme Reserves in Fowler cup final

UPLYME Reserves end a mixed season with a John Fowler Cup final place against Pen Mill Athletic tonight (Friday).

After a three-week delay, due to wrangling over player eligibility in the other semi-final, Uplyme have worked hard in training to maintain focus and hope to build on their performance in the 5-2 victory over Merriott Dynamos that carried them to the final.

Manager Pete Blandamer said: “We go into the final as underdogs.

Penn Mill are a strong side, their league position shows that. But we’ll go into it with confidence and play in the style we have been working on all season.

“Above all, to reach the final is a great reward for the effort and dedication this young team has shown this season, many playing for the first time in adult football.”

Although the Reserves finished second from bottom in Perry Street Division Three, having won just two games all season, they won many admirers for their spirit and when their players were called into the first team squad they never let them down.

So it’s appropriate that Uplyme reserves can enjoy their own bit of glory when they meet Pen Mill Athletic United in the John Fowler Cup at Tatworth Playing Fields tonight (kick-off 6.15 pm).

Underdogs they may be but Uplyme have a good record in the competition, having lifted the trophy on two previous occasions.

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