Wear your poppy with pride!
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FOR LYME REGIS, UPLYME & CHARMOUTH ● FORTNIGHTLY ● NOVEMBER 8 2019 ● www.lyme-online.co.uk
GLASTO FOUNDER TO GIVE TALK IN CHARMOUTH PA GE 8
Body found after man lost at sea A BODY was found on Monday, November 4 following extensive searches for a man swept out to sea at Freshwater Beach, near Bridport. The man was reported to be walking along the beach on the afternoon of Sunday, November 3 with a woman when they were swept into the sea by a wave. The woman made it back to shore safely but the man could not be found, despite extensive searches by the emergency services. The body of a man was found on Hive Beach at Burton Bradstock on Monday morning. REPORT, PAGE 3
Churches appoint new team rector
Stormy winds cause disruption GALE force winds struck Lyme Regis last weekend, causing disruption on the roads leading in and out of the town. A huge tree was brought down by storm Pablo, which hit overnight on Friday and Saturday morning, completely blocking Sidmouth Road for some time before being cleared (pictured above). Trees were also reported down in several places further along the A3052 towards Sidmouth, on the B3165 towards Hunters Lodge, as well as in Axminster. The Cobb was battered by waves and a deep ridge was left on the sandy beach (see page 3). Scaffolding on several prominent buildings in the town, including the parish church, caused some concern but managed to stand strong against the winds. No major incidents or injuries were reported. The wind also meant that the town’s beach bonfire had to be cancelled on Saturday evening, but organisers Alan and Lynne Vian stuck to their guns and still went ahead with a spectacular fireworks display. The weather cleared up just in time for crowds to enjoy the event, including many who were visiting from neighbouring towns where similar displays had been called off. Photo by Richard Austin
Deputy mayor resigns
JEFF SCOWEN SHOCKS TOWN AS HE PLANS TO STEP DOWN THE Deputy Mayor of Lyme Regis, Councillor Jeff Scowen, has shocked his colleagues and residents by announcing that he will resign at the end of the year. Announcing the news on social media, he wrote: “After seven wonderful years in Lyme I will soon be leaving for a new life in North Wales. I am moving to be
FRANCESCA EVANS
francesca@lyme-online.co.uk
nearer my son and two young grandchildren. “I will be resigning from the council on December 31 and I wish you all good luck and God bless.” The news came as a surprise to many after Councillor Scowen expressed delight at being elected
deputy mayor earlier this year, and subsequently the chairman of the Tourism, Community & Publicity Committee, which he said had been an ambition of his since joining the council. Councillor Scowen first won a seat on Lyme Regis Town Council in 2016, beating former mayor Ken Dibben in a by-election. He was returned to the council with 549 votes in the May elec-
tion this year. A reggae DJ and artist, Councillor Scowen quickly became known as one of the most colourful characters the council had ever seen. He is a keen social media user, regularly posting quirky videos to help promote the town, and even setting up his own Facebook page ‘Pride of Lyme’. However, his TURN TO PAGE 2
THE Golden Cap Team of Churches has appointed a new rector to replace the Reverend Stephen Skinner, who retired this time last year. The Reverend Chris Martin has been appointed and is expected to take up the post in the New Year, overseeing the 13 churches of the Golden Cap team in West Dorset and East Devon, including St Michael’s Parish Church in Lyme Regis. The separate process to appoint a new vicar for St Michael’s is now expected to start imminently. REPORT, PAGE 3
New cricket chairman
UPLYME & Lyme Regis Cricket Club is set to continue to prosper, as long-standing member Steve Batey took over as chairman from Ian Thomas at the annual general meeting last week. REPORT, PAGE 24
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