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Man dies following serious injuries at shooting range A MAN has died after sustaining serious injuries at The Tunnel Target Sports Centre, just outside Charmouth. The incident at the shooting range occurred at 5.58pm on Tuesday, October 8. Officers from Dorset Police and paramedics attended the scene. The man, aged in his 40s and from Somerset, was airlifted to Southampton General Hospital where he subsequently died in hospital. The man’s family has been informed and are being supported by officers. Officers are carrying out enquiries into the incident on behalf of the coroner. It is not believed there was any third party involvement or suspicious circumstances.
Harvest home for Christmas lights
Lyme rallies after devastating news for young father
A TRADITIONAL harvest home raised £1,200 for Lyme Regis Christmas Lights Committee. The event was hosted by the Nag’s Head, with landmord James DeVoisey acting as auctioneer alongside local resident Simon Flux. Funds raised will go towards this year’s festive illuminations, with the committee planning on purchasing their own lights to add to each year, rather than continuing to hire the decorations. Photo by Philip Evans
Call for drug action
COUNCIL ASKED TO ACCEPT AND ADDRESS DRUG PROBLEMS RESIDENTS campaigning for a safe way to dispose of needles made an impassioned plea to councillors this week, asking them to accept and address drug problems in Lyme Regis.
A petition for sharps bins to be installed in public toilets in Lyme Regis was launched last month after three-year-old Morgan Gold-
FRANCESCA EVANS
francesca@lyme-online.co.uk smith found a used needle on a public pathway and put it in his mouth. The toddler has since undergone several blood tests and is being treated as if he has been exposed to hepatitis B. He will have to have more tests in the coming weeks, with the final results not expected until Christmas - a process his fam-
ily has described as “hell”. The petition was launched by Morgan’s mother Jayne Mace and has been signed by more than 400 people. Ms Mace intended to ask councillors to support her campaign at this week’s meeting, but found the matter too emotional and her statement was instead read out by supporter Cheryl Reynolds. It read: “After what happened to Morgan I was angry and scared and
I wanted to do something to try and stop another family having to go through what we are. “I started an online and paper petition for sharps bins to be installed in public toilets. To date it has 419 signatures. “I am asking tonight that something is done to show myself and these people of Lyme that their opinion matters. “Lyme, like every other city and
CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
THE Lyme Regis community has rallied around local resident Matthew Webb after he was diagnosed with an extremely rare and incurable form of cancer. Matthew, aged 28, lives in Axminster with his fiance Kerstin and two-year-old son Jesse. He is well-known in Lyme Regis having worked at Boots and Quality Corner in Broad Street. Several local events have been organised to support a fundraising campaign launched by Matthew’s family to pay for specialist treatment. REPORT, PAGE 3
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Proposal for needle exchange programme CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE town, is not immune to drug problems; people are injecting and hiding the fact, and they are being careless with their needles. “Morgan didn’t find the first needle in Lyme Regis, our local PCSO has found them and so have our council’s outside maintenance workers and gardeners, but they don’t have to report their findings to the authorities, so this does not give us a true representation of the problem. “I am asking you to please consider sharps bins in the public toilets and to also do some sort of school and media promotion to explain to children and adults what to do if a needle is found and where it can be taken to dispose of safely. “I need to know that I have done everything to keep my children safe and to prevent another family having to go through what we are, and I’m asking you to help me.” While the initial petition was for sharps bins to be installed in public toilets around the town, Ms Mace has welcomed other ideas for the safe disposal of needles. Former town and district councillor Mrs Reynolds has been working with trained paramedic Mark Ellis - who runs local business Rapid Emergency Medical Services - on ideas on how to address drug issues in the town. Mrs Reynolds commented: “I think the problem with getting things like this accepted in Lyme Regis, is that many refuse to believe that we have a problem. Unfortunately, the drug problem is universal and Lyme Regis does not escape this.” Referring to the teen shelter that was removed from the Anning Road playing field after complaints about drug use, which she campaigned against at the time, Mrs Reynolds continued: “When we have had a problem in the past, we have tried to remove the problem by moving people on and removing areas where people with problems congregate. This only moves the problem to another area; it has not been successful and you, as a council, need to look at this kind of knee-jerk reaction much more carefully and decide to deal with it with a far more wider-reaching programme. “For drug problems to be dealt with, what we need is a needle exchange programme or what is now called an NSP - a needle and syringe programme. This a community-based clinic or office where people can bring needles for safe disposal and be provided with clean needles for their own use; where safer injecting practices can be encouraged by providing sterile water, alcohol wipes, con-
doms, and health-related information. “Needle exchange programmes are not designed to treat addiction, HIV, hepatitis C or other medical conditions; they’re designed to reduce harm by preventing the transmission of deadly diseases. “Sharps boxes alone will end up with them being broken into and needles on the floor in toilets. If we, or you, are to be successful in dealing with this problem, which so many refuse to believe we have, we should do more than just sharps boxes in our toilets. “We should deal with this problem head-on and set up facilities that result in a cleaner and safer Lyme Regis for everyone.” Mr Ellis said that, while he was not against the sharps boxes being installed in toilets, he did not think this was the only answer and also backed the proposal for a needle and syringe programme. He commented: “If a drug user cannot source a new needle, they will do so from the sharps boxes, which will create an issue of used needles being scattered inside buildings which children use. It could also result in a spread of HIV or other diseases. “This programme would provide the drug user with clean needles, syringes and a personal sharps box, but more importantly it will offer drug coun-
selling and the opportunity to refer to rehabilitation. As each user would be provided with their own sharps box for the safe disposal of needles, would it be necessary to install sharps boxes in public toilets? “This programme is not just for drug users. It will benefit people like yourself and me, who have children who walk these streets and play in the parks, who may find needles that can cause them harm or maybe worse, or it may be one of us that treads on them. We could also run courses for anyone interested, not just for drug users but maybe for their friends and family.” Mr Ellis said he was currently holding discussions with Dorset Public Health on the necessary requirements for such a programme, including staffing and the best location. He said it could be set up on a trial basis, either run as company with the council as main investor, or as charity with sponsorship from council. Councillors did not give any response to their comments at the meeting. However, the Mayor of Lyme Regis, Councillor Brian Larcombe MBE, who was absent from the meeting, has previously said that all members of the public raising issues at council meetings will receive a response within 10 days.
A LOCAL businessman has alleged that Lyme Regis Town Council gave a “huge quantity” of Roundup weed killer - banned from being used on its own land - to neighbouring Axminster Town Council for free. Former town and district councillor George Symonds, who owns the Marine Parade Amusement Arcade, said the weed killer was “worth hundreds of pounds” and claimed it had been given away for free by a member of council staff without permission. Lyme Regis Town Council recently banned the use of Roundup weed killer on its own land because it is widely regarded to be carcinogenic. Speaking at this week’s meeting, Mr Symonds said that the leftover weed killer had been given to Axminster Town Council by Lyme’s operations manager, Matt Adamson-Drage, who is also a councillor in Axminster and whose wife is the deputy town clerk in the Devon town. “These are assets of the town council and should not be given away willy-nilly,” he said.
“You have a duty to protect the town’s purse and if items are being given away without permission something needs to be done about it. “You can’t just bury your head in the sand, and if you do I would question whether you are fit to stand as councillors.” No response was given to Mr Symonds’ comments. When he later pushed for a response, deputy mayor Jeff Scowen - chairing the meeting in the absence of the mayor - said he was advised he did not have to respond. The matter had been raised by councillors at a previous meeting, where Mr Adamson-Drage said a very small quantity of the weed killer was leftover after the ban, and giving it to Axminster saved on disposal costs. Irrespective of the quantity or cost, it was questioned whether the council should be giving the product to neighbouring authorities, when they had deemed it too dangerous and un-environmentally-friendly to use themselves.
Council gives away Roundup weed killer
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Community rallies around young dad after devastating cancer diagnosis THE Lyme Regis community has rallied around local resident Matthew Webb after he was diagnosed with an extremely rare and incurable form of cancer. In August, the 28-year-old was given the devastating news that he had an incurable form of stage four cancer, known as metastatic adenocarcinoma, suspected of the thymus and which had spread to the lymph nodes. Not only is this rare, but at Matt’s young age it is almost unheard of. Matthew lives in Axminster with his fiance Kerstin and two-year-old son Jesse. He is well-known in Lyme Regis having worked at Boots and Quality Corner in Broad Street, and has continued to work at Boots in Honiton despite his diagnosis. His mum Sarah Webb said the whole family’s “lives and hearts were shattered” when they heard the news, which came after Matthew was sent for tests following a routine x-ray for a chest infection. Matthew has started chemotherapy this week but some additional treatments that could help him are not available on the NHS. His results have already been reviewed in America and specialists in London and Cambridge are also said to be interested in looking into his diagnosis, owing to the extreme rarity of his condition. His family has launched a fundraising campaign for more specialist treatment, to allow Matthew to stay with them for as long and as comfortably as possible, without having to worry about work. The local community has rallied around the campaign, with a number of fundraising events planned. In Lyme Regis, a coffee morning will be held at Lyme Regis Baptist Church tomorrow (Saturday, October 12) from
Fundraising events for Cancer Research UK THE Lyme Regis branch of Cancer Research UK will mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month will its annual coffee morning and cake stall on Friday, October 26. The event will be held in Lyme Regis Baptist Church Hall from 10am to 1pm and will also include a raffle and a selection of Cancer Research UK Christmas cards will be on sale. The branch will also be hosting its annual curry night overlooking the town’s bonfire and fireworks display on Saturday, November 2. The event will be held in the Lister Room above Marine Parade, offering spectacular views of the Guy Fawkes Night festivities. Tickets cost £10, including a selection of homemade curries and drinks. Booking is essential as this event is always a sell-out success - to book call Philip Evans on 07796 951 991.
Carnival committee invites applications for grant funding
MATTHEW Webb, his fiance Kerstin and their young son Jesse 10.30am, and a bingo night will be held at the Woodmead Halls on Friday, October 18, with doors opening at 7pm for eyes down at 8pm. In Charmouth, Manor Farm Holiday Centre will host a fundraising evening tonight (Friday, October 11), starting with bingo at 7.30pm followed by live music by the Vinyl Monkeys. An auction of promises will he held at Salwayash Village Hall, near Bridport,
on Saturday, November 16 with doors opening at 7pm for a 7.30pm. Tickets for the event cost £12, including a ploughman’s supper and dessert, and can be purchased by calling Shaunna on 07855 126 618 or email shaunnaknight@gmail.com, or Beth on 07912 600 989 or email bethywethywoo@icloud.com Donations can also be made at Boots branches in Lyme Regis and Bridport, and online at https://bit.ly/2VogkNd
FOLLOWING another successful year, Lyme Regis Regatta and Carnival Committee is inviting local organisations to apply for funds from this year’s events. Applications, giving details of how the money would be spent, should be sent to the committee secretary, Alan Vian, by emailing alan@alanvian.co.uk before October 31.
Coffee morning for twinning association A COFFEE morning in aid of Lyme Regis/St George’s Twinning Association will be held on Saturday, October 27. The event will be held in the Driftwood Café at Lyme Regis Baptist Church from 10.30am and will include refreshments, a raffle, cake stall and a chance to learn more Untilthe then, stay up to date with all about historic connection between the two localcommunities. news at lyme-online.co.uk these
Look out for our next issue on September 27
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NEWS ONLINE: Catch up with A round-up of the top stories from our website
Driver escapes scene after three-car Broad Street crash BROAD Street in Lyme Regis was closed for nearly three hours early evening on Saturday, September 28 after a three-vehicle collision at the top of the town. There were no reported injuries but the two female occupants of one of the vehicles involved got out of their car and ran down Sherborne Lane, according to witnesses. Later the police issued the following statement: “We were
called at 6.15pm on Saturday to reports of a three-vehicle collision in Broad Street in Lyme Regis, involving a black Vauxhall Astra, blue Vauxhall Zafira and grey Toyota Avensis. “It is reported the driver of the Astra failed to stop at the scene. Enquiries are underway. No arrests have been made.” The main road through the town was blocked and re-opened just before 9pm.
Record-breaking Lifeboat Week total boosted to £40k HAVING already announced a record-breaking total last month, organisers of Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week have now reported that funds raised have increased to £40,315. It was announced in September that this year’s Lifeboat Week raised an all-time record of £36,500 for the RNLI, but Brian Curlsey, treasurer of the Lyme Regis and Charmouth Lifeboat Supporters, has now reported that the figure surpassed initial estimates by almost £4,000.
He commented: “There is little doubt that this is the best result ever after all expenses.” Chairman of the supporters group, Ken Lavery, added: “This is just an amazing total and a tribute to all the RNLI volunteers involved in planning and running the events and, of course, we send our thanks to the many hundreds of generous people who gave donations during the week.” Next year’s Lifeboat Week will be held from July 25 to 31. Photo by Seb Cope
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Council tax exemption for care leavers DORSET Council’s Cabinet has agreed on council tax exemptions for young people who have spent time in foster or residential care. Those leaving care will be exempt from paying council tax until the age of 25 if they live alone, or given a 25 per cent discount if they live with someone else. The decision follows a national campaign by The Children’s Society, which says that managing household finances can be particularly difficult for care leavers as they often don’t have the same support networks and opportunities as other young people.
Friday, October 11 2019 5
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the latest from Lyme Regis
FROM LYME’S OW N COMMUNIT Y WEBSITE
Stay up to date at www.lyme-online.co.uk - 24/7 news | sport | community Is it time for a change of perspective?
Dorset Police graded ‘good’ in all areas DORSET Police has been graded ‘good’ in all areas following a recent inspection. The force underwent annual reviews of police effectiveness, efficiency, legitimacy and leadership, and Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services graded it ‘good’ in all areas, news which has been welcomed by the force and Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill.
Music charity seeking new chair of trustees THE Lyme Regisbased music charity B Sharp is looking for a new chairman of trustees. Current chairman Hannah Lovegrove is stepping aside to focus on developing her skin care and therapy business. The board of trustees are keen to find someone who can take the reins to support chief executive Ruth Cohen and help shape B Sharp’s next phase at it approaches its 12th year.
AS we slip into autumn, Lyme Regis residents often look forward to a bit of peace and quiet after the bustling summer season. But no such luck if you’re a follower of the local social media pages. Perhaps everyone’s just feeling a little bored now the sun’s gone in, but the last few weeks have seen an eruption of divisive arguments, nasty comments and name-calling on Facebook. It has not made for pleasant reading. Tempers are understandably frayed; political unrest and an uncertain future for the UK dominates the national headlines, and continued funding cuts are taking an effect on local services, including our very own pre-school (see page 20). But surprisingly to some, the most contentious local issue in recent weeks seems to be the possible ban of dogs from the town’s sandy beach. I emphasise the word ‘possible’; Dorset Council is not set to review its current polices regarding dogs on the beach until the end of 2020 and an allyear-round ban has only been mooted by the town council, which does not get the final say. I reported on the town council’s latest discussion on dogs on the beach in this newspaper a few weeks ago and have been quite taken a back by the response. We like to see our articles sparking lively debate, but the ferocity with which people have argued both for and against the ban over the past couple of weeks, and the personal spats this has led to, has been unprecedented. They say the country is divided; it seems Lyme Regis is too. I have a sort of love-hate relationship with social media. It’s an essential tool for my job (in fact I’ve even started an online course to learn more about it), it’s
incredibly effective in promoting various fundraising events I help to organise, and it keeps me in touch with friends and family that live further afield. My phone is never far from my hand and I’m guilty of always being ‘switched on’. Social media also provides a platform for discussion and debate, which again should be considered a positive, but this is where things can often turn sour. Our personal views have never been so public, so perhaps we should all start considering our words and their impact a little more carefully. I write this column on World Mental Health Day, and we all know the detrimental effects social media can have on the mental wellbeing of some, especially young people. It’s hard not to get swept up in the tirade of negative posts and I often feel drained and disheartened after scrolling through my Facebook newsfeed. There’s no denying we’re a passionate bunch, but surely we could put all that energy into something more positive? Sometimes we just need a change of perspective and to remind ourselves of all the good that is done in this town; the incredible effort of the Christmas Lights Committee to make Lyme Regis sparkle every year (see front page); the outstanding work of the Rotary Club to raise funds for causes both here and overseas (page 12); and how our community can still pull together to rally around those who need our help the most (page 3).
Francesca Evans, Editor
NE W LOOK
Lyme artist to exhibit at Art society members Symondsbury gallery throw out the rulebook LYME Regis artist Annie Ward will exhibit her latest work at The Gallery in Symondsbury from October 12 to 23. Since moving to Dorset, Annie has been increasingly drawn to the local landscape with its rich and varied history as the impetus for her paintings, the most recent series of which will be the focus of her first solo show at The Gallery.
MEMBERS of Lyme Regis Art Society were encouraged to throw out the rulebook and follow their intuition in a mixed-media demonstration from Alison Board. The next demonstration will be from Kit Glaisyer called ‘Painting The Creative Landscape’ in oils on November 5 and visitors and new members are always welcome.
Delve into the life and work of Gaugin A LANDMARK cinematic event will be streamed to the Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis, combining a new biopic of artist Gaugin - one of the world’s most popular and important artists - with an intimate screening of the National Gallery’s forthcoming exhibition of his portraits. This special screening will be held at the Marine Theatre on Tuesday, October 29 with the bar opening at 2pm for a 3pm start. Tickets are £10 in advance or £12 on the door, including afternoon cake. To book, call 01297 442138 or visit www.marinetheatre.com
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LYME MATTERS with Philip Evans Essential reading for all those with Lyme at heart
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Here’s a rare species - a politician you can believe! N
ATIONAL politics rarely creeps into this column, if at all. After all, it’s called Lyme Matters - matters about Lyme in a town that matters.
From time to time, I have been accused of being further right than Genghis Khan, which is far from the truth, and like all journalists outside the Westminster bubble, I am very wary of all politicians. In fact, I dislike most of them. When I worked for an international media group in London, I rubbed shoulders with many of them which was not always a pleasant and harmonious experience. In fact, the only politician I had any real respect
FORMER Labour cabinet member Alan Johnson promoted his latest book at the Marine Theatre
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for was the late Paddy Ashdown. Before he became leader of the Liberal Democrats, and as MP for Yeovil, he wrote a column for the newspapers I edited and we regularly met for lunch. He was brilliant company. In more recent times, I met Jeremy Corbyn on a number of occasions through a football charity in which I was involved, which brought innercity kids together, and I found him to be a most charming man. That doesn’t mean I would vote for him. Another MP I have a soft spot for is Sir Hugo Swire (East Devon) who was very kind to me when I was ill a few years ago and who arranged for a consultancy with a top Harley Street doctor. And one Labour politician I have always admired is Alan Johnson, said to be the best leader the Labour party never had. Oh, how I wish he had not stood down in 2017. In fact, after the 2015 election, Johnson could well have been Prime Minister had Labour been able to do a deal with the Lib Dems, rather than joining the Tories in a coalition government. The then PM, Gordon Brown, had agreed to stand down to make way for the postman-cum-politician who was very much a man of the people. So when the Marine Theatre announced that Mr Johnson was to appear in Lyme to promote his latest book, ‘In My Life’, I quickly booked by press ticket. Alan Johnson has a very relaxed writing style and his latest book is no exception. It’s not really about his life in politics but about the music that influenced him throughout the ages from a young boy when he harboured dreams of becoming a pop star. He’s about the same age as me (a little younger perhaps) but the music he wrote of so lovingly was the stuff I was dancing to at the Marine. He described how he celebrated England winning the football World Cup with thousands in Trafalgar Square. At the same time I celebrated it with my mates and 700 others at the Marine when The Troggs were performing. The chant of “England England” drove them off the stage and went on for an hour. The second part of the show took the form of a question and answer session and it was inevitable that Brexit would come up. Alan Johnson was a 24 carat, 100 per cent remainer and spearheaded the Labour Party’s remain campaign. Asked what he would do now, he was unequivocal - respect the referendum and get the hell out of Europe ASAP. Coming next at the Marine Theatre - cricketer and commentater David Gower - a must for a cricketing fanatic like myself. I’ve booked my seat.
SON-of-Lyme Laurie Gear is really making a name for himself in the culinary world, having just picked up his first Michelin star. Laurie is the son of the late Mr and Mrs Bill Gear, who lived in Anning Road. He is a former pupil of the Woodroffe School. He and his wife Jacqueline opened the Artichoke Restaurant in Old Amersham, Buckingham, in 2002. Their restaurant was quick to achieve acclaim, having won a string of awards, and Laurie has cooked alongside such famous chefs as Raymond Blanc and Tom Kerridge. Artichoke is included in the best 50 UK restaurants in the Good Food Guide 2019.
FATHER of the council and past mayor Stan Williams, a councillor for more than 50 years, offers some friendly advice on the skills of chairing a meeting to deputy mayor Jeff Scowen
Deputy mayor gets an easy ride in the chair CONGRATULATIONS to Lyme’s enigmatic deputy mayor Jeff Scowen who chaired his first full meeting of Lyme Regis Town Council. He took over the chair on Wednesday as the mayor, Brian Larcombe MBE, was on holiday, as was town clerk John Wright. I know from personal experience that chairing your first meeting of the full council is not an easy task. I remember my first meeting when I was 35 years old. My knees were definitely knocking under the aldermanic bench. Sat before me was an eclectic and often bolshy group of experienced councillors with just one female member, the late indomitable Liz Anne Bawden, mother of new councillor Belinda Bawden. One or two of them were not particularly keen that someone so young and inexperienced - I had only been a councillor for two years - had been trusted with chairing the council. It came as a surprise to me as well. There were some challenging issues to be debated, not least the siting of the proposed sewage works, at first planned for the Cobb Gate car park. The discussion got so heated that one councillor, the late Dennis Applebee, chased one member of public out of the Guildhall because he was so angry over an allegation of the council’s procrastination over the issue. Councillor Scowen had an easier ride for his first meeting - only seven members present with half of the council having apologised for their absence - and a very short agenda with no matters to discuss other than the approval of minutes from the various committee meetings
held. I can’t remember that happening before and it was all over in 37 minutes, not quite a record but near to it. May I suggest that with the mayor and town clerk absent, the agenda was kept to a minimum with no obvious banana skins to help ease Councillor Scowen into his chairing duties. But he did just fine. He had to deal with one prickly subject when former town and district councillor George Symonds, during the public forum, raised the issue of Roundup weed killer, which the council had decided should not be handled by the council’s outside staff, being given to a neighbouring authority, Axminster Town Council (see page 2). George got no response from the chair and when questioned about this at the end of the meeting Councillor Scowen said he had been advised that he did not have to make a response. I have been banging on about the lack of a response from councillors when matters are raised during the public forum. But I thought things would improve when the mayor announced at his first meeting after being elected that if they were unable to answer questions at the meeting a response in writing would be sent to the person who raised it within ten days. It will be interesting to see whether this will be the case. I’m not too worried about one council giving away surplus materials, etc. to another but more the moral position: if the weed killer is dangerous for our outside staff to use, doesn’t that also apply to those who will be handling over the Devon border?
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West Dorset Tories chose constituency chairman to fight next General Election WEST Dorset Conservatives have chosen their constituency chairman, Chris Loder, to be their next parliamentary candidate. Mr Loder, 34, a former local councillor, has relinquished the constituency chairmanship to fight the seat for West Dorset, held by former Tory grandee Sir Oliver Letwin since 1997, at the next election. Sir Oliver is standing down at the end of this parliament and ends his distinguished career in Westminster having had the Tory whip withdrawn when he was one of 21 rebels to vote against Boris Johnson’s Brexit plans. In the David Cameron government he held the influential position of Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster but he was dropped from the Cabinet when Theresa May came to power. During the second May government, Sir Oliver rebelled against leading Eurosceptics within the Conservative Party by tabling a cross-party motion to hold indicative votes, allowing MPs to vote on several Brexit options in order to establish whether any could command a majority in the House of Commons. As a result, he later lost the Conservative party whip and was forced to sit out his days as an independent MP. Mr Loder, a senior executive for South West Railways, was chosen as the Tory candidate for West Dorset from more than 100 candidates for the seat, which Sir Oliver retained in 2015 with a 19,000 majority, making it one of the safest Conservative seats in the country. Mr Loder comes from Bishops Down, near Sherborne, where his family have their fourth generation family farm. He was born at the Yeatman Hospital in Sherborne in September 1981. Having been brought up at Ryalls Farm, he attended primary school at both Holwell and Bishops Caundle and then went to the Gryphon School, Sherborne, for secondary education. In 1999 he began his career with the railway on the Waterloo to Exeter line and then as a manager for the Bournemouth to Weymouth line. He was appointed to his present position as head of new
WEST Dorset Conservatives celebrate the selection of their former chairman Chris Loder (centre) as their parliamentary candidate for the next election trains four South Western Railway in June of this year. Sixty one per cent of voters in West Dorset voted to leave, including Mr Loder who has been quoted as saying: “I voted to leave the European Union in the 2006 referendum and strongly support the Prime Minister in taking the UK out of the EU by October 31.” This, along with post-Brexit prosperity for agriculture and tourism and getting better connectivity, are his priorities for West Dorset. He commented: “I’m very proud to be selected as the Conservative parliamentary candidate for my home community in West Dorset. “I’m determined to ensure that the democratic will of West Dorset is delivered and I’m looking forward to continuing knocking on doors, getting
feedback from local people and addressing local concerns. “West Dorset has so much potential. Our market towns are the hubs of our community and, working with the strong team of Conservatives locally, I will do everything I can to drive improvements with fresh thinking.” Mr Loder will face competition at the next General Election from Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate Edward Morello, from Bridport, who has had a head start in campaigning having been selected in July 2018. Mr Morello is a committed environmentalist, working in renewable energy investment and encouraging businesses to move to clean energy. Other parties have not yet announced their candidates.
Puddleduck Lyme Regis Never Stop Believing!
Fun and exciting toy shop selling games, crafts and learning resources for curious minds
1 Drakes Way DT7 3QP | 01297 443797
ADVERTISER’S ANNOUNCEMENT
Lyme Rocks invites all to celebrate first anniversary SWEET shop Lyme Rocks is inviting customers to help celebrate its first anniversary with an all-weekend party later this month. Open from 11am to 4.30pm over the weekend of Saturday, October 19 and Sunday, October 20, customers will be treated to a glass of prosecco and free rum balls as they peruse the popular shop’s huge selection of sweets and treats. Lyme Rocks will also be offering 20 per cent off its selection of modern gifts for the weekend. Having opened the shop in Bridge Street in October 2018, owner Fiona Markham said: “We have been overwhelmed with support during our first year, which exceeded all our expectations, and we are inviting our customers to celebrate with us as a way of saying thank you.” The concept of a traditional sweet shop with a modern, funky twist has proved a hit with customers of all ages over the past 12 months. Alongside more than 200 jars of all your favourite sweets, Lyme Rocks offers a wide range of lollipops and Pez, as well as ice cream, sorbet, frozen yoghurt, cold drinks, and of course its popular Lyme Regis-branded
rock. And if you can’t find your favourite sweets in store, the friendly staff are always happy to take requests. The shop is always adding new lines and has recently expanded its selection of chocolate with Tony’s Chocolonely, a Belgian Fairtrade chocolate made completely slave-free, available in a variety of flavours. Bespoke gift bags, hampers, party bags and wedding favours are available to suit all budgets, and Lyme Rocks can also provide pick ‘n’ mix for wedding receptions and other special occasions. As Lyme Rocks gears up for Halloween and Christmas, it will be opening seven days a week from October half term, with special festive lines and gift vouchers available.
TRADITIONAL SWEETS AND D TREATS WITH A FUNKY TWIST T!
JOIN US TO CELEBRATE OUR FIRST ANNIVERSARY!
Free prosecco and 20% off gifts on October 19th & 20th
Sweets Ice Cream Frozen Yogurt Bespoke Hampers Gifts Chocolate Open daily 11am - 4.30pm (during peak times) Bridge Street, Lyme Regis DT7 3QA lymerocks1@gmail.com | 01297 444322
theuplymepage
8 Friday, October 11 2019
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‘Star Wars’ actor to host auction for Uplyme resettlement scheme STAR of the stage and screen, Oliver Ford Davies, will act as auctioneer at a fundraising event in aid of Uplyme Community Sponsorship Scheme. Mr Ford Davies (pictured right), best known for his role as Sio Bibble in Star Wars Episodes I to III, will boost funds for the scheme, which aims to resettle a Syrian refugee family in the local area, at an Arabian Nights theme dinner and auction on Saturday, November 30. Please note this date has changed from previously advertised. He will lead the auction of promises, with prizes including tea at the House of Commons with MPs; a stay in a holiday cabin; lessons in piano, guitar, tennis, gig rowing, German, drawing and the Alexander Technique; a dinner party for eight; a fossil walk; hair-styling; a birdwatching walk; a home extension/improvement plan and many more. The event, to be held at Uplyme Village Hall, will also include an Arabian-theme dinner and will offer a wealth of opportunity to meet, mingle, try something new and learn more about Uplyme Community Sponsorship Scheme. Tickets costing £20 must be booked in advance and are available from Lyme Regis Tourist Information Centre on 01297 442138 or from Uplyme Stores. The evening follows a successful Arabian Nights theme storytelling evening with Martin Maudsley and Andrea Crociani last month. The community resettlement team continues a busy programme of fundraising events in Lyme and Uplyme, with the next being a screening of
TV producer Eric Harwood’s film ‘A Slow Odyssey: The Great Wall of China’. This will be held at the Marine Theatre on Wednesday, November 6 with the bar opening at 6pm for a 7pm screening. Tickets cost £6 in advance or £7.50 on the door and are available by calling 01297 442138 or visit www.marinetheatre.com All are then invited to a public meeting at Uplyme Village Hall on Friday, November 15 to find out how the community resettlement plan is shaping up and how you can get involved. For details contact uplymecommunitysponsorship@gmail.com or visit the website uplymecs.wixsite.com/mysite
GIGACLEAR, the contractors who were installing fibre broadband in Uplyme have ceased working. The parish council was disappointed to learn that a new contract may take up to a year to award and that there is no organisation that appears to accept responsibility for removal of the coils of cable left at sites around the village, together with unfilled holes in the ground and inadequately restored road surfaces. The parish council has already involved the county councillor, Ian Hall and will be writing to Neil Parish MP in an attempt to get resolution for this wholly unsatisfactory state of affairs.
Trust. The parish council is fully supportive of the new school but has serious reservations concerning access and egress from and onto Lyme Road, with possible disruption to traffic and the danger to children and parents with vehicles having to turn round within the school grounds. The council is working with the Bestic Trust and the county and district councillors to try and resolve the issue.
■ DETAILED plans for the new primary school in Uplyme have now been submitted to east Devon District Council by the Bestic
The above content is provided by Uplyme Parish Council chairman, Chris James
■ THERE will be a public meeting to discuss the provision of affordable housing for local residents on Wednesday, November 20 in the village hall. More details will follow.
Horticultural society celebrating harvest UPLYME & Lyme Regis Horticultural Society is set to celebrate its autumn harvest show on Wednesday, October 23 at Uplyme Village Hall. There are 16 classes of entry, covering flowers, floral art, fruit, vegetables, cookery, preserves and a fun category. The autumn theme is reflected in floral art with classes such as ‘Shades of Autumn’ and ‘Berry Magic’, in vegetables with ‘October Harvest’, a vegetable cake in the cookery section and of course a carved
pumpkin in the fun category. The autumn show is a light-hearted affair with judging in most classes by popular vote and not by Royal Horticultural Society rules. It will be followed by a bring and share harvest supper for everyone to enjoy. Guests are welcome to enter and full details of the classes and judging can be found at www.ulrhs.wordpress.com. Exhibits should be brought to the hall at 7pm, with the show starting at 7.30pm.
Enjoy a
re ’ u Yo ited inv
CURRY SUPPER
while watching Lyme’s spectacular fireworks and bonfire
COFFEE MORNING AND CAKE STALL raising funds for
■ NEWS FROM UPLYME PARISH COUNCIL
Please come and support us!
Friday 25th October 10am - 1pm Baptist Church Hall Silver Street, Lyme Regis A range of Cancer Research UK Christmas Cards will be on sale
Saturday November 2nd 5.30pm in the Lister Room on Marine Parade All proceeds in aid of
CANCER RESEARCH UK
Limited number of tickets £10 each to include curry and a glass of wine To book please call 07796 951991
Friday, October 11 2019 9
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01297 445000 55 Broad B Street, Lyme Lyme Regis, R Dorset Use code FREE6 for forr 6 free pork sausages* | www w..colytonbutchers.co.uk *F Firs irst 20 local delivery orderrss only. only Orderrss oover £10.00. Local delivery & online only.
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10 Friday, October 11 2019
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Church tower repairs hit by ‘significant’ issue INITIAL work to repair the tower of St Michael’s Parish Church in Lyme Regis has unveiled a “significant” problem that is expected to hike the £150,000 cost of the project. Work is currently underway to repair the tower and porch of the parish church, which is suffering from water ingress. A progress update was given to the congregation at Sunday’s harvest service, in which church warden Tim Bacon reported that work got off to a slow start, with scaffolders delayed and the contractors starting work a week later than planned. He explained that the project required the removal of the failed pebble-dash render around the tower and porch, making good of the underlying stonework and then re-rendering the tower and porch with lime mortar. The majority of the stonework is local blue lias limestone, which is poor quality stone and prone to crumbling. To slow down this deterioration, the stone will be jointed and pointed with lime mortar and rendered with lime mortar. This layer will repel the majority of rain but also enable the stonework and render to ‘breathe’ and dry out when conditions allow. The majority of pebble-dash rendering has now been removed. Only the top section and the east wall of the tower remain to be uncovered. The west porch wall is in good condition but the north porch and tower walls were described by the church architect as “a bit crumbly” and will need making good before they are ready to be re-rendered.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Wishing grandad Barry a happy 70th birthday on October 14th. Lots of love from Joshua and Jacob x
The belfry turret stonework was also in poor condition and this is currently receiving attention in preparation for rendering. The south wall of the tower and porch, and the west wall of the tower, were last rendered in the mid 1980s. Unfortunately, contractors at the time used unsuitable materials which have now failed. Repairs to the stonework were made in cement, rather than lime mortar, and this will need to be removed before the walls are made good for re-rendering. However, the main issue to be unveiled as the pebble-dash render has been removed is a layer of bitumen, which Mr Bacon said was “inexplicably” used to coat the south wall of tower and porch, and the west wall of the tower. This was then covered in metal mesh, more bitumen and the cement-based pebble dash rendering. Mr Bacon commented: “The bitumen layer cannot ‘breathe’ and will have to be removed before the underlying walls can be made good and the lime mortar rendering applied. Time-consuming and expensive “The church architect and contractors are considering how best to remove the bitumen but the most likely method will be to chisel it off by hand. This will be time-consuming and expensive - an unexpected cost not included in the contracted amount. “The bitumen problem is a significant one and may very well use up the contingency sums put aside. When only three weeks into the project this discovery is very disappointing.” Lyme Regis Town Council donated £40,000 towards the cost of the project and the church has had to raise the remaining funds itself, through donations, events and grant applications. Before the unwelcome news of the bitumen layer, £25,000 was still needed to reach the £150,000 total project cost and further grant applications are being submitted. Donations to Lyme Regis Parochial Church Council for the Tower Repair Fund will be very welcome and can be made subject to Gift Aid. For further details, contact church treasurer Dawn Baker on 01297 443478.
THE tower and porch at St Michael’s Parish Church are now completely encased in scaffolding. Below and right, the exposed walls of the tower with the pebble-dash render removed
Former Lyme man jailed in Hawaii YEARS
in Lyme Regis
Christmas Party Menu STARTERS Roasted Tomato & Red Onion Soup
Garnished with crisped red onion and roasted cherry tomato
Confit of Somerset Duck Leg
Duck and Sevilla gin sauce, fried orange zest dumpling
Portland Crab Griddle Cake
Crispy greens and leaves, shellfish mayonniase
Toasted Sesame Tempura Battered Vegetables Noodle salad with Goma dressing
MAIN COURSES Traditional Roast Dorset Turkey
Served with roasted potatoes, chestnut stuffing, bacon rolls, cranberry sauce and roast gravy
Slow Roasted Devon Pork Belly
Served with pork stuffing and apple pie, cider and juice from the roast gravy
Pan Roasted Fillet of Plaice
Smoked salmon dauphinoise with a smoked salmon, white wine and cream sauce
Butternut Squash Risotto Tower
Layered with chargrilled vegetables and smoked artichoke, beetroot coulis
DESSERTS
Christmas Pudding served with white chocolate and brandy sauce Raspberry Crème Brûlée with shortbread biscuits Chocolate & Passionfruit Cheesecake with passionfruit coulis
£26.50 for three courses. Menu served from December 2nd to 24th.
To book call 01297 442299 - harbourinnlymeregis.co.uk
A FORMER Lyme Regis man, Melvyn Gear, 59, now living in Hawaii, has been sentenced to 15 months in jail for the illegal possession of a firearm. He was convicted of being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm after a jury trial in May this year. US Federal law prohibits a foreign national living in the United States pursuant to a nonimmigrant visa from possessing any firearms. The evidence presented at trial demonstrated that Gear, who grew up in Lyme Regis and has also lived in Australia, was in the
United States on a non-immigrant visa in July 2017 when he possessed a rifle that had been shipped into the United States, which he had owned in Australia. He then lied about it when questioned by federal law enforcement officers. At the sentencing hearing, the judge rejected a defense request for a probationary sentence and instead sentenced Gear to 15 months in prison and noted that the conviction would likely result in deportation after Gear had served his term of imprisonment.
Cheryl loses Mary Anning Rocks chairmanship FORMER councillor Cheryl Reynolds has lost her role as chairman of the Mary Anning Rocks campaign. Mrs Reynolds had championed the campaign for a Mary Anning statue to be erected in the famed fossil hunter’s hometown of Lyme Regis, after the idea was suggested by 11-year-old paleontology enthusiast Evie Swire. During her time on Lyme Regis Town Council, Mrs Reynolds received initial support for the project from her fellow members, and went on to become chairman of the newly-established Mary Anning Rocks Committee last year, leading a fundraising campaign for the statue. She also arranged for Mary Anning’s grave in St
Michael’s churchyard to be refurbished. However, at the committee’s recent annual general meeting, Mrs Reynolds stood down after losing the chairmanship. She said she had arrived 14 minutes late due to a prior appointment and found that the positions of chairman, secretary and treasurer had all already been decided. Mrs Reynolds added that she had argued for some time that the cost of the proposed statue was too high. The committee is now being fronted by new chairman Anya Pearson, Evie’s mother, who lives in Dorchester, and Esther Yarnold, from Wimborne Minster.
Council increases bank balance to £1.4million LYME Regis Town Council saw an increase in its balances for the year 2018-2019 of £237,000, the annual audit of its accounts has revealed. At the end of March 2018, the council had balances of £1,182,562 but this increased to £1,419,323 at the end of their 2019 financial year. Revenue for the year fell from £1,633,801 to £1,519,082 (-£114,719).
Staff wages rose from £565,528 to £679,924 (+£114,396). All other payments rose from £895,437 to £905,890 (+£10.453). The annual audit report also revealed that Lyme Regis Town Council has fixed assets valued at £7,791,962. Total borrowings stand at £247,800 which the mayor, Councillor Brian Larcombe MBE, has stated he wants to see it paid off as soon as possible.
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Christmas
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Christmas Festive Menu
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News from the Rotary Club of Lyme Regis
■ KATHRYN Haskins, proprietor of the Alexandra Hotel in Lyme Regis, has became an honorary Rotarian. Ms Haskins was made an honorary member at the Rotary Club of Lyme Regis’ September meeting, for her long-standing support in hosting the club’s annual soup and ploughman’s lunch at her hotel, which has raised tens of thousands of pounds for several charities, including the international Water Survival Box and Send-a-Cow, as well as many local organisations. Ms Haskins is no stranger to Rotary, having grown up in a family well-connected with the organisation. Her late father was, for many years, a member of the Rotary Club of Westonsuper-Mare, prior to the family moving to Lyme Regis. President John Berry (pictured left with Ms Haskins) said: “Welcome to Rotary Kathryn, and to our club, and thank you again for your valuable and much appreciated support over many years.”
■ THE Rotary Club of Lyme Regis has donated £1,000 to help those affected by Hurricane Dorian. A successful collection was held on Marine Parade in September, raising £651, and the club boosted those to £1,000 from its contingency funds. It was later agreed to send this directly to the RIBI Donations Trust Caribbean Hurricane Fund, for urgent despatch to assist in the humanitarian effort in the Bahamas. Hurricane Dorian, a category 5 storm, hit the Bahamas at the start of September with winds up to
220mph and storm surges of up to 23 feet. The storm caused widespread flooding and destruction, leaving over 70,000 people in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. Rotary, together with ShelterBox, have assessment teams on the ground working with other international organisations getting the help to where it is most needed. Pictured above, president John Berry (centre), president-elect Richard Main (right) and new member Graham Pickett (see article right).
■ THE Rotary Club of Lyme Regis was delighted to welcome new member Graham Pickett. Graham was welcomed to the club by president-elect Richard Main at a recent meeting (pictured right). He has recently retired as a senior partner and vice-chairman of Deloitte LLP, the global professional services firm. At Deloitte, Graham specialised as an aviation industry advisor and has worked with many of the world’s airlines and airports. He is currently undertaking a course at Lyme Regis Boat Building Academy. Graham has many hobbies and interests, including wine, sailing, classic cars and classical music to
name but a few. He is married to Lynne and has twin daughters, Lisa and Jenny, who both live in London. Graham and Lynne have been very active for sometime in helping the club and other organisations in the town and Rotary members said his membership would be a “great asset to the club and the community”. The Rotary Club of Lyme Regis is keen to welcome new members. The club meets informally to socialise and undertake many activities to help the local community and, through Rotary International, the world at large. Visit the website www.lymeregisrotary.org for more information
NEWS FROM CITIZENS ADVICE CITIZENS Advice has raised concerns about the problems regularly caused to customers by their energy suppliers. It is the official consumer watchdog for energy and its latest energy rating table shows a big gap in performance between the best and worst companies. Included among the common difficulties being faced by customers, particularly from suppliers at the bottom end of the rankings, were: ● Billing errors caused by incorrect and late final bills, not receiving bills or inaccurate bills; ● Debt and disconnection issues, including companies adopting aggressive debt collection practices; ● Problems with pre-payment meters, including difficulties with obtaining credit refunds; ● Metering issues - faulty meters, or ones which are incorrectly registered to a particular property. As a result Citizens Advice is urging people to shop around carefully when looking for an energy supplier and recommends that customers should not just look for the cheapest deal but compare the customer service performance of the companies. It has pointed out that 13 domestic energy supply companies have gone out of business in less than a year. Six suppliers have failed so far this year which has affected more than 300,000 people. Gillian Guy, chief executive of Citizens Advice, said: “There is still a big gap between those firms who provide an excellent service to consumers, and those who are letting people down. “Attention-grabbing low tariffs can be a good deal, but we recommend looking deeper than just the headline price when shopping around for the best energy deals. In our experience, when a company is struggling, customer service is often the first thing to suffer.” Citizens Advice has been successful in its campaign, launched just over a year ago, to call for more time to be allowed for the introduction of smart meters with the Government recently
announcing that the rollout deadline has been extended to 2024. Ms Guy commented: “Extending the smart meter rollout deadline is a commonsense move that is good news for consumers. It’s been clear for a long time that the 2020 deadline wouldn’t be met and the announcement finally recognises that reality. “This new deadline gives suppliers’ time to fix ongoing technical problems and make sure customer service isn’t sidelined as the rollout continues. We’ve seen some energy companies use aggressive techniques to try to persuade people to have smart meters fitted as soon as possible to meet the existing timeline. “It’s also apparent that the cost of the rollout is escalating, and the public are picking up the tab through their energy bills. People will still benefit in the long run, but today’s cost-benefit analysis shows focusing on speed hasn’t worked. “We are pleased the government is extending the deadline to ensure the benefits for consumers are delivered.” Citizens Advice holds two advice sessions in Lyme Regis each week. They are on Mondays between 10am and 12noon at the medical centre in Uplyme Road (DT7 3LS) and on Wednesdays from 10am to 3pm at St Michael's Business Centre (DT7 3DB), in the centre of the town. No appointment is required and the advice provided will always be free, confidential and impartial. Anyone is also welcome to seek help at its offices in South Street, Bridport, DT6 3NY every weekday between 10am and 3pm or can contact Citizens Advice by email on advice@bridport-cab.org.uk or by telephone on 03442 451291, which gets you through to the Dorset AdviceLine. For people just wanting help with Universal Credit claims they can contact Citizens Advice on a national freephone number which is 03444 111 444 and the webchat support service is available through its website.
Friday, October 11 2019 13
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Is there a solution to Lyme’s traffic chaos? We want to hear your views on how to make our streets safer
L
YME Regis has survived another summer of traffic chaos without any major incidents, bar from the Guildhall window and nearby properties being damaged by pantechnicons which should never be passing through the summer.
Successive councils over the years have attempted to come up with a solution to the everincreasing danger of so many vehicles passing through the town - but none have succeeded. So are we to assume there is no solution and we will have to endure the danger of heavy vehicles and public transport vehicles clogging up our narrow streets, with the increased pollution, for ever more? Or can the present town council make this problem a major objective and determine to find a solution? If so, it will require some thinking outside the box. As a young reporter I can remember Councillor Stan Williams, the father of Lyme council, standing for a seat on the old borough council on a platform of introducing a one-way system for Lyme Regis. At that time the volume of traffic in the town was a good deal less than it is now. Stan has been banging that drum for more than 50 years but still with no success. I was encouraged that more serious consideration was being given to this problem when the council announced it was commissioning a traffic survey following the loss of the park and ride at Sidmouth Road, at a cost of £25,000, to be followed by public consultation. It turned out to be no more than a parking survey which told us very little that we did not already now. A total waste of public money. So in the absence of an official public consultation, we thought it would be a good idea if we asked our readers to come up with some possible ideas to improve the traffic situation.
PHILIP EVANS
philip@lyme-online.co.uk We are seeking your views and possible solutions which can be forwarded to us by email or by post (see box on the right). Please include your name and address and, on this occasion, we are happy to withhold your name and address from print if you would prefer. Here are some of the issues and suggestions highlighted in the past: One way system: This has been considered on a number of occasions and dismissed as not being possible. If such a system was introduced, it would almost certainly have to send traffic along Anning Road and up Woodmead Road which would be impossible for large vehicles and buses. All buses having to enter the town from Hunters Lodge, travelling through Uplyme, and then return by the same route to continue into Dorset via the A 35, has also been dismissed as impractical. Move the traffic lights: It has often been suggested that the traffic lights in Church Street should be moved back to the former London Inn. County highways officials have discarded this, idea, saying the distance between the lights and the adjoining roads, would cause unacceptable tailbacks. Coach parties: An increasing problem with Lyme being a popular destination for day trippers, especially with those from overseas visiting the West Country. These usually let their passengers alight in The Square before finding parking at Holmbush. One coach company now stops outside the Post Office, at the bus stop, often causing major congestion. Public transport: Dozens of double decker buses travel through Lyme every day and often meet in the narrowest part of Church Street. Are so many buses required and, in these days of
ADVERTISER’S ANNOUNCEMENT
Colourflair: making beautiful Lyme Regis more colourful! LOCAL Colourflair consultant Jacquie Payne will be bringing her personalised service to In Harmony beauty salon in Lyme Regis. Jacquie is a colour consultant and will be offering two-hour one-to-one sessions at In Harmony in Silver Street, helping clients to determine what tones of colour make them look well and always at their best. Some American colour consultation systems work in group settings and are not particularly thorough. Jacquie first did her training with such a firm, but as a Christian she didn’t agree with their ethics and decided to completely re-train with the English company Colourflair. She can now offer much more personalised consultations, providing clients with a fan of tones of various colours, which they can take home with them to help when shopping for new clothes. A make-up lesson completes the consultation, suggesting the best tones of foundation, concealer and blusher to use. Jacquie said: “Colour enhancement can bring out tones that are already there, helping you to avoid mistakes in make-up and your
DOZENS of buses, mainly double deckers, and coaches pass through Lyme’s narrow streets every day. Should this number be reduced or attempts made to avoid them passing at the same time? sophistocated communication, surely it would be possible to avoid this? The Charmouth park and ride is also serviced by double deckers and the bus company First were the only ones interested in providing the service. There are plans to move the bus stop outside of the Co-Op further up Broad Street, near to the entrance of Sherborne Lane, as used to be the case. This would certainly help congestion at the top of the town. Delivery vans: Early-morning delivery by large vehicles are usually the norm but occasionally they arrive later in the day which causes difficulties. Can tougher controls be introduced to prevent this? Parking in Broad Street: There are limited spaces in the main street which enables people to park and pop into the shops; also convenient for the disabled and infirm. The number of spaces will be reduced by five spaces when the new pedestrian crossing is installed next year which many think will slow down the traffic even more. Better signage: A crucial requirement which
the town council are working on to avoid heavy vehicles passing through Lyme unnecessarily, especially at Hunters Lodge which would also relieve the number of vehicles passing through Uplyme. These are just a few observations to get you thinking about the problem. Let us have your views, no matter how revolutionary. Perhaps we need an extreme resolution to the dilemma.
SEND US YOUR VIEWS Email your views to edit@lyme-online.co.uk
or send them by post to LymeOnline, Unit 5, Uplyme Business Park, Uplyme Road, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3LS
Introducing
Colourflair An advanced and personal consultation of the best colour palette for your skin tone
(2 hours at In Harmony, Silver Street) wardrobe. It makes the most of what you already have, whatever your age - the best you can be in a very natural way.” Lisa Galvani, salon owner at In Harmony, added: “Colour analysis has always fascinated me and so it’s with great pleasure that I welcome Jacquie to our team at the salon. The services that she brings will work ‘in harmony’ with what we currently offer.” Jacquie will be at In Harmony from 10am to 12.30pm on Tuesday, October 15 for initial enquiries and to provide further details, and two-hour appointments will then be available every Tuesday from October 22. For further details or to book, call Jacquie directly on 01297 445533.
You can learn how to : ✤ Look more attractive ✤ Feel Younger ✤ Feel more confident ✤ Save money For further information please call\ Jacquie Payne, Colour Consultant 01297 445533
timeoutinLyme
14 Friday, October 11 2019
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MUSIC | THEATRE | WHAT’S ON | COMPETITIONS
What’s on...
Friday, October 11
U3A Coffee & Social Morning Woodmead Halls, 10am For new and old members of Lyme Regis University of the Third Age (U3A). Many of the activity group leaders will be present for you to discuss what's on offer and maybe sign up to. Knit & Knatter Lyme Regis Library, 2.30pm A friendly group who meet weekly to chat and knit over a cup of tea - all welcome. Cinema: ‘Red Joan’ Marine Theatre, 6.30pm Starring Judi Dench, this is the story of Joan Stanley, who was exposed as the KGB's longestserving British spy. Tickets £6 advance/£7.50 on the door - call 01297 442138 or visit marinetheatre.com. Bar opens 6.30pm for 7.30pm screening. Manor Farm Charity Night Manor Farm, Charmouth, 7.30pm Bingo and raffle follows by live music from the Vinyl Monkeys in aid of specialist cancer treatment for local resident and Boots manager Matthew Webb. Friday @ The Pilot The Pilot Boat, 9pm Weekly live music nights at the Pilot Boat.
Friday, October 11 Sunday, October 13
Oktoberfest Lyme Regis Brewery, all weekend Open from 12noon to 11pm each day, celebrate Oktoberfest at Lyme Regis Brewery in the Town Mill complex, with craft beers, a bratwurst barbecue and live music throughout the weekend.
Saturday, October 12
Coffee Morning Lyme Regis Baptist Church, 10.30am A coffee morning to raise funds for specialist cancer treatment for local resident and Boots manager Matthew Webb. Music: ‘The Truth About Scott Lavene’ Lyme Regis Baptist Church, 7pm A musical journey finding out what it takes to be a man in the modern age. Tickets £8 advance or £9 on the door - call 01297 442138 or visit www.marinetheatre.com. Bar opens 7pm for 8pm start.
Sunday, October 13
Sunday Craft Market The Pilot Boat, 10am A weekly Sunday craft market at the Pilot Boat Inn, Lyme Regis. Call 01297 443157 to book a stall. The Sunday Sessions Marine Theatre, 3pm A regular event dedicated to promoting quality live music in the Marine Theatre bar. If you’d like to play, just turn up! Free entry. Sequence Dancing Woodmead Halls, 8pm Lyme Regis Sequence Dancing Club meets every Sunday at 7.45pm for an 8pm start. The friendly, welcoming group enjoys popular sequence dances and visitors are welcome.
Tuesday, October 15
Talk: ‘David Gower on the Front Foot’ Marine Theatre, 6.30pm The legendary former England cricket captain shares stories from his career, including victory in the Ashes. Tickets £23 advance or £26 on the door - call 01297
Send your diary dates to francesca@lyme-online.co.uk www.lyme-online.co.uk/events
442138 or visit www.marinetheatre.com. Bar opens 6.30pm for 7.30pm start. LRTC Planning Committee Guildhall, 7pm For agendas see www.lymeregistowncouncil.gov.uk
Wednesday, October 16
Wednesday @ The Pilot The Pilot Boat, 8.30pm Weekly live music nights at the Pilot Boat.
Thursday, October 17
Live Screening: ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, Marine Theatre, 6pm Shakespeare’s most famous romantic comedy will be captured live from the Bridge Theatre in London, starring Gwendoline Christie and Oliver Chris. Tickets £11 advance, £13.50 on the door or £5 for under 18s - call 01297 442138 or visit www.marinetheatre.com. Bar open 6pm for 7pm start. Cinema: ‘The White Crow’ (12A) St Andrew’s Community Hall, Charmouth, 7pm The story of Rudolph Nureyev's defection from Russia to the West, starring Oleg Ivenko and Ralph Fiennes. Tickets £5.50 in advance from Morgans or Charmouth Stores, or £6.50 on the door. Doors open at 7pm for 7.30pm screening. Lyme Regis Community Bingo Woodmead Halls, 8pm Bingo night every Thursday at the Woodmead Halls, raising funds for local organisations which are members of Lyme Regis Community Bingo Association. Pilot Boat Quiz Night Pilot Boat, 8pm Weekly quiz night at the Pilot Boat for teams of two or more with cash prize for the winner plus £100 jackpot prize!
Friday, October 18
Knit & Knatter Lyme Regis Library, 2.30pm A friendly group who meet weekly to chat and knit over a cup of tea - all welcome. Charity Bingo Night Woodmead Halls, eyes down 8pm Charity bingo night in aid of specialist cancer treatment for local resident and Boots manager Matthew Webb. Friday @ The Pilot The Pilot Boat, 9pm Weekly live music nights at the Pilot Boat.
Saturday, October 19
Coffee Morning & Jumble Sale Uplyme Village Hall, 10am In aid of Uplyme Village Hall funds. Art: ‘Dragons of Middle Earth’ Lyme Regis Museum, from 10am Join artist Debbie Clarke to create a dragon in clay, add teeth, give it a character. Comedy: ‘Dave Johns: from Byker to the Baftas’, Marine Theatre, 7pm The lead actor from the acclaimed ‘I Daniel Blake’ is also a celebrated comic. Tickets £10 advance or £12 on the door - call 01297 442138 or visit marinetheatre.com. Bar opens 7pm for 8pm start. Harvest Home Lyme Regis Football Club, 7.30pm A traditional harvest home auction in aid of Lyme Regis PreSchool Fundraising Committee.
Sunday, October 20
Sunday Craft Market The Pilot Boat, 10am A weekly Sunday craft market at the Pilot Boat Inn, Lyme Regis. Call 01297 443157 to book a stall. Sequence Dancing Woodmead Halls, 8pm Lyme Regis Sequence Dancing Club meets every Sunday at 7.45pm for an 8pm start. The friendly, welcoming group enjoys popular sequence dances and visitors are welcome.
Monday, October 21 Wednesday, October 23
The Big Draw Lyme Regis Museum, from 10am daily Celebrating the world’s biggest drawing festival, join local artist Christine Allison in creating the museum’s ‘life line’. All materials supplied, open from 10am to 4pm daily.
Wednesday, October 23.
LRTC Town Management & Highways Guildhall, 7pm For agendas see www.lymeregistowncouncil.gov.uk Autumn Show & Harvest Supper Uplyme Village Hall, 7pm Uplyme & Lyme Regis Horticultural Society’s annual autumn show, followed by a bring and share supper. All welcome.
Wednesday, October 23 Saturday, October 26
Theatre: ‘A Tomb With A View’ Marine Theatre, 7.30pm nightly A dark comedy presented by the Marine Players. Tickets £12 for adults or £6 for under 18s - call 01297 442138 or visit marinetheatre.com
Thursday, October 24
Art: ‘Fabulous Ammonites & Ichthyosaurs, Lyme Regis Museum, from 10am Join artist printmaker Fiona Lovell to create fabulous prints inspired by ammonites, plesiosaurs and ichthyosaurs. Lyme Regis Community Bingo Woodmead Halls, 8pm Bingo night every Thursday at the Woodmead Halls, raising funds for local organisations which are members of Lyme Regis Community Bingo Association. Pilot Boat Quiz Night Pilot Boat, 8pm Weekly quiz night at the Pilot Boat for teams of two or more with cash prize for the winner plus £100 jackpot prize!
Friday, October 25
Cancer Research UK Coffee Morning Lyme Regis Baptist Church, 10am A coffee morning, cake stall and raffle in aid of the Lyme Regis branch of Cancer Research UK. Knit & Knatter Lyme Regis Library, 2.30pm A friendly group who meet weekly to chat and knit over a cup of tea - all welcome. Music: ‘The Organ in Concert’ St Michael’s Parish Church, 7.30pm A programme of classical music celebrating the South Wessex Organ Society’s birthday. Tickets £10 or free for under 18s available from the Penny Black Café or on the door. Friday @ The Pilot The Pilot Boat, 9pm Weekly live music nights at the Pilot Boat.
Marine’s maritime weekend
SAIL away at the Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis with a maritime-theme weekend that marries a local shanty-singing group with a film about a man’s attempt to revive the traditional Caribbean boat-building scene. Lyme Regis’ popular shanty choir Harbour Voices presents its brand new show ‘The Pull of the Tide’ at the Marine Theatre on Friday, November 1. Riding high from previously sold-out performances, Harbour Voices’ current show intertwines the traditional and contemporary, including famous and familiar shanties alongside newly written songs. The performance also has the added dimension of narrative vignettes performed by the group who pay tribute and bring life to their collective maritime heritage. Originally formed to support the Lyme Regis Gig Club, the group have evolved under the artistic direction of Penny Dunscombe into the group it is today. Mark Hewitt took over as musical director in 2018 and continues to develop the local choir’s ever-expanding repertoire, and under his direction the group has debuted new songs as well as
a new look for this year’s show. To tie in with this nautical event, the Marine Theatre will be screening ‘Vanishing Sail’ the following day - Saturday, November 2. The film charts Alwyn Enoe’s nautical swan song as he builds a sloop in an attempt to resurrect the diminishing boat-building scene in the Lesser Antilles by teaching his sons. Alwyn Enoe’s journey echoes the movements of the waves themselves as the film follows his progress and despair over three years. Intermingled with Alwyn’s narrative is the introduction and discovery of other important figures in the Caribbean’s traditional boat scene the films recalls inspirational and haunting tales of what these historical vessels mean to the people, their lives, and the Caribbean. Tickets for the Harbour Voices concert cost £12 advance or £15 on the door, and for the screening of ‘Vanishing Sail’ are £6 in advance, £7.50 on the door or the special price of £5 for Harbour Voices ticket-holders. There is also a 10 per cent discount to both events for theatre members. To book, call 01297 442138 or visit www.marinetheatre.com
This month at the Marine Catch up with Lyme’s Little Theatre by the Sea
LOVE was in the air for the seventh time last weekend when we hosted our final wedding for 2019; as yet no funerals. That’s not to say we wouldn’t, we’d be quite happy to, well not happy as such, no one is happy at a funeral, unless it’s someone you hated I suppose; that aside we’d happily host someone’s send-off. I was minded of a conversation I had with three of our volunteers. No, not the being despatched part, the getting married bit. The three of them agreed they couldn’t think of anywhere better to hold their celebration than in the Marine and their chosen grooms would be Stephen Fry, Rowan Atkinson and “once bitten twice shy, no thank you very much”. But with four of our local fire officers arriving earlier in the month to give a defibrillator debrief in the Marine bar, judging by the woops of delight from certain corners of the room, I think there could well be a few other groom fantasies going on, (but the Marine is no stranger to love, there are many tales of wooing and courtship battles, ask Philip Evans). We managed to spook a couple of the uniforms who evidently were unfamiliar with theatre life when howling wolves could be heard echoing around the theatre walls. It was just the Marine Players rehearsal for ‘Tomb With a View’. Talking of muscle, how many men does it take to dig a hole? In the good old days you’d have one leaning on a broom, another slurping from a large mug of builders’ tea, one giving advice and one digging. Now it’s one in a mini digger and three sending texts on their phones. When the fabulous TIC ladies reported smelling gas, it took a couple of days before South West Utilities located the leak before digging up the corner of Church Street just
three days before one of our weddings. But texts notwithstanding, the permanent reinstatement was done in time for the big day. Our latest brochure is now distributed across the nation; our launch party was, as always a very pleasant evening in the Marine bar with drinks, nibbles and good company. The VIP guest list varies each time and one of our patrons, Ian Gillan couldn’t make it because he was on the European leg of his tour before heading to South Africa. I have just about settled into my new office, I’ve come up with the snagging list including painting my window frame. You might think I’m going for something plain and sensible to reflect the calm and order that exists on my side of the theatre office door, continuing the no fuss plain white of the box office I can see through my new window. You’d be wrong. Strawberry red with glitter is going to add a bit of bling to my working day. Just need a chintz throw, couple of scatter cushions and one of those tasselled light shades to finish it off. I finally managed to get to the hairdresser in September. I know right, quite an achievement given the nonstop full-on days we have at the Marine but any longer and I’d have been a dead ringer for Kate Bush when she was looking for her Heathcliff. Anyway it’s my birthday this month, I have an empty vase sitting on my strawberry glittered window sill. So if anyone wants to come a-wooing with some flowers I promise to keep the wolves at bay and any dead bodies hidden backstage.
Sophia Moseley
Theatre manager
The Harbour Inn - celebrating 15 years in Lyme!
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MUSIC | THEATRE | WHAT’S ON | COMPETITIONS
Top boogie-woogie pianist to From Matthew Bourne and make welcome return to Lyme Harold Pinter to the Marine ONE of the UK’s finest boogie-woogie pianists will make a longawaited return to Lyme Regis in November. Tom Seals has announced a special concert on Friday, November 8 at the Marine Theatre, organised with Jazz Jurassica, the promoters of the town’s annual jazz and blues festival. It is three years since Tom first appeared in the town and he has since played around the world, including at Ronnie Scott’s, Glastonbury and Birdland Jazz Club on Broadway. Still only in his mid-twenties, Tom has already played alongside the biggest names in jazz and blues, such as Jamie Cullum, Jools Holland and Gregory Porter, always living up to his unique promise to play piano like “a ninja on steroids”. Tom is a former student of Paul McCartney’s ‘Fame Academy’ (Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts), where he took McCartney’s advice to heart. “He said, ‘when you’ve written a song, go away, leave it for a day – if you come back the next morning and you can remember the song and the words then that’s the one that’ll be a hit’,” Tom recalls. It is advice which paid off when Tom’s debut album ‘Ace’ soared to number two in the UK Blues Charts in 2013. Julie Sheppard of Jazz Jurassica said: “Tom
Seals is just ridiculously talented. When other kids were listening to Britney Spears or the Spice Girls back in the 1990s, he was listening to Glen Miller and Frank Sinatra. “He swings. He boogies. He rocks. He takes his music very seriously – but not, thankfully, himself. He’s the consummate entertainer. He went down a storm when he first appeared here so we’ve had many requests to bring him back!” Tom and his band promise to deliver a highoctane evening of music and banter. As he says: “The truth is, when I’m on stage, I’m having the time of my life”. The concert will be held on Friday, November 8 at the Marine Theatre. Tickets cost £15 in advance or £18 on the door and are available by calling 01297 442138 or visit www.marinetheatre.com
JAM-packed with hilarious characters, ‘A Tomb With A View’ is a wickedly comic play that depicts a family embroiled in inheritance conflicts. Under the direction of Steve Miller, who works as a lighting technician at the Marine Theatre, the Marine Players will perform this dark comedy from Wednesday, October 23 to Saturday, October 26. Steve has worked as either a director or technician with dozens of huge names. including Harold Pinter, Matthew Bourne, Lee Evans, and Carlos Acosta. He came to the Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis four years ago. a He has directed more than 50 professional plays and brings 34 years of technical experience to shed new light on this play in his amateur dramatic directorial debut. With an international career, including on West End productions such as ‘Les Miserables’, ‘Cats’, and ‘The Fix’, Steve has worked on more than 400 professional shows and a spattering of films (even daring to feature in one himself). ‘A Tomb With A View’, which is set in a deeply sinister old library that would not look out of place in Dracula’s castle, is looked over by the omniscient portrait of a grim-faced, mad-eyed, and unnerving old man.
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Written by Norman Robbins, the play’s characters make up a strange family: one has werewolf tendencies, another wears Julius Caesar’s toga, and an unsuspecting ‘gentle’ old lady plants more than just seeds in her flower beds. By the final act there are more corpses on stage than the living The Marine Players is a local group of experienced talented performers. Formerly known as the Lyme Regis Dramatic Society, they were renamed the Marine Players in 2016 and have staged hugely successful productions including ‘A Christmas Carol’, ‘Ghost Train’, ‘The Vicar of Dibley’ and ‘Local Affairs’, all raising funds for the theatre’s upkeep. The play is currently in rehearsals and is an exciting exploration for Steve, who commented: “It’s great fun, I’m learning new skills in interpretation, like trying to tell an actor how to be a sexy diva, while not making the chap she is doing it too embarrassed.” The performance promises twists, turns, and a heavy dose of comedy. It will be held nightly from Wednesday, October 23 to Saturday, October 26. Tickets are £12 for adults and £6 for under 18s, available by calling 01297 442138 or visit www.marinetheatre.com
16 Friday, October 11 2019
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M AR I N E TH E ATR E L YM E R EGI S
MARINE PL AYERS PRESENT A TOMB WITH A VIEW
MATTHEW W BOURNE’S ROMEO + JULIET J
GAUGUIN FROM THE NATIONAL GALLER RY
SAM LEE
23—26 OCTOBER From £6 6 adv
MONDAY 4 NOVEMBER From £5 adv
SATURDAY 8 F FEBRUARY From £13 adv
TUESDAY 29 OCTOBER £10 advance including cake!
NOSFERATU WITH LIVE SOUNDTRACK
THURSDAY 31 OCTOBER From £6 adv
BOOKING FEE MAY APPL A Y 10% OFF FOR MEMBERS
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SUZI RUFF FELL
TUESDAY 21 APRIL A From £12 adv
TICKETS MAR RINETHEATRE.COM LYME TOURIST INFORMATION 01297 4 42138 BRIDPORT TOURIST INFORMATION
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Will the Red Arrows be soaring in our skies again next summer? IT is hoped the Red Arrows will once again perform their breathtaking aerobatic displays over Lyme Regis next summer. A formal application was submitted to RAF Events this week for the Red Arrows to appear in Lyme Regis in summer 2020. The town’s relationship with the Red Arrows dates back almost 50 years. They were first brought to the town by Philip Evans MBE as part of the Regatta & Carnival festivities in the early 1970s, and then went on to appear free of charge for four decades as the main attraction for Lifeboat Week. But when Ministry of Defence rules changed and a charge was made for a visit by the Red Arrows – in the region of £13,000 – Lifeboat Week organisers felt they could not commit charity funds to the cost of an appearance. In a bid to maintain THE Red Arrows have been wowing crowds in Lyme Regis for more than 40 years (photo by Richard Austin) the long association between Lyme and the Red two years. In 2018 they were unable to perform ted the formal application. If successful, the LymeOnline community Arrows, Mr Evans founded the Lyme Regis Red as the applied-for date clashed with their engiArrows 100 Club to raise the money, with gener- neering day, and in 2019 the aerobatic team em- newspaper and website will raise the funds to ous financial support from Lyme Bay Holidays, barked on a tour of the USA instead taking part cover the cost of the display, through corporate sponsorship and the re-launch of the Red Arand secured two further displays in 2016 and in UK displays. It is now hoped they will make their return to rows 100 Club. 2017. It will not be known if the application has been However, the Arrows have been missed in Lyme Regis in 2020, with Mr Evans – now manLyme’s calendar of summer events over the past aging director of LymeOnline – having submit- successful until February 2020.
Friday, October 11 2019 17
Plans for first tattoo studio in Lyme Regis PLANS have been submitted to open a tattoo studio in Lyme Regis town centre. An application has been submitted to Dorset Council to change the use of 6 Bridge Street, a grade II listed property in the Conservation Area, from a shop to a tattoo studio. The shop is sited opposite the museum and Guildhall and was formerly known as The Writing Room. The proposal does not seek to make any internal or external changes to the property, aside from the material change of use and erection of a new painted timber sign. The application says the premises “performs poorly” as a retail shop because it has no direct access to Bridge Street or the benefit of an active shopping frontage, with only two small sash windows. It continues: “It is for this reason previous occupiers have struggled to maintain a profitable and operational business model. In this instance, and the nature of how the tattoo studio will operate, this unit provides the perfect platform to operate from as they do not require an active frontage.” If approved, the new tattoo studio would be the first to open in Lyme Regis. The full application can be viewed by clicking here where the public can comment on the proposals.
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HAVE you ever wondered what The Royal British Legion (RBL) does? We all buy our poppy each year but where does all that cash go and more importantly what is it spent on? I think we all tend to forget that our brave service veterans and their dependents need our help 365 days a year and not just in the weeks leading up to Armistice Day on November 11th each year. So, the RBL works in association with many other service charities via the Veterans Gateway but, the RBL is best placed to assist with care and independent living, providing care homes for our older veterans, support for carers and helping the Armed Forces community to live safely at home - we are here to help. We also provide help with physical and mental wellbeing, from expert recovery and rehabilitation, to much-needed breaks away, we're here to ensure the Armed Forces community can access the help they need. What about financial and employment support? We’re here to help ease the burden of financial pressures and transition into civilian life for the Armed Forces community. Local community connections: whether you’d like to talk to us in person, on the phone, or even chat online, we’re here to make sure everyone can access the support they need. Expert guidance: We are able to offer robust support services in several areas but sometimes what’s needed is a bit of advice or recommendation to a more specialised service. More locally we offer home and hospital visiting, telephone buddying and provide on the spot support to our case workers if they need help. This all sounds great in principal but how do we assist in Lyme Regis and its environs? We are developing our support and outreach locally by holding a monthly coffee drop in session in the Driftwood Rooms of the Baptist Church Hall in Lyme Regis which are held on the first Monday of the month from 10am to midday. Why not put the dates in your diary and pop in for a chat where we can explain all this is more detail and signpost you towards the most effective assistance route? Your local RBL Poppy Team very much look forward to meeting you and naturally we are most indebted to all our gallant poppy collectors who all help this great charity work. Please visit www.rbl.org for more details about the RBL or email your local branch on lymeregis.chairman@rbl.community
18 Friday, October 11 2019
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Hope that Three Cups will be LymeOnline Letters brought back into use soon Send your letters to francesca@lyme-online.co.uk ■ I WOULD like to commend Palmers Brewery for undertaking and recently completing the refurbishment of the front elevation of the Three Cups Hotel in Lyme Regis, which has been empty for various reason for the past 30 years or so (see picture right). It is now hoped by many people, that this will set the scene for further restoration, refurbishment and the new extensions, in accordance with its planning and listed building consents and that the property will be brought back into use shortly, so that it can contribute towards the liveliness of Broad Street and the
Why single out the seagull?
economy of Lyme Regis as a whole. Simon Williams Uplyme
Warm welcome at folk festival ■ MANY thanks to Maggie Wiscombe and all the committee, volunteers and helpers who made the first Charmouth Folk Festival so enjoyable. As other events were being cancelled around the country due to the weather it was great that all events were indoors. We had good audiences at our Spa Strummers ukulele concerts and enjoyed ad hoc sessions in The George pub with various booked artists joining in. Highlights for me were Richard Digance on
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Friday evening and Grant Baynham on Sunday afternoon. Both were excellent wordsmiths, displayed amazing musicianship and had excellent stories and links between songs. We were made very welcome in Charmouth with most staying at lovely Seadown Caravan Park, but I must give a 'shout out' for Netherleigh B&B at Raymond's Hill where we stayed. Laura (a Spa Strummer) and Tom Kisby, Leamington Spa
■ FIRSTLY, I would like to congratulate Lyme-Online for being the brightest, most cheerful local paper that I have ever come across (I am, in fact, 86 years of age, so that is a lot of local papers!). I moved to Charmouth over 23 years ago and, in all that time, I have never read such an optimistic and pleasant letter, submitted to any paper, as that of Guy Ottewell’s of Broad Street, another local like myself (LymeOnline, September 27). I agree with every word expressed by him regarding the “sound of the seaside”, i.e. the sight and sound of my neighbours, the seagulls and “a pox” (so what, it was good enough for William Shakespeare) on those who continuously express a desire to have them all killed. Do people know that is what ‘culling’ means? It is not saying “shoo” very loudly! There is not an animal on this planet, wild or tame, that will not take the opportunity to eat an unguarded tit-bit when it appears to the animal that it is on offer and I am continously upset that the seagull is singled out. People, of all ages, seem to think that waving a chip, a piece of fish, a hamburger bun, a sandwich, an ice cream or any other item of tempting food around, is going to be ignored by any animal in close proximity. On the coast that is inevitably going to be a seagull. They’re lucky it’s not a wolf, a bear, etc, otherwise they would lose more than their food. I do, however, agree with the council notices, aimed at holidaymakers to avoid feeding the gulls, which is exactly what they are doing. Two years ago, I ‘fostered’ a very young gull who had obviously fallen out of its nest but
had no idea where that was. I fed it with tuna (it wouldn’t eat anything else, although caviar did cross my mind) until it could fly after very many attempts leaping off of a 12" high wall. It now, of course, thinks that I am its mum and visits me every summer's day (I can't believe that it is only coming for food). About four years ago, a one-legged adult seagull used to come and visit, being handfed and sitting at my feet sleeping. I haven't seen it for some time so perhaps it went to sleep at someone else’s feet and it’s been ‘culled’. Derek Jeffries (animal lover), Charmouth
Christmas cards for Children’s Hospice ■ I SEE that the mayor, Councillor Brian Larcombe, has chosen Children's Hospice South West as his chosen charity this year - a charity I love to support and have been selling their Christmas cards for the past 13 years. I thought some readers might like to know I have a good selection of this year’s cards for sale, as well as reduced packs from previous years from £2 for a pack of 10 cards. My friends Sonia and Roderick at the Black Dog Tea Room in Uplyme also sell them for me and have a good selection. Last year, between us, we proudly sold £600 worth. Sheila Booth, Uplyme
Is this corporate fly-tipping? Dogs should not be punished
for their irresponsible owners
■ FOR the last year coils of ugly orang fibre optic cable has been dumped and in Gore Lane and Venlake in Uplyme by Gigaclear. The UK Internet Service Provider, Gigaclear we’re appointed to rollout the ‘Connecting Devon and Somerset’ super fast broadband project. They have recently had their contract cancelled by Devon County Council due to their poor performance. Which means Uplyme residents may have to put up with the dumped cabling for another two years, while Devon County Council’s now Super Slow Broadband Contract is reallocated. Devon County Council are anticipating going out to tender for the problematic Phase 2 Uplyme Broadband project in December
2019. The outcome of this supplier hunt in unlikely to be known until the end of 2020, which means no new roll out will probably begin until sometime in 2021. It’s very disappointing that Devon County Council have allowed this eyes-saw orange cabling to be dumped for over a year in Uplyme. I can’t believe Uplyme Parish Council, who do such a great job in looking after the village will allow this abandoned cabling to remain for another two years. For further information see ISPreview.co.uk (Devon UK Council Reaffirms Commitment To Broadband Rollout Blog - October 4 2019). Marcus Dixon, Upyme
■ IT’S that time of year again. Summer is over, schools have gone back and the mass of summer visitors have returned home with a warm feeling for Lyme Regis. Now we residents look forward to a new season of good will, or so I hoped. Why is it that at the same time each year the dog control chorus raises its ugly head again? During the summer months I have had the privilege of free roaming Monmouth Beach and enjoyed every moment with the exception of having to dodge spent barbecues, buried soiled nappies, grossly overflowing rubbish bins, and plastic waste, all generated by human beings. I can only conclude that a small percentage of human beings are incapable of clearing up after themselves or putting excess waist in a black sack and taking it home. Based on the above I can understand why all human beings should not be banned from Monmouth Beach because of the misdemeanour of a few. So why is it that, because of the indiscipline of a few dog owners, should we dogs all be banned from the front sandy and pebble beaches? It’s not us you know, it’s a few irresponsi-
ble owners who are at fault as we, unlike humans are not always able to regulate our most basic functions. My owners and I have concluded that it would be right and proper for the council to employ a dog owner warden (note the word ‘owner’ in the title), armed with the ability to stamp out the current abuse of a few dog owners and not to introduce a blanket ban on us responsible beach users. I have trained my owners well, they always pick up after me so why not the guilty few. They, my owners, tell me that nearly all dog owners are sick of the few irresponsible members of the dog owner community who allow their dogs to foul the pavements and beaches and they, like me, request that the town council will address the cause and not impose a blanket solution on all us well behaved dogs and their owners. I like us all enjoy the freedom of running on the sand, in and out of the sea and on the shingle beach during the winter months. Bracken P (Springer Spaniel), Lyme Regis
Send your letters to LymeOnline, Unit 5 Uplyme Business Park, Uplyme Road, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3DB or email francesca@lyme-online.co.uk Please note the views expressed in letters are those of the authors and not necessarily of this newspaper
Friday, October 11 2019 19
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IT’S ALL HAPPENING AT THE PILOT BOAT
TUESDAYS
MARGHERITA MADNESS 2 for 1 on MARGHERITA PIZZAS Eat in or take away 12 noon - 11pm
WEDNESDAYS
LIVE MUSIC 8.30 - 10.30pm
TWO COCKTAILS FOR £10 6.00 - 10.30pm
THURSDAYS
QUIZ NIGHT 8.00pm
CASH PRIZES + JACKPOT PRIZE
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BOTTLE OF PROSECCO £15 5.00 - 10.00pm
LIVE MUSIC 9.00 - 11.00pm
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20 Friday, October 11 2019
FLASHBACKS with Richard Austin
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Tales from behind the lens of our award-winning photographer
Now that’s entertainment!
I WAS commissioned to photograph celebrities at the launch of a show-biz book entitled ’That’s Entertainment’. It was at the world-famous London Palladium; this kind of work does not come along very often. The commission came in the mid 1990s from the book publishers through local journalist Philip Evans, now managing director of LymeOnline, who was running newspapers in London at the time. Philip and myself arrived at the front of the Palladium in a cab to a glitzy reception and mingled with all the top UK entertainment personas, which included Barbara Windsor, Ernie Wise and even Nookie Bear with ventriloquist Roger de Corsy. Philip and I were talking when we were approached by Ernie Wise, one half of the famous Morecambe and Wise comedy duo, but sadly missing Eric Morecambe. It was an awkward five minutes because he thought we were both actors in the entertainment business, but we both managed to talk
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around the conversation and I think he still thought we were actors. I was left alone with Ernie when Philip was drawn away and, fishing for conversation, I passed comment on how well tuned out he was and what a really nice pair of shiny shoes he was wearing. They were black patent shoes and when he looked down he was concerned about the amount of rain spots on his delicate shoes. For half a moment I thought the look on his face was asking me to grab a napkin and wipe them clean. I didn’t oblige, but wished him all the best and to have a great day… and what a great day we did have! COMPETITION WINNERS Winners for our recent competition to win four Richard Austin 2020 calendars have been drawn as follows: Priscilla Taylor, Sylvia Thomas, Marie Williams and Peter Ward-Brown. Congratulations to all!
Proposal to close down pre-school next month THE uncertain future of St Michael’s PreSchool in Lyme Regis continues, with governors now proposing that the facility closes down in November. It was first announced that the preschool, managed by the adjoining St Michael’s Primary School, would close in July, with parents being given just a week’s notice of the decision. They were told that the pre-school had run at a significant financial deficit since it first opened, and a shortfall of £20,000 was expected in the current financial year. However, the decision to immediately close the facility was later reversed and it was agreed to re-open the pre-school for the new term in September. Parents and supporters joined forces to form the St Michael’s Pre-School Fundraising Group, chaired by local resident Cheryl Reynolds, in an attempt to secure the long-term future of the facility. They have been looking into the possibility of forming a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, which could run the pre-school as a charity. In the latest development, parents received a letter last week outlining a proposal that the pre-school be closed on November 22nd. Signed by headteacher Nick Kiddle and the new chairman of the school governors, Betty Wood, the letter said: “As a result of increasing costs, maintenance and falling income, the pre-school has become unviable to run, with a projected deficit of
£20,000, an increase on the previous years. “As part of our work with Dorset Council, Salisbury Diocese and following subsequent meetings held within the community, we would like to give parents, carers and staff further opportunity to share any feelings and thoughts about the closure, so that the governors are able to consider and support any next steps.” A consultation period has now opened and will run until Friday, October 18, after which the governors will meet to confirm any actions and decisions. The final decision on the future of the pre-school is expected to be announced by Thursday, October 24. Meanwhile, parents are continuing their fundraising efforts to try and secure a long-term future for the pre-school. The next event will be a traditional harvest home auction at Lyme Regis Football Club on Saturday, October 19, starting at 7.30pm. Prizes will include a £100 voucher for HIX Oyster & Fish House. Christmas table-top sales will be held at Axminster Football Club from 1pm to 4pm on Sunday, November 17 and on Sunday, December 15. A coffee morning and cake sale with raffle and clothes drive will be held at The Anchor Inn in Burton Bradstock from 11am to 4pm on Sunday, November 24 and a Christmas bingo night will be held on Friday, December 6 at the Woodmead Halls in Lyme Regis, eyes down at 8pm.
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SHOES, some designer, some unworn, party shoes (sparkly!), size 5-6, only £3-£5 per pair 01297 443930. TUB CHAIR, Edwardian carved mahogany, red velvet upholstery, £150 ono - 01297 560707. TUMBLE DRYER, vented Siemens, very good condition, £30 - 01297 792957 (buyer to collect). BASKET WEAVE COMMODE CHAIR, cream/beige, very attractive chair, excellent condition, as new, height 31”, width 23”, depth 20”, £99 - 07828 172 375 (Ottery St Mary). DOG CAGE/CRATE, medium/large, ideal for all pets, made from galvanised steel, folds flat, two doors, 21” x 29” x 24”, very good condition, £19 - 07828 172 375 (Ottery St Mary). WHEELCHAIR, ideal to load into the boot of a car and can be ready to use in seconds, easy to fold for storage and transport, leightweight and portable, puncture-proof tyres, £35 - 07828 172 375 (Ottery St Mary).
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DINING TABLE, Ercol brand, circular, 115cm diameter extending to 165cm long, £70 ovno 01397 444698. HIGH CHAIR, Mamas & Papas Bob Contemporary Highchair (see https://bit.ly/2LV9UlN), sturdy and in excellent condition, detachable table so can be pulled in to sit at dining table, RRP £49 but selling for £20 - 01297 444260. PLANTS, lovely hydrangeas from £2.50, large in flower £5 each - 01297 443930. PICNIC HAMPER, new, £15 - 01297 678536.
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DUVETS, winterweight 13.5 tog and winter 10.5 tog, both for doubles, bedlinen also included 01297 443930. TENNIS RACQUET, Dunlop Max 27 with cover, unused, £10 - 01297 443930. SQUASH RACQUET, Carlton, £10 - 01297 443930. ENGRAVING, Lyme Regis SW new limited edition engraving, Maryatt 1819, 63cm x 36cm, £30 - 01297 442627. ENGRAVING, Lyme Regis NE new limited edition engraving, Maryatt 1819, 63CM x 36cm, £30 - 01297442627. ENGRAVING, Whitlands landslip 1840 new limited edition engraving, Hawkins, 50cm x 41cm, £30 - 01297 442627. Please note, items for sale will move down the list each issue as we receive new listings, or will be removed earlier if we are contacted to confirm they have been sold.
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LymeOnline Sport
email your sports reports to edit@lyme-online.co.uk football
sailing
‘Enticing’ waves for the winter sailors
COMPETITION between local clubs is a tradition at Lyme Regis, when winter sailing was once replaced by keen sailors congregating at sister club Sutton Bingham for the off-season. Now, dry suits and more advanced wet suits make all-season racing possible at Lyme, weather dependent of course. Sunday saw sunshine highlighting the enticing waves, with a turnout of 20 dinghies including eight visitors from Sutton Bingham and Castle Cove competing for two team trophies, the top three placing from each club to count. Overall winner from Castle Cove was Jon Emmett in a Laser Radial. Jon is an international Olympic coach for that class, and supported by Kevin Francis and Phil Male in an Osprey he led his team to win the Dorset Triangle. Second overall was Andrew Frost , champion RS Aero 5 helm, son of a past Commodore of Lyme, Richard, both sailing for Sutton Bingham. Lyme's Allan and Christie Tyler in their Fireball recovered from a 10th in Race One to take two second placings subsequently. Points from Chris Turner and Peter Bagwell in a 5o5 and team mate Mike Pridham, Laser Radial gave the host club the Banbury Chaser. Conditions were tricky as the NW blustery winds shifted 20/30 degrees during the rac-
Skipper suffers double fracture of the shoulder Uplyme v. Crewkerne, October 5
Photo by Pauline Rook
LYME’S Stephan Laeger avoids a capsized dinghy ing, but visiting competitors congratulated Jerry Rook and his team for excellent courses and race duration. Jim Thomas took charge of the safety team, supported by helm Dave Law. Results Overall: Castle Cove SC 48 points; Lyme Regis SC, 54 pts; Sutton Bingham SC.85pts
With all the cruisers safely lifted out of the harbour, racing for dinghies is programmed to continue at Lyme until the end of this month, with a small winter race group until Christmas. The club's Youth Prize giving, annual general meeting and dinner dance and prize giving will beheld in November.
Golf
football
By Richard Jackman THE hardy A team at Lyme Regis Golf Club beat Queens Park by five games to three to win the division and gain promotion. This end-of-season match saw a fantastic team effort but a special mention of Zac Mudford who was making his Hardy A debut and found himself four down with five to play and came back to halve his match which gave the team the vital winning half point. The junior stableford was won by Brooklyn Wilkins on 40 points with Joe Shrubb taking second on 38 and Casey Gibbons third on 36. The stableford saw Gerry Whiteley improve on the previous week as he took gold in Division 1 with 36 points, just pushing James Phillips into second on 35 with Geoffrey Moss third on 33. The Veterans’ Trophy was won by John Jones, nett 70, who had a blistering front nine which included a two on the third hole. John Stow and Charles Vane Percy both had 71 but on countback Stow took silver. Preceding their annual general meeting, the ladies played their AGM greensomes and it augurs well that new vice-captains Debbie Shinners and Ronny Turner, worked exceptionally well together to romp home with brilliant score of 42 points third on 34.
Keeper Harp stars in Reserves cup victory LYME Regis Reserves, after a tough opening four weeks to the season in Devon & Exeter League Division Three, gaining just five points from four games, put in an excellent performance in the first round of the Bill Slee Cup on Saturday, beating Division Two highflyers Otterton 3-1 at the Davey Fort. This was believed to have been the very first encounter between the two sides and the East Devon villagers proved to been a well drilled outfit and the Lyme second string had to dig deep to win a place in the second round. Chances were few and far between for Lyme in the first half with the nearest they came to scoring a rasping free kick from Sam Bevis which was headed off the line in the 14th minute. Two minutes later Lyme opened their account with a well-placed Ryan Fifer shot from a good cross from Jack Far-
rant. At the other end, Lyme keeper Rob Harp was in tremendous form, bringing off a series of saves to keep the home team in the game. After the break Lyme could have increased their lead when a free-kick from Bevis was met with a bullet-like Wally Blackmore header, which went wide. Lyme had to work hard in defence with the new signing Mike Knight, back in action after injury, demonstrating what an asset he will be for the Seasiders and with Blackmore in determined form, snuffing out numerous Otterton attacks. Otterton got back on terms in the 77th minute but Lyme regained the initiative four minutes later when Cam Fowler slammed the ball home to make it 2-1 when the Otterton keeper failed to hold
a fierce drive from Bevis, who looked dangerous down the left flank. Lyme were well on top at this time but Harp was called into action on several occasions before the final whistle to protect the Seasiders’ lead with a string of great saves. The clincher came in the final minute of full-time when Farrant was brought down in the box and Fifer crowned a good performance with a well taken spot-kick to make it 3-1. The referee played seven minutes’ injury time after a relatively incident free second half, during which time Harp brought off one more brilliant stop. The goalkeeping position is proving a bit of a problem for the Lyme management team. They have four excellent keepers – Will Meech, Rob Harp, Brett Garner and Chris Higgs, all capable of playing at the highest level. On this performance, Harp will surely be knocking on the first team door.
AN “absolutely brilliant performance against difficult opposition”. That’s how joint manager Rob Larcombe described Lyme Rovers’ 3-1 home victory over Perry Street League Division Two leaders Combe St Nicholas. “If we hadn’t had the energy and guts from every player on the pitch, we wouldn’t have won the game – a real team effort,” Larcombe told LymeOnline Sport. After flashing a couple cross-shots across the face of goal, Cody Bowditch opened the scoring as he slammed home a left-
footed strike from 20 yards on 25 minutes. The first half wore on, and was evenly contested, and quite open. Bowditch and Scott Myers caused a lot of hassle for the Combe back-line, and the Rovers’ defensive work was top notch. When Bowditch was brought down – probably by the last man – Sam Burke stepped up and neatly found the top corner with a 20yard free-kick. The Lyme players knew that Combe wouldn’t go down without a fight, and
the second half turned into a real battle. On 70 minutes Combe pulled one back, with a perfectly weighted through-ball allowing their striker to slot home. Chris Higgs had the moment of the game, pulling off an unbelievable double save with less than ten minutes to play. Man-of-the-match went to Higgs, followed closely by the whole back four. As a result of this win, the Rovers moved into third place in Division Three.
PHILIP EVANS
philip@lyme-online.co.uk
FEATURED GAME
‘Brilliant- display as Rovers beat league leaders
UPLYME returned to Perry Street League Division One action after successive away games and welcomed league leaders Crewkerne to Venlake. Harvey Brimicombe was back in goal and skipper Steve Gillan dropped back to centre-back. The first half was a tight affair with chances at both ends but Crewkerne took the lead after a cross-field pass and good finish. Uplyme pressed up front and went close from a couple of set pieces, one which saw an open goal opportunity go begging. Great work from Henry Rudkin on the right saw him press and rob the Crewkerne left-back of the ball and his pass found Alex Jones who finished nicely. The last 10 minutes of the half were dominated by Uplyme but they couldn’t find the finish the possession they deserved and the scores finished 1-1 at the interval. The second half continued in the same vein but Crewkerne pressed down the slope and caused some problems. Uplyme created a couple of chances but ultimately an unlucky double deflection and a pass-back which went straight to the visitors’ centre-forward saw the Swallows concede twice and eventually that’s how the score finished. The game was marred near the end when Uplyme skipper Steve Gillan was wrestled to the ground and consequently suffered a double fracture of the shoulder. The man-of-the-match award was heading Gillan’s way after a great effort marshalling the defence and midfield in front of it. Manager Stu Wooster said after the game: “We wish Gilly a quick recovery. The key take-out from the last three games is we are really competing and giving our opponents a game. No one is rolling us over and this bodes well for the season ahead.”
‘Harsh’ decision robs Uplyme of a point Uplyme v. Forton Rangers, September 28
AFTER the rollercoaster of their previous brilliant 4-3 victory of Forton Rangers, Uplyme failed to maintain that momentum, losing 1-0 at Misterton Reserves in Division One of the Perry Street League. It was a fairly evenly contested game in which neither side crafted too many clear cut chances. Uplyme were a little disjointed in the first half leaving Connor Tate isolated up front. Their best chances came from a couple of corners with Henry Rudkin’s headers saved by the keeper. The only goal of the game came from a controversial decision ten minutes before half time. A ball was blasted at Toby Barnes from no more than two feet away forcing him to put up his hands went to protect his face with the ball striking him. The referee awarded a penalty which was converted. Uplyme manager Stu Wooster said afterwards: “We thought was a very harsh decision. On reflection, a draw would have been a fair result but we move on.” The second half continued in a similar fashion, with chances limited at each end and the game petered out. The Uplyme boss gave his man-of-the-match accolade to Henry Rudkin for “a battling performance”.
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LymeOnline Sport
24 Friday, October 11 2019
October 11 2019
GENTLY DOES IT! The new 63-seat grandstand at the Davey Fort is lowered into position
New grandstand at the football club represents a £25,000 investment and completes phase two of the club’s Project Fortify development plan. The first phase was the construction of a £60,000 kitchen, which has enabled the club to cater for its own social events and provide catering facilities for those who hire the clubhouse. Phase three will include improved drainage and tarmacking the club car park and the erection of new fencing around the ground. When completed, the develop-
ment project will have cost around £140,000, £100,000 of which came from a generous three-year grant from Lyme Regis Town Council with match-funding from the club. The pre-built grandstand, complete with yellow and black seating and three spaces for wheelchairs, was erected on the southern bank in a matter of minutes with the construction being craned into place onto a concrete platform which was laid by former club secretary Martin Edwards and his son Tim, a former
player and captain who now assists with coaching of the first team The club now intends to build a concrete path from the clubhouse to the new stand for easy access by wheelchair users. The dugout at the club has also been demolished and is to be placed by two plastic mobile dugouts. See video of the grandstand being erected on our website lyme-online.co.uk
Seasiders still top premier division despite third defeat PHILIP EVANS
philip@lyme-online.co.uk LYME Regis 1sts are clinging onto their lead at the top of the Devon & Exeter Premier Division despite losing three of their last four games. The Seasiders got off to an explosive start, winning their first six matches, including one cup victory, but they have lost three league games, the latest on Saturday when they were beaten 2-1 at Whipton & Pinhoe.
NOW IN THE DEVON & EXETER PREMIER LEAGUE
Saturday, October 12 Lyme Regis Reserves v Milborne Port 2nds Kick-off 2.30pm
Seasiders on county cup duty
football
THE Davey Fort, home of Lyme Regis Football Club, has the most spectacular views over Lyme Bay – but it is also battered by some of the most ferocious weather conditions. Now, however, the Seasiders’ loyal fans will be protected from the strong winds and heavy rain blowing in from the sea with the arrival on Tuesday of 63-seat grandstand. Up until now, the only shelter available for spectators has been the clubhouse canopy. The erection of the grandstand
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It was the second time Lyme had succumbed to the Exeter side, losing by a similar scoreline earlier in the season. Lyme stay on top of the Premier division, courtesy of them having played more games than the rest, but if all the sides below them win all their games in hand, the Seasiders will be down in eighth place. However, Whipton, one of the most aggressive teams in the league, are likely to take points off some of the other top sides.
Having returned to winning form the previous week with a emphatic 82 win over Sidmouth Reserves, manager Gerard Hitchcock will be disappointed his side did not dispatch with Whipton, especially after a good second half display during which star man Fred Parsons got their goal. Lyme looked the better of the two sides in the second half. Hitchcock’s frustration was very visible on the touchline and he ended up being red carded for consistent abuse of the referee.
Lyme were without two of their quickest players – Ben Vine (unavailable) and Cody Bowditch who dropped down to the Seasiders’ third X1 at his own request because he is unhappy with his wing-back role for the senior squad and wants to revert to his favourite position as an out-and-out winger. Good news for the Seasiders, however, was the return of influential centre-back Gary Knight who was sidelined for several weeks with a suspected blood clot.
LYME Regis 1st team take a break from league football tomorrow (Saturday) when they travel into Dorset to meet old rivals Beaminster in the first round of the Dorset Senior Cup. This will be no easy task with the West Dorset side in a mid-table position with six points from four games in the Dorset Senior League. Lyme have an impressive record in county cup competitions, having won the Dorset Intermediate Cup nine times and the Junior Cup six times. Lyme is now considered a senior team, playing in the Devon & Exeter League’s top level but Dorset FA will not allow the Seasiders to play senior cup games at the Davey Fort because the pitch does not meet the size criteria for senior football in Dorset. So all their cup games have to be played away. It seems a nonsense that adjoining football associations have different rules, but that’s local football for you! Lyme Regis Reserves will also be on county cup duty, having been drawn at home to Milborne Port Reserves (kick-off 2.30pm). Port play in Dorset Division Two but the Ressies will be in confident form after their impressive 3-1 victory over Devon & Exeter Division Two side Otterton in the Bill Slee Cup last Saturday. Lyme Rovers, flying high in the Perry Street League Division Two after promotion last season and victory last week over league leaders Combe St Nicholas Reserves, are away to mid-tablers Chard Rangers. Uplyme’s young side have impressed this season and they will be looking to maintain a much better start to the season when they are at home to Elmore 3rds in the second round of the Devon Intermediate Cup. A run in this competition will give their confidence a real boost. After their first three points of the season last week when they beat Shepton Beauchamp 3-2, Charmouth, promoted from Perry Street Division Two last season, will be welcoming South Petherton Reserves. mid table in Division One, to Barrs Lane.
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