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COMIC SUZI RUFFE L COMING TO L THE MARIN E PA GE 14
Musical theatre group folds after 100 years THE curtain has finally fallen for Lyme Regis Musical Theatre after 100 years of entertaining local audiences. The former Lyme Regis Operatic Society has been disbanded after committee members, some of whom had served the organisation for more than 50 years, stood down. Despite exhaustive efforts, no volunteers have come forward to continue running the society. REPORT, PAGE 2
Lyme businesses join Fiver Fest campaign
Snowy Cobb the backdrop for Hollywood production
LYME Regis is once again taking part in Totally Locally’s national Fiver Fest, encouraging shoppers to support their local high street. Local businesses are among thousands across the UK to offer customers £5 deals up until Saturday, October 23. REPORT, PAGE 8
Artisan Florist
Wild and Seasonal
Daily deliveries, order online or self-serve flower shed at 18 Woodmead Road, Lyme Regis DT7 3AD
A hark back to the nineteenth century as the historic Cobb in Lyme Regis was dressed in props and covered in fake snow for the filming of ‘Wonka’ – a new Hollywood production which will act as a prequel to Roald Dahl’s ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’. Crowds gathered around the harbour this week to catch a glimpse of lead actor Timothée Chalamet (pictured inset). See pages 10 and 11 for full story and more photos. Photos by RICHARD AUSTIN
Council’s ‘biggest risk’
Teresa Fowler
35 years experience
Tel: 01297 444743 07721 628 754
PERSONAL CONFLICT ONE OF TOWN COUNCIL’S MAIN CHALLENGES, SAYS TOWN CLERK LYME Regis councillors have been told that one of the biggest risks to the town council is their own behaviour.
Following months of in-fighting and personal disputes – which recently led deputy mayor Kelsey Ellis to resign as she called out her colleagues for childish behaviour, bullying tendencies and discrimination – town clerk John Wright has highlighted members’ behaviour as one of the main concerns in his an-
FRANCESCA EVANS
francesca@lyme-online.co.uk
nual report on risk management. Only half the council members were present at Wednesday night’s meeting to receive the report and they noted it with no discussion on the issues raised. Since the local elections of May 2019 and autumn 2020, Mr Wright said there was a positive and constructive atmosphere in the
council with very little conflict. However, since the beginning of 2021, he reported that “the behaviour of some councillors, along with associated tension inside and outside the council chamber has become a distraction and has created a negative public perception about the town council”. His report presented to councillors this week continued: “This is despite a commitment CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
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Musical theatre group bids farewell after 100 years THE curtain has finally fallen for Lyme Regis Musical Theatre after 100 years of entertaining local audiences. The former Lyme Regis Operatic Society has been disbanded after committee members, some of whom had served the organisation for more than 50 years, stood down. Despite exhaustive efforts, no volunteers have come forward to continue running the society. The society produced its first show at the Marine Theatre, ‘The Mikado’, in 1921 and has staged 85 productions. No performances were held during the Second World War and the society returned in 1948 when they staged ‘The Yeoman of the Guard’. Throughout most of its history the society concentrated on light operetta, performing all the wellknown Gilbert and Sullivan shows. To mark its 50th anniversary, the society performed ‘Golden Revenge’, written especially by producer Roy Deasey and musical director Brian Manners, who were both teachers at the Woodroffe School. Mr Manners went on to serve the society with distinction and was elected president after relinquishing the musical director role. The show was such a success that it was staged again the following year at the Northcott Theatre in Exeter. As part of the celebrations for Lyme’s 1,200th anniversary in
PHILIP EVANS
philip@lyme-online.co.uk 1974, the society staged another home-grown show, ‘Love In A Mist’. In more recent years, following the name change to Lyme Regis Musical Theatre, the society staged many of the big West End hits, including ‘Mame’, ‘Evita’ and ‘Sister Act’. Their last production in 2018 was Cole Porter’s ‘Anything Goes’. The society was rehearsing ‘Chicago’ in 2020 – the first local society to have secured a licence for this blockbuster – but the show had to be abandoned due to COVID-19. Chairman Johanna Hopkins, who has been connected with the society for more than 50 years, issued the following statement: “Over the last two years the society has had to make some hard decisions and unfortunately the outcome is that we will not be performing again. “After 100 years of performing and entertaining our wonderful audiences, we have closed our final curtain after our show ‘Anything Goes’ which we performed in May 2019. “We were rehearsing for the hit show ‘Chicago’ for our 2020 show (and our centenary celebration) but COVID somehow got in the way and changed everyone’s lives. “We were very lucky to hold our 100th anniversary dinner at the Royal Lion Hotel and were then closed down from rehearsing to-
One of Lyme Regis Musical Theatre’s most popular shows ‘Evita’, staged at the Marine Theatre (photo by Peter Wiles) afloat from one year to the next, gether, within two weeks. “We all know how that started off and together with some individual and now sadly, we are among other donations, and grants from the organisations who have had to town council, we have managed to finish in a credit position. close their doors. “We shall be putting our funds to “We would like to thank everyone who has been involved with sup- good use within the community, so porting the society throughout our keep reading LymeOnline to see what we are achieving in our finishlong existence. “Our members and performers, ing year to help other organisathe committee members who have tions. “On behalf of the whole society I worked tirelessly to get a show would like to say it has been an moving and from our patrons. “We have had marvellous audi- honour and a privilege to serve as ences throughout our time and it chairman for the past eight years will be very hard not to be up there, and be part of the society, on stage singing and acting our hearts out to and off, front of house or on the difgive our audiences a wonderful ferent committees, since 1966. “All good things must come to an show and theatre experience. “We have been lucky in our fund- end but we hope you enjoyed our raising efforts and kept ourselves shows on the journey.”
Tension and division could compromise council’s ability to deliver core objectives CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE
from all councillors to accept collective ‘rules’ about behaviour. Some members do not seem to recognise it is their behaviour that is adversely impacting on other councillors and staff.” He added that the behaviour of some members was “adversely affecting the well-being, participation, and decision-making roles of other members”, as well as member-officer relations. Mr Wright continued: “Generally, along with a preoccupation with detail and history, debate can drift from subject matter. While the council still manages to deliver core policy objectives and business priorities, if the level of tension and division in the council chamber persists, then this could be compromised.” The report later added: “Inevitably, the views of 14 independent members will be disparate. Increasingly comments made by some members go against the grain of what the council is trying to achieve and sometimes translate into negative headlines about the council and the town. “On occasions, some members appear to want to embarrass the council and its officers.” The deterioration in relationships between some members was listed as one of the most challenging risks currently faced by
the council, along with the following: ● An elevation in conflict between personal and council interests, i.e. members acting as advocates of external organisations rather than representing council interests. ● The potential impact of Dorset Council’s 2022-23 £36million budget gap on the council and services delivered to the town. ● The age of the council’s assets and future investment. ● The council’s partnership relationship with LymeForward, which has been well documented publicly following a fall-out between LymeForward chair Sue Davies and town councillor Belinda Bawden earlier this year. ● The council’s negative image in the town. ● A re-escalation of COVID-19, including increases in infection, lockdown and budgetary impact. Commenting on debate and decision-making, Mr Wright said that councillors sometimes made decisions without thinking through their implications. He added: “As a consequence, a significant amount of member and officer time has been spent managing the consequences of those decisions. “Members need to remain mindful of the implications of the decisions they make.
“Similarly, having invested a significant amount of time developing agreed objectives, some members and officers continue to add issues to the ‘to do’ list. “To some extent this is inevitable, but there’s a ‘tipping point’ where new issues begin to push aside agreed objectives, core business activities and reduce the time set aside for responding to unforeseen events. “In addition, unplanned expenditure has an adverse impact on the council’s budget. Members and officers need to be mindful of not approving new and unbudgeted priorities.” Mr Wright’s report acknowledged that there were also some “officer failings”, adding: “Previous problems with financial control, timely processing of invoices and delays in undertaking bank reconciliations are resolved but problems remain with the timely actioning of objectives and projects. COVID-19 is still a consideration. “These observations are beginning to become critical to the well-being of this council and its functionality.” However, Mr Wright said that his observations were not necessarily unique to Lyme Regis Town Council, adding: “The issue which is critical for any organisation is the extent to which it
recognises its shortcomings, commits itself to doing something about it and then follows through with actions.” On a more positive note, the town clerk reiterated that previous issues with financial control had been identified by the internal auditor and had been resolved. He continued: “Overall, I believe the town council has sufficient internal controls to allow it to achieve its objectives and undertake its business. “The integrity of the council is good. In particular, previous concerns about breaches in confidentiality have reduced significantly. “The individual competence of employees and councillors is high. The competence of employees is supported by their varied experience and qualifications. “As well as the town clerk, the support services manager and operations manager are CiLCA qualified. “In addition, the council has and is supporting employees to gain additional qualifications, e.g. level 4 and 5 qualifications in accountancy and human resources management for the assistant finance manager and support services manager, respectively.”
Friday, October 15 2021 3
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Woodroffe School celebrates ‘highs’ amid the challenges of coronavirus pandemic THE headteacher of The Woodroffe School in Lyme Regis continues to praise his students for the way they have dealt with the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.
In his first update to parents since the start of the new academic year last month, headteacher Dan Watts said there had been many highs over the past year, despite COVID-19. He wrote: “Last year was one disrupted, yet again, by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We hoped the situation would improve but found ourselves in new lockdowns and having to make arrangements for a second year without formal summer examinations. “Despite this, our students did an amazing job and excelled in both their studies and GCSE, BTEC and A-Level qualifications. “The success of our students would not have been possible without the care and support of our fantastic staff and the partnership provided by our parents and carers at home. I am truly grateful to you all for your contributions. “Despite the challenges, last year had many highs and I think these were wonderfully encapsulated in our July edition of the Rough Notes newsletter. If you have not yet looked, I whole heartedly recommend you do so, it’s full of fantastic articles about our wonderful school and the activities of our students and staff. “We have had a very positive start to school this September and, despite the national concerns about the current situation, our students made a strong return, demonstrating their resilience. “The phased return enabled us to support students more effectively whilst ensuring that they got the time they needed to be able to hit the ground running.
“There have been many smiles on the student return. For those who found the transition a little more challenging, our Safeguarding and Wellbeing team have worked hard to support them, ensuring that they able to return to learning confidently in school as quickly as possible. “I would like to thank our staff for what they have done to ensure that we Year 8 students enjoyed a fun trip to Carey Outdoor Education Centre “So, it is important that students are given could welcome all students back as soon as possible and for the way that they have sup- the space, opportunity, and freedom to engage ported students in their return. This has been in all the conversations that matter, whilst learning how to positively shape the future for a real team effort. “The positive return has been boosted by the the benefit of all. “On September 14, our participation in the availability of some fantastic activities provided through our extra-curricular pro- Generation on Trial event aimed to do just gramme. Earlier in the month, Year 8 students that. Twelve of our Year 13 students (aged 17 spent time at Carey Outdoor Education Centre and 18) attended along with students from where they participated in lots of fun team- other institutions. This event was organised building activities and personal challenges, and run by prominent human rights lawyer Clive Stafford-Smith OBE, through his charity, creating some great memories along the way. “I particularly enjoyed my visit and had a the 3DCentre. “As well as collecting an excellent set of GCSE good time joining the students for some of examination results this summer, Charlotte, their activities. “We are extremely proud of our students and now in our sixth form, also recently qualified their keen interest in the world beyond the as a solo pilot. It is fantastic to be able to celeschool gates. Our students have a strong moral brate and share the wider successes of our stucompass, are passionate about exploring and dents. “Finally, next month, we will again be particdebating the key issues that interest them since they recognise, they have an important part to ipating in the national ‘Show Racism the Red Card’ event.” play in our society in the future.
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Lyme children invited to meet Santa this Christmas
TOWN councillors are planning to host a Santa’s Grotto on Lyme Regis seafront this December. The event is being led by Cllrs Cheryl Reynolds and Michaela Ellis, with support from the Christmas Lights Committee and sponsors Advantage Digital Print. The grotto will be open in the Jubilee Pavilion on Marine Parade on December 4 and 5. Children from St Michael’s and Mrs Ethelston’s primary schools will receive a letter from Father Christmas inviting them to visit him for free, but this event is also open to all local children. The grotto will be decorated with Christmas lights to extend all along the seafront, fake snow donated by Snow Business, which decorated the Cobb for the filming of ‘Wonka’, and reindeer in attendance. Children will also receive a free gift from Santa. A website and Facebook page will soon be launched for children to book their slot to visit Father Christmas, or you cal call Cheryl Reynolds on 01297 443814.
Tickets available for return of Over 70s Christmas Lunch
THE annual Christmas lunch for Lyme Regis residents aged 70 and over will return this Christmas, following a break during the coronavirus pandemic. The lunch will be held at the Woodmead Halls on Saturday, December 18. Tickets will be distributed at Hallett Court on Queen’s Walk on Wednesday, November 3 from 10am. Residents of Lyme Regis aged 70 and over qualify. Tickets will only be issued on payment of £5 per person.
4 Friday, October 15 2021
NEWS IN BRIEF
Racist posters reportedly found in Langmoor and Lister Gardens POSTERS promoting hate speech and racism were reportedly found in the Langmoor and Lister Gardens area of Lyme Regis on Monday. The offensive posters were said to be found by a dog walker. They were not reported to the police or town council, which owns the gardens, but were reported to LymeOnline via social networking site Twitter. Dorset Police commented: “Dorset Police
takes reports of hate incidents and hate crime very seriously and we would always encourage members of the public to report matters to us.” Anyone with information or concerns can contact the police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or call 101. LymeOnline has chosen not to publish a photo of the poster because of its offensive content.
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Fire crew called to car submerged in harbour
LYME Regis fire crew were called out on Monday night after a car was submerged in the town’s harbour. The car was found some way into the harbour, partially submerged as the tide came in, with a female passenger still inside. It is understood they had been trying to retrieve their boat from the harbour. The fire crew assured the woman got out of the car safely and waited for the vehicle to be recovered.
Coastguards called to semi-conscious casualty
Churches to hold joint service ahead of COP26
LYME Regis coastguards were called to a semi-conscious casualty at Charmouth beach car park on the afternoon of Sunday, October 10. The coastguards were called to the scene at 3.56pm, where they found the casualty was conscious but had a spinal and head injury after falling over. Care was given by the volunteer team until the coastguard helicopter rescue 179, from Lee-on-Solent, arrived. The casualty was then taken to Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester for further treatment.
LOCAL churches will gather on Lyme Regis seafront on Sunday, October 17 to take action and pray ahead of the COP26 climate change conference in Glasgow. All are welcome to join in with the activities at the Marine Parade shelters, with drinks served from 2.30pm and the service from 3pm. Team vicar at Uplyme Parish Church, the Reverend Nicky Davies, said: “We want to show our concern for creation. We want to add our voice to the many others who are equally concerned.”
Turn Lyme Green restarts film screenings
Sitting Spiritually donates bench to children’s hospital
ENVIRONMENTAL group Turn Lyme Green has restarted its curated collection of film screenings, with a season all about protecting our soil and seeds. Three films were selected by new film curator Suzy Gallina, taking place on the second Thursday of the month. The next – ‘The Need to Grow - Save the Soil, Save the Word’ – will be held at The Driftwood Café at Lyme Regis Baptist Church on Silver Street, on Thursday, November 11. Doors will open at 7pm for 7.30pm screenings and refreshments will be available. Entry
UPLYME-based business Sitting Spiritually has delivered a bespoke garden seat to the Great Ormond Street Hospital in London. Sitting Spiritually has been creating handcrafted and beautifully-finished garden swing seats, pergolas, garden benches and oak rope swings for the past 15 years. As a thank you to the hard-working staff of the children’s hospital, they have delivered an RHS Centenary Bench to be used in one of staff gardens.
Lifeboat crew looking for new volunteers THE team at Lyme Regis lifeboat station are calling for new volunteers to help them save lives at sea. In particular, the RNLI is looking for seagoing crew for Lyme’s inshore lifeboat, ‘Spirit of Loch Fyne’, based at the lifeboat station on the Cobb. So far this year, the lifeboat crew has answered 28 calls for help. The lifeboat normally has a crew of four at sea, and the station’s operations manager Nick Marks is now looking for additional volunteers to further enhance availability for
Uplyme Church arts festival raises £2,500 for charity
UPLYME Church recently opened its doors for the first community event since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic in early 2020, by staging the 2021 Uplyme Arts Festival. Supported by an ever-growing group team of enthusiastic volunteers from the local area, the festival included an art exhibition with work from 30 local artists, a talk by Dorset art historian Pamela Simpson, and a concert by singer Freya Morgan, raising a total of £2,556.39 for the church’s chosen charity Ugandan Water Projects.
is free but donations would be welcome. The three films explore seeds and soil: those trying to reintroduce ways of growing in the UK against the backdrop of Brexit, those fighting the damage done to seed stocks and its terrifying consequences and those using technology to localise food systems and regenerate our depleted earth. “These films will certainly seed ideas and show how hard people everywhere are trying to do the very best for our planet and that change is urgently required,” said curator Suzy.
Lyme Regis cancer charity to host auction of promises
emergency calls. Sea-going crew members need to be on call for ‘shouts,’ should enjoy being a team player, have a good standard of general fitness and live or work within five minutes of the lifeboat station. Lifeboat crew must be aged between 17 and 55. First class training is provided and the ability to learn new skills is important. To find out more potential volunteers can go to www.rnli.org/volroles, contact the volunteering team on 01202 663346, or email volunteering@rnli.org.uk
AXMINSTER and Lyme Cancer Support will be holding an Auction of Promises at Uplyme Village Hall on Friday, November 12. Local celebrity auctioneer Graham Barton of ‘Homes Under The Hammer’ will host the event, with drinks and light bites provided by Jurassic Cottage Kitchen. Tickets cost £12.50 and are now available to book at via the website axminsterandlymecancersupport.co.uk/ More information on lots available will be released in the coming weeks.
Co-op helps Lyme Valley Scouts complete expedition THE 1st Lym Valley Scouts recently completed their Expedition Challenge, making use of new equipment funded by the Co-op community fund. The group of Scouts, made up of older members of the troop, hiked from Lamberts Castle to Charmouth, then onto the Scout Hut in Uplyme, where they spent the night and cooked for themselves. They were able to use new equipment thanks to he Co-op Local Community Fund.
Friday, October 15 2021 5
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ALL OVER THE TOWN
with LymeOnline
editor Francesca Evans
Can Timothée cure me of my irrational childhood fear?
The new Shave Cross Cellar Bar in Lyme Regis promoting a ‘special offer’ during the filming
THIS week my phone has been beeping non-stop with calls, texts, emails, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram notifications, and all on one subject. There was no escaping it – Willy Wonka was in town. Lyme Regis was sucked into “a world of pure imagination” as Warner Bros took over our historic harbour for the filming of ‘Wonka’, a musical prequel to Roald Dahl’s ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’, starring one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed young actors, Timothée Chalamet. It was all anyone could talk about – social media was
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TV comedian Suzi Ruffell will be coming to the Marine Theatre on October 28 with her new show ‘Dance Like Everyone’s Watching’. The Marine is attracting increasingly big names in comedy, with Suzi having previously appeared on ‘Live At The Apollo’ and ‘Mock the Week’.
awash with photos of the intricately-dressed set and stars in costume, huge production crews took over car parks and fields, and Lyme once again was featured in the national press. We are, of course, no stranger to film stars, having welcomed the likes of Kate Winslet and Dakota Johnson in recent years. But there was no doubt ‘Wonka’ was a big budget production, the likes of which we have not seen before – an enormous behindthe-scenes crew, fishermen paid off to leave the harbour and the town council receiv-
ing a pay-off of £16,000. It’ll be interesting to see how many minutes Lyme actually features for in the final movie, due to be released in March 2023. But as excitement mounted in the town and LymeOnline published article after article about the movie, I was harbouring a secret. I never did like Willy Wonka – in fact, I have always been rather scared of him. As a child, I was apparently overly concerned with the whereabouts of other children in films, worrying that they would get left behind or lost, even if this wasn’t part of the main storyline (‘Peter Pan’ was generally my worst nightmare!). I remember watching the original 1970s version of ‘Charlie and the Chocolate FacIF YOU READ ONE THING: tory’ with my sisDON’T miss a bargain, read the £5 deals on ter, and while offer across dozens of Lyme Regis shops and she was abbusinesses this month as part of Totally Lo- sorbed in the cally’s national Fiver Fest - see page 8. The magic, wonder campaign encourages shoppers to back inde- and silliness, I pendent businesses and support their local found the whole high street. thing rather dis-
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turbing. Golden ticket holders disappearing one by one in increasingly strange and mysterious ways, and none of the adults seemed overly concerned about it! Tim Burton’s dark remake starring Johnny Depp in 2005 did nothing to make me feel better. However, even I can admit that the ‘Wonka’ film set brought a little bit of magic to Lyme Regis; the Cobb looked like a winter wonderland or something out of a dream, and it was great to see local children playing in the fake snow after the film crews had packed up. I also have to admit that I didn’t really know who Timothée Chalamet was before I started writing about him coming to town a few weeks ago, which makes me feel older than I like to think I am. But he’s clearly adored by fans the world over – and Lyme Regis included if the hysterical screams heard as he waved goodbye on Tuesday evening are anything to go by! Perhaps Timothée will be the one to finally cure me of my irrational childhood fear – we only have to wait 18 months to find out!
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LYME MATTERS with Philip Evans Essential reading for all those with Lyme at heart
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Another iconic event bites the dust R
UMOURS abound in Lyme Regis that one of the town’s iconic summer events, the yard of ale competition in Lifeboat Week, will not be held again.
I accept that this is not everyone’s cup of tea and that it is probably being knocked on the head after complaints that it encourages drunken behaviour. But it’s the latest in a long line of traditional Lyme events that have fallen by the wayside in recent years because they are deemed to be unacceptable in these days of political correctness. The yard of ale has been one of the traditional fun events in Lyme’s summer programme for many years and has been brilliantly compered by Elliott Herbert in recent times. For organisations like the Lifeboat Supporters Group and the Regatta and Carnival, they have little option but to toe the line.
I rest my case... IN his annual report on risk management, Lyme’s town clerk John Wright has told his warring councillors that their unacceptable behaviour is one of the biggest risks to the town. Following on from the recent letter of resignation from deputy mayor Kelsey Ellis, in which she delivered a damning condemnation of councillors’ behaviour, some of which verged on bullying, Mr Wright’s observation is extremely disturbing. You can read the full report on pages one and two, but I believe this latest disturbing assesment backs up my claim in my last column that Lyme Regis Town Council is no longer fit for purpose (no longer good for doing its job).
It was very different in the ten years I spent as Regatta and Carnival Committee secretary in the late 1960s and early 70s. We were not troubled by such stringent requirements in organising public events. The regatta used to be just a one-day event on a Thursday in early August and much of the activity revolved around the pubs. The emphasis was not on raising money but to give the people of Lyme one day to let their hair down in mid-season. In the ten years I was secretary we built it into one of the biggest events on the south coast with more than 60 different events. We always tried to include some of the old traditional activities such as the pram derby, now sadly defunct because of insurance issues. For my generation you were not considered to be a real Lyme boy unless you had taken part in the pram derby. In those days there was a drop of several feet from the Cart Road to the beach but I cannot recall there ever being an accident. Taking part in such an event was almost seen as a rite of passage, and much the same attitude was attached to the yard of ale. Later, conger cuddling was abandoned after complaints about the cruelty to fish (the conger was dead!), there’s no tug of war on the beach and the torchlight procession can only go ahead if children carry glow lights and not a flaming torch. Of course that makes sense, but for the Lyme 1200 festival in 1974 I organised a procession of 1,200 torches without any problems or injuries. On one occasion we even hired a high diver who set himself on fire and dived 100 feet into a large bucket of water on the Cobb Beach. On November 5 in Ottery St Mary they will be running around the town with flaming tar barrels on their shoulders. Makes you think, doesn’t?
Champion yard-of-aler Chris Higgs, pictured in action during 2019’s event
Thanks for the memories GREAT sadness in Lyme Regis this week following the news that the Lyme Regis Musical Theatre, formerly the operatic society, has ceased to operate in its 100th year (see page 2). It has been my privilege to have been president of LRMT these past few years and I quickly witnessed how much work and energy goes into producing an annual show and how the standard of performance had risen so high in recent
times. It’s all the more sad that the society has had to finish in its 100th anniversary year. Some of those on the committee have been connected with the organisation for 50 years or more and the time had come for them to step away after such stalwart service. Regretfully, no one came forward to take their place. Lyme is all the poorer for the passing of this group of talented individuals.
Wonka mania down at the Cobb MUCH excitement down at the Cobb this week for the filming of the new ‘Wonka’ musical, starring Timothée Chalamet. I was about to add “me neither” but that would show how totally out of touch I am with popular culture. My daughter reliably informs me that he is the latest Hollywood heart-throb, aged just 25, best known for his recent roles in ‘The King’, ‘Little Women’ and the upcoming sci-fi epic ‘Dune’. I’m not sure I’m any wiser. Other familiar faces who are also in the film include Matt Lucas, who was also present in Lyme, Olivia Coleman and Rowan Atkinson, who were not, all of whom I would recognise. Unlike Kate Winslet, who I had heard of, when she was filmed in Lyme for the ‘Ammonite’ film, Mr Chalamet did not stop to talk to local schoolchildren who had gathered to see the filming. But there was
plenty of screaming from the assembled teenage girls when he left the site in a blacked-out car on Tuesday evening. Tune in to the LymeOnline website and you can hear them. Lyme, of course,with its dramatic coastline as a backdrop, is one of the favourite locations for film directors these days, delivering a great deal of free publicity for the town. The Daily Mail carried a full page on the filming in Tuesday’s edition. Such events also attract other media, creating more publicity. A number of photographers, including our own Richard Austin, spent two days looking for an exclusive photo, difficult because they could get nowhere near the action and were shooting into the sun. Radio Solent were in town to cover the event. They interviewed local fisherman and fire chief Virgil Turner who could not remember Chalamet’s name. They found it so funny that it was repeated on BBC
Radio 1 by their top presenter Greg James! It is also amazing how much effort goes into the making of such films. The Lyme scene apparently lasts no more then a couple of minutes but there must have been between 300 and 400 personnel working down at the Cobb. Much of the car parking space was taken over by the film crews and there was a tented village set up on the park and ride field in Charmouth Road. The whole operation must have cost tens of thousands of pounds. It also makes you wonder what the carbon footprint is of such activities. I understand the musical director flew in from Los Angeles and flew back again two days later. It irks me sometimes when I hear of famous names lecturing us all on how to be kinder to the planet. They should practice what they preach.
Heart-throb Timothée Chalamet in costume as Willy Wonka (photo from his Twitter account)
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COVID-19: The latest on local coronavirus figures
COVID cases steady across Dorset, but remain high in Lyme’s neighbouring areas CORONAVIRUS case rates have increased slightly across Dorset over the past week, but on the whole remain relatively stable. The latest figures released on October 8 showed that there were 1,274 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Dorset Council area, compared to 1,235 the previous week, and 888 in the Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole (BCP) area, compared to 857. This means the case rate per 100,000 people was 335.4 in the Dorset Council area, an increase from 325.2 the previous week, and 223.7 in the BCP area, compared to 215.9. The national average case rate per 100,000 people is currently 363. There were 38 COVID-19 patients in hospitals across Dorset, compared to 29 in the last update on October 1. As of October 3, 1,161,712 doses of the COVID19 vaccination had been administered in Dorset. A spokesperson for Public Health Dorset said: “Case rates in both the Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council areas have seen small increases on last week, but on the whole remain relatively stable. “Dorset Council’s case rate is similar to the England average but above the South West average, whilst BCP Council’s rate is below both the regional and national averages. “The number of COVID patients in hospital beds has increased since last week, but we do see fluctuations day to day so we will continue to monitor the trend over time. “Although we continue to see COVID-19 circulating in the community, the number of people becoming seriously ill or dying after contracting the virus is much lower than during previous waves. “This demonstrates that the vaccine is having
a significant impact on protecting people against COVID-19. Whilst people who are vaccinated can still catch the virus, they are much less likely to become seriously unwell as a result of it. “It’s not too late to get your vaccine if you haven’t had yours yet, book an appointment or find a walk-in clinic near you.” Coronavirus cases in the Lyme Regis area have dropped slightly in the latest figures, but remain relatively high in the neighbouring Bridport area. In the seven-day period up until October 8, there were 13 recorded cases in the Lyme Regis, Charmouth & Marshwood Vale area, a decrease of three on the previous week. This means the case rate per 100,000 people was 179.2 – below the Dorset Council area figure of 335.4 and less than half the national average of 363. Neighbouring Uplyme, Kilmington & Colyton had 24 confirmed cases, an increase of seven on the previous week, and a case rate of 285.6 per 100,000 people. Case numbers in the Bridport area, however, continue to remain fairly high. Figures for surrounding areas were as follows: Seaton – 21 (increase of 10); Axminster – 19 (increase of 2); Burton Bradstock & Chideock – 38 (increase of 2); Bridport South & West Bay – 28 (decrease of 2); Bridport North – 25 (decrease of 14); Beaminster, Maiden Newton & Halstock – 63 (decrease of 3). The case rate per 100,000 people in the Beaminster, Maiden Newton & Halstock area is now 644.6 – well above the national average. You can find out more details on COVID case numbers in your local area at https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/
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Catholic church celebrates restoration A SPECIAL service was recently held at the Roman Catholic Church of St Michael & St George in Lyme Regis, in thanks for the restoration work carried out to the interior and exterior of the Grade II listed building, first constructed in 1835. Led by Father Anthony Cockram, the Mass was followed by a reception attended by the Mayor of Lyme Regis, Cllr Brian Larcombe MBE and the mayoress Wendy Larcombe. Several parishioners and guests were in attendance, enjoying the speeches, finger buffet and refreshments. Brigadier Philip Mostyn gave a brief address on the history of the church, the presbytery and the old school, and famous persons associated with the town of Lyme Regis, such as Admiral Sir John Talbot who had purchased Rhode Hill; Mrs Billinham, who lived at Coram Court; and James Woodroffe of Ware House. He mentioned in particular how the origins of the church stemmed from the sum of £100 found amongst the belongings of Mrs Bellingham’s son, who died in India, which she donated towards the acquisition of land upon which the church is built. Brigadier Mostyn also highlighted the involvement of the famous architect Augustus Pugin in the church and presbytery Father Anthony then thanked the many parishioners and donors who had helped in the restoration work and the funding of it. He also thanked the professional contractors for their excellent work, in particular Philip Hughes & Associates, conservationist specialists; Fergus Brotherton, secretary to the Historic Churches Committee; Daedalus Conservation, the contractors; Andy Crossley, decorator; and Vince Rattenbury, electrician, as well as the property team at Plymouth Diocese. Father Anthony stressed that the work would not have been possible without the
PAU L S
The Mayor and Mayoress of Lyme Regis, Cllr Brian and Wendy Larcombe, chat to guests at the reception
generous financial assistance received from charitable and other grant making bodies. and he expressed appreciation to the Historic England Cultural Recovery Fund, acting through the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of England and Wales; Dorset Historic Churches Trust; Lyme Regis Town Council; Allchurches Trust Ltd; Charlotte Marshall Charitable Trust; and Axe Vale Festival. The parish received £200,806 in grants towards the overall costs of about £250,000 for the work on the exterior and interior. Lyme Regis Town Council had been most generous in assisting the parish with a grant of £1,000 towards the roof and stonework repairs, and a further £1,000 to help redecorate the interior of the church. Replying on behalf of the guests, the mayor emphasised how important the church and presbytery buildings were to the town, how prominently they were sited and how pleased the council was that the work of protecting part of the town’s heritage had been carried out. Afterwards, the mayor toured the church and expressed great interest in the historic furnishings and decorations of the interior.
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Applications now open for carnival committee funding LYME Regis Regatta and Carnival Committee are urging local groups and organisations to come forward and claim their share of £12,000 raised through this year’s carnival week. Alan Vian, chairman of Lyme Regis Regatta and Carnival Committee, said: “We are so pleased to announce that through everyone’s generosity, the carnival committee will once again be able to donate to local groups and voluntary organisations. “It makes the hard work and effort put in by the committee and supporters really worthwhile when we’re able to hand out money like this. “It’s so brilliant to be able to put the profits back into the local community and help make a real difference to some wonderful organisations.” Local groups and organisations are invited to send an application via email to apply@lymeregiscarnival.co.uk stating the organisation name, general aims or purpose of the organisation, the amount desired and describing the purpose for which funds are required, being as detailed as possible. Since 2004, more than £155,000 has been distributed to local good causes in the form of grants from the proceeds of the town’s carnival week. The closing date for funding applications is Sunday, October 31.
New baby group at Baptist Church A NEW group for parents, babies and young children will be launched at Lyme Regis Baptist Church next month. The Noah’s Ark group will meet in the Pine Hall at the Baptist Church on three Tuesdays this term - November 2, November 30 and December 14, from 10am to 11.30am. Each session will have a theme with craft activities, refreshments, songs and quiet story time. All welcome.
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Fairfield House raises £500 during Race For Life
RESIDENTS and staff of Fairfield House Care Home in Lyme Regis recently took part in a Race For Life in aid of Cancer Research UK. A total of 10k was run, walked and even residents that were less mobile were wheeled around the care home’s beautiful grounds, off Charmouth Road, covering a total of 56.5 laps. The event raised a total of £500 for Cancer Research UK and Fairfield House would like to thank all those who donated and supported the race. Pictured above left, staff taking part in the Race For Life and, right, 101-year-old Joan Cool is helped across the finishing line.
Brother and sister complete 65th Stonebarrow climb for grandad
A BROTHER and sister from Charmouth have raised almost £4,000 for Weldmar Hospicecare and Charmouth Football Club in memory of their late grandad. Archie and Rosie Whatmore recently completed their 65th climb up the 148-metre Stonebarrow Hill, in Charmouth, in honour of their muchloved grandad Steve Pratt, a leading member for the village’s football club who died in February following a battle with lung cancer.
Archie, 11, and eight-year-old Rosie began their challenge in April and set themselves a target of completing the 65 summits by September 28, which would have been Steve’s 66th birthday. They completed it on September 25, with family and friends joining them and cheering them on for their final walk. The brother and sister have now raised £3,970 which will be split evenly between Weldmare Hospicecare, which has supported their family, and Charmouth Football Club.
LYME REGIS are holding a
COFFEE MORNING AND CAKE STALL
Lyme Regis joins Fiver Fest to support ‘shop local’ message LYME Regis is once again taking part in Totally Locally’s national Fiver Fest, encouraging shoppers to support their local high street. Many local businesses are offering customers special £5 deals up until Saturday, October 23 as thousands of independent business across the UK come together to promote the ‘shop local’ message. If every adult in Lyme Regis spent just £5 per week in their local independent shops and businesses, it would mean £700,000 per year going directly into the local economy. The event is being organised by town councillor Belinda Bawden, who commented: “Fiver Fest is now a big part of our promotions for Lyme Regis. The independent shops and businesses are what makes our town special and unique. “The community support for local businesses has been amazing during lockdown, so these offers are to say thank you to customers, and to highlight the great value and economic impact of shopping locally.” Fiver Fest £5 offers in Lyme Regis include the following: ● Tom’s – Mulled wine, cider or apple juice ● Pebbles Boutique – Scarves, jewellery and end of line summer goods ● Primary Colours – Lanka Kade 1 to 5 puzzles ● Puddleduck Toy Shop – Planet puzzles ● Uplyme Stores – Bottle of Hardy’s wine ● Persuasion – Cotton scarves and gift bundles ● The Galley Cafe – Cream tea ● The Pilot Boat – Cream tea ● SWIM – Zombie cocktail, dirty tater tots or bacon roll and coffee ● Ruby & Oscar – Leather key rinks ● Town Mill – Town Mill tour ● House of Flowers – Autumn wreath £5 with any other purchase ● Fuego – Two pairs of fun and funky socks ● Amid Giant & Idols – Coffee and a slice of cake
Ammonite Fine Foods – Lyme Bay miniature gin and Devon tonic
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● The Beach House Cafe – Mini shakshuka ● Blue Lias Gallery – Scarf ● Boylos – Boylos 10th anniversary T-shirts
for men, women and children ● Cellar 59 – Two Gyle 59 bottled beers, locally brewed from our brewery, or one litre of cask beer to take away ● Fudge House – Pink gift box of fudge and any coffee ● Ginger Beer – Two cans of root ginger beer, a pumice stone or mini Parkminster candle ● The Good Food Store – Salt beef sandwich ● Kiosk – Smoked salmon bagel ● Lilac – A glass of Dorset Langham wine or bottle of Gilt & Flint local ale, small bowl of olives and English cheese plate ● The Lyme Bay Cafe Bar – Coffee and cake ● Lyme Regis Butchers – Breakfast pack – 4 sausages, 4 rashers of bacon and 6 eggs ● Lyme Regis Bookshop – Selection of titles ● Lyme Regis Brewery – Bottle of beer and packet of crisps ● Lyme Rocks – Three sticks of Lyme Rock ● Millside Restaurant – Two coffees and a small cake to share or two small glasses of house wine ● Molesworth & Bird – Seaweed soap and greetings cards ● The Monmouth Pantry – Any large jar of Monmouth Pantry jam/marmalade ● The Old Forge Fossil Shop – Cylinder stone candle holder in black marble, onyx or fossil stone ● Pug & Puffin – Any three greetings cards ● Ryder & Hope – Two ball cacti, two cards, Hamman scarf ● The Slipway – Bottle of Secretary Bird Sauvignon Blanc The bay Boutique – Pillow spray and baby sleep wash
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Lyme wins the ‘golden ticket’ as Wonka pulls in the crowds
Actors Timothée Chalamet, playing Willy Wonka, and Matt Lucas are spotted for the first time together filming scenes on the Cobb. Above, the lead actor’s silhouette against the backdrop of sunrise (photos by Richard Austin)
A huge film crew took over the historic harbour in Lyme Regis (photo by Paul Starck)
WONKA mania hit Lyme Regis this week, as the town welcomed stars for the filming of a major new Hollywood movie. After weeks of build up and dressing the historic Cobb harbour, excitement peaked on Monday as stars including lead Timothée Chalamet and Matt Lucas were spotted on set for the first time. A huge film crew took over the harbour and surrounding areas, with crowds descending on the town to get a glimpse of the action. The Cobb was covered in fake snow and nineteenth century props, including vintage cars and the 1930s steam drifter Lydia Eva, appeared for the filming of ‘Wonka’ – a prequel of Roald Dahl’s ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ set to be released in March 2023. The musical will see Chalamet as a young version of Willy Wonka and he sent fans into a frenzy as he was spotted in full costume for the first time this week, filming scenes on the Cobb alongside British
comic actor and presenter Matt Lucas. Other cast members will include Oscar-winner Olivia Coleman and comic actors Rowan Atkinson, although they were not seen in Lyme Regis. Chalamet, 25, is best known for his recent roles in ‘The King’, ‘Little Women’ and the upcoming scifi epic ‘Dune’. His performance in ‘Call Me by Your Name’ earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor at just 22 years old. He then played Nic Sheff in the autobiographical drama ‘Beautiful Boy’, for which he was nominated for a Golden Globe Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award and a BAFTA. Photos of the filming were published by several national newspapers this week and the movie is expected to give Lyme Regis another tourism boost, following on from the success of ‘Ammonite’, starring Kate Winslet as fossil hunter Mary Anning, filmed in the town in 2019.
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Timothée Chalamet (left), Matt Lucas (centre) and Keegan-Michael Key in prosthetics (photo by Richard Austin)
Timothée Chalamet fans were in a frenzy as the first images of him dressed as Willy Wonka appeared (photo by Richard Austin)
Director Paul King, also known for the ‘Paddington’ movies, pictured on set in the stripy jumper (photo by Richard Austin)
Vintage cars and fake snow helped create the 19th century set (photo by Richard Austin)
The 1930s steam drifter Lydia Eva was sprayed in fake snow ahead of the filming (photo by Glenn Patrick)
Matt Lucas, known best for ‘Little Britain’ and presenting ‘The Great British Bake Off’ takes a break from filming to check his phone alongside American actor KeeganMichael Key in padding and prosthetics (photo by Richard Austin)
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ARTS | MUSIC | THEATRE | WHAT’S ON | COMPETITIONS
Suzi Ruffell coming to Marine Theatre
AFTER another successful run at the Edinburgh Festival in 2019, and earning a place in the British Comedy Guide’s Best Reviewed Shows Suzi Ruffell is taking her show ‘Dance Like Everyone’s Watching’ back on tour following the lifting of coronavirus restrictions. Suzi has made a name for herself by turning tragedy and anxiety into big laughs. Now, all of a sudden, she is actually happy. This show answers the question: are all stand-ups at their best when they are miserable? Fingers crossed no! Of course, the world is still completely upsidedown, so don’t worry, it won’t be too joyous. There’s a mix of storytelling, observations, a dash of social politics and a lovely routine about a smear test. This show has everything.
The working-class comedian of her generation, Suzi Ruffell has had five sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Festival, racking up critical acclaim from reviewers and audiences alike. In 2018, Ruffell recorded and released her show ‘Keeping It Classy’ for Live From The BBC, with a clip gaining over 32 million views on Facebook. Suzi is best known for her appearances on ‘Live At The Apollo’, ‘Mock The Week’, ‘The Jonathan Ross Show’, ‘Roast Battle’, ‘Jon Richardson: Ultimate Worrier’, ‘Hypothetical’, ‘8 Out Of 10 Cats’, ‘The Comedy Bus’, ‘Stand Up Central’, ‘Harry Hill’s ClubNite’ and ‘Suzi Ruffell Live From The Comedy Store’. A regular on BBC Radio 4 shows including ‘The
News Quiz’ and ‘The Now Show’, Ruffell also cohosts the hit podcast ‘Like Minded Friends’ with Tom Allen. Last year saw Suzi hosting a brand-new radio show on BBC Radio 2 called ‘Explicable Me’, as well as launching her own podcast series ‘OUT with Suzi Ruffell’, which celebrates the lives of LGBT+ people and coming out, through interviews with star-studded guests. She will be bringing her new stand-up show ‘Dance Like Everyone’s Watching’ to the Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis on Thursday, October 28. The bar opens at 7pm for an 8pm start and tickets cost £14 in advance, available to book at www.marinetheatre.com
Celebrated Scottish singer to perform in Lyme THE celebrated Scottish folk singer Rachel Sermanni has announced that she is visiting Lyme Regis as part of a major new tour. Sermanni is influenced by musicians such as Eva Cassidy, Van Morrison and Bob Dylan and has played at festivals including Hay Festival and Glastonbury. In September 2009 she went to see Mumford and Sons at the
Curry and Fireworks
Loopallu festival in Ullapool. After the performance, she found them in a pub and asked them if they wanted to jam, resulting in a jamming session on the beach. In 2011 she supported them at Dingwalls in London. Sermanni also toured with Fink on his European tour in 2011, was showcased at the Celtic Connections festival in Glasgow, has supported Elvis Costello and Rumer, and performed at 150 gigs between June 2011 and June 2012. Rachel performs at the Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis on November 25 with tickets starting from £14 available from marinetheatre.com
Artist to exhibit ‘Pictures from Home and Away’ at Town Mill A COLLECTION of new landscapes, seascapes abstract and design textiles by Peter Coates will go on display at the Town Mill’s Courtyard Gallery in Lyme Regis on October 19. Peter’s latest exhibition, ‘Pictures From Home and Away’, features landscapes and seascapes ranging from the Dorset and Devon coast to the hills of Provence and the plains of the Alentejo in Portugal. Most of the 20 or so pictures have been painted this year. That’s not to say Peter has been travelling all that time; he always travels with a sketch book and the vibrant, warm scenes he creates are a combination of sketches made ‘en plain air’ and photographs taken at the time. Nearly all the paintings in the exhibition are oil on canvas. He’ll also be showing some abstract paintings for the first time. Although a new departure they are still inspired by the rich colours of the Mediterranean where Peter lived for several years. There will also be some new abstract de-
signs drawn on an iPad, available as prints as well as some of them being applied to cushions and wall hangings. Peter is hoping the Courtyard Gallery will be a lucky space the fourth time around as the previous three exhibitions were near sell outs. The exhibition will be open from October 19 to 30 from 10.30am to 4pm daily. You can view Peter’s work at www.petercoatesart.co.uk and on Instagram and Facebook.
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MAR INE THEA ATRE I AM SO GL AD I LIV VE IN A W ORLD WHERE THERE ERE ARE OCT OBERS
LYME REGIS COMEDY CLUB U WITH MARK SIMMONS SUNDAY 24 OCTOBER £10 advance
A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO ACTING FOR CAMERA TUESDAY 9 NOVEMBER £5
SUZI RUFFELL: DANCE LIK KE EVERYONE’S WATCHING THURSDAY 28 OCTOBER F From £12 advance d
JOSEPHINE THURSDAY 11 NOVEMBER £10 advance
THE MARINE PL AYERS PRESENT DIED IN THE WOOL 3-6 NOVEMBER £12
TEZ ILYAS: TH HE VICKED TOUR SATURDAY 13 NOVEMBER £16 advance
TICKETS: MARINETHEATRE.COM OR 0333 666 3366. Booking fee applies. applies 10% off fo for or members members.
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ARTS | MUSIC | THEATRE | WHAT’S ON | COMPETITIONS
Jazz Jurassica brings the funk
What’s on Friday, October 15
Music: Dave Kelly & Bob Hall with Hilary Blythe, Marine Theatre, 7pm Friends since they were neighbours in the sixties Dave Kelly & Bob Hall have had illustrious careers in the British Blues Scene and have won many awards for their artistry. Tickets from £16.50 at marinetheatre.com
Saturday, October 16
Geno Washing & The Ram Jam Band, Marine Theatre, 7pm This R&B and soul legend arrived in the 1960s as part of the US Air Force and caused a sensation singing with R&B acts Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames and Zoot Money's Big Roll Band at the legendary Flamingo Club in Soho. Tickets from £20 at marinetheatre.com
Saturday, October 17
Climate Sunday Service Marine Parade Shelters, 2.30pm Local churches will gather on Lyme Regis seafront to take action and pray ahead of the COP26 climate change conference in Glasgow. All welcome.
Tuesday, October 19
‘Lawrence: After Arabia’ Screening with Director Q&A, Marine Theatre, 6.30pm This is a special pre-release screening of a film shot in Dorset with a mainly local cast and crew, including a Q&A with its director. It features Brian Cox, Hugh Fraser, Michael Maloney, Nicole Ansari Cox and Tom Barber Duffy in the title role. Tickets £12 from marinetheatre.com
JAZZ Jurassica promises a night of full on funk with new talent Jonah Hitchens on Friday, November 12 at Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis. Jonah, a South West native, will be showcasing an exclusive preview of his new album, 'Sunset Circus'. The album is full of retro sounds and influences from the free wheeling psychedelic 60s to the cool funky vibes of the 70s. He studied jazz at Trinity Laban in London where he honed his craft as a guitarist, singer and lyricist. He promises to deliver an explosive live show blending funk, psychedelia and jazz in one exhilarating mind-boggling performance. Julie Sheppard, director of Jazz Jurassica, said: "Imagine Curtis Mayfield jamming with Jimi Hendrix - that’s Jonah. Soulful vocals, swirling guitar riffs and bucket loads of charisma. “It's a wild rollercoaster package. We’re so excited to bring you this exclusive performance from a new young talent. Get ready to funk!” Tickets are available via the website www.ticketsource.co.uk/jazz-jurassica
Send your diary dates to francesca@lyme-online.co.uk Visit: www.lyme-online.co.uk/events
Thursday, October 21
Live Music: Orpheus Marine Theatre, 6.30pm Orpheus recreate the sounds of Brazil in an explosive celebration of uplifting sambas and bossas. This six piece band of latin afficionados promise hip-swaying, pulsating rhythms fronted by Annika's captivating vocals. Tickets from £14 at marinetheatre.com Lyme Regis Community Bingo Woodmead Halls, 8pm Bingo night every Thursday, raising funds for local organisations which are members of Lyme Regis Community Bingo Association. Doors open 7.30pm, eyes down 8pm.
Friday, October 22
Geoff Norcott - I Blame the Parents Marine Theatre, 6.30pm The fourth national tour for comedian Geoff Norcott, exploring personal responsibility, parenting and who should take the blame when things go wrong. Tickets from £16 at marinetheatre.com
Saturday, October 23
Live Music: Marine & Eliza Carthy Marine Theatre, 7pm The good Doctor Martin Carthy and his twice Mercury nominated daughter Eliza Carthy, join forces to perform songs. Tickets from £20 at marinetheatre.com
Saturday, October 24
The Sunday Sessions Marine Theatre, 3pm This regular free entry event is the Marine’s dedicated time to promote quality live
music—our post-roast music session. Enjoy local drinks and the best musicians. If you'd like to play, just turn up! Lyme Regis Comedy Club Marine Theatre, 7pm Four comedians for a tenner with headliner Mark Simmons, who recently appeared on ‘Mock the Week’. His solo show was awarded Best Show by the Amused Moose Comedy Award. Tom Glover hosts with Anna Keirle and Suzy Bennett also on the bill Tickets from £10 at marinetheatre.com
Thursday, October 28
Suzi Ruffell: Dance Like Everyone’s Watching, Marine Theatre, 7pm Comedian Suzi Ruffell has made a name for herself by turning tragedy and anxiety into big laughs. This year she is actually happy. This show answers the question: are all stand-ups at their best when they are miserable? Fingers crossed no! Tickets from £14 at marinetheatre.com Lyme Regis Community Bingo Woodmead Halls, 8pm Bingo night every Thursday, raising funds for local organisations which are members of Lyme Regis Community Bingo Association. Doors open 7.30pm, eyes down 8pm.
Friday, October 29
Cancer Research Coffee Morning Lyme Regis Baptist Church, 9.30am Join the Lyme Regis branch of Cancer Research UK for their annual coffee morning and cake sale. Coffee and biscuits for £2, plus a raffle.
Lyme artist’s award-winning work on display at The Malthouse JULIE Oldfield with her award-winning artwork ‘Copper Storm’ currently on display at the Town Mill’s Malthouse Gallery in Lyme Regis
THE Town Mill’s Malthouse Gallery in Lyme Regis is currently hosting an exhibition of new paintings by well-known Lyme Regis artist Julie Oldfield. Julie has gained a national reputation for her ground-breaking art techniques on copper and brass metal sheets. Her use of heat from bonfires, chemistry and mixed media on metal recently gained her the Derwent Special Fine Art - Established Artist award in the current 160th Society of Women Artists annual exhibition, this year being held online at www.onlinegalleryswa160.oess1.uk until December 31. ‘Copper Storm’, the award-winning painting, is currently on show at the Malthouse Gallery as part of her ‘Reaction’ exhibition, which runs until October 19. Julie’s ‘Reaction’ work is in part a response to the contradictions of lockdown, regulation, breakout and the freedom to roam. Julie said: “My work offers a meditative escapism that I felt during the recent lockdowns.
“I felt lucky to live here and gain inspiration from the freedom to walk and enjoy the coastal areas around Lyme Regis during these restrictive times.” Julie was elected by the prestigious Society of Women Artists (SWA) to become an Associate member this year, entitling ASWA after her name, due to the recognition of her consistent high-quality and innovative work. Three other Julie Oldfield paintings in the SWA online show can also be seen at The Malthouse Gallery. Julie continued: “I feel very honoured to become ASWA! It is rewarding to be appreciated by my artist peers. “Over the last decade or so, I’ve really enjoyed experimenting with new ways to create art. It has taken me on a great journey and I look forward to welcoming visitors to the Malthouse, where I can share and talk about my work.” ‘Reaction’ is open daily from 10.30am to 4.30pm until Tuesday, October 19.
SHARE YOUR LOCAL EVENTS! Send details of your local events to Francesca Evans on francesca@lyme-online.co.uk
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Something different at The Baby Boutique
ONE of Lyme Regis’ newest businesses, The Baby Boutique, has enjoyed a successful first summer season and is now hoping to draw in residents with its unique and high-quality brands as it heads into autumn. Abbie Cook, who attended Mrs Ethelston’s and The Woodroffe School, opened The Baby Boutique in the former premises of Your World Travel in Bridge Street in July. She had previously run the business from Ottery St Mary, where she now lives, and has enjoyed great support
By Francesca Evans and an increased footfall since making the move to Lyme Regis. In the long-term, Abbie hopes to open further branches of The Baby Boutique but for now she is concentrating on her Lyme Regis store, hoping to provide something a little different to other children’s shops. The boutique is packed with refreshing, organic clothing for new borns up to seven years, featuring brands such as
Pigeon Organics and the earthycoloured, unisex collections from Turtle Dove London. There is also a selection of traditional soft and wooden toys, including from French brand Moulin Roty, and gentle baby cosmetics from Bloom & Blossom. The Baby Boutique also has its own clothing line, which includes baby grows, muslins and blankets. The shop is currently open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm and you can follow The Baby Boutique on Facebook and Instagram.
The shop is packed with collections of organic clothing with a difference, traditional toys and gentle baby cosmetics
Former Woodroffe School student Abbie Cook opened The Baby Boutique in Bridge Street, Lyme Regis, in July
Double nomination for LymeOnline in the national Newsawards 2021 THE LymeOnline website has been recognised as among the best in the country with a nomination in the national Newsawards 2021. LymeOnline has been shortlisted along with five others for the Independent Community Website of the Year category, sponsored by Google News Initiative, for the second year running. The shortlist was released last week, following the previous week’s announcement that editor Francesca Evans had also been nominated in the Print Production Achiever of the Year category for her work on the LymeOnline newspaper. The winners of both awards will be announced at a glitzy ceremony at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel on November 11. The Newsawards celebrate the best in news media print, technology and business innovation with nominees across 20 categories including some of the country’s leading media outlets, including The Times, The Guardian and The Daily Mail. This is the second time LymeOnline has been nominated for the Community Website of the Year category, having been commended in 2020 when the awards ceremony was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. This year, it will face five other members of the Independent Community News Network for the title, including Dorset Biz News, Cornwall Reports, Hackney Citizen, Island Echo and Thurrock Nub News. Editor Francesca will face competition from
seven other nominees for the Print Production Achiever of the Year category, many from national newspaper printing companies. This category recognises those involved in the production side of print journalism, including on-screen page layout, editing, printing and distribution. Francesca and her father, veteran journalist Philip Evans MBE, launched the LymeOnline website in January 2018 with the fortnightly, printed newspaper following a month later. Francesca is a former student of The Woodroffe School in Lyme Regis and went on to gain a first class honours degree and her National Council for the Training of Journalists qualifications at Southampton Solent University. Now aged 32, she created the website following a two-week crash course courtesy of her older sister Zoe, and continues to edit both this and the printed newspaper on a daily basis, involving herself in every aspect of the business – from reporting on local events and council meetings, to selling advertising and delivering the newspapers. She also edits the Nub News websites in neighbouring Axminster and Seaton, launched in May 2020 as part of the growing national network of Nub News website. Francesca will be attending the awards ceremony next month with her father Philip and mother Jackie Evans, who also works in print production, along with brother Darren Evans, who works in advertising in the media industry in London, and his partner Jennie.
WASH BASIN, white with pedestal, single tap hole, used but very good condition - 07833 130 829.
ITEMS FOR SALE
PROPELLER SHAFT ANODE, one inch, new and unused, £5 - 07833 130 829.
STAG-HORN SUMAC TREE, 6ft tall, pot 18 inches wide, £40 - 01297 678602.
RADIATORS, 2 x brand new, electric oil-filled Pro Breeze 10 fin radiators, never used, £30 each - 07981 498 279.
HEDGE TRIMMER, Black & Decker corded, 240volt, 375mm blade, £20 ONO - 0794 705 9486.
HEATED CLOTHES AIRER, brand new, £10 07981 498 279.
MOTORBIKE JACKETS & TROUSERS, 2 x nearly new, reflective, waterproof Richa jackets, very good condition, sizes medium and large, and one men’s and one woman’s motorbike trousers, size L and DL respectively, £40 for all - 01297 445328.
SAMSUNG TELEVISION, 36” screen, £25 07981 498 279. BEATRIX POTTER 50p COINS, Tom Kitten, Squirrel Nutkin, Mrs Tiggy Winkle, Benjamin Bunny, Peter Rabbit, £2 each - 01297 560934. STAGHORN SUMAC TREES, 1x 6ft high at £25, 2 x 3ft high at £10 each - 01297 678602.
MEN’S LEATHER JACKET, genuine Superdry brown leather jacket, size 2XL, £20 - 01297 445328. BATHROOM CUPBOARD, under sink cupboard, £30 - 01297 561297.
HEDGE TRIMMER, Eckman telescopic hedge trimmer, surplus to requirements, collect from Lyme Regis, reasonable offer accepted – 07947 059 486.
TOILET ROLL HOLDER/CUPBOARD, £10 01297 561297.
TROUSER PRESS, Corby 7700 with timer, very good condition, £10 - 01297 445207.
FREE STANDING TOWEL RAIL, very good condition, £10 - 01297 561297.
THE BEAUTIES OF LYME REGIS & CHARMOUTH, rare facsimile limited edition, 1997 No.202 / 500 isbn: 0952743418, with slip case, mint condition, £55 - 01297 442627.
LAWN MOWER, Flymo, £20 - 01297 561297. BOOKCASES, 2 x small folding cases, £20 01297 561297.
LYME REGIS A RETROSPECT, Wanklyn scarce 1927 revised edition, very good and complete, £65 - 01297 442627.
PLANTS, shrubs, vegetables, pots, cuttings, all homegrown - corner of Gore Lane and Cuckoo Lane or call 01297 443930.
LYME LEAFLETS, Wanklyn scarce 1944 Spottiswood Ballantyne & Co. first edition, very clean and bright pages, £38 - 01297 442627.
WOMEN’S JEANS, Marks & Spencer, indigo, slim leg, size 8, new/unworn, unwanted present, £10 - 01297 443930.
HEDGE TRIMMER, £20 - 01297 561297.
Submit your Items for Sale listings - free for any item up to £200 by emailing edit@lyme-online.co.uk or post them to LymeOnline, Unit 5 Uplyme Business Centre, Uplyme Road, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3LS
18 Friday, October 15 2021
Council should be ashamed - young people are the future of this town ■ I HAVE just read the very informative article about our young councillor Kelsey Ellis resigning (LymeOnline, October 1). Our council should be totally ashamed of themselves! How could the leader of the council allow things to get this bad? The future of this town is the young people and how they get involved with local politics. For years our local council have been backstabbing and fighting amongst themselves and indeed, at times are an embarrassment to the town. I feel so sorry for this young person who has had face and listen to all this horrible internal squabbling! I for one have lost any confidence with this council and have switched off from getting involved. There is obviously much more to all what has been mentioned by Kelsey. However, to read that young people who put themselves forward to help support the town and it’s residents, are subjected to “feeling embarrassed and anxious to attend meetings”, to see “bickering and childish point-scoring has tarred the reputation of this council”, to receive “ag-
gressive emails being sent to her and other councillors for voicing their opinions”, that she felt “when standing for deputy mayor she faced discrimination against her age”, to think that she even now believes that “we now have a dysfunctional council that cannot work as a team”. There is much more in the article, which really does not put this council in a very good position. I see they are hopeful for a by-election if called for. Personally, I have lost complete confidence with this council; maybe they should all stand down and start again. Or maybe it is time to centralise all local councils back into county, but this probably would not happen. It is a massive shame that we have to read and hear all these horrible events, you can clearly see why youngsters do not want to get involved. And why many other people probably stay away! Les Herbert, Lyme Regis
■ I DON’T often feel the need to write to the local paper and being a relative newcomer of only a few years; I usually prefer to observe rather than comment. However, I am utterly disgusted by the behaviour of some of our town council members who seem to find it acceptable to act like they are school bullies. It amazes me that people who are often described as "saying it as it is" seem to be the
individuals who are often just mouthing their ill informed opinions. Totally and utterly shameful. However, just to cap off this debacle, it is gob smackingly awful that a young female councillor is the only one with anything about her to call out this bullying. Well done Kelsey Ellis and shame on you Lyme Regis Town Council. Name and address supplied
‘Utterly disgusted’ by behaviour of councillors
The views expressed in letters are those of the author and not necessarily of this newspaper. Some letters may be amended to avoid statements which could be considered defamatory.
newsfromwestminster
A monthly column by West Dorset MP Chris Loder
WHILST the high street and promenade of Lyme Regis are almost always bustling and teeming with life, at its heart, Lyme is a very tranquil and peaceful place. This, I can imagine, is one of the many reasons why the town holds such a special place in the hearts of not just local residents but of visitors from the world over. However, Lyme Regis, like many other small towns, has not escaped problems such as anti-social behaviour. In fact, this has been an issue for some time now. I therefore decided to join forces with Dorset Police and Dorset’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Dave Sidwick, this summer and I was taken on patrol in Bridport and Lyme Regis to see for myself the efforts taken by Dorset Police to clamp down on anti-social behaviour. From Bridport, we patrolled both Monmouth Beach and Langmoor Gardens which are known hotspots. We discussed the effectiveness of the patrols previously in action in these areas, as well as other efforts to curb this problem, such as greater CCTV and lighting. I have since made it clear that Lyme Regis deserves a greater share of resources to combat crime and anti-social behaviour, especially during the busy periods of summer. Meetings such as this prove how much our policing matters. For me, clamping down on anti-social behaviour and county lines drug gangs rank as
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An open letter to former deputy mayor ■ AN open letter to former deputy mayor, Kelsey Ellis: I wish you well and happiness in your new home and I hope you find your niche in Shaftsbury and that you will be fully appreciated there. Thank you for the effort you have given to Lyme Regis Town Council and how much I have appreciated being your vice-chairman of the Tourism, Community & Publicity Committee (TCP) last year and vice versa this year. It has been a pleasure to work with you. You were a very worthy chair of TCP. I took great pleasure in proposing you for deputy mayor against requests from some councillors not to because you were too young and had a full time job. As you know, I have always supported the young people in this town and will continue to
do so, they are our future. I fully understand your concerns and reasons that you stated for resigning and the fact you needed to protect yourself. Not being included in any correspondence or events as deputy mayor was hurtful and I know there have been many emails that have distressed you. This last six months has been so difficult and in my eight years on council, with of course a short break, I have never experienced the behaviour we have all seen in this time. So Kelsey, I wish you well whatever you do and it will be my pleasure to always stay in touch and I look forward to you helping me at Christmas.
■ I’D like to congratulate both Philip and Francesca Evans of LymeOnline for what they both do for the town and in what is a challenging industry. Very well done to you both for your recent award nominations (see page 17). I find it sad to have read at the end of Philip Evans’ column last week (LymeOnline, October 1) that Francesca finds it distressing at times when covering the egregious behaviour of Lyme’s local council. I have very little interest in council affairs and am grateful for those who do give of their time in this regard. However, the continuous month-in, month-out reporting of the bickering and the recent allegations of bullying and intimidatory behaviour reported by Kelsey Ellis demonstrate very well that Lyme Regis Town Council, as you say, is no longer fit for purpose. I have stood in both a general election and a
Euro election and I often found that people involved politically took polar positions to each other and were unable to tolerate another’s viewpoint. The world is not black and white but rather a mixture of many shades of grey and it is the responsibility and duty for those who do stand for political positions to be able to understand this and not always have to prove themselves right. Amongst other attributes, we need maturity, care and respect for each other, team play and encouragement for our younger generation to make an impact moving forwards. For Kelsey Ellis to feel discriminated against because of her age and to feel that her opinion was not worth voicing demonstrates that some of our council members simply do not have the maturity for such a role.
■ AN open letter to Lyme Regis Town Council: I am writing to draw your attention to the flaws in the current system of booking a beach hut package for 2021/2022. My husband and myself made in excess of 350 calls between today and yesterday and were still unsuccessful in getting a booking over the phone for any of the packages. We even managed to get a ringing tone on both days around 10.20am onwards but the line was left unanswered and the phone automatically cut off after approximately 50 rings which was quite frustrating. My daughter overheard a customer in the queue at The Kiosk this morning that someone
had managed to get an annual package 9 years running! Can you please tell me how this would be even possible with the current system? I would like to recommend that this is an issue that is brought up by the town council for discussion for 2022/2023 and would suggest you consider the following to operate a fair and transparent system: 1) That the various packages can be booked online 2) That there is a queuing system and you are informed where you are in the queue I feel that this is a local matter that needs addressing. Karen Carey (by email)
Cllr Cheryl Reynolds, Manor Avenue, Lyme Regis
‘We need maturity, care and respect for others’
Ian Mouland, Silver Street, Lyme Regis
Beach hut booking system is ‘flawed’
Whoever is rebuilding our cinema... consider the seats! the highest policing priorities for West Dorset. Many people know too well the damage these issues can inflict on communities, and that this can only change with ‘boots on the ground’ and greater allocation of police resources to our communities. These are the things I will continue fighting for moving forward and I am working closely with Dorset’s Police and Crime Commissioner to help secure a better deal for police funding in West Dorset. As ever, if I can help with constituency issue, please get in touch at: House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA or online: www.chrisloder.co.uk
Visit www.chrisloder.co.uk for links to my social media channels and news, or email hello@chrisloder.co.uk if you are interested in a face-to-face meeting at one of my surgeries
■ I KNOW we are not meant to be asking questions about our cinema in Lyme Regis and the individual who has recently bought it, but I just had to make an observation about the Radway Cinema in Sidmouth and how it might affect our cinema. My husband and I ventured out to see the latest Bond film on the big screen last Friday, having not been to the cinema for about three years or so! It was a big decision; a late start in the evening so a late finish, money for petrol to get there, a longish journey and then £10 or so for each ticket. So what was my complaint? The seats are not staggered and they should be! They are plush and red and comfortable in the main auditorium but with no one in front of me I was happy, and excited to see all the action on the big screen. Then a tall man comes in and sits with his wife in the two seats in the row in front, and suddenly I can’t see a thing! Sure, I could have
spent the whole evening diving from one side of his head to the other, but why should I have to? It was then I realised that the seats were not staggered and it made me cross. Why go to the cinema when we see clearly at home on our fairly big-screened TV? And hear well, too, as we have wireless sound loops. But we did not think that by going to see this film we would not have a clear view of the screen. Fortunately, the kind gentleman moved along one seat and my husband is taller, and the same man had to cuddle closer to his wife so he could see better! So my plea is... when (not, I hope, ‘if’) our cinema is given back to us in some form or other, please, whoever is in charge of putting in the seats, have a good elevation between one row and the next and stagger the seats! I hope this gets through to the right person. Monica Simpson (by email)
axminsternews
Friday, October 15 2021 19
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Axminster residents complete the London Marathon AXMINSTER resident Jon Wood completed a ‘virtual’ version of the London Marathon on Sunday, October 3, raising hundreds of pounds for mental health charity Dorset MIND. Having suffered from depression and anxiety himself, Jon (pictured right) says that running is one of the things that helps keep his mental health on track – that and his real ‘black dog’ Thaddeus who often joins him when he is out jogging. A former maths teacher, Jon gave up working in the classroom as he was suffering from severe anxiety. He later worked in the City of London but this added to his mental health difficulties so he and his family eventually moved to Devon. Although he continues to tutor maths privately, Jon now works for Lyme Regis-based company SIL (Supported Independent Living) Ltd, which provides supported living accommodation to some of society’s most misunderstood and vulnerable – a job he says resonates with him considering his own mental health journey. Dad-of-three Jon has previously completed the London Marathon three times but, ahead of Sunday’s event, he said he was expecting this to be the toughest yet, with the hilly terrain and no supporters lining the streets to spur him on. Although named a ‘virtual marathon’, Jon assured there was certainly nothing ‘virtual’ about it and he completed the challenge with a little help from Thaddeus, so far raising £700 for Dorset MIND. Jon said: “I got my opportunity to run ‘virtually’ by approaching a charity that supports those who struggle, like I have – Dorset MIND.
“Dorset MIND is a pioneering local charity that has been supporting people with mental health challenges since 1946. They educate, challenge mental health stigma and inequality and promote recovery by empowering individuals to develop resilience. “Their one-to-one and group support services help people regain social skills, confidence and self-esteem. They also deliver educational wellbeing programmes for schools and workplaces and provide volunteer opportunities. “How I could have benefitted had I have known about them 27 years ago. To say I don’t still struggle wouldn't be true, but I certainly am in a different place to where I was back then.
EAST Devon district councillor Paul Hayward has been appointed the temporary deputy town clerk of Axminster. Cllr Hayward is an Independent East Devon Alliance member of East Devon District Council (EDDC) representing the Yarty ward, which includes some of the villages on the outskirts of Axminster. He serves as deputy leader and portfolio holder for economy and assets at EDDC. Cllr Hayward is also currently the clerk for All Saints Parish Council, Chardstock Parish Council and Newton Poppleford and Harpford Parish Council. He was appointed the locum deputy town clerk and responsible financial officer of Axminster Town Council at this week's meeting, following the resignation of both town clerk Hilary Kirkcaldie and deputy town clerk Zishan Adamson-Drage. Miss Kirkcaldie will not technically be leaving the council until the end of the year, but has a lot of holiday to take between now and December, and Mrs Adamson-Drage has already left to take up a new job. The council needed to appoint a locum to en-
sure council business continued to be carried out smoothly in their absence. The Mayor of Axminster, Cllr Jill Farrow, assured the public that Cllr Hayward "did not have a conflict of interests" in taking up the position, despite his roles at East Devon and at various other parish councils in the area. She said, however, he may have to exclude himself from some issues relating to Axminster discussed by EDDC. Mrs Kirkcaldie, who has been town clerk of Axminster for more than 20 years, officially announced her resignation at this week's meeting. Paying tribute to her, Cllr Farrow said: "The town council will be a very different place without you. Your expertise and massive knowledge of the town will be greatly missed." The mayor added that the long-standing clerk had "served the town diligently" and she thanked her on behalf of all former mayors. Speaking in the public forum, former councillor Brian Watson also thanked Mrs Kirkcaldie for her long service and hard work on behalf of all those who had previously served on Axminster Town Council.
East Devon councillor appointed temporary deputy town clerk
Archway Bookshop keeping fingers crossed for new store opening THE Archway Bookshop in Axminster is keeping fingers crossed that it can open doors at its new home at Trinity House on November 4. But with the entire country suffering from a shortage of building materials, Axminster is no different and the opening depends entirely on whether glass will be delivered in time for the new windows. A statement from Archway Bookshop said: “Our lovely, loyal customers all want to know when we will be making the big, bold move to Trinity House. The build is substantially done and Axminster Property are doing a magnificent job.
But there is one big fly in our ointment in the shape of an acute national shortage of glass for our new windows. "So when we tell you that our planned first day at Trinity House has been set for Thursday, November 4 it is with our fingers firmly crossed. Watch this space!" It was announced back in July that the bookshop in Church Street would be moving to Axminster's flagship town centre building Trinity House, completing the renovation of the former department store.
“The antidepressants have gone and instead I have an actual black dog called Thaddeus Streum Lignorum (Thaddi for short!). He’s energetic, loving and the best company when I pound the streets in the morning. “He’s the best reason to get out of bed and he’s much better looking than the 'black dog' I was living with before. “Without the running and my real life black dog Thaddi, things might still be very different for me. But I’m thankful that things have shifted and I’m hoping that in running this year’s London Marathon for Dorset MIND I can help it shift for others too.” You can sponsor Jon and help him reach his target of £1,000 for Dorset MIND at https://bit.ly/3v5Ctlw While Jon was pounding the streets here in Devon, Axminster’s Flamingo Pool manager Steve Buxton was among the thousands to complete the marathon in London, taking in the city’s iconic landmarks along the way. Completing the race in five hours, 42 minutes and six seconds, Steve has so far raised more than £2,300 for the charity-run Flamingo Pool. You can still sponsor Steve at https://bit.ly/3avKzdA Axe Valley Runners member Caroline French also completed the London Marathon in aid of Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support. Caroline (pictured right) completed the course in four hours and 13 minutes, raising £250 for the cancer charity. She said: "It was a very emotional experience, most definitely one to remember. There's some-
thing extremely special about being surrounded by thousands of people all running for their own reasons and being cheered on by complete strangers that just want to help spur you on. “The support from the crowds and the charities throughout the course is unbelievable and really does take your breath away. It was a privilege just to be there and will remember it forever. “I’m really pleased that I've been able to make a small donation to Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support thanks to my supporters and I know that any support they receive in funds will be well used, thank you for all the work they are doing.”
A national network of h hyperlocal news websites, now covering the Axminster & Seatton areas With editorial content provided by the team from Ly Lym meOnline
Visit our new websites at
axminsterr..nub.news and seaton.nub.news And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook & T Tw witter to keep up to date with all the latest local news
20 Friday, October 15 2021
FLASHBACKS with Richard Austin
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Tales from behind the lens of our award-winning photographer
■ SOME of the LymeOnline readers would have experienced the tiny micro pigs at Pennywell Farm in South Devon – it’s where they originated under more than one name, such as micro pigs and pocket pigs. Thousands of children and parents have enjoyed cuddling the tiny porkers over the years. Their now famous image is published worldwide, surely making them the most famous pigs in the world.
You can view all of award-winning photographer Richard Austin’s previous ‘Flashbacks’ columns at lyme-online.co.uk/blogs
Friday, October 15 2021 21
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22 Friday, October 15 2021
jobvacancies
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See page 17 for this week’s Items for Sale
Axe Valley Academy
CARE ASSISTANT Daytime and Night-time £10.50 per hour, weekend and NVQ3 Enhancements. If you are experienced or looking to start, we have shifts available immediately. DOMESTIC CARE HELPER 9:30am-11:30am, £10.50 per hour This is a brand new role, providing support for both the care team and the domestics team. It will involve performing domestic duties to support care assistants. This will include making beds, keeping the laundry going, tidying residents rooms and ensuring storage spaces are in an acceptable condition. KITCHEN ASSISTANT Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and alternate Sundays 2pm-8pm, £10.50 per hour Working alongside the cook, to make sure that meals are served and refreshments delivered as required. If you are interested in filling the whole or even part of the role, get in touch. Please register your interest by stating which job you'd be interested in by emailing to the Registered Manager Sheena Lee on manager.pinhayhouse@gmail.com or ring 01297 445626 and ask to speak to Sheena or Peter.
PA to Headteacher / HR Co-ordinator We are looking to appoint a personal assistant to provide a confidential, efficient, and high calibre service to the Headteacher in respect of all Academy matters. The postholder will also be responsible for providing professional support and guidance on HR personnel issues in conjunction with the School Business Manager. Salary: NJC SCP 13-22 £19,465-£23,263 depending on experience For further information about these posts and to apply please visit our website: www.axevalley.devon.sch.uk/information/vacancies This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
LYME REGIS TOWN COUNCIL
Finance Manager
37 hours per week Salary scale SCP 25-28 £28,785 - £31,371 Lyme Regis Town Council is a major stakeholder in the town and local tourist economy, managing the seafront, car parks and gardens. Its activities are supported by an extensive property portfolio which generates an annual income in excess of £1million. The town council is seeking to appoint a forward-thinking finance manager to manage its finances. The ideal candidate will be AAT qualified or CCAB part-qualified. They should also be a good communicator with a ‘can do’ attitude. The duties of the post require occasional evening and weekend work. For further information and an application pack, contact: Adrianne Mullins, Lyme Regis Town Council, Guildhall Cottage, Church Street, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3BS Tel: 01297 445175 email: admin@lymeregistowncouncil.gov.uk Or download an application pack from www.lymeregistowncouncil.gov.uk/job-vacancies The closing date for applications is midday on Wednesday 27 October Interviews will be held on Thursday 4 November
Staff wanted Full & Part Time Store Manager £29K Supervisor £11 per hour Duty Manager £12 per hour Kitchen Porter £9 per hour Please contact us for more information with a CV only need apply watersedgelyme@gmail.com
Friday, October 15 2021 23
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LymeOnline Sport
email your sports reports to edit@lyme-online.co.uk
football
Charmouth marching on ANOTHER resounding victory – an 83 home win over Shepton Beauchamp – sees Charmouth firmly sat at the top of the Perry Street League Division Two.
The Robins started out slowly and were put under pressure early on by Shepton. But they soon woke up and forced a series of three corners as they got into their stride. A couple of early efforts form Ashley Williams flashed past the post and a good save from Shepton was encouraging but Charmouth switched off again. A Shepton corner saw the ball go back out to the corner taker and with no pressure from Charmouth, he whipped in a cross that found the back of the goal to make it 1-0 to Shepton. This sparked Charmouth into life with two more shots. A great team move with Adzy Whitehouse feeding Sam Dibling who calmly set up Brin Seward for a tap-in equaliser. Two minutes later Dibling fed Brin Seward to give Charmouth a 2-1 lead. Charmouth were still looking a little shaky with Shepton creating chances and a corner. But Charmouth broke away again with an awesome volley from Ashley Williams making it 3-1. Shepton fired back quickly after Charmouth failed to clear their lines form a corner. Then on 45 minutes Sam Dibling’s deflected free-kick found the net. Two minutes later Charmouth struck again with Dibling assisting Brin Seward for his hat-trick and giving Charmouth a 52 lead at half-time. The second half started at a slower pace with Charmouth playing better football. Whitehouse had a free-kick saved but then Seward managed to miss an open goal from
Charmouth pictured in their new strip: back row (from the left) - Simon Mason, Bogdan Tudor, Ashley Williams, Matt Tipping, Matt Dare, Mark Vaughan, Russ Oldbury. Front row (from the left) - Tyler Allen, Jack Farrant, Steven Wooloff, Alistair Harvey, Adzy Whitehouse, Sam Dibling, Dave Bridges, Brin Seward.
three yards out. Charmouth continued to press with a couple of corners and then Ty Allen extended their lead to 6-2. The Robins had a goal ruled offside, a Dibling shot being deflected into the net by Ty Allen but correctly not given. Shepton hit back reducing the arrears to 6-3. Whitehouse then hit the bar with a 30yard shot before Seward netted his fourth to make it 7-3 to Charmouth. The game was wrapped up when Jack Farrant assisted Seward to complete the 83 scoreline. The man-of-the match went to Steven Wooloff for a workman like performance in the middle of the park. This was another great result and a massive thank-you goes to the club’s home kit sponsor Charmouth Stores for providing a new kit.
Lyme Regis FC Youth Section’s under 10s side have smart new kits thanks to the generosity of two local businesses. The shirts, in the same style as worn by the club’s first team, have been provided by Bright Future Financial, represented by Rob James ans David Boyce, and ST Accountancy Ltd, represented by Sarah Compson
Charmouth’s new shirts have been sponsored by the Tritton family who run the village Nisa stores. Pictured presenting the shirts to club chairman Kevin Pratt are Alex and Maria Tritton with their eight-yearold son Harry, who has his own shirt.
Bond’s late winner FROM PAGE 23 a glorious low shot from outside the box from Callum Garrett after a Rowe header was cleared off the line. Lyme sniffed that a late winner could well be on the cards and it came in the 90th minute when Bond side-footed the ball home to make it 4-3 and a dream return to the game for the Seasiders’ top scorer. Sargent’s penetrative runs out of defence was a real plus in this game and Garrett was his masterful self in midfield. Simier will not have been pleased about the lack of concentration in defence which could have cost Lyme dearly, but he was delighted with the spirit shown as the Seasiders fought back to win the game, a victory which sees them move into fourth position in the Premier division but with a gap of five points with the sides above them. Lyme 1sts have no fixture this weekend. Lyme Reserves, who were beaten 8-0 last Saturday by St Martin’s, are at home to Pinhoe (kick-off 3pm).
Uplyme outplay unbeaten West Devon opponents A CUP game for Uplyme 1sts meant they welcomed Tavyside FC, unbeaten in their respective West Devon league and in excellent form according to their coaching team. But they knew within a minute they had a game on their hands when Alex Jones, from the right-hand side of the penalty box, played in Daley Holmes, who slotted in a clinical finish to put the Swallows one up. Tavyside equalised through a scruffy corner – always an Uplyme achilles heel – and thought they were back in the game, but the home side clicked up another gear and skipper Wes Holmes scored a bullet header from a pinpoint Daley Holmes’ corner. Into the second half and the away team kept trying to find their strong veteran striker with a longer ball in the channels, but the pairing of Lorcan Hankin and Cody Bowditch were just too strong and skilful. However, all the possession needed more results and it came through a wonder strike from Ben Prosser, who turned and smashed the ball into the roof of the net from an impossibly tight angle. Jonny Day then scored a great far-post header from a trademark Daley Holmes’ cross. Tavyside threw everything forward and their captain won an incredulous penalty after the ref judged Bowditch had kicked out. Again, the spirit and control of Uplyme shone through and Day finished off the game with an identical headed finish for a 5 – 2 scoreline. Managers Gillan and Blandamer were overjoyed: “It’s everything we spoke about before the game. The visitors came here super-confident and rightly so as they were unbeaten. But we were superior everywhere and in every aspect. “We ran harder, passed sharper, thought quicker, finished better and stood shoulder to shoulder for 90 minutes. That was a complete performance. “Stand-out performances right across the pitch makes it unfair to pick out a single player for a man-of-the -match, but Daley Holmes is in cracking form in both finishing and delivery, right now.” On Saturday Uplyme return to league football are at home to University 7th who are one place above them in Devon and Exeter Division Six.
Reserves not strong enough
■ A YOUNG Uplyme Reserves couldn’t quite hold out against a very competent, experienced Kingsbury side who ran out 5 – 0 winners. “It was only 1-0 at half-time,” said joint manager Steve Gillan. “But the opponents were excellent on dead ball situations and every goal came from a corner or free-kick phase. “We couldn’t hold out. We had so many young lads out there learning all about football and that is a wonderful thing. But they came up against a team that are rolling over every team in Perry Street Division Three.”
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October 15 2021
New kit sponsors for youth teams
TEAMS that play for the Lyme Regis FC Youth Section have received new kit, thanks to the generous support of four local businesses. The Under 14s have smart new training jackets in the club’s colours courtesy of sponsorship from Causley Cabs and The Slipway stores at
the Cobb. Pictured with the squad above are Neville Causley, proprietor of Causley Cabs, and Graeme and Sharon Baxter from The Slipway. The Under 10s have also been presented with new shirts (see photo on page 23) by Bright Future Financial and ST Accountancy.
A spokesperson for the youth section said: “On behalf of everyone from Lyme Regis Youth Football, especially the players, we would like to say a massive thank-you for coming forward and being sponsors for our new kits and jackets.”
Bond returns with winner WATCHING Lyme Regis 1st team play this season is not for the faint hearted. The Seasiders are prone to giving away soft goals before staging a late comeback to rescue points. This was the pattern of their home game against Elmore 2nds on Saturday, following similar performances in three other matches this season.
True, like so many other clubs this season, Lyme have struggled to field a full-strength side due to injuries, COVID and unavailability, but their frailty in defence will be an area in which manager Julien Simier will want to see a big improvement, essential to stay in touch with the leaders in the Devon and Exeter Premier division. Scoring chances were few and far between in the first half. Lyme keeper Rob Harp saw early action in the fifth minute when he parried and gathered a fierce shot from outside the box but had little to do for the rest of the half. Lyme thought they should have taken the lead in the 17th minute after some good work down
By PHILIP EVANS the flank from Rikki Sargent. The resultant shot looked as though it had billowed the net before bouncing out. The referee consulted with the visiting lineman but ruled that the ball had not crossed the goal line. The score remained at 0-0 at the break but Lyme started the second half strongly and JOE BOND - back with took the lead in the a wining goal 47th minute when a 40-yard cross-cum-shot from Sargent ended up in the top corner of the
net. But Elmore were back on terms within minutes before Lyme regained the lead when Brad Rowe, coming in from the wing, slotted the ball home from 25 yards. Then, in the course of one disastrous minute for the Seasiders’ defence, Elmore scored two similar goals in which keeper was lobbed, giving the visitors a 3-2 lead. Lyme’s top striker, Joe Bond, came on as a sub in the 65th minute, his first outing this season after breaking an ankle. Rowe switched to the wing with Bond in his usual centre forward position, making the Seasiders a much more potent attacking force as they pressed for the equaliser. Ben Turner headed wide from a dangerous cross from Bond who minutes later kneed a cross from Rowe over the bar. Turner got sinbinned for ten minutes for arguing with the ref. A Brad Rowe overhead kick went close as did a Gary Knight header from a Rowe free-kick. Lyme’s pressure paid off in the 84th minute with
CONTINUED ON PAGE 23
Friday, October 15 2021 24
SUPPORT THE SEASIDERS AT THE DAVEY FORT
Lyme Regis Reserves v Pinhoe 1sts K-O 3pm football
Rovers defend for 70 minutes with ten men AFTER gaining their first point of the season last week, Lyme Regis Rovers were hoping to get more points on the board away to Misterton in the Perry Street League Division One. Alas, it was not to be although they put in a good performance against a very strong Misterton side. The Rovers conceded both goals in first 10 minutes. Keeper Matt Fry had both hands on the ball but the ref failed see it as the striker kicked it out of his hands to open the scoring and a second came quickly afterwards. The Rovers lost former club captain Tim Edwards with a groin injury 15 minutes into the game. Edwards was drafted in to enable the Seasiders to field 11 men but there were no substitutes to take his place. The Rovers defended well as a team for 70 minutes to prevent any further goals. Manager Stef Taylor said: “The Misterton first team had no game and a few dropped down to play. Matt Fry was excellent in goal and it was great to have Mike Knight back playing. “The whole team deserve credit to sticking at it with no subs after Tim went off and digging in to keep the score at 2-0.”
triathlon LYME-born Luke Reed continues to mark his mark in international triathlons. In the recent ETU standard distance championships, held in Valencia, Spain, Luke finished in 15th place in his age group (40-44) and was the third Brit to cross the finishing line. Luke was also placed 75th overall in a field of 450 competitors.
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