LymeOnline Digital Edition - December 17 2021

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FOR LYME REGIS, UPLYME, CHARMOUTH & AXMINSTER ● FORTNIGHTLY ● DECEMBER 17 2021

Getting in the Christmas spirit

Plans revealed for Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend

PLANS to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in Lyme Regis, at a cost of £20,000, have been revealed.

The town council this week approved plans for the celebrations in June 2022, which will mark the Queen’s 70 years on the throne.

The highlight of the extended Bank Holiday weekend will be a concert by the BBC Big Band orchestra on a stage to be erected on the beach.

REPORT, PAGE 3

Recognition for former Lyme Regis firefighter

FORMER Lyme Regis resident Harold Larcombe celebrated his 99th birthday this week with a surprise presentation marking his service to the local fire brigade – 64 years late.

REPORT, PAGE 2

Artisan Florist

Wild and Seasonal

Daily deliveries, order online or self-serve flower shed at 18 Woodmead Road, Lyme Regis DT7 3AD CHILDREN from St Michael’s Primary School in Lyme Regis have been getting ready for Christmas with a number of events, including a Christingle service, Christmas Jumper Day in aid of Save the Children and a traditional nativity. See the latest news from the school on page 6.

Rows could ‘cripple’ council

COUNCILLOR WALKS OUT OF MEETING AS LYME FORWARD ROW CONTINUES LYME Regis councillors have been told their continuous public arguments over community interest company LymeForward could “cripple” the council.

The warning came from town clerk John Wright – the latest in several calls for councillors to improve their behaviour made in the past six months, with many of the personal disputes stemming from disagreements over LymeFor-

FRANCESCA EVANS

francesca@lyme-online.co.uk ward, which runs the town’s food bank and other community projects and receives a £10,000 a year grant from the council.

During this week’s meeting, Cllr Michaela Ellis, the council’s representative on LymeForward, walked out of a meeting after questions were raised about the organisation’s management.

The questions were raised by Cllr Belinda Bawden, who earlier this year was the subject of two formal complaints made by LymeForward chair Sue Davies.

Ms Davies claimed she had been the victim of an “unremitting campaign of serious victimisation, intimidation and persecution” by Cllr Bawden, following a chain of emails and questions

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Better late than never for former Lyme Regis firefighter Harold FORMER Lyme Regis resident Harold Larcombe celebrated his 99th birthday this week with a surprise presentation marking his service to the local fire brigade – 64 years late.

Mr Larcombe, an uncle to mayor Brian Larcombe, moved his family from Lyme Regis to the Bournemouth area in 1957 when he took up a new job.

He had served in Lyme Regis Fire Brigade since 1947 and, as well as being a firefighter, he looked after the appliances as a motor mechanic.

The presentation was organised

by Mr Larcombe’s grandsons, Peter and Andrew, who both serve in the fire brigade, based in Southampton.

In presenting his framed longservice award, the mayor Cllr Larcombe said it was a “bit late in coming”, but it is was a great reflection of the time he spent in the fire brigade – 1947 to 1957.

The mayor continued: “It takes us back to the days the station was manned by very well known Lyme families, of call outs sparked by coal fires and unswept chimneys, old house wiring, thatched roofs and even real lit candles on the branches of traditional Christmas trees – the occasional runaway vehicles, all responded to by the fire tenders of the time.”

Addressing his comments to his

PHILIP EVANS

philip@lyme-online.co.uk uncle, Cllr Larcombe said that being a mechanic of some repute, Mr Larcombe senior used to work on the station appliances as well as being on call as a fireman.

The mayor continued: “There are two things I remember of those days, his father, who also served as a fireman, always said he tried to time his running to the station to avoid driving the escape tender because of its handling when turning right to go up Hill Road and the notorious crash gearbox.

“The other thing I remember was the ‘call-out’ – by siren in the day and the huge bell in the house at night. I’m convinced it had a permanent effect on how we still sleep!

“It was the post-war years and I guess there was an important camaraderie at the station as well as the response all gave to the fire callouts.”

The mayor pointed out there had been three generations of Larcombes in the fire service – Harold’s father Herbie (the mayor’s grandfather) and the mayor’s father Alan, Harold himself and his two grandsons, Peter and Andrew.

Cllr Larcombe concluded: “Thank you uncle Harold for being part of the Lyme station and its fire service of those remarkable years.”

FORMER Lyme Regis firefighter Harold Larcombe, now aged 99, with his grandsons Peter and Andrew, who both serve in the fire brigade in Southampton. Below, also pictured with his nephew, the Mayor of Lyme Regis, Cllr Brian Larcombe MBE, and mayoress Wendy Larcombe

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A festive cake and cuppa

■ LYME Regis Development Trust has re-booted its regular Memory Café, under the new name of Cake & Cuppa. The café provides an informal, friendly setting for all to come along for a cup of tea or coffee and slice of cake, particularly those suffering from memory loss and their families or carers. The first event was held at Lyme Regis Football Club on Wednesday and took on a festive theme, with volunteers wearing Christmas hats and jumpers and serving mince pies, sponsored

by Tesco Express, and fruit cake. Volunteers Caroline Powley and Margaret Rose also entertained with their own light-hearted version of ‘My Favourite Things’ from ‘The Sound of Music’.

BBC Big Band Orchestra coming to Lyme for Queen’s Platinum Jubilee PLANS to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in Lyme Regis, at a cost of £20,000, have been revealed.

The town council this week approved plans for the celebrations in June 2022, which will mark the Queen’s 70 years on the throne.

Councillors set aside a budget of £20,000 for the “once in a lifetime event”, which they said would create a memorable legacy for the council.

The highlight of the extended Bank Holiday weekend will be a concert by the BBC Big Band orchestra on a stage to be erected on the beach.

The BBC Big Band performs regularly at most of the UK’s major music festivals, including the BBC Proms, Cheltenham, Edinburgh, Harrogate, Brecon and as an Associate Ensemble at Town Hall Birmingham.

It comprises of 18-plus musicians who play jazz, swing and Rat Pack classics in full black tie.

For a fee of £10,000 the band will be playing a 75-minute set on the beach, finished with a firework display costing an additional £3,800.

The cost of the stage, PA, lighting and sound equipment will bring the total cost of the event to £20,400.

To create a four-day weekend for the jubilee, the late May Bank Holiday will be moved to Thursday, June 2 and an additional Bank Holiday will be created on Friday, June 3.

The BBC Big Band concert in Lyme Regis will take place on Sunday, June 5 as the finale to the weekend's celebrations.Other events proposed include a torchlight procession, lighting of a beacon and community picnic.

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to all our readers and advertisers Look out for the next LymeOnline newspaper on Friday, January 7 2022.

In the meantime, you can stay up to date over the Christmas and New Year period via the LymeOnline website www.lyme-online.co.uk

FROM SUNRISE

TO SUNSET

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

FRANCESCA EVANS

francesca@lyme-online.co.uk The town council’s Environment Committee will be discussing taking part in the Queen’s Green Canopy scheme, a UK-wide tree-planting initiative for the jubilee.

The annual Jazz Jurassica festival will also coincide with the jubilee weekend, with a special programme of live music events being planned.

In 2012 Lyme Regis staged a weekend of celebrations for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee at no cost to the taxpayer, including a visit by two Chelsea Pensioners.

LymeOnline Letters

Send your letters to francesca@lyme-online.co.uk

Do we have to cancel everything because it offends one person?

■ IN reply to the comments made by James Burtoft (LymeOnline, December 10) who criticised the United Beach Mission – to anyone who is against this group on the beach you have a choice, if it offends you then keep your children away.

Let others enjoy what the UBM offers. They have been coming to Lyme for years, and it seems that they are an easy target. Leave them alone.

Would Mr Burtoft be brave enough to tackle the vicars, priests and ministers in our local churches? No, I thought not.

Do we have to cancel out everything because one person is offended by it?

Diana Hunt (by email)

4 Friday, December 17 2021

NEWS IN BRIEF

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

Dorset bin collections will not change over Christmas period BIN collections in Dorset will take place on the usual days over the Christmas and New Year period, even on Bank Holidays.

With Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day falling on the weekend this year, rubbish and recycling collections over the festive period will not be on a different day and everyone should put their bins out on their regular collection day.

There are some things to remember about your rubbish and recycling collections over Christmas: ● Dorset Council will collect up to two extra sacks of rubbish beside your bin on your first rubbish collection after Christmas Day. ● No garden waste collections will take place between Christmas Day and Monday, January 10. ● Household recycling centres will be open from 9am to 4pm daily, except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. ● Extra recycling – including glass and food –

will be collected on your recycling collection day, provided it has been separated correctly and place in a suitable sturdy container that can be easily lifted by one person, not in bags or cardboard boxes. ● Please help crews by putting your glass out for collection before Christmas. This ensures you have as much space as possible in your glass box going into the festive period, helping prevent over spilling containers and reduces the amount of extra glass they will need to collect after Christmas. ● Wrapping paper can be recycled, not including foil or glittery paper, but Dorset Council does not collect Christmas trees of any kind. ● Real Christmas trees can be collected by charity Weldmar Hospicecare for a donation – find more information via the Bridport Nub News website https://bridport.nub.news/n/bridport-weldmar39s-christmas-treecycle-returnsthis-winter

Charity Santa sleigh raises £1,400 for students’ welfare

FATHER Christmas brought joy to children and grown ups alike this year, as he toured Lyme Regis, Uplyme and Charmouth on his charity sleigh, raising more than £1,400 for The Woodroffe School Wellbeing Project. Now in its 20th year, the Lyme Regis Charity Santa Sleigh is organised by the Causley family of local taxi firm Causley Cabs, and has raised tens of thousands for local and national charities over the years.

Calls to improve police’s 101 phone line

Plans revealed for future of Wootton Fitzpaine farm THE new owners of a West Dorset farm have outlined their future development proposals, which they say will be low-key and in keeping with the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Spence Farm at Wootton Fitzpaine, near Lyme Regis, includes an existing bed and breakfast business and a vineyard. It has just been granted planning consent by Dorset Council to create an accessible nature trail through Spence Plantation.

DORSET’S Police and Crime Commissioner has revealed that a 45-minute wait for a 101 call he made was one of the triggers which led to his decision to stand for the job.

David Sidwick has pledged to improve the service and other ways of the public contacting the police – including a web-based contact system currently used by other forces, which he hopes will shortly be in use.

His comments came after Boscombe councillor George Farquhar told a meeting of the county-wide Police and Crime Panel that the 101 phone system appeared not to have moved forward very much.

He detailed how he had personally waited almost 45 minutes for a call about dangerous driving to be answered and another 53 minutes for action to be taken.

Cllr Farquhar called on the commissioner to ensure that the system was improved and also monitored with an automated system introduced to contact people who had waited for a long time, with an explanation on why that had happened.

Town council staff working from Omicron fears see first of Lyme home and virtual meetings return Regis Christmas events cancelled LYME Regis Town Council offices have closed down on Monday in line with the latest COVID-19 government guidance.

Staff will be working from home in accordance with the direction that people should work from home if they can in response to the risks of the Omicron variant.

Enquiries will continue to be answered by phone and email and online services will be available as normal.

The council’s external works’ team will continue to work as normal but the public are asked to give them space.

It was agreed on Wednesday night, at the last council meeting of the year, that councillors would not return to the Guildhall chamber in the New Year.

Instead, all committee meetings will be held virtually via video conferencing app Zoom, and full council meetings will be held in the

INCREASING fears over the Omicron variant of COVID-19 are taking an effect on Christmas events in Lyme Regis.

It has been announced today that the Lyme Regis branch of Cancer Research UK’s Gatsby Christmas Ball, due to be held in the Woodmead Halls on Friday night, has been called off.

Organisers said: “We really wanted to end the year on a high but unfortunately it was not to be. We think this is probably the safest decision for all but we are sorry for any disappointment caused. All ticket holders should have been contacted. larger venue of Lyme Regis Baptist Church’s Pine Hall.

Those attending will also be asked to carry out a lateral flow test before arriving.

These arrangements will be reviewed further in February.

“We wish all of our supporters a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Please look out for our upcoming 2022 fundraising programme in January.”

The annual Over 70s Christmas Lunch, also due to be held at the Woodmead Halls on Saturday afternoon, has also now been called off for the second year running.

Full event listings for the coming Christmas season can be found in our What’s On section on page 15 and we will bring you updates on any further cancellations or postponements via the LymeOnline website at lyme-online.co.uk

For the latest coronavirus updates and figures over the Christmas and New Year period, visit lyme-online.co.uk/category/news/coronavirus

Friday, December 117 2021 5

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Councillors told to keep personal disputes out of the chamber as public row over LymeForward continues CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE over the governance of LymeForward.

On both occasions, Dorset Council’s monitoring officer said the claims against Cllr Bawden were lacking in evidence.

The argument has continued for months, with both parties claiming false allegations have been made against them, and has caused personal disputes within the council chamber, with Cllr Bawden at one point saying she felt “distressed, embarrassed and unsafe” at meetings.

At this week’s meeting, Cllr Bawden asked the following questions about LymeForward’s management: 1) Why was Alan John Reynolds [husband of town councillor Cheryl Reynolds] appointed a director of LymeForward on October 31 2021 and resigned on November 1 2021?

2) Given that appointment is another example of the very close links between LymeForward and the Community Support Group, is it appropriate that the three trustees who also happen to be town councillors, are allowed to vote on LymeForward’s grant? Surely the close involvement of Community Support in LymeForward’s operations should exclude them on the grounds of pecuniary and non-pecuniary conflicts of interest?

3) Is it appropriate that any members of LymeForward asking legitimate questions of LymeForward management are routinely ignored, fobbed off then banned as members? Is it even legal for LymeForward to do this?

Cllr Bawden also said it was unacceptable that questions about LymeForward, from members of the public and herself, raised at a recent meeting of the council’s Tourism, Community & Publicity Committee meeting “were ignored at the whim of the committee chairman” [Cllr Cheryl Reynolds].

She continued: “I’m sick of being the only

councillor raising this because I know several of you have concerns. I’m sick of the lies; the false, malicious allegations and the veiled threats. I’m sick of the rude, bad behaviour, the bullying and intimidation; and I’m sick of the endless obfuscation and the cover-ups.”

As the council’s representative for LymeForward, Cllr Ellis said she would respond to Cllr Bawden if she put her questions in writing.

However, she then announced she would be leaving the meeting commenting: “I am fed up of Cllr Bawden going on and on and on, accusing people on this council of falsehoods and lies and I don’t want to be sat in this room with her.

“It is absolutely disgusting and there seems to be a vendetta against other people in this town and other groups. I’m sorry but I am not staying.”

Cllr Ellis then left the meeting but Ms Davies, chair of LymeForward, has since issued a response to Cllr Bawden’s questions – see panel below.

Town clerk Mr Wright said that some of Cllr Bawden’s questions were legitimate to ask but some were not.

“There are clearly issues between some members and LymeForward and in a way those issues need to be resolved between those members and LymeForward without drawing the council in,” he said.

“Our relationship with LymeForward is purely about the grant, the rationale for that grant and performance of that grant. Those are the things that should actually concern us. We should not be held to account for the whole operation of LymeForward.”

The Mayor of Lyme Regis, Cllr Brian Larcombe MBE, commented: “What goes on with behaviours between LymeForward and its members is between LymeForward and its members.

We don’t have any direct influence in that re-

FOLLOWING the meeting, Sue Davies, chair of LymeForward, issued the following statement in response to Cllr Bawden’s questions: ● Why was Alan Reynolds appointed a director of LymeForward on October 31 and resigned on November 1?

We wish to thank Mr Reynolds for expressing an interest in becoming a director and acknowledge his real commitment to the development of local services based on his extensive knowledge of Lyme Regis and surrounding areas.

Having been appointed, sadly we were informed that Lyme Regis Town Council governance arrangements precluded him from taking up his duties. ● Given that appointment is another example of the very close links between LymeForward and the Community Support Group, is it appropriate that three trustees who also happen to be town councillors are allowed to vote on LymeForward’s grant?

Placing health and wellbeing services closer to where people live significantly benefits the local community. These are often hampered by outmoded and bureaucratic council governance arrangements.

Working collaboratively enables us to reduce duplication of effort and expenditure, enabling us to deliver much needed community frontline services. In essence this issue should apply to all organisations in receipt of a Lyme Regis Town Council grant.

There are many examples of local councils working with community and voluntary sector organisations. In many cases nationally, the Big Society is well underway on the ground.

The Local Government Group recognises the trickier political aspects of sharing services such as accountability, sovereignty and governance arrangements and have produced a guide for local councils. ● Is it appropriate that any LymeForward members asking legitimate questions of LymeForward management are routinely ignored, fobbed off and then banned as members? Is it even legal for LymeForward to do this?

Membership matters are dealt with in accordance with LymeForward CIC’s Articles of Association. We do not comment on individual cases as there would be GDPR and confidentiality implications.

A GREENKEEPER who worked at Lyme Regis Golf Club for 33 years committed suicide after losing his job during the coronavirus pandemic, an inquest has heard this week.

An inquest into the death of 61-year-old Dave Everett, from Chard, was held in Taunton this week.

Mr Everett was said to have been left “completely broken” after being made redundant from Lyme Regis Golf Club, as they made financial cuts during the height of the pandemic.

He was one of five greenkeepers and was laid

off during a “radical overhaul to reduce costs”, the inquest heard.

Mr Everett’s widow Julie said during the inquest that losing the job he had held for most of his life had “destroyed” her husband, while his son Scott said he had “put his heart and soul” into his work.

Mr Everett was found hanged in woods near Staple Hill car park at Neroche, Taunton, in October.

The senior Somerset coroner Tony Williams recorded a conclusion of suicide.

spect, our influence is in them being a grant re“We have got to get LymeForward out of councipient.” cil business, it runs the risk of crippling what we Cllr Bawden argued that it was an issue for the want to do. We want to move forward, rather council to address, as questions from herself and than having all of our meetings bogged down members of the public regarding LymeForward with LymeForward issues. If people have issues had been “ignored and dismissed” by the coun- with other individuals, it’s not necessarily the cil, and because “accusations that are false and council’s fight.” completely lacking in evidence” were allowed to Cllr Bawden argued the issue was not about the be repeated in the town individuals involved and council chamber. was relevant to the counMr Wright said: “Some cil. She said a report by of the things you asked the town clerk in October were legitimate but some highlighted councillors’ of them weren’t. You have bad behaviour as one of an issue with LymeForthe biggest risks to the ward…” council and she said this Cllr Bawden interhad come largely come rupted: “No, I have an about from “LymeForissue with this council, I ward being adopted as a have no issue with Lypolitical weapon”. meForward.”

“I am not having you Mr Wright replied: guys now saying it’s down “Well, that’s not how it to the individuals – it appears to me and that’s she continued.

Town clerk John Wright isn’t,” not how it appears from “It is a council matter, the constant bombardthe bad behaviour is a ment I’ve had from you trying to get me to inter- council matter, our image in the town is a counvene with the management of LymeForward, so cil matter and I am not going to stand for an orI question that statement very strongly. ganisation refusing to answer questions, “It’s an incredibly difficult situation and I am banning its members and continuing to raise trying to protect the council. I personally am get- false allegations against me.” ting attacked from the other side, along with my The mayor agreed to look into the questions colleague, in terms of our actions and we are not that were raised by Cllr Bawden and members of in a very pleasant situation being accused by the public at the Tourism, Community & Publicsome of our members of withholding informa- ity meeting and to consider whether the council tion from the council, which is not entirely true. should issue a response.

“If there’s an issue that somebody wants us to It was also noted at the meeting that LymeForraise that could involve this council in adverse ward had not yet signed its grant agreement with litigation, I will protect the council from that be- the town council, and no further payments of its cause that is my job and I sincerely hope you all £10,000 a year grant would be issued until it was think that is the right approach. signed.

“

I personally am getting attacked from the other side, along with my colleague, in terms of our actions and we are not in a very pleasant situation being accused by some of our members of withholding information.

The

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Schoolchildren get into Christmas spirit ■ CHILDREN from St Michael’s Primary School in Lyme Regis recently took part in the national Christmas Jumper Day. Pupils wore their favourite festive jumpers to school for the day and raised more than £53 for Save the Children.

They also took part in a hands-on Christingle service last week (pictured on front page). New Golden Cap team vicar, the Reverend Sarah Godfrey, led the event in which children were able to make their own Christingle as the service was taking place, before lighting the candles at the end. Christingles are oranges wrapped in red tape, decorated with dried fruit or sweets, with a candle on the top. The orange represents the world, the red ribbon symbolises the love and blood of Christ, the sweets and dried fruit represent all of God’s creations and the candle represents Jesus’ light in the world.

■ TAKING on the job of cooking Christmas dinner for children at St Michael’s this year is new school cook Vikki O’Hare. Vikki was appointed to the role in September, having previously worked as the school secretary, a job she is also continuing part-time. Vikki has a background in pub catering and has passed all of her Food Standards qualifications. She provides daily lunches for about 60 per cent of students at St Michael’s, including two-course hot meals and packed lunches, all made from scratch, with children picking out fish and chips and roast dinners as their favourites.

Festive auction raises £400 for football club

Musical theatre group donates to St Michael’s school and church

Lyme Regis Football Club committee members Heather Larcombe, Gerard Hitchcock and Francesca Evans

A CHRISTMAS harvest home raised £400 for Lyme Regis Football Club last weekend.

Organised by committee member Francesca Evans, with help from Heather Larcombe and auctioneering by vice-chairman Gerard Hitchcock, the event was a scaled-back version of the club’s usual Christmas auction, focussing mainly on food and drink hampers.

Miss Evans said: “A big thank you to everyone who came along and supported our Christmas Harvest Home and particularly to Lyme Regis Butchers who generously sponsored several of the food hampers.”

The club is about to complete its four-year improvement programme with the resurfac-

ing of its car park to take place in the next week.

The auction coincided with the golden wedding anniversary of long-standing club members Ken and Betty Hitchcock, who were presented with a card and gifts from the club before the event got underway.

The previous week, Ken and Betty hosted a party to celebrate their anniversary and Betty’s 75th birthday party, where a collection raised £568.60 for Cancer Research UK, specifically for research into brain tumours in support of a family friend.

The couple would like to thank all those who donated.

ST Michael’s Parish Church and St Michael’s Primary School in Lyme Regis have benefitted from funds being distributed by Lyme Regis Musical Theatre.

The former operatic society, which has folded after entertaining audiences in the town for 100 years due to a lack of volunteers, is distributing funds accrued over a number of years.

Recently, former committee members gathered on Theatre Square to unveil a seat in memory of the late Brian Manners and David Coates, two much-respected stalwarts of the society. The location was chosen because the Marine Theatre was the home for the society for many years.

A cheque for £3,000 was presented to new team vicar, the Reverend Sarah Godfrey, by the society’s chairman, Johanna Hopkins (pictured right).

Church treasurer Tim Bacon thanked the society for their generosity and said the £3,000 would be ring-fenced for the refurbishment of the church hall where the society met for rehearsals for many years.

This week Mrs Hopkins also presented a piano keyboard and amplifier to St Michael’s Primary School, received by headmaster Nick Kiddle and pupils (pictured above).

Friday, December 17 2021 7

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COVID-19: The latest on local coronavirus figures Vaccination programme expands amid Omicron concerns

COVID-19 infection rates remain high across Dorset, with further increases seen over the past week.

The latest figures released on December 10 showed that there were 2,279 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Dorset Council area, compared to 2,168 the previous week, and 2,712 cases in the Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole (BCP) area, compared to 2,418.

This means the case rate per 100,000 people was 600.1 in the Dorset Council area, up from 570.8 the previous week, and 683.1 in the BCP area, up from 609.1.

This compared to the national average of 514 cases per 100,000 people.

As of December 10, there were 79 COVID-19 patients in hospitals across Dorset, a drop from 103 in the last update on December 3.

A spokesperson for Public Health Dorset said: “COVID-19 infection rates have continued to increase over the past week in Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council.

“This follows an upward trend across the South West region and England, but both council areas remain above the regional and national averages.

“The number of people in hospital in Dorset with COVID-19 has decreased to 79, but we will continue to monitor the trend over time as we know there can be fluctuations due to admissions and discharges. We have continued to see a number of deaths related COVID-19.

“Due to the emergence of the Omicron variant, the Prime Minister has announced that England will move to Plan B COVID measures.

“This includes the re-introduction of face coverings in most indoor settings, work from home guidance and the introduction of COVID passes for nightclubs and settings where large crowds gather.

“Locally, we are asking everyone to consider the risks and do what they can to reduce transmis-

sion of COVID-19.

“The vaccination gives you good protection against serious illness, but we know that it doesn’t always stop you from catching or spreading the virus, so it’s important to keep taking other measures.

“Take a rapid lateral flow test regularly, especially if you’re meeting others. Get plenty of fresh air by meeting outdoors or keeping doors and windows open. Wear a face covering in indoor spaces, making sure it covers your mouth and your nose.

“If we all play our part now in stopping the spread, we can help prevent the need for further restrictions.”

COVID cases in the Lyme Regis area COVID-19 cases in the Lyme Regis area have also increased, according to the latest figures.

In the seven-day period up until December 9, there were 35 recorded cases of COVID-19 in the Lyme Regis, Charmouth & Marshwood Vale area, an increase of 11 on the previous week.

This means the case rate per 100,000 people was 482.5 – below the Dorset Council area figure of 600.1 and national average of 514.

Figures for neighbouring areas as of December 9 were as follows: Uplyme, Kilmington & Colyton – 50 (increase of 1); Seaton – 54 (decrease of 23); Axminster – 67 (decrease of 26); Burton Bradstock & Chideock – 28 (decrease of 5); Bridport South & West Bay – 14 (decrease of 27); Bridport North – 35 (decrease of 17); Beaminster, Maiden Newton & Halstock – 33 (increase of 2).

You can find out more details on COVID case numbers in your local area at https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/ Enhancing vaccination programme The Dorset health and care system is pulling out all the stops to expand the vaccination programme as quickly as possible following the Prime Minister’s announcement this week that all those 18 and over should be offered their

booster jab before Christmas.

And system leaders are asking local people to be patient while they get everything in place as the NHS continues to deliver the largest vaccination programme in its history.

The COVID-19 vaccination roll-out is being coordinated and delivered by the NHS in Dorset working closely with partners including councils and the voluntary and community sector.

Dr Andy Rutland, Dorset GP and clinical lead for the Dorset COVID-19 vaccination programme, said: “This is a monumental effort as we step up even further to expand the vaccination programme for everyone who’s eligible.

“We know that some people have had issues booking their booster at a local venue and we’re working hard to keep increasing availability.

Please be patient and do keep checking the national booking system as slots are being added all the time.

“We’re all in this together and we owe a huge thank you to everyone supporting the roll-out – staff, volunteers and the public.

“It’s been a tough year for all of us so please continue to be kind, patient and understanding to our vaccine teams who are working tirelessly to make this happen.”

Dr Rutland also made a renewed appeal for potential vaccinators to come forward to join vaccine teams as the programme continues to expand at speed.

Sam Crowe, director of Public Health for Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, said: “With the emergence of the Omicron variant alongside existing high infection rates locally, it’s more important than ever that we all continue to play our part in protecting ourselves and each other from the risks of COVID19.

“We are working closely with the NHS to support the expansion of the booster programme, and getting your booster is the best way to pro-

tect yourself from serious illness caused by any variant of COVID-19, so I urge everyone to get yours as soon as you can.

“Nationally, we can see that Omicron is spreading quickly, and whilst there are still a lot of unknowns about this variant, the principles to help us reduce transmission remain the same.

“Vaccination alone will not stop the virus from spreading, so to be able to live safely with COVID-19, we do need to keep taking precautionary measures. This includes taking regular rapid tests to check you’re not infectious, particularly before meeting others or attending gatherings, making sure you have plenty of ventilation, and wearing a face covering in indoor and crowded spaces.

“If we all follow these measures now and get boosted as soon as possible, we can hopefully prevent the need for further restrictions and keep doing the things we all enjoy.”

How to get your booster jab The best way to get your vaccination at a time and place that suits you is to book ahead. You can either wait for your GP practice to contact you or book via the national booking service to get your booster at a larger centre or pharmacy.

Local GP-led vaccine services are offering the vaccine to the most vulnerable, so that they are invited to get their booster first.

There are now running two vaccination centres in Dorset – Vespasian House in Dorchester and King’s Park Hospital in Bournemouth. They have appointment slots for both children and adults.

Both centres are very busy and walk-in availability is very limited – please make an appointment using the national booking system.

You can also get your vaccination at many pharmacies. There are now more than 30 sites in Dorset offering vaccinations. Find out where they are on the CCG website.

A successful year for Lyme Regis NEWS FROM CITIZENS ADVICE Taekwondo despite challenges DESPITE the turmoil and uncertainty over the last 19 months, Lyme Regis Taekwondo Club has come out on top.

The club has had to continuously adapt its training due to rules and restrictions, but has still managed to gain 25 new students since lockdown was eased earlier this year.

The club has had three successful gradings, with a 7th Dan Instructor from Lyme’s sister club in Bournemouth carrying out the grading, one of them via video conferencing app Zoom, a new and odd concept which threw up its own challenges).

In late November, the Lyme club took two students to Worcester to the National Taekwondo Poomsae competition.

Dexter Weldin, in only his second face-to-face competition received gold and became a national champion in the Para P40 category and achieved a personal best score, which was an extra bonus, especially as he is only nine years old.

Amelia Cole, aged 13, in her first competition took part individually as well as part of a trio, with two other girls who only met each other at the competition. Amelia came away with a silver medal in the syncro team with the girls, with a score only a few points behind the first place team. This was a huge achievement.

It was a very successful weekend with the Lyme’s sister club, Dorset Taekwondo, also competing and gaining six medals.

A week later, seven students from Lyme Regis went to Bournemouth for a large grading.

Amelia and 15-year-old Dan Barton have been waiting one and half years to take their gradings, having had three cancelled or postponed due to COVID-19. Finally they got their day, joined by Filipe, a black belt who joined the club at the end of 2019.

Instructor Sharon Ward said: “It has been a tough time for them to keep training and moti-

Lyme Regis Taekwondo Club’s new black belts, Amelia, Dan and Filipe vated but they made me incredibly proud.”

Amelia is now a 1st Dan black belt and Dan and Filipe are 2nd Dan black belts.

To round off the year Dexter has successfully re-secured his place in the GB Para Poomsae squad for 2022. He has spent the last 19 months training via Zoom every month with the GB squad coaches and joins three others from Lyme’s sister club in Bournemouth who gained places.

Dorset Taekwondo (Lyme & Bournemouth) has a total of four places in the 2022 team. Including Master Sharon’s own instructor, Master Darren Naraine.

Sharon said: “I am extremely proud of the club, which will be 17 years old when it returns in January 2022.”

The club is for anyone from five years old to adults. For details contact club instructor Sharon on sharon@lymeregistkd.co.uk

PLAN B: What are my employment rights with renewed guidance to work from home? Citizens Advice sets out everything you need to know about your workplace rights below. ● I think I should be working from home under the new guidance, can my employer tell me I’m not allowed to?

The Plan B guidance says that ‘office workers’ should work from home if they can. If you can only do your job by accessing equipment that is located at work, or your work requires you to be present in person, then your employer can require you to come into work.

If your employer says that you can’t work from home but you disagree, start by having an open conversation with them about it. Explain why you would prefer to work from home, and try to demonstrate how it is possible to do so while carrying out all aspects of your job. ● What can I do if I’m worried about safety measures at work?

Your employer has a legal duty under the law, and under your contract, to ensure your workplace does not pose a risk to your health and safety.

Current guidance says employers should complete a COVID risk assessment and take steps to prevent transmission, including frequent cleaning and social distancing. ● What are the rules on mask wearing at work?

Under Plan B, people who work in shops, theatres, cinemas and takeaways without seating for customers will be required to wear a mask unless exempt.

However, mandatory mask wearing does not extend to hospitality venues such as cafes, restaurants, pubs, and nightclubs. Face coverings are also not required in any venue, or part of a venue, that is being used wholly or mainly for eating and drinking.

Workers in some businesses such as event venues will need to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated or have tested negative in the

last 48 hours, unless exempt. ● I’m uncomfortable about taking public transport, what are my options?

If your job means that you can’t work from home, and you are worried about using public transport to get to work, you should talk to your employer about it.

Your employer’s health and safety duties are limited to things that are under their control.

That said, your employer should listen to your concerns if you’re worried about having to use public transport if you can’t work from home.

You could reach an arrangement that you’re comfortable with, for example, asking to travel at quieter times of the day. ● What happens if I need to self-isolate?

You shouldn’t go into work if you're self-isolating because you have coronavirus symptoms, until you have taken and received a negative PCR test.

If someone in your household has tested positive for COVID-19 you must self-isolate if you are not fully vaccinated or if they have been identified as a suspected or confirmed case of the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

You must tell your employer that you have to self-isolate. It’s worth telling them in writing so you have a record for later use.

If you’re unable to work from home, you may be entitled to benefits, sick pay or a self-isolation payment of £500 from your local council.

See the Citizens Advice website for more information.

Citizens Advice drop-in advice sessions in Lyme Regis Council offices are temporarily suspended while the town council are follow Plan B guidance on working from home.

If you need advice on employment or any other issues telephone Freephone 0800-1448848 or send an email using the contact form on the website www.bridportca.org.uk

8 Friday, December 17 2021

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Legion presents award to Poppy Appeal fundraisers

Royal British Legion Lyme Regis branch president Philip Evans MBE presents the Jack Loveridge Trophy to Linda Bearpark and, right to Nicole Parkinson-Ward

TWO committed Royal British Legion volunteers have been recognised for their work for the annual Poppy Appeal by the Lyme Regis branch.

Nicole Parkinson-Ward, who has just been elected as the branch’s first woman vice-chairman, took over responsibility for the town’s Poppy Appeal collections when her grandmother, Jacqui Ward, had to stand aside due to ill health.

Assisted by new chairman Daniel Buckley and committee member Ania Driver, Nicole’s efforts helped to raise in excess of £5,000, an excellent result for such a small branch.

Over in Charmouth, Linda Bearpark has been responsible for raising money for the large poppies attached every year to all the lamp posts in the vil-

lage, which has been greatly admired by many.

She has also organised events such as bingo and quiz nights to boost Poppy Appeal funds.

To recognise their efforts, the Lyme Regis branch have awarded them jointly the Jack Loveridge trophy, which recognises those who go the extra mile for the Legion and Poppy appeal. They will keep the trophy, presented by Legion president, Philip Evans MBE, for six months each.

Jack Loveridge served in the Royal Navy in World War Two and was a keen member of the Royal British Legion

after the war.

His family emigrated to America in the 1950s but he never forgot his home town, paying regular visits.

At their recent annual meeting, chairman Ian Marshall stood down to take the role of vice-president. Mr Buckley was elected as chairman alongside Kevin Taylor (secretary) and Jon Hunt (treasurer). Emma Blackmore remains in the role of events organiser.

President Philip Evans paid tribute to Mr Marshall, saying he had increased the Legion’s image and profile considerably during his period of office.

Tales From Lyme’s Past

A glimpse of our history with Peter Lacey Lyme in the 20th Century, Part V IN the early 1900s the town was governed under the Municipal Corporations Act of 1835.

The Corporation (as it was known) was less democratic and more powerful than a modern town council.

It met once a month in the Guildhall, its male-only members were mainly tradesmen and consisted of 12 councillors and four alderman, the ‘The Master Smith of Lyme Regis’, by Whistler latter being co-opted and next in status to the mayor, a role which or both of their two sails, if not the crew had to rely on muscle power for the several hours one of them frequently held.

Kelly’s Dorset Directory (1915) lists Alban a rescue could take.

Lyme was moving with the times; there was Woodroffe as mayor. A wealthy man whose residence was the imposing Georgian Rhode a dentist in Broad Street and a ‘cinematograph Hill House in Uplyme, his luxury steam yacht theatre’ showing silent films in the Assembly the Sheila needed some 32 meters of the Rooms at Cobb Gate.

Cobb’s north wall as a mooring.

However, Broad Street with its many shops The town and port were managed by a com- retained a link to the past in Samuel Govier. bination of Corporation and public officers. The town’s master-blacksmith had what was The Corporation was also responsible for the described as “an ancient forge that had been Borough Petty Sessions which were held in the family for 300 years”. It was close to every Wednesday in the Guildhall. The mayor what is now Tesco. chaired the sessions assisted by three borGovier was the subject (1895) of a fine porough magistrates. trait by Whistler, ‘The Master Smith of Lyme The police station was in Coombe Street and Regis’ which is now in The Boston (USA) Muhad a sergeant-in-charge of three constables seum of Fine Arts. when the town’s population was some 2,750.

Other links to times past was the curfew bell A Court of Hustings met monthly to adminrung at eight o’clock each evening. The town ister harbour business while a Cobb warden also retained, as it has to this day, the post of was responsible for collecting harbour fees. town crier along with two sergents-at-mace.

The Cobb is listed in the directory as a ‘hamAn important event took place in June 1913 let’ and it was there that the coastguard had its station. The row of coastguard terraced when the mayor opened Langmoor Gardens cottages near the bottom of Cobb Road and above Marine Parade. The town had been able the watch-house (now a fish shop) can be to purchase the land thanks to a bequest from James Moly of Langmoor, Charmouth. It seen today.

The coastguard presence attracted much in- would be hard to imagine the seafront without terest from visitors with the men in naval uni- such an outstanding feature as the gardens that have long been enjoyed by residents and form going about their duties.

The lifeboat station was adjacent to the visitors.

The summer of 1914 saw the outbreak of Cobb, today a public toilet. In April 1915 The Thomas Masterman Hardy (named after the what was then termed the Great War and the captain of Nelson’s flagship at the battle of war to end all wars. The four years that folTrafalgar) replaced The Susan Ashley, a lowed was a time of hardship and sadness at the loss of so many men who died during the lifeboat that had served Lyme for 24 years.

In those days the lifeboat crew consisted of conflict. a coxswain, 2nd coxswain, a bowman and the To be continued...

10 oarsmen who rowed double-banked in five Peter Lacey rows. Weather permitting they could hoist one Local author and historian

Warm up this winter with hearty lunch menu at Lilac FRANCESCA EVANS

francesca@lyme-online.co.uk THE cellar at numbers 57 and 58 Broad Street, Lyme Regis, has had a number of uses over the years, including a boys’ club with boxing ring, greengrocers and art gallery, as well as a handful of hospitality business. But it seems to have really found its calling as new wine bar Lilac.

Opened by BBC ‘Great British Menu’ chef Harriet Mansell in August, Lilac followed the success of its sister restaurant Robin Wylde, just up the road, which was recently listed in the Michelin Guide.

With a more informal setting, Lilac is described as “the place we all want to go on our day off”, where you can pop in for a glass of wine and some nibbles, or a long meal of shared plates with friends and family.

Its menu follows the same ethos as Robin Wylde, with a focus on vegetables, seasonality, locality, reduction of waste and sustainability, served alongside a wide range of wines, local beers and ciders, coffees and soft drinks.

Its dinner menu of small plates has already proved popular and now Lilac has started opening at lunchtimes, with a menu of hearty winter warmers.

Flavoursome soups, stews and tagines are all on offer, as well as a selection of moreish bar snacks.

On visiting last weekend I could barely stop myself picking at the Moroccan spiced cashews while perusing the wine menu, with Lilac’s friendly and knowledgable staff on hand to help make a selection.

I then tucked into the beef and lentil stew, served with curly kale and a generous slab of Real Grain Bakery sourdough and cultured butter.

Lilac is the perfect place for those slow-paced Sunday afternoons and after lunch my friend and I retired to one of the cosy snugs for another glass and an indulgent treat of rose infused chocolate truffles to finish.

The lunch menu is served Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 3pm - see lilacwine.co.uk

Friday, December 17 2021 9

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Visit us in our

Christmas Winter Wonderland at

THE PILOT BOAT taking bookings for our special Festive Menu and for New Year’s Eve

Thank you for all your support in this very difficult year Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year when we look forward to welcoming you Don’t forget all your winter favourites

Cocktail Wednesdays

2 cocktails for £12 6-9pm

Fizzy Fridays 4-8pm

P rosecco from £20 a bottle

Thursdays 8pm

Limited tables must be booked in advance

Sunday Roast

12-3pm – Tables must be booked in advance

Pop in or contact us on 01297 443157 or email info@thepilotboat.co.uk 1 Bridge Street Lyme Regis DT7 3QA

10 Friday, December 17 2021

www.lyme-online.co.uk WIN! WIN! with your new community paper

f A special digital edition or! your favourite local pape

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LOCAL MUSICIA IANS IN PIANO DA DAY AY RECORD PA P AGE 14

Red Arrows will not appear in year Lyme this ye Ly

in ill not be appearing THE Red Arrows w mmer.

Lyme Regis this su F events that an ap Notification from RA to rack aerobatic team plication for their c it h uly has been met w appear in Lyme in J disappointment. ever-increasing de The Red Arrows, in our ter last summer’s t mand especially af thd States, gave brea of duty in the Unite re r Lyme Bay for mo taking displays ove than 40 years. the r o f d e i l who app Philip Evans MBE, ws s year, said the ne another display thi as appointing as it w was especially dis mmer for local u s t l u c fi f i d y r e v a e likely to b traders. xt will apply again ne He added that he ws s unlikely the Arro year but felt it wa . e r u t u f r e in the nea would return to Lym REPORT, PAGE 3

H appy 10 0th b i rth d ay s !

d Football season calle to an end amid viruiss sea-

itii es p itiv i on pos F ussing Foc PANDEMIC PA TO AYOR WRITES LETTER MAY the "PERHAPS one thing reis what virus has shown us imporally matters, what the tant things are."

messages the That is one of the Councillor Mayor of Lyme Regis, is sending to Brian Larcombe MBE, as the coronthe town's residents

RESIDEENTS AMID

• Buying & Selling Prop

TAKING CARE • Business Issues TA OF YOUR • Agricultural Issues LEGAL NEEDS • Wills

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FOSSIL HUNTER’S LETTER SELLS FOR MORE THAN £100K FRANCESCA EVANS

francesca@lyme-online.co.uk

Trust and Lyme Regis Museum raised more than £21,500 in just 24 hours, but it was not enough to secure the artefact as bids soared in the last few minutes.

The unpublished letter, written

by Lyme Regis’ most famous daughter, was sold by auction on the Sotheby’s website on Tuesday afternoon.

It was expected to reach between £8,000 and £12,000, but eventually sold for more than eight times this amount.

The Jurassic Coast Trust and

Lyme Regis Museum hoped the letter could be “brought home” and put on permanent display in the museum, which is based on the site of the former home of fossil hunter Mary Anning.

An online fundraising appeal was

Get ready for Regatta & Carnival Week!

An ambitious online appeal launched by the Jurassic Coast

Plans for Lyme to go plastic free

ECO-GROUP Turn Lyme Green is hoping to make the town plastic free.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

FREE

23

LYME Regis Town Council's unprecedented decision to employ security guards to patrol the seafront was not supported by all members, it has been revealed, with one describing it as "a waste of money".

The council took the decision last month to employ security guards to patrol the seafront on a nightly basis, following increased reports of anti-social behaviour in Langmoor and Lister gardens.

The guards started patrols on July 17 and will continue to patrol nightly through the main summer season, for a total cost of REPORT, PAGE 3 £10,080.

PAGE 18

LYME Regis FC 1st team are still clinging to their hopes promotion to the Devonof winning & Exeter Premier Division.

Recent poor weather out much of the local has washed programme in the pastfootball but the Seasiders are few weeks place in Division 1. still in second REPORT, PAGE 24

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LYME Regis Town Council is expected to be £339,000 over budget by the end of the financial year - but still has more than £1.4million in reserves.

The council budgeted for an overall expenditure of £1,573,402 for the 2018-19 financial year and an income of £1,478,884.

While takings are expected to be up - forecast at £1,597,905 by the end of March 2019 - the council is expected to spend a total of £1,937,084, which is £339,179 over budget.

REPORT, PAGE 3

COUNCILLORS have been warned over their ‘unacceptable behaviour’ after a war broke out on social media this week.

After town clerk John Wright warned councillors that personal disputes were bringing the council into disrepute, the mayor, Council-

PHILIP EVANS

philip@lyme-online.co.uk write to all members warning them about their behaviour on social media and asking them to “respect each other”.

Mr Wright, in a report to councillors, said personal conflicts between members was damaging the council’s reputation.

After Wednesday’s meeting when a number of allegations were made against Councillor Cheryl Reynolds, her brother, Daryl Turner, district and county councillor for Lyme Regis, posted on Facebook that it was the most “explosive” council meeting he had ever attended, adding: “If this does not get into the national papers, I don’t know what will.”

LYME Regis Football Club Reserves booked a place in the second round of the Dorset Intermediate Cup, a trophy the Seasiders have won no fewer than nine times in the past, when they beat Merley Cobham Sports 3-2 after extra time at the Davey Fort.

REPORT, PAGE 24

Councillor Reynold’s other brother, Virgil Turner, station commander at Lyme Regis Fire Station, used the pubic forum to draw attention to an allegation by his sister that he planted drugs that were found by his son in the Anning Road playing field to strengthen the case for the removal of the teen shelter. The council had previously CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

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time when traditional press is in decline nationally was always going to be a challenge, but no one could have foreseen the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic.

In March 2020, when the country went into its first lockdown, LymeOnline instantly lost 90 per cent of its advertising revenue and sponsorship, forcing us to move to a digital only format and put the printed newspaper on hold temporarily.

We still produced an online version of the newspaper allowing readers to flick through the pages on screen. Over the three national lockdowns, 16 of our 100 issues were produced as online only publications. The LymeOnline newspaper has now been back in print since May 2021.

At the recent national newsawards, LymeOnline was praised for its “commitment to improvement”. We are always developing and improving to give our readers the best and most comprehensive news coverage of the Lyme Regis area.

As part of this, in the New Year we’ll be asking readers of both the LymeOnline newspaper and website to complete a survey which will give you the opportunity to comment on your interests, what kind of things you most like to read, the design and readability of the newspaper and website, and any suggestions you have for us moving forward.

We have plenty of exciting plans to continue developing both the newspaper and website in 2022. So here’s to the next 100 issues!

In the meantime, we’ve taken a look back at some of our most read and talked about stories from the past 100 issues and there’s a few subjects that always prove popular with readers.

Films and celebrities In the past three years, Lyme Regis has been lucky enough to become the backdrop for three major films. In March 2019, Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet was in town playing Lyme’s famous fossil hunter Mary Anning for the acclaimed movie ‘Ammonite’.

‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ star Dakota Johnson ar-

rived in town in June 2016 and was spotted filming a Netflix adaptation of Jane Austen’s ‘Persuasion’ on the Cobb. And then the big guns came to town as Warner Bros took over the harbour to film scenes for new musical ‘Wonka’ in October with Timothée Chalamet sending his young fans into a frenzy.

It seems Lyme Regis can’t get enough of these Hollywood stars and celebrities in general, with TV stars Kate Humble, Bear Grylls, John Torode, Katie Price and the late John Challis just some of the famous faces to have visited in recent years.

New businesses Despite the difficulties of the pandemic, Lyme Regis has seen a plethora of new businesses open in recent years and these are always among our most popular articles.

In particular, Lyme has emerged as a foodie paradise with several new restaurants and bars opening or getting a full revamp – from the Pilot Boat, Rock Point and SWIM to the acclaimed Robin Wylde, now in the Michelin Guide, its sister wine bar Lilac, and popular restaurants Tom’s and The Millside – to name just a few!

Council reports LymeOnline offers the most comprehensive coverage of Lyme Regis Town Council; we continue to attend meetings on a weekly basis and bring you detailed reports on their discussions.

The council never fails to provide us with headlines but it is the councillors’ behaviour that seems to attract the most attention from readers, with stories of fall-outs, walk-outs, resignations and elections among the most well read in the LymeOnline newspaper and on our website.

Crime and emergencies Whether it be landslips, fires, break-ins or car accidents, we do our best at LymeOnline to keep you up to date with the latest breaking news and these types of stories are always well-read.

This was the case, in particular, in the summer of 2020 when a spate of what was described as “concerning” incidents took place, including a violent altercation in broad daylight in the high

LYM WELCOME FRIENDS ES FROM BERMUD A PAGE 18

k Pre-school to remain open

ST Michael’s Pre-School been saved in Lyme Regis from has Parents were immediate closure. the pre-school told at the end of term that Primary School – managed by St Michael’s in King’s Way down on Tuesday, – would close July 23 deficit since first opening having run at a dicted shortfall and with a prenancial year. of £20,000 for the current fiHowever, St Michael’s headteache Kiddle and chairman r Nick of the school Michaela Ellis, governors, that they are have now informed parents revoking the the pre-school intention to close will be provision immediately and that there for children new term in at the start of September. the REPORT, PAGE 3

LYME Regis Town Council has agreed to increase its grant to the parish church’s

ment Standard

THE LymeOnline newspaper was launched in February 2018 and today we reach the milestone of our 100th issue.

With the support of our sponsors, advertisers, volunteer newspaper deliverers and our loyal readership, we have built it into the go-to read for all things Lyme Regis, printing 4,000 copies a fortnight, free to pick up at outlets across Lyme Regis, Uplyme, Charmouth and Axminster and always packed with unrivalled coverage of news, sport, entertainment and events.

The newspaper is edited almost solely by Lyme Regis-born Francesca Evans – recently shortlisted for Print Production Achiever of the Year at the national newsawards – with her father, veteran journalist Philip Evans MBE, also contributing a fortnightly column and sports coverage.

Other regular contributions come from awardwinning photographer Richard Austin, local author and historian Peter Lacey, Chris Loder MP and many local organisations.

This independent, family-run publication is committed to providing comprehensive, highquality and trusted news coverage of the Lyme Regis area and we pride ourselves on fair, accurate and impartial reporting of matters in the public interest.

The LymeOnline newspaper aims to promote and record the life, events and achievements of Lyme Regis and its residents, promote social cohesion and local democracy, and to hold those in authority to account.

The newspaper has become known for its indepth coverage of local council matters, as well as unrivalled photo coverage of Lyme’s many festivals.

Our entertainments section is always packed with the latest music, theatre and arts events, our sports section covers everything from cricket to cribbage, and we also publish a regular Green Page, highlighting environmental issues, and Business Page to support local businesses, particularly new start-ups.

Setting up a new newspaper publication at a

UPLYME & CHARMOUT H ● FORTNIGHT LY ● AUGUST

was recently e-online.co.uk considered town council’s by the repair ower appeal Strategy & Finance from £25,000 from the inside of the work during Committee, o £40,000. the public church, forum. plaster falling when from the walls with donate £25,000 it was agreed to The bell and baptistry, resulting Mr Bacon of the towards the ject, but when in the main pro- only grade said the church – the Michael’s Parishclock tower at St trance being enthe I listed building closed to the Church is was put forward recommendation town, public.

The church ently suffering in the curwith the for final approval has from water ingress, as a structure Cobb being classed causing damage through special raised £80,000 from full council last – had week, mem- the events, donations, bers agreed building, and inside the historic grants and life of Lyme been “central to to up the from its reserves, a Regis for nearly grant to 1,000 is expected to full refurbishment requires years”. but it £40,000. cost about £150,000.

80 per cent The decision He explained of the total Damage has cost before work to increase the that the church’s become noticeable came after grant chitect inspected can begin. arTim Bacon, A grant request the building from St five years Michael’s Parochial every YOUR COMMU from the church and had recommend Church Coun- urgent cil, emphasised NITY NEWSPA ed repairs to the the urgency PER & WEBSITE tower renderof the OFFERING CONTINUED ON UNRIVAL PAGE 3

g Property • Buying & Selling

s TAKING CARE • Business Issues Issues

• Agricultural OF YOUR a fun run, LEGAL NEEDS • Wills events included A rney • Powers of Attor of ale Other popular es bathtub race, yard • Trusts & Estated Family swimming challenge, • Matrimonial and and duck utes illuminated boats • Resolving Dispuims -online.co.uk Week has raised competition, the • Negligence Cla LYME Regis Lifeboat of more than francesca@lyme • Employment race. activities total • Debt Recovery plenty of children’s an estimated results through his bucket.

There was also of events, competiLyme Regis RNLI, with the Ch a r d A packed programmet was held throughout and live music on the seafront. £33,000 for the 0 12 9 7 4 4 3 7 7 7 Axminster 0 1 4 6 0 6 3 3 36 of the fundraising still to come in. tions and entertainmen including a 01297 32345 of some events . co . u k Ken Lavery, chairman and Charmouth by star RNLI collector www.scottrowe Red week, with highlights The week was opened 17, during a ceremony the the Lyme Regis 10 by the British Army’s aged CONTINUED ON PAGE parachute display an estimated crowd of group, TH Joshua Denning, station. by UPLYME & CHARMOU Devils, watched outside the lifeboat as top collector last week, E OF LYME REGIS, 3,000.

He kept his record donated to the RNLI UNRIVALLED COVERAG being OFFERING with £1,048 & WEBSITE Law Society Ac

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ACTOR John Challis - best known balcony outside the harbourmaste as Boycie from beloved sitcom events for the r’s office, having ‘Only Fools and RNLI, and later officially opened Horses’ - is pictured signed books, Lifeboat Week with volunteers autographs and on Saturday. Mr from Lyme Regis met fans. See Challis drew pages 10-13 for lifeboat crew, full Lifeboat Week in the crowds as he opened on the new the week of fundraising coverage.

Photo by Richard Horobin

online Daily deliveries, ordershed at or self-serve flower 18 Woodmead Road, Lyme Regis DT7 3AD

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Reserves win a place in cup’s second round

PAGES 10-13

● AUGUST 6 2021

by an esprogramme, watched of the Lifeboat Week Photo by Richard Austin Regis beach, a highlight team lands on Lyme Red Devils display full photo coverage of the events. the British Army’s for A PARACHUTIST from on the seafront. See pages 10-13 3,000 timated crowd of

PAGE 6

Council to go over budget by £339k

‘EXPLOSIVE’ MEETING HIGHLIGHTS ILL FEELINGS

• Powers of At Attorrney • Trusts & Estate es • Matrimonial and d Family • Resolving Dispu utes • Negligence Claims • Employment • Debt Recovery

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PIP PICKS UP MBE AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE

FOR LYME REGIS, UPLYME & CHARMOUTH ● FORTNIGHTLY ● NOVEMBER 2 2018 ● www.lyme-online.co.uk

BEFORE the clocks went back signalling the end of British Summer Time, residents and visitors to Lyme Regis were treated to glorious weather during the half term break and some stunning autumn sunsets and sunrises, with the photo above captured by Richard Austin

TA AKING CARE • Buying & Sellingg Property • Business Issues OF YOUR • Agricultural Issues LEGAL NEEDS • Wills

national drop.

IN line with the have started to cases across Dorsetshowed that there were in the The latest figures cases of COVID-19 1,006 on 969 confirmed area, down from Dorset Council 1,843 in the Bournemouth, from July 23, and Poole area, a decreasePAGE 3 Christchurch & REPORT, 2,113.

YOUR COMMUN

Seasiders clinging to promotion

of dad

She said: “This is a very personal their trip to me and is in memory of my help mental illnesses and there is dad who suffered from out there.”

Speaking about her chosen nesses for many years, mental illand last year Louise charity, committed suicide. added: “In England, one in six people report “This trip to Mount Kilimanjaro mon mental experiencing a comwas something my health problem (such dad as planned to do together and I had anxiety and depression) in any given and is very week. important to me. As well as raising “The charity I am fundraising much-needed funds for for is charity, I want to also this amazing Mind. This charity offers support ness about mental healthraise aware- many people across the UK who for are people that they don't and inform battling mental health problems. have to hide TURN TO PAGE 2

COUNCIL AT WAR

The council had expected to see its reserves drop to £67,000 by the end of the financial year but this figure has now risen to £200,000.

REPORT, PAGE 7

UPLYME & Lyme Regis cricketer Tyler Wellman has put himself in the club’s history books, scoring centuries for two consecutive weeks.

REPORT, PAGE 32

to COVID figures start drop across Dorset picture, coronavirus

FRANCESCA EVANS

hike of Kilimanjaro in memory

said the challenge would be a “very personal trip”, as it was something she and her dad had wanted to do together.

Louise is also hoping to scatter her father’s ashes at the top of Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania, as he had always wanted to visit.

A LYME Regis resident has launched a petition, asking the town council to reconsider its refusal for an improved hut to be set up on the lifeguard beach.

Councillors turned down a proposal for the raised grounds that it would hut, on the much space and was take up too unnecessary.

REPORT, PAGE 20

Photo: Richard Austin

Ambulance response times ‘unacceptable’

Another ton for Tyler

has been named THE Millside Restaurant of the Year.

Lyme Regis’ Business was taken over by which The restaurant, shortly beGeorgina Baker UK, owners John and pandemic hit the fore the coronavirus at the inaugural Lyme prize orscooped the top Awards on Wednesday, Regis Business West and LymeOnline.6 ganised by Marketing REPORT, PAGE

A SUCCES

funds for the charity Mind

LYME Regis Town Council will write to the South Western Ambulance Service to complain about “unacceptable” emergency response times in the area.

A draft letter considered last week said that the council was concerned that residents and visitors of Lyme Regis were “vulnerable to delays in emergency response due to our location, combined with the ambulance service policy on use of fire co-responders”.

REPORT, PAGE 7

THE town council’s financial forecast has started to improve following the reopening of more facilities in Lyme Regis, but the town clerk has still warned there will be “difficult decisions” ahead.

LymeOnline & AXMINSTER ● FORTNIGHTLY

of her dad Derek, to raise

‘Difficult decisions’ ahead for council

SAUSAGE & CIDER A HUGE HIT FOR SEASIDERS

UPLYME, CHARMOUTH

Mount Kilimanjaro in memory

Pink sky at night...

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FOR LYME REGIS,

Powell is preparing to climb

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Petition launched for lifeguard hut

Climb every mountain EVENTS GET UNDERWAY FOR REMEMBRANCE PAGES 10-11

Seafront security a ‘waste of money’ says councillor

Mary’s letter lost

8

The organisation has initial support from the been given town council and it is now hoped Lyme Regis can join 180 other coastal towns working towards the ‘plastic free’ title.

REPORT, PAGE 7

YOUR NEW COMMUNITY

WEST Dorset MP Chris Loder was among the patrons at The Volunteer Inn - Lyme Regis’ smallest pub - as it reopened doors for the first time since lockdown on Monday. Mr Loder (left), who has been keen to support the tourism and hospitality sector in West Dorset, is pictured behind the bar with Volunteer staff, including manager Matt Puddy (far right). See ‘Lyme Matters’ on page 6.

HARRY’S IN TOWN! PAGE

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Meet Lyme’s first Guide Dog

A UNIVERSITY student Lyme Regis is planning from FRANCESCA EVANS up Mount Kilimanjaro a trek francesca@lyme-online.co.uk funds a mental health to raise dent, who is currently in charity in memory of her father. at Southampton Solenther first year University,

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● FEBRUARY 23 2018 ●

LYME Regis has welcomed its first Guide Dog after resident Lizzie Wiscombe qualified as Guide Dog Healey willan owner. help Lizzie, who is partially sighted, to walk around the town, including from Lyme Regis Museum to and where she now volunteers with her new best friend.

REPORT, PAGE 3

Louise Powell, who grew up in Lyme Regis and attended The Woodroffe School, is hoping to raise £3,500 for the charity Mind, after her father Derek committed suicide arlier this year.

The 21-year-old social work stu-

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& CHARMOUTH ● FORTNIGHTLY

Lyme student takes on charity

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Standard

FOR LYME REGIS, UPLYME & CHARMOUTH ● FORTNIGHTLY ● AUGUST 7 2020 ● www.lyme-online.co.uk

LYME Regis lost out on bringing an historic letter by famous fossil hunter Mary Anning home this week, as it sold at auction for a staggering £100,800.

FOR LYME REGIS, UPLYME

YME Regis resident Louise

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Celebrating

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• Employment Cllr Larcombe has in Cllr Larcombe has Regis residents tiative support • Debt Recovery paying regard sonal letter to Lyme He said: "We are all challenges of providing f-isoLyme Regis is being dealt guidance the due to sel Chard about how the virus the announcced advice, and services locally Axminster 297 443777 012 locally, thank- to 01460 63336 n of government, and lation and social distancing but with nationally and instruction 01297 32345 uk ultimate who are help- and www.scottrowe.co. no one knows the ing local volunteers 8 P the crisis, and while nt of the virus, it is of CONTINUED ON PAGE ing others during reach and exten TH of hope. ure and will impact natu sending out a message LYME & CHARMOU of these a virulent LYME REGIS, UPLY F LY The mayor has spoken LED COVERAGE O

Your favourite local newspaper is back!

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PAGE 18 REPORT, PA

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GE OF LYME

Litter sculptures installed on beach

GIANT sculptures of takeaway have become packaging being erecteda talking point in the town after on Lyme Regis week. beach this The sculptures, depicting a box, plastic giant takeaway drinks been temporarily bottle and cutlery, have installed on beach at Cobb the shingle courage peopleGate. It is hoped they will plastic waste to think about the effectenand to take of with them. their litter home REPORT, PAGE 3

MEET THE CANDIDA LYME REGIS TOWN TES FOR BY-ELECTION COUNCIL - PAGE 7

TAKING CARE • Buying & Selling OF YOUR • Business Issuesg Property s LEGAL NEEDS • Agricultural Issues Practice Man

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street and a serious altercation between police and a group of young people at Monmouth Beach.

The concerns over anti-social behaviour led Lyme Regis Town Council to hire security guards to patrol the seafront and gardens during the summer and call for an increased police presence.

Dogs on the beach The long-running argument about whether or not dogs should be allowed on the beach divided the town and became the most hotly-debated local issue during 2020. LymeOnline has kept up with the debate throughout and published dozens of readers’ letters on boths sides of the argument.

New restrictions came into place at the beginning of 2021 meaning dogs are no longer allowed off-lead on the sandy beach, but campaigners continue to appeal against this – so we’re sure the debate is far from over!

Local developments (or lack of!)

Lyme Regis takes pride in its historic buildings, but two of them have stood derelict in the town centre for years.

The saga over developments of the former Three Cups Hotel has dragged on for over 30 years, and it has now been almost six years since the town’s beloved Regent Cinema burnt down, standing empty ever since.

Exciting news came earlier this year when it was announced a local developer had bought the site from WTW Scott Cinemas, but no further updates as of yet. As for the Three Cups, COVID has forced owners Palmers Brewery to press the pause button once again.

Coronavirus And that brings us to our last subject and the one thing that has dominated the headlines for the past two years – the coronavirus pandemic.

LymeOnline has stayed on top of the latest figures, advice and COVID-related news throughout and we will continue to do so in the coming months as we face another difficult winter.

If you’re interested in supporting LymeOnline with advertising or sponsorship, call Francesca on 07810 221 420, email francesca@lyme-online.co.uk or visit lyme-online.co.uk/support-us

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We look back at some of the biggest stories and best photos from 2021

JANUARY LYME Regis started 2021 in Tier 3 and soon joined the rest of the country in the third national lockdown as a new variant saw coronavirus cases spike. The Lyme Regis area saw its first two coronavirus-related deaths in January. Meanwhile, West Dorset’s vaccination programme was named among the most successful in the country with thousands jabbed at Bridport Medical Centre.

The Mary Anning Rocks campaign to see a statue of the fossil hunter erected in Lyme Regis surpassed the £70,000 mark, with initial sketches of the design revealed for the first time.

Meanwhile, Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet opened up about the challenges of playing Mary for the upcoming film ‘Ammonite’.

The New Year saw enhanced restrictions for dogs on Lyme Regis’ main beach introduced, meaning they had to be kept on a lead, despite continuing objections from some dog owners.

FEBRUARY LYME Regis Town Council was called out for continuous bickering by resident Nigel Ball as they debated whether to take out a loan and other measures to boost reserves having been hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic during 2020.

Stormy weather saw Lyme Regis sandy beach taken down to the lowest level seen in years, with a steep ridge of several feet having to be cordoned off to protect public safety.

The Millside restaurant delivered hundreds of Valentine’s Day cards and roses for free after erecting a special postbox outside the restaurant.

The Mary Anning biopic ‘Ammonite’ filmed in Lyme Regis in 2019, was long-listed for nine BAFTA awards after premiering at film festivals. Meanwhile, the Mary Anning Rocks appeal for a statue of the fossil hunter reached its £100,000 target.

COVID-19 cases in the Lyme Regis area began to drop following the post-Christmas spike.

ASHLEY BALL

APRIL

MARCH A MYSTERIOUS sonic boom shook Lyme Regis, with the loud bang heard across the South West. It was unclear at first what caused it but videos later emerged of a meteor spotted over Jersey around the same time with some saying the noise was caused but the meteor entering the Earth’s atmosphere.

CIVIC leaders in Lyme Regis paid tribute as the death of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was announced and the country went into a period of national mourning. The town then stood still as a two-minute silence was observed during his funeral two weeks later.

Two people were fined by police after being found to have travelled from London to Lyme Regis during the tight lockdown restrictions. Meanwhile, local authorities made preparations for an expected influx of visitors when restrictions were due to be lifted over the spring and summer.

Restaurants and pubs were able to reopen their outside areas, with the town council giving permission for some businesses to expand their al fresco dining areas. However, seafront businesses expressed annoyance that the annual dredging of the harbour and beach re-profiling coincided with their reopening and Easter holidays, with concerns it may put some visitors off.

The best of Lyme Regis was shown off on the Channel 5 programme ‘Coastal Britain’, presented by Kate Humble.

The town mourned WWII veteran John Duncan who was known for volunteering with Save the Children, the RNLI, St Michael’s Parish Church and the Abbeyfield Society.

Lyme Regis Museum marked its 100th anniversary.

JAN GULLIVER

Events also returned with the new eat:Lyme Regis festival, although Easter was still celebrated with a virtual bonnet parade.

Local sports such as football and sailing also got underway as restrictions were eased.

Adventurer and TV presenter Bear Grylls was spotted filming in Lyme Regis.

STEVE BARNETT

MAY

LYME’S Jazz Jurassica became one of the first live music festivals in the UK to go ahead following the easing of lockdown restrictions, with many welcoming the return to normality as the town was packed for a scorching Bank Holiday weekend.

Tara Webb joined Lyme Regis Town Council after beating four other candidates in a by-election to fill a vacant seat. Meanwhile, a public spat erupted between town councillor Belinda Bawden and chair of LymeForward Sue Davies. The issue led Cllr Bawden to say she felt distressed and unsafe when attending council meetings.

Veteran councillor Stan Williams was made an honourary freeman of the town for more than half a century of service to the community.

The town mourned the death of much-loved former Woodroffe School music teacher Brian Manners, and was shocked to learn of the death of 41-year-old former Woodroffe pupil Adam Bounds after a sudden brain haemorrhage.

SARAH WIXTED

yearinreview

Friday, December 17 2021 13

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JUNE

RELATIONS in the town council chamber further deteriorated, with an explosive meeting in which new councillor Tara Webb called the mayor a joke. The argument stemmed from a public falling out between Cllr Belinda Bawden and LymeForward.

Two formal complaints about Cllr Bawden were dismissed by Dorset Council’s monitoring officer and the mayor ended the month by calling for councillors to respect one another.

‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ actress Dakota Johnson was spotted filming scenes for a new Netflix adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel ‘Persuasion’.

An elderly man was seriously injured when he was hit by a car in Broad Street, on the junction with the short stay car park.

He later died from his injuries at the beginning of July.

A major police presence was seen in the Anning Road area with officers carrying out door to door enquiries as they searched for someone. The reason behind the operation was never revealed.

We look back at some of the biggest stories and best photos from 2021

JULY JULY 19 saw the so-called ‘Freedom Day’ arrive, with final lockdown restrictions being eased across the UK, but cases were already on the rise in Dorset.

Temperatures soared with the first ever extreme heat warning for the South West issued by the Met Office.

In late July, events including Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week and the Sausage & Cider Festival went ahead. Other events, including the Lyme Day of Morris and Somers Day were refused road closures for their usual parades due to increased traffic volume during the busy summer season.

Continuing fall-outs and increasing tensions in the town council chamber came to a head, with the mayor and three other members walking out in the first eight minutes of one meeting, following what had been described as “intolerable” behaviour and the election of Cllr Michaela Ellis as new chair of the Strategy & Finance Committee.

PETE HACKETT

AUGUST HAVING stood empty for more than five years, the fire-stricken Regent Cinema in Lyme Regis was sold to a local developer.

Former owners WTW Scott Cinemas said they could not confirm who the buyer was, but they planned to retain a cinema on the site.

Lyme Regis Regatta & Carnival Week returned, raising £12,000 for local good causes. Residents enjoyed a particularly highspirited carnival procession after the challenges of the pandemic, and the summer was finished with Lyme Folk Weekend.

Harriet Mansell, owner and chef of acclaimed restaurant Robin Wylde, opened her second venue in town - a wine bar called Lilac. Meanwhile, the first Lyme Regis Business Awards were held with The Millside being named Business of the Year.

Uplyme and Lyme Regis Cricket Club were promoted to the Devon League C Division East and finished the season with a fun fancy dress game and presentation night.

SEPTEMBER IT was announced that Warner Bros would soon be descending on the town to film scenes for their upcoming musical ‘Wonka’ - a prequel to ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ and excitement quickly mounted as the cast were revealed and props arrived in town, including the 1930s steam drifter Lydia Eva which was moored at the Cobb for weeks.

After a difficult season of restrictions, Lyme Regis Sailing Club celebrated its 100th anniversary with a sail past in spectacular September sunshine.

Local chef and restaurateur Mark Hix reported on a busy season for the hospitality industry, that had been blighted by noshows and the rude behaviour of some customers.

DAVID BLENKHARN

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

About 200 men and women – many of them ex-servicemen and women – marched into Lyme Regis to complete a 50-mile sponsored walk that raised a whopping £100,000 for The Rifles Regimental Trust’s Care for Casualties.

DECEMBER

FANS of young actor Timothée Chalamet were sent into a frenzy as he arrived in Lyme Regis for his lead role in the ‘Wonka’ musical. He was spotted filming scenes on the snowcovered Cobb along with other stars such as British comedian Matt Lucas.

RESIDENTS of Uplyme launched a campaign to stop the closure of the village’s garage, shop and post office in the New Year. Owner Dave Ostler confirmed he would close in january if action was not taken to change the proposed access point to a new school set to be built opposite his business.

LYME Regis enjoys a number of festive events and makes national headlines for its Christmas lights display, but it heads towards another uncertain Christmas as concerns over the new Omicron variant of COVID-19 grip the nation and more restrictions are introduced.

Deputy Mayor of Lyme Regis and the town’s youngest ever councillor, Kelsey Ellis, resigned as she slammed her colleagues’ childish bickering and said she was discriminated against because of her age.

Events in Lyme Regis including bonfire night and the switchon of the Christmas lights attracted record crowds, while the Royal British Legion were able to hold their Remembrance Sunday parade for the first time in two years.

The sudden death of former Woodroffe School pupil Adam Bounds, back in May, was put down to a severe and rare reaction to the AstraZenca COVID vaccine at an inquest.

Antonio and Julie Gravili retired and closed down their popular Italian restaurant, Antonio’s Trattoria, after 27 years.

Lyme Regis Town Council co-opted new member Caroline Aldridge to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Kelsey Ellis. The position was filled by co-option as not enough people called for a by-election.

Lyme Regis’ unique yard of ale competition made national headlines, as it was reported that it would no longer feature on the Lifeboat Week programme as the RNLI did not want to condone excessive drinking.

Turn Lyme Green started testing the water quality of the River Lim after concerns about pollution levels were raised in the summer.

Lyme Regis Town Council agrees to a budget of £25,000 a year to tackle the environment issues as members are told to “get real” about the climate crisis.

Cobb Road reopens after a large tree was brought down during Storm Arwen, damaging electrical cabling and forcing traffic along the seafront for several days.

Meanwhile, the fight to save Uplyme garage continues with another public meeting to be called in the New Year.

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

Artsreach hosts festive online performances to enjoy at home DORSET’S touring arts charity Artsreach is excited to release details of its special Christmas gift to audiences across the county this winter – a series of performances available to enjoy online in the comfort of your own home.

From Christmas classics and a seasonal celebration with a Dorset twist, to an interactive online murder mystery – there really is something for everyone.

Celebrate the festive season with a mesmerising performance of Charles Dickens’ timeless, transformative story ‘A Christmas Carol’, devised, adapted and performed especially for film by veteran Cornish actor and founder member of Kneehigh, David Mynne.

Expect Dickens’ original words with added silliness. ‘A Christmas Carol’ is available to enjoy online anytime until midnight on Sunday, January 2, e-tickets are free but donations to Artsreach are welcomed.

Enjoy ‘A Dorset Christmas’ with The Ridgeway Singers and Band (pictured bottom right) and hear the story of how our ancestors celebrated Christmas in this film which features music, song, story and dance.

In December 2020 Artsreach was delighted to support The Ridgeway Singers and Band, led by Tim Laycock and Phil Humphries, to capture an alternative festive offering that’s truly inspired by Dorset.

With tunes and songs from the Puddletown

and Hinton St Mary manuscripts and new carols in the West Gallery tradition, interspersed with readings, archive photographs and other images from across Dorset, plus a special performance of ‘While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night’, expect a heart-warming seasonal celebration of all things Dorset.

Captured and edited by Pageant Productions, ‘A Dorset Christmas’ is available to watch anytime until midnight on Sunday, January 2. Again, e-tickets are free but donations to Artsreach are welcomed.

Finally, Sharp Teeth Theatre return after their runaway global hits, ‘Sherlock In Homes I: Murder at The Circus’ and ‘Sherlock In Homes II: Murder On Ice’, with a brand new and better-than-ever online interactive murder mystery – ‘Murder at the Games’ (pictured right).

Packed with dramatic twists and turns that unfold online, this interactive theatrical experience plays out on video conferencing app Zoom.

On your marks, get set, go… to 1960 to solve a crime that will make your heart race. Could it be the chill of the cold war or the heat of the Italian sun?

You’ll interrogate the suspects and attempt to unmask a murderer with your fellow audience members as you pit your wits against

The Lyme Regis branch of CancerResearch UK has been informed

by CRUK head office that our branch has raised £175,000 since formation in 2008.

Thank you to call those who have supported our events over the years.

This is a fantastic amount for such a small town to raise.

Look out for our full programme of events in 2022.

Together we can beat cancer

some of the UK’s most talented performers and improvisers. Only you can solve this case!

Take part in this online murder mystery on Thursday, January 6 at 2.30pm or 8pm.

Advanced booking is required and e-tickets are £10 per device (not per person).

Artsreach co-director Kerry Bartlett said: “Whilst we await the start of our brand new spring programme of live performances in rural communities, we are delighted to be able to spread some Christmas cheer to our audiences at home through this digital programme!”

E-tickets for all events are available from the Artsreach website. For further information and to register, visit www.artsreach.co.uk

New Multiple Sclerosis Group to cover Dorset

F O O R P

MS Dorset is a group of volu teers who formerly covered d the S South Weest of Dorset and who now ow ccover the t whole whole of the th county. The group offfers ferrrs a w wide ide range of information advice and, where appropriate, grants to individuals who have MS.

Local helpline: 07554 882414

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

A joyful Christmas concert What’s on from Lyme Bay Chorale

A

MID scary warnings of a tsunami of the Omicron COVID variant, it was wonderful that Alex Davies and Lyme Bay Chorale were able to go ahead with a joyful celebration of Christmas in St Michael’s Parish Church in Lyme Regis last weekend.

The event had been cancelled in 2020, making the return this year doubly welcome, and the concert was dedicated to the memory of Ruth Taylor, who founded Lyme Bay Chorale (LBC) in 2000.

From the choir’s first entry in Handel’s Zadok the Priest, it was clear that LBC has retained its excellence: strong clear diction, perfect tuning, and balance (even with some members missing because they were unwell).

Zadok must be one of the most frequently performed choral pieces, but it never loses its impact and grandeur.

After a delightful organ interlude – of which more later – the choir presented Hadyn’s Missa Sancti Nicolai, an appropriate choice to celebrate the recent feast of St Nicholas.

Here, the programme notes were very helpful in explaining the concise nature of this mass, with each section lasting no more than a few minutes, and sometimes the words overlapping among the singers.

The music itself includes some vivid word painting, especially in the Credo where the general feeling of excitement and joy gives way to a quiet, almost sobbing style for the crucifixion.

The LBC singers coped splendidly with sometimes very high notes, especially in the soprano line, and the tempi chosen by Alex Davies always seem exactly right.

After the interval the choir presented two beautiful works of a quieter, more meditative nature – Fauré’s Cantique de Jean Racine and Brahms’s Geistliches Lied.

In both there were lovely moments, espe-

Geno Washington to make return to Marine Theatre LEGENDARY R&B star Geno Washington is set to return to the Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis in the New Year, having been taken ill during his last gig at the venue.

The singer, aged 77, was said to be suffering from exhaustion and had to stop part way through his gig with his Ram Jam Band at the Marine in October.

The theatre said it was an “upsetting experience for everyone” but Geno is making a full recovery.”

He promised to return to the Marine when he was back to full health and is now scheduled to appear on Saturday, January 29 depending on COVID-19 regulations at the time.

This R&B and soul legend arrived in the 1960s as part of the US Air Force. He 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.

His live shows were immortalised in two of the biggest selling albums of the 60s.

For more details or tickets, visit the website www.marinetheatre.com

Friday, December 17

CONCERT REVIEW

By Richard Godfrey

cially the pianissimo ending of the Cantique, and a magnificent swelling crescendo and decrescendo in the Brahms.

There were also some delightful Christmas treats; a splendid Good King Wenceslas (aka Joss Kent) complete with meteorological sound effects; the touching Watts’ Cradle Hymn; and a Ding! Dong!

Merrily on High of utmost rhythmic excitement.

There were some lusty audience-participation favourites, too, and it was interesting to see a variety of interpretations of the current confusing guidelines on mask wearing when singing, ranging from full exposure, through timid slight lowering, to full cover.

Last but by no means least, I must pay tribute to Andrew Millington’s absolutely superb contribution at the organ throughout the whole concert.

Every item was accompanied in perfect synchrony with the conductor, using wonderful colour and employing dazzling technique to cover rapid passage-work in many pieces, especially the Haydn mass.

There were also two attractive short solo pieces, one a Daquin Noël showing off the many reedy colours available in the Škrabl organ, and the other Leroy Anderson’s famous Sleigh Ride.

This showed that even the most serious and talented musicians can let their hair down – and the audience responded with the biggest cheer of the whole concert!

Richard Godfrey Organ tutor under the Diocese of Salisbury’s PipeUp scheme and chairman of the South Wessex Organ Society

Christmas Tree Festival Baptist Church, 11am to 4pm Visit Lyme Regis Baptist Church Pine Hall to see a stunning array of glittering Christmas trees decorated by local groups and organisations.

Continues on December 18 and 19.

Saturday, December 18

Christmas Tree Festival Baptist Church, 11am to 4pm Visit Lyme Regis Baptist Church Pine Hall to see a stunning array of glittering Christmas trees decorated by local groups and organisations.

Continues on December 19.

Children’s Christmas Crafts Town Mill, 10am to 3pm Pre-booked sessions will be held in the Bakehouse Studio at the Town Mill, where your child can make a Christmas mask, pine cone snowman, salt dough Christmas decoration, lolly stick star or felt stocking - £6 per child with all materials provided, book at www.townmill.org.uk Santa’s Grotto Town Mill, 10.30am to 3.30pm Santa will be socially-distanced on the meal floor of the historic Town Mill with a oneway system in place. Adults are asked to wear a face mask at all times. Slots must be booked in advance at townmill.org.uk/shop, costing £8 per child including a Christmas gift with your child’s name on.

Live Music at The Nag’s Head Nag’s Head, 9pm Live music every Saturday night, this week with Compass Band.

Sunday, December 19

Christmas Tree Festival Baptist Church, 12noon to 8.30pm Visit Lyme Regis Baptist Church Pine Hall to see a stunning array of glittering Christmas trees decorated by local groups and organisations.

Weldmar Hospicecare Light up a Life Service, St Michael’s Church, 4pm An opportunity to remember those closest to us. Dedicate a light to a loved one at weldhospice.org.uk/weldmarslocal-light-up-a-life-services-re turn-for-2021 and it will be placed on a tree in the church.

Christmas Jumper Party The Nag’s Head, 4pm Prize for best Christmas jumper and live music with Beat Safari.

Traditional Carolling Touring Lyme Regis from 5.30pm Traditional carolling, all welcome to join by meeting at Woodbury Down Way at

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

5.30pm.

The Young’uns Marine Theatre, 7pm Three-time winners of the prestigious BBC Folk Awards, The Young’uns are one of the hottest properties on the UK Folk and Acoustic scene. Tickets £17.50 in advance or £20 on the door – book at marinetheatre.com

Tuesday, December 21

Screenings: ‘The Snowman’ and ‘Father Christmas’ Double Bill Marine Theatre, 2pm This is a special double-bill of two heart-warming family classics, with Christmas treats available. Raymond Briggs’ ‘The Snowman’ and ‘Father Christmas’ will be played back-to-back with a interval.

Tickets £4 for children and £5 for adults – book at marinetheatre.com

Wednesday, December 22

Children’s Festive Film, Peek Chapel, Alexandra Hotel, 3pm All are welcome to gather around the Christmas tree at the bottom of Broad Street for traditional carol singing, led by Lyme Regis Town Band and compered by town crier Alan Vian.

Thursday, December 23

Carols Round The Tree Broad Street, 7pm The Alexandra Hotel in Lyme Regis will be screening festive family favourite ‘The Nativity’ in its 18th century Peek Chapel, which will be decked out in its Christmas finery for the occasion. Tickets cost £5 and can be booked 01297 442010.

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.

DJ James Benny SWIM, 9.30pm DJ James Benny Returns to SWIM, bringing you all the best Electronic/House & Disco Mixes until late! Tickets £5 at www.eventbrite.co.uk

Friday, December 24

Christmas Carols Broad Street, 11am Lyme Regis Town Band will play Christmas carols while you do your last minute shopping, under the tree in Broad Street.

An Outdoor Nativity, Uplyme Village Hall car park, 2.30pm Uplyme Church present at outdoor nativity.Parking available in overspill area from 2.30pm for 3pm start. No booking nec-

essary.

Christmas Eve Carols by Candlelight, Peek Chapel, Alexandra Hotel, 6.30pm Everyone welcome for this service to celebrate with an informal variety of most loved carols, poems and prose. This is a free event but ticketed as numbers are limited. To book call 01297 442010.

Christmas Eve Service St Michael’s Parish Church, 11pm A warm invitation is extended to everyone. Due to COVID-19 regulations, social distancing must be observed. Please wear a mask.

Saturday, December 25

Charmouth Christmas Day Swim Charmouth Beach, 10.30am The annual Christmas Day Swim in Charmouth will be held in aid of the RNLI. As usual participants are asked to arrive at the beach at 10.30am for an 11am sharp start, which will be signalled by Lyme Regis town crier Alan Vian.

Christmas Day Service St Michael’s Parish Church, 11am A warm invitation is extended to everyone. Due to COVID-19 regulations, social distancing must be observed. Please wear a mask.

Sunday, December 26

Live Music at The Nag’s Head Nag’s Head, 8pm Live music with Grace & Jake.

SWIM Boxing Day Party SWIM, 9.30pm Local duo Guilty Pleasure kicking off the Boxing Day celebrations live at SWIM. Tickets £7 at www.eventbrite.co.uk

Friday, December 31

SWIM New Year’s Eve Party SWIM, 10pm Live DJ Ayvin seeing in the New Year at Swim! Expect a mix of Jazz, Ghetto Funk, House, Disco and Drum & Bass. Tickets £10.

Saturday, January 1

New Year’s Day Duck Race Windsor Terrace, 12noon Start the New Year with the annual duck race in aid of Lyme Regis Christmas Lights Committee.

Lyme Lunge Lyme Regis Beach, 1pm Take the plunge in the balmy waters of Lyme Bay, promptly at 1pm but participants are encouraged to get there early for a fancy dress parade around the beach, led by the town crier. This year in aid of Macmillan Nurses and the Weldmar Hospice in Dorchester.

axminsternews

16 Friday, December 17 2021

■ RESIDENTS and visitors can part for just £2 all day at any East Devon District Council car park, thanks to a special winter deal running until the end of March 2022.

Parking officers will be checking that the £2 has been paid, which will make the ticket valid for the rest of that day.

Customers should not be concerned if they notice that their ticket may not have an expiry time of midnight printed on it.

Don’t forget to use the location code ‘42973’ for the winter offer, if you use the RingGo app on your mobile.

East Devon’s temporary tariff will not only support local shops and businesses over the run-up to Christmas, but will also help boost trade during the traditionally quieter months of January and February.

Councillor Paul Hayward, EDDC's deputy leader and portfolio holder for economy and assets, said: “As in previous years, we want to support businesses in all of our town and village high streets as much as we can through the quieter winter months especially after the challenges of the last year.

"The feedback we received from last year’s parking offer showed that it was a great success and, as in 2020, you can also use the same £2 ticket in any other East Devon pay and display car park on that day so why not visit another local town in the district to discover something different on offer? There are hidden gems in every town and village that would love to welcome you inside.

"Your local high street needs you more than ever at this time of uncertainty - and I hope that this parking offer will encourage you to visit and support your community businesses.

"There has never been a better time to shop local.”

www.lyme-online.co.uk

Waffle House releases charity Christmas single

THE team at Axminster Community Waffle House last week released its first charity single to help tackle mass starvation amid the COVID19 pandemic in Kenya this Christmas.

Adapted from the charity hit 'Do They Know It's Christmas?', initially released in 1984 by Bob Geldof's Band Aid, it is hoped the 'Waffle Aid' single will raise £10,000 for the charity Awaken Love for Africa.

The idea was the brainchild of Chelsea and Mike, two employees at the Waffle House, who wanted to support their colleague Sophie McLachlan, who also runs Awaken Love For Africa, in a bid to raise £10,000 to support the Gideons Orphanage in Ramba, Kenya.

Kenya has been hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic; the nation shut down jobs and market places, and thousands of people were left without food or any income.

Following several weeks of rehearsing, recording, mixing and messaging across continents, the Waffle House has now released its fiveminute song and music video, with 100 per cent of proceeds from sales and donations going directly to the orphanage.

The track has been produced from scratch by a dedicated team of musicians made up of staff, volunteers and friends of Waffle and features some of the Gideons children themselves.

It is now available to buy or stream via Bandcamp for £4, with the hope that sales of the track will help provide a Christmas meal and a backpack to 800 children, most of whom have not had a chicken dinner in over a year.

The charity is also hoping to send food packages home to 500 elderly and extremely poor

people in the Gideons community, to support them for two weeks following Christmas.

Speaking of how the idea came about Mike, manager of the Community Waffle House, said: “Sophie's work with the Gideon's has really touched my heart and when Chelsea suggested the we should record our own version of Band Aid’s 'Do They Know It’s Christmas?' under the name of 'Waffle Aid', I took the idea, assembled a team from our community and we ran with it."

Sophie, co-founder of Awaken Love for Africa, is currently staying at the Gideon’s Orphanage after almost two years of not being able to travel due to COVID-19.

She said: “Everyone here is so excited to be in a ‘real-life’ music video!

"Over the years we have built up an amazing relationship between the community in East Devon and the community here at Gideons and this honestly couldn’t come at a better time as we currently have no food in the storeroom."

Anyone wishing to support the cause can either purchase the track on Bandcamp at waffleaid.bandcamp.com or donate via the website www.stewardship.org.uk/pages/waffleaid Awaken Love For Africa works with orphans, widows and HIV/Aids victims, including the

Gideons Orphanage since April 2009. This orphanage has grown from 35 children to more than 380 living permanently on site.

The charity built a school which provides education to more than 600 children in the community.

Awaken Love also plans to build workshops to provide skills for the community and orphans to get jobs.

It also seeks to improve the medical problems in Kenya and has built a medical clinic on site to treat malaria immediately.

The charity has also planted more than 400,000 trees on its land, plus maize which is helping residents to become self sufficient.

Axminster says thank you to retiring town clerk

A national network of h hyperlocal news websites, now covering the Ax 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

Retiring town clerk Hilary Kirkcaldie (centre) pictured with mayor Jill Farrow and former mayor Jeremy Walden (photo credit: Axminster Town Council)

AXMINSTER town councillors and members of the public have paid tribute to longstanding town clerk Hilary Kirkcaldie, who is retiring.

Ms Kirkcaldie is retiring from the post after 22 years as town clerk and tributes were paid to her after Monday evening's council meeting.

She was presented with a brooch and card from the council by the Mayor of Axminster,

Cllr Jill Farrow, and a bouquet by former mayor and the longest-standing town councillor Jeremy Walden.

Cllr Farrow thanked Hilary for her exemplary service to the council, the parish and the community over more than two decades.

Paul Hayward is currently serving as interim deputy town clerk and responsible financial officer of Axminster Town Council.

www.lyme-online.co.uk

Friday, December 17 2021 17

FLASHBACKS with Richard Austin

Tales from behind the lens of our award-winning photographer

■ OF all the celebrities I’ve met and photographed, they didn’t come any funnier than Cornwall’s very own comedian Jethro. I managed to see him several times in Lyme Regis as well as at his stables, where he showed me around a quick look at some of his top class horses. As well as being funny he was quick to throw his hat in the ring to help farmers via the Western Morning News’ ‘Green Welly’ collection, caused by the foot and mouth disaster at the beginning of this century. Jethro used to wear some sort of pirate outfit in his early days and that’s what he wore at the Marine Theatre and the Royal Lion.

Driving along listening to Jethro was almost dangerous as joke after joke had you in stitches. RIP Jethro.

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

18 Friday, December 17 2021

www.lyme-online.co.uk

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HEALTHCARE

Lyme Bay Ear Clinic Ear Wax Microsuction Removal

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To advertise your business in Local Services call 07810 221 420 or email edit@lyme-online.co.uk

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classifieds&jobs

Friday, December 17 2021 19

www.lyme-online.co.uk

ITEMS TO SELL?

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

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

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

- 01297 443930.

THE BOOK OF SEATON, by Ted Gosling, Halsgrove, 2002 first edition, as new condition, £34 - 01297 442627.

LADDER, second-hand Young Man Trade 200 triple extension ladder, 3 x 14 rungs, £125 07790 017 214.

THE BOOK OF AXMINSTER WITH KILMINGTON, by Ted Gosling, Halsgrove, 2003 first edition, near new condition, very scarce book, £34 - 01297 442627.

CAT WILLOW BASKET, large, good condition, £20 - 07870 603 345.

INTERNAL DOORS, some panelled pine, some flush, all fully furnished with locks and hinges, offers welcome - 01297 442773.

SHEEPSKIN COAT, grey, size 10, worn twice, £85 - 01297 560742.

LEATHER JACKET, gentleman’s soft leather jacket, brown, nearly new, 42”-44”, £85 - 01297 560742.

HANDCART, requires repainting, £20 - 07870 603 345.

Your name: .......................................................................................................................

Your address: .................................................................................................................. ...........................................................................................................................................

Telephone number: .........................................................................................................

Send this form to: Items For Sale, LymeOnline, Unit 5, Uplyme Business Centre, Uplyme Road, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3LS

LOOKING FOR STAFF?

ITEMS FOR SALE

THE BOOK OF LYME REGIS, by Rodney Legg, Halsgrove, 2003 first edition, as new condition, a very scarce book, £34. - 01297 442627.

FOLDING BED, Jaybe, single, little used, £45 07977 504 555.

PRESSURE COOKER, ideal for cooking Christmas puddings, £3.50 - 01297 443930.

LOWRY ORGAN, cost £1,200, now selling for £100, can be played before purcahse, buyer collects - 01297 442103.

FENCING FOIL, Leon Paul épée with carrying bag, £25 - 01297 443666.

SOFTBALL/BASEBALL BATS, Louisville Slugger Official USA 34 inch softball metal bat and wooden Mark McGwire 34 inch baseball bat, £50 for the two - 01297 443666.

BARBOUR COAT, geuine Barbour Bushman coat, rust colour, £90 - 07870 603 345.

BOWLS, size 2, £25 - 07889 019 587.

SHOES, size 6, £5 a pair - 07889 019 587.

DRESSES, size 14/16, £5 each - 07889 019 587.

COMPOST BIN and wormery dustbin, £10 each - 01297 443930.

GLASS DEMIJOHNS, for wine-making, 3 for £10, plus some free homegrown grapes! Call 01297 443930.

WOMEN’S JEANS, Marks & Spencer, indigo, slim leg, size 8, unworn, cost £19.50, now selling for £10 - 01297 443930.

DUVETS, good quality, winter 13.5 tog, occasionally used (spare bed), 1 double and 1 single, £8 each - 01297 443930.

MEN’S SHIRTS, Marks & Spencer, pure cotton, 1 x tartan size L, 1 x check size XXL, still packed, cost £19.50 each, selling for £10 each

SEWING BOX/CRAFT TROLLEY, vintage 1960s, wooden (oak?) and silk-lined, on wheels, £50 - 01297 443930.

SEASONAL SEAFRONT AND BEACH CONCESSIONS MARCH TO OCTOBER Lyme Regis Town Council invites tenders for concession sites for the following activities on the town’s seafront and beaches:

LymeOnline can offer affordable and wide-reaching advertising opportunities to promote your vacancies Job advert spaces of varying sizes, starting from as little as £15, are available in our fortnightly printed newspaper with a distribution of 4,000 around Lyme Regis, Uplyme, Charmouth and Axminster.

Plus you’ll get a free job advert on the LymeOnline website, visited by more than 900 users a day!

Call Francesca on 07810 221 420 or email francesca@lyme-online.co.uk

Henna tattooing and hair braiding

Area west of Cart Road beach huts

Arts and crafts

Front Beach, Marine Parade, public gardens

Non-motorised watersports

Front Beach

Exercise and Fitness (before 9am)

Front Beach, public gardens, seafront roof

The council will consider offers for a one-year or three-year tender but offers should be made separately.

Tender forms and conditions of operation downloaded from the website www.lymeregistowncouncil.gov.uk/seafront-concessions or obtained on request from admin@lymeregistowncouncil.gov.uk Tenders must be returned, preferably by email to the address above, by 5pm on Tuesday 11 January 2022 Applications will be considered at a council meeting on Wednesday 19 January 2022 The council reserves the right to accept or reject any tender Lyme Regis Town Council, Guildhall Cottage, Church Street, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3BS, T: 01297 445175

LymeOnline Sport

www.lyme-online.co.uk

December 17 2021

First competitive game between old foes for several seasons

THIS IS THE BIG ONE!

PAST local derbies between Lyme Regis and Axminster Town have been feisty and often exciting encounters.

Supporters of each club will be looking forward to much of the same when Lyme travel over the Devon border tomorrow (Saturday) to meet Axminster Reserves in the Devon and Exeter Premier Division when there is bound to be a big crowd at Tiger Way. Lyme and Axminster have not met in a competition following the Carpetmen’s decision to concentrate on their first team playing in the South West Peninsular League, having dropped their Reserves and third X1.

The Axminster club is going through somewhat of a revival, under the enthusiastic guidance of chairman Andy Hurford with their first team, managed by Dan Prettejohn, enjoying their most successful season in the top flight Peninsular Premier East Division.

They have also reformed their Reserve side, having won promotion this season to the Devon and Exeter Premier Division where Lyme last season won the COVID restricted competition in which only five clubs finished their fixtures.

In this most difficult of seasons, neither the Tigers’ Reserves or the Seasiders have set pulses racing with a series of indifferent results.

Going into tomorrow’s game, Lyme are in eighth place, five points ahead of Axminster who have one game in hand.

Last Saturday, Axminster, led by Jamie Barfoot, took advantage of their first team’s game being called off by fielding a strengthened side against division leaders Thorverton, but they were still beaten 6-4.

Lyme’s erratic form seemed to be continuing at home to near rivals Colyton. The East Devon side dominated the first half, going into the interval with a 1-0 lead, their goal coming from George Richards.

Colyton continued to press after the break when Lyme were reduced to ten men when Gary Knight was sin-binned for abuse of the referee.

KEEPER Chris Higgs back from injury for the big game against Axminster Reserves Colyton extended their lead when Billy Knox slotted the ball home from a superb through ball.

Game changers Fred Parsons and Callum Garrett, both carrying hamstring problems, came on as subs for the last 30 minutes and Lyme looked a different side.

They took control of midfield and had several near misses before pulling one back in the 85 minute through Harvey Brimicombe.

The Seasiders continued to press for the equaliser and it came with two minutes before the final whistle with Tyler Wellman heading home.

Another ten minutes to the game and the late Lyme pressure might have provided the winner but in the end they had to settle for a point which was a fair result.

A combination of COVID, injuries and unavailability has meant that manager Julien Simier has not been able to field a settled side but he hopes Lyme will be at fullstrength on Saturday.

He is pleased that veteran keeper Chris Higgs will be back from injury but there are doubts about the fitness of Fred Parsons and Callum Garrett, two of Lyme’s most impressive performers this season,

both suffering from hamstring injuries.

■ FIELDING a settled side has also been a problem for Lyme Reserves this season but they travelled to Feniton, just one place below them in Devon and Exeter Division Three, and got back to winning form.

The Seasiders second string went behind early in the game when defender Wally Blackmore slipped in the wet conditions allowing a home striker to get away to make it 1-0.

Lyme were soon back on equal terms, however, when in-form leftwinger Josh Daines won a free-kick.

Mark Bailey crossed from 45 yards Robbie Fowler to head home.

Lyme went in a half time having survived a penalty shout when Fowler’s goalkeeper skills came to the fore as he appeared to handle the ball in clearing his lines.

Lyme knew they had to maintain the pressure after the break and created a plethora of chances, three of which were put away by Steve Batey, Cam Fowler and the returning Matt Bradley, putting the score beyond Feniton at 5-1.

Late on, Feniton did pull one back but the Seasiders were good value for this victory which leaves them in fifth place in Division Six.

MIDFIELDER Ben Turner will be looking forward to the game against his home town club After the game manager Matt Preece said: “I was really proud of the lads’ reaction to their recent run of form, and did everything we asked for with there pressing and intensity.

“We got a bit of luck in the game, but we’ve had our fair share of bad luck recently, so these things always balance themselves out, but I don’t think there’s any doubt we were the better side and deserved all three points.”

Devon & Exeter Premier Division

CALLUM Garrett, a former Axminster Town player, could well miss the local derby with hamstring problems

Thorverton Lapford Beer Albion Elmore 2nds Exeter Uni 7 Colyton Lyme Regis Axminster Okehampton Dawlish Utd Sid Town Ottery

P 13 12 13 16 13 12 12 11 10 12 14 9

W 11 10 10 6 5 5 4 3 3 3 2 0

D L 1 1 2 0 0 3 2 4 3 5 1 6 3 5 1 7 0 7 0 9 1 11 1 8

GD 34 41 26 3 4 -1 2 -7 -21 -28 -45 -22

Pts 34 32 30 20 18 16 15 10 9 9 7 1

Friday, December 17 2021 20

AT THE DAVEY FORT THIS SATURDAY

BAR OPEN FROM 4 pm football

Uplyme Reserves work hard for a point Perry Street League Division 3 Saturday, December 11 Uplyme 1, Barrington Reserves 1 THE cancellation of the first team game provided the opportunity to strengthen a reserve squad missing seven players.

Alex Jones took the keeper’s jersey, with Freddie Andrews, Jonny Day and James Beddows all stepping in.

Connor Tate took the captain’s armband.

The game started evenly. Barrington were an experienced side but Uplyme matched them across the park.

Conditions were a bit tricky, with the pitch cutting up easily and players finding it a bit slippery. The front three of Nate Gillan, Guy Bryant and Brad Bowditch worked hard and created a few chances. Barrington took the lead when their tricky winger cut inside before beating Alex at the near post.

In the second half Uplyme looked to get back on level terms. As the game progressed they took control with most of the possession.

The equaliser came from a set piece, Brad Bowditch pinging a perfect corner for Jonny Day to head in at the back post. The rest of the half saw us trying to get a winner, but Barrington hung on to secure a point.

Assistant manager Pete Blandamer said: ”On the balance of play we re “The very few first teamers we brought in added a strong spine to the team whilst enabling those around them to play and improve.

Credit to Barrington for a great game.

Man-of-the match goes to James Beddows.”

LymeOnline is published by Lyme Regis Media Limited Unit 5, Uplyme Business Park, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3LS Printed by Newsquest, Weymouth

Follow local sport 24/7 on our website www.lyme-online.co.uk