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FOR LYME REGIS, UPLYME, CHARMOUTH & AXMINSTER ● FORTNIGHTLY ● DECEMBER 4 2020
BAKE YOURSELF HAPPY WITH SARAH’S NEW BOOK PAGE 8
A wintery view across the valley
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First cases of COVID at local schools THE Woodroffe School and St Michael;’s Primary School in Lyme Regis both reported their first cases of COVID-19 last week. The Woodroffe School initially told parents that two students - one from Year 8 and one from Year 11 - had tested positive, but the Year 11 pupil was later informed their result was actually negative and they had been given the wrong result due to a lab error. A pupil from St Michael’s Primary has also tested positive. REPORT, PAGE 3
Developer refutes tree damage claims
CONCERN has been raised about reported damage caused to a line of ancient oak trees in Colway Lane, Lyme Regis. Residents and environmentalists have argued that the roots of the trees - protected under a tree preservation order - were damaged when a trench was dug on a new housing development currently under construction off Colway Lane, but the developer has strongly refutsed this claims. REPORT, PAGE 2
■ THIS unusual view of Lyme Regis was captured by LymeOnline reader Michael Applegate on a long lens looking over the town from Spittles, off Timber Hill. It shows a wintery scene of the rooftops of Hill Road, Sherborne Lane and Broad Street, including the still-fire-stricken Regent Cinema, and even looking all the way down to the lifeboat station at the Cobb. Can you spot your house? Mr Applegate sent in the picture for our regular ‘Photo of the Day’ feature on social media - we’ll be sharing some more of our favourite snaps sent in over the past year in the next issue of LymeOnline on December 18.
From lockdown to Tier 2
New manager for Ressies
BUSTLING centre-forward Shane Featherstone has taken over as manager of Lyme Regis Football Club’s Reserves team. Shane, a former Millwey Rise manager, stepped in after joint managers Nick Tregale and Darren Stewart stepped down due to work commitments. REPORT, PAGE 24
MP SAYS IT’S ‘NOT RIGHT’ TO GROUP LYME WITH BOURNEMOUTH LYME Regis shops, restaurants and pubs have reopened for the run-up to Christmas, following the end of the second national lockdown.
But Lyme Regis still faces some tough restrictions with the whole of Dorset having been placed in
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Tier 2, along with the majority of the country including the likes of major cities such as London and Liverpool. The new tier system restrictions are expected to have an effect on the hospitality industry in partic-
ular, with pubs only allowed to serve alcohol along with a “substantial meal”, and customers only allowed to visit indoor venues with their own household or support bubble. One Lyme Regis pub - the Nag’s Head - has decided to remain closed for the time being due to the restrictions, with the hope the
county will be dropped to the more relaxed Tier 1 before Christmas. West Dorset MP Chris Loder voted against the Conservative party line on Tuesday evening following a debate on the new tier system. MPs were asked to vote on the CONTINUED ON PAGE 7
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Published by Lyme Regis Media Limited Hyper-local website and fortnightly newspaper serving the communities of Lyme Regis, Uplyme & Charmouth. Unit 5 Uplyme Business Park, Uplyme Road, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3LS www.lyme-online.co.uk edit@lyme-online.co.uk Facebook: facebook.com/LymeOnlineUK Twitter: twitter.com/LymeOnlineUK Instagram: instagram.com/lymeonline Editor: Francesca Evans francesca@lyme-online.co.uk 07810 221 420 Contributors: Philip Evans philip@lyme-online.co.uk Richard Austin edit@lyme-online.co.uk Production: Jackie Evans jackie@lyme-online.co.uk
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Concern over ancient trees in Colway Lane RESIDENTS and environmental campaigners have expressed concerns about possible damage caused to a line of protected oak trees in Lyme Regis. They say the trees have been “seriously compromised” by excavations on a housing development site currently under construction off Colway Lane, although the developer has refuted these claims. Nearby residents say a trench was dug to divert water courses on the site and has subsequently damaged the roots of six mature trees, which are protected under a tree preservation order. The issue is currently under investigation by Dorset Council’s tree preservation officer, but the council said it was unable to comment further until the investigation was complete. In a letter sent to Dorset Council and the Woodland Trust, Jo Smith Oliver, chairman of environmental campaign group Turn Lyme Green, said members were “shocked and appalled” by the damage caused. She wrote: “We can clearly see that the hedgerow and ancient oak trees the top end of Colway Lane, towards the Charmouth Road, have been seriously compromised as a result of the excavations and current building works on the site. “Lyme is in an area of very unstable land. This field in particular has always looked waterlogged and damp to the untrained observer. The erection of a massive concrete pipe to divert already existing water courses is a blatant act of disregard to the needs of the trees and of the hedgerow upon which hundreds of insects and animals depend. “We understand the need for more housing. However, we strongly ob-
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francesca@lyme-online.co.uk ject to, and are deeply shocked by the impact of this action. At best, it is thoughtless and short sighted; at worst it is greedy and deeply offensive to the environment that gives us the air that we breathe. “The pipe is so close to the root systems of these ancient trees that support more than 350 species of insects, a vital part of the ecosystem. “As a community group, we are appalled that such an activity can be allowed to happen at all, let alone in such a beautiful town, where its heritage and environmental awareness allows us the freedom to live.” Mrs Smith Oliver also expressed concern that the green corridor leading to Slopes Farm at the bottom of Colway Lane, owned by the Woodland Trust, had been damaged. Neighbouring residents of Colway Lane have shared her concerns, with one commenting: “Not only is this an ancient green corridor and habitat for wildlife but the mature trees are also stabilising the precarious ground and absorbing gallons of water. “Many local people have voiced their concern and there is strong feeling that this should not go unchallenged.” However, John Freeland, director of developers Blakesley Estates, has refuted claims that the trees have been damaged, saying that they have complied with all planning consents. Mr Freeland said the consented scheme includes tree protection zones around all the Colway Lane tree root systems, and the approved stream diversion is outside of the tree protection zone, and therefore
THE tree line at the Colway Lane development site there has been no damage caused to the roots of the trees in question. He added that the stream diversion itself was delayed for weeks by the discovery of an entrance to a badger sett and specialist consultants were appointed to monitor activity around the sett, which is transpired was unused. All foundations of the new houses are well away from the tree protection zones. Pla nning permission for the development was first granted in the 1990s when the first phase - now known as Applebee Way - was constructed, including the required af-
fordable housing allocation, at the top of Queen’s Walk. This second phase of development will extend Applebee Way with more than 46 new houses, including eight to be accessed separately via Colway Lane. The latest planning application for the site on the Dorset Council website is from 2016 and can be view by searching for reference number WD/D/16/000030. Mr Freeland said the development would create many supply chain jobs and would contribute more than £8million per annum to the local economy.
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First COVID cases at Lyme schools
THE Woodroffe School and St Michael’s Primary School in Lyme Regis both reported their first cases of COVID-19 this week. Two students from the Woodroffe School in Lyme Regis initially tested positive for COVID19 – but one then had their result reversed following a ‘lab error’. Parents were sent letters informing them that one pupil from Year 8 and one from Year 11 had tested positive for the virus. However, it was later revealed that the Year 11 pupil actually tested negative and the result was mixed up due to a ‘lab error’. The Year 8 pupil’s positive COVID result was correct, and those who had been in close contact with them were asked to stay home and self isolate for two weeks. The school remains open and unaffected children – including all Year 11s – should continue
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francesca@lyme-online.co.uk to attend as normal unless they show symptoms. In the initial letter to parents, headteacher Dan Watts reassured parents that the school was monitoring the situation and working with Public Health England. He added that, for most people, COVID-19 will only be a “mild illness”. He later confirmed the Year 11 pupil’s test results were incorrect and a second letter was sent to parents apologising for any upset or anxiety caused. This is the school’s first positive case of COVID-19 and Mr Watts said that precautions being taken followed the advice of the Department for Education. He commented: “Attendance today was 96.59
per cent which is phenomenal and well above the national picture. We are so pleased to have gone for so long in the position of not having to send anyone home. “We are disappointed a case has now arisen but the children have benefited from being in school during this time. “The precautions we have in place at the school are keeping students safe and they have been brilliant at following the rules to help us keep the wider community safe and function as normal as possible.” Parents from St Michael’s Primary School were also informed this week that a pupil had tested positive, but no further children have been asked to self-isolate as the affected child had been off school sick for two days, which is the incubation period as advised by the Department for Education.
Council sets budget after being hit by pandemic LYME Regis Town Council was given an update on its financial position following the impact of COVID-19 as it set its budget for the coming year. The annual budget setting meeting was held via video conferencing app Zoom last Wednesday, when it was reported that the council expects to end the 2020/21 financial year with a £53,000 deficit, which will have to be taken from its reserves, depleting them to £560,000. However, this is a much-improved outlook compared to a few months ago, with the council initially estimating end of year reserves to stand at just £67,000 when lockdown first took hold in the spring. Speaking at the meeting, town clerk John Wright said the “material increase” in the estimated end of year reserve was largely down to an increase in normal car parking income during September and October, as well as a strong August, and the council spending more time
chasing up historic debts. “It’s all beginning to look better for us,” he added. Mr Wright added that these estimates were prudent and he hoped to bring councillors even more positive news at the end of the financial year in March 2021. Members then approved a ‘base budget’ with income of £1,686,267.25 and expenditure of £1,305,548.43 for the 2021/22 financial year, with reserves expected to increase by £380,718.82. The 2021/22 ‘base budget’ includes savings of £128,000 to start rebuilding the reserves, including a £41,000 cut on office expenses and a £53,000 cut on outside works. The town clerk said a large cut to office expenses would be consultant fees, which the council currently spent “a small fortune on”. He commented: “Our legal fees alone are quite significant. We are a property based council so
there will always have to be some input from lawyers, but we need to become a less litigious organisation.” Councillors agreed not to raise council tax precept (the portion of council tax which goes to town council) in the next financial year, acknowledging that “we have all endured a difficult time” – but they warned it will have to rise in future. Councillors agreed on objectives for the coming years, with those in the top priority list including: IT equipment for councillors, office refurbishment, seafront gardens refurbishment, electric vehicle charing pods, installing water meters, purchasing a new chipper, replacing corroding seafront railings, installing CCTV cameras, undertaking an asset management strategy, and repairing or replacing the old cadet hut behind Anning Road now used by council’s outside works team.
Appeal launched to remember Lyme couple’s ‘little prince’
AN online fundraising appeal has been launched for a Lyme Regis couple who lost one of their twin babies shortly after birth. Jess Arrowsmith and partner Dan Perrett are currently dealing with the loss of baby Rhys, who was born alongside twin brother Jax on November 24 at 33 weeks, but sadly died shortly after birth due to health complications. A fundraising appeal has now been launched by friend Shelley Larcombe, to ensure the young couple can hold a service and provide a headstone to remember baby Rhys. They hope to raise £3,000 for “a fairytale ending for a little prince who grew his wings too soon”. On the appeal page, Shelley wrote: “I understand with the time of year and the dreaded COVID-19 finances may be stretched. However if you are able to donate towards baby Rhys’ funeral fund please do, it will be gratefully received. “Wishing each and every one of you who takes the time to read/donate a very merry Christmas and a healthy 2021.” The campaign has already raised more than £1,100 towards its £3,000 target and you can donate via the website www.gofundme.com/f/baby-rhys
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NEWS ONLINE: Catch up with A round-up of the top Former staff of View From Newspapers stories from our website finally win three-year battle for payout
Monmouth Beach graffiti cleaned within 24 hours GRAFFITI that appeared at Monmouth Beach car park over the weekend was cleaned by Lyme Regis Town Council staff within 24 hours. The street art appeared on a wall at the seafront car park but you wouldn’t have known it had ever been there the following day, with town council staff cleaning it off immediately sending out a strong message that graffiti will not be tolerated on town council property.
Council depot fire was accidental A FIRE which caused significant damage to Dorset Council’s fleet of waste collection vehicles has been deemed accidental, started by a short circuit in one of the bin lorries. The blaze was started under the bonnet of one of the waste collection vehicles at the depot in Chickerell, near Weymouth, most likely caused by the heavy rainstorms and high winds experienced that afternoon.
FORMER staff of the Lyme Regis-based View From Newspapers have won a near three-year fight for the money they were owed when the company closed in 2018. Staff will receive notice pay settlements and additional payments awarded by an employment tribunal after Duncan Williams, the final owner of the group, was declared bankrupt. The money will be paid by the Insolvency Service after Plymouth County Court ruled against Mr Williams, meaning the government will now step in to pay at least a proportion of what the former staff are owed. The View From Newspapers was originally set up in the early 2000s by Lyme Regis journalist Philip Evans MBE, now managing director of Lyme Regis Media Ltd, which publishes LymeOnline. At its height, the company published free weekly newspapers in 14 towns across West Dorset, East Devon and South Somerset, including the popular View From Lyme Regis title. The business went through several ownership buyouts in its later years, eventually being bought by Peter Masters, proprietor of the Cornwall-based Sunday Independent, before its shock closure in January 2018, with 26 staff being made redundant. The company was then sold 12 days later for just £1 to Mr Williams, who was found liable for claims of staff awaiting pay in lieu of notice, redundancy money and arrears of pay. Mr Williams unsuccessfully appealed against the decision. At the end of 2019, the Insolvency Service made payments to those ex-employees who were due redundancy payments, following an employment tribunal judgment. However, some staff had remained completely out of pocket until now, despite contributing hundreds of pounds in legal fees, because they had not been with the company for at least two years at the time of their dismissal With Mr Williams now being declared bankrupt, the former staff will receive the notice pay settlements and additional payments from the Insolvency Service. Former deputy editor James Coles, who led both the staff’s tribunal claim and the bankruptcy petition against Mr Williams, said: “The amount of work to get to this stage, and receive what we’ve been entitled to for so long, was staggering. “It’s a warning to anyone who believes, as an employee, they are genuinely protected by law in this country, just how easy it is for their employer to break these supposed rules. “Mr Williams purchased the View From for the obligatory £1 in a deal which was obviously ‘too good to be true’, as it meant he took on the company’s debts, shortly after we had lost our jobs with barely a minute’s notice.
“Masters was in charge when the plug was pulled on the company and jobs lost without notice or consultation. “The responsibility passed to Williams when he handed over his one pound to take control of a business that was already as good as dead and buried. “It was a sorry end to what was originally a great, family-run business, but at least my former colleagues and I can finally look forward to our severance pay, hopefully in time for Christmas. A rare positive for 2020.” Mr Williams now reportedly lives and works in Elstree, Hertfordshire, and also serves as a voluntary area ambassador for Reach plc’s hyperlocal news service In Your Area. He denies ever having lived at the address in Launceston, Cornwall, given in his bankruptcy order. Speaking to industry website Hold The Front Page, Mr Williams said: “It was never my intention to deny any journalist their pay, I simply objected to the court’s decision to make me personally liable for these debts when these should have been shouldered by a limited liability company formation. “I wish everyone well with their future careers, whether this be in print or digital journalism. We are living through a period of time where accurate and trusted news reporting has never been more important.”
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Lyme charity teams with Sidmouth’s ‘Think Footprint’ project A LYME Regis charity will be judging a children’s story-writing competition, inspired by a 240 million-year-old pre-dinosaur footprint found on the Jurassic Coast. The footprint set in red sandstone was found on the beach below the cliffs at Peak Hill by palaeontologist Dr Rob Coram, from Bristol University, seven years ago and donated to Sidmouth Museum. It has inspired the release of a children’s book and an environmental community project called ‘Think Footprint’, led by author Jo Earlam (pictured), which will include the story-writing competition to be judged by Lyme Regis charity The Word Forest organisation.
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Finding positives in the pandemic
Lyme to pay tribute Free parking for to Brixham fishermen Christmas shoppers LYME Regis will be among the south coast harbours to pay tribute to Adam Harper and Rob Morely - two fishermen lost off the coast of Newhaven in Sussex in November. The Christmas lights on the Cobb will be switched off at 6.14pm tomorrow (Saturday) and instead a light will be shone into the sea and candles lit.
TO help shoppers return to high streets across Dorset in the run-up to Christmas, Dorset Council is offering three days of free parking this December. Car parks including Charmouth Road, Holmbush, Cobb Gate and Broad Street in Lyme, and Lower Sea Lane in Charmouth, will be free on December 5, 12 and 19.
ANOTHER lockdown survived and LymeOnline is back in print having published in a digital-only format during November. Thanks once again must go to our loyal advertisers, readers and supporters who have helped keep us going through this challenging year, ensuring Lyme Regis continues to receive the comprehensive news coverage such a bustling and community-minded town deserves. Christmas is quickly approaching and, while the festive season will look a little different this year (no packed pubs, Carols Around the Tree or Christmas Day dip in the sea), lockdown restrictions have been eased meaning many of our local businesses can reopen in time for some last-minute shopping. Dorset being placed in Tier 2 will have come as a bit of a surprise to some. Most traders will be relieved just to open doors and welcome back customers, but the continued restrictions will have the biggest impact on the hospitality industry - patrons can only purchase alcohol along with a substantial meal, or visit pubs and restaurants with their own household or support bubble. West Dorset MP Chris Loder, who has expressed his support for the local hospitality and tourism trades on more than one occasion since first being elected last May, recognised the difficulties Tier 2 restrictions will place on these businesses and went against the Conservative party line to vote against them earlier this week (see front page and page 7). But there’s still plenty of positive news amid the ongoing pandemic. Nationally, of course,
there is much talk on vaccine developments the beginning of the end, perhaps? Locally, Lyme Regis is glittering under one of its most impressive Christmas lights display to date, and two new businesses will be opening in the next week or so - a skate shop and a new restaurant on Marine Parade (keep an eye out for full stories on the LymeOnline website!). Residents also continue to rally around those most in need and support community causes. On page 3 we run a story on a fundraising appeal for a young couple who sadly lost one of their twin babies shortly after birth; on page 7 you can read about Uplyme resident Sarah Causley’s fundraising efforts for the town’s performing arts groups; Lyme Regis Butchers share their Christmas hamper competition in aid of Cancer Research UK on page 8; and on page 11 you can find out how to order a free Christmas Day lunch for those in need, as well as details on the festive events which are still going ahead this year. We’ll be bringing you one more printed edition of LymeOnline before the end of the year, out on Friday, December 18, including our round-up of one of the most unusual years in history and a selection of our favourite photos sent in by readers. Francesca Evans, Editor
The
Woodmead Halls Dorset Council reopens libraries after lockdown
YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY HALL
ALL 23 Dorset Council libraries have reopened doors following the end of national lockdown. All the opening times can be found at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/libraries and customers are advised to check the times for their local library before setting off. Customers will be able to browse books and use the library computers (bookable slots). The order and collect service will still be available as an alternative to visiting, and a programme of activities will continue to be offered online.
Socially-distanced screenings at Marine Wedding Venue | Corporate Events Clubs & Organisations | Children’s Parties Fitness Classes | Concerts & Shows
The perfect venue for every occasion! THE Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis is able to reopen doors this month for a number of socially-distanced screenings. Screenings will include the plays ‘War Horse’ tomorrow (Saturday) and ‘All My Sons’ on December 10, as well as two free community screenings of Christmas classic ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ on December 18 and 19, and Phoebe Waler Bridge’s one-woman show ‘Fleabag’ on New Year’s Eve. For full details visit www.marinetheatre.com
For further details or to get in touch, vist woodmeadhalls.co.uk
6 Friday, December 4 2020
LYME MATTERS with Philip Evans Essential reading for all those with Lyme at heart
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Despite COVID council coffers back on track G
OOD news for the people of Lyme Regis - the town council is not going bust.
The fact of the matter is, it was never going to run out of money - but there were a few sharp intakes of breath in the Guildhall when the town clerk announced a few months ago that the effect of COVID-19 could reduce their reserves to as low as £67,000. It was just bad luck that the council decided to resurface the Marine Parade roof over SWIM, the Antiques & Craft Centre and Amusement Arcade at a cost of £650,000 the whole amount to be taken from reserves and not financed by a loan - at the same time the pandemic struck. Not many local councils would have been able to meet such a commitment but Lyme Regis Town Council was considered to be a rich council with its revenues from seasonal activities and car parking fees. Even after shelling out the £650,000 for the new roofing, the council was left with reserves in excess of £500,000. So a reduction to just £67,000 would have been a very serious situation indeed. The loss of car parking revenues during the first COVID-19 lockdown resulted in an estimated deficit of £53,000 at the end of the current financial year which will have to be taken
from the reserves. Given the circumstances, this is a much better forecast than the council expected. Town clerk John Wright revealed at last week’s budget meeting that the increase in the estimated end-of-year reserve was largely due to higher parking revenue throughout the late summer months when visitor numbers were such you would never have believed we were in the middle of a pandemic. However, the council is conscious that the pandemic is not beaten yet and are looking for ways of rebuilding reserves by cutting costs of £128,000, including spending “a small fortune” (the town clerk’s words) on consultant and legal fees. I understand that every cost base is being examined which is to be welcomed during such a crisis. In the discussion that ensued at the budget meeting, councillors decided not to increase the council tax precept (the portion the town gets from the council tax) as “we have all endured a difficult time”. Some councillors expressed the view that the council had not gone far enough in making themselves more efficient. I have a feeling we will be hearing much more of this in the weeks to come.
Carols in a car park and not around the tree? OF all the festive events that have been ditched because of COVID-19, I suspect that Carols Around The Tree will be the one most missed by the people of Lyme. Organised every year by the Rotary Club, the carol service at the bottom of Broad Street at-
WELL done Chris Loder. It takes a bit of guts to go against your government, especially when you are a new MP - but that’s what Mr Loder did this week when he and 54 other Tory MPs voted against the government’s new tier system. Mr Loder, who has proved to be a good friend of Lyme Regis since winning the West Dorset seat, listened to the views of his constituents and decided he could not vote for West Dorset being in Tier 2 with Dorset being among the least COVID-affected areas in the country. It’s not always appreciated how much pressure is put on new Members of Parliament by the government whips and no doubt they will seek their revenge at some time in the future. Politics is a dirty game but there were many in Lyme Regis who were pleased that their new MP has joined the illustrious ranks of being a ‘Tory rebel’.
tracts hundreds of people. An increasing number of visitors come to Lyme for the weekend just to be part of it, but essentially it’s a Lyme event for the people of Lyme. There’s a good deal of anger among many in the town that the government-imposed restrictions - in an area where the disease has been less virulent than any other region - has resulted in putting on hold so much of our way of life. There have been calls on social media for the people of Lyme to just turn up and sing carols - and two fingers to Boris! I’m not going to condone that, but I understand their frustration. But there might be an opportunity for the people of Lyme to get together to sing a few carols without flouting the law. Our new Rector, the Reverend Chris Martin, and town crier Alan Vian, a leading member of the Baptist community, are hoping to organise a drive-in carol service at the Woodmead Halls car park. I hope they succeed in doing so and that it will be well supported if for no other reason that it’s one in the eye for the doom merchants. Uplyme resident Sarah Causley is also planning two socially-distanced carolling events in both Uplyme and Lyme Regis - see page 11 for details.
MERRY CHRISTMAS: The cards being delivered to every household in Lyme Regis, courtesy of the Lyme Regis Community Support Group and other local organisations
A simple but effective way of saying ‘you’re not forgotten’ this Christmas CONGRATULATIONS to the Lyme Regis Community Support Group - the organisation which has ensured that no one in Lyme should feel isolated or alone during these difficult times. Cheryl Reynolds and her team have arranged for a Christmas card to be sent to every household in the town expressing hopes for a “brighter and more positive New Year”. The initiative has the support of the mayor and mayoress, Cllr Brian and Wendy Larcombe, the Lyme Regis Foodbank and LymeForward, Lyme Regis Development Trust and Lyme Bay Medical Practice, the Social Prescriber for Jurassic Coast Primary Care Network. The Christmas card expresses the hope that the recipients are looking forward to spending the festive season with family and friends and reveals that those who may find themselves on their own can be provided with a Christmas dinner delivered to their door free-of-charge, courtesy of local restaurant Dom’s Table, a hugely generous gesture. Inside the card there is also a message from the mayor and mayoress expressing the hope that everyone in the town will be able to enjoy the festive season after what has been a challenging year for everyone. Cllr Larcombe writes: “Lyme is a very small town but has always had a large energy within its community and has always
brought a keen level of focus to its needs and concerns, often more so than larger communities. This COVID year has shown Lyme to be resilient in its responses in so many ways.” He goes on to say that the support given to residents by one another and the various support groups and agencies has been “a remarkable testimony to what makes our town the close community that it is”. The letter inside the card also includes messages from the other participant organisations and the Community Support Group, which was set up when the first lockdown was imposed, gives an assurance that the group is still operating to help all in the community. Lyme Regis Development Trust draws attention to the setting up of a community workshop during lockdown which is all about teaching woodworking and carpentry, run entirely by volunteers. There is also information about the Memory Café and Carer Café and details about a new initiation, SaveFoodLyme, which aims to reduce waste. It is clear that a great effort has gone into the delivery of the Christmas card to every household in Lyme and it is further evidence that when life gets tough the community spirit in Lyme comes to the fore, proof if we needed it that no one in Lyme will be forgotten this Christmas.
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MP goes against party line on tier system vote
CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE tier system set out by Health Secretary Matt Hancock last week. The measures, which came into force on Wednesday, were passed in the House of Commons with 291 votes to 78, but 55 Tory MPs voted against the government plan - the largest rebellion of Boris Johnson's premiership. Mr Loder said he voted against the new system because it was "not right" that West Dorset towns such as Lyme Regis be grouped in the same tier with more urban areas of the county, such as Bournemouth, despite having much lower figures on COVID-19 cases. The West Dorset MP made the decision after being contacted by a number of constituents and local businesses expressing concerns over the Tier 2 restrictions. Among them, the Volunteer Inn in Lyme Regis - one of the town's smallest pubs - encouraged patrons to write to Mr Loder with their concerns on the restrictions. On social media, the pub described the latest measures as “draconian” and “a continued assault on the hospitality industry”. The Volunteer now plans to reopen next Friday (December 11). Mr Loder said: "On Tuesday evening I spoke in the House of Commons during the debate on the new coronavirus regulations; specifically, the proposed tiered approach to tackling coronavirus as we moved out of the national lockdown on Wednesday. "After much consideration, I decided not to support it, because it would put West Dorset into Tier 2 which was not right given where we are with COVID locally. "The government has achieved much in terms of testing and reporting; it has also made enormous strides in respect of vac-
cines, and I support its regional tier approach. The fact that the Labour Party abstained was, in my opinion, a total dereliction of duty on this important decision that Parliament had to take. "The government proposition is much better than national lockdown and a lot of shops and services will indeed now be reopened. However, in my view, the tiers should be more localised. "Lyme Regis being in the same tier as Bournemouth is not right in my opinion, especially when we are at a much-reduced rate of infection here; lower now than when Tier 1 for Cornwall was assessed and with Bournemouth more than double our number of cases at the last count. "We have just endured a month of national restriction, in the hope that this would get us ahead of the curve in tackling this pandemic; and I am confident that local people who have taken responsibility during this time is the reason why we have a considerable reduction in cases, and much more capacity at our hospitals. "Rural Dorset should be in Tier 1 of these restrictions and, in the absence of a detailed explanation as to why we were placed in Tier 2 and how we are likely to get out of it, supporting the constraint of personal freedoms to the extent proposed was not something I was able to readily support. "Ninety-seven per cent of our businesses here are small or micro-sized, with a high degree of self-employed. These businesses, and the thousands of jobs they provide, have been an important consideration to me also. "They are taking the economic hit more than most and have done so throughout this crisis, whilst providing a lifeline for many and investing considerably to become
COVID-secure. If we want them to be sustained, we must act now. "I accept that restrictions are needed whilst we are still in the midst of a public health crisis. I have some reservations about the extent of relaxation over Christmas, and I think we still need to take consideration of that. "My priority going forward, as I said in the
House of Commons, is that with the scheduled review in mid-December, West Dorset should be moved down to Tier 1 and I shall continue to pursue that rigorously over the coming two weeks." For more information or to read Mr Loder's speech in full visit the website www.chrisloder.co.uk/tiers
A Christmas message from the mayor AS Christmas approaches and the New Year beckons, may I wish Lyme residents a happy and merry festive time. It will be, for all us, a very different Christmas. Families and friends will not be able to meet indoors or out in quite the same traditional way Christmas would normally invite. It does, however, represent a brief respite from the level of restrictions recently imposed by lockdown, before we learn more of what will be coming our way in the New Year and we return to the means to counter the effects of the virus. And in this brief Christmas easing, could I please ask that we all remain responsible and respect the limits we have to presently live within. The festive season is also a time of reflection of the past year, and this year has by any standards been unprecedented and challenging, and for those who've lost family members or suffered illness, it's been both heart-breaking and threatening. Such has been 2020. It has also been a year of depths; the depth
of what we have had to face, and the depth of personal response we've all given to this unforgettable year. The collective response and determination to keep going, despite the virus and all that accompanies it, has been the kind of resolve that takes us into 2021. We've done remarkably well in Lyme and we've reason to feel more fortunate than others. It hasn't been easy but there is now a better prospect ahead of us because of the efforts made throughout 2020 by everyone. So, may I ask that you celebrate the year ending with a degree of optimism and with the responsibility COVID still demands of us, and in doing so respect and maintain the physical distancing required but cherish the closeness of those around us that this year has encouraged us to value. Many thanks and the all best for Christmas and the New Year. Cllr Brian Larcombe, Mayor of Lyme Regis
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Baker’s book to help performing arts groups get back on stage MULTI-TALENTED Uplyme resident Sarah Causley has released a book of baking recipes she has shared with local children during lockdown, to raise funds for a community events next year. Sarah, who with husband Neville runs local taxi firm Causley Cabs, has been keeping herself busy in the kitchen during this year’s lockdowns, running virtual baking classes for local children (and grown ups!) to join in. Now she has released a book of some of her favourite recipes, complete with photos of those who have taken part via video conferencing app Zoom. The book, called ‘Bake Yourself Happy: The Lockdown Sessions’ includes 14 easy-to-make recipes, along with a photo gallery of Sarah’s virtual bakers and a list of her essential baking tips. Sarah also launched a new business, Mamma C’s Bakes, with son Harvey this year, delivering their homemade goodies to local residents as well as appearing at Lyme Regis Farmers’ Markets on the seafront. But aside from baking, Sarah’s biggest passion is the performing arts and she has regularly appeared on stage with local amateur dramatic groups, which have been forced to cancel their productions this year due to the pandemic. She is selling her book to support the performing arts in Lyme Regis and is planning to stage a community cabaret-style show in February 2021, if COVID restrictions allow. It is hoped the event will be staged at the Woodmead Halls with acts including song, dance, instrumentals and sketches, and featuring local organisations which have not had a chance to perform this year. Sarah commented: “I have been doing baking session for children via Zoom since April and have had people join in to bake from all over the country. “The group asked if I would put our favourite recipes together in a book so I’ve been working on this since the end of the summer. “A percentage of all the profits raised will go toward performing arts projects in the town as this is something very close to my heart and I really want to help get local theatre back on its feet again after the devastating year our local groups have had.” The book has been printed by Dorchester-based
THE OYSTER
ANDREW and Sarah Bolton of Lyme Regis Butchers with the £200 prize Christmas hamper Advantage Digital Print and is available for £8 including delivery to Lyme, Uplyme or Charmouth, or £9 including postage further afield, by contacting Sarah on 07788 946 427 or email sarahcsly@msn.com. The virtual baking sessions have been just one project to keep Sarah busy this year. As a Fitsteps instructor, she has also been holding virtual dance classes, and she and husband Neville have been holding hugely popular virtual quiz nights during the two national lockdowns. Those participating during the first lockdown helped to raise more than £600, which was put towards building a new sleigh for the Causley family’s annual charity Santa sleigh tour, which will take place around Lyme Regis, Uplyme and Charmouth from Sunday. Sarah is also now planning two Christmas carolling events for the community, following social distancing guidelines, in both Uplyme and Lyme Regis - see page 9 for details.
Open every day 12-10pm
& FISH
HOUSE
Win a £200 Christmas hamper and raise funds for Cancer Research UK LYME Regis Butchers are raising funds for Cancer Research UK by holding a raffle for a Christmas hamper worth £200. The hamper will include everything you need for Christmas - food and drink to feed a family of six this festive season, including meat joints, fresh vegetables, cheese and crackers, wine and Christmas treats. Raffle tickets are available from today (Friday) for £2 a strip from the Lyme Regis Butchers shop in Broad Street, or from their stand at Axminster Market on Thursdays. The draw will take place on December 21st and will be screened live online, with chairman
of the Lyme Regis branch of Cancer Research UK, Philip Evans MBE, picking the winning ticket. The butchers have been keen to boost funds for the Lyme Regis branch, which has been forced to cancel almost all its fundraising events this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Andrew Bolton and the team at Lyme Regis Butchers have already raised several hundred pounds for the charity, having donated a percentage of online sales to the cause during October and November.
Serving locally caught fish and seafood with stunning views of the Jurassic Coast
Join us every Monday night for Curry Club
Hix at Home We are looking forward to welcoming everyone back this month. Book online at theoysterandfishhouse.co.uk The Oyster & Fish House, Cobb Road, Lyme Regis DT7 3JP
Order your side of Flodge smoked salmon ‘Hix cure’ for Christmas with free home delivery. Smoked by Mark in his Charmouth home.
Cook along with Mark
If you haven’t yet tried our weekly fish box, head to our website for more details. Fresh fish delivered to you door with recipes and online tutorials to cook along with Mark. Order your smoked fish box before 6pm Tuesday December 8th for delivery December 11th. theoysterandfishhouse.co.uk/hix-at-home/
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Putting an end to food waste LymeOnline Letters
A NEW initiative aimed at reducing food waste and supporting the local community is due to be launched in Lyme Regis. The initiative was picked up by Lisa Charleton and Mary Ward, who work for LymeForward and run Lyme Regis Food Bank, which opens every Wednesday morning, after reading an article about a collaboration with Seaton’s SAVE Food Hub and the Community Waffle House in Axminster. They said: “We were already aware of the good work done by the Waffle House team and the article explained how the SAVE Food Hub operates; its volunteers collect edible, in-date food and share it with local foodbanks, community food projects and local people. “This premise was of interest to us as it aligned with our own values of zero waste and fitted in with our food bank operation. We contacted Aileen Heal who runs the Seaton SAVE Food Hub and volunteered there. “On the first night we volunteered, about 20 crates of surplus food were picked up from the Co-op and Tesco in Seaton. We helped to sort them, photograph them and list them on an app. “Some of the food was put aside for both Seaton and Axminster foodbanks, while the rest was listed on the app for the public to collect. We were amazed at the volume of surplus food which was being put to good use and would otherwise have ended up in the waste stream. “We volunteered one night per week and witnessed first-hand the volume of surplus food. The SAVE Food Hub in Seaton, including Colyton and Axmouth, operates every night of the week, thereby saving a huge amount of food which would otherwise go to waste. “We were so impressed with the operation there that we started to think about whether this scheme could operate in Lyme Regis and began to make plans. The first challenge was to find a building from which we could operate. “Whilst our foodbank operates out of The Hub, we knew that this was far from ideal owing to accessibility issues. We wanted somewhere acces-
sible in the centre of Lyme Regis, so we approached the Baptist Church in Silver Street. “We were aware that they were an Eco Church that had led the way in using less plastic and managing their building sustainably. We spoke to the Reverend Christopher Woodman and subsequently Alan Vian who has been very helpful and fully supportive. “We then approached the Coop in Lyme, knowing that they regularly support local causes. The manager, Karl Josko, was indeed very supportive and put us in touch with Sophie Graves, Co-op Member Pioneer for Axminster and Lyme Regis. We are also hoping to get Tesco on board. “We have registered #SAVEFOODLYME with Environmental Health, followed the various procedures and have completed the Level 2 Food Hygiene and Safety Training. Consequently, we are now ready to begin the operation. “We are hoping that people throughout the town will support this new initiative as we work towards making Lyme Regis the next near zero waste town whilst supporting our local community.” The Save Food Lyme Hub will now be operating every Tuesday, launching on December 8 from 8.30pm to 9.30pm from the Baptist Church in Silver Street (DT7 3HR). Those interested in benefitting from the food can download the OLIO app and set up your account at https://olioex.com/. You can then browse the listings and get notifications when new items are listed on Tuesday evenings, request items and visit the Baptist Church to collect. Lisa and Mary added: “The world wastes £2.9 trillion worth of food annually which is more than enough to eliminate food poverty and hunger globally. This simple initiative can help and it is absolutely free to use - just turn up and collect.” For further information, contact Lisa on 07955 772 314, or Mary on 07742 053 736, or email manager@lymeforward.com
Send your letters to francesca@lyme-online.co.uk
Our library is falling apart! ■ LYME Regis is in danger of losing its Library. Why? Not through under use but because of the neglect of the fabric of the building by Dorset Council. If this state of affairs goes on much longer the only thing holding the roof up will be the glass windows. The neglect has meant that the woodwork is rotting away by the day. Is it the county’s plan that it will allow it to fall apart until it becomes unsafe and then close it or are they just not aware of it’s present condition. If it is the second of those then our councillors must take some of the blame here. So come on Lyme council and our county councillor - get cracking with lobbying the county to save the building before it falls apart. Jim Moseley, Charmouth Road, Lyme Regis
PHOTOS of the exterior of Lyme Regis Library, taken by Jim Moseley, show rotting wood, chipped paint and an algae-covered fascia board
Please note, the views expressed in letters are those of the author and not necessarily of this newspaper
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Jennie & Adrian Pearson The Haven, Harcombe, Nr Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3RN
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The alternative
Christmas at your favourite seaside restaurant
No Christmas parties this year but Christmas Fayre will still be served with all the festive trimmings as part of our menu BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL Apologies but we will not be open on Christmas Day Social distancing rules observed at all times
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Christmas in Lyme Still the best place to celebrate the festive season!
CHRISTMAS will look a little different in Lyme Regis this year, with many of our favourite festive events called off due to social distancing guidelines. But it’s hard not to feel some seasonal cheer when visiting Broad Street thanks to this year’s stunning Christmas lights display and the special effort many of our local traders have gone to in decorating their windows to attract the Christmas shoppers now they have been allowed to reopen. There are still some Christmas events going ahead this year with details of many on the facing page, and you can stay up to date with the latest local news throughout the festive season at www.lyme-online.co.uk
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Christmas Menu - Pre-order now for December 22nd to 24th STARTERS Tierra Nachos & Dips - £6 crispy sweet potato wedges, corn tortilla chips, tomato, pepper & chilli salsa, avocado guacamole, lime tahini sauce (vegan, gluten free, sesame) Roast Chestnut & Applewood Cheddar Soufflé - £5 twice baked soufflé with roast parsnips, leeks & cranberry relish (milk, eggs, gluten, nuts) MAINS Luxury Nut Roast - £6 rich bake of pistachio, hazelnut, rosemary & sweet potato, fig stuffing, roast potatoes, carrots & leeks, Mark’s maderia gravy (nuts, vegan, gluten free) Mid Winter Torte - £6 layered bake of trompetit mushrooms & hazelnut, topped with wilted spinach & creamed butternut squash mash, roast garlic & red wine sauce (nuts, vegan, gluten free) Sunblushed Tomato & Ricotta Cannelloni - £6 rich bake with tomato sauce, buckwheat crepes, wilted spinach & Wookey Hole Cheddar (milk, eggs, gluten free) Sri Lankan Curry - £6/£5 fruity, medium, aromatic curry with paneer cheese (vegan option available with roasted peanuts), cardamon, ginger, lemongrass, and mango, coconut rice & pepper sambal (gluten free, milk) PUDDINGS Sticky Cranberry & Orange Pudding - £3.50 orange butterscotch sauce, Mark’s vanilla custard (eggs, milk, gluten) Triple Chocolate & Cherry Roulade - £3 plum cherry compote, coconut cream (vegan, gluten, soya)
Free home deliveries to all our usual locations between December 22nd and 24th please specify when ordering which day and morning or afternoon delivery
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Modern & Traditional Competitive Prices Two Qualified Experienced Hairdressers on busy periods, available for Appointments Everyday and Walk-In System Please ring bell inside door at bottom of stairs to enquire and remember your face mask! Card or cash accepted OPENING HOURS 8.45am to 5pm Monday & Tuesday 8.45am to 5.30pm Wednesday 8.45pm to 3pm Thursday 8.45pm to 6pm Friday 8.30am to 4pm Saturday
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PAU L S
Christmas in Lyme
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Still the best place to celebrate the festive season!
Rotary forced to cancel carols
BUT CHRISTMAS STREET COLLECTIONS WILL GO AHEAD
THE Rotary Club’s popular Carols Around the Tree event has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. The news had been expected for weeks and the Rotary Club of Lyme Regis made a statement this week, calling off the event due to ongoing social distancing guidelines. The traditional event has been held in the town for some 60 years and is one of the most popular of the year with both residents and visitors alike, many returning to their hometown to take part ahead of the holiday. Held just a few days before Christmas, hundreds pack the town centre to sing carols around the Christmas tree at the bottom of Broad Street, with last year’s event attracting record numbers. The Rotary Club said it was with “great regret” that they had taken the decision to cancel the event, adding: “We are, however, conscious this year of the dangers of such gatherings so have come to the conclusion that cancelling Carols is the sensible thing to do. “We hope you will understand and support
our decision. Wishing you all the very best this Christmas, and keep safe.” The announcement comes after the Rotary Club cancelled the Lyme Lunge, due to take place on New Year’s Day, earlier this year. The two events are the club’s biggest fundraisers of the year. However, the Rotary Club intends to continue with its street collections in the days leading up to Christmas and will be accompanied by members of Lyme Regis Town Band playing in Broad Street. The collection this year will be in aid of Lyme Heartbeat, which oversees and manages 10 defibrillator units in the town and surrounding area, with the aim of increasing 24-hour access to them, increasing awareness on how to use them and perform CPR. A spokesperson for Rotary said: “A very worthwhile cause relevant to the safeguarding of locals and visitors alike!” Plans are also underway to stage a sociallydistanced drive-in carol service in the car park of the Woodmead Halls ahead of Christmas, although this is not being hosted by the Ro-
tary Club. For many years The Rotary Club of Lyme Regis has been delighted to support and donate funds to the Lyme Regis Christmas Lights Committee and to the Charmouth lights display. Rotary Club president Richard Main said: “Lyme has a magnificent display every year, paid for by a hardworking fundraising team and public donations. This year the display team have excelled with one of the best displays for many years which has been recently featured on BBC Spotlight as being one of the outstanding displays in the West Country. “We are delighted to be able to contribute towards the maintenance and installation of the Lyme Regis and Charmouth Christmas lights, which brighten up our local towns over this festive period. “Let’s hope the incidence of COVID cases reduce substantially, regionally and nationally and we are able to enjoy Christmas shopping in Lyme Regis and Charmouth under the splendour of these lights.”
Christmas is coming to the Town Mill THE Town Mill complex in Lyme Regis reopened this week in line with the end of the national lockdown and is now looking ahead to Christmas. The historic watermill continues to produce flour for the local community and Christmas stocking fillers of baking kits for children, adults and pets are now available from the mill shop. Viewing areas to watch the millers at work are also now open, and they are happy to talk to visitors about the history of the building. The mill’s two art galleries are also now open; the Courtyard Gallery hosting the PopUp Vintage Store for pre-loved gifts and the Malthouse Gallery hosting a pop-up shop from Dorset Upholstery for the first weekend of December, followed by ‘Christmas at the Mill’ with more than 10 artists selling unique work perfect for Christmas gifts. Due to the national lockdown, the mill was unable to open its special Remembrance exhibition to the public during November and this has now been moved to a new area with knitted poppies from volunteers also on display. Father Christmas will be in residence at the mill for socially-distanced, safe visits on December 12, 13, 19 and 20 - families should book a slot in advance to avoid disappointment. There will also be an outside Christmas trail, a naughty elf guessing game and a chance to view the children of Lyme Regis’ homemade decorations displayed on the giant Christmas tree in the courtyard. The mill’s artisan businesses have contin-
ued through lockdown to offer online shopping and have now reopened their doors. For full information on everything happen-
ing at the mill visit www.townmill.org.uk, where you can also book Father Christmas tickets.
Lyme Bay Radio to spread festive cheer
AS Christmas this year is going to be a little bit different, Lyme Bay Radio is planning to turn the festive spirit up a notch. For a whole week in the run-up to Christmas Day (from December 21), the team at Lyme Bay Radio are presenting four very special, twohour programmes dedicated to local people. They would like listeners to send in your Christmas dedications, messages and wishes which they will play out live on air, post on the Lyme Bay Radio social media pages and on the website www.lymebayradio.com There will also be an update from Santa himself, and LymeOnline editor Francesca Evans will be giving a special report from the ‘North Pole’ on Christmas Eve! Email your video or audio messages to ashley@lymebayradio.com or call Chris Tipping at The Hub on 01297 445021. You can also send Lyme Bay Radio a message on social media - just search for Lyme Bay Radio and follow the station on Facebook or Instagram. All dedications must be with the team by 14th December at the latest, and the radio shows will be repeated on Christmas Day in case you miss them. To listen live to Lyme Bay Radio, visit www.lymebayradio.com
Free Christmas lunches available for those in need A FREE Christmas Day dinner is on offer to anyone in need in Lyme Regis this festive season. A delicious meal will be delivered free-ofcharge to residents on Christmas Day, courtesy of professional chef Dom Moldenhauer, of Lyme Regis restaurant Dom’s Table. Dom’s Table has joined with several community groups to bring some festive cheer to those who may otherwise go without on December 25. Meals will be available to anyone who is in need, perhaps because they are on their own, self-isolating, unwell, or unable to afford food. Dom will be preparing the meals, then handing them over to a team of volunteers who will distribute them to anyone who pre-orders. If you would like to order a Christmas Day dinner, contact Cheryl Reynolds on 01297 443814 or 07796 074849. The initiative is a joint effort between Lyme Regis Community Support, the mayor and mayoress, Dom’s Table, Lyme Regis Food Bank and LymeForward, Lyme Regis Development Trust, Lyme Bay Medical Practice and social prescriber for the Jurassic Coast Primary Care Network.
Community carol singing
■ THE children at Mrs Ethelston’s had a lovely surprise waiting for them on Tuesday morning. Members of Lyme Regis fire crew kindly gave up their evening to put up a Christmas tree at the school, which was donated by Holly Hill Nurseries. A spokesperson for the school said: “Thank you to all involved, the children were thrilled.”
UPLYME resident Sarah Causley is organising two community carolling events in the run up to Christmas. Everyone is welcome to join in with sociallydistanced carol singing at the King George V playing field in Uplyme on Friday, December 18 from 6.30pm, and touring the streets of Lyme Regis on Sunday, December 20 from 5.30pm. The events will be socially-distanced and those taking part should follow the Rule of Six guidelines. Carol sheets and backing music will be provided at both events. For more information, contact Sarah in advance by calling 07788 946 427 or email sarahcsly@msn.com.
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Axminster animator wins award for film on autism Young animator Joe Blandamer, from Axminster, has won an award for one of his latest projects which raises awareness of autism. Joe, 19, who attended the Woodroffe School in Lyme Regis, won Best Animation in the Into Film Awards 2020 for his stop-motion film ‘Overload’. The film depicts what it feels like to have autism and ride on a busy train, raising awareness of how stressful an everyday situation can be for those suffering from the disorder. Joe made his film about autism because he has been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome himself, and wanted to make a personal film that shows how it feels to be on the spectrum. The film took about a year of work, which was a result of Joe’s ambitious decision to animate multiple characters at a time, to make the film busier and more intense. Having to move several characters and take multiple pictures meant a couple seconds of animating took several hours to complete. Joe said: “I wanted to use the film as a way to explain my own experience with being on the spectrum and hopefully relate to others in a similar situation. I found that milder cases of ASD [autism spectrum disorder] were never spoken about in education and I wanted to use my clayma-
tion skills to educate others.” Joe has been animating for over 12 years and has always had a love of creativity. As a child, he was constantly drawing and making comics, and when he received an old computer from his aunt at the age of 7, he taught himself how to animate. Shortly after that he received a webcam and some Plasticine and his love of stop-motion animation flowed from there. Joe sent his animations to a local Exeter film festival, and won first prize, and then began sending his films to as many film festivals as possible. Some of Joe’s biggest achievements include getting over 2 million views on YouTube with his horror animation ‘Inside the Human Lab’, winning Best International Film by a Young Person under 18 at the Mice International Film Festival (Valencia, Spain), winning Best Young Filmmaker and Best Independent Film across all age categories at Leeds Young Film Festival, and winning Best Teenage Film at St Neots Film Festival. Joe has also had his films shown in film festivals in Australia, Tunisia, Croatia, Italy and Spain. He has entered the Into Film Awards for several years; two of his previous films – ‘Snap’ in 2017 and ‘Twang!’ in 2019 – were nominated for awards and he was a recipient of
the Ones to Watch Awards in 2016. A spokesperson for the awards said: “We’re thrilled to have been able to support Joe and witness the progress he’s made, and if ‘Overload’ is anything to go by, his filmmaking is only going from strength to strength.” Joe commented: “This was my last year to enter the Into Film Awards due to my age so I was very happy to win and receive a trophy. My film ‘Overload’ was also shown at the World Health Organisation film festival which felt incredible!” Joe is currently freelancing in stop motion animation and is busy creating a range of ideas for clients. He has no plans to slow things down, commenting: “I definitely plan to keep that going into the fu-
ture!” The Into Film Awards, which celebrates the exceptional talent of children and young people aged 5-19 in filmmaking and film reviewing, was originally due to take place with a live event at London’s ODEON Luxe Leicester Square back in March. Due to COVID-19, the live event – which would have seen more than 400 schoolchildren in attendance, alongside stars of the film and TV industry – could not take place but a virtual awards ceremony was hosted by actor, TV presenter and author David Walliams. You can find out more about the Into Film Awards at www.intofilm.org/awards or to watch more of Joe’s work visit his YouTube channel.
Vouchers up for grabs in Christmas shopping trail A national network of h hyperlocal news websites, now covering the Axminster & Seatton areas With editorial content provided by the team from Ly Lym meOnline
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SHOPPERS in Axminster are being invited to show their support for the town’s beleaguered local traders in the final critical run towards Christmas. With many traders ‘on their knees’ after months of coronavirus restrictions, Totally Locally Axminster is this week launching a Christmas Trail in which the reward for loyalty could be one of four £50 shopping voucher prizes. All shoppers have to do is gather six different loyalty card stamps when they spend £10 at any of more than 20 participating businesses. The trail opens this Thursday (December 3) and runs until Wednesday, December 23rd, with the prize draw taking place the following day. Voucher prizes will then be available to spend with one of the local participating traders until January 31st 2021. The inspiration behind the trail comes from Jane Rockett of Axminster Printing, a family business that has served the town for more than 51 years. “It has been a pretty desperate year for all of us,” she said. “While a lot of traders are on their knees right now, there is in the Axminster community a strong instinct to support one another in good times and bad. I think that will now surface more strongly than ever.” Jane encouraged traders wishing to participate who haven’t yet received Christmas Trail action packs or need self-inking stamps to contact her as soon as possible on 01297 32266. Meanwhile, Totally Locally Axminster is also co-ordinating extended opening hours until 6.30pm on Friday, December 18 and Tuesday, December 22.
Local cancer charity releases recipe book RESTAURANTS and chefs in Lyme Regis and Axminster have donated some of their best recipes to support a local charity. Due to the COVID lockdown restrictions, Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support had to cancel all planned in-person fundraising events for 2020, but it has now published a cookbook with a difference to boost coffers. 'Recipes with Love' is the first community cookbook published by Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support. It draws together a collection of the most-loved recipes from chefs, popular restaurants and supporters of the charity. Some of those contributing include Tierra Kitchen, Monmouth Pantry and The Galley Cafe of Lyme Regis, among many others. Mary Kahn, founder of the charity, said: “This book has been brought together quickly and I’d like to thank the many people and businesses that have contributed to its production. When the first lockdown started, we wanted a project that would bring our community together and help with our fund raising efforts. "Every recipe was tried and tested, with our kitchens resembling the 'Bake Off' tent at times. As a charity, our aim is to support anyone affected by any cancer, in our area. The profits from the sale of the book help to continue our needed work and services in the Axminster and Lyme areas." 'Recipes with Love' has 39 recipes split into two savoury and sweet sections, each one with some notes on the origin of the recipe or additional information and simple-to-follow guides with refreshing and clear photography. The book is available from the charity's online shop, as well as from Archway Bookshop in Axminster, Serendip Bookshop in Lyme Regis, Felicity’s Farm Shop in Morcombelake, Millers Farm Shop in Kilmington, and Dalwood Post Office. If anyone should wish to contact the charity for support or information, email info@axminsterandlymecancersupport.co.uk or call 07512 27966.
Nominate your Citizen of the Year
NOMINATIONS for Axminster's Citizens of the Year are now being accepted. If you know someone you think is deserving of the annual Robin Cross Award for Citizen of the Year, you can nominate them by simply submitting their name and details to Axminster Town Council by Monday, December 7. The winner will received an £100 cash prize, sponsored by Axminster Nub News, to donate to the charity of their choice. The Robin Cross Award was launched in 2016 in memory of the well-known community champion. Robin was site manager at Axe Valley Community College and spent more than a quarter of a century with the Special Constabulary, attaining the rank of special inspector. He was affectionately known as 'The Sheriff of Axminster'. Nominations for this year's award should be sent to Axminster Town Council by Monday, December 7 by emailing enquiries@axminstertowncouncil.gov.uk or by post to Axminster Town Council, The Guildhall, West St, Axminster, EX13 5NX. Councillors will choose the winner and the prize will be awarded at the January meeting of the town council. Entries should include the name of the nominee, activities for which the nomination is being made, and why you think your nominee is deserving of this award.
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Lyme couple willing to spend life savings on community nursery - if they can find the land LYME Regis couple Rikey Austin and Paddy Howe are on the hunt for a piece of land where they can open a community garden and nursery. The couple are willing to put their lifesavings towards the project but time is running out - they have already sold their home in Silver Street and need to find a suitable piece of land to make the community project a reality as soon as possible. The idea behind the community garden and nursery is to teach residents how to grow their own fruit and vegetables, provide locally-grown produce to those in need completely free or charge, as well as creating a sustainable food source for the whole community. Along with the free, homegrown produce, the garden and nursery could host classes and workshops to teach residents new skills, improving physical and mental health, and would also include a ‘tool library’ from which residents could borrow items such as lawn mowers, which they may not otherwise be able to afford. It is hoped the nursery could be run as a community interest company so it will remain for the benefit of the community in perpetuity. Local artist, businesswoman and former town councillor Rikey founded Lyme Garden Growers a year ago with the eventual aim of setting up the community nursery. She came up with the idea last November after meeting a young mother on a
zero hours contract who was struggling to make ends meet. Rikey suggested she use the local foodbank, but the woman said she felt embarrassed due to the social stigma that can sometimes be placed on those asking for help. Rikey commented: “No one should feel embarrassed when asking for help. Using the foodbank when needed it what it’s there for - that’s what community is all about.” Meeting the young woman struck a chord with Rikey and she and husband Paddy made a life-changing decision to sell their house in Silver Street and buy a piece of land where they could set up a small home and run the community project. They put their house on the market in January and the sale is now in its final stages, but they still haven’t found a suitable piece of land to move to. Rikey and Paddy are looking for a property with about an acre of land, or a few acres where planning permission would be possible for a small home and community buildings, such as the ‘tool library’, sheds, greenhouses, poly-tunnels, etc, within a few miles of Lyme Regis. Rikey said they have received great support from town councillors and county councillor Daryl Turner, but have struggled to find an affordable piece of land in the area, in particular due to ‘overage’ charges - meaning they would have to pay more to the previous land owner if they
increased the value of the site with planning permission. “We have lots of ideas for the community and we want to stay here to work on them,” said Rikey. “We would be really sad to leave Lyme Regis but if we don’t find anything soon we will have to widen our search and we already have local authorities asking us to set up the project in other areas. “Paddy and I have agreed this is what we want to do with our retirement. Everyone deserves good, local food whether they can afford it or not and making it free for everyone means there will be no stigma attached for those in need.” While the hunt for a piece of land continues, Lyme Garden Growers has gone from strength to strength, with many residents learning to grow their own fruit, vegetables and herbs at home and then donating or swapping plants depending on the local need. They have also set up small community gardens around the town with berries and herbs free to pick, and have recently been given a flower bed in Langmoor Gardens, with discussions now underway on how to best utilise the space for the community. To find out more search ‘Lyme Garden Growers’ on Facebook or contact Rikey Austin at Alice’s Bear Shop on 01297 444589.
RIKEY Austin and Paddy Howe, pictured at the community herb garden set up in Summerhill Road earlier this year
Have yourself a sustainable Christmas
Our polluted waters increase
IT really is possible to have a great Christmas and keep it sustainable, while also saving money. Making simple changes or swaps will often cut down on spending and it will inspire you to get creative, so it’s a win-win situation all round! Here’s five tips to help you have a sustainable Christmas: 1) When we purchase or consume anything, there is usually some kind of environmental cost – use of materials, where they may have come from, carbon costs of production and distribution, potential for pollution or emissions during production processes and the list goes on. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be this way – just cutting down on Christmas shopping will help. Buying upcycled or second-hand gifts can be just as good, if not more lovely than something new and will reduce the impact of your shopping and save you money. 2) Shop locally! This year, it’s more important than ever to support local businesses. Shopping locally helps the local economy, reduces the carbon footprint of your Christmas shopping and you can often find something unique and individual from small independent traders not found elsewhere. Although most shops have been unable to open fully in the run up to Christmas this year, many are offering postal services, deliveries or click and collect services, and they will really appreciate your support. 3) Hand-crafted, homemade gifts have a wonderful personal touch, so you could try
IN October I wrote about the pitiful state of our sea waters in the UK and that raw sewage is regularly dumped into our rivers and seas by water companies - the very same companies we pay to treat our sewage, provide clean water, and protect our natural aquatic environment. The findings in the 2020 SAS Water Quality Report, published this month, clearly highlight the continued water quality issues we face. Water companies still continue to treat rivers and the ocean as open sewers, dumping tonnes of raw sewage into waterways. It shows that there is no improvement in their behaviour, in fact the report shows a worsening in their performance, including in Dorset. How is this acceptable? South West Water made nearly £140million profit, after-tax, last year and distributed nearly £250million in dividends. Chris Loughlin, chief executive of South West Water was paid more than £1million last year. At the very least, there should be an obligation on water companies to provide open and transparent information as to when and where sewage is being discharged. Whilst some water companies provide information voluntarily, others do not and only during the ‘bathing season’ of May 1 to September 30,
creating your own gifts, e.g. bake a cake or some cookies put them in a dish or jar from a charity shop, make your own cloth caps for lids of jam jars and put some home cooked goodies inside, knit, sew, paint or craft a gift – it will be a one off and unique to you, whether it’s perfect or not! 4) Use your local greengrocers, farm shop, market or veg box delivery scheme when shopping for your Christmas groceries. This will reduce food miles, carbon footprint and it’s usually plastic free. 5) The tradition of sending Christmas cards is a lovely one, but to minimise the environmental impact of all that paper and all those deliveries, it’s worth considering whether you can convey your Christmas greetings some other way, such as a call to family or friends or an e-card as an alternative. Sending e-card via local Lyme Regis based charity The Word Forest Organisation will also contribute to planting trees so you can even have a positive impact while spreading Christmas cheer! Visit ecards.wordforest.org/product-category/charity-ecards-christmas to browse their selection. Alison Johnson Turn Lyme Green
which is dangerous as many swim year-round locally, as do others in their own coastal areas in the UK. This appalling behaviour not only makes humans sick but also has a devastating impact on our fish and wildlife in both our sea and rivers. Poor water quality is tolerated by the government who appear to wilfully ignore some of the worst pollution incidents and fail to properly resource, regulate and enforce against continued water pollution. If like me, you are outraged by water companies taking huge profits whilst polluting our rivers and seas, please help us all. On January 15 2021 the Sewage (Inland Waters) Bill gets its second reading in parliament and I urge you to email your local MP and ask them to support this bill so that: ● Water companies are obliged to report every sewage discharge, throughout the year, not just between May and September. ● Water companies are given a legal obligation not to pollute or rivers and seas. You can do this easily by visiting the website www.sas.org.uk/EndSewagePollution-SewageBill. It really will only take a minute and could lead to our rivers and seas being cleaner for us and wildlife to enjoy. Grenville Barr Plastic Free Lyme Regis
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Lyme mourns war veteran and respected citizen WAR veteran, a Royal Marine for 25 years serving all over the globe, a quarter century working with British Gas, holder of the British Empire Medal, town council macebearer, Royal British Legion stalwart, local footballer and referee, keen snooker player, allotment holder, founding member of the cribbage league. Tony Rice enjoyed a long and interesting life, serving his country with distinction and his home town with pride. His passing, at the age of 94, at the Lyme Regis Nursing Home where he lived for the last six years, will be greatly mourned in Lyme Regis where he was a hugely respected by his fellow townsfolk. He is survived by three children, Sue, Jenny and Martin, nine grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Born and educated in Lyme, Mr Rice joined the Royal Marines at 18, became a Commando and served all over the globe, seeing action in Germany when British troops crossed the Rhine and landing in Japan shortly after the Hiroshima bomb. He retired from the Marines at the age of 40 in 1966, having served for 25 years in all the world’s trouble spots, and took a job with British Gas for whom he worked briefly before the war. He worked as a service engineer until his retirement in 1991, having been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to the Gas Board and the community. Mr Rice was a popular local footballer and referee and enjoyed a game of snooker at the Conservative Club. He was also a founding member of Lyme Regis Cribbage League and was secretary-treasurer to the Lyme Regis Allotment Association. He was a keen member of the Lyme Regis branch of the Royal British Legion, acting as the caller at their weekly bingo sessions, and served the town council
as a macebearer for many years. In his latter years Mr Rice became a familiar figure around town and on the seafront in his power wheelchair, escorted by one of his children, and enjoyed meeting and chatting with his many friends whilst he puffed away on his trademark pipe. In a tribute to Mr Rice, Philip Evans MBE of LymeOnline writes: “I lived opposite the Rice family for 50 years and all the young men in our road looked upon Mr Rice as a bit of a hero – mainly because he was a great footballer and also because we knew he was a Royal Marine Commando. Nothing earned our respect more than that. “He always had the time of day for us and I remember interviewing him in 1989 when he was awarded the BEM about which he was extremely humble. “He took a great interest in the football club and we often saw him on his allotment on a Saturday afternoon when we were playing at the Davey Fort. He always wanted to know what the score was. “Mr Rice succeeded my father Jack, after his death, as a macebearer for the town mayor, a role he took very seriously. As a former Marine, you can image he brought great gravitas to his duties. The role of the macebearer, now purely ceremonial, was to protect the mayor. I can’t imagine anyone being a threat to the mayor with Tony stood beside him! “Living just a few doors from another former war veteran Bill Reed, we had no real understanding what like men like Mr Rice and Mr Reed had gone through during the war years. They rarely – if ever – spoke about their exploits but we knew there was something special about them. We considered it a privilege living in such close proximity in a road where community spirit was always way of life.”
U3A pays tribute to Charmouth geologist CHARMOUTH resident Dr Geoff Townson, one of the leading geologists in the area, has died following a battle with a rare form of cancer. Born in West Sussex, Geoff gained degrees in geology at London and Oxford which led to an international career in the oil industry from 1971 to 2000. In the early 1980s, he also studied drawing and sculpture in Perth, Western Australia, and later became known for his paintings of the Jurassic Coast, both he and his wife exhibiting work at Herringbone, Breeze, Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre ad Charmouth Library. In more recent years he tutored in drawing and painting from his Charmouth studio, and led courses on both geology and drawing for the Heritage Coast Lyme Regis branch of the U3A. In their latest newsletter, the U3A paid trib-
ute to him, saying: “Geoff ran the geology group for eight years and gave well over 100 members all the benefits of his vast knowledge of the geology of the Jurassic Coast during that time. “Indeed, many people from other branches joined our U3A branch in order to participate on his courses, composed of lectures and field trips, so he proved to be a great magnet. “He was also a talented artist and ran a drawing group one year in addition to the geology group. “Geoff was a very private person and said little about his illness. Instead, he participated readily in recent online meetings and continued to play table tennis vigorously up to the first lockdown. “All those who knew him will miss his passion for passing his knowledge on to others and his modest manner.”
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A sprinkling of sea salt 20 Friday, December 4 2020
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UNDERSTANDING THE ORIGINS OF THE SALT IN OUR OCEANS
O
NE of the early industries believed to have put Lyme Regis on the map was the production of salt from the sea.
According to local researchers, it was Cynewulf – King of Wessex – who in 774 granted salt rights to Sherborne Abbey on a piece of land on the west bank of the River Lim. The sea water was boiled and the salt residue taken by packhorse to the abbeys at Sherborne and Glastonbury. Although the salt industry in Lyme eventually declined, the value and importance of salt to society has a long and continuing history. Even today, we refer to worthy people as the “salt of the earth” – a phrase first used by Jesus in his Sermon on the Mount. As a traded commodity, salt played an important role in numerous civilisations including the empires of Ancient Greece, Rome and China. The word “salary” is even attributed to the Latin word salarium (or salt money) allegedly referring to the amount of money paid to a Roman soldier for the purchase of salt. 220 million years ago – during the Triassic Age – vast deposits of rock salt were formed beneath, what is now, Cheshire. The tectonic plate was then situated near to the Equator and the land became flooded by shallow seas, which evaporated leaving the salt beds discovered in 1670. Along with the refineries on the Mersey, these beds were a major factor in the development of Liverpool as a prosperous port. Even today, Cheshire supplies much of the rock salt used to grit our roads in winter. It has been estimated that, if the salt in all of the oceans was removed and spread evenly over the Earth’s land surface, it would form a layer 500 feet high – about the height of a 40 storey office block! Why does the ocean contain this vast reserve of salt and where does it all come from? This question vexed the ancient philosophers of Greece and it was Empedocles who poetically claimed that “the sea is the sweat of the Earth”. Aristotle ridiculed the idea of a sweating Earth, but observed that seawater is bitter - suggesting that it was earthy residues that made the sea salty. He claimed that the action of the sun’s rays
SCIENCE FEATURE by Professor Glenn Patrick
Professor Glenn Patrick is a particle physicist and science communicator who explores the quantum world of sub-atomic particles (including at the Large Hadron Collider) and now lives in Lyme Regis somehow transformed the water, but was unclear about the precise mechanism. Interestingly, there is a Dorset connection with the eventual answer to this puzzle as it was Robert Boyle who published the first real chemical tests in 1673. Boyle is widely regarded as the first modern chemist preferring to conduct experiments and scorning the theorising and philosophising of Aristotle and company. He inherited Stalbridge Park in the Blackmore Vale in north Dorset and became Lord of the Manor. After setting up a laboratory at the house, he conducted many of his early experiments there during 1644 - 1652. In 1675, Boyle showed that even so-called fresh waters – like rivers and lakes – contained small amounts of salt and confirmed that the salt in the oceans must flow from the land. He also analysed samples of water taken from different depths in the English Channel by mariners and demonstrated that “sweet water” could be obtained by evaporating seawater. So, one major reason the sea is salty is because rain washes minerals from the land into rivers, which then flow into the sea. Carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide in the air dissolves into rainwater making it slightly acidic helping it to weather rocks and to release minerals. Just like waterways all over the world, we have the local rivers Lim, Char, Brit and Axe all transporting traces of minerals all the way into Lyme Bay. If you think that this must mean that the oceans are gradually getting saltier then you are in good company. Edmund Halley – the second Astronomer Royal and with a comet
WHERE the freshwater of the River Brid meets the salty sea at West Bay
WHERE the freshwater of the River Lim meets the salty sea of Lyme Bay and, below, the mouth of the River Char at Charmouth
bearing his name – suggested that the salinity of the oceans was increasing with time and that this could even be used to calculate the age of the Earth. In fact, some of the salt is removed by creatures and plants in the sea and some is deposited on the ocean floor. Although the total amount of dissolved salts varies from place to place, the major elements (sodium, chlorine, sulphur, magnesium, potassium, etc.) are astonishingly always present in the same relative proportions. This suggests that it is the steady supply of fresh water continually diluting the ocean that keeps the amount of salt in balance. This cycle is too complex to be much use in calculating the age of the Earth. We now know that rainwater run-off and rivers are not the only source of salt in the ocean. In 1977, scientists discovered the first hydrothermal vent while exploring an oceanic ridge off the coast of South America. These vents are created when seawater percolates through fissures in the ocean crust and then gets heated by the hot magma beneath. This heated water can reach 400 degrees centigrade and after chemically interacting with the rocks is then forced back through the vents into the sea laden with minerals. Just as importantly, some of the river-borne
elements are absorbed by the fiery basalt. Hundreds of vents have since been discovered in the world’s oceans drastically changing our view of the deep. It has been estimated that the entire volume of all the oceans could seep through the oceanic crust in about 10 million years meaning that it is a major process in controlling the salinity of the sea. Underwater volcanic eruptions also release minerals into the ocean. These are still much of a mystery as many eruptions go unnoticed concealed deep beneath the sea. Despite this, six new volcanoes were discovered off the coast of Sicily in 2019 and the largest deepocean eruption in history – twice the size of the Mount St Helens eruption was recorded off New Zealand in 2012. The largest known volcano on Earth – the Tamu Massif – is thought to lie beneath the Pacific Ocean. It turns out that salt plays a crucial role in the health of our planet and its climate. It was realised in 1980, that an ocean conveyor belt – the thermohaline circulation – is part of the global current system moving water around the planet. This is driven by density differences due to temperature and salinity. Salt is more important to society now than it ever was. Worth thinking about when you next take to the salty waters of Lyme Regis!
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FLASHBACKS with Richard Austin
Tales from behind the lens of our award-winning photographer
■ I WAS sent to a pub on Dartmoor to meet up with future Tory Prime Minister David Cameron and future Tory Prime Minister’s dad, Stanley Johnson, having been there could be a cracking pub lunch on the cards. Well, there was a good lunch, which I wolfed down then picked up my camera and snapped the political pair talking politics. What else, you may ask but, no, it was all politics. It was just before the 2005 General Election won by the Stanley failed to win a Devon seat whilst David Cameron
kept his seat in Witney and eventually became leader of the Conservative Party later that year, and then the PM five years later. I photographed Mr Cameron in Exeter a while later. The Western Morning News had been invited to send a reporter and photographer to meet up for questions and answers with the then Prime Minister. We were in a small office in Sidwell Street; the reporter and the PM were talking across a coffee table and I was
shooting over the reporter’s shoulder when, suddenly, one of the Mr Cameron’s army of blue suited ‘assistants’ appeared behind him making all sorts of signals for me to stop taking pictures. It was almost laughable but when he started making cutthroat signals I thought I had better stop. He attempted to give me a rollicking after the interview; in one ear and out the other!
Police share more than 400 calls in 12-hour ‘Tweetathon’ DORSET Police showcased the variety of calls made to the force as part of its 12-hour ‘Tweetathon’. The event took place between 2pm last Friday and 2am on Saturday, during which details of all logged 999 calls, 101 calls and online contacts were published on the force’s Twitter account. More than 440 tweets were published and messages about the ‘Tweetathon’ campaign appeared in the social media timelines of more than 1.2 million people. The aim of the ‘Tweetathon’ was to highlight how the public contact the force as part of its ‘Your Dorset. Your Police. Your View’ survey. The second phase of this survey is open until Monday, December 14 and asks the public how they would like to communicate with Dorset Police.
The survey looks into which option members of the public would choose if they wanted to report a non-emergency matter to Dorset Police, and how they would expect to be treated if they had to make an emergency call to the force. It also asks people which methods they would prefer Dorset Police to use to provide information to the public, and what types of public engagement they regard as being the most important. The ‘Tweetathon’ evening was another busy shift for officers and staff in the Force Command Centre, who answered 187 emergency 999 calls, 321 non-emergency calls to the 101 service and 116 emails. While the number of calls relating to the nighttime economy were minimal due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, the Force’s officers and
staff still dealt with a variety of incidents and enquiries. Emergency calls ranged from suspected hare coursing in rural Dorset and drug dealing in Bournemouth to possible breaches of COVID-19 regulations and assaults. The force also dealt with a number of missing people enquiries, silent or accidental 999 calls and Clare’s Law requests – a Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme giving potential victims information about the history of their partner so they can make an informed decision about the relationship. Calls were also received relating to partner agencies and triage call handlers provided suitable advice about which agency they needed to call to deal with their enquiry. Chief Constable James Vaughan said: “We
have an excellent team of people in our Force Command Centre who are there to help our communities from the first point of contact. “Friday was a busy, but usual evening for the force and I hope the public enjoyed reading about the variety of calls and enquiries received by Dorset Police on a typical day during this pandemic. “I am really keen for our communities to tell us how they would like to report matters and communicate with the Force. I would ask everyone to please take a few minutes to fill in the Your Dorset survey. “The responses we receive will help to shape the future of the force.” You can take part in the survey at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/dorsetalert2
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ITEMS FOR SALE
SETTEE, leather, dark green, three-seater, very good condition, £50 - 01297 443419. DVDs, Wildfowling Shooting Adventures by Chris Green, five DVDs, £30 for all - 01297 443419. TENNIS RAQUET, Dunlop Max 27 with cover, £10 - 01297 443930. SQUASH RAQUET, with cover, £10 - 01297 443930. HOSTESS TROLLEY, Ekco ‘Royal’ heated hostess trolley, hardly used, with instruction book, £25 - 01297 443930. SOFA, black faux leather, two seater, raiseable leg rest, good conditions, free 01297 443930. TOY SCHOOL BUS, Fisher Price 192 with seven people in very good condition, £28 01297 442627. TOY CAMPER VAN, Fisher Price, complete with extras, boat and seven people, very good condition, £30 - 01297 442627.
CARAVAN FOR SALE
Elddis Odyssey 505 caravan on site between Beer and Colyton in East Devon - Leacroft EX24 6HY. Two owners from new in 2002, full and porch awnings, everything available to move into. Price £2,600.
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.
01217 051483 or 07980 729 551 678584. DOOR - INTERIOR, 15 panel glazed, H77" (1960mm) x W 29 1/2" (750mm), thickness 1 3/4" (44mm), £30 - 01297 6789584. TIFFANY OPEN LOVE HEART PENDANT, 21mm wide with silver-16" chain, engraved Elsa Peretti, with pouch, box and bag, from Tiffany in New York, unworn, £100 - 01297 678584.
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TILES, bathroom/kitchen, handmade, 60x30cm, underwater scene dark blue, £50 for 3 - 07397 206 365.
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SINDY dune buggy and caravan, very good condition, £38 - 01297 442627.
COFFEE TABLES, pine, pair 1x1m and 60x60cm, also console table 120x45cm, offers welcome - 07397 206 365.
Send this form to: Items For Sale, LymeOnline, Unit 5, Uplyme Business Centre, Uplyme Road, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3LS
PORTAPUZZLES, two puzzles, felt surface keeps your puzzles safe, with side panels, one large 43” x 30”, one medium 30” x 21”, £10 - 01297 443963.
WATERCOLOUR FLOWER PORTRAITS, book by Billy Showell, first edition, 2006, ISBN: 9781844480661, as new condition, £14 - 01297 442627.
GOLF BUGGY, Powakaddy Discovery, charger, lithium battery, ramps, £300 - 0297 442134 / 07761 258 115.
JAMES BOND BOOKS, set of 3 books by Steve Cole, new and sealed ISBN: 9781782958314 r.r.p. was £23.97, now asking for £6 - 01297 442627.
TOY CIRCUS TRAIN, Fisher Price 991, with seven people, three wagons and five animals, very good condition, £35 - 01297 442627
ELECTRIC FIRE, Dimplex Cheriton, 2kw convected heat output, virtually unused, £70 - 07840 938 374. MAKING CHUTNEY? Cooking apples picked daily, supermarkets charge £2 per kilo, mine are just £1 per kilo, free windfalls 01297 443930. CHEST OF DRAWERS, blonde oak, veneered with three drawers, 33” or 84cm wide x 29” or 72cm height x 20” or 50cm deep, only £25 - 01297 443930. HEATED HOSTESS TROLLEY, Ekco, four lidded, Pyrex containers, instruction book included, as new - 01297 443930. BEDROOM SET, Sarah Kay bedroom set for girls, 2 duvet covers, pillow slips, matching curtains 66” wide x 54” drop, £30 - 01297 443930.
SCARIFIER & RAKER, MacAllister 1400w, almost new and barely used, plus manual, £60 01297 560782. LEAF SWEEPER, with large bag, almost new and barely used, plus manual, £15 - 01297 560782. FULL SIZE UKULELE, instruction book an case included, as new, unwanted gift, originally cost £95 now asking for £65 - 01297 33745.
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FRIDGE/FREEZER, Electrolux under worktop fridge and freezer, good working order, £50 - 07840 938 374. SONY PLAYSTATION, PS2 Slimline with two controllers and 23 games, fully working but no longer required, one controller cable has had a minor repair, photos and/or list of games can be provided on request, £30 07747 353 301.
COFFEE TABLE, light oak, parquet style, very good condition, L48"(1220mm) x W24" (610mm) x H15" (390mm), £25 - 01297 678584.
CORNER BOOKSHELF, solid whitewood H59”, 21” to corner, 30” out of cornerm six shelves, £20 for charity - 01297 560611
ROLL TOP DESK, pine, very good condition, L42" (1070mm) x W20" (510mm) x L42" (1070mm), £40 - 01297 678584.
WALKING STICK BLANKS, 30 in total, mixture of hazel and ash, £50 for the lot - 01297 443419.
HOSTESS HEATED TROLLEY, very good condition, L29" (750mm) x W16" (400mm) x H27" (700mm), £20 - 01297 678584.
BOOK, ‘Down by the Sea with Brush and Pen’, first edition 2009, book on drawing by Claudia Nice, as new, £30 - 01297 442627.
DOOR - EXTERIOR HARDWOOD, six panel, H77" (1960mm) x W30" (760mm), thickness 1 3/4" (44mm), £40 - 01297
BOOK, ‘Painting Nature in Pen and Ink with Watercolour’ by Claudia Nice, first edition 1998, as new, £15 - 01297 442627.
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LymeOnline Sport
24 Friday, December 4 2020
December 4 2020
Shane Featherstone is Reserves’ new boss BUSTLING centre-forward Shane Featherstone has taken over as manager of Lyme Regis Reserves.
Shane, a former Millwey Rise manager, has been playing for the Seasiders for the past three seasons and has taken charge of the team on a number of occasions. He takes over from Nick Tregale, a former Lyme goalkeeper, who has had to relinquish the role due
SHANE Featherstone - Lyme Regis Reserves’ new manager
By PHILIP
EVANS
to work commitments, and Darren Stewart, who is also standing down. Nick informed the Lyme committee that his job now involves weekend work and he is unable to give the commitment which the club deserves. In a posting on the club’s WhatsApp group, Nick thanked and all the players and Darren for his help in running the team. Referring to the Reserves’ difficult start to the season, Nick said: “You did what was asked of you and I am sure your luck will turn soon. Thank you to everyone at the club and all the best for the future. Up the Seasiders!” Club chairman Howard Larcombe thanked Nick for taking on the job, adding: “The current climate has not helped the situation.” Mr Larcombe also thanked Darren who offered to stay on until Christmas to help the club find a successor. In a message to the players, Darren urged them to build on the good progress they had made. He said: “If you continue in this way I’m sure the results will turn our way. Remember, you are all good enough so believe in yourselves and your team mates and winning ways will become second nature.” The Reserves compete in Devon & Exeter League Division One East. It’s been a difficult start to the season, having got just three points from four games, but they ran leaders Exmouth Rovers close on two occasions, losing by the odd goal.
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NOW IN THE DEVON & EXETER LEAGUE
Saturday, December 5 Lyme Regis 1sts away to Wareham Rangers in Dorset Senior Trophy
ASHLEY’S HONG KONG TRIUMPH
FORMER Uplyme and Lyme Regis cricketer Ashley Caddy, who lives and works in Hong Kong, is continuing his sporting exploits on the other side of the world. Ashley, eldest son of Russel and Gail Caddy, plays for Kowloon Cricket Club and his team has just won the CHK Premier League T20 final beating Hong Kong CC. Ashley (pictured back row, third from the left) was a key member of Uplyme and Lyme Regis CC before moving to Hong Kong and he also played in goal for Lyme Regis Football Club
football
Seasiders return with a Dorset Senior Trophy match WITH local football being able to recommence tomorrow ( Saturday), Lyme Regis 1st team will be looking forward to getting their Dorset Senior Trophy campaign off to a start with an away fixture at Wareham Rangers (writes Philip Evans). The Seasiders had a bye in the first round and will fancy their chances against a Wareham side which is bottom of the Dorset Premier division, having lost all eight of their games this season, shipping 25 goals along the way. Lyme has an excellent record in county cup competitions, the first team having won the Dorset Intermediate Cup on nine
occasions, but that was in the days before they were considered to be a senior side, now playing in the Devon and Exeter League. Since playing in the D & E Premier East division, however, the Seasiders now compete in the Dorset Senior Trophy which pitches them against some of the top sides in Dorset football. Like all local teams, Lyme is anxious to get back to playing again, but there will be no game at the Davey Fort tomorrow as the Reserves are away to Tipton St John in the Devon and Exeter Division One East. Lyme Rovers have no fixture but are on Dorset Junior Cup duty the following week (December 12) away to Sturminster New-
ton. The Tipton game will be a stern test for the Ressies who have experienced a difficult start to the season, having won just one of their four league fixtures. Tipton, however, are riding high, occupying third place with 11 points from their first games, sitting behind Beer Albion Reserves and leaders Exmouth Rovers. Lyme Reserves have already played both home and away games against the league leaders, performing well in both fixtures and losing by the narrowest of margins. With an excellent team spirit, there is confidence within the club that the results will come and that they will start to climb the table as the season progresses.
Uplyme have made an impressive start to the season, winning four of their seven games in Perry Street Division Two, and are comfortably placed in second position behind Forton Rangers Reserves. Their first game back in action tomorrow will be at home to Chard United Reserves where another three points beckon. Uplyme Reserves, the youngest side in the league, have also got their act together after a shaky start, with three good results on the trot and have shot up Division Three to a respectable mid-table position. Tomorrow they travel to struggling Crewkerne Rangers A where a win could see jump into the top half of the table.
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