Daryl’s not for moving
DARYL Turner, one of Lyme’s no-nonsense district councillors, is his own man. Always has been. Always will be.
So when he decided to stand again for the town council, two years after announcing that he was unable to serve both authorities effectively, I was looking forward to questioning him on his change of mind.
Adrianne Maslen, the Lyme Regis News reporter, had a similar idea, I understand.
But Daryl was having none of it, making it clear to both myself and Adrianne that he would mot explain his reasons for rejoing the town council but would make a statement at his first meeting back in the town council chamber. That could be tonight (Wednesday) when the planning committee meet.
Daryl soon established himself as a robust debater when he first won his seat on the town council and, as one of the young members, became very much the champion of young people’s causes in the town, particularly the skateboard, or rather the lack of it.
He went on, of course, to win one of Lyme’s two district council seats, helping to oust the town two long-serving West Dorset members, Ken Meech and Owen Lovell.
It came as somewhat of a surprise when Daryl decided he wanted to concentrate on his district council work, his resignation causing a by-election which saw former council worker Ken Hitchcock win a place on the town council.
Daryl won his WDDC seat on a Liberal Democratic ticket and was a hard worker for the local branch.
More eyebrows were raised when he resigned from the Lib Dems, frustred by their policies, and became a member of the Conservative Party.
Daryl also stood as a Lib Dem in the last county council election and gave the sitting Tory candidate Colonel Geoffery Brierley a good run for his money.
It is rumoured that Daryl may well fight the next county election should Colonel Brierley stand down.
Daryl’s unexpected return to the town council will happen without an election as his was the only nomination in the by-election for the cavancy caused by the recent death of Dr Spencer
Hogg.
There were strong rumours on the social websites that others were going to stand but in the end Daryl’s name was the only one to be put forward.
At least it will save the town council the cost of staging the be-election, about £1,800 I understand.
It will be interesting to hear Daryl’s statement on why he has decided to rejoin the town council.
I know that he is very keen to see better facilities for the town’s young people and made his feelings quite clear on the situation regarding the former young people’s club in Church Street at the recent public meeting.
He may well feel that he can be more effective in helping to get the club re-opened following further consideration by the county council if he is serving as a town councillor.
The duties of a district councillor are quite onerous but councillors get little coverage as very few reporters attend the Dorchester meetings.
Daryl will not be slow in coming forward to express his views at town council meetings and will receive more high profile coverage than he has since relinquishing his town seat two years ago.
The press bench will welcome his return. With Stan Williams having taken a long break things have been a little quiet in the Guildhall of late.
We’re rarely short of a good headline when Daryl gets up to speak.
What a send off for popular Joe
I’VE attended all the big funerals in Lyme Regis in recent years - but none as big as the send off we gave Joe O’Donnell last week.
When I got up to give the eulogy I was amazed how crowded the church was. Mourners were standing four or five deep at the back and I estimate the total number as being not far off 500.
It was the perfect funeral, if there is such a thing. Full of emotion, reverence, dignity and a good deal of laughter. Even some applause. Joe would have loved it.
And afterwards the town went into party mode to celebrate the life of this extraordinarily popular man.
The official wake was held at the Ship Inn which Joe and his wife Dinah ran for over two decades but so many people turned up other pubs took in the overspill.
It was an occasion for swapping Joe O’Donnell stories, for meeting up with old friends who no longer live in the town, of which there were many.
One great friend of Joe’s who was not able to be present was former Lyme musician Dave Hercock who lives in the States. But he did the next best thing - he recorded a musical eulogy on violin including one of Joe’s favourites - “Danny Boy”. You can hear it on our website - www.viewonline.co.uk
You may need a handkerchief ...
I WAS somewhat concerned to hear that my esteemed rugby correspondent and theatre critic Keith Jenkin was bitten by a police horse when he attended the recent England v Ireland Six Nations rugby match at Twickenham.
I am pleased to report, however, that I have it on good authrity that the horse has made a complete recovery!
HOW’s the book coming on? - a question I’ve been asked a few times over the last week.
“It’s coming on,” is my usual answer.
The book in question is “From Slovenia with Love” - the story of the Lyme’s new organ which I’m writing.
I’m working to a March 26th deadline so the book can be published in early April so there’s going to be a few late nights and early mornings.
The title comes from the fact that the organ was built in Slovenia by an incredibly skilful team led by Anton Skrabl who oftens talks about the love and passion hiscraftsmen put into their work.
It may sound a bit of a dry subject, but that’s not the case at all.
It’s a fascinating tale, made all the more interesting by the fact that our old organ will continue its life serving another Christan community in Bosnia.
The book will go on sale for £5 with £4 per copy going towards the £350,000 cost of the organ.
You will be the first to know when it hits the streets.
www.viewfromonline.co.uk
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