Friday 8 July 2011


Sleepy town - no way!

WELCOME back to my Summertime in Lyme column.

I can’t quite believe it’s already the time of year to bring you my weekly updates on all the town’s top events, but I’m looking forward to spending summer in Lyme having now finished my journalism degree in Southampton.

As well as covering the usual events, I’m also looking for lots of summer activities to try out. I’ll be fossil hunting, rock pooling, taking guided tours of the town and I’ve even been promised a ride in Lyme’s new Tuc Tuc car, Tukxi, which seems to be grabbing the attention of many.

If you would like me to try out a summer activity to feature in this column, please get in touch by emailing francesca@pemedia.co.uk or phone 01297 446144.


My family and I started the season in great fashion – but not in Lyme.

My dad was invited to the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace last week and we all got to go along for a glimpse of the Queen and Prince Philip, and a slice of cake.

Local GP, Dr Forbes Watson, and his wife Noreen also attended, although we couldn’t find them amongst the huge crowds in the palace gardens.

It was such a privilege to be invited, a great day out and such a memorable occasion for the family (although no sign of Wills and Kate, to my disappointment!).

It was also a good excuse to dress up for the day in our finest, even dad wore a morning suit!
Dad has reported on numerous people going to the Palace over the years but never thought the would end up there himself, having been nominated for all the community work and fundraising he has done over the years.

It was a never-to-be forgotten day out for all of us and dad treated us to lunch at the Savoy Grill before we made pur ways to Buckingham Palace

Since coming home from London it’s been non-stop – last weekend the town hosted the 21st annual Lyme Regis Jazz Festival, including the colourful Umbrella Parade, which regular readers of this column will know is one of my favourite local events and the best way to start summer.

The View got more involved with the Jazz Festival this year, helping to keep it going, and hopefully it will remain a part of Lyme’s early summer scene for many years to come.

I was also helping out at the Summer Charity Ball on Friday, organised by the Lyme Regis Branch of Cancer Research UK, a brilliant event, and the weekend also saw Lyme Regis Football Club’s annual dinner and presentation night and the Mayor’s civic service and parade.

Who ever said Lyme was a sleepy town? I’ve barely been to sleep!

I’m sure things aren’t likely to slow down soon, with the town’s two biggest events of the year, Lifeboat Week and Regatta and Carnival Week, approaching fast.

This summer Lyme is set to look its best ever, with the official opening of the newly-refurbished Marine Parade shelters to be held this Saturday.

The Marine Parade has been opened to pedestrians again, giving a glimpse of the new shelters. Although the finishing touches are still being made, I think they are looking great and can’t wait to see them put to good use.

Praise should be given to the town council and, in particular, administrative officer Vicky Stickler, for organising a whole day of events to mark the special occasion.

The programme looks great – full details were in last week’s View From Lyme Regis - and the highlight will be a sail-past and salute by the town’s many seafarers, for which I’m hoping to join the Mayor, Councillor Sally Holman, on a boat.

Celebrations start with a civic procession along Marine Parade at 10 am – don’t miss out on what will be an important day in Lyme’s history.


Plenty going on in Lyme this weekend

WATCH history being made at the opening of the new Marine Parade shelters on Saturday. A full programme of events, starting at 10am with a civic procession along Marine Parade, has been planned for the occasion.

STUDY sealife in the year of Maritime Lyme during a guided rockpooling session with Lyme Regis Museum’s geologist Paddy Howe and marine biologist Chris Andrew. Sessions will be held throughout summer but the next is today (Wednesday) at 3pm.

CELEBRATE the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible at any of the Lyme Regis Big Read events this week, including several readings, a lecture and quiz – see www.whatsoninlyme.co.uk for full details.

GET in the summer spirit and take a look at Lyme Regis Museum’s latest exhibition “Where the Brass Band Plays” opening today – a display of local photographer Peter Wiles’ work all based on summertime events.

ENJOY the return of Lyme Regis Town Band’s summer evening concerts held in the new Marine Parade shelters. This week’s concerts will take place on Sunday, 2.30pm to 4pm, and Tuesday at 8pm.

LEARN a new skill at one of Lyme Regis Boat Building Academy’s summer short courses, starting this week. Full details of courses are available at www.boatbuildingacademy.com

SUPPORT charity and enjoy live music by rock band BOSH, who are touring the South West to raise money for the Trussell Trust, stopping at the Marine Theatre on Saturday night. Entry costs £7 for £5 for under 18s (aged 14 and over only) – tickets available on the door.

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