What a difference a year makes!

WHAT a scorching week it has been! As temperatures soared over the past week (and I soaked up the sun on the beach!) Lyme Regis was finally able to enjoy some real summertime weather. 

Last summer may have been Lyme’s most memorable but, let’s face it, weather-wise it was a washout. I can’t believe this time last year I was wading around the town in my wellies reporting on the worst floods Lyme had endured for 70 years, and later getting soaked to the bone and drowning my camera while photographing the Olympic Torch Relay.

Let’s hope the sun stays out for the coming weeks as there’s plenty to be looking forward to...

Next week will be all about the Armed Forces, which seems to be a regular theme in Lyme Regis these days as the town forges friendships with all sections of the miltary.

Royal Navy ship HMS Sutherland will be calling in on Tuesday (July 23rd) and I’m looking forward to going aboard with dad and other representatives of the community.

The ship’s arrival will hopefully stengthen links between Lyme and the Navy, made last year when HMS Edinburgh arrived for a pre-jubilee visit and re-naming of the Jubilee Pavilion. The ship returned to Lyme as its last port of call in May before being decommisioned in Portsmouth.

On Friday (July 26th) Lifeboat Week kicks off with “Forces Friday” and Lyme will be welcoming its summertime favourites - the Red Arrows at 12noon and the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team at 3.30pm (for full details on Lifeboat Week events, programmes are available at local outlets for £1.50).

• Speaking of the lifeboat, take a look at this great aerial shot of the lifeboat returning to the harbour after an emergency shout last week. The photo was captured by David Walters of No Bounds Aerial Film and Photography, who were in town all week capturing Lyme from the sky.

Time for a little pampering

WHILST enjoying some time off last week I was treated to a pampering session at the new beauty salon at the Mariners Hotel in Lyme Regis.

The new salon is run by fully trained and qualified beautician Sophie Turton, who has worked at the hotel in other roles for several years. 

The Mariners have set up a relexing room at the front of the hotel, where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the peak season in Lyme.

I was given a French manicure, with my nails filed, buffed and polished to perfection.  Sophie uses the best products available and took her time to intricately paint my nails, with a range of colours and nail art designs on offer.

A French manicure costs £20, although treatments start at £12.50 for a mini manicure. Other treatments on offer include pedicures, massage, facials, waxing and eye treatments. Sophie also hopes to soon become qualified in gel nails and spray tanning. 

To book an appointment phone 01297 442753 or 07795 311 745. 

What I’m doing this week...

SUMMER is now definitely in full swing as my diary is getting more and more full-up as the weeks go on.

This week, events will include St Michael’s Parish Church’s beach stall tomorrow (Thursday) in the Marine Parade shelters, from 10am to 3:30pm.

This weekend there is plenty to keep you busy, including Uplyme and Lyme Regis Horticultural Society’s 84th annual Summer Show, which will include fun for all the family on the King George V Playing Field, Uplyme, from 12pm to 5pm. 

As well as the varied classes to enter, attractions will include a family dog show, bird of prey displays, miniature steam train, live music, fairground amusements and sideshows, refreshments including a beer tent and lots more (see pages 14 & 15).

Who else is excited for the return of the Marine Theatre Discos on Saturday night? I’m almost too young to remember these but am so glad theatre directors Tim and Harry have brought them back folowing a suggestion from Lyme Regis Town Council. The first disco will be held on Saturday from 8pm to 1am with entry costing £5 (strictly over 18s only).

It’s back to Uplyme on Sunday morning for  Mrs Ethelston’s Primary School’s first fun run and 10k run named “Mrs E’s Big Wheeze” starting outside the school at 9.15am. 

Better go easy on those Saturday night cocktails then!

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