Just another work day!

I CAN’T really complain about my job in the summer months, especially on days like last Wednesday.

While my colleagues were stressed out in the office putting together our East Devon papers, I was following the Mayor, Councillor Sally Holman, and her special guests about town for Civic Day (see pages 6 and 7). I even got to join them for a sumptuous buffet at the Cobb Centre and enjoyed a boat trip around the bay - just another work day!

I had never been in the Cobb Centre, situated on the end of the historic harbour wall, before - what a well kept secret. Formerly the West Dorset District Council offices, the building is now used as a training and education centre by Steve Postles, but made a great place for the Mayor’s lunch and in such an apt venue for keen sailor Sally.

I then joined Councillor Holman, the mayoress Jane Whittington, Councillor Mark Gage, deputy harbourmaster Mike Higgs and town crier Phil Street - on his last official occasion as town crier - for a trip around the bay in Mr Postles’ “Jozilee” fishing boat.

The wind had been picking up all afternoon and it was a little choppy, to say the least, but we had great fun as Steve bobbed us up and down on the waves,

It was a brilliant way to finish off the summer season, which, looking at the weather as a I write this, seems to definitely be coming to an end.

The town is finally calming down after one of the busiest and most successful seasons it has seen in recent years. The last few weeks have been pretty hectic but have gone by as quick as a flash. Lyme can now breath a sigh of relief as we look ahead to the coming months,

Although a successful and enjoyable peak season, one thing has definitely become clear - something must be done about town centre traffic. The constant gridlock in Church Street and Broad Street was frustrating and almost unberable at times. I know this is an issue that has been discussed many times before, with no feasible solution being found, but I hope the problem will not just be ignored for years to come.

As September is now arriving, this will be my last Summertime in Lyme column for this year. Next week my dad, Philip Evans, will return with his Lyme Matters column... councillors beware!

Thanks for reading over the past two months. I’ve really enjoyed sharing my summer stories with you and I hope you’ve had a great Summertime in Lyme!

TOP THINGS TO KEEP YOU BUSY 'TIL CHRISTMAS

1 THE BIG FISH WEEKEND - This charity fishing competition takes place this weekend, with prize money totalling £1,150. Organised by The Tackle Box on Marine Parade, participants can fish for as long as they like over the weekend, with prizes for the best catches. Contact The Tackle Box for details on 01297 443373 or visit www.lymetackle.com

2 ARTSFEST 2011 - This year’s ArtsFest will take place between September 17th and 25th, with a parade from the Marine Parade shelters to the Town Mill at 12 noon on the opening day. Open studios, workshops, live music, local walks and more will be held all week. Visit www.lymeregisartsfest.com for details.

3 MARY ANNING DAY - This annual celebration of Lyme’s most famous daughter will be held on Saturday, September 24th, made extra special this year as the ichthyosaur discovered by Mary is currently on show at Lyme Regis Museum. Visit www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk for the day’s programme of events.

4 BONFIRE NIGHT - This year falls on Saturday, November 5th. The usual beach bonfire and spectacular fireworks will be held, organised by Lyme Regis Regatta and Carnival Committee.

6 REMEMBRANCE DAY - The annual Rememberance Day parade, church services and wreath dedications will take place in November (dates to be confirmed). Wear you poppy with pride.

7 THE BIG SWITCH ON - The town’s Christmas lights and tree will be switched on at the end of November (date to be confirmed) following the annual lantern parade from the Baptist Church, down Broad Street.

8 CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES - There’s always plenty to do in Lyme Regis around Christmas time and a great community spirit around the town. Don’t miss the Carols Around the Tree service, organised by the Rotary Club, Christmas Tree Festival at the Baptist Church, and the Lyme’s Got Talent finalists’ Christmas show (dates to be confirmed). There will also be several church services, concerts, Christmas markets and charity events.

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