Carnival Week goes out with a bang!

LYME Regis celebrated the end of another successful Regatta & Carnival Week on Saturday with the annual procession and fireworks display.

I think this is one of the most fun and easiest jobs to cover of the entire year - music pumps out at the procession’s starting line, silly costume is encouraged and everyone is excited, all smiles and waves,  and happy to have their photo taken!

Unfortunately, I couldn’t stay and watch the procession after taking photos this year, as my family and I were celebrating dad’s 65th birthday out of town. I must say, after seeing all the excellent entries I was a bit disappointed as I left Holmbush Car Park just before the start (although I did have an excellent meal instead at The Harbour in Axmouth!).

Dad’s birthday and carnival week always clashes and, in August 2015, another family event will be competing with the carnival procession - my big sister’s wedding! 

“Don’t worry,” said dad, “We’ve got two years to find someone to cover the carnival!”

As maid of honour I don’t think I’ll be making it to both!

It was great to see some new entries in this year’s procession, including Lyme Regis Mummers in full costume complete with grotesque masks, promoting their winter play which will take place on January 4th 2014, and coming first place in the adult groups category.

Another new entry this year was the pink-clad Volly Dollies - girls from the Volunteer Inn driven in vintage car by Elliott Dale - who have fully taken on the carnival spirit this year and were seen earlier in the week competing in the Wheeled Derby. The girls also came first in their category - trade entries.

I’m told the fireworks were also the best Lyme has seen for some years, played to the music of Pink Floyd, the choice of local fisherman Harry May who generously sponsored the display to celebrate 40 years of taking visitors out on his boat - happy anniversary!

Congratulations to all involved in organising the carnival - a small and hard working committee.

The event comes around quicker every year so here’s to 2014!

Don’t miss the Lyme Lympics

THE popular Lyme Lympics returns next Wednesday (August 21st) and is one summertime event not to be missed.

The wacky games, organised by local artist Hugh Dunford-Wood, were first held last summer as Lyme’s own version of the Olympics and were so popular they were promised to return this summer.

Games included the six-legged race, mermaid racing and stinging nettle eating with more fun set to return to the beach next Wednesday.

What I’m doing this week...

THIS week I can breath a sigh of relief as the busiest few weeks of the summer have passed. 

That’s not to say there isn’t still lots more to come this year, but this weekend I don’t have a single job in my diary! Instead, I am planning a trip to Bristol Zoo on Sunday, which I have never visited before. 

While the zoo is not on the programme, Lyme families looking for a day-out to similar attractions should take a look at the remainder of the programme for this year’s Lyme Regis Community Trips, organised by LymeForward.

Trips have already been held this month to Paultons Family Theme Park in the New Forest and Longlest Safari Park and, from what I have heard, those attending had a great time.

This is a great idea for local families looking for a day out that won’t break the bank, as the transport is funded by Lyme Regis Town Council. Trips coming up include the Black Country Living Museum and Woodlands - phone 07766 666 384 for details.

Events this week also include the annual fete at the Catholic Church of St Michael and St George in Lyme Regis, starting at 2pm on Thursday. This is always a popular event with plenty of stalls, entertainment and refreshments, plus the church is unusually lucky with the weather each year so don’t forget your sunnies!

Also on Thursday, students across the country including at Lyme’s Woodroffe School will be anxiously opening their A-level results. Good luck to all! 

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