What's On in Lyme Regis

7 May 2018

The annual blessing of the boats service on the Cobb in Lyme Regis yesterday  was just one of many events to benefit from the glorious Bank Holiday weather.

An estimated 200 people joined in the open air service led by the vicar of Lyme Regis, the Rev. Jane Skinner, and hosted by the RNLI at the lifeboat station.

The volunteer lifeboat crew, the British Legion, coastguards, the sailing,  powerboat and gig clubs were all represented.

Lyme Regis Town Band and the Harbour Voices choir took part in the service and Sophie Vernon, whose parents are members of the gig club, read her poem called Salt.

The service concluded with wreaths being taken to be laid at sea by the lifeboat crew.

1 May 2018

Lyme Regis RNLI start the  Yellow Welly Mayday Relay

Lyme Regis RNLI volunteers had the honour of starting the 31 day Mayday Yellow Welly Relay today.

 At 4pm  the welly set off by car from the harbour with Lifeboat Operations Manager Nick Marks, his wife, Anne ,and Deputy Launching Authority Ian Marshall and his wife Anne-Marie, on the first leg of the relay to meet members of the West Bay branch of the  RNLI.  Next the welly was driven to Weymouth lifeboat station to be handed over to volunteers there for the second leg.

 RNLI volunteers around the South and South East coast are planning their route for the iconic Yellow Welly, which will end its journey on 31st May on the Thames in Teddington raising money and awareness for the charity that saves lives at sea.

 The RNLI’s Mayday event began today (Tuesday 1 May) and will run for the whole month, with fundraising taking place across the whole of the UK and Ireland. This year, the RNLI hopes to raise £750,000 through Mayday, which will be used to fund essential kit for the charity’s brave volunteer lifeboat crews.

 Nick Marks, volunteer lifeboat operations manager at Lyme Regis,   said: ‘RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews around the UK and Ireland are willing to drop everything to go and save lives at sea when they get the call. Their specialist kit protects them against extreme conditions, gives them a firm footing on unsteady surfaces, and shields them from injury, allowing them to carry out their lifesaving work. The Mayday campaign is our own call for help, as we rely on the generosity of the public to fund this vital kit that helps keep the crews safe when they risk their lives for others.’

Money raised through Mayday fundraising events will help RNLI lifeboat crews to face the harshest conditions at sea with the best kit possible. It currently costs £1,598 to provide one all-weather lifeboat crew member with all of the kit they need when responding to the call for help.

This year, the RNLI is going yellow for Mayday – just like volunteer crews do every day to save lives at sea. Anyone who wishes to get involved can visit RNLI.org/mayday to register for a free Mayday fundraising pack. The pack provides a host of fundraising ideas, such as encouraging friends and colleagues to get sponsored to run, walk or cycle, cooking up some yellow-themed bakes to sell or even getting together to lift the weight of a 42 tonne Severn class lifeboat!

The charity is also encouraging people to show support on their social media, joining the conversation using the hashtag #MaydayEveryDay, or by donating online or buying a yellow crew member pin badge.

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its 4,700 volunteer lifeboat crew members provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts.   

In 2017, RNLI lifeboat crews across the UK and Ireland launched 8,436 times, assisting 8,072 people.

29 April 2018

Penny farthing pair cycle for charity

Penny farthing enthusiasts and football fans Seb Cope and his father Alistair cycled from Derby County’s ground to Aston Villa at the weekend for a charity close to their hearts.

Seb, 35, a member of the RNLI lifeboat crew in Lyme Regis, and Alistair, 59, from Seaton, raised more than £200 for the Aston Villa Foundation community charity during their 50-mile cycle ride.

Seb, whose great, great grandfather was born just yards from Villa Park, said:”We cycled on roads, paths and canal towpaths and had a greet reception from people along the way, and especially football fans.”

On the way to Aston Villa the pair stopped at the National Arboretum where Seb paid his respects at the RNLI memorial.

At the end of their journey they watched Aston Villa draw 1-1 with Derby County.

Seb and Alistair regularly organise vintage cycle events, and the next one, Velo Vintage, is at Seaton on June 30. For details go to www.velovintage.co.uk

29 April 2018

Chairman Mark to lead lifeboat management team

A former treasurer and shore crew member with the RNLI in Lyme Regis has returned as chairman of the Lifeboat Management Group.

Mark Houghton, 57, has just begun a four year stint to co-ordinate the activities of the lifeboat operational team, the fund-raising guild and the RNLI’s beach lifeguards.

Mark, who lives near Bridport and  takes over from John Dover, who performed the role for 18 months, said:” Another important part of my activities will be as a point of contact for other local organisations or individuals regarding all aspects of the RNLI in the area.

“This could involve discussing co-operation with other local services, local authorities, or individuals who want to volunteer with the RNLI or simply have concerns to raise.”

25 April 2018

Blessing of the boats service – all welcome

The annual blessing of the boats service will be held this year on May 6 at the RNLI lifeboat station on the Cobb in Lyme Regis.

Starting at 3pm the inter denominational service will be led by the Vicar of St. Michael’s Church, the Rev. Jane Skinner.

The town band and the Harbour Voices shanty singers will feature in the open air service to which all are welcome.

Members of the volunteer lifeboat crew, the coastguards, the gig club, sailing club and powerboat club will all be represented.

The service will conclude with wreaths, including one from the Royal British Legion, being taken out to sea by the lifeboat crew.
 

12 April 2018

Volunteers hit the jackpot for RNLI’s life-saving charity  

Volunteers in Lyme Regis and Charmouth raised nearly £64,000 for the RNLI during the past year.

The figure was announced last night (Weds) at the annual meeting of  the Lyme Regis and Charmouth RNLI Guild – the local fund raising branch of the charity – by treasurer Brian Cursley,who said it had been ‘an excellent year.’

Another financial success was  the lifeboat shop on the Cobb. Volunteer manager, Krys Lavery said her second year in charge had ended in a turnover of £126,000 and the shop was seventh in the league table of RNLI outlets.

Lifeboat Operations Manager Nick Marks reported on 22 ‘shouts’ during last year and said the crew had already answered eight calls for help in 2018.

He said a major refurbishment of the boathouse was now almost complete, and the lifeboat has returned to the station after a month in an industrial tent while the work was carried out.

Guest speaker  Elliott Herbert, a member of the crew and also Senior Assessor Trainer (lifeboats) England for the RNLI outlined the importance of training for the volunteer crews.

Mr Herbert leads a team of 11 responsible for training at 114 lifeboat stations.

The meeting ended with praise for the outgoing chairman of the guild, Irene Roper, who received the RNLI’s award for excellence in volunteering.

Irene was said to have led the guild in raising some £166,000 during her nine years, five of them as chairman.

New chairman Ken Lavery praised her ‘hard work, commitment and sheer doggedness’ as Irene sliced a celebration ‘thank you’ cake.

25 March 2018                                                                       

RNLI Lyme Regis lifeboat assists broken fishing boat 30 miles south-west of Portland

Lyme Regis lifeboat launched this morning (Sunday 25 March) during a training session to a report of a 6 metre broken fishing vessel.

Lyme Regis lifeboat volunteer crew were tasked to assist the Coastguard with a stranded fishing vessel with two people aboard. The boat was reported to be 30 miles south-west from Portland.

 The volunteer crew were on a routine training session when contacted by the Coastguard at 9.50am to assist a fishing boat that had suffered power failure. The Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat headed south from Lyme Regis for approximately 18 miles to the position of the stricken vessel. The crew set up a tow and 2 hours later were back by West Bay where the helm of the lifeboat Jon Broome had to carefully negotiate manoeuvring around the dredging machine currently in the harbour.

 Dave from North Devon, one of the rescued men said: ‘We were so relieved to see the lifeboat heading towards us and we are very grateful for our safe recovery.’

 Jon Broome, helm of the crew said: 'It was a great opportunity to put the training into action and the crew worked well as a team to recover the boat and men safely.’

8 March 2018

Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat moves into a tent 

The RNLI’s inshore lifeboat based in Lyme Regis moved into her new temporary ‘home’ last night (Weds)…a huge industrial tent on a car park.

The boat, Spirit of Loch Fyne, the  tractor used for launching and other equipment will be housed in the tent, east of the bowling green, for a month while work to repair the floor of the boathouse on the Cobb is carried out.

Volunteer crew members were briefed on arrangements, including safety measures for the move, and also carried out a dry run for launching which will mean the tractor with the boat on its carriage being transported a short distance along a public road to the harbour.

Lifeboat Operations Manager Nick Marks said: ’The crew had a detailed briefing on how to manage the next month, including closing the short stretch of road when the boat is being moved for launching.

‘We apologise in advance for any inconvenience to pedestrians and motorists and we will keep any restrictions to a minimum.

‘One of our main considerations is the safety of everyone when we need to use public areas.’

27 February 2018                                                                  

RNLI Lyme Regis lifeboat launched to couple cut off by the tide

Lyme Regis lifeboat launched this afternoon to two people cut off by the tide.
Lyme Regis lifeboat was requested to launch to assist the Coastguard with two people that were reported to have been cut off by the tide near Black Venn, between Lyme Regis and Charmouth.

The volunteers launched the lifeboat at 4.45pm and were on scene in 10 minutes later and assisted the Coastguard to ensure the safety of the people.

Murray Saunders, helm of the crew said: 'We were glad to assist the Coastguard with this rescue and thankfully the people made it to safety. If in doubt, leaflets are available from the Tourist Information Centre and RNLI lifeboat shop explaining the risks of the changing tides.

February  2018
 

RNLI Lyme Regis lifeboat moves ‘home’ for station repairs

The RNLI’s Lyme Regis-based lifeboat is moving ‘home’ for a month during March.

The 8.5m Spirit of Loch Fyne will be housed in an industrial tent on a car park from March 7 while the lifeboat station’s boathouse floor is re-laid.

The move also includes the tractor used to launch the inshore lifeboat as well as other boathouse equipment.

During exercises, or launches to an emergency at sea, a short stretch of road from the car park east of the bowling green to Cobb Square will be closed for a few minutes.

Lifeboat Operations Manager Nick Marks explained:’ The closure of the boathouse is necessary because parts of the floor are breaking up after years of wear.’

The lifeboat will be launched from the harbour’s public slipway while the RNLI’s facility is used by contractors carrying out the repair work.

Mr Marks added:’ Crew members will carry out safety measures while the boat is moved on the public road to the harbour.

‘The operation includes Easter weekend, and we apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused when we need to launch the lifeboat.’  

24 February 2018
Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat launched twice in night

After returning to the lifeboat station at 11.45pm last night (Friday 23rd), the volunteer crew launched again at 02.15 this morning to continue the search for the reported missing man.

Senior helm Tim Edwards, in the operations room at the lifeboat station, said: ‘After a report from the police helicopter we were asked to carry out a search about 300metres off the West Bay piers, but found nothing.

‘Our four crew members then waited in the West Bay coastguard station for the arrival of the coastguard helicopter. We then resumed the search at about 5am, but it was called off around an hour later.’

24 February 2018
 

Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat launched in search for ‘missing man’

Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat was launched last night (Fri 23rd) to assist following reports of a man missing in the West Bay area.

Solent coastguards requested the lifeboat crew to carry out a shoreline search in the West Bay, Eype, Freshwater and Seatown areas.

The lifeboat was launched at 9.26pm. Nothing was found and the volunteer lifeboat crew were stood down after searching in bitterly cold conditions for two hours. The lifeboat crew returned to Lyme Regis harbour at 11.45pm

8 February 2018

Lifeboat Week 2018 is coming! 
Members of  the committee of the Lyme Regis and Charmouth RNLI Guild have already drawn up a provisional programme for the week which this year runs from July 28^th to August 3^rd.

And already confirmed for a return visit are the Red Devils, the British Army’s official parachute display team. They will be ‘dropping in’ during the afternoon of August 2^nd.

The Guild – the local fundraising branch of the RNLI charity – is holding its annual meeting on April 11^th  at 7.30pm at Lyme Regis lifeboat station. Guest speaker is long-serving lifeboat crew member Elliott Herbert who is also a full time Senior Assessor Trainer with the RNLI. New members of the Guild are welcome to attend the meeting.

31 January 2018

Georgia joins the volunteers of Lyme Regis RNLI

A 23 year old general manager has become only the fourth woman ever to join the volunteer crew of the RNLI lifeboat  in Lyme Regis.

Lyme-born Georgia Robson has enrolled as shore crew and is now attending regular training sessions at the lifeboat station on the Cobb.

Georgia, a former Woodroffe School pupil, aims eventually to become a sea-going crew member. She enjoys regular trips with her ex-Royal Marine father Jim, in his four metre RiB (rigid inflatable boat).

Georgia applied to join after meeting members of the crew at last year’s Remembrance Day parade.

“I have always enjoyed the sea, and after talking to crew members it just seemed  natural to apply to join them. I am thoroughly enjoying the camaraderie during training sessions.”

Georgia is general manager with Tukxi Ltd, an Axminster firm which imports and converts Tuk Tuk auto rickshaws.

Lifeboat Operations Manager Nick Marks, said: ‘Georgia follows Grace and Shona and now joins Nikky and we are delighted to welcome her aboard.’

How Garry turned old wellies into a fun fund raiser

What to do with the Lyme Regis lifeboat crews' worn out yellow wellies was the puzzle for long serving RNLI volunteer Garry Gibbs. Landscape gardener Garry took the redundant footwear home to his workshop.

And 8 hours and 7 boots later the result was a dog-shaped model which will become a star attraction during lifeboat week this summer.

Garry, a member of the lifeboat crew for 22 years, said " A dog seemed the obvious answer to the recycling issue with the old wellies. I hope to make another animal when more old wellies become available.”  Now, organisers of Lyme Regis lifeboat week - starting on July 28 - are planning to run a competition to name this very rare breed and to raise funds for the RNLI charity.

13 January 2018

Lifeboat launched to ‘two cut off by tide’

Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat was launched today following a report that two people were thought to be cut off by the tide between Lyme Regis and Charmouth.

The alarm was raised by National Coastwatch volunteer Howard Lyne on duty at the Charmouth look-out station.

The lifeboat was at sea within seven minutes of the coastguard request to launch at 2.40pm.

After a comprehensive shoreline search by the lifeboat crew nothing was found and coastguards called off the operation.

Lifeboat Operations Manager Nick Marks said ;’It seems the two people made their own way to safety but this shout demonstrated how well the Coastwatch volunteers, the coastguards and ourselves can work together. And it is always better to be safe than sorry.’

2 January 2018

Lifeboat launched to ‘three cut off by tide’

Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat was launched yesterday (New Year’s Day) when coastguards were alerted that possibly up to three people had been cut off by the tide on the beach between Lyme Regis and Charmouth.
The volunteer crews’ pagers sounded the alarm at 4.20pm and the lifeboat crew were quickly on the scene east of the harbour. It was soon established that one man was involved and was able to leave the beach, making his own way to safety.  He  was then met by coastguards ashore and the lifeboat crew were stood down.    

10 December 2017

Lifeboat crew tributes at Christmas party

An award for 30 years’ voluntary service, tongue-in-cheek tributes and a Christmas dinner all contributed to the success of the Lyme Regis lifeboat crew’s annual presentation party last night (Saturday).

Some 50 people – RNLI crew members, their friends and family – attended the event at the Harbour Inn.

Among the awards were the White Star Line award to helm Mark Colley, the Watch Your Language award to John Bird and the Bent Propeller trophy to Brian Street.

Consultant surgeon Ken Lavery, who is a Deputy Launching Authority, received a photograph of himself on the ground – not needing hospital treatment ! –after failing to clear a fence during  a crew visit to an Exeter Chiefs rugby match.

Most popular award of the night, receiving a standing ovation, was to  postman Andrew Rice who has just completed 30 years as a volunteer member of the lifeboat crew

1 December 2017

School visits to lifeboat station are a hit with youngsters

The RNLI’s lifeboat station in Lyme Regis is becoming a regular favourite for organised  visits, particularly by school parties from a wide area.

The latest visitors (yesterday, Thurs)  were 44 nine to ten year olds from Wheatley primary school in Oxford.

The youngsters visited the station during their stay at Hooke Court, the residential field study centre near Beaminster.

They heard a talk by volunteer Deputy Launching Authority Ian Marshall who told them about the way the RNLI works and discussed beach and water safety. He also gave them a guided tour of the lifeboat station and the lifeboat itself.

Mr Marshall said: ”We are always pleased to welcome school parties. It is a great opportunity to stress safety issues for the youngsters when they are enjoying themselves in or near the sea. It also gives them the chance to ask me some tricky questions !”

A party visit can be organised by leaving a message for Mr. Marshall on the lifeboat station telephone number 01297  442230.

27 November 2017

Photo Club puts lifeboat in the picture with £250

Former members of the Lyme Bay  Photographic Club performed one of their last acts together at the weekend with a cheque presentation to the RNLI.

The club recently closed and  at their last meeting they decided to split their remaining funds equally between the Dorset Air Ambulance and the Lyme Regis and Charmouth RNLI Guild.

A cheque for £250 was presented to RNLI Lyme Regis Deputy Launching Authority Ken Lavery at the town’s lifeboat station yesterday (Sunday).

18 November 2017
 

Charmouth Christmas Day swim plans get the go-ahead
 

Plans for the traditional Christmas Day swim at Charmouth have been approved by the parish council, and once again swimmers and dippers in weird and wonderful costumes are expected to brave the waves.

Last year an estimated 2,000 people watched as some 250 swimmers took a dip in costumes ranging from penguins to dinosaurs…and, of course, Santa.

Nearly £2000 was raised for the RNLI at last year’s event which again this year starts promptly at 11a.m.

The swim is being sponsored by the new landlords of Charmouth’s Royal Oak pub, Sue and Matt Bracey, and they will be serving mulled wine to warm up the swimmers and dippers.

Chairman of the organisers, Irene Roper, of  the Lyme Regis and Charmouth RNLI Guild, said: ”Fancy dress is not compulsory but it certainly adds to the fun. We are hoping for another bumper turn out by swimmers and spectators alike.”

As usual volunteer members of the RNLI Lyme Regis lifeboat  crew will be on hand to keep an eye on the swimmers.

5 November 2017

Gig club in safety exercise with RNLI crew

The first of a series of exercises involving Lyme Regis’ successful gig club and the town’s RNLI lifeboat crew was held today (Sunday).

Gig club coach Chris Waller, who is leading a safety management team for the rowers, said:”Our aim is to manage a better culture of safety for gig clubs.

“We have a comprehensive plan and we will be making safety recommendations, based on our exercises with the RNLI, to the Cornish Pilot Gig Association.”

Today’s exercise with a gig crew of seven and their 32 foot vessel, Prospero, involved the lifeboat going alongside the gig and a session to practise towing.

Future exercises are expected to involve scenarios including capsize, man overboard, swamping, and casualty recovery.

The Lyme Regis Gig Club now has 180 members.

27 October 2017                                                                    

Lifeboat assists with search after ‘wreck debris’ report  

The volunteer crew of Lyme Regis lifeboat yesterday (Thurs) assisted  with a shoreline search along Chesil beach following reports of debris that could have come from a wreck. Weymouth all-weather lifeboat and a coastguard helicopter were also involved.

Lyme Regis lifeboat launched at 3.30pm  to assist Weymouth lifeboat and a coastguard team from Wyke Regis. There had been  sightings of a number of floating boxes and other debris off Chesil beach and Ferrybridge. .

During the search, a number of fishing boxes and other debris were retrieved from the sea. The coastguard called off the search at 5pm.

16 October 2017

Volunteers in joint exercise to save lives at sea

An exercise at sea to improve still further radio communication skills between the volunteers of the National Coastwatch Institution and the crew of the RNLI’s inshore lifeboat in Lyme Regis was staged yesterday (Sunday).

Scenarios involving a kayaker in difficulties and ‘man overboard’ were used to enable the Lyme Bay Coastwatch teams at look-out stations at Charmouth and Burton Bradstock to practise directing the lifeboat crew towards an incident.

David Last, deputy station manager of Lyme Bay Coastwatch at Burton Bradstock, said: "The exercise achieved its aims for us and we were very pleased with the result, and in particular our involvement with the scenario to rescue a capsized kayaker."

RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Nick Marks said: ”This was a very useful exercise in developing the working relationship between the lifeboat crew and our local NCI look-outs. Close co-operation between both teams is essential in promoting our overall goal of saving lives at sea.”

15 October 2017

Tasty result as fish suppers raise £450 for RNLI
 

Two fish suppers in Lyme Regis over the weekend raised a total of £454 for the RNLI’s life-saving charity.

One was held at the town’s sailing club where at least 54 fish and chip meals were served on Friday evening, and the other, on Saturday, invited diners to a chalet above the bowling green where hostess Petrina Muscroft served fish curry and rice, salmon salad or vegetarian pasta.

Diners made a donation for their meals and Petrina, Herbies, Baboo Gelato and the sailing club presented their profits to the crew at the lifeboat station today (Sunday).

15^th October 2017                                                                  
 

Lifeboat answers two calls for help

The volunteer crew of Lyme Regis lifeboat answered two calls for help yesterday (Saturday), both of which were false alarms with “around good intent”. Coastguards were alerted after a man and his dog reported to be cut off by the tide at Black Ven, East of the harbour.

On arrival the lifeboat crew found a man who did not need assistance. While still at sea, a report of a 'sail' in the water off Burton Bradstock turned out to be a floating sack.

A lifeboat spokesman said “While both these calls turned out to be false alarms, we always consider it be best safe rather than sorry”.

The Lyme Regis lifeboat crew have now answered 21 calls for help this year.

7 October 2017

Two rescued aboard broken down cruiser

The crew of the Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat were called to assist today (Sat) when a 30ft cabin cruiser broke down 16 miles west of Portland Bill.

Weymouth RNLI’s ALB – All Weather Lifeboat – towed the cruiser, with two people aboard, to Lyme Regis where the town’s ILB – Inshore Lifeboat  crew –took over and towed the vessel the short distance to the safety of the harbour.

The Lyme Regis crew received the request to launch from Solent coastguards at 2.48pm and returned to harbour just after 4pm.

5 October 2017

Wanted – volunteer lifesavers to join RNLI crew

Volunteers who run the RNLI lifeboat station in Lyme Regis are appealing for new recruits to bring the crew up to full strength.

Two Deputy Launching Authorities – DLAs – and three shore crew members are being sought.

The DLAs are members of the management team and are the first point of call for coastguards when they make a request for the lifeboat to be launched.

They then take charge of the operation in the boathouse during any emergency.

Lifeboat Operations Manager Nick Marks said: ”The DLAs tend to be senior members of the team operating on a duty rota, and shore crew should be aged between 18 and 40 with good fitness levels and living and working in Lyme Regis or close by. Training can take up to two years for those who want to be sea-going crew members.

“Everyone is a volunteer and training and other events can account for around 12 hours a month.

“Full training is given to all new recruits, and there is a genuine team spirit and plenty of social activities in addition to the serious business of saving lives at sea.”

Anyone interested in joining the crew should call 01297 442230 and leave a message or come along to the next training session at the lifeboat station at the harbour from 9a.m. on Sunday October 15^th.

2 October 2017

Petrina plans a fun fish supper to support the lifeboats

Former chef and lifeboat supporter Petrina Muscroft is opening her Lyme Regis holiday home to stage a special fish supper in aid of the RNLI.

On the menu: lifejacket potatoes, crew cut chips and fresh haliboat.

“No, that’s the joke menu,” said Petrina, “but there will be fish curry and rice, salmon salad and vegetarian pasta.”

Petrina’s supper is from 4pm to 8pm on Saturday October 14^th and is part of the RNLI’s annual fundraising event with volunteers hosting meals countrywide.  Suppers will be served on the hour at Perina’s chalet called Ammonite, No 6, Bowling Green, and is reached by walking through the bowling green after parking in one of the two Monmouth beach car parks. “I hope it will be a fun evening, “ said Petrina “and we aim to  have a raffle and a quiz as well.”

A minimum donation of £5 provides a meal and diners are asked to bring their own drink.  Call Petrina on 07967 145035 to book a table in advance

27^th September 2017                                                             

Lyme Regis lifeboat rescues 5 teenagers

Lyme Regis lifeboat launched in early hours to rescue 5 teenagers from stricken yacht.

Lyme Regis lifeboat was requested to launch to assist a 35' sailing yacht that had broken free from its mooring off Lyme harbour at 2.45am this morning (Wed). The sailing boat had drifted towards the shore and ran aground on the beach near Lucy's Ledge in Lyme Regis. There were seven people on board including five teenagers. 

The lifeboat launched and was alongside the casualty vessel 15 minutes after the Coastguard requested the launch. The five teenagers were rescued off the casualty boat and taken to the lifeboat station, all were safe and well with no injuries.

The volunteer crew of the lifeboat then returned to the casualty vessel and managed to tow the boat away from the beach back to a mooring.

The boat was a Tradewind 35 sailing yacht called TS Vigilant, part of the Sea Cadets fleet. The boat and crew were on route from Plymouth to Poole, stopping at Lyme Regis for the night. The five Sea Cadets were from the London and Birmingham areas.

Helm Tim Edwards said "I was pleased we were able to get the teenagers to safety of the lifeboat station and then recover the casualty vessel from trouble. The lifeboat crew performed really well and the all the training we do was put to good use!"

18^th September 2017                                                             

 
Lifeboat crew awards for volunteer service

Members of the RNLI crew in Lyme Regis and their families and friends got together at the town’s Powerboat Club (last Saturday) for the traditional end of season party and for presentations to former volunteers.

Ritchie Durrant received an award for seven years  service as a member of the crew. He is the nephew of former crew member Dave Street and current helm Brian Street  Ritchie completed part of his Duke of Edinburgh's award with the lifeboat at the age of 14 before signing up as volunteer crew at 17.. He said: “It is the best thing I have ever done and I miss it tremendously. You learn so much from the other members of the crew and there is something about the respect you gain for the sea”

Local builder Dave Street received his award for 24 years  service, 14 of which were as helm. During his service with Lyme Regis RNLI the lifeboat rescued 74 people..

Outgoing Lifeboat Management Group Chairman John Dover received an award for nearly nine years service, first as lifeboat treasurer, then Deputy Launching Authority and finally chairman of the LMG. A letter from the RNLI’s Operations Director George Rawlinson, referred to Mr Dover’s ‘time, commitment and sheer hard work.’

8^th September 2017                                                               

Lyme Regis lifeboat launched to motor boat reported to be spinning in circles near Seaton, Devon.

Lyme Regis RNLI volunteer crew launched last night (Thurs) just after 7pm to assist following reports of a boat spinning in circles with two people on board. The Atlantic 85 lifeboat was at sea only minutes after pagers alerted the crew and were on scene at the entrance to Axmouth harbour about 20 minutes later. The lifeboat crew entered the harbour to discover that the 30 foot motor cruiser with three people on board were safe and well. They were preparing their boat for mooring by getting ready the fenders which caused the vessel to spin.

Lyme Regis helm Mark Colley said “It was good to see that the boat and people on board were well equipped and that everyone was safe and well. The coastguard were alerted by a concerned bystander and it is better to be safe than sorry.”

7 September 2017

Lifeboat Week raises £30,000 for life-saving charity

Lifeboat week in Lyme Regis this year raised £30,000 for the RNLI charity, the organisers have announced.

Treasurer Brian Cursley revealed the figure at last night’s (Weds) meeting of the Lyme Regis and Charmouth RNLI Guild.

It was the first meeting of the organising committee since the week’s events, and Mr.Cursley said:”The total raised simply underlines a very successful week.”

The top five donation-earning events were the water or wine stall, the glossy programme of the week’s events, the lucky dip, breakfast baps,  and the duck race.

Guild chairman Irene Roper said:”It’s an astonishing result to raise £30,000 this year despite the rain.

“Once again, it demonstrates the generosity of visitors and residents alike, local traders and, of course, the hard work of all our volunteers.

“Our local media also played an important role in publicising the week extensively.

“The money raised is a significant  contribution to the life-saving work of our RNLI volunteers.”

2 Sept 2017

Lifeboat book signing
 

The author of the new book telling the story of lifeboats and lifeboat people, who have served Lyme Regis since 1826 will be signing copies this weekend.

Retired journalist Richard Horobin, the RNLI’s volunteer press officer in Lyme Regis, will sign books at the lifeboat shop on the Cobb from 10.30am on Sunday Sept 10^th.

The book is the latest in  a series published by the RNLI charity and was launched at the start of the recent Lyme Regis lifeboat week. All proceeds from the sale of the book, priced £8.95 go to the RNLI.

1 Sept 2017

Lifesaver Andy swaps the Thames for Lyme Bay

The latest recruit to join the volunteers who crew Lyme Regis’ lifeboat is swapping the River Thames for Lyme Bay.

Andy Butterfield, 42,, joined the RNLI at Teddington on the Thames 13 years ago and has just moved to Uplyme with his wife Jacqui and children Harry,7,and Alexandra, 11.

“It’s a massive difference operating on the Thames to going to sea, so there’s plenty of learning to be done,” said Andy.

“The decision to move was made on a work/life balance, and we felt we wanted to enjoy the countryside and the coast as much as possible,”

Andy was a crew member for six years, and at the helm of the D-class lifeboats on the Thames for a further seven years.

“The Thames involved much first-aid work, and assisting the police and other emergency services, and many of our calls for help were at night.”

Despite his years on the Thames Andy, who works in I.T. as a customer experience specialist, is a trainee crew member at the lifeboat station on the Cobb illustrating the huge differences between the two locations..

“Like many of my volunteer colleagues I joined the RNLI because I wanted to help those in trouble, but also, of course, there is a great sense of camaraderie,” said Andy.

29 August 2017

Sea anglers donate another £1,000 to RNLI

Members of Seaton Sea Anglers Club have presented the crew of the Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat with yet another £1,000 donation.

Over a number of years it’s estimated that the club has raised in the region of £12,000 for the life-saving charity.

The latest donation was presented to lifeboat crew member Tom Crabbe at the August barbecue held at Axe Yacht Club.

More than 150 members of the angling and yacht clubs enjoyed the barbecue. This year’s donation was raised at last year’s barbecue. And this year’s event raised another £1,070.

The RNLI’s Lifeboat Operations Manager in Lyme Regis, Nick Marks, said: “The fundraising efforts of the angling club and their generosity is just amazing. We are very grateful.”
 

12 August 2017

Helicopter Picture

The pilot of the helicopter that thrilled crowds with a surprise fly-past during Lifeboat Week in Lyme Regis was today presented with a  souvenir photograph of the event.

Lt. Cdr Tom Burrows,32, received  the framed memento from the chairman of the Lyme Regis and Charmouth RNLI Guild Irene Roper.

Cdr. Burrows , Operations Officer with 845 Naval Air Squadron based at RNAS Yeovilton, flew the Merlin helicopter with crew members Lt. Ollie Everett and Sgt Mike Lewis.

6 August 2017

Two ‘shouts’ for Lyme Regis lifeboat crew

Volunteers who crew the RNLI lifeboat in Lyme Regis answered two calls for help yesterday (Sat).

The first was to a small inflatable dinghy with one man aboard reported to be drifting out to sea near Eype holiday park.

The lifeboat crew, who launched at 6.56pm, found the man was safe and in control of the dinghy and were stood down by coastguards at 7.20p.m.

Just over three hours later the inshore lifeboat was launched again following reports of a fishing boat taking in water and sinking  seven miles south of West Bay. Weymouth all weather lifeboat was also on  scene along with the coastguard helicopter. The fishing boat, with two men on board,, was stabilised and towed to Weymouth harbour

The Lyme Regis lifeboat crew, who had launched at 10.19pm., were stood down at 11pm and returned to the lifeboat station at 11.30pm

30 July 2017

Lifeboat Week beats the weather with hope of £20,000

Lifeboat Week in Lyme Regis came to a soggy end in heavy showers yesterday (Sat), but organisers are confident of a significant boost for RNLI funds.

The Lyme Regis and Charmouth RNLI Guild, whose members plan the week, believe donations to the life-saving charity will be in the region of £20,000.

Only two events – the cricket match and the Friday night fireworks display – had to be called off because of the weather.

Irene Roper, who is retiring as chairman of the guild after five years, said:  ’Visitors, residents and traders have been very generous as usual. It has been a great team effort.  But there have also been some superb individual achievements.

‘One classic example is 13 year old Josh Denning, who raised no less than £473 with his collection bucket and help from his family.’

The week ended with a performance by the shanty singers, Harbour Voices of Lyme Regis.

There were two surprises to come as the week officially concluded.. Irene Roper was treated to a celebration get-together with other volunteers to mark her retirement as chairman.

And Emma Hughes, from Whitchurch Canonicorum, joined the celebration to hand over a cheque donation for £420 raised at her recent 40^th birthday party.

She said: ’I wanted to raise money for the RNLI as an active member of Bridport Gig Club and my dad is a keen fisherman with a boat at West Bay.

‘I asked all my guests not to bring a birthday present but to make a donation to the RNLI.’
 

27 July 2017 

Sylvia gets a lifeboat week surprise

Supporters  of the Lyme Regis and Charmouth RNLI Guild – organisers of the town’s Lifeboat Week –sprang a presentation surprise on a retiring member today (Thurs).

Sylvia Marler was a member of the guild’s committee for 18 years and has just retired.

A tea party and presentation was held at the lifeboat station in Sylvia’s honour. Sylvia received an award for excellence in volunteering and   a letter praising her efforts from Leesa Harwood, the RNLI’s Director of Community Lifesaving and Fundraising.  The presentation was made by the guild’s chairman Irene Roper.

25 July 2017

Family of four and dog rescued as yacht sinks

A family of four and their labrador dog were rescued this evening (Tuesday) by the volunteer crew of Lyme Regis lifeboat after their yacht was swamped by waves and sank at Charton Bay, west of Lyme.

The yacht was being sailed from Lyme Regis  by Joe Coles,56,from East Coker, Yeovil. Also on board were his wife Tania, sons Theo,9, Hector,19, and their 14 month old Labrador Suki.

Mr Coles said: ”We had been having a picnic and were close to shore.  Suki would not get on the boat. We got out of the boat to get the dog and two big waves hit the yacht and pretty much sank it.

“We were all safely ashore but wet and cold, and very pleased when we saw the lifeboat. The whole thing was Suki’s fault, really.”

The family had left Lyme in the 18 foot vessel, called Llewellyn, just as the Red Devils were giving their display as part of Lifeboat Week.

The  lifeboat crew brought the family back to the safety of Lyme Regis. Later it was decided it was too unsafe to tow the stricken yacht back to Lyme Regis. The lifeboat crew secured the yacht by anchor a quarter of a mile off Pinhay Bay. This was the 13^th shout for the Lyme Regis crew so far this year.

The lifeboat had launched from the slipway at 6.50p.m.just as the Lifeboat Week charity auction was under way in the boathouse.

But later the water polo match between the lifeboat crew and the lifeguards was affected by a shortage of players. A depleted lifeboat crew team lost by a large margin, according to players.

25 July 2017

Lifeboat week off to a flying start

Lifeboat Week in Lyme Regis got off to a flying despite  heavy showers on the first two days.

Irene Roper, chairman of the organisers, the Lyme Regis and Charmouth RNLI Guild, said: ”The weather, to start with, was not brilliant, but we have had great support.”

Irene, who is retiring as chairman after five years, once Lifeboat Week is over, added: ”Visitors and residents, in fact the whole town, have been incredibly good to us and all indications are that we will raise a substantial sum for our life-saving charity.”

The fire and rescue demonstration last night (Monday) was preceded by the presentation of a 20 year long service and good conduct medal to Lyme Regis fire chief Virgil Turner

The demonstration, watched by a large crowd, involved a scenario in which an explosion had occurred filling the lifeboat station with smoke.  Firefighters  from Lyme Regis and Charmouth then ‘rescued’ three ‘casualties.’

24th July

85  competitors took part in the fun run.  winner holidaymaker Ross Jones, 37, completed the the 3k run in7mins 16secs. The lifeboat crew lost the tug of war across the harbour entrance by two pulls to one. They were beaten by a combined team from Lyme Regis Sailing Club and the town's football club. 

23 July 2017

A soggy start for lifeboat week

Heavy showers and squally conditions got Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week off to a soggy start yesterday (Sat).

But the first day’s programme was not affected and started with the launch of a new book on the history of a voluntary lifeboat service in the town from 1826 to the present day.

Among the many guests at the launch were Philip and Lisa Burgess who were rescued after the helicopter Philip was flying plunged into Lyme Bay in dense fog  on Easter Monday 1999. Lisa was expecting their daughter Charley-Nicole at the time, and she was also at the book launch.

Dorset-based impressionist and actress Debra Stephenson officially started Lifeboat Week, holding an umbrella in the rain on Marine Parade, and the Eastern Promise belly dancers braved the showers to entertain a large crowd.

The RNLI crew of Lyme Regis lifeboat staged their traditional welcome display along with the coastguard helicopter and the day ended in relatively calm weather with the bathtub race.

Eight bathtub crews took part, and after winning the event six years running the Dorset firefighters were forced into second place by a young team representing Lyme Regis Sailing Club and Lyme Rib Rides. They established a big lead to win in their ‘vessel’ named Cat-Astropphe.

Despite fitting a two stroke engine to their bathtub –strictly against the rues-the six men aboard the lifeboat station’s entry almost sank and had to give up.

21 July 2017

Gym boss boosts lifeboat fund with a dance

A dance at Uplyme Village Hall organised by the owner of a gym and his wife has resulted in a bumper cheque for the RNLI in Lyme Regis.

Craig Bernhardt and his wife Sarah staged the dance to raise donations for the lifeboat charity and the Macmillan Cancer Trust.

The RNLI received £1,174 and the cancer charity a similar sum.

Craig, who opened the gym, B! Health and Fitness, two years ago said: ”It is not until you live or work in a town on the coast like Lyme Regis that you realise just how important the RNLI is”

16^th July 2017                                                            

Four rescued by Lyme Regis RNLI crew as powerboat 'drifts towards rocks'

Four people, including an 11 month old boy, were rescued by the volunteer crew of Lyme Regis lifeboat last night (Saturday) when their 32 foot powerboat broke down and was reported to be drifting towards rocks

The powerboat had suffered power failure off Beer Head. The lifeboat was launched at 6.27pm just 6 minutes after the crew's pagers alerted them to a mayday call to coastguards from the stricken vessel. The lifeboat crew reached the powerboat 20 minutes after launching and took it in tow.

On board were Tom Montgomery-Swan, 29, from Exeter, his wife Aisha, baby Edward, crew member Nick Dodge from Seaton and the family's pet dog Winston, a German pointer.

Tom said "The lifeboat crew arrived incredibly quickly and we were delighted to see them. We were 400 metres off Beer Head when our power failed and there was a danger that we might have drifted towards the rocks."

The life boat towed the powerboat, with its four 'crew'  to the safety of Lyme Regis harbour, arriving at 8pm. None of those aboard the powerboat needed medical attention.

14 July 2017

Lifeboat shop volunteers celebrate a new look

Volunteers who run the RNLI’s harbour-side shop in Lyme Regis today celebrated the completion of a total refurbishment of the charity’s outlet just in time for Lifeboat Week which starts on July 22^nd.

The shop was chosen for a make-over because  it regularly appears in the top five of all the lifeboat shops throughout the country.

Irene Roper, chairman of the Lyme Regis and Charmouth RNLI Guild, cut the ribbon to mark the re-opening of the new look shop.

Emma Ludford, Retail Development Manager for the RNLI’s south region, said:”Lyme Regis was chosen as a flagship store because it is one of the most successful in the country.

“The RNLI’s faith in the shop is a tribute to the hard work of all the volunteers who run it.”

Volunteer manager of the store Krys Lavery said:”We are thrilled with the way the shop now looks, and delighted that the RNLI chose us for this major re-design.”

July  2017

Survivors will be guests at RNLI Lyme Regis lifeboat book launch

A couple who were rescued after their helicopter plunged into Lyme Bay and a woman in her seventies seriously injured on  rocks near Charmouth will return to Lyme Regis for the launch of a book which includes their remarkable stories.

Also among guests at the launch at the town’s lifeboat station will be the parents of a severely disabled young woman who died when her wheelchair fell into the harbour.

The book is part of a history project by the RNLI charity and tells the story of almost 160  years of a lifeboat service in Lyme Regis.

Author Richard Horobin, the lifeboat station’s volunteer press officer, said: “We are delighted that some people featured in the book will be coming back to meet their rescuers again, including lifeboat crew, coastguards and fishermen.”

Philip and Lisa Burgess were rescued after the helicopter Philip was flying crashed in dense fog on Easter Monday 1999. Lisa was pregnant at the time, although her rescuers did not know, and her daughter Charley-Nicole will be paying her first visit to Lyme Regis.

Mariola  Constandinou, from the Midlands,  was 71 when she slipped on rocks and was seriously injured near Charmouth in May two years ago and is looking forward to meeting her rescuers again. Mark and Paula Perkins, whose daughter Claire died when her electric wheelchair fell into the harbour will once again be visiting Lyme Regis to help with Lifeboat Week events and will also be at the book launch.

Also at the book launch will be John Bradley, the great great grandson of Thomas Bradley a coxswain of  the pulling and sailing lifeboats for 30 years, who joined the crew in 1851.

Dorset-based actress, impressionist and comedian Debra Stephenson will be opening Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week at 12.30pm on July 22^nd and will also be at the book launch. She co-starred in the BBC,s The Impressions Show with Culshaw and Stephenson and currently stars in   Radio 4’s Dead Ringers.
 

Richard will be on Marine Parade during the afternoon to sign copies of the new book.

24 June 2017

Lifeboat launched to ‘youngsters in trouble’

The volunteer crew of Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat and local coastguards were alerted today (Sat) after reports that   youngsters using an inflatable rubber ring  were in difficulty in the water near the town’s harbour.

The lifeboat was launched at the request of Solent coastguards who reported that two girls were in difficulty in the  Broad Ledge area east of the harbour. It later transpired that a boy had also been  in difficulties. The three youngsters, all aged 15, made their own way ashore.  The boy needed some attention for the effects of cold water. Otherwise all three were said to be safe and well. The lifeboat crew’s pagers sounded at 3.10pm and the lifeboat returned to harbour at 3.45pm

19 June 2017

Two rescued in broken down boat

Two men aboard a broken down boat were rescued on Saturday evening (June 17^th) by the volunteer crew of Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat.

The boat suffered engine failure two miles south of West Bexington. The lifeboat towed the 6metre vessel and its crew to the safety of West Bay harbour.

The lifeboat launched at 8.45pm and returned to Lyme Regis harbour at 10pm.

Lifeboat volunteers – their dramatic life and times in a new book

The life and times of Lyme Regis lifeboat men and women – and  the lifeboats themselves – are captured in a new book from the RNLI and due to be launched on 22 July, the first day of this year’s Lifeboat Week.

Written by the lifeboat station’s volunteer press officer, retired newspaper and BBC journalist Richard Horobin, the fully illustrated book is  part of the charity’s  history book project.

It tells how a makeshift lifeboat service started in the town in 1826, and how a Christmas tragedy led to  Lyme Regis getting a ‘proper’ lifeboat, powered by sails and oars, 27 years later.

With much help from local historians and lifeboat supporters, the author has brought to life a fascinating collection of stories about dedicated volunteers who ran a lifeboat service in the town, despite all the odds, over a period of nearly 160 years. How they would row the lifeboat for hours to reach a stricken vessel….no twin 115hp engines such as power today’s lifeboat.

There is the crew member who was shipwrecked eight times as a mariner; the coxswain who served the lifeboat for 34 years and was famed for his strength, picking up a man with one arm and placing him on a table. He also salvaged a huge barrel of alcohol from a shipwreck and carried it single handed up a cliff !

The story of an MP who vanished without trace over Lyme Bay after being trapped in a hot air balloon makes incredible reading. The dramatic episode when a ship was torpedoed by a German submarine a short distance from Lyme Regis harbour, and yet had  an amusing twist amid the tragedy and chaos.

And in more recent times the amazing survival of a couple whose helicopter crashed into Lyme Bay in dense fog;  the tragic tale of the severely disabled woman whose wheelchair fell into Lyme Regis harbour and the desperate attempts made to save her.

There are the lighter moments, too, such as the crew Christmas dinner when the annual awards are presented…including the Bent Propeller trophy !

The story of Lifeboat Week,  from the early 70s, includes the ditching of a Navy helicopter in the sea, which wasn’t part of the event, although the hundreds who witnessed it thought it was.

The new book will be available from the lifeboat shop on the Cobb and other outlets in the town, from 22 July price £8.95 with all proceeds going to the RNLI,  the  charity that saves lives at sea.

20 May 2017

Debra Stephenson to launch lifeboat week

Dorset-based actress, comedian and impressionist Debra Stephenson will officially declare open this year’s Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week on 22 July.

As an impressionist Debra is, perhaps, best known for her co-starring role in BBC One’s The Impressions Show with Culshaw and Stephenson.  As an actress Debra, from Poole,  played Shell Dockley in Bad Girls, the feisty Frankie Baldwin in Coronation Street and Diane Powell in Playing the Field.

She  also plays major parts in BBC Radio 4’s Dead Ringers and ITV’s Newzoids

Debra, who owns a speedboat with her husband James, said they were  looking forward to coming to Lyme Regis, and plan to make it a family day out with children Max,14, and Zoe, 10.  Debra added: “My husband enjoys our small boat for fishing, and so far we have not had to call out the RNLI. But it’s very comforting to know the volunteer crews are there if we need them.”

Debra will launch Lifeboat Week at 12.30pm on 22 July on Marine Parade.

On July 28^th Debra will be performing her Night of 100 Voices show as part of her current tour at the Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne.

25 May 2017

Dive Boat Towed

Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat was launched this evening  to assist a broken down dive boat with 13 people aboard two miles south of West Bay.

21 May 2017

Boats are blessed in the sunshine at Lyme Regis

Dozens lined the slipway in the sunshine at the RNLI lifeboat station in Lyme Regis today to join the annual Blessing of the Boats service.

The inter-denominational service, hosted by local clergy the Rev. Chris Woodman and the Rev. Keith Vivian, acknowledges and blesses those who go to sea professionally, or for fun, and remembers those who have lost their lives to the waves.

Representatives of the town’s gig,  sailing, and powerboat clubs took an active part in the service along with the volunteer lifeboat crew.

A poem written and read to the congregation by 11 year old Millie-Jade Ellis, daughter of recent lifeboat recruit Mark Ellis, drew appreciative applause.

Woodroffe School pupil Millie called her poem ‘What the Sea Means to Me. She wrote: ‘The sea feeds me and excites me. It can take me to new countries aboard a ship. Sailing away on a really long trip.  The sea is fun but sometimes rough. This is when I need to be careful and not act tough. If I am ever in trouble. Call the lifeboat at the double. So do not be afraid just be safe at sea.  That is what the sea means to me.’

The service ended with the local club members and the Royal British Legion presenting wraths to the lifeboat crew who then took the wreaths aboard the lifeboat to be laid at sea.

18 May 2017

Dory rescue

Two people aboard a small dory class boat were rescued today by the crew of the Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat after their vessel suffered engine failure.

They were two miles south of West Bexington when the problem arose and the lifeboat crew towed the dory to the safety of West Bay harbour. 

14 May 2017

Lifeboat launched to ‘drifting yacht’

Emergency calls to coastguards turned out to be false alarms with good intent when the crew of Lyme Regis RNLI launched the lifeboat this evening (Sun).

A 20 ft yacht with two people aboard was reported to be drifting towards rocks near the mouth of the River Axe.

When the lifeboat crew arrived on scene it  was clear that the yacht, with two people aboard, was not in difficulty.

The lifeboat was launched at 6.57pm and returned to harbour at 7.35pm.

12 May 2017

How a yellow welly and a penny farthing set out to boost lifeboat charity

A lifeboat crew member on a penny farthing bicycle, a vintage Jaguar, the RNLI’s mascot Stormy Stan and more than a hundred schoolchildren all took part in the Lyme Regis stage of the marathon journey of a yellow welly yesterday (Fri).

The illuminated welly is being relayed all along the south-west coast  as part of the RNLI’s Mayday fundraising campaign during which the charity hopes to raise £750,000 towards the cost of the kit lifeboat crews have to wear.

Members of the Sidmouth branch of the RNLI brought the welly to Lyme in a 1967 S-type Jaguar. It was delivered to pupils at St. Michael’s School, Lyme Regis, and they handed it over to lifeboat crew member  Seb Cope who arrived at the school on his penny farthing bike with the RNLI mascot Stormy Stan.

Seb and Stan then took the welly to Lyme Regis lifeboat station.

Today (Sat) the welly was taken by the Lyme Regis lifeboat crew to Portland Bill where it was handed over to the three-masted tallship TS Pelican and later collected by RNLI volunteers from Weymouth  to continue its journey.

12 May 2017

All invited to Blessing of the Boats

The annual Blessing of the Boats service will be held at the RNLI lifeboat station in Lyme Regis on Sunday  21^st May.

The open air, inter-denominational service, starting at 3pm, will be led by Baptist Minister the Rev. Chris Woodman with the Rev Keith Vivian, and visitors and residents are invited to take part.

The service is held every year on Rogation Sunday to remember those who have given their lives at sea.

This year the service will be supported by the town’s gig, sailing  and powerboat clubs.  At the end of the service three floral wreaths and a poppy wreath from the British Legion will be taken aboard the RNLI lifeboat and laid at sea.

8 May 2017

Yellow welly fund raiser to get a lift on a penny farthing

A yellow welly will be driven to Lyme Regis in a vintage car on Friday (May 12), delivered to children at a local school and then taken by penny farthing bicycle to the lifeboat station.

It’s all part of the RNLI’s Mayday fundraising campaign during which the charity is hoping to raise £750,000 towards the kit lifeboat crews have to wear such as lifejackets, helmets…and yellow wellies.

The yellow welly coming to Lyme started out at Portsihead in Somerset and has called at lifeboat stations around the south west with RNLI volunteers organising their own forms of transport for the iconic footwear,

It will arrive by vintage vehicle with members of the Sidmouth RNLI Guild. They will hand it to children at St Michael’s School and the children will then give it to lifeboat crew member Seb Cope, who rides a penny farthing bicycle in his spare time. Seb will then take the welly to the lifeboat station accompanied by the RNLI mascot, Stormy Stan.

The following day the welly will be taken aboard the Lyme Regis lifeboat before making its way to Weymouth.

Adrian Ragbourne, volunteer Deputy  Launching Authority with the RNLI in Lyme Regis, said:”We were determined to play our part in the welly relay, and we thought it would be bit of fun to involve the children, and, of course our penny farthing cycling crew member !”  THE YELLOW WELLY IS DUE TO ARRIVE AT ST. MICHAEL’S SCHOOL AT 2.30PM ON FRIDAY.  

07 May 2017

Lone sailor drifting in sailboat rescued by RNLI crew

A lone sailor whose sailing boat was drifting near Charmouth was rescued by the volunteer crew of Lyme Regis RNLI yesterday (Sun).

The lifeboat was launched after reports that the ‘clinker’ style wooden boat had problems with its mast and outboard engine and was drifting in the Black Ven area east of Lyme Regis.

The lifeboat crew towed the broken down vessel to the safety of Lyme Regis harbour.

RNLI volunteers had been paged at 4.14pm and the lifeboat, Spirit of Loch Fyne, was launched six minutes later. This was the fifth emergency call for the lifeboat crew so far this year.

23 April 2017

Rescue helicopter exercises with lifeboat crew and coastguards

The coastguard helicopter crew taking over search and rescue duties from the team based at Portland dropped in to Lyme Regis today (SUN) to meet the volunteers of the RNLI and the land-based coastguards.

Coastguard helicopter 175 based at Lee-on-the-Solent, Hampshire, and its crew of four landed on Woodroffe School’s playing field to give the lifeboat and coastguard  teams a chance to familiarise themselves with the new aircraft, and to exercise winching into and out of the Augusta 189 eight seater.

Coastguards and the lifeboat crew were shown all over the helicopter by the aircraft’s captain Simon Cree, co-pilot Will Warboys, winch operator Ritchie Waterton and winchman Rob Sanches.

Capt. Cree, a former Seaking pilot with the RAF, said the £26m coastguard helicopter’s endurance is three and a half hours with a top speed of 130/135 knots.

He added: ”The visit to Lyme Regis is all about hearts and minds and learning how best we can work together in the future.”

John Broome, volunteer training co-ordinator at Lyme Regis lifeboat station said: ”This exercise was invaluable. We have had a thorough explanation of the capabilities of the new helicopter by its crew. We have already exercised with this helicopter at sea, but to get to close quarters with the aircraft and its crew on land is just a very useful bonus and prepares us for any future incidents when we will need to work together as a team.”

9 April 2017
 

‘Three and a dog cut off by tide’
 

Three people and a dog were reported to be cut off by the tide when the Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat was launched today (Sun).

The volunteer lifeboat crew launched at 12 20pm and returned 20 minutes later after the people and their dog made their own way to safety from rocks on Broad Ledge east of the harbour.

6 April 2017

Fund-raisers boost RNLI charity by £65,000

Volunteer fund-raisers in Lyme Regis and Charmouth boosted the RNLI’s income by more than £65,000 last year.

Members of the local fund-raising arm of the RNLI – the Lyme Regis and Charmouth  RNLI Guild - received the news at their annual meeting last night (Weds) when treasurer Brian Cursley delivered his report.

The total included a variety of events and donations as well as £27,000 raised during  lifeboat week.

Chairman Irene Roper said it had been a record breaking year and she had been heartened by the many messages of congratulations received from the public during and after lifeboat week.

Volunteer manager of the lifeboat shop, Krys Lavery, said the outlet had taken £122,000 and was the sixth best performing shop in the UK.

In his annual report to guild members, Lifeboat Operations Manager Nick Marks said volunteer crew members had answered 27 calls for help last year and were credited with saving three lives.

He said there now appeared to be a familiar pattern of emergencies – almost half of calls for help were from people getting into difficulty ashore when out walking and cut off by the tide or falling on rocks.  The other half were incidents involving boating, fishing and surfing.

Guest speaker was Nigel Jones, the RNLI’s Area Lifesaving Manager, who told guild members about many changes throughout the organisation’s structure and the aim to reduce drownings around the coast.

Volunteer press officer Richard Horobin gave members a brief preview of his book on the history of lifeboats and lifeboat people in Lyme Regis.The book is due to be published in time for this year’s lifeboat week which starts on July 22^nd.

5 April 2017

Town’s lifeboat returns after three month refit

 Lyme Regis’ RNLI lifeboat, Spirit of Loch Fyne, returned to the town yesterday (Tues) after a major, three month refit in Poole and at the charity’s inshore lifeboat centre on the Isle of Wight.

The four year old boat was met by volunteer crew as it arrived by road on a trailer after its upgrade.

Lifeboat helm Elliott Herbert took the boat to sea for a test run, and said: ”We are very impressed with the refit which includes state of the art navigation equipment, directional finder and an automatic information system.”

Mark Gage,the lifeboat’s mechanic added:”The vessel performed beautifully during the sea test. She has been fitted with new steering and the engines are running very well. It’s a pleasure to have her back in such superb condition.”

The relief boat, Douglas Murray, was returned to Poole once Spirit of Loch Fyne had completed the sea test..

3 April 2017

Four lifeboats in search exercise

Four volunteer lifeboat crews – one each from the RNLI stations at Lyme Regis and Exmouth and two from the independent  Sidmouth station – took part in an exercise lasting some three hours yesterday (Sun).

The operation, officially known as a Multi Vessel Search Exercise, took place off Sidmouth and included towing and search patterns.

Brian Street, helm of the Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat : “This was a large and important exercise for everyone involved and I  know we all found it a valuable experience.”

27 March 2017

Lifeboat crew exercise with new search and rescue helicopter

Volunteer crew members of the RNLI lifeboat in Lyme Regis have taken part in their first exercise with the helicopter team assuming the search and rescue role in the next few weeks.

The helicopter crew, from Lee–on–the–Solent, Hampshire, are due to take over from those based at Portland.

Two lifeboat crews took part in the exercise during their regular training evening last week.

Helm Jon Broome, who is also the lifeboat’s training co-ordinator, said:” The exercise was very worthwhile.

“I spoke to the helicopter captain afterwards and he said he was very impressed with the skill and competency of the lifeboat crew, and explained that was why he was felt happy to lower a winchman to our boat during the exercise.”

20 March 2017

Coastal Review team visits Lyme Regis RNLI

Top officials of the RNLI today (Monday March 20) met volunteers who run the Lyme Regis lifeboat station as part of the charity’s ‘Coastal Review.’

A delegation led by Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence spent two hours discussing the running of the lifeboat station and hearing the views of  management, crew members and fund-raisers  as well as their hopes for the future.

Sir Tim, who is chairman of the RNLI’s Operations Committee, explained that he and his colleagues visit four sections of the organisation each year during the Coastal Review.

He said a key focus was the gap between Exmouth and Weymouth, and that the charity’s target of community lifesaving had two strands…to make sure all volunteers were closely linked with the lifeboat and crew, and education and prevention to make the coast even safer.

Sir Tim said the RNLI saved 350 lives a year, but between 150 and 180 died around the coast each year.

After discussing ideas for improvements to the Lyme Regis station and its equipment, Sir Tim praised the fundraisers – the local RNLI Guild and the lifeboat shop team – as ‘star performers.’

Nick Marks, volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: ”The Coastal Review was a great opportunity for us to explain how we work as a part of the community and with the coastguards and lifeguards and to make our recommendations for improvements to our operation.

“The delegation now take our comments back to headquarters in Poole for thorough consideration.”

13 March 2017

Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat station gets a makeover

The RNLI’s lifeboat station in Lyme Regis is undergoing a makeover to make it a more interesting attraction for visitors.

Facts and figures, photos of the crew and historic detail are all part of the project led by the RNLI’s Visitor Experience Manager Amanda Woods

with input from Lifeboat Operations Manager Nick Marks and volunteer press officer Richard Horobin.

Part of the exterior of the lifeboat station has been re-decorated in ‘RNLI blue’ with new identity boards, including invitations to visit the boathouse. Inside, visitors will find plenty of detail about the role of the  life-saving charity and models of historic boats.

Amanda Woods said: ’The RNLI  values its supporters and appreciates that  they are  interested in the work of  its volunteers.  Lyme Regis welcomes many thousands of visitors every year, so we wanted to improve our presence in the town by making a visit to the lifeboat station a more rewarding experience.’

Volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager Nick Marks said: “The timing of these improvements to the overall look of our lifeboat station could not be better with summer and, of course, Lifeboat Week not far away.”

12 March 2017

Lone sailor rescued by Lyme Regis lifeboat crew

The owner of a classic 22ft wooden yacht was rescued by the crew of the Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat yesterday (Sat).

The lone sailor, from Bridport, was reported to have ‘encountered navigational difficulties’ two miles west of Lyme Regis during a trip from Exmouth to West Bay.

The lifeboat volunteers, who launched at 3.24pm, towed the yacht to the safety of Lyme Regis harbour, arriving an hour later.

6 March 2017

The Paras  freefall team will drop in on Lyme Regis RNLI Lifeboat Week

The Red Devils – the British Army’s official parachute display team – have confirmed they will be a star attraction at this year’s Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week.

The week starts on July 22 and the Red Devils will be performing during the afternoon of Tuesday July 25 . The time will be confirmed later.

The Red Devils, based at Netheravon Airfield on Salisbury Plain, are a team of 15, all of whom have seen active service in the Falklands, Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Afghanistan or Iraq.

They are widely acknowledged as among the best display parachutists in the world, and every year carry out spectacular shows at public events worldwide promoting the British Army and the Parachute Regiment, known as ‘The Paras’.

A classic Red Devils display will see up to ten team members jumping from an altitude   of 10,000ft.  Trailing smoke to demonstrate their speed and movement, the highly skilled skydivers will freefall at speeds up to 120mph before opening their parachutes. Then they will demonstrate breathtaking  high-speed ‘swoop’ landings and spectacular ‘canopy formations’, both unique to parachute displays in the UK.

A commentary will keep everyone informed throughout the event, and the skydivers will be available afterwards to meet spectators.

Irene Roper, chairman of the organisers of Lifeboat Week, the Lyme Regis and Charmouth RNLI Guild, said: ”We are absolutely delighted that the Red Devils are coming to support our charity. They will be a big attraction in the middle of our fund-raising week.”

21st February

TV presenter Jeremy Kyle popped into Lyme Regis lifeboat station during Sunday morning's training session and met the RNLI crew. He said he was very impressed with the RNLI volunteers and that his mother used to be  a volunteer in the lifeboat shop on the Cobb..  He said he liked Lyme very much and that he had his first birthday in the town some 50 years ago and has been visiting the resort ever since. 


20  February 2017

Lifeboat launched in search for ‘vulnerable’ woman

Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat was launched just after midnight today to assist coastguards and police in a search for a woman reported as ‘vulnerable.’

The volunteer lifeboat crew carried out a shoreline search between West Bay and Freshwater, but there were no sightings and they returned to Lyme Regis after nearly two hours at sea.

19 February 2017
 

Shop volunteers praised for dedication to lifeboat charity

Volunteers who run the RNLI charity shop next to the lifeboat station in Lyme Regis have  celebrated another successful year.

More than thirty people enjoyed a buffet lunch at the Hunters Lodge, Raymonds Hill, and heard that their shop had been placed sixth  in the ‘league table’ of hundreds of lifeboat shops around the country.

In a letter to the volunteers, the RNLI’s Retail Operations Manager, James Thompson, praised their ’incredible hard work,  dedication and skill.’

He said the RNLI’s shops had reached an income of £6,300.000. in 2016.The English Channel division, of which Lyme Regis is a member, had a record breaking income of £1,000.405.

Two presentations for Excellence in Volunteering, were made at the Lyme Regis lunch. Carys Lowe received  a framed certificate and letter of thanks for her 15 years as secretary of the Lyme Regis and Charmouth RNLI Guild.

Ross Bennett was presented with a crystal award marking his 23 years as a volunteer in the shop and collector during Lifeboat Week. The RNLI’s letter to Mr. Bennett mentioned how people would seek him out on Red Arrows day in Holmbush car park to hand him a donation.

Mr. Bennett has now decided he can no longer work in the shop on a regular basis, but will  remain on the reserve list.

17 February 2017

Store donates a Fat £600 to Lyme Regis lifeboat

Staff at the FatFace store in Lyme Regis have donated more than £600 to the local RNLI lifeboat charity.

The donation was raised during Black Friday weekend in November last year. Staff members added £40 to the £562 raised in store..Under the ‘Thanks for Giivng’ initiatve the FatFace chain nationally donated some £200,00 to charities from its 221 stores.

In Lyme Regis the store chose the RNLI as its charity. Store manager Kayleigh Billson said:” We organised  a few extra competitions to help raise money for our fantastic lifeboat station, a cause dear to everyone in Lyme and beyond.”

17 February 2017

Ex - Army chief joins the RNLI lifeboat crew in Lyme Regis
                           

A retired Lieutenant Colonel with the Royal Engineers has joined the volunteer management team of the RNLI in Lyme Regis.

Mike McAlpine, 61, served in many trouble spots including Kuwait, where he commanded a construction squadron involved in the restoration of essential facilities to Kuwait City immediately after the unsuccessful invasion by Iraq, and the ‘clean up’ of unexploded bombs and landmines.

Mike, a chartered civil  engineer and graduate of Queen’s University, Belfast, spent 20 years in the Royal Engineers, had two spells in the Falklands and commanded a regiment in Northern Ireland for three years before becoming the technical authority for UK counter landmine warfare.  Mike, married to Karen with three daughters, moved to Lyme Regis from Dalwood, near Axminster, in 2014.

His last job was with BP in Iraq where he was involved in opening up the second largest oilfield in the world at Rumaila, south of Basra.

Mike, a keen sailor with his Yachtmaster ‘ticket’ has become a DLA – Deputy Launching Authority – at Lyme Regis lifeboat station.  He said: “I spent a lot of time on the water and it was always comforting to know the RNLI was there if necessary.  Since I missed the camaraderie of the military, I thought I would offer my voluntary services to the RNLI and I am thoroughly enjoying it.”

A member of Lyme Regis Golf Club, Mike chairs the Axminster Hospital Community Hub Steering Group and was a founder member of the Axminster Patient Group.

Lifeboat Operations Manager Nick Marks said: “We welcome Mike to the management team.  His wealth of experience will be an asset, and his arrival has added even more strength to the Lyme Regis crew.”

15 January 2017

Lifeboat crew start the year with awards

Members of the RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat crew  in Lyme Regis and their families and friends got the new year off to a celebratory start with their annual awards dinner.

The event at the By the Bay restaurant yesterday (Sat) was attended by around 70 crew members and their guests.

Among the awards was a long service certificate to landscape gardener Garry Gibbs, a crew member for 20 years. Senior helm Tim Edwards was voted crew member of the year, and the much coveted bent propeller trophy went to helm Mark Colley.

A new award, Anchor Aweigh, went to tractor driver Richard Beviss.

Another new award, for their conscientious ‘office’  work, went to John Cable and Mark Gage.

13 January 2017

Top surgeon joins Lyme Regis RNLI crew

A leading cancer surgeon has joined the volunteer crew of the RNLI lifeboat in Lyme Regis.

Mr Ken Lavery, a retired  head and neck surgeon, has joined the local RNLI team as a Deputy Launching Authority (DLA).

Mr Lavery, 67,who recently retired as lead surgeon and Medical Director at Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead, West Sussex, is married to Krys who manages the team of volunteers running the successful RNLI charity shop on the Cobb.  They met at the hospital where Krys was a senior ward sister and have two sons.

Scots-born Mr Lavery is a qualified Yachtmaster and has strong family connections with the RNLI.  Both his grandfather and great grandfather were volunteers with the lifeboat at Campbeltown that covers  the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland.  Mr Lavery said: “I am thoroughly enjoying my involvement with the lifeboat crew in Lyme Regis.  “They are clearly a dedicated team and the camaraderie is very similar to that which I found when I was involved in rugby.”

10 January 2017

RNLI crew swap boats for a refit

The volunteer crew of the RNLI lifeboat in Lyme Regis said a temporary farewell to their vessel yesterday (Mon) as Spirit of Loch Fyne left the town for an upgrade of its equipment.

The four year old lifeboat was taken on a trailer by road and will eventually have a refit at the RNLI’s Inshore lifeboat centre on the Isle of Wight.

Lifeboat mechanic Mark Gage said: ” Our boat is due for an upgrade of its electronics ,including communications and navigation equipment, and will be away for about three months.”

As Spirit of Loch Fyne left, a replacement boat, number B830 and named Douglas Murray, arrived from the RNLI’s relief fleet.

9 January 2017

Dave is ‘dunked’ as he retires from Lyme Regis RNLI

One of the longest-serving members of the volunteer crew of the RNLI lifeboat in Lyme Regis, Dave Street,  has retired because of work commitments.

Dave, 48, served for 22 years, starting as trainee shore crew and becoming one of the team of helmsmen 15 years ago.

Dave joined the crew for two main reasons. He was working as a barman in the Cobb Arms when he overheard crew members saying they were short of volunteers. “The other reason was more personal “ said Dave. “A cousin of mine drowned at Bournemouth and I thought if there was anything I could do to prevent such accidents then joining the RNLI was it.”

Dave, a self-employed builder, added: “Of course I shall miss taking the lifeboat out, and the camaraderie with the crew.  But I won’t lose touch with all my old colleagues.”

Dave’s last voluntary duty with the crew was helping out with safety at the Lyme Lunge on New Year’s Day.

And his lifeboat colleagues gave him a thoroughly wet send off with a ceremonial dunking in the sea.

8 January 2017
 

Ordeal in the dark for broken leg victim rescued by lifeboat crew

A man who broke his leg after slipping on rocks staggered and crawled for three quarters of a mile for more than two hours in the dark before he was found by a lifeboat crew and his worried wife.

Tim Robinson,54, fell during a walk at about 4.30pm yesterday (Sat) on the beach under Golden Cap, east of Lyme Regis.

Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat crew launched at 7.10pm to assist coastguards in a search for Mr Robinson.  They located him during a shoreline search eight minutes later.

Two first-aid trained  crew members, Tom Crabbe and Tom Wallis, went ashore to help coastguards assess Mr Robinson’s condition.  Meanwhile   the lifeboat returned to Lyme Regis to pick up three further crew to steady the vessel in the surf when it was beached to take Mr Robinson aboard.

Mr. Robinson’s wife, Paula, who raised the alarm,  started to walk along the beach from Seatown looking for her husband.

She said: ”Luckily, Tim had a torch but no mobile phone. I saw a flicker of light and thought it must be him. But I picked up a rock, just in case it wasn’t  !”

 Jon Broome, who was in charge of the lifeboat for his first ‘shout’ since qualifying as a helm, said: ”It was a very well organised rescue by all involved. It seems Mr. Robinson used sticks  to help him stagger and crawl towards Seatown after the injury.”

From his hospital bed in Dorchester Mr Robinson, who is a full time member of the Territorial Army, said: ”I just slipped on a rock and have two fractures of the right leg.  Everyone who helped me was just terrific.”

Mr Robinson was taken aboard the lifeboat to a waiting ambulance at Lyme Regis harbour. The lifeboat returned at 8.49pm

Mr and Mrs Robinson, from the Derby area, had been staying in Bridport on a short holiday.

 September 2016                                                                            Lyme Regis
 

Christening makes history at lifeboat station

History was made at Lyme Regis lifeboat station today when the town’s vicar conducted a christening service for two children of an RNLI volunteer and his wife.

Six months old Lottie and five years old Millie-Rose, whose father  Elliott Herbert is a lifeboat helm, were christened by the Rev. Jane Skinner during a service in the boathouse with a congregation of some 70 family, friends and lifeboat crew members. It is thought to be the first time a christening service has been held at any of the town’s   lifeboat stations since the lifeboat service began in Lyme Regis in 1826.

A ship’s bell, which has hung in the lifeboat station since it opened in 1997, was used as a font during the service.

The bell, from a 100,000 ton oil tanker, was presented to Fred Day, former honorary secretary at the lifeboat station, when he retired from BP.  He in turn presented it to the RNLI to mark the opening of the Lyme Regis lifeboat station.

Proud dad Elliott Herbert said: ”Lifeboats and lifeboat people have been such an important part of our lives that Laura and I thought it would be appropriate, and great fun, to hold the christening at the lifeboat station surrounded by many of the people who are vital to the success of the work of the RNLI.”

The Rev Jane Skinner said: “It was a joy to conduct the service at the lifeboat station, and it was the first time I had used a magnificent ship’s bell as a font.”

God parents to Millie-Rose are Lyme Regis lifeboat helm Murray Saunders, Oliver Mallinson, Operations Manager (Lifeboats) at  RNLI headquarters in Poole, and Emma Darke, and God parents to Lottie are William Elwood, helm with the Tower lifeboat in London and crew Assessor/Trainer and Nicola Davis and Gemma Dunford.