Experience: Lyme Regis, Lyme Regis (2025)

08/05/2025

Words are not enough to express our thanks... 🇬🇧

23/04/2025

CHURCH RULING SHIFTS ST GEORGE’S DAY IN RARE CALENDAR SHAKE-UP

Report by Duncan Williams for News Advertiser newspapers

Patriotic Britons may have woken this morning expecting to raise a pint and a flag in honour of St George, only to discover that the date - 23rd April - is no longer officially England’s day of celebration.

In an unexpected but historically grounded move, St George’s Day has been transferred to Monday, 28th April this year, under an ancient rule observed by the Church of England.

The rare shift is the result of liturgical law, which dictates that when a saint’s day clashes with the sacred timeline of Holy Week or the Octave of Easter, it must be postponed to avoid overshadowing key Christian observances.

A statement from the Church clarified: "When St George’s Day or St Mark’s Day falls between Palm Sunday and the Second Sunday of Easter inclusive, it is transferred to the Monday after the Second Sunday of Easter."

The result? A five-day delay that has caught many off guard - even as the red and white flags of the patron saint flew proudly across high streets and village greens this morning.

St George, the legendary dragon-slayer and enduring symbol of English chivalry, was first adopted as the nation’s patron saint in 1350 by King Edward III, who founded the prestigious Order of the Garter in his name. Though of Middle Eastern origin and never having set foot in England, St George was held up as a symbol of courage, faith, and self-sacrifice - values that still resonate today.

This year marks only the second time in recent memory that the date has been shifted, the last occurrence being in 2019.

Meanwhile, Downing Street has already hosted an official - albeit early - St George’s Day reception, with the Prime Minister inviting NHS workers, police officers, and community leaders to celebrate modern patriotism and the vital role of public service in British life. It is the first time a sitting Prime Minister has personally led such an event, signalling a renewed emphasis on England’s national identity within the broader UK framework.

With the revised date still ahead, many may opt to mark St George’s Day twice this year - one in tradition, and once in line with church canon.

( Photo: Pixabay Library 📸 )

25/03/2025

DWP TO IMPLEMENT STRINGENT MEASURES TO CRACK DOWN ON BENEFIT FRAUD - 💷

Report by Duncan Williams for Experience: Lyme Regis

The UK Government is preparing to roll out a major crackdown on benefit fraud, with new measures set to be introduced by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) from 2026.

The initiative, part of the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill, is aimed at reducing fraudulent claims and ensuring taxpayer money is used appropriately. The government estimates that the reforms could save up to £1.5 billion over the next five years.

Among the new measures is the Eligibility Verification Measure, which will allow banks and other financial institutions to flag potential breaches of benefit eligibility rules. This will primarily focus on identifying cases where claimants exceed financial thresholds, such as the £16,000 savings limit for Universal Credit.

However, the DWP has been clear that this does not mean it will have direct access to people’s bank accounts or visibility of how claimants spend their money.

The legislation only permits banks to share limited data, and any unauthorised sharing of information, such as transaction details, could result in penalties for the institutions involved. The government guidance states: “Any information shared through the Eligibility Verification Measure will not be shared on the presumption or suspicion that anyone is guilty of any offence.”

The crackdown also introduces harsher penalties for those found guilty of benefit fraud. Repeat offenders who fail to repay fraudulently obtained funds could face driving bans of up to two years.

The DWP will also be given new powers to recover debts from individuals who are no longer on benefits and not in PAYE employment, preventing people from avoiding repayment when they have the means to do so.

These measures are part of a broader effort to tackle fraud across the public sector and ensure that government funds are directed towards those who genuinely need support.

To ensure fairness and accountability, the DWP has confirmed that all measures will be introduced with strict safeguards.

Oversight mechanisms will be put in place, and the government has committed to a “test and learn” approach before full implementation.

A series of 11 factsheets published by the DWP outlines how these new powers will be monitored and regulated, with the government stating: “DWP and the Cabinet Office will continue to work with industry to implement the new measures, consult stakeholders on Codes of Practice and publish guidance.”

In addition to financial checks, the DWP will expand its ability to gather information from third-party organisations, including airlines, to verify whether benefit claimants are living abroad while continuing to receive payments. This is intended to clamp down on individuals who may be fraudulently claiming UK benefits while residing in another country.

The government is also strengthening its approach to organised benefit fraud by introducing new powers of entry, search and seizure to target criminal gangs. This will reduce reliance on the police in complex fraud investigations and allow the Public Sector Fraud Authority to take a more active role in tackling large-scale fraud cases.

Other measures in the Bill include stronger civil penalties for fraudsters as an alternative to criminal prosecution and improved processes for recovering public money lost through fraudulent claims.

While the reforms are designed to crack down on fraud, the DWP has reassured legitimate claimants that they will not be unfairly targeted.

The focus is on preventing incorrect payments and identifying deliberate fraud rather than penalising those who are entitled to financial support.

The government has stressed that the new powers will be used “appropriately, proportionately, and effectively”, with trained staff ensuring that investigations are carried out fairly.

With implementation set to begin in 2026, the coming months will see further discussions with stakeholders, industry experts, and regulators to finalise the details of how these measures will operate.

The government's intention is to remain committed to ensuring that taxpayer money is spent wisely, balancing the need for fraud prevention with the protection of those who rely on the welfare system.

16/03/2025

Lent and Ramadan have sparked complaints over the ‘woke’ storyline in BBC Radio drama The Archers - 🌳

Report by Duncan Williams for News Advertiser newspapers

BBC Radio 4’s long-running rural drama The Archers has come under fire for its recent exploration of Ramadan, with many listeners criticising the decision to feature a Christian character, Lynda Snell, fasting in the run-up to Lent. The controversial storyline has ignited debate, with fans accusing the BBC of being “woke” and disregarding traditional Christian observances in favour of promoting Islamic practices.

Lynda Snell, a well-established character in Ambridge, has long been known for her controlling nature and strong opinions, often pushing others into uncomfortable situations with her moralising attitude. This latest plot twist has left many longtime fans of the show baffled and upset. The bed and breakfast owner, played by Carole Boyd, announced her intention to observe the Islamic tradition of fasting for Ramadan out of respect for her Muslim neighbours, Dr Azra Malik and her family. In an episode aired on 24 February, Lynda explained her decision to her husband, Robert, and even expected him to join her in fasting, much to his bemusement.

One devoted listener, who has been following The Archers for over six decades, expressed his disbelief at the storyline, saying, “I never thought the BBC would impose their new woke policy on Ambridge. Last week's episode, with Lynda sitting down with the Maliks for a Ramadan meal and prayers, was a real low for me.” Another critic added, “The idea that Lynda Snell would fast is nonsense, it's one thing to introduce them [the Malik family] to the village. No one could object to that. But the prayers and doctrine have no place in an everyday story of country folk.”

In the following episode, aired on 2 March, Lynda’s curiosity about Ramadan deepened as she participated in a meal with the Maliks to break the fast, asking them about their prayer rituals. One listener remarked on the absurdity of Lynda’s character suddenly becoming so involved in another culture’s traditions, questioning the believability of the situation. “Lynda would never be this interested in fasting for Ramadan,” said one fan. “Her character has always been more about imposing her own values, not adopting others' practices.”

While the portrayal of Lynda’s interaction with the Maliks has been seen by some as a positive reflection of the growing cultural diversity within rural communities, many fans feel that it undermines the traditional religious observances of Ambridge. Several listeners have voiced their frustration that the storyline seems to sideline Lent, the Christian season of fasting and reflection, which coincides with Ramadan.

One particularly vocal critic of the plotline said, “I am all in favour of diversity and explaining about Ramadan in this context but what about mentioning it is also Lent?” Another listener remarked, “While I am not offended by the Muslim characters observing Ramadan, I do find it offensive that two Christian characters are being woke by fasting alongside them. This is supposedly a story of everyday country folk who live in a farming community and are not there to promote the BBC's woke identity.”

This lack of attention to Lent has led to accusations of bias from some Christian groups, who feel that their faith is being sidelined. Ann Widdecombe, a former Home Office minister and practising Christian, also expressed her concerns, stating, “I haven’t got any objections to a Muslim family moving into Ambridge, but this storyline is just the BBC being achingly politically correct. Of course, they won’t do Christian prayers. Of course, they won’t embrace Lent in the same way. This is the BBC all over.”

Historian and author Jeremy Black also weighed in, claiming that the focus on Ramadan in The Archers misrepresents rural life in the UK. “While millions of British Muslims celebrate Ramadan, such activity is scarcely typical of rural life in agricultural areas,” he said. “To imply otherwise is to misrepresent British society and in particular to downplay the salience of Christianity in these areas.” Black’s comments highlight the view that such storylines may not reflect the reality of rural life, where Christian practices like Lent are traditionally more prevalent.

Criticism of The Archers is not confined to viewers of a Christian background. Frank Furedi, an emeritus professor of sociology, criticised the series for becoming enveloped by a “multicultural ideology”, which, according to him, marginalises Christianity. “It’s a shame that The Archers has become so focused on Ramadan while brushing aside Lent as culturally insignificant. How long before one of the Archers comes out as a trans activist?” he quipped.

Tim Dieppe, Head of Public Policy at Christian Concern, also weighed in, stating, “It is interesting that the Archers story has chosen to focus on Islamic fasting in Ramadan at precisely the time when the Christian season of Lent is being observed. This appears to be an example of the BBC going out of its way to respect and promote Islamic practice in a popular drama. The BBC was set up with a vision of promoting Christian values. Islamic values are quite different, as is very evident in the treatment of Christians in Islamic nations. Would the BBC ever dare to promote Christianity as objectively better than Islam today?”

In response to the backlash, the BBC defended the storyline, emphasising that the show has a long history of reflecting the diversity of faiths within British communities. A spokesperson said, “The Archers has regularly featured storylines centred on Christian faith, including annual carol services, Palm Sunday, and Lent. The recent episodes featuring Ramadan reflect the diverse beliefs and practices within Ambridge, highlighting the developing friendships between the characters.”

( Photo: BBC Radio 4 📸 )

09/03/2025

FIVE YEARS SINCE COVID CHANGED OUR LIVES - 🏥

Report by Duncan Williams for News Advertiser newspapers

Five years ago today, life in the UK changed in ways no one could have imagined. In early March 2020, the coronavirus pandemic was already making headlines around the world, but for many, it still felt distant. That changed as cases in Britain began to rise rapidly, and by the middle of the month, it was clear that drastic action was needed.

On 5th March 2020, the UK recorded its first Covid-related death. In the days that followed, the government introduced increasingly strict guidance, urging people to work from home where possible and avoid unnecessary travel and social contact.

Then, on 23rd March, the country entered its first national lockdown. Schools, non-essential shops, pubs, and restaurants closed their doors, and people were told to stay at home except for essential reasons. The streets fell silent, while inside hospitals, NHS staff worked tirelessly to treat those suffering from the virus.

The first weeks of lockdown were marked by fear and uncertainty. Supermarket shelves were stripped bare as panic buying took hold, and families found themselves suddenly adapting to life indoors. The "Clap for Carers" movement saw people across the country standing on their doorsteps every Thursday evening to applaud NHS and key workers. Meanwhile, businesses struggled to stay afloat, and the government introduced emergency financial support, including the furlough scheme, to prevent mass unemployment.

For those who lost loved ones, the pain of that time remains raw. Strict restrictions meant many had to say their final goodbyes over video calls or attend funerals with only a handful of mourners. The impact on mental health was profound, as isolation and anxiety took their toll on millions.

Looking back five years later, it is clear that Covid-19 changed the UK in ways that still shape our daily lives. From the way we work to our attitudes towards public health, the effects of the pandemic are still felt today. While life has returned to a new normal, the memory of 2020 remains fresh for those who lived through it.

11/02/2025

HOW TO SURVIVE VALENTINE'S DAY WHEN YOU'RE SINGLE - 🌹

Report by Duncan Williams for News Advertiser newspapers

Valentine’s Day. The one day of the year when supermarkets overflow with heart-shaped chocolates, florists triple their prices, and social media becomes an unbearable sea of couples grinning over candlelit dinners. If you're single, it can feel a bit like being the only person not invited to a very loud, very public party.

Of course, it wasn’t always this way. Valentine’s Day traces its origins back to the third century, when St Valentine - who may or may not have been more than one person - allegedly defied Emperor Claudius II by secretly marrying couples. His reward? Imprisonment and ex*****on, naturally. Hardly the romantic legacy you’d expect from a day now defined by pink balloons, sentimental cards, and stuffed bears clutching "I Wuv You" signs. Yet, over centuries, the tradition evolved, fuelled by poets like Chaucer, the Victorians’ love of romance, and, more recently, the relentless machinery of capitalism.

So, where does that leave you, the single observer of this grand festival of romance? First, let’s acknowledge that it’s perfectly normal to feel a twinge of loneliness when the world seems to be shouting about love from every billboard and bakery window. But that doesn’t mean you have to spend the day sulking under a duvet, binge-watching sad films, and cursing the happy couples outside.

In fact, Valentine's Day can be an excellent excuse to do something purely for yourself. While couples are awkwardly clinking glasses in overcrowded restaurants, why not revel in the sheer freedom of not having to pretend you enjoy overpriced set menus? Treat yourself to something indulgent - whether that’s ordering your favourite takeaway, buying yourself something special, or enjoying a guilt-free evening of doing absolutely nothing. There’s a certain joy in knowing you don’t have to share your snacks, compromise on plans, or feign interest in someone else's romantic traditions.

Beyond self-indulgence, the day is also an opportunity to celebrate love in all its forms. It doesn’t have to be romantic. Friends, family, pets - there are plenty of relationships worth appreciating. Send a message to a mate who might also be feeling the Valentine’s blues, take a parent or sibling out for coffee, or embrace the chaos of a "Palentine’s" night with good company and bad wine.

And if all else fails, there’s always the joy of smugly watching the post-Valentine’s sales roll in. Because nothing says "self-love" quite like half-price luxury chocolates and heavily discounted roses.

10/02/2025

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE ON A3052 IN LYME REGIS - ⚠️ 🚗

Report by the community news team for News Advertiser newspapers

Motorists in Lyme Regis should prepare for temporary road closures along the A3052 as essential repair work is carried out.

Dorset Council has announced that a section of the A3052, between its junction with Long Entry and Lyme Regis Museum, will be closed to all vehicles from 24th February, 2025.

The closure, which extends approximately 20 metres, will allow East Devon Scaffolding to erect scaffolding for repair works on two properties. The measures are in place to ensure the safety of both workers and road users.

While the closure is legally permitted for up to 18 months, work is expected to be completed by 4th April.

A diversion route will be clearly signposted, directing drivers via the A3052 – A358 – A35.

For details about the scaffolding and access arrangements, East Devon Scaffolding can be contacted on 01404 46889. To discuss the road closure order, Dorset Council can be reached at 01305 221020 or via their website.

Residents and travellers are advised to plan ahead and allow extra time for journeys during this period.

( Photos: Lyme Regis Town Council 📸 )

08/02/2025

DWP SAYS 200,000 DISABLED PEOPLE CAN WORK, BUT CHARITIES WARN OF THE RISKS - ⭕

Report by Duncan Williams for News Advertiser newspapers

The Department for Work and Pensions has claimed that 200,000 people receiving health and disability benefits are ready to work immediately if the right job or support were available.

However, charities and campaigners warn that cutting benefits could push disabled people into poverty rather than into employment.

The findings, based on a government survey released on Thursday, indicate that 32% of those claiming health and disability benefits believe they could work now or in the future. Of these, 5% - around 200,000 people - said they would be ready now if the right support were in place.

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said that the figures were evidence of a broken benefits system. She said, “People claiming health and disability benefits have been classed by the system as ‘can’t work’ and shut out of jobs and have been ignored - when they’ve been crying out for support. It’s bad for people, bad for businesses, which miss out on considerable talent, and bad for the economy. For young people in particular, being out of work can have a scarring effect that lasts a lifetime."

While charities and campaigners have welcomed efforts to improve work opportunities for disabled people, they have warned that reducing benefits will not help. Scope said, “Cutting disability benefits pushes disabled people into poverty right away, and does not move them into jobs."

Reports suggest the government wants to cut at least £3bn from the benefits bill, with a disability benefits green paper due in the spring outlining plans to overhaul the system.

As part of these reforms, 424,000 fewer people are expected to be assessed as having limited capability for work by 2028/2029, contributing to the expected savings.

James Taylor, director of strategy at Scope, said, “This research shows there are many out of work who could work if given the right support. It is imperative that the government focuses its efforts on how to achieve this, instead of cutting the welfare budget.”

Evan John, policy advisor at disability charity Sense, raised concerns over another key finding from the research. He said, “The government’s own research found three-quarters of disability benefit claimants are worried about being forced into jobs which will make their conditions worse. We therefore want to see assurances from the government that disabled people will not be pressured into unsuitable work for fear of losing their benefits."

Minesh Patel, associate director of policy and influencing at mental health charity Mind, welcomed the government’s commitment to supporting people into work but emphasised that benefits must still be there for those who cannot work. He said, “We know there that are many people, including younger people, with mental health problems who would like to be able to work but don’t have the right support available. Tailored, voluntary and holistic support is most effective in supporting people with mental health problems to enter and stay in work, and this must be at the heart of any future reforms. The DWP must also make good on its commitment to work with disabled people on reshaping the health and disability system."

Sense has called for more practical support for disabled jobseekers, such as assistive technology like screen readers in every Jobcentre and better training for work coaches to understand the challenges disabled people face. Evan John said, “As the government develop the new jobs and careers service, putting accessibility at the heart of this is more important than ever."

Merry Cross, a member of Disabled People Against Cuts, said this is not just a health issue but a funding issue. She said, “And which age-group within society is most likely to have mental distress? It’s teenagers of course, the group that this and the last government most complain about for being out of work. Yet the funding and resources for mental health services have been savaged over recent years, with a report by the Children’s Commissioner in March 2024 stating that almost a quarter of a million children who had been referred for treatment in 2023 were still waiting."

The Labour government remains insistent that it wants to take a tougher stance on benefits, warning that the UK is the only G7 country where employment levels have not returned to pre-pandemic levels.

( Photo: Steve PB 📷 )

03/02/2025

ORIGINAL DR LECTER VISITS LYME REGIS TO OPEN CINEMA PROGRAMME AT THE MARINE THEATRE - 🎭🎥

Report by Duncan Williams for News Advertiser newspapers

The Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis has launched its brand-new cinema programme in spectacular style, with acclaimed actor Brian Cox making a special appearance at the grand opening on 28th January.

The event marked the culmination of years of fundraising, with support from Lyme Regis Town Council, Dorset Council, the Backstage Trust, and Garfield Weston, enabling the theatre to install state-of-the-art cinema facilities.

The new programme promises to bring a diverse range of films to the coastal town, enriching its cultural offerings.

To commemorate the launch, the evening featured a special screening of 'Manhunter' - Michael Mann’s 1986 thriller in which Brian Cox gave the first-ever cinematic portrayal of Hannibal Lecter.

Following the film, the Scottish star took to the stage alongside BBC Radio 4’s Jamie Coomarasamy for what a theatre spokesperson described as “a highly entertaining conversation” filled with “new biographical insights, reflections on cinema, and plenty of previously unheard anecdotes”.

Cox, known for his commanding performances on screen and stage, delighted the audience with stories about working alongside Hollywood heavyweights such as Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, and Paul Greengrass. He also discussed his upcoming theatre productions, 'The Score' and 'Make it Happen'.

The theatre's new cinema schedule includes screenings of 'Conclave', 'We Live in Time', 'Nosferatu', 'The Brutalist', and more.

To encourage local film enthusiasts, the Marine Theatre is offering a special launch deal, allowing ticket holders to see four films for the price of three.

The evening’s celebrations were made possible with support from the Seaside Boarding House, reflecting the town's commitment to making the occasion a local success story. As the event drew to a close, Brian Cox gave the venue a ringing endorsement, declaring, "The Marine Theatre is a triumph!"

( Photo: 'Manhunter' - De Laurentiis Entertainment Group 📸 )

28/01/2025

CALL FOR LOCAL BANDS TO PERFORM ON LYME REGIS SEAFRONT - 🎙️ 🎵 🎶

Lyme Regis Town Council is inviting local bands and solo artists to perform on the seafront this summer. A small budget is available to hire groups to entertain the public on Sunday afternoons between April and September at the Marine Parade Shelters.

Those interested can contact the council on 01297 445175 or email [email protected]

Residents are also encouraged to recommend their favourite local bands.

25/01/2025

NATIONAL PRESS TITLE IN DISGRACE AS LOCAL NEWS REMAINS A BEACON OF TRUST - 📰 🗞️

Report by Duncan Williams for News Advertiser newspapers

The controversy surrounding Prince Harry’s legal battle with News Group Newspapers (NGN) continues to deepen as calls grow for further investigations into alleged misconduct by the media giant.

This past week, the Duke of Sussex settled his case against NGN, publishers of The Sun and the now-defunct News of the World, after the company admitted to unlawful activities, including a serious intrusion into his private life.

Despite this landmark settlement, campaigners supporting Harry’s fight for accountability believe this should only be the beginning of a wider reckoning for Rupert Murdoch's media company.

Campaigners, including prominent figures such as actor Hugh Grant and former Labour deputy leader Lord Tom Watson, are now compiling a dossier of evidence to present to the Metropolitan Police. They hope to prompt a fresh criminal investigation into allegations of perjury and cover-ups by NGN executives.

It has been reported that, if the police fail to act, individuals may pursue private criminal prosecutions to ensure that justice is served.

Emma Jones, from the press abuse campaign group Hacked Off, said she hopes such drastic measures will not be necessary. “This surely is a matter for government and the police. If unlawful behaviour took place and the people did that, lied under oath, not just to the public but at the Leveson Inquiry and in a court case, what does that mean? The very worse that that means is that it is perjury, a criminal offence, we'd like the police to thoroughly investigate this.”

Hugh Grant, who himself settled a phone-hacking case against NGN, has joined those urging the police to act. He warned that the evidence against the company could potentially trigger a criminal inquiry.

Meanwhile, Chris Huhne, the former cabinet minister who also reached a settlement with NGN, wrote to Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, criticising the force’s past handling of the phone-hacking scandal. He stated, “The Metropolitan Police have behaved appallingly. I would much prefer to see another police force deal with it because frankly, the Metropolitan Police have not covered themselves in glory in this whole thing.”

The campaigners’ efforts are bolstered by significant revelations. During pre-trial hearings, NGN admitted for the first time that unlawful activities were carried out by private investigators working for The Sun. This marked a significant departure from the company’s previous denials of wrongdoing at the paper.

Despite this admission, NGN continues to deny allegations of phone hacking and insists its journalists were not involved in criminality.

Lord Watson, who joined Prince Harry in the legal action, announced plans to submit the dossier of evidence to the Metropolitan Police. The file, which may take weeks to complete, reportedly includes material that was previously unavailable to investigators.

On Wednesday, the Met confirmed it was aware of the settlement and had requested transcripts from the pre-trial hearings. However, a spokesperson stated there were “no active investigations” into phone hacking or related matters.

The fallout from the phone-hacking scandal has significantly tarnished the reputation of NGN and raised questions about the ethical standards of the wider national press. Allegations of perjury, email deletions, and the destruction of evidence have prompted calls for greater accountability and transparency within the UK’s media industry.

The Duke of Sussex’s perseverance in pursuing his legal claim has reignited discussions about press standards and the need for robust oversight of powerful media corporations.

While the reputation of the national press has been damaged by these scandals, local and regional journalism continues to hold an untarnished place in British mainstream media.

Unlike their national counterparts, local independent news publishers have maintained a reputation for accuracy, reliability, and integrity. These outlets play a crucial role in underpinning local democracy, holding power to account, and serving their communities with trustworthy reporting.

Experience: Lyme Regis

08/05/2025

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