Parish NewsThe Parish Church of St Peter & St Paul, UplymeFebruary 2026
Worship in Uplyme Church: February & Early MarchFebruarySun 1st 10am Together@Communion 6pm Wholeness & Healing ServiceMon 2nd 7pm Compline - Night PrayerSun 8th 10am Morning WorshipSun 15th 10am Together@10 6pm Holy CommunionAsh WednesdayWed 18th 10am Ashing Service.Sun 22nd 10am Morning WorshipMarchSun 1st 10am Together@Communion 6pm Wholeness & Healing ServiceMon 2nd 7pm Compline - Night PrayerSun 8th 10am Morning WorshipBaptisms Aurelio Sylvan Gomty 21st DecemberWeddings & Marriage Blessings NoneFunerals, Thanksgiving & Burial of Ashes Jack Hansen 15th DecemberSylvia Lee 17th December
1CONTENTSService News Inside Front CoverContents 1A Blast from the Canon 2From the Editor 3Church Notices 4 & 5Gods Grandeur 13 6Shining Stars 7Film Nights & ALCS Group 8Adverts 9 & 10Winter Warmers 11The Big Brew 2026 12News from the Pub 13Diana Hunt Poem & Recipe 14Nature Notes from David 15Horticultural Society 16Ash Wednesday & Apples 17Lyme Regis Museum & Pop-up-Shop 18Adverts 19 & 20Affordable Housing Plans and meeting 21, 22 & 23Parish Council Report 24 & 25Village Hall 26 & 27Adverts 28Church Officers & Contact details Inside Back CoverParish News Copy DeadlinesPlease remember the NEXT issue of the magazine is for Marchand all articles up to and including things for early April should be with us by the 15th MarchEmail to - [email protected]
2Where’s the Nativity Gone?A friend said to me a day or so ago, “gosh Christmas seems so far away”. In fact at the time we were still in the season of Christmas. A priest colleague also mentioned to me that she still had her Christmas decorations up since the Christmas season does not come to an end until Candlemas, the presentation of Jesus in the Temple on February 1st. I keep out just my three nativity scenes until then for the same reason. Three nativity scenes may seem a little excessive. They are all different. I have a compact pottery scene, made by a local potter near where we lived when our children were small. This one is quite insignificant in mud coloured clay but has been displayed for nearly forty years. A second one is a wooden silhouette which lights up and is rather two dimensional. The most recent one is slightly different again. It’s made of pottery but brightly painted. We bought it in Bolivia a few years ago and of course the figures look Bolivian.I read an article over Christmas that was reporting on a church where they had a nativity scene festival and had over two thousand nativity scenes on display! We had something similar in one of my previous parish churches, but we didn’t have nearly as many. But it was fascinating to see the diversity of the portrayal of this important scene. Some were old family scenes passed down through the generations, some were very elaborate and other very simple ones made by children. I am sure that Saint Francis of Assisi in the 13th Century who is credited with popularising the tradition through a live reenactment in a cave in Greccio, Italy, would not have imagined that hundreds of years later the scene is used as a decoration for Christmas. It would be very sad if we thought that the nativity scenes we see around us are just Christmas decorations and are put away with the other baubles, only to be brought out again later that year. The significance of the nativity should not only be with us for all of the Christmas season but throughout the year. God came to earth as a child not with fanfares and trumpets but in humility and poverty. He came to experience human life, he came to bring his love directly to each andeveryone of us. He came to light our paths through life. Let the brightness of the Christ child shine from the candles of Candlemas now and for ever. Blessings,Canon Cate
3Welcome to the February Parish NewsWe are all deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Irve Griffiths in mid January. Irve was a huge figure in the church and the locality. He led the youth work at Uplyme Church for many years from autumn 2001, and I had the enormous pleasure of spending many hours with him over the following 6-7 years especially when we ran the Uplyme section of the SPREE Camps in the summer. We did 5 camps together, and he only complained of my snoring every trip! Latterly he worked in the local schools teaching music and supporting the students. He was also very much involved in the music festivals around the area and his input at theseevents will be sorely missed. The outpouring of love and sadness across all areas of social media on his passing has been extraordinary. However, when I stop to think about it he touched so many lives it is not surprising. At this time we think of Irve’s wife Nicki and his four girls and send them our love and prayers. I last saw Irve and chatted with him on Christmas Day in Uplyme Church. He gave that ‘Irve smile’ and his usual “Good to seeyou Brother” greeting. Ed
4UPLYMEPLAYING FIELDA FUN, FRIENDLY FOOTBALL GROUPFOR 5 - 11YR OLDS LOOKING TOLEARN ANDPLAY FOOTBALL.ALL ARE WELCOME TO COME ALONGAND HAVE A GO!FOR FURTHER DETAILS CONTACTFLETCH HULBERT ON:07759 830128SATURDAY MORNINGSCommunity Walk and light lunch for all Saturday 21st FebruaryMeet at church 10.30amNext > Saturday 21st March If you don’t want to walk join us for lunch in church at 12.00 noonFor more information : Contact Sue Wells 07912 272102UPLYME CHURCH FESTIVAL CHOIRAll singers are invited to join Festival Choir to participate in either or both of two events at Uplyme:Carols around the Christmas Tree on Friday 13th December at 7.00pm.Uplyme Church Carol Service on Sunday 22nd December at 6.00pmWe sing in 4 parts but you are given lots of help to learn your part! You don't have to be a sight reader! Please ring Adrian on 01297 442902 if you'd like to learn more about getting involved this time or in the future.Uplyme Bell Ringers are offering a chance to have the bells rung to help celebrate a special occasion such as a birthday or anniversary. For further details please contact one of the following:- Andy Jarvis (Tower Captain) 07742634657 James Booth 07791055262Jo Clarke 07412714041Donna Heath 07815928212Mrs Ethelston's have been enjoying the recent addition to the school - two rabbits! The children have enjoyed having lots of cuddles and taking on the responsibilities of looking after them. The school is now in full Christmas mode, with rehearsals for Nativity and carol services well underway. We are particularly looking forward to making Christingles with our lovely church team!Bethany StapleforthYear 6 teacherMrs Ethelston's Primary Academy
5KNIT AND CHATTERWho are we:A very friendly group who love to Knit and ChatCome and join us, bring yourself, your knitting or crochet if you like. Or we’ll start you off!Where and When:Uplyme Church, Wednesday afternoon 2 till 4Who’s it for:Everybody is most welcome. Please do join usThere's always a ready supply of tea, coffee and biscuits.Who to Contact:Elizabeth Cooper on 07918 074 483Uplyme Gospel SingersWe are a community choir that meets at 7:30 pm on Tuesdays in term time atUplyme ChurchNo experience needed!No audition!No need to read music!First session is free!For more info -www.uplymechurch.org.uk/worship-3-2/uplyme-gospel-singers/email [email protected] phone 01297 443642
6GOD’S GRANDEUR 13 - JESUS’ TEMPTATION, To inspire our worship of Jesus Christ, let us consider our personal life in the light of Jesus Temptation by Satan the devil.*First, we need to register that the three temptations by Satan were to deflect Jesus from his earthly mission to save us from our sins and grant us the certain hope of eternal life with him in heaven. In attacking Jesus, the devil challenged Jesus to supernaturally feed his physical hunger, to miraculously demonstrate his ability to overcome gravity and thirdly, to tempt Jesus with worldly fame. Jesus countered Satan with appropriate scriptures that were able to meet his needs in these three areas.**Anyone inclined to prefer Jesus call to love God and our neighbours over selfish behaviour can soon experience the devil’s worldly distractions. We are advised to protect ourselves by putting on the whole armour of God comprising “The belt of truth; the breastplate of righteousness; the shoesof the gospel of peace; the helmet of salvation; the shield of faith and to take up the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God – as Jesus did.**David *Matthew 4v1-11 **Ephesians 6 vs 10-17,
7On arrival the adults enjoy a cuppa with a biscuit (sometimes cake!) while the children enjoy free playtime with ride-ons, puzzles, duplo, dressing up, cars, train track, crafts, play house and kitchen and so much more. Around 12 it’s ‘tidy up time’ then the children have a healthy snack and a story. This is followed by songs with instruments and parachute games. The session ends with our ‘bye, bye bubbles’ song while the children pop as many bubbles as they can.Join us on Friday’s 9th Jan to 13th Feb & 27th Feb to 27th MarchWhat is Shining Stars Playgroup?Well, it’s not a Nursery or a Pre-school where you leave your little ones in the care of stafftrained in child care. It’s like a Mother and Toddler group but we also have fathers, grandparents, child minders etc and babies from 0 to children up to 5.Our playgroup is about having fun and making friends. All under 5’s are welcome (as long as they bring an adult) on Friday’s in term time from 10 to 11:30am. We meet at the Scout Hut in Rhode Lane, Uplyme. It’s a great venue with good facilities and free parking.The group is part of Uplyme Church’s outreach. It’s run by church and community volunteers who set up before hand, welcome, make tea and coffee, help with crafts, chat with those who come and tidy up at the end. We would love to have more helpers, whether it’s just to set up or the whole session, once a month or every week. Ifyou’re interested or would like to know more please email Jan [email protected]. You don’t need to have any experience or qualification, just a willingness to help young families.
8Drop in for a chatRefreshments available free of chargeAxminster ALCS Cross Keys House - EX13 5EBMonday 2nd February 10.00am – 4.00pm Monday 9th February 10.00am – 4.00pm Monday 16th February 10.00am – 4.00pm Monday 23rd February 10.00am – 4.00pm Monday 2nd March 10.00am – 4.00pm Monday 9th March 10.00am – 4.00pm Monday 16th March 10.00am – 4.00pm Monday 23rd March 10.00am – 4.00pm Monday 30th March 10.00am – 4.00pmLyme Regis – Waffle House – DT7 3QFWednesday 18th February 10.00am-12.00pm Wednesday 18th March 10.00am-12.00pm Affected by cancer? Looking for support? Need Help or advice?For more details contact [email protected] 816559 07512 279663axminsterandlymecancersupport.co.ukAxminster and Lyme Cancer SupportAXMINSTERANDLYMECANCERSUPPORTDrop in for a chatRefreshments available free of chargeAxminster ALCS Cross Keys House - EX13 5EBMonday 2nd February 10.00am – 4.00pm Monday 9th February 10.00am – 4.00pm Monday 16th February 10.00am – 4.00pm Monday 23rd February 10.00am – 4.00pm Monday 2nd March 10.00am – 4.00pm Monday 9th March 10.00am – 4.00pm Monday 16th March 10.00am – 4.00pm Monday 23rd March 10.00am – 4.00pm Monday 30th March 10.00am – 4.00pmLyme Regis – Waffle House – DT7 3QFWednesday 18th February 10.00am-12.00pm Wednesday 18th March 10.00am-12.00pm Affected by cancer? Looking for support? Need Help or advice?For more details contact [email protected] 816559 07512 279663axminsterandlymecancersupport.co.ukAxminster and Lyme Cancer SupportAXMINSTERANDLYMECANCERSUPPORTDrop in for a chatRefreshments available free of chargeAxminster ALCS Cross Keys House - EX13 5EBMonday 2nd February 10.00am – 4.00pm Monday 9th February 10.00am – 4.00pm Monday 16th February 10.00am – 4.00pm Monday 23rd February 10.00am – 4.00pm Monday 2nd March 10.00am – 4.00pm Monday 9th March 10.00am – 4.00pm Monday 16th March 10.00am – 4.00pm Monday 23rd March 10.00am – 4.00pm Monday 30th March 10.00am – 4.00pmLyme Regis – Waffle House – DT7 3QFWednesday 18th February 10.00am-12.00pm Wednesday 18th March 10.00am-12.00pm Affected by cancer? Looking for support? Need Help or advice?For more details contact [email protected] 816559 07512 279663axminsterandlymecancersupport.co.ukAxminster and Lyme Cancer SupportAXMINSTERANDLYMECANCERSUPPORT
9Mike EbdonElectricianFor all yourElectrical needsRoseneathVenlake LaneUplymeDevonDT7 3SDHome: 01297 442861Mobile: 07774642740FREE ESTIMATESAll work Part P certified
10BIG ENOUGH TO HELP | SMALL ENOUGH TO CARE· Buying & Selling Property· Business Issues· Agricultural Issues· Wills· Powers of Attorney· Trusts & Estates· Matrimonial and Family· Personal Injury· Resolving Disputes· Negligence Claims· Employment· Debt Recoverywww.scottrowe.co.ukAXMINSTER01297 32345CHARD01460 63336LYME REGIS01297 443777
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12Join us as we come together for The Big Brew, combining our church community walk with a relaxed fairtrade lunch.We’ll enjoy good food, good company, and take time to learn how sharing tea can help support our neighbours across the world.Across tea-growing communities, climate change is making traditional farming increasingly difficult. Many tea farmers are now having to diversify their crops to protect their livelihoods and land.Your donations are helping to create Diversi-TEA in tea gardens across the world — supporting farmers to invest in new crops, seedlings, and equipment so they can adapt to a changing climate.“Tea is no longer making a lot of money for the farmers and that is why we are diversifying our crops. In January, we had rains that we don’t usually experience. With such changes, we prefer having other crops like avocado, which will be useful in the long run.”— Edward Ngumi, tea farmerCome for the walk, come for lunch, or simply come for a cuppa. Everyone is welcome. The Big Brew – Fairtrade Lunch & Community WalkSaturday 21st FebruaryCommunity Walk: 10.30amFairtrade Lunch: 12.00pm (You are very welcome to join us for lunch even if you don’t take part in the walk.)
13News From The PubHello Villagers and Visitors Those of us who saw in the New Year at the New Years Eve party in the Village Hall had such a fabulous night. “The Band” Pete, Brian, Joe, Tyler and our very own Darci provided the fantastic entertainment, we all sang along and danced the night away. We are so lucky to have such amazing talent living right here in our Village, I did hear through the grapevine that Jools Holland had been in touch so we were very lucky and grateful they chose to play for us!!!! Big Thanks must also go Marie, Corrine, Lorraine, Joe and Donna and their other halves for preparing the hall so beautifully for everyone’s arrival. Maybe we will do it again this year! Big thanks to Will and Miranda for suggesting to local families they all have an informal New Years day walk which would end back in The Pub. We had lots of parents and children; Steve made some lovely soups and lasagne which everyone enjoyed. Carys is now in Australia at the start of her travels, Charlie is in Portugal starting his work related university course, and Fred has is back in Cardiff to continue his studies. I am sure everyone knows the wonderful larger than life ‘Steve Babe’ retired landlord of The Standard passed away on Boxing Day. He meant so much to Steve and I and so many others. We feel so lucky to have called him our Friend, Babe will be deeply missed by all of us at The Talbot and we will always remember him with a story and a smile. Well, the Six Nations are looming and Wales are a Nation rebuilding and refocusing. While we are giving opportunities to new faces and giving new talent a chance to shine lets remember that every great Welsh side has started somewhere !!!! We have plans for different themed evenings and events at the pub in the very near future, also, its worth a reminder to book early for Mothering Sunday Carvery if you want to join us with your lovely Mum. Mark and Melissa have recently moved into our Village and have already introduced themselves to us and other locals. “It was lovely to meet you both and hope you felt welcomed by everyone”. Hoping you are all keeping well, please come and visit the pub, you too will get a warm welcome. Warmest Wishes and much love Wendy xx
14Cheese & Onion Quiche.Ingredients: 4oz. Plain Flour 2oz. Margarine. A little water to bind together. For the topping: Grated cheese Spring onions 1 or 2 eggs (according to your needs and taste) Teaspoon of mustard Pepper Small amount of milk. Turn Oven on Gas 5 190C electric. Method for the Pastry. Measure the flour into a bowl and add margarine. (don’t bother using Lard) Rub the flour & margarine together with your fingers or a fork until mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add enough water to bind together. Place onto a floured surface and roll to the size of a greased tin. Place on top shelf of oven while you prepare the topping. Topping. Put eggs into a bowl and whisk with a fork, then add some milk. Not too much. Add 2 or 3 Spring onions, grated cheese, mustard and pepper then add to the egg mixture. Don’t be too fussy with exact measurements, use the quantity that suits your requirements.Take pastry case out of the oven when cooked and pour over egg/cheese mixture. Return to the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until golden. Diana HuntIt’s all News to Me. I’ll go to the Newsagents, better early than go later, Not sure of which to get, but I want to buy a paper. Shall it be a tabloid or maybe a large broadsheet, Or one of the weekend ones, that come out once a week. Will I choose the Daily Mail the Mirror or The SunOr the more light-hearted ones, that’s only read for fun. There’s always the Financial Times, or maybe the Racing Post, I’d study the form of the GGs, and see which I’d like the most. Going for a serious read there’s the Guardian, Telegraph or TimesKeeping me up to date on world issues and its crimes. Sometimes if there’s a problem, and the papers are not on time I could pick up one of the free ones, like the Herald or LymeOnline.
15Nature Notes 4. Winter BirdsEarly autumn represents all-change for many of our birds as they prepare for the onset of winter. Swallows, house martins, swifts and most of our warblers feed up for their journey to Africa to find insects. At the same time large numbers of birds are preparing to leave their Arctic and Eastern European breeding grounds for Britain’s milder climate and winter food supplies. Most winter migration into Britain takes place at night when the atmosphere is less turbulent than during daytime and predators are avoided.In winter we notice more blackbirds in our gardens, including males lacking the familiar yellow bill and perhaps looking a touch dowdy. These are migrants escaping the frozen ground of Scandinavia and Eastern Europe. They will acquire their breeding plumage later than our birds. Other thrushes joining us for winter are the Redwings and Fieldfares but these open countryside birds are only likely to visit smaller gardens for berries during periods of snow and harsher weather.One year, on a morning visit in early November to Minsmere, the Suffolk birding Mecca, I witnessed the coastal bushes teeming with goldcrests that had migrated from the east across the North Sea overnight. They were totally focussed on feeding and resting before dispersing. Britain’s smallest bird weighs between 4.5-7.0g, a little more than a 5p coin at 3.25g! This journey must have completely sapped their energy; quite astonishing for such a tiny bird!The population of our garden birds increases during winter and we get to know our resident blackbird, robin and dunnock. What is not obvious is that there is a regular turnover of individual tits, finches and other birds. A local friend who has a bird ringing license caught and ringed the bullfinches in his garden one winter, revealing a constantly changing cast!Another study of a winter blackbird in a Devon garden revealed that for several years it visited from Norfolk!Many of our resident birds undertake minor migratory movements in winter, many crossing the Channel. A regular November sight in Uplyme is huge flocks of wood pigeons moving through en route to warmer climes in continental Europe. Robins, such feisty birds, pair up in winter. A delight for us is that the robin sings through the winter and, most unusually for our songbirds, the female also sings to defend her feeding territory.It is this scene of all-change through the seasons that offers continual interest to bird watchers and lovers of the countryside.David Cox
16Uplyme and Lyme Regis Horticultural Societywww.ulrhs.wordpress.comOur year’s programme is at https://ulrhs.wordpress.com. Annual membership only £6 per person - join via the website or at any meeting. Coach trip prices include a £5 nonreturnable deposit. Non-Society members welcome for an additional payment of £3.Members coffee morning, Saturday 7th FebruaryWe’re splashing out and treating our members to a coffee morning at The Alexandra Hotel in Lyme Regis from 10am to 12noon. With the days starting to get longer and hopefully not too much more bad weather to come we look forward to seeing our members again. The event is free for members but places are limited. Please RSVP to your email invitation to be placed on the waiting list.Snowdrops at Shaftesbury and Springhead Trust, coach trip, Wednesday 11th FebruaryThe trip departs Uplyme Village Hall at 9.15am. The morning is spent at Shaftesbury where you can explore Gold Hill, the Abbey and thousands of snowdrops planted in and around the town. A map of the best snowdrop locations is provided. Cafés for coffee/brunch.In the afternoon we visit Springhead Trust at Fontmell Magna with its ornamental and productive gardens and views over the Blackmore Vale and Hardy’s Wessex. Wander around the picturesque lakeside gardens at the head of which, icy clear water bubbles up from seven springs that are crossed by a wooden bridge and overshadowed by huge and veteran trees.At the entrance to Springhead, thatched cottages and an 18th century mill house form a courtyard. The small pool at its centre is fed by running water that cascades beneath the mill house to become a gentle stream, Collyer’s Brook, flowing into the River Stour. Pop up café. Cost £23. To book contact Jenny Harding [email protected] 07773 604137Pruning talk, Wednesday 25th FebruarySaul Walker, head gardener at Stonelands House in Devon and a Trustee of The Hardy Plant Society, will be giving us the low-down on pruning in this evening which is part talk, part demonstration and part Q&A. This is your chance to get all your pruning queries answered by a professional. Tricia Boyd - [email protected]
17ApplesStewed, poached, braised, munched, sliced, stuffed, charlottes, turnovers, pies, pasties, strudels, crumblesYou name them, we had them courtesy of our neighbours this autumn.We would like to thank all the unknown providers who left apples and soft fruit on their drives and gateways for people like us to collect and enjoy.This was a really wonderful gesture, we have two small trees, but the deer did not wait for the to ripen and mature, however many unseen neighbours provided as many as we could eat and are still doing so from our freezer.With thanks to all, Angela and Jim Griffith, Harcombe RoadAsh Wednesday: A good time to admit you are sorryHave you done something which haunts you? Which makes you feel restless and defensive, every time you think of it? Why not deal with it this month, and put it behind you? Whatever your mistake has been, consider what the Bible has to say to you:‘I have not come to call the virtuous but sinners to repentance’ (said Jesus). (Luke 5.32)‘Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. (Isaiah 55.7)‘Yet even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; rend your hearts and not your clothing. Return to the Lord, your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing.’ (Joel 2:12-13)God is inviting you to come to Him this Ash Wednesday. What a wonderful offer! Make the most of it and remember how the prodigal son was welcomed back by his compassionate father.www.parishpump.co.uk
18Friends of Lyme Regis Museum Everyone is welcome to attend our talks at 2.30 pm in the Woodmead Hall, Lyme Regis.Thurs 5th February; an illustrated talk, ‘’The Cobb-Past, Present & Future’ by Jim Thomas. Jim, a geographer and geologist, will discuss the evolution of the Cobb over the last 800 years – its structure, activities, fishing industry and people. Including its use, management and features today with proposals for the future.Thurs 5th March; an illustrated talk, ‘The Romance of the Letter Box’ by Tony Cross.Tony will discuss our historic red post boxes and the various types, some of which survive from the 1850s. He will include our oldest letterbox from Dorset, dating from 1853 and still in daily use.Members £3 visitors £5. All welcome.Enquiries to David Cox, 07800 895351Pre-Loved Pre-LovedPop Up Shop Pop Up ShopYour last chanceto buy fashionbrands before welist on ourVinted StoreHobbs Boden Seasalt Fat Face White Stuff M&S Alexon Joules Seasalt Tommy Hilfiger Jigsaw Planet Boden Seasalt Monsoon White StuffCoast Boden Toast Jacques Vert Jasper ConranSaturday 7th February, 9-11amCross Keys House, Axminster EX13 5EB(adjacent to the hospital)in aid ofAxminster and Lyme Cancer SupportRegistered Charity in the UK: 1182035God made usA little girl sitting on her grandfather's lap reached up to touch his wrinkled cheek. “Grandpa, did God make you?\"\"Yes, sweetheart,\" he answered, \"God made me a long time ago.\"\"Oh,\" she paused. \"Grandpa, did God make me too?\" Her grandfather assured her that He had. Feeling his wrinkled cheek again, she observed, \"God's getting better at it, isn't He?\"
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20Mike Maccoy Computer Tutor & sort-outer of problems 100s of satisfied customersNew or Old, Bewildered or Terrified Specific or General One-off or Every-so-often --------------------------------------------- I come to you and help you on your own computer. I am experienced, speak your language, work with you at your pace to tackle everything from installation to general, Internet / e-mail, Broadband, wireless, printing, photos etc etc.Phone me at any time on 01297 442321 or 07970443631 07970 443 631Tel: 01297 445626Email: [email protected]“your home from home by the sea”Spacious rooms, in a beautiful house, in a glorious part of DevonWe are Dementia Care SpecialistsPinhay House Care HomeArtist blacksmith living in Uplyme designing and manufacturing garden plant supports, structures, furniture and art.Check out the whole range on my website or contact me for bespoke designs and commissionsjonne@jonne.co.ukwww.thegardenersblacksmith.co.uk07770 720 373The Gardener’s Blacksmith
21PUBLIC CONSULTATIONAFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENTVENLAKE - CANNINGTON LANECOME & VIEW THE PLANSDetails of the proposed schemeProvide feedbackAsk questionsYOUR SUPPORT & INVOLVEMENT IS KEY TO THE SUCCESS OF THIS MUCH NEEDED DEVELOPMENTUplyme Village Hall ‘Drop-In’17 February 20263:30pm – 6:30pmDo see further details on Page 22 & 23 of this magazine
22AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENTVENLAKE & CANNINGTON LANELyme Regis Community Land Trust (CLT) has worked with various partners over the last 4 years to bring this proposed development forward. At the ‘public meeting’ in October 2022, held at the Village Hall, the proposed development was unanimously supported.Given the local support, Lyme Regis CLT expanded its remit to include Uplyme and some residents are now members. In addition, the Parish Council has given the scheme, and the CLT, its full support.Since that date, in consultation with East Devon DC, the detail of the proposal has been developed and now comprises 9 dwellings – 7 social rentals and 2 private market houses. We are now at the stage of seeking final Planning Permission from East Devon DC. Our key long-term partner is Hastoe Housing Association, who will take forward the building and management of the finished dwellings.There are number of key aspects of this development: Rental dwellings for ‘affordable’ social rental - about 60% of market rates. Shared ownership dwellings capped at 80% ownership; ensuring these homes remain affordable in perpetuity. The social rent dwellings will also be held in perpetuity for the local population. Potential tenants and shared owners will be assessed in terms of their connection to the local area. Priority given to those with a connection to Uplyme – residency, work, family. The CLT will have the final say on the local connection policy to be used and Hastoe will allocate the homes.
23Public Consultation – Village Hall Tuesday 17 February 2026– Drop-in between 3:30-6:30pmOn Tuesday the 17th the CLT and Hastoe are organising an opportunity for Uplyme people to review the plans before the final Planning Application is submitted.This will be a ‘drop-in’ session where various people involved in the project will be available to answer questions, discuss the next steps and gather feedback which will help us hone the final scheme. On the day there will be displays covering: Layout of the development – number and type of dwellings. The development’s relationship to the wider location. Wildlife mitigation measures. Perspective views of the development. A 3D model of the development. Your engagement and support are critical to the overall success of the development - helping us demonstrate public support during the planning process. We look forward to welcoming you to the ‘drop-in’ session. Technical support for the development project has been provided by:
24Uplyme Parish Councilc/o Uplyme Village Hall, Lyme Road, Uplyme, Lyme Regis DT7 3UYTel: 07413 947067 Email: [email protected]: www.uplymeparishcouncil.gov.ukBudget 2026-27Each year, the Parish Council undertakes a careful and detailed process to set its budget for the year ahead. This work usually begins in the autumn, when councillors review current spending, assess ongoing commitments, and consider any new projects or priorities raised by residents, working groups or partner organisations.The Council looks closely at: • Essential running costs such as staffing, insurance, audit, maintenance and statutory responsibilities • Community services and assets, including play areas, open spaces, footpaths and public amenities • Planned projects, from environmental improvements to road‑safety measures • Reserves, ensuring the parish remains financially resilient and prepared for unexpected events Once draft figures are prepared, the Finance Committee reviews them in detail before making recommendations to the full Council. The final budget is then agreed at a public meeting, and the resulting precept (the parish element of your Council Tax) is set accordingly. Every decision is made with value for money, transparency and community benefit firmly in mind.A Comment from the Chair: “Setting the budget is one of the most important responsibilities we have as a Parish Council. We work hard to balance the essential services residents rely on with the ambitions we all share for improving our parish. Every pound we spend must deliver real value for the community, and I’m grateful to councillors and residents alike for the thoughtful input that helps shape these decisions each year.”Winter Preparedness – Grit Bins, Flood Measures and Local SupportIn the aftermath of Storm Goretti, and with winter weather still very much with us, residents can play an important part in keeping our community safe. If there is a grit bin near your home, please take a moment to check its level and report any that need refilling to the Clerk, including the location details (contact information is provided in the newsletter heading).Our emergency volunteers focus on the busiest areas of the parish, but they cannot reach every road and footpath. If you are able to spread a little
25grit or take simple flood‑prevention steps in your part of Uplyme, it helps protect you, your neighbours and visitors. Please remember that Council grit is for use on public roads and pavements only; if you need supplies for private property, rock salt is readily available from local retailers at reasonable prices.For those who may need them, the Council holds a small stock of empty sandbags for emergency use—just get in touch. Local builders’ merchants in Lyme Regis and Axminster can also provide filled bags at low cost. As always, staying alert to weather warnings and following Met Office updates is one of the best ways to prepare ahead of severe conditions.We are also keen to hear from anyone interested in joining our pool of emergency volunteers. If you would like to help the parish during adverse weather or other incidents, please contact the Clerk using the details above.Introducing Councillor David ElfordUplyme Parish Council is pleased to welcome Cllr David Elford, who was coopted to the Council at their January meeting. David brings valuable experience from his previous service as a councillor in Shute, where he was actively involved in community matters and local governance. His background and commitment to parish life will be a real asset as he steps into his new role supporting the Uplyme community.David’s prior experience in local government will strengthen the Council’s work and provide valuable insight as we continue to serve the parish.Roadside Hedges, Verges and Ditches – Landowner ResponsibilitiesWell maintained roadside vegetation supports drainage, prevents erosion and ensures highway safety. Where hedges, trees or ditches border the highway, their maintenance is normally the responsibility of the adjoining landowner or occupier. This includes any trees that overhang or fall onto the road. Property deeds or the Land Registry can confirm ownership if needed.Under Section 154 of the Highways Act 1980, landowners must ensure vegetation does not endanger or obstruct highway users. This includes keeping signs and sightlines clear, maintaining unobstructed footways and rights of way, removing dead or dangerous trees, preventing branches from blocking vehicles or lighting, clearing debris from cutting, and keeping ditches freeflowing.If issues arise, the Parish Council may contact landowners informally. Persistent problems may lead to a formal notice from the County Council, who may carry out the work and recover costs if necessary.Damage caused by trees or branches from your land remains your responsibility, and cuttings should always be disposed of properly to avoid blocking drains.Chairman: Cllr. A. Turner Vice Chairman: Cllr. P. OakleyCllrs: J. Beavis, Mrs. E. Daly, D. Elford, Mrs P. Frost, P. Hackett, C. Pratt, Mrs. F. Rawlins, W. Trundley.
26February already! A nice short month with a FUN QUIZ on Friday 27thThe days getting longer as we head towards the Spring Equinox in March, closely followed by the Village Hall Jumble Sale and coffee morning. So, have a spring clean, sort out your wardrobe and drop off some items to the Hall before March roars in like a lion. 2026 Events:Friday 27th February QUIZZICAL QUIZ from 6.30pm for 7pm startSaturday 28th March JUMBLE SALE & COFFEE MORNING - come along and grab a bargain as well as taking time to enjoy the scrumptious goodiesSaturday 6th June: Village Fete. Raffle for Hall funds.Saturday 1st August: Horticultural Summer ShowSaturday 3rd October: JUMBLE SALE & COFFEE MORNINGSaturday 5th December: Christmas Coffee Morning, Fayre & Duck Race. The Hall is a community resource, used by many different groups and organisations. Our income mainly comes from hirers, topped up by our events to help maintain & improve the Hall facilities whilst supporting our local users and keep charges as low as possible. If you would like to find out more or help at any of our events, please talk to Chair Pete Hackett, Secretary Margaret Wiscombe, our Manager Amber or any of our wonderful committee members. [email protected] 07396 704980UPLYME VILLAGE HALLBook your table now
27Village Hall February 2026REGULAR HIRERS - TIMES MAY VARY. Please check with the group/organisationUplyme Pre School/ Term time onlyMondays 9am-3.30pmTuesdays 9am-3.30pmWednesdays 9am-1pmFridays 9am- 1.30pmSchool – Mrs Ethelstons/Term time onlyWednesdays 1.30-3.30pm (4.45 if club)Thursdays 9.00am- 3.30pm (4.45 if club)Fridays 1.45pm-3.30pm (4.45 if club)YogaThursdays 6.30pm-8.00pmShort Mat BowlsMondays 6.30pm-9.00pmParish CouncilUsually 2nd Wednesday of each month 6.30pmHorticultural SocietyUsually 4th Wednesday of each month7pm-9pm Mainly BallroomSaturday 14th FebruaryQuakersSundays 9.30am – middayVillage Hall Committee meetingUsually 1st Tuesday of each month 7.00pm (except August)Other bookings this month ‘Dance Connection Wessex’ 1st and 3rd Wednesdays 7 – 8.80pm. See poster at the hall for more information. Upcoming events are advertised in our noticeboards at the Hall and also on our Facebook and Instagram page.Visit our website/calendar www.uplymevillage.comCalendar/online calendar times are hire times not event times. Check with the individual organisations for event times.To book the Village Hall please email [email protected] or call 07396704980 (office hours only please).Love Uplyme and our community?Leave a gift in your will toUplyme Village Hall CIOand you will be helping to secure the future of ourvillage hall for Uplyme.Or commemorate the life of a loved one with a donation.If you are considering it, Thank YouAny gift, large or small, makes a [email protected]
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Uplyme Church Contactspart of the Axe Valley Mission CommunityUplyme Church, Pound Lane, Uplyme, DT7 3TTTeam Vicar Rev Nicky Daviesemail [email protected] Tel 07931 413629Churchwardens Jan Impey 07597 576885Verger & Bookings Jenny Perham 07761 081424Licensed Lay Minister (LLM) Ann Gray 07703 182845Church Administrator Louise Collard 01297 441986email: [email protected] Office Hours: Mon - Wed & Fri 09.00 – 12.00Thurs 12.30 – 15.30Hon Treasurer Sharyn Walker 01297 444811PCC Secretary Chris Buckingham 07770 253289Safeguarding Advisors Claire Gregory 07966 300919Church Membership Mike Maccoy 07970 443631Gospel Choir Jo Cursley 01297 443642Festival Choir Adrian Pearson 01297 442902Flower Group Carole Hodges 07968 381480Deanery Synod Robin Hodges 07774 139972Saturday Football Fletch Hulbert 07759 830128Mrs Ethelston’s School Head Katie Allington 01297 442210School Link Bruce [email protected] News Editor Robin Hodges 07774 139972Email: [email protected] Church Registered Charity Number 1131962 This magazine is printed by:AXMINSTER PRINTING COMPANY LTD01297 32266 - www.axminsterprinting.co.uk - [email protected]
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