Plans are under way for the return of Lifeboat Week to Lyme Regis in July

A provisional programme for the week, beginning on July 24, is being discussed by members of the town’s Lifeboat Supporters' Group.

The week – a summer highlight since the 1970s – was cancelled last year because of the pandemic.

Chairman of the supporters group Ken Lavery said: “We feel we have to be optimistic and hope that restrictions will be lifted by late July.

“We are making plans to stage as many events as possible during the week, including old favourites and new activities subject to any Covid-19 restrictions which might still be  in place. We will update you on progress via our Facebook page and website.” (https://www.facebook.com/LymeRegisLifeboatWeek https://www.lymeregislifeboatweek.co.uk)  

Lifeboat Week has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for the RNLI’s life-saving charity since the 1970s. In 2019 the week raised a record £40,000.

Russian Artist Captures Lyme Regis Lifeboat Crew

A Russian - born artist based in Lyme Regis has launched a portrait painting project involving nearly thirty members of the town’s volunteer lifeboat crew.

Maria Barbashina, 38, offered to paint the portraits, and some 26 crew members have volunteered for a 90 minute sitting.

Maria, who trained as an artist in Russia from the age of 12, specialises in portraits and still life.

Her first lifeboat crew subject was volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager Nick Marks and he was followed by sea-going crew members including senior helm Tim Edwards.

Maria said: “I enjoy a challenge and like to choose subjects who I feel play an important role in local life.

“I hope my portraits will help to promote the volunteer duties of the RNLI in Lyme Regis.

“I also find this sort of project a very nice way to meet new and interesting people.

Nick Marks said: “It’s a great project which Maria has offered us and one day we may have a display of the portraits in the lifeboat station.