LYME REGIS: Opinions are being sought over whether to donate £2,000 to the Fossil Festival in the hope of continuing it.

The Lyme Regis Development Trust (LRDT) has run an annual Fossil Festival in May since 2005, but next year marks current festival director Kimberly Clarke’s last year.

In an email to LymeForward members, LDRT chair Wendy Davies asked for their views on whether the Fossil Festival is of sufficient importance and economic benefit to the town to justify setting aside around £2,000 – with a maximum of £2,500 – from the partnership budget to pay for a successor organiser.

The new organiser would work with Kimberly in preparing, delivering and wrapping up the 2015 festival, enabling continuation for the festival after next year.

Wendy added: “We have previously done the festival in the belief that building relationships with internationally renowned researchers and educational establishments around earth sciences can only be good for Lyme.

“Not only do many in the earth science world now regard Lyme as their home, but we know we have lit a scientific spark in many visitors both young and old who are now becoming life-long Lyme visitors.

“The Friday schools day also gives local schools a unique opportunity to meet with scientists of the highest calibre.”

Wendy also told LymeForward members that the organisation and delivery of the festival has become a ‘mammoth task’, requiring months of preparation as well as weeks of ‘wash-up’ afterwards.

She labelled the festival as ‘far too much for one individual to do for nothing’ and said that for several years now Kimberly Clarke has been running the festival taking a ‘modest fee’ from any money raised.

The email added: “Assuming the town does want the Fossil Festival to continue – feedback to LRDT suggests that the traders and business people are in favour of this – LRDT would like to make provision for a ‘handover’ during the run-up and delivery of Kimberly’s last extravaganza.

“But the problem is that the budget won’t stand any extra fees to pay for a second person. Overall, we believe the Fossil Festival is of benefit to the town’s economy. The alternative view is that the festival is a nuisance, bringing far too many people into the town and it should cease.”

LymeForward members have been asked to let the Lyme Regis Development Trust know their thoughts on the festival – and whether this would be a good use of funds – by the end of the year.

For more details email wendydavies@orange.net

  • DIRECTOR of Lyme Regis Museum David Tucker said: “The museum is an active participant and major contributor to the Fossil Festival and very much values its benefits to Lyme.

“Lyme is the home of the science of palaeontology and the presence of the Natural History Museum and other academic institutions within the ‘big tent’ serves to enthuse people of all ages and backgrounds in the magic of fossils and science.

“The festival puts Lyme Regis on the map, and one only has to see the faces of the children to appreciate the contribution the event makes to the exceptional reputation of the town, and the creation of the scientists of tomorrow.

“The museum is hugely appreciative of the work of LRDT and especially the dedication of Kimberly Clarke in organising this fantastic event – and we very much hope it continues.”