The Rotary Club of Lyme Regis is pleased to announce that Candles on the Cobb, one of the west country’s most unique and spectacular events was one of the most successful ever!

Late in the afternoon the sun was still shining and some 230 volunteers gathered. The Lyme Regis Town Band, the Big Whisky Band from Axminster were playing, the Lyme Regis Morris Dancers were dancing.

More than 5,000 recyclable specially made tea light kits (generously supplied once again by Nicola and Scott of the The Quinell Candle Company) were put in place.

As thousands gathered to watch, the guests were invited to light the first candles which were part of a Crown, especially created in the sand to commemorate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee by our Ukranian families and helpers.

The Mayor of Lyme Regis, Councillor Michaela Ellis, and her consort Alan lit the first candle followed by The Rotary Assistant - District Governor Cate Whitewood on behalf of our main sponsors Lyme Bay Holidays (Sykes Holiday Cottages) and The Swim restaurant, Lyme Regis.

The lighting teams of 150, consisting of the RNLI, fire service, Lym Valley, Charmouth and Explorer Scouts, Lyme Regis Sailing Club, Gig Club, Power Boat Club, The Lyme Regis Bowls Club, Axminster and Brit Valley Rotary Clubs and many individual volunteers sprung into action just after 8pm as the breeze dropped and the sun went down.

Our Rotary Club President and Town Crier Alan Vian asked for a moment’s reflection to remember someone. This was followed by the music of ‘ Candle in the Wind‘; the whole of the Lister Gardens then became illuminated by thousands of people waving their phones. A truly spectacular and emotional sight.

The Lyme Regis Rotary Club would like to thank especially our main sponsors, Lyme Bay Holidays (Sykes Holiday Cottages), The Swim restaurant, our supporters including the Harbour Inn, Cobb Arms, Largigi restaurant, Tom’s, and the amusement arcade.

We would also like to acknowledge the invaluable help and support of Harboumaster James Radcliffe, REM Medical Services, Lyme Regis Town Council, Mat Stiles (Sand Boxes), the sales outlets selling the certificates , the Slipway Stores, Uplyme Garage, RNLI Shop, and Lyme Regis Book Shop.

The total donations (yet to be finalised ) are in excess of £20,000 which is probably the highest amount collected in a single day for one event.

Our thanks to everybody; all the collectors, stewards, volunteers selling certificates including our great local collectors Annette, Josh and Jacob Denning, and all volunteers too many to name without whom this great event would not be possible.

Peter Fortnam

The Rotary Club of Lyme Regis