The Rotary Club of Lyme Regis, Southwest England, recently hosted their annual Candles on the Cobb event.
The event first took place in 200 when it was set up by the local Town Crier and Assistant Harbour Master and has grown ever since.
The club took over the organisation and administration in 2018 in order to keep the tradition going.
Over 230 volunteers gathered in the late august afternoon. The Lyme Regis Town Band played with the Big Whisky Band from Axminister, and the Lyme Regis Morris Dancers danced.
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.”
Over 5000 recyclable tea light kits generously supplied by Nicola and Scott of the Quinnell Candle Company were put in place.
As thousands gathered to watch, guests were invited to light the first candles, which were part of the crown created in the sand to commemorate Queen Elisabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee by our Ukrainian families and helpers.
The Mayor of Lyme Regis, Councillor Michaela Ellis, and her Consort Alan lit the first candle.
Young volunteers lined up and prepared to help
They were followed by District Governor Cate Whitewood, who lit a candle on behalf of the main sponsors Lyme Bay Holidays (Sykes Holiday Cottages), and The Swim Restaurant Lyme Regis.
The candles were lit by teams of 150 people, consisting of the RNLI, Fire Brigade, 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 sprang into action throughout the evening.
Over 230 volunteers gathered in the late august afternoon.”
Club President and Town Crier, Alan Vian, asked for a moment’s reflection to remember a loved one.
This was followed by the music of ‘ Candle in the Wind ‘ while the whole of the Lister Gardens became illuminated by thousands of people waving their phones.
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.
Over 800 notes of congratulations have been sent and the website has been viewed 500,000 times. For a club with only 16 members, this is a truly stunning achievement.
