29th February 2012

LYME REGIS: Plaque will mark the Corinthians' achievement in seafront shelters

By Francesca Evans

A PLAQUE in the Marine Parade shelters in Lyme Regis will mark the achievements of The Corinthians rowing team, councillors have agreed.

The Corinthians - made up of Brian Fletcher, Elliot Dale, Tony Short and Chris Walters - completed the gruelling 2,900 mile Atlantic Challenge in January, rowing from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Barbados in the Carribean in 48 days, eight hours and three minutes, placing them in sixth.

By completing the race, the team, all members of Lyme Regis Gig Club, broke two world records - the oldest team ever to row the Atlantic with a combined age of 226, and the oldest man (Tony Short) ever to row the Atlantic at 66.

The suggestion to install a plaque in the Marine Parade shelters came from the team’s administrator, Andrew Pocock, while the Corinthians were still rowing.

The suggestion was discussed at last week’s Operational Management Sub-Committee, when a letter from Mr Pocock was read to councillors.

Mr Pocock wrote: “The fact that more humans have gone into space then successfully rowed the Atlantic gives an idea of the magnitude of this achievement... Their achievement is on an international level and of world record standing.

“With the above in mind, on behalf of the friends and supporters of the Corinthians crew, I would respectfully ask if the town council woud be prepared to allow us, within your guidance, in this Olympic sporting year, to honour the Corinthians‘ achievement by erecting a plaque in permanent recognition of their achievement, within the boundaries of the Marine Parade shelters.

“The achievement of the Corinthians falls outside of the normal local achievement criteria and, as such, would therefore be an opportunity to consider the use of shelters, throughout the years ahead, to mark the recognition of locals of Lyme who have achieved something quite exceptional and remarkable on the international or national arena.”

Rare achievement

Councillor Lucy Campbell emphasised her support for the Corinthains but said she thought the council should first consider a general policy, which would cover all future, similar requests.

Councillor Anita Williams said: “I’m not convinced we need a policy. These types of achievements are so rare they could be considered as and when they happen.

“When was the last time something like this happened and when will something like this happen again?”

The Mayor, Councillor Sally Holman, said suggestions had also been made for a plaque commemorating 18th century philanthropist Thomas Hollis, who transformed the Marine Parade. She said this could be marked as an historic achievement and the Corinthians’ feat could be marked as a modern achievement.

Councillor Campbell said she thought making a policy would make things “simpler”.

Councillor Mark Gage said that, as a maritime town, it was “absolutely appropriate” to mark the team’s achievement. He added that he would like to see the plaque in the Guildhall where it could be formerly presented by the council.

Councillor Williams argued that the shelters was the “right place” as it overlooked the sea. She suggested that a celebration and plaque unveiling could tie in with Lyme’s Olympic Day when the Olympic Torch would pass through the town on July 12th.

Councillor Holman, who is organising the Olympic Day, said this depended on when their boat would be returned from Barbados.

Councillor Williams then suggested that the Corinthians be invited to a meeting at the Guildhall where their achievements would be formerly acknowledged in a civic celebration, that the plaque be placed in the shelters and a second celebration for the whole town be held later when the boat was returned, hopefully to tie in with the Olympic Torch visit. This was agreed.

Councillor Campbell asked that the possibility of making a policy regarding future requests for the Marine Parade shelters be placed on a future agenda for the Strategy and Policy Committee.

PICTURE: GREAT ACHIEVEMENT - The Corinthians (from left), Tony Short, Elliot Dale, Brian Feltcher and Chris Walters, pictured after completing the Atlantic Challenge

LYME REGIS: Plaque will mark the Corinthians' achievement in seafront shelters

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