Behind so many of the things that make Lyme Regis such a special place are the volunteers giving their time and compassion to support others.
This June, we celebrate ‘National Volunteers Week’ in the UK, honouring the contributions of volunteers across the country.
The week serves to highlight the vital role that volunteers play in communities, showcasing their impact and encouraging more people to get involved in volunteering.
Launched in 1984, this initiative has been running for over 40 years, providing organisations and communities a platform to thank current and past volunteers for their invaluable efforts.
We all know Lyme Regis has a dedicated volunteering community, and this celebration aims to shine a light on everything they do to support our town.
From community transport and emergency response to cafes to gardens and food projects, volunteers across Lyme Regis are helping to keep the town connected.
For RNLI shop volunteer, Marion, who has volunteered at the shop since 2011 and been a member of the Supporters Group since 2007, volunteering in Lyme Regis is a passion that sits alongside other worthy roles.
She said: “I enjoy fundraising and during Lifeboat Week, I run the craft stall. Our family have always been supporters of the RNLI as we come from a sailing background in Essex. I am also a fosterer, home checker and transporter for a dog charity called Spaniel Aid.”
For Lynette, volunteering at the School House Café has become a rewarding part of weekly life. Alongside Joshua, she helps deliver takeaway orders around the town every Thursday.
She said: “I love being part of the School House Café. At the moment we are very busy with all our lovely regulars and the builders in town who are doing a great job of making the houses and shops in Lyme look lovely again.”
Elsewhere in the community, volunteers are giving their time in ways that can be truly life-changing.
One local volunteer responder, Chris Hutchings, now approaching 67 years old, has spent the last three years attending emergency incidents ranging from cardiac arrests to serious falls.
Recently recognised with an award for compassion and professionalism following a rescue in Bridport, his work has helped save lives.
For his family, the impact of volunteering has been profound.
Chris’ wife Jayne said: “It has given him a purpose which is often underestimated in retirement. We are all incredibly proud of him, so much so that our daughter, aged 18, is starting her own training in November.”
The Marine Theatre is another prime example of how volunteers help to support an organisation.
As a charity, The Marine Theatre relies on the help of volunteers to make their events possible.
From stewarding and selling tickets, to putting up posters and distributing brochures, helping with DIY, and chaperoning the Marine Youth Theatre, the venue’s volunteers play a vitally important role.
Theatre director Gabby Rabbitts said: “We are very lucky to have such wonderful volunteers who give up so much of their time to help us. We would not be able to do what we do without their support.”
Volunteers are also the driving force behind the Lyme Link, the town council’s community transport service, launched in 2025 following the withdrawal of the former 71 bus service.
Now operating three days a week with the help of volunteer drivers and passenger assistants, the service has quickly become a lifeline for residents needing access to shops, appointments and social interactions.
Volunteer passenger assistant Ann said: “The town bus service is a much-needed service for our town. I saw it as an opportunity to do something positive and worthwhile, helping people remain active and engaged in the local community. We are a friendly team and I am proud to be a part of it.”
Bus driver Graham added: “Because of work, I never had the time for community work. Now, it’s nice to give something back.”
Another of the bus volunteers, also called Graham, said the service plays an important role in helping residents remain independent.
He said: “We all know somebody nearby who can’t get to the town or the doctors without help. This initiative gives them the support they need to stay mobile.”
Meanwhile, at the community garden, volunteers have been hard at work ensuring the much-loved space continues to thrive.
Lisa, who has lived in Lyme Regis for nearly 30 years, became involved after spotting a call for help earlier this year. Since joining the team, Lisa has helped dig, maintain and restore the space while enjoying the chance to meet new people and spend time outdoors.
Her volunteering roots stretch back decades, having previously spent time with the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers carrying out environmental conservation work across the countryside.
She said: “I did not want to see the community garden, which so many have put their time and effort into, disbanded.
“I have enjoyed the work out in the fresh air compared to being stuck indoors behind a desk. Between us we have worked hard to save the community garden and hopefully provide produce for the Foodbank.”
For Annette, Joshua and Jacob, volunteering has become part of everyday life and a way of giving back to the town they love.
Between them, they support an incredible number of community groups and events across the town, including Lyme Regis Regatta and Carnival, Christmas Lights, the RNLI, Royal British Legion, Lyme Regis Town Band, Marie Curie, Lyme Morris, the Pantomime Society and Lyme Regis Football Club.
Joshua is a familiar face at community events throughout the year. He said: “I love raising money for people and seeing everyone, it makes me happy.”
Behind-the-scenes, Jacob regularly assists with road closures for major town events, helps referee local football and supports Lyme Regis Youth Football’s under nines team.
For Annette, much of their volunteering journey began as a way to help build confidence and purpose for the boys, particularly Joshua, who is autistic.
She said: “Everything I do is to help the community continue to be as great as it is. I love meeting people and it is a great feeling knowing you are helping lots of the community.”
Another remarkable volunteer in our community is Susan Gale, a woman who singlehandedly co-ordinates a group of over 60 volunteers each spring to fundraise on daffodil day for Marie Curie.
Susan and her team of volunteers have lined the streets of Lyme Regis dressed in yellow for the charity since 2012 and have raised over £16,000.
She said: “My main volunteering role is to raise money for Marie Curie. For me, supporting end of life care is paramount. This I find fulfilling knowing that those who need it will benefit.”
Susan is joined by fellow volunteers, Julie and Jenny. Speaking about their motives for volunteering their time and dedicating their care toward their causes, Julie said: “I happily volunteer to raise money to provide nursing care for people who need it like my husband. They provided useful information and a smiling face when he was very ill. Fundraising is a social event and great fun too.”
Jenny added: “I’ve volunteered for several organisations since moving here 28 years ago and I’ve met many like-minded people through doing so. In exchange for a little time, the rewards of friendship and interest are great.”
Elsewhere, at the Lyme Regis Repair Café, volunteers are helping to reduce waste, but they are also creating a welcoming community space built around practical skills, conversation and purpose.
Fiona, a textile artist and volunteer repairer, described the group as ‘a friendly bunch who meet once a month to drink tea, eat cake and save the world’.
Using her sewing and textile skills to repair everything from buttons to pocket linings, she said: “There is a nice warm feeling knowing that I have made someone’s daily life a little bit better just by doing something I love, it’s something called the ‘volunteer endorphin’.”
Fellow volunteer, Allan, now 81, brings a lifetime of fixing and engineering experience to the team after careers in computing and brewing, while Ann helps create the café’s welcoming atmosphere by serving tea, coffee and homemade cakes to visitors and volunteers.
John, who has volunteered since the Repair Café first launched, enjoys the teamwork and problem-solving involved in helping repair items destined for landfill.
He said: “We have a great team and a ‘can do’ atmosphere. I am very glad I volunteered and proud to be helping to reduce landfill by my humble efforts.”
These stories are just a snapshot of the hundreds of volunteers helping to support Lyme Regis every day.
Whether driving a community bus, serving coffee, tending gardens or helping to save lives, volunteers continue to play an essential role in the life of the town.
As Volunteers’ Week shines a spotlight on community contribution across the country, Lyme Regis has plenty to celebrate, and many people to thank.