Delving underground in the Undercliff

ONE OF Lyme’s best known characters, Dr Colin Dawes, will be revealing the secrets of metal detecting in The Undercliff at a talk being arranged by The Friends of Lyme Regis Museum at the Woodmead Hall on March 4. Even those with no aspirations to treasure hunting themselves will be fascinated by this man of many parts. Fossil hunter extraordinaire (he runs scheduled expeditions from June to September) – palaeontologist – artist – writer – his boundless enthusiasm is highly contagious, and goes some way to explaining the big following he has in Lyme Regis consisting of locals and visitors alike.

One of his many achievements is the Practical Insight series of books, written for teachers and parents wishing to entertain and educate their children as they explore our beautiful West Country. First up was a book on fossil hunting on the Jurassic Coast, a local best seller which is also sold at the Natural History Museum in London. “Written in a clear and informative style,” said The Marshwood Vale magazine, “it begins with an explanation of just why there are so many fossils in the area, and an overview of Jurassic sea life. It is filled with clear diagrams and drawings, and makes even the most complicated geology accessible.”

All the books incorporate a minimum of 40 original line drawings by the author, whose artwork has been seen at The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, The Royal Society of Painter Etchers and Engravers, and The Centre Nationale in Paris.

At the March 4 talk, which starts at 7.30pm, there will also be an exhibition of some of the items he has unearthed in The Undercliff, including this exquisite Victorian penny found in prime condition.