Seaton mourns well-known local stage performer

Well-known local stage performer and Seaton resident Jerry Smith has died at the age of 69.

For many years, Jerry was very much part of the Lyme Regis theatrical community who staged a string of amateur productions at the Marine Theatre. 

Jerry was a leading member of the cast in an eclectic mix of productions staged by Lyme Regis Amateur Dramatics Society, Lyme Regis Operatic Society and others that delighted all who saw them.

 In particular Jerry was a leading cast member of the Community Players who, for more than ten years from 2000, mounted annually a famous musical under the direction of Rose Wigmore and Jenny Wild, which included 'Matchgirls', 'The Sound of Music', 'South Pacific', 'Oliver', 'Fiddler on the Roof', 'Crippen' and 'Lady In The Van'.

Jerry was born in Upminster in 1953 and was the only son of Ray and Terry Smith. He became an accomplished photographer and skilled at developing film, working for distinguished professional photographers including Lord Snowden. 

Jerry also shared his parents' love of rally driving and crashed their treasured Lotus Cortina into a tree while competing in the Welsh mountains.   

Throughout his life, Jerry was very close to his parents and the three of them moved to Lyme Regis in 1995 and quickly became very much part of the local community. 

For a number of years, Jerry worked for Lyme Bay Holidays. He had a great sense of humour and many friends in Lyme who will also remember him as an accomplished singer and musician.

After leaving Lyme Regis and a short sojourn in Shropshire, Jerry moved into a flat in Seaton with Ray and Terry, who he looked after for many years. 

More recently, Ray and Terry moved into retirement homes in Lyme Regis and Seaton.

Jerry passed away on September 14 and will be sadly missed by his friends. Details of Jerry's funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.