"LOOKING forward to the next hundred years, while we celebrate the past" was the message from the commodore of Lyme Regis Sailing Club on the anniversary of its first meeting, held on January 8 1921 at Belmont, Pound Street, then the home of Dr Cooper.

Founder members included Juby Wiscombe, great-uncle of the present commodore, Rob Wiscombe.

A full programme of celebratory events has been drawn up for the club's centenary, some of which have had to be postponed, but the club is ready to go as soon as sailing and social events are once more back on the calendar.

A commemorative booklet will be available, all information for which will be available on the club website https://lymeregissailingclub.com/

The club's secretary Sally Holman said: "It is amazing to think of that small group of sailing enthusiasts who decided to get together and organise races in the bay, having previously done so informally, and that the club has continued to be an active harbour presence, WWII excepted, ever since until recent restrictions came upon us all in 2020.

"It has grown and flourished, seen many innovative classes of sailing boats popular along the way, attracted national and international sailors as members and competitors at major events, played a full part in the town's regattas and events, and offered the opportunity to learn to sail to hundreds of young members over the years."

For most of its history, the sailing club was based on the top floor of the Cobb buildings, the former isolation hospital now the Fishing College.

In the mid-90s, increased rent charges led to a move to the present harbourside premises and development of the former boat shed and rose garden site, given to the club by Miss Eyres.

As the club reaches its 100th year, many members have been looking back to happy days on the Cobb, where there was a busy social life and from where club races were run.

As they can't be together due to the pandemic, Rob and his officers and committee are asking all members, past members and those who have visited, along with fellow harbour users, to join him in a toast to Lyme Regis Sailing Club as near to 7pm tonight as possible.