Article in The Lady Magazine

The Lady Magazine for 15th December carried an article entitled "Storm in The Three Cups" by Matthew Bell.

The subtitle is "A Lyme Regis Hotel in which Jane Austen, Tennyson and Tolkien stayed is in danger of being demolished. Unless 10 years old Leon Howe can save it."

All credit to the magazine for publicising this worthy cause. I fear the main title may trivialise what to me and many others is an issue of great importance to our national heritage although the subtitle does make amends. The article itself emphasises the strong connection with Tolkien.

I was interested to read confirmation that Charlie Chaplin, General Eisenhower and James Cagney were also guests.

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Preserve our past and create a better future

Loyd Grossman, writing in the Daily Telegraph yesterday, explained why it is so important to preserve buildings which define our national identity.

He went on to ask for more lottery funds. However, The Three Cups Hotel should not need government money (lottery or otherwise) to keep going. If it is re-opened as a hotel, it would be self-financing as well as allowing tourists to experience a building of huge cultural importance and use it for its original purpose of hospitality.

A re-opened Three Cups would be good news financially and culturally in these difficult economic times because, at the moment, it must be driving tourists away. Come on West Dorset Council, make something happen. Every day that passes while The Cups is shut is lost business for people in Lyme Regis who have to make a living. You are supposed to be there to serve them. Use your powers of compulsory purchase. There are local hoteliers who want to turn this derelict building into a thriving business. How long do we have to wait?

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