Lyme Regis' bonnet parade tribute to former mayor (From Dorset Echo)

Lyme Regis' bonnet parade tribute to former mayor

3:30pm Thursday 7th March 2013 in News

A NEW cup will be presented at this year’s Lyme Regis Easter Bonnet Parade in memory of former mayor Barbara Austin.

Mrs Austin, right, who died in January, founded the popular event 15 years ago and headed the organising committee for the Easter Sunday event.

Lyme Regis Regatta and Carnival has stepped in to organise the parade on March 31, which will pay special tribute to Mrs Austin.

As well as the usual awards in various categories, a new cup called the Lyme Regis Easter Cup 2013 will be presented to the group with the best bonnets in honour of Mrs Austin.

The Treetops Cup, which is awarded annually to the best overall entry, will also be presented this year in her memory.

Alan Vian, secretary of the Regatta and Carnival Committee, said: “Because Barbara always liked to see families and groups take part, in her honour we are doing a new cup for the best group.

“This is a new cup, it is inspired by Barbara because she loved it when families took part.”

Mr Vian said it was important that the Easter Bonnet Parade should continue as Mrs Austin would have wanted.