Four hundred years ago, Admiral Sir George Somers left his native Lyme Regis on the Dorset coast in the flagship Sea Venture intending to sail to Virginia, but became shipwrecked on Bermuda in July 1609. The rest is history!

Honouring the 400th anniversary of the founding of Bermuda by Admiral Sir George Somers, the traditional civic procession walked through Lyme Regis last Monday, along Marine Parade, to the Cobb, where a plaque commemorates Sir George, sometime Mayor and Member of Parliament for the historic town.

Mariea Caisey, in her last year as Mayor of St. George's, visited the UK resort to greet Councillor Michaela Ellis, elected Mayor of Lyme Regis only four days before.

Her predecessor Sir George Somers had been Mayor in 1604.

Police stopped the traffic on the busy bank holiday, so the long procession could walk along the main road, led by the two macebearers and preceded by the Lyme Regis Junior Band and the majorettes.

On a hot, sunny day there were many spectators along the route.

At the Cobb, on the 13th century harbour wall, Lyme Regis Town Crier Phil Street and St. George's Town Crier David Frith in turn saluted the memory of Admiral Sir George Somers as the flags of both towns were hoisted aloft.

Alan Vian portrayed the Admiral, recalling his farewell words as left Lyme Regis.

Rev. Stephen Skinner gave the blessing and the mayors returned along the Cobb to the marquee by the Marine Theatre for lunch.

A toast to the success of the twinning was drunk in Dark 'n' Stormy always a popular drink for us Dorset!