“Ton-up” Molly pushes the boat out with a party at Charmouth

A DEDICATED Lyme Regis RNLI supporter pushed the boat out yesterday (Sunday) - when she celebrated her 100th birthday.

Lifeboat officials joined family and friends for a party to mark Molly Raison’s “ton” , at Bymead nursing home in Charmouth.

Born and brought up in Lyme Regis, Molly is the youngest and last surviving of eight children born to Alben Wiscombe, former mayor of Lyme and joint founder of building company A and F Wiscombe.

An active former member of Lyme’s Amateur Operatic Society, many also remember her from her days at the West Dorset Shoe Shop, situated opposite the cinema in Lyme Regis - now Martin Diplock estate agents - a family business which she ran for over 40 years.

In retirement she devoted the next 25 years to the RNLI, for whom, if she was not actually manning the souvenir shop at the Cobb, she was probably knitting or organising various events in support of their fundraising activities.

Since moving to the nursing home Molly now enjoys frequent visits from family and friends, various in-house activities and days out with fellow residents.

She has two children, Nick and Gaye, four grandchildren, six grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces.