Category: Transport

Change of Routine

An Early Change Of Routine For The Camber Tram

by Laurie A Cooksey

At the Grand Opening Dinner of the Rye & Camber Tramway, held at the Royal William Hotel, Camber on the afternoon of Saturday, 13th July, 1895, Colonel Brookfield, M.P during the course of a quite lengthy speech, mentioned that at the Battle of Prestonpans, near Edinburgh in 1745, Continue reading Change of Routine

History For Sale at Rye Auction Galleries

 

First published in “Rye’s Own” August 2001

History Under the Hammer – Rye Auction Galleries

The story of Commander Frank Claret told in photographs, ship reports,
newspaper clippings, telegraphs, letters and ships papers reflecting
the eventful life of a British transatlantic liner Captain both before
and after the First World War and of his exploits as a wartime merchant
navy Skipper when his ship, the Minnehaha, was fitted with a four
inch gun and used to transport arms and munitions across the Atlantic. Continue reading History For Sale at Rye Auction Galleries

The Monkbretton Road Bridge

By Laurie A. Cooksey

As early as 1876, the Highways Board had discussed the suggestion of constructing a bridge across the River Rother just below the the (then) single track swing bridge of the South Eastern Railway, together with a direct road to East Guldeford just over half a mile to the east of Rye, but although several meetings took place, the plans were dropped on the grounds of being too expensive. Continue reading The Monkbretton Road Bridge

Need these Gates be Closed Forever?

Part of a sermon preached by Rev. J.R. Williams at 11 am.  in the Parish Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Rye

Rye to Lose it’s Railway

Rye's Own October 1969
Rye’s Own October 1969

Dare I make a comparison between the life of lepers that once was and our lives which are to be, if the law is passed? I refer to the cutting of our lines of communication by depriving us of railway trains. They are of vital importance for so many and motor cars and buses are no substitute – roads and parking places are already overcrowded and travelling times will be greatly increased.

Those in far off places who make the laws – have you properly considered what the Channel Tunnel and the proposed London overspill in the Hastings area will mean with all the extra people coming and going? Have you considered the vast increase in the summer population and what this will, mean if all have to travel here by road? And there are many other good reasons why the railway line should not be closed. You will argue that the country cannot afford to continue to lose money on something which is not paying its way and that your decision is for the good of the country as a whole. I question this, for if your law comes into effect it will affect adversely the lives of many thousands of people who live, work and relax in this part of England.

Need these Gates be Closed Forever

One Less Tank or Bomber

If necessary you must be prepared to lose money on this section of the rail system so that thousands may live in greater peace and ease. Where is the money to be found? I suggest economy in other directions. Build one less tank or bomber – that would pay for our railway line. Increase the trust between nations and let’ s stop sniping at each other. Other nations too could have one less tank or bomber – they too could have their little railway lines and so thousands of Russians or Japanese or Chinese could enjoy greater peace or ease. Your decision on this one point could be a step to greater peace in the world.

Christ healed when there was faith. He still can and does heal. God knows and we know that a great deal of healing is needed in the world. Let us ask that those who lead and make laws may be truly inspired in. their thinking and doings. There could be another miracle of healing for which we could give thanks.

From the October 1969 issue of Rye’s Own

 

 

The Tenterden Flyer

 

 

“THE RAILWAY HISTORY OF RYE AND DISTRICT”

Part 1 — The Rother Valley (Light) Railway

TENTERDEN FLYER’

by E.R.Y.

The demand for a railway in the valley of the River Rother had reached crescendo pitch long before the end of the last century. The South Eastern Railway had completed its main line from London to Folkestone via Reigate and Tonbridge by Continue reading The Tenterden Flyer

Bus Crash Near Kent Ditch Corner

A Rye’s Own photographer was the first news man on the scene when a double decker bus carrying a party of school children on an Easter holiday outing swerved and overturned into a ditch four miles out of Rye on the Brookland road. Continue reading Bus Crash Near Kent Ditch Corner

Driver Extraordinary

Dean’s Driver Extraordinary

“Driving is my life,” says Mr. Les Lane—and few people who know him would deny that statement. Mr. Lane (responsible for transport at Dean’s Rag Book Co. Ltd.), can look back to the age of 14 when he started as a mate on the old steam engines with Simpsons of Rye Harbour and he has been on lorries ever since—mostly with local firms. He recalls driving a large articulated lorry for the Rother Continue reading Driver Extraordinary