In these days of strikes and labour problems. it is good to learn of people like Leonard Smeed, who has just retired, having spent 24 years with Ellis’ the Ironmongers in the High Street, who are incidentally reputed to he the second oldest Ironmongers in the country, having been established for over 300 years. Not content to call it a day yet, Leonard continues to work in the shop part-time. Continue reading Len Smeed Retires
Before the last war, Rye Harbour played a small role as a port used mainly for coast-wise shipping of materials for domestic and industrial purposes. Large quantities of shingle were shipped to the north of England and Scotland, and Continue reading Port of Commerce
The name of Hacking has been associated with the town of Rye as long as most residents can remember, and when William John Hacking was installed as Mayor on 24 May 1965. he was following on a family tradition of service to the Borough as his father had been a member of Rye Council from 1912 to 1919 (though away on active service through the war years) and his mother became the first lady councillor in 1926. and the first lady to be elected as an alderwoman in 1945.
When he became Mayor. he stressed that the prosperity of the Borough depended on Rye continuing to thrive as a market town, and that it was the surrounding farming community that were important, as it was these people who provided the Continue reading Down Rye Way – John Hacking
This was the ldens girls second match and a much tougher encounter than their first against Appledore when they were the victors by seven goals to nil. Continue reading Iden Ladies Win Again
Farmer Jack Merricks of Icklesham. often called the Rebel farmer. is surely one of the best known of local personalities. His clashes with various Government Continue reading Down Rye Way
“From the remote past down to the middle of the fourteenth century.” writes Neville Williams. “the line dividing legitimate trade from piracy was blurred, for one and the same individual followed what would later become four different professions—fisherman, trader. pirate and naval officer.” As there were no Continue reading Piracy and the Cinque Ports
Rye United opened the season with mixed fortunes—three away matches against Bognor, East Grinstead and Horsham Y.M.C.A., resulted in a win, a defeat and a draw. Continue reading Soccer Chat October 1968
Fire broke out at a local garage at lunch time on Monday (26th. August).
The fire, which started in a small office at the Sandrock Garage, Gardener’s Motors Ltd, Winchelsea, soon spread to an adjoining servicing bay. Continue reading Garage Fire at Winchelsea
Rye had its own share of entertaining the international scout movement last month. Local scouts played host to a small group from Amsterdam. who were on a week’s visit to this country. Continue reading Dutch Scouts Visit Rye
“OLLIE KITE”
He often went a-wandering,
His knapsack on his back,
And on T.V. we followed him
Over the beaten track. Continue reading Oliver Kite Tribute
