Out with the Wheelers

The Rye & District Wheelers have featured in so many issues of “Rye’s Own” over the past 50 years. Mike Ashdown, who still rides with the Club today, was featured in that very first issue, winning the Wheelers 25 Mile Championship for the second year running. These days you are more likely to see him or his brother Jon, out on a club run with Steve Blattman than racing it out in time trials or on the track where he made such a name for himself and the Wheelers in the 1960’s. Continue reading Out with the Wheelers

Explosion at Dungeness

A Note from the Editor

I have been editing this magazine since 1965 and during that time have come across many exciting, interesting and talented people. The work of Albert Stribbling, an amazing man from Ashford, has never been published, I cannot think why. The following is a section from his unfinished book, these are all the words he has sent us and they are all included here for you to enjoy as I did.

Albert is racing to complete his book, we shall print anything from it he cares to send us, when you read the following chapters you will understand why I can say that without seeing them.

He is a descriptive writer who records modern social history and events with his pen. It is a fitting story to include in this very special issue of “Cinque Ports” Continue reading Explosion at Dungeness

We Built at Lighthouse

When the first nuclear power station was built at Dungeness over forty years ago it was suddenly realized that it would obstruct the lights from the old lighthouse to ships approaching from the West. It was decided that another one would have to be built quickly to the East of the old one and further out at a point nearer the sea. The old lighthouse was a manned lighthouse, they decided they would build a new fully automatic one, a prototype of the lamphouse kind. Continue reading We Built at Lighthouse

House Explodes in Church Square

House Explodes in Church Square

Murder in Tenterden, an assassin operating from Dungeness, mayhem in Seddlescombe and the Old Police House in Church Square Rye is raised
to the ground in a fearful Semtex explosion that leaves the adjoining houses in danger of collapse. Continue reading House Explodes in Church Square

87 Years of Steam Railway Heritage

87 years of Steam Railway Heritage set against the backdrop of some of Kent’s most picturesque countryside is what makes a journey on the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway a totally unique experience and is why this Heritage Railway is one of Kent’s Top Visitor Attractions. Continue reading 87 Years of Steam Railway Heritage

Dreams of Marrakesh

LOCAL AUTHOR TO RIVAL FIFTY SHADES OF GREY?

“A piquant mix of love and strange desires”

Kent resident Greg Thompson, who retired as Head of Research with Kent Police in 2003, and lives on Romney Marsh, close to the Sussex border, has just written and published his debut novel – Dreams of Marrakesh. It is the story of two women who fall in love and allow their sadomasochistic desires free rein during an idyllic summer spent in the countryside of France. Along the way this mix of romance and thriller moves between the scenic backdrops of London, Paris, New York, and rural France. Continue reading Dreams of Marrakesh

Rye Town Band 1938

 

Rye had a fine brass band for many years. Alas it is no more. This photograph was taken shortly before the Second War, in 1938, and was loaned to us by Sylvia Cutting whose Dad Bill can be seen third from the left in the top row. Continue reading Rye Town Band 1938

1940’s Weekend at RHDR

“Clover Sisters” are Big Hit at 1940’s Weekend

Passengers arriving at New Romney Station on 14 & 15 May were transported back to the 1940’s. There was an American services party going on
with war period dancing and singing performed by the USO Lindy Hoppers and the amazing Clover Sisters. Platform One was being used as a dance hall and there were American uniforms everywhere.  Continue reading 1940’s Weekend at RHDR

The “Sprocket” Page

Barry Knocks 15 Minutes Off Record

History was made by three riders from the Rye Wheelers in the East Sussex Cycling Association 100 Mile Time Trial on 11 July. This was the first occasion in the club’s 120 year history that a team has competed in a “100”. Continue reading The “Sprocket” Page

Jimper When the World was Younger

These pictures of Rye’s Own’s longest standing correspondent, Jimper
Sutton, turned up the other day. They are typical of the 1960’s and
illustrate a much slower kind of life lived at that time. Continue reading Jimper When the World was Younger