The Tourist

                      By Maud Boreham

He explored the town above the sea, so steeped in it’s antiquity

Filmed it’s narrow winding streets and cursed the cobbles ‘neath his feet

where red roofs tumbled, leaned and lurched and whispered secrets to the church. Continue reading The Tourist

Great Job Berni

New Mayor of Rye, Jon Breeds has Hard Act to Follow

By Jim Hollands

There have been many good people who have held the unique position of Mayor of Rye within my memory.

I knew many of them personally. In the old days of the Borough Council it was a very powerful position and great Mayors of the calibre of Alfred Horner, Phil Ellis and John Hacking made great improvements that enhanced the amazing town that we and our visitors love

Since 1973, when Rother District Council took over the town and most of the assets, the position of Mayor of Rye became more of a ceremonial position. Rye Town Council lost all it’s powers to Rother. True they have an ‘advisory’ job, but in practice this has meant approval of porches, conservatories and other small building proposals are rubber stamped by Rother but big projects like the new builds of Valley Park, which were vehemently opposed by Rye Town Council, were forced through by Rother. Continue reading Great Job Berni

Great Raft Race of 2010

Rye Raft Race Draws the Bank Holiday Crowds

Rye and District Lions were delighted with the huge crowd of spectators that turned out to watch their 32nd Annual Rye Raft Race on Sunday. Despite many other attractions on a Bank Holiday weekend the public from Rye
and its surrounding area supported the event in record numbers, an estimated 5,000. Continue reading Great Raft Race of 2010

The First 10 Years 2000-2010

Who are the people that have controlled Rye’s destiny through the last decade and who will decide what will happen here during the next ten years? Continue reading The First 10 Years 2000-2010

Hither Green Remembered

Forty years ago this town was rocked to its core when it was learned that four of Rye’s most promising young people, just at the start of their lives were killed and other Rye people badly injured when the Sunday evening express from Hastings to London was derailed at Hither Green. it was 5 November 1967 and many had travelled down to Rye for the Bonfire celebrations the previous evening. Continue reading Hither Green Remembered

Miss Welfare

Freda Mary Welfare: 1905-2005

Freda was born in Robertsbridge in 1905 where her father was landlord of “The New Eight Bells”. In 1912 her father died and the family split up. Her mother and two brothers went to Reading where there were family members, by Freda came to live with a favourite aunt and uncle in Ferry Road. The uncle had a tobacconist shop in Landgate. Continue reading Miss Welfare

Rye Fights Back

Protest Rally at Postern Gate

Critics of Rye Town Council members had better beware. That is the message coming from many Councillors. They are fed up with being ruled by Rother District, East Sussex and other bodies such as the Primary Care Trust. Continue reading Rye Fights Back