Rye 1946

1945 saw the end of World War Two. VE Day (victory in Europe) and
VJ Day (victory in Japan) came and went. Rye, along with towns all
over the country, licked it’s wounds, mourned its dead and rejoiced
in the return of many servicemen who had been away from their home
for as long as six years. Continue reading Rye 1946

Tilling Green Community Centre

Will County Allow Tilling Green to Use the Ex-Primary School as a Community Centre?

By Jim Hollands

Do I detect a weakening in County Council’s resolve NOT to let Tilling
Green use the closed school building as a Community Centre? Continue reading Tilling Green Community Centre

Rye in the Sixties

Swinging 60's

By Jim Hollands

If you were one of those that lived in Rye during the 1950’s and 60’s you will remember many of the faces of those appearing in this feature. Continue reading Rye in the Sixties

Watchebell Sreet

One of Rye’s most famous cobbled streets is Watchbell Street. Set at the very top of the town it is steeped in history. Walking over the blue boulders on a wet winter evening it it easy to imagine the rumble of brandy kegs being rolled by smugglers and hear the impatient whinney of horses waiting to pull their illicit cargo to inns and ale houses throughout Sussex & Kent. Continue reading Watchebell Sreet

Rye Allotments

By Arthur Woodgate

Mary Smith says she is a relative newcomer to Rye, that I am certainly not and I do know where lots of allotments have disappeared from during the Twentieth Century.

Continue reading Rye Allotments

Forty Years Since The First “Rye’s Own

Back in 1965, as Bonfire Night approached, a new magazine appeared in the newsagents of the town. “Rye’s Own” was born. Volume 1, Number 1 it read on the cover, the price was two shillings (10p). Rodney Booth, now manager at Skinner’s Motors, was among the Bonfire Boys featured on the cover at their secret hideaway where the torches were made to light the procession on the great night. Continue reading Forty Years Since The First “Rye’s Own

Rye’s Seat of Power

By Jim Hollands

Rye Town Hall built in 1742, the third to stand on the site, has seen copious town history pass through its doors.

The Borough Council had much power in the time of its construction returning two Members to Parliament and having complete control over local affairs and planning. Today, 250 years later, that power has been almost completely stripped away. Continue reading Rye’s Seat of Power

Town Crier

Let A Lesson Be Learned From This Tragic Accident Graham Matthews was a popular 22 year old filled with life and enthusiasm. His untimely death when he was knocked off his bike on the Rye Harbour Road has shocked and saddened his family and friends. Everyone at “Rye’s Own” send their sincere condolences to his Mum and Dad and to Carol and Troy, our thoughts are with you. Continue reading Town Crier

Down Rye Way – John Hacking

W. J. Hacking

By Nan King

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