The One and Only Rex

A Ryer Through and Through

Rye Town Crier, Rex Swain, recently celebrated his Eightieth Birthday. His boundless energy in carrying out up to 100 functions a year in his distinctive Town Crier ‘uniform’ has not diminished one iota since he was 18 and Continue reading The One and Only Rex

The Jempsons of Rye

The Jempsons of Rye, East Sussex

Who are they and where did they Originate from?

By Roland Jempson Family Historian

(With help from second cousin Bridget Ewing Genealogist)

It was also from Arthur born 1833 and Jane Elizabeth that the other well known branch of the Jempson Family in the Rye Area were descended from. “The Jempsons of the Rye Haulage Company based at Slade Yard.. Continue reading The Jempsons of Rye

Rex & Rita Celebrate 50 Years

Rye’s popular Town Crier, Rex Swain and his lovely wife Rita, celebrated 50 years of happy marriage at the Mermaid on Saturday 1 October. Surrounded by family and friends they recalled their Wedding Day in 1955 and of dancing to Eric Winston’s Band on their honeymoon. Continue reading Rex & Rita Celebrate 50 Years

Down Rye Way – Percy Sherwood

Regimental Town Crier

About two years ago Down Rye Way featured Percy’s father Mr. Frank (Jerry) Sherwood. So there is no need to establish Percy’s credentials as a Ryer of many generations’ standing. Percy is not quite sure whether he was born in Lion Street or Wish Street; either way, he went first to the Infants School in Lion Street and on to the Boys’ School in Mermaid Street. He was one of the first pupils to join the new Rye Modern School in New Road (now Freda Gardham School) and left as soon as he was allowed to, to find employment. Continue reading Down Rye Way – Percy Sherwood

Ernest Hatter

Down Rye Way   Ernest Hatter40 years with East Kent Born in Cinque Ports Square, Rye in 1900, Ernest Hatter, one of a family of nine children, was educated at Mermaid Street School. The cottage where he spent his childhood was one of many situated behind where the Continue reading Ernest Hatter