Editorial

As we go to press the Wild Boar Festival is in full swing. Well done Ollie Campion and his team for the terrific job in organising and publicising the event, which is proving to be another visitor puller in this, the off season. Continue reading Editorial

Sad Month for Rye

By Jim Hollands

This job of Editor of “Rye’s Own” has many great moments. I am able to share in the good times enjoyed by Rye and Rye people, support the town when outside forces threaten to change our way of life and enjoy victories and achievements of Ryers young and old. But there are bad times when I have to report the loss of friends and contemporaries, and this is a very sad time. Continue reading Sad Month for Rye

Pen & Ink – April 2012

PEN  &  INK

Pen & Ink
Pen & Ink [email protected]

Dear Editor

I was amazed by the problems caused at East Guldeford by the Great Crested Newts. Is it true that there are no shortages of this species in this area, and is it right they can be found in almost any ditch on the Pett Marshes?
As lads in the 1950’s we used to collect the dragon newts from a well known local water course.
Almost every lad that lived on Tilling Green had a fish tank with rocks, weeds and a few inches of water and a collection of these magnificent creatures. My own Continue reading Pen & Ink – April 2012

The Power of Wellbeing

An opportunity for Rye Town Council to put action to the words

By Jim Hollands

It’s all gone quiet at Rye Town Hall – All the build up and work that went into gaining ‘Quality Town Status’ and earning a framed certificate and the elusive ‘Power of Wellbeing’ has come to nothing, just as those who thought up the scheme probably knew it would end! Continue reading The Power of Wellbeing

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

Connections

Connections – Arthur’s Thank You

By Arthur Woodgate

These little tributes to the old Rye families with members or connections with staff members of The Rye Memorial Care Centre are intended to be, through “Rye’s Own”, a tribute to all those who work in the centre and are looking after me as a patient here.

Benns

A man named David Benn moved into Rye about the time that Tilling Green was opened. I’m sure I’m right when I say at the far end of Marley Road right on a Continue reading Connections

Editorial

Some very late news has just come in – Arthur Woodgate has, at last, got a pint of shrimps! The fishmonger at Jempsons Peasmarsh has found a source and from now on there will be shrimps next to the prawns on his slab. Continue reading Editorial

The Mayor of Military Road

By Jim Hollands

The Mayor & Mayoress of Military Road, Councillor Albert and Mayoress Flo Booth. How many more can you name from the 1950 pick of Military Road talent in the photograph below?

 Albert Booth-The Mayor of Military Road

Albert Booth-The Mayor of Military Road

Tilling Green and Landgate had Mock Mayors too

The Mayor & Mayoress of Military Road, Councillor Albert and Mayoress Flo Booth. How many more can you name from the 1950 pick of Military Road talent in the photograph below?

Albert Booth-The Mayor of Military Road

Albert Booth-The Mayor of Military Road Tilling Green and Landgate had Mock Mayors too

Landgate also had its own Mayor and Tilling Green followed on with the old tradition of unofficial leaders of each section of the town.

The role was more academic than civic but they were part of every Carnival and Bonfire Night until the mid 70’s. After that they just became a memory.

Sid Pinwill The Mayor of Tilling Green 1953
Sid Pinwill The Mayor of Tilling Green 1953

Who would be the Mayor of Military Road now? Our guess would be Town Councillor David Wright.

For Tilling Green, a difficult one this. I feel rather biased as this was where I spent my very happy childhood. Sid Pinwill (Father of Robert of Mermaid fame) was Mayor of Tilling Green in 1953, the year of the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth the Second.

David Smeed
David Smeed

For 2008 I would choose Bobby Edwards he has the dignity and experience needed or perhaps David Smeed, who has that undefined style that all great leaders possess.

Who would your choices be? Let us know about them and include a photograph, it could be a bit of fun and you never know, perhaps these three old titles could be revived.

From “Rye’s Own” May 2008 issue

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The Television Aerial Erectors

 

Drawings by Paul Vincent

Times were Tough in the 1950’s

Times were tough, it was hard to earn enough cash window cleaning and chimney sweeping to support a family of five in Rye during the early fifties. Continue reading The Television Aerial Erectors