We invited each candidate to supply up to 500 words on why they deserve your vote, optionally including a photograph and a link to an election address. We have published their submissions verbatim, no editorial changes have been made. Any errors are those of the candidate.
I was baptised in St Marys Church, Rye in 1946 and am still active in the Church, attended primary and secondary school in Rye, have worked in the hotel and restaurant industries in the Town. I am a Chartered Biologist and have taught Science for almost 50 years in Rye and other local schools. I have been a member of Ryesingers, Rye Players, Rye Shakespeare Company, a Trustee of Rye Art Gallery, Director of Rye Museum and was Mayor from 2010-2012. My wife of nearly 50 years was born here and both my sons live in the Town, so I certainly have a vested interest in maintaining Rye as a fabulous place in which to live!
I am very proud to say that the Breeds family have been involved in supporting the community of Rye since at least 1560 when my namesake, John Bredes, was Mayor and oversaw the installation of the now famous St Marys Church Clock. Sadly, another namesake in 1742 tried to intervene in the governance of the Town in an altogether more infamous manner.
However, today we are having to contend with rather different problems often to do with overwhelming traffic and, although very welcome to a certain extent, hordes of visitors. It is wonderful that so many people appreciate our beautiful Town, but we need to ensure that they are suitably catered for. These issues urgently need to be addressed together with housing for local families, improvements in infrastructure and employment opportunities. As a long-standing member of the Town Council and in my other activities I have tried hard to support measures to improve our lot as Rye residents and will continue to do so to the end of my days!