Rye’s former fire chief Michael Bourn MBE has passed away after a short battle against cancer. He followed in his grandfather’s and his father’s footsteps in the Rye Fire Brigade which he joined as a lad of 17, serving until he retired, with the only interruption being two years of National Service. It was his dedication to the service which won him the award of an MBE.
He was the officer that had to deal with the tragedy of two fatalities in Rye when two teenagers lost their life in a fire in workshops at the back of Deans rag toys, which is now Webbes Fish Cafe in Tower Street.
When not giving his time to the Fire Service, he became – like his father – a painter and decorator as well has being one of Rye’s milkmen delivering milk for Winter Dairy for many years. In addition he became a long time member of the Rye branch of the Royal British Legion serving on its committee and becoming chairman of the Rye Royal British Legion Social Club and one of the standard bearers on civic parades.
Relaxation from work was playing darts for the fire service team as well has being a keen snooker player playing for the British Legion and later for the Granary Club.
A trustee of Rye pre-school playgroup, he was well known for being Father Christmas at many functions.