News

A team of scientists is spending two weeks mapping and sampling Pett Level's submerged forest as part of a project to reconstruct the forest and the local environment some 10,000 years ago. They are calling on local volunteers to put on their wellies and come down to the beach to help. Over the weekend, they invited local residents to visit them at drop-in sessions in Winchelsea to learn more.

Action time for our local MP over the supermarket that may never open; the High Speed train that may not stop; and buses routes still under threat - and she is looking for your views. Meanwhile the 340/341 and 344 buses may be 'saved', but who will save local schools that need space to expand when that space is now 'up for grabs'. Charlie Harkness reports as winter sets in.

The fence is broken, the Ferry Road site overgrown. But the four year stalemate over a supermarket for Rye is over. Both Sainsbury's and Tesco are walking away after locking horns since 2010, another retailer may be unlikely, and nearby schools need more space. But who will buy the site? And will Rye benefit - Charlie Harkness reports.

The party's over, a giant puppet slumps in the railway booking office, and after over 50 events the Arts Festival is done. . . . until next year. Art had a strong presence on the fringe events, 'freebies' included getting 'Brahms and Liszt' and learning to tango, and Rye's history got an airing as well as the arts with walks and tours. The schools played a bigger part, and those giant puppets were made by pupils - and will hopefully find a home to go to.

Rung out by Town Crier Rex Swain, in full costume, 150 properly dressed cyclists set out on a fundraising ride for two charities organised by Rotary and Rye Wheelers. Derrick Holman reports. Tour de France it was not, but Tour de Rye it most certainly was.

Rye Bays under 12s second game of the season away to Hawkhurst Rovers under 12s proved to be another cracker with both teams taking over the lead but a goal two minutes from the final whistle meant that honours were even.

Hastings United's keeper was on top form to help halt Beckley Rangers two match unbeaten run as they went down 1-3 to United in the Crowborough and District Division A under 18s league.

Iden progressed into the quarter finals of the Birchwood Ford Challenge Cup beating Peche Hill Select 3-1 at the Park, Iden. Goals from Sam Cooper, Chris Gould and Alfie Weller secured a win despite having a bare eleven players due to work commitments, injuries and absences for reasons unknown!

At the point when memories start to become history, Rye was very much on the front line during the second world war, both when a German invasion seemed possible, and in the run-up to D-Day, and when Hitler counter-attacked by launching thousands of flying bombs at London - mainly over the town and the nearby coastline. So Rye was not immune from bombs (and planes) falling out of the sky. Charlie Harkness reports on his childhood.

Residents have supported the broad ideas behind the Neighbourhood Plan, which could give the town hall greater control over Rye's own affairs. But education was omitted and, now the "supermarket proposal" has been abandoned and that land is up for sale, more issues and options have to be considered - including playing field provision. So a lot needs to be done between now and the planned vote on the plan next May alongside the general election.

Tenterden has a great line up of events for its 22nd annual folk festival this weekend. The streets will be filled with Morris men and women, clog and garland dancers and giants

Time to get knotted - or learn about dough twists and bottle rockets - as Rye Scouts celebrate new premises near Rye Leisure Centre with a "Scoutfest" this Saturday, October 4 from 10am - 4pm.