Rye Town Council meets on Monday, March 23, for an additional special meeting before it possibly shuts up shop for some months leaving the town hall virtually empty as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Amongst the likely events to be cancelled because of the virus may be the annual St George’s Day parade, mayor making and probably the planned celebration of the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day in 1945 which marked the beginning of the end of the second world war.
Other items on the agenda include approving the lease of the Heritage Centre on Strand Quay to a new charity which is now going to run it and the sale of the town model to that charity.
A report will also be made on the pandemic by Anthony Kimber on behalf of REACT, the voluntary body that responds to crises and emergencies in the area like floods, and no doubt on the brand new voluntary body, Rye Mutual Aid group, which is being swiftly organised to help the vulnerable.
In all probability there will be no council meetings until the end of June, or Town Hall weddings either, and council staff will be working from home in many cases – except when grass needs cutting.
Colonel Kimber’s report is likely to reflect the latest government advice on Monday but information on the virus can be found on the town hall website and REACT’s site.
Image Credits: John Minter , Rye News library .