Another great weekend for Rye. Saturday saw our traditional bonfire procession take place through the streets of Rye, drawing a large crowd from the town and far and wide. A big well done to all those involved in making it happen and for the valiant attempts in the clear up afterwards. I know there were issues around this, and the role that Rother District Council play, and this will be discussed at the next Rye Town Council meeting on December 11. I was helping out at the Waterworks.
Certainly due to locals mucking in, the parade route for Sunday’s Remembrance service was clear and we thank you for that. There was a superb turn out at the church on Sunday and there were probably about 800 people at the service and the wreath laying in total. Our MP, county and district councillors were present alongside Rye Town councillors, and I always feel this is the most important day in the civic year to remember all those who have made sacrifices for us to live the lives of freedom that we do today. A very big thank you to all those involved in organising this event.
We had an extra town council meeting on Monday to discuss the handover of the allotments, which is due to happen at the end of this month, to Rye Town Council, and final arrangements for this are being made. In addition, in order to set our town council budget next year, we needed to review and agree our priorities. We know that some services that are currently run by Rother may be handed over to the town, and we have to make financial and administrative arrangements for this. None of it will be easy, but we are lucky to have an excellent town clerk to oversee all the issues.
I have worked hard to ensure that all the working lights that we have are up for the traders’ late night shopping event on Saturday, November 18. I could not have done this without my team of volunteers who have all been amazing, coming out in all weathers to illuminate the town, so my very big thanks indeed to them all. They have worked hard, fast and without a grumble in some pretty crummy conditions. Well done lads and lasses!
Friday is a big night for civic duties including the renaming of the sea cadets’ new Mary Stanford Room, which I will attend briefly before going to sing at the Mary Stanford benefit concert at the community centre. Please come along for some great music and to help raise funds for this charity. I look forward to reporting back to you on this next week.
Image Credits: Kt Bruce , Rebekah Gilbert .
Andi has done a great job as Mayor, putting up lights late at night as well as tidying up after events. Awesome leadership Sir.