Mayoral update

I was pleased to see so many people at the annual town meeting on Tuesday, March 7. A number of issues were raised, including the anxiety caused to many in the town by NES who pursue those who drop litter or allow dogs to foul on the footpath. Whilst we all want to see those in the wrong stopped, there is a way in which to do this, and sadly we have received a great many reports on the over-assertive method in which this has been done, often to innocent people. This matter is being followed up at the highest level within Rother and we will keep you posted on it.

The matter was also raised at this week’s town council meeting, as too were the new parking proposals for Military Road. I hope those with thoughts about it got their concerns into East Sussex Council who are collating responses. This was our last town council meeting in this civic term and we will be saying goodbye to some members of the town council. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their service to Rye. It means that there are opportunities at the next election in May for people to stand for the town council and the town clerk is able to give advice on how to go about this, which needs to be done by the end of the month. Nomination papers need to be hand delivered to the town hall in Bexhill by 4pm on Tuesday, April 4.

I am grateful to our town crier, Paul Goring, for coming up with the idea to have a cry and a service (led by Revd Christopher Breeds) on Friday, March 17 to commemorate the murder in the graveyard in 1743, when Deputy Mayor Allen Grebell was mistaken for Mayor James Lamb, by the butcher Breads, whose body was put in a gibbet and hung until the tides washed over him. I think this was the first time that such an event was held and it was educational to take part. I am also very grateful to Isabel Ryan for reading her father’s tale of the murder after the service. I must say if I ever walk home across the graveyard at night I keep an eye over my shoulder!

I am also grateful to Anthony Kimber for helping to facilitate the monthly hub meetings for our Ukrainian guests and their host families at Rye Baptist church. This is a useful practical meeting where ideas and issues can be raised and resolved. Dr Kimber is also looking to re-establish the Covid vaccination centre at Tilling Green Community Centre for the spring booster programme for those over 75 or with certain underlying health conditions. Whilst there are a few glitches in the system to get this back up and running, I am sure all involved will give him all the help required in this excellent endeavour.

The Chamber of Commerce are to be congratulated for reconvening their networking events and I understand the meeting on Wednesday, March 15 was a success. Well done Jane and Sarah for getting this back up and running in such a positive way.

I attended the recent Harbour Advisory Group (HORAC) meeting and was updated on progress at the Strand. The ladders and fences have been replaced on the Winchelsea Road side. Work on the town side should be completed around September. The Strand area should be open for a period in the summer for us to enjoy.

A thank you to all those who sent me birthday wishes. We will be performing shanties at the Waterworks micro pub on Thursday, March 30 as our monthly charity gig.

Image Credits: Kt bruce .